Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

It’s absurd that yet another year had passed without my having been to Paris. I’d been to Cannes and Marseille. I’d been to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America.” I’d even been to Albania! What if I got hit by a bus tomorrow and died without having seen the City of Light? So on my birthday, I booked myself a last-minute long weekend to Paris: Not even another month would go by before I could cross it off my Bucket List.  This is not why they call it the City of Light My whirlwind visit to Paris was wonderful! I arrived at Hotel de la Tremoille on Friday morning, and this gem of a hotel in the “Golden Triangle” of the Right Bank welcomed me like an old friend. The contemporary décor was inviting, and my Superior room was spacious, with an excellent bath (which I immediately tested with great satisfaction). Next I made nice with the concierge, the charming and sage Patrick Le Clere, to arrange my first dinner in Paris. (Priorities!) Then I was off explor...

The Grand Lobby with Cunard memorabilia Cunard ’s Queen Victoria embodies the glamour of traditional cruising. Memorabilia adorns the Grand Lobby connecting us to the glory days and making us ‘ Feel Famous ’ as their current promotions invite. She offers plenty of diversions to while away a week (or more) at sea. FYI- her 110-night World Cruise itinerary is available to book now. Queens Room hosts Royal Nights The Queens Room is the grand ballroom complete with resident orchestra, which hosts “Royal Night” theme balls. If you’ve ever longed to be a Princess waltzed by your shining Knight (or like me, just want to channel Rita Hayworth for one enchanted evening) this is your chance to break out the ball gown and live the dream. Theme Balls include a ‘Masquerade Ball,’ a ‘Victoriana Ball’ and a ‘Royal Ascott Ball’ so pack your favorite fascinator. Gentlemen Hosts are always available if you need a willing partner.    Royal Court Theatre with private...

Fabulous christening event for the new Disney Fantasy in NY tonight. Jerry Seinfeld performed and Mariah Carey is the Godmother. Here Neal Patrick Harris sings about the super, splashy synergistic Disney celebration! Here's Mariah Carey with Bob Eiger and Mickey toasting the new ship: Mariah Carey is Godmother of the new Disney Fantasy

I had a wonderful time listening to Christine Ebersole performing "The End of the World as We Know It Cabaret" at the Cafe Carlyle . The show was amazing — my favorite numbers were Irving Berlin's "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" and the Depression-era classic "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" but her version of Cole Porter's "Blow Gabriel Blow" was triumphant. It was thrilling to see her in such an intimate setting, and we were only a few tables away from Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. The show is playing through February 25. The view from Suite 2801 Before the show, I was able to tour The Carlyle and inspect many of its suites with panoramic Central Park views (the very best in the city). Each room is individually decorated with lots of antiques (some traditional in style, some more art deco), so let me know your preferences when making a reservation. (Note: Not all rooms have a modern bath.) After the tour (but before the...

You're invited to set sail with me this summer on Crystal Cruises ' " Journey of the Czars ." The Crystal Symphony departs from Stockholm on July 23, 2012 for an 11-night Baltic cruise ending in  Copenhagen on August 3.  With overnights in both Stockholm and Copenhagen, and three full days in St. Petersburg, this is an amazing itinerary. It will be a pleasure hosting this Signature group on such a fabulous ship! Click here for more information . I'll be happy to answer your questions, just call me at 607-279-1734.

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...