Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

I am excited to announce an important change in my business that will have significant benefits both for you and for me: I have joined the Tzell Travel Group , one of the nation’s largest travel management companies. You will continue to receive the same personal service from me you've come to expect, and I think you’ll be impressed by the additional perks and discounts I can now offer you through Tzell's resources. MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:  sserino@tzell.com . The phone remains the same: (607) 279-1734. Please update your contact information for me now. I will not receive emails sent to the old address, so be sure to delete the Linden and FROSCH email addresses from your address book and be careful when sending that your computer doesn't automatically send it to FROSCH. After a couple times your computer will get used to my new address. Headquartered at Times Square in New York City, Tzell currently has 1,200 employees companywide with 72 location...

Welcome to Rosewood Mayakoba Our visit to Rosewood Mayakoba started like an ordinary trip. After a quick four-hour flight from Newark, we arrived in Cancun. Customs and Immigration went smoothly, and our driver met us just outside the exit and escorted us to a waiting SUV. Cold-scented towels, bottled water and soft drinks refreshed us for the 30-minute ride to the resort in the Mayan Riviera. Check-in took place in their open-air lobby, and then we boarded the resort’s boat and left the familiar behind. The cruise along the verdant lagoon was tranquil, with exotic water birds taking flight on our approach. Modern, cube-like bungalows were scattered along the shoreline. Where are on earth were we? My heated plunge pool on the lagoon The boat docked right at my room, where steps led up to my private deck. First thing I saw was the private plunge pool (thank you) and double lounger overlooking the lagoon.  My butler met me inside to show off the Deluxe Overwater L...

We interrupt this South America coverage to review my night at the Waldorf Towers in New York on September 29, 2011. This is the residential part of the legendary Waldorf Astoria and is perfect for extended stays or when you want more space than the typical NY room (which can be as small as a “New York minute” is fast). Click here for my photos .  My Luxury Suite at the Waldorf Towers My  Luxury Suite was huge and had a Park Avenue view. The décor was traditional but with modern amenities: iPod docking station, flat-screen TV, etc.   A grand foyer complete with chandelier led to the living room, which had ample space for entertaining with a sofa and plush chair. There was also a desk and the dining area had a table for two.   Then a corridor led to the Bedroom, but closer inspection revealed a wet bar, full size fridge, and cabinets stocked with glassware, etc. The bedroom had a very comfortable King bed and an antiqu...

Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls, Brazil The penultimate stay on our whirlwind tour of South America was at Hotel das Cataratas , an Orient Express hotel within Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. Once again, we arrived late after a really long day of travel. It was too dark to see the falls upon arrival, but the elegant lobby and comfy leather sofas were immediately calming. Click here for my photos . Our Deluxe rooms were special. The décor was warm and bright with dark woods and tropical accents.  I especially admired the exquisite Orient Express closet. The bathroom featured traditional Azulejos painted tiles that were ever so pretty. After a quick change, we met our hosts on the veranda for Caipirinhas. (p ronounced 'KIE-PUR- REEN -YAH'). These Brazilian cocktails are made with Cachaca (sugar-cane rum), limes and sugar and taste refreshingly delicious. Click here for the recipe (but beware of the second caipirinha ). ...

Welcome to the Four Seasons Buenos Aires The final stay of our whirlwind trip to South America was at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires . We arrived late after a long day of travel and had very little time to freshen up for dinner at 10pm.  We went to our Junior Suites to discover a delicious chocolate welcome amenity, which was a needed pick-me-up. Sadly, there were no coffee makers in the room and I didn’t have time for room service.  It was a large room (646 square feet) with the bedroom separated from the living area by a large TV armoire thing. The room décor was attractive in a subdued hotel way, but there were evocative tango paintings on the walls. The furniture was comfortable and looked expensive. Thoughtful touches, like the electric converter in the desk drawer, were appreciated.  The walk-in closet was very well designed. After I surveyed the room and took some photos, I needed to quickly get ready. At that point of our journey, the dark c...

Hotel das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls, Brazil I'm packing today for my upcoming trip to South America. It will be an amazing trip! We're staying at some wonderful properties: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel , and Aranwa Hotel in Cusco, Peru; Hotel das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls in Brazil; and the Four Seasons in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will be out of the office from Friday, September 16, through Monday, September 26 (I’ll be back at my desk on Tuesday, September 27). While I will be checking email and voicemail, I won't have much time to assist clients; so if you need immediate assistance, please call my colleague Dorothy Campagna in the FROSCH NY office at 212-404-6300.

FROSCH , as a member of Signature Travel Network , is now able to offer Food Network Travel guided vacations in Italy , France and Northern California . Launching in 2012 and open for booking this August, these tour packages complement the previously launched Caribbean and Mediterranean Food Network at Sea cruises. Food Network Travel’s guided vacations will be operated by Trafalgar and have been developed in association with Signature Travel Network and Food Network to bring FROSCH ’s foodie clients on highly customized culinary land vacations as seen through the lens of Food Network. Vacations include a Food Network tour director, first-class hotel accommodations and exclusive ‘By-Invitation-Only’ experiences that only Food Network can offer. Guests will sample favorite dishes and visit favorite spots of Food Network stars as seen on such shows as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Best Thing I Ever Ate . Guests will visit markets and wineries; meet chefs; and even ...

Of all the mega-ships that have launched in the last few years (and they are legion), Celebrity Cruises ’ Solstice-class ships are my personal favorites. Sexy design, thoughtful staterooms, a fabulous spa, and appealing restaurants are all welcome ship amenities in my book. Celebrity Cruises is not a luxury line, but this 'Premium' cruise experience is a very good value. The Celebrity Eclipse debuted in April 2010 and like her Solstice-class sisters ( Celebrity Solstice 2008, Celebrity Equinox 2009, Celebrity Silhouette 2011 and coming in 2012 is Celebrity Reflection ) she has unique features like the Lawn Club (croquet anyone?). Lawn Club I had an opportunity to tour her in Florida this year, and fell madly in love with the decor. Stylish and contemporary, each public room had delightful details that invited me to join the fun.  Every chair beckoned me to 'sit here!' Whimsical lighting features almost winked at me. I was charmed.   Order from an iPad me...

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale ’s “Vacation Like a VIP Package” was featured on the Today Show this morning.  I toured the resort this April and loved it (here are my photos ). The "Vacation like a VIP" summer package includes all of the following amenities: Buy an Intracoastal View room and receive an upgrade to a Partial Ocean View room at the time of booking  $100.00 Resort Credit, once per stay, to be used in the Food and Beverage outlets or Spa Complimentary Valet parking  $25 American Express Gift Card, provided by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB Super Summer 2-4-1 savings card, visit www.sunny.org/supersummer  for details on this savings card.  FROSCH clients will also receive these exclusive amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast for two daily Pre-registration & express check-in Late check-out (complimentary 4pm departure, if available) Travel between June 1, 2011 and October 15, 2011 with the minimum 2 night stay requirem...

All this talk about The Rapture is making me want to escape! CNN has the right idea, suggesting "It may be the end of the world as we know it, so travel like there's no tomorrow." Here's a link to the story with gorgeous photos from their apocalyptic Bucket List. And here's my favorite 'screen-saver moment' from my stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora:  

It’s stupendous! It’s colossal! It’s Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas . Aerial view of Allure of the Seas The Allure of the Seas made her debut in November 2010 as the largest ship afloat (a fraction of an inch larger than her sister Oasis of the Seas ).  She accommodates about 6,000 passengers in 2,700 staterooms. None of those passengers are complaining about being bored. The first carousel at sea Kids of all ages will jump at the chance to cruise on this leviathan. Little kids will love the Merry-Go-Round, the Dreamworks characters parade, and the H20 Zone kids pool area with sprawling octopus sprinkler. Older kids will like the 3-D movies (featuring Kung Fu Panda 2 this summer), ice skating rink, and 9-hole miniature golf course. Even teens will be impressed by ship features like the 9-deck high Zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, and Rock climbing walls. FlowRider surf simulator Grown ups will appreciate the vast dining and entertainment options. ...

Moonlight Sonata Dining Room on Celebrity Eclipse Day 3. Toured Celebrity Cruises ’ Celebrity Eclipse - such a sexy ship! I loved the decor, especially in all the restaurants. Click here for my photos .Visited the trade show in the afternoon before my classes. The Conference Banquet was just OK but the entertainment was pretty good (especially Mosaic ). Day 4. Went for a nice walk before the tour of Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas . I wasn't sure I'd like this behemoth- currently the largest ship at afloat. It has a zip-line,  a surf machine, a merry-go-round, an ice rink, a rock-climbing wall, etc. It also has a comedy club, a jazz lounge and the Central Park area was really pretty. Click here for my photos . Central Park on Allure of the Seas

The view of the intercoastal waterway from my balcony at the Hyatt Pier 66 Day 1.  My flight was delayed (they couldn't get it started) so I caught a later connection and missed a couple classes. I did enjoy the Silversea , Seabourn , and Azamara presentations. Then I met the lovely Noelle for a tour of the RitzCarlton Fort Lauderdale . Gorgeous! Check out my photos here. We enjoyed a drink watching the beach. Then back to my hotel to dine outside at Pelican Landing on the dock of Pier 66. Bed early at H yatt Pier 66 . Day 2 Woke up early (well, early for me) and did a little work before my tour of Regent Cruises' Seven Seas Navigator . Much smaller than the Mariner and her sister the Voyager, I wanted to see how she compared. The verandah suites are just as nice. After the tour, I went back to the Hyatt to check in and download photos. Then back to class, learning all about the Baltic Sea ports. Had sushi for dinner at China Grill . Jumped in the jacuzzi and ...

It looks like Spring has finally sprung, so I hope you are enjoying the season. I spent the entire first quarter of 2011 busy at my desk, and I’m ready to get out of town. This weekend I will be attending a Cruise Conference in Fort Lauderdale, which will take me out of the office from Thursday, April 14, until Tuesday, April 19. I am looking forward to touring Regent ’s Seven Seas Navigator , Celebrity Cruises ’ Celebrity Eclipse and Royal Caribbean ’s Allure of the Seas (check back here for photos). Next week, I’ll be out of the office from Wednesday, April 20, until Monday, April 25. I will be checking voicemails and emails frequently and working a couple hours each day. The FROSCH Hotline is there to assist you with any travel emergencies while I am away. Thanks for your patience during the next few weeks!