Our Suppliers love MainStreet, and MainStreet LOVES our agents! We often are given the opportunity to experience their destinations, and pass these on to our agents. Every supplier decides on their own how our agents can take advantage of sponsored trips for free or extremely discounted stays. Please keep an eye out on MainStreet communications for these opportunities. We will announce them over emails, facebook and MightyNetwork posts, or on our Supplier Bonus Fam page.
How a Sponsored Trip Benefits the Agents
We truly believe in “If you can see it, you can sell it”. We’ve seen our agents’ quotes explode from experiencing our suppliers’ and sharing their experiences. When you’re selected for a Sponsored Trip, MainStreet provides you with some “homework” – agents who diligently share their homework on social media or in other ways with their clients notice an immediate increase in client interest.
Plus…it’s really fun!
How a Sponsored Trip Benefits Every OTHER MainStreet Agent
Part of that homework a selected agent is required to complete includes sharing their experience in a review with photos and/or videos for other agents to share. That’s right- you are ENCOURAGED to take these reviews and photos as content! Agent reviews are more balanced and nuanced than supplier training alone. Plus, you can reach out to these agents and ask follow up questions.
We encourage you to read these reviews, look at their photos, use them in your marketing, and apply for your own potential sponsored trips!
Universal Hollywood / Halloween Horror Nights- September 2024 – Janette C.
HOLLYWOOD AREA PROPERTY TOURS
The Universal Hollywood FAM consisted of tours of 4 different properties that can be booked in a VAX vacation package. Universal has been working hard to increase their offerings in this area (with both quality properties and activities)—they want to make the Hollywood area an actual destination we can promote and sell, not just a one-day theme park experience. They are continuing to add both properties and experiences to Vax each month- worth checking out if you haven’t browsed recently.
There are two properties that are right next to Universal Hollywood- as close as you can get to being on property. For convenience and location, these are preferred properties. Both have their pros/cons, but I would not say one is the clear winner over the other.
Hilton Los Angeles/ Universal City
For this FAM Trip, I stayed at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. It is a tower property with 24 floors and significant convention space. It is technically the closest property to the Universal gates and the City Walk.
The walk to Universal was really quick and easy, including a pedestrian bridge. We chose walking over the shuttle about half the time. It is easier to get to the Universal gate by foot than it is to get to the City Walk, that was a little bit longer walk. Complimentary shuttle service comes every 15-20 minutes and the shuttle stops at both hotel properties. Shuttles start 45 minutes before the park opens- so if you have Super Nintendo Land early entry, you want to walk!
I stayed in a 2 Queen room with a theme park view. If you want to WOW your clients, put them in one of the Theme Park view rooms. Seeing Hogwarts out your window was magical! The property does have several suites and executive suites as well as the traditional rooms. One thing to note about this property is that it has rooms with 2 double beds and rooms with 2 queen beds—pay attention to that when you are booking!
While breakfast isn’t included, there is a large restaurant area with a breakfast buffet, and quite a few guests were taking advantage of the buffet in the mornings before visiting Universal. The variety was good and the food was high quality.
This property has a lot of large group spaces—everything from convention style spaces to courtyards used for weddings and celebrations (I saw all the spaces being used while I was there). There was a convention happening during our stay, which made the lobby and public areas very chaotic during mealtimes and transition times.
The lobby of the property feels more dated than the hotel rooms (which are nicely appointed and upgraded). It has a volume glass ceiling that feels like it is from the 80s. If your clients like the feeling of something updated when they walk in, this isn’t the property for them.
This property needs more elevators when it is full- the line for the elevator was quite long around the dinner time hours and that can be frustrating. I enjoyed other properties (reviews below) more than I enjoyed this one- but you can’t beat its location and convenience. If your client is looking to make their trip as easy as possible, this is it.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
The second property located right next to Universal Hollywood is the Sheraton Universal Hotel. You can go between this property and the Hilton Universal City easily (they share a shuttle and a quick elevator ride takes you from one lobby to the other).
The Sheraton feels new, special and upgraded the minute you walk inside. The lobby area is all newly remodeled and beautiful.
This is also a tower property with many floors, and I felt it has the same problems as the Hilton property in that the elevators couldn’t seem to keep up with the demand during the evening hours. There was a lot of waiting in line to get to your room.
This hotel does not offer theme park views, but some rooms offer nice city views. I felt like the cleanliness of the rooms was amazing- each room seemed like it has never been slept in. The rooms we toured were all fresh, new, and inviting. The traditional rooms were on the small side, but their suites had tons of room to move around and were beautifully appointed
This property is pet friendly- although I did not see any pets while we were touring.
The property includes a couple of nice bars, a restaurant, as well as Universal Perk Coffee shop that serves Starbucks and provides grab and go food options for guests.
Sheraton Universal also offers both 2 double and 2 queen rooms- so pay attention when booking in Vax. There are no coffee makers or refrigerators in these rooms, something else to keep in mind. Their website said they didn’t even have hair dryers- but another travel agent said that her room did have one.
There is group space at this property as well, but it is in the basement of the hotel, or on the top floor. These larger areas are not nearly as prominent to guests as the spaces at the Hilton Universal City.
While this property maybe feels a little bit more upscale and luxurious- that luxury comes at sacrificing a theme park view, as well as traditional hotel amenities that some guests would be disappointed without.
Loews Hollywood Hotel
LOCATION! This property is right in the heart of Hollywood (literally on Hollywood Blvd) and has stunning views of LA, Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood sign. Steps away from the Chinese Theater, Dolby Theater, and the Walk of Fame.
The hotel is 13 miles from LAX, 8 miles from Burbank Airport, and 2 miles from Universal.
This property has an amazing 628 guest rooms, with a room configuration for any size/type of party. They have over 100 suites! There is an Avis car rental on property. Rooms were remodeled and extremely fresh and clean. Almost all the rooms have either a view of downtown LA or a view of Hollywood Hills. Both views were especially stunning from the upper floors.
Our tour guide said there is a public transportation stop right near the property that drops you right at Universal Studios- but other Travel Agents that were local said NOT to send your clients on public transportation, that it was sketchy and that Uber was better.
I was not as excited about touring this property because of its location- it is in such a touristy area and my memories of homeless people and dirty streets when visiting Hollywood as a child definitely clouded my judgment. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was. The streets were clean, and although they were busy with tourists, the way the property is positioned, you didn’t feel that from the hotel. Inside the property all felt very relaxing. The public spaces are large (lobby, waiting area, bar), so even with a good amount of people it didn’t feel crowded.
If your client loves Hollywood glitz and glamour, Hollywood history, and those super touristy areas- this is the hotel for them! The Academy Awards are held at the Dolby Theater on property, and celebrities have stayed in every room (they fill the hotel for the awards). The staff has a great grasp of experiences and activities in the area for travel parties of all ages. The Ovation Hollywood Center is attached to the hotel and has great shopping- and one of the best views of the Hollywood sign.
The sampling of their restaurant menu included more of a fresh take on California cuisine (aka it was delicious and different, but probably not best for picky eaters).
Overall, I felt like this could be a great fit property for many types of travel parties. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for someone exploring that entire Hollywood area. It also would be ideal for a client looking for more of an upscale space when visiting Universal Hollywood.
The Garland
I loved this property best (minus that you can’t walk to Universal). An urban oasis where you can enjoy the casual comforts of home and immerse yourself in the action of LA. Your experience is made complete with a welcoming vibe and modern amenities- with the goal of keeping you plugged in, yet completely relaxed.
The Garland is located in North Hollywood, only 15 minutes from Burbank Airport, and 45 minutes from LAX.
It includes 254 guest rooms, but only 12 suites. When the property was remodeled it kept the same footprint- so most of the rooms are similar in size, not as much variety in room options as other properties.
The Garland was an amazing property for clients looking for a more boutique hotel experience in the Hollywood area. It has a warm and inviting vibe, that is also kind of retro at the same time. The old school Hollywood vibe comes from the history of the property. Originally called the Beverly Garland hotel (after its owner), the property was handed down to their son in 2000 and reimagined to carry on the history and ambiance of the original property. You can tell the employees care about what they have built there and are proud to be a part of it.
This is definitely a great place to stay when visiting Universal Hollywood. The complimentary trolley to/from the park is nice- and when Universal closes earlier this property provides your guests with ample activities for a relaxing evening. A Dive-In Movie is provided each night, as well as Courtyard games. There are also plenty of areas to relax nestled within their large property.
The property is seven acres, but is located right against the freeway. While none of the rooms we visited could hear the traffic from the road, if your client is a light sleeper, you may want to be picky about which room they are assigned.
The Garland has quite a bit of included guest programming. A guide is provided to guests when they check in, and there is something going on most of the day. You won’t be bored there.
We had dinner in their garden/event space and it was amazing! Would be a great location for any clients hosting an event—beautiful enough for a wedding. The catered food menu from their restaurant was also top notch.
I really enjoyed my time at this property and can see myself staying here. The rooms did not feel as nicely appointed or updated as the Loews property, but the overall vibe was more my style, and I think that its atmosphere can work for a wide variety of vacationers. The only con for me is that when they remodeled they left the property as is- which means narrow halls, stucco exterior, lower ceilings, etc. It adds to the charm, but for some it may not have the upscale, newer feel they are looking for.
UNIVERSAL HOLLYWOOD HHN REVIEW
I attended Universal Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights. I would say 80% of those attending this particular FAM were not looking forward to the HHN Event that would be the culmination of our trip.
Despite not feeling sure if this is the type of event that would appeal to me personally OR appeal to my clients, I was excited to give something new a try, and I am happy to report that I LOVED it and I will be back!
Below are some things I learned that may help as you navigate whether this experience is right for your own guests.
*The event has a lot to see and do:
-Scare Zones: the walkways of the upper lot are all turned into themed scare areas, truly you are never safe from a possible jump scare.
-Eight Haunted Houses: some are the same as Orlando, some are unique to Hollywood
– Terror Tram: the Studio Tour is turned into a backlot experience where you DO NOT stay on the tram! You are forced to walk through a Blumhouse themed zone full of performers.
-The Purge Dangerous Waters: stunt show that includes A LOT of fake blood
-Late Night with Chucky: interactive experience where guests submit questions using a QR code in advance and Chucky answers them.
-Themed Food, Bars, and Merchandise
*While the event is advertised as being for those age 13 and up, we definitely saw many younger guests there. My 10 year old that loves being scared could have enjoyed most of it.
*If you are wondering how they fit eight haunted houses in such a small park- they don’t! Most of the houses have signs pointing you the right direction, and they are a little bit of a backstage walk. Many of the houses in and around sound stages in the area. For guests with mobility issues, this might be important to know- there is more walking than I would have thought.
*Express Pass: not required, but made for a relaxing night (even with all the scaring)! We finished everything mentioned above in about 5 hours- we didn’t miss anything and had enough time to stop for a snack and enjoy other park features. Someone in line told us that when October hits you almost have to have Express to finish in one night.
*One benefit to Express Pass is that you have access to Super Nintendo Land during the event- general admission does not. We met some people who came that night just to have Nintendo to themselves to get the high score on Bowser’s Challenge.
*I would suggest to your guests that they arrive early and begin the haunted houses immediately, especially if they don’t have Express. The lines while it was still light outside were short (and maybe a little less scary in the light), and the crowds build quickly once it gets dark. This year knocking out A Quiet Place and Insidious first would be time maximizing.
*However, if your clients are scaredy cats or unsure, this year the least scary house was definitely Ghostbusters Frozen Empire. This is where we started and then we worked our way up to those that were more terrifying.
*If you need a break from the screaming, remember many rides are open!
*There are some special snacks and sweets for the events- buy and try them EARLY! Some treats sold out, and the lines for them were long (popular items were only available at one location, so your only choice was to wait).
*I was surprised by the smells in the houses- they made things so much more real. The smell in Insidious and in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre was awful!
*The Terror Tram had two photo ops that were fun: a spooky, horror version of the Hollywood sign and an opportunity to meet and be killed by Norman Bates at the Bates Hotel.
*If you have Express Pass, they don’t provide lanyards anymore. You may want to consider bringing your own, as you will have to scan the paper ticket they give you each time to enter a house. Express Pass allows you to skip the line for each house once.
*The Universal App does show haunted house wait times and showtimes.
*If you don’t want monsters and performers to target you, don’t act scared! Those that were chased and sought after were mostly those that looked like they were terrified.
*If you are unfamiliar with Universal Hollywood, it takes 10 minutes to move from the upper lot to the lower lot. Plan your time accordingly so you aren’t going up and down too much.
*I wished I had been more familiar with the story lines to some of the haunted houses before I went. There are so many intricate details that I know I missed because I didn’t understand always what I was seeing. Those franchises that I was familiar with were more enjoyable.
*I wished I had brought earplugs! The sound effects and scare actors were amazing, and my head hurt after going through a few houses. Would be a great client gift.
Scarlet Lady – February 2024 – Cathryn D
“The Scarlet Lady is hands down the most luxurious ship I have ever been on! Everything was so unique and modern, I really felt like I was living in 2024 or beyond. Our Sea Terrace cabin was so spacious, the ambient lighting really contributed to the vibes, and could be changed based on mood.” “The food was hands down the best tasting and looking cuisine we’ve eaten on a cruise, and even beats some restaurants at home!” “The nighttime/evening entertainment on the Scarlet Lady is superb.” “Winning this cruise presented me with so many opportunities to learn, experience, and in turn present this vacation to clients and potential clients. This trip was full of never ending “first times” for me and my husband both, and has given me the knowledge needed to truly explain to clients the value and experiences Virgin Voyages holds. I was flooding my social media feed and particularly my stories with things we were doing and it really captivated my audience. Before leaving I already had someone messaging me telling me how they’ve wanted to travel with Virgin and specifically the itinerary I was going to be experiencing…I am extremely grateful that I was blessed with this opportunity, and it was an experience I will never forget. It has driven people to my business, and provided me with the best tools I could possibly have to continue to drive my business with Virgin Voyages for years to come. On top of that, they’ve gained a sailor for life because I cannot wait to experience more with Virgin Voyages, this is just the beginning!”
Scarlet Lady – April 2024 – Britany S.
Disney Magic- January 2025 – Clacey G.
Disney Wish – May 2024 – April J.
A few weeks ago, I was given a rare opportunity to hop onto the Disney Wish for a full tour! 
This ship is truly impressive with immersive detail and storytelling around every corner.
From the moment you step onboard, you’re greeted like royalty and transported to a world of magic, with Disney’s signature attention to detail evident in every aspect of the ship’s design.
I can’t lie, that concierge 1 bedroom suite had me in AWE. I literally GASPED when I rounded the corner to the bathroom (I’ll leave that as a surprise for you) 
! I texted my husband right then and there, telling him that we need to sail on this ship NOW!
From whimsical character encounters to world-class dining and entertainment, the Disney Wish offers an unforgettable vacation experience for the whole family. 
Disney Wish – May 2024 – Laina Torres
Disney Dream – April 2024 – Erin N
“Embarking on the Disney Dream was a breeze! They scanned my MagicBand+ instead of needing to see my cruise documents, and we were able to skip the line and go right to the front since we’ve sailed with Disney before. The whole process took about 15 minutes from getting our luggage to being on the ship.
The cruise was short, so we made sure to pack as much as we could into our days! We loved all the broadway-style shows, and my little boy was chosen to be Chip in Beauty and the Beast. That was a highlight for him!
Dining Experience:
Rotational Dining:
Animator’s Palate: The first night was magical, with Disney and Pixar animations surrounding us. Mid-dinner, the screens came to life, and Crush from “Finding Nemo” interacted directly with my son, making him feel very special.Enchanted Garden: The ambiance here was beautiful, and also had excellent food. The creme brulee cheesecake and white chocolate bread pudding with butterscotch sauce were standouts for us.Royal Palace: Themed after Disney Princesses, the atmosphere was regal. However, my toddler was fussy that night and only wanted a green apple, which wasn’t on the menu. Our drink attendant, Thessa, went out of her way to find one and had it sliced and chilled for him. My server even cut my steak into bite-sized pieces since I was holding my son; talk about going above and beyond! We were so impressed by the absolutely incredible service.
Other Dining Spots:
Cabanas Buffet: Our family’s favorite, especially for the endless crab legs, which you don’t typically find on other cruise lines. Can’t forget about the Churro Mickey Waffles (get there early!) on select days.Palo: $50 per person surcharge, this upscale dining option was worth every penny for its service and extensive menu, including a delicious seafood antipasti and limoncello cake, and the famous Chicken Parmesan which is what dreams are made of 😉
Snacks and Treats:
Cove Cafe: This adults-only spot offered a peaceful break with delectable desserts like the caramel tart, in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.Disney Popcorn: Available for an extra charge, with $1.50 refills if you bring your own tub. Perfect for munching during shows! If you love the Popcorn at Disney Parks, this is the same stuff! SO GOOD.
Entertainment & Activities: The Broadway-style shows were phenomenal. We first watched The Golden Mickeys, which was a charming introduction to Disney‘s entertainment. The following evening at Beauty and the Beast, my 7-year-old son was thrilled to be chosen to play Chip, running on stage to Mrs. Potts’ call during the final scene. This moment was brief yet profoundly memorable for him, and he proudly shared his experience with everyone!! I’m sure he’ll be talking about this for many, many years. The final show, Disney’s Believe, was touching, centering around the magic of family time, which brought me to tears and had me hugging my children a little tighter. Bring tissues!
The Sail Away party, though I didn’t secure the best viewing spot, was still enjoyable. The atmosphere was electric, and hearing the Disney Dream horn play “When You Wish Upon A Star” as we sailed away was an emotional highlight for me.
Then came Pirate Night, featuring an engaging deck party with pirate-themed sing-alongs and audience interactions that led to improvised songs, which was so funny and showed just how talented the Entertainment Cast was. The night was made even more special with an appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow and ended with stunning Fireworks at Sea, which was all synced with the vibrations and lights of my MagicBand. Such a fun detail!
Throughout the cruise, the amount of activities was impressive:
Midship Detective Agency: Engaging and fun, this activity had us moving all over the ship, solving mysteries with clues tied to different difficulty levels. The Muppets was the most difficult, but was also our favorite!Trivia and Games: These ranged from family-friendly sessions to adults-only trivia, which added a nice variety for everyone.Animation Classes and Karaoke: Offered creative outlets and fun, relaxed entertainment.Deck Parties: These were lively and well-attended!
Ports & Excursions: Our time at Castaway Cay almost didn’t happen because of strong winds, but eventually, the incredible Disney crew made a successful docking on the second attempt! Hooray!
The water was crystal clear, and the sands were as fine as powdered sugar. We gave Donald Duck a high five as we disembarked, a moment that absolutely delighted my kids.
On the island, we first made sure our children were settled at Scuttle’s Cove, a fun-filled kids’ club. Then we explored, participating in the Castaway Cay 5K—a fun and manageable challenge—and indulged in some relaxation at Serenity Bay, savoring BBQ and that famous Disney cruise ice cream. We noticed several activities were canceled due to the wind, but the alternative options like bike rentals, a splash pad, and Pelican Bay’s water park offered plenty of fun. We even witnessed a beautiful wedding, adding to the magic of our day.
Stateroom: Our Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah was incredible. With its ample space, comfortable beds, and peaceful verandah, it was perfect for family downtime. Not to mention the BATHTUB for our kids (unheard of on other Cruise lines without booking an expensive room). Safety features ensured that the kids could enjoy the balcony under supervision, giving us peace of mind. I was worried about my youngest attempting to climb the verandah railing, but as long as we were out there with him, he was completely safe!
Kids’ Club & Family Activities:
The Oceaneer Club on the Disney Dream isn’t just a place for kids to play—it’s an adventure of its own! One of the highlights right at the start was during the first day’s open house when we got to meet Jessie from Toy Story. The excitement on my kids’ faces was priceless, setting a joyful tone for their entire club experience.
My 3-year-old faced some challenges here due to the attentive supervision required for younger children (ages 3 and 4), which meant he couldn’t roam as freely as his older brother. This led to a significant meltdown one day because he wanted to be with his brother, who was enjoying more freedom in the less supervised areas of the club. Despite this hiccup, the Kids’ Club was filled with activities and experiences that both of my children loved.
What’s special about the Kids’ Club is how Disney has tailored it to captivate the kids’ imaginations. They have the chance to “fly” the Millennium Falcon, with controls and scenes that mimic the actual Star Tours ride, making them feel like they’re really piloting the ship! The dance floor was a hit too, and there were daily themed activities that kept them engaged and excited to return each day.
My toddler won a fidget spinner during one of the games, which was a delightful surprise for him. The club provides a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and age groups, making sure that every child finds something they enjoy.
The Oceaneer Club is well-equipped with advanced security and child-safety features, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are safe and having fun while they possibly enjoy some adult time. The staff are wonderfully attentive, ready to engage with all the children and ensure that each child feels included and special. It’s this level of care and attention that makes the Kids’ Club a standout feature of the Disney cruise experience.
Overall Impressions:
Our Disney Cruise was an absolute dream (pun intended!). It balanced relaxation with adventure, all wrapped up in the kind of enchanting experiences only Disney can provide. The unparalleled service, the variety of activities, and the incredible food all contributed to making this not just a trip, but a cherished family memory. We are already looking forward to our next magical voyage with Disney!”
(All photos below!)
Sandals South Coast, Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, (Jamaica) – August 2024 – Kyra J.
Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Negril, Sandals Royal Caribbea, Beaches Negril, Plantation (Jamaica) – June 2024 – Liz B.
We stayed at Sandals Ochi for the first half and South Coast for the last 2 nights. I added an extra day at the beginning to settle down after travel. It takes about 1 and half to 2 hours to get from MBJ to Ochi.
General recommendations:
- Book Club MoBay for a seamless airport experience. This program has someone greet you after you get off the plane, leads you to the front of all the immigration and check-in lines, and straight to your transportation. On departure, it takes you to the front of the TSA line. Keep in mind that TSA pre-check is unavailable at MBJ. After getting thru TSA, you can then enjoy their “Club MoBay VIP Lounge” which has drinks and a buffet full of Jamaican treats. Also has private bathrooms and a shower.
- If you have motion sickness sensitivity, get Dramamine for the transport. The island is winding thru their mountains and full of potholes. That said, I loved the rides as I was able to view the beautiful landscapes on our way to different resorts.
- Portable fan is very helpful with the humidity.
- Resort watersports close at 4:30. Can’t check the times on the app so either call or check in person for the times of all activities. A couple others and myself wanted to do watersports the whole week, but were unable to do it due to the timing of getting back from our tours.
Overall Impressions:
– Friendly staff at most locations, dedicated to ensuring guests have a memorable stay.
– Some resorts had slow reservations for larger groups, but overall, the service was commendable and the experiences were enjoyable.
- Expect 2-3 hours at restaurants, especially the ones you make reservations for
Dining Experiences:
– Sandals Ochi: Known as the party place, Ochi offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
- Beach party is very fun and entertaining with dancers and acrobats and a lot of
. We were given glow sticks and headsets for silent disco after the main event. - Wednesdays, they have their all-white chocolate buffet party which was SO yummy. They did silent disco at this event too
- I absolutely recommend the Rabbit Hole which is Ochi’s speakeasy. Our BDM encouraged us to bring 20’s gear, so I wore my flapper dress, listened to an amazing singer, and danced the night away.
- Valentinos: the Gnocchi was disappointing, as it tasted prepackaged and was generally disliked.
– Le Gourmand: The cuisine was delicious, especially the lamb, which was very tender. The only downside was the slow service.
- Kimonos – doesn’t stand out much compared to other Japanese steakhouses right here in the states. I’d recommend saving reservations for another restaurant or go to one that doesn’t require it. Soy Sushi doesn’t require reservations and their fish is so fresh.
Special Mentions:
– Beaches Resorts: Exceptional for families, particularly those with children on the autism spectrum. The resorts are autism-friendly and provide excellent support and accommodations.
– Dunn’s River Excursion: I did the exhilarating Dunn’s River Excursion, since I arrived a day early. Hiring a guide is highly recommended for the best experience. Otherwise, seems rather dangerous to climb the falls without a guide.
- Cats. They have their own foster cats at the resorts that they take care of, as part of their Sandals Foundation initiative. Guests are welcome to interact and pet them, as they have had their vaccinations. I even found out that you can actually adopt the cats there.
I had one that would follow me all around the resort. It was the cutest thing!
Brief resorts overview:
– Sandals Montego Bay: The flagship resort offers a lively atmosphere with beautiful beaches and excellent dining options. Perfect for couples looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement.
– Sandals Negril: Known for its stunning sunsets and laid-back vibe, this resort is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway. The beachfront rooms and dining experiences are top-notch. 
– Sandals Royal Caribbean: This resort stands out for its private offshore island, which offers a unique and exclusive experience. The British-style architecture adds to its charm, making it a romantic destination.
– Beaches Negril: This resort is great for families, with a wide range of activities for children and adults alike. The beach is beautiful, and the waterpark is a hit with kids.
– Plantation: This resort has a stunning British influence, creating a beautiful and serene environment.
– Sandals South Coast: Nestled in a secluded area, this resort offers a serene and romantic escape. The over-the-water bungalows provide a luxurious experience, and the natural beauty surrounding the resort is breathtaking. The rooms here were some of my favorites. The deep soaker tubs were luxurious and many rooms included swim up pools. Aside from Dunn’s River, this was my favorite resort. The architecture and surrounding gardens made the whole place absolutely luxurious. When I think of Sandals, THIS will be the resort I will be thinking of.
- Dunn’s River – loved it and their Rum Bar was such a fun decorated place showcasing their Jamaican culture and the drinks and food were excellent. Easily a top favorite
Overall impressions of the FAM:
- This was such an incredible opportunity and an amazing way to connect with our Sandals BDM and other fellow travel agents. For me, personally, emphasized how much of a calling working in the travel industry truly is for me. It was so validating! Touring all the Sandals resorts in Jamaica was an incredibly enlightening experience. The itinerary was packed, providing comprehensive insights into each resort’s unique offerings. Each day, we wrapped up our tours around 5 PM and then had long, leisurely dinners that stretched 2-3 hours. While these dinners were delightful and offered a chance to network, they left limited time to relax and personally soak in the resort ambiance.
- Given the demanding schedule, I highly recommend adding an extra day before or after the trip. This additional time will allow more time to fully appreciate the resorts in a more personal, relaxed setting, ultimately enhancing your ability to provide detailed, firsthand recommendations to your clients.
- Overall, the familiarization trip was invaluable. I absolutely enjoyed connecting with our BDM, Brenna. She was very insightful and encouraging with different Sandals selling points and marketing tips and very validating to my small business journey. The knowledge and experience gained will undoubtedly help me offer better advice and personalized recommendations. I look forward to using these insights to plan exceptional vacations for my clients and so grateful for making some amazing friendships as a result of this journey as well. 🙂
Sandals Negril, Sandals South Coast, Beaches Negril (Jamaica) – April 2024
This trip featured MANY MainStreet agents! Below is a review by Kyra J, and then some of the other agents’ feedback.
I said no thank you and he found another person willing 
. Buy Club MoBay for a legit skip the line……This exceeded my expectations tenfold!!!! It was nice getting the information for something other than a theme park and for something geared to mostly adults but being able to see the Beaches resorts so we can still sell to that demographic was like the cherry on top! I was bragging to my whole family and a ton of friends on how beautiful each place was and everything that came with it! Also, meeting new agents in the company was awesome and I actually met a few that are local to me! I just want to say a massive THANK YOU for this opportunity because I haven’t sold any Sandals because it honestly was really intimidating to me but this trip showed me how easy it is and how it almost sells itself. -Ashley J
This trip was so fun & told me how important it is to see the properties yourself. I’ve gone to several All-Inclusive properties on vacation but Sandals, now that I have experienced it myself, is way over the top for value & just the best! Before I thought it was too expensive to send clients & now I can see they would have complete satisfaction & I would also get repeat customers from it! -Tammie Ellis
Do not hesitate with going! You will meet other agents and share so much knowledge between each other. It is a fantastic resource to branch into more areas and open more doors to more bookings! -Kyra J.
Carnival Firenze – April 2024 – Anika W.
Terrazza Staterooms Include: Access to private deck, daily continental breakfast, Sailaway event featuring live music, cozy Terrazza-branded robes and towels for your use (don’t steal them, you will be charged)
Kids areas are similar to other carnival ships, colorful, age appropriate and freaking FUN! Just because you’re having “Fun Italian Style”, doesn’t mean you won’t get the same exuberant Fun Squad that we all look forward to on Carnival Cruises. The Fun Squad is going to lead guests in all our favorite themed parties and new events including: Captain’s Toast, Motown party, 80’s Rock n Glow Party, Street Party, and Fiesta Italiano on the Lido Deck. Two shows will run on the Carnival Firenze, Dear Future Husband and Color My World.
Carnival Firenze – April 2024 – Val T.
My commute was a little over 1.5hrs to get to Long Beach. There are plenty of signs directing you to the port area. The parking structure was easy to get into and close to the dome. Carnival staff was very welcoming and organized through the process with no room for confusion upon arrival.
Entering the ship you walk into level 3 known as the Piazza de Duammo. This was a nice bar area with plenty of seating options and a dj/ live entertainment up top.
In this level you are able to find guest services, Carnival adventure, Club O2, Circle C and an Entrance to the lower level of the MDR which is the Medici.
The Medici has a tall statute of David to go with the Italian theme along with the decor. Food is Italian inspired/fusion.
We were able to view the Terrazza suites, Balcony room and Interior. The Terraza suites only allow accommodation for guest 12+ years old. They had private loungers and patio area for their rooms. Room 5201 is the room with a king, sofa, upper bed pulled down. The balcony room 8484 was spacious. Another balcony room offered double sinks in the restroom with a tub and a”walk in closet”. All rooms have glass doors in the restroom that one agent mentioned was a benefit opposed to the shower curtains.
Deck 15 has the adults only section known as Serenity with a bar and salad option. There were 2 hot tubs with private cabanas and plenty of lounge chairs throughout.
Deck 12 had the Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center I was unable to view along with Deck 11 Theater, Pergola Bar, Jogging Track. In this deck I was able to view the kids club Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss area which was very colorful and spacious with different sections.
Deck 10 was where you can find the Lido deck with a big screen and pool available surrounded with various quick service eateries.
Deck 5 is where all the shopping store were available with various items. This is where you can find the dinning specific restaurants and beauty salon.
Deck 4 has the casino which had ample slot machines and tables: black Jack/ poker/ roulette/ craps. Upper part of The Medici and lower half of Teatro Rosso is located on this deck. Teatro Rosso is a two story theater with full bar inside.
Club Med Cancun – May 2024 – Jo B.
Hello Mainstreet Travel family,
My husband and I visited Club Med Cancun for 5 nights from May 12-17 and I am sharing our thoughts on the trip. The only all-inclusive travel we have done in the past is cruising, so I don’t have any land-based experiences to compare this trip with, but we both really enjoyed it and will most likely go back.
First off, we had a short flight from DFW to Cancun and all of that went smooth, including passing through customs and getting our luggage. I pre-arranged a pick- up through Club Med from the airport to the resort for $88.00 round trip for both of us and I highly recommend this. We met up with a gentleman from Club-Med right outside the airport by Margaritaville and he took us to the resort. It is a very short trip (15 minutes) from airport.
We arrived early, dropped off our luggage and checked out the resort. We were given bracelets which are your room keys and can be used to charge things just like magic bands (except they don’t light up). We couldn’t get into our room until 3:00 pm which is the official check in time, but we did have full access to all the amenities the resort offers. We grabbed lunch and headed to the beach!
The resort is in a pristine location at the southeastern tip of the Riviera Maya and it has 3 white sand beaches on one side and a lagoon on the other side. The main beach is great for swimming as the waters are calmer since it is situated next to an outcropping of rocks that help protect it. It offers an expansive view of the hotel zone and is one of the better beaches in the entire Cancun area because they were one of the first resorts to be built there.
The outcropping of rocks I mentioned earlier is where the calm, sandy beach area ends and the more rugged, rocky, natural beach area begins. This area is part of the Mesoamerican barrier reef system which is the second largest reef system in the world. You literally walk in the water and you are right in this beautiful reef area. This is why we chose Cancun as our destination. We were looking forward to snorkeling every day and really exploring this reef. As fate has it however, we were only able to snorkel the first day we were there due to weather. The winds were high, and it made it unsafe to snorkel, kayak, paddle board or sail. The wind was a curse and a blessing though, because we visited at the beginning of the “hot” season, and we probably would have suffocated had we not had the extra breezes. We are from Texas, and we were uncomfortable with the weather! The time we did spend snorkeling was amazing though!
They offer several different categories of room accommodations. We stayed in a Superior Ocean View room which is the basic room type. It was nice, plenty of room and comfortable. The view from our balcony was awesome, I enjoyed just sitting out and staring at the Caribbean Sea. There was a separate lounge area with a couch and a refrigerator. They offered room service each day and you could pay to have your laundry done. As far as I could tell, there were no self-service laundry facilities. The a/c was set at 70, but it felt warm and humid during the day, the evenings were better.
The other categories of room accommodations are Deluxe, Deluxe Exclusive and Suite Exclusive. In each category they have a Family Oasis room and Connecting rooms available. We didn’t get to tour any of the other room types.
The resort is divided into several different areas which each have room accommodations. The main resort area seems to be where most of the action takes place. It has the Superior and Deluxe rooms. It also has a large pool where they do water aerobics daily called aqua gym, and water dance moves, called crazy signs. The sandy beach area, also located here, offers plenty of umbrellas and lounge chairs, and is where the volleyball tournaments are held. There are a couple of shops located in the main resort area along with the photography hub and the excursion center.
The restaurants located in this main resort area are the Hacienda, which is the main dining place and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with no reservations required. La Estancia restaurant is a little more upscale and is only open for dinner and late-night snacks. Reservations are required for dinner and they can be made in the main lobby. We had dinner here one evening and really enjoyed the food and ambience. The Creperie, is a little snack hut by the main pool serving crepes and snacks throughout the day. (Lots of French influence here) La Bodega, is an upscale bar located at the entrance of the Hacienda and reservations are required. This is an additional cost so not included in the price.
There are a couple of bars located in the main resort area. The main bar is an open-air space with plenty of room. Latin dance classes are held here daily and the late-night parties each evening are here as well. The poolside bar is located next to the Creperie and is convenient for both the pool and beach crowd.
The Spa, which offers an array of treatments for an additional cost is located just above the gym. The gym has free weights as well as some exercise machines to help complete your workout. Near the gym is a Palapa, where fitness classes such as Yoga, Step, Zumba, Abs & Glutes and Sunset Stretches are offered.
Still in the main resort area, but a little further away is a space used for Trapeze or Circus school, this was so cool! I really wanted to do this but couldn’t get up the courage to try
. Archery lessons and Bocce ball are also done in this area. We really enjoyed doing Archery lessons, it made us feel like kids at summer camp!
The next area is Jade, and this is Club Med Cancun’s Exclusive area. It is located in the middle of the resort. It accommodates singles, couples or families with children eight years and older. You must be staying at the Jade to use their pool, bar and beach area. However, those who stay in Jade have full access to the entire resort. We toured the grounds including their pool and bar area. It is not as crowded, so it is a little more peaceful, but we really didn’t see anything that shouted out greatness to us. We did not get to tour the rooms, so maybe the concierge service and rooms are what make it worth it.
The next area is the Aguamarina, which is the family area. This looked like a great place for families. It is conveniently located by the tennis and basketball courts, a putt-putt coarse and a park for kids. It has a nice infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There is a poolside bar that also serves snacks. They have their own lobby and a family activity area where they do planned activities daily. Some of the activities included making pinatas, clay pots, movie nights and family charades.
The marina is also located right here, and this is where Sailing School takes place. You can also use kayaks and paddle boards, all part of the all-inclusive vacation. There is a scuba station right across from the marina and for an additional fee, you can do scuba lessons, or if you are already certified, you can arrange dives. Unfortunately, this was all closed the entire time we were their due to the wind.
Just steps away from Jade and Aguamarina, is Taco-Arte. This is a restaurant featuring elevated authentic Mexican cuisine in a lovely open-air setting right on the beach. They serve buffet style breakfast and lunch, but dinner is served family style and reservations are required. We ate here our first night and thought the food was good. I recommend getting reservations around sunset to enhance your meal. Beach sunsets are the best!
They have a kids club that is filled with activities all day long. While we didn’t have any children with us, we did see them throughout the day and they looked like they were having fun.
The resort is quite large, but they do have golf cart type shuttles that provide service to and from the main resort area every 15 or so minutes. The walking paths and grounds are gorgeous though and we really enjoyed walking and taking all that in.
We thought all the food was great! We mostly ate at the Hacienda and were very pleased. The menu was different every day and the choices were incredible. They have the most amazing French inspired breads, so not good for the carb conscious, but oh so tasty! They serve a variety of foods, Mexican, carving stations, pizza, Italian, pasta, salads, so many meat and fish dishes, vegetarian options, desserts and a gelato bar. They even have a baby food station.
We found the staff to be nice and attentive. We even had a couple of GM’s (Genteel Managers) join us for dinner on a couple of nights. It was fun getting to know them and learning about Club Med.
They have a nightly show, either in the theater, which is in the main lobby, or on the outdoor stage by the pool. After the show, they have a late-night party. Each day has a theme and most of the shows are somehow related to the theme. The entertainment was ok, not as good as what you might find on a cruise ship.
So overall, the resort is very nice. I wouldn’t classify it as a “luxury” resort, It is older and a little worn, but there is something magical about the property. A lot of the visitors are return guests or guests who have visited other Club Med resorts. The beach at the main resort is lovely, but the Jade and Aguamarina have very little beach space and the area is rugged and rocky, still beautiful, but in a natural sort of way. We never saw anyone in the water there.
I would recommend this resort to active couples and families. I would not recommend this resort to clients who want a higher end luxury experience. I personally would also not recommend going during the hot season.
PRO’S:
Close to airport
Pristine Location
Great Food
Easy Access from West Coast and Southern US
Amazing land and sea activities available
Incredible kids club and family area
Something for everyone: Party scene, nature, activities, families
CONS:
Prone to wind and weather
Basic rooms are older and in need of renovation
Some times there is a language barrier with staff
Icon of the Seas – September 2024 – Angela P.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the largest cruise ship in the world. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.
The Icon of the Seas is pretty impressive. Capable of sailing with up to 7,600 passengers and a crew of around 2,350, its size offers plenty of space. It has themed areas and multiple “neighborhoods” that cater to a variety of interests, from families to adults seeking relaxation or adventure.
I found the ships innovative design elements, open areas with amazing sea views and neighborhoods, like the Aqua Dome and Thrill Island, to be beautiful and exciting. These will definitely offer guests an immersive experience. The layout of these areas are also easy to navigate, making it easy for guests to move between each area.
While the ship holds many it also features over 20 different dinning options. So there is plenty of options if guests don’t want to be in a more crowded venue like the Wind Jammer Buffett. These range from casual eateries to fine dining. The ship has a wide variety of cuisines available, including international options and specialty restaurants.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the future of cruising. Guests of all ages will love every minute of their vacation.
Icon of the Seas – September 2024 – Michelle R.
Thank you so much for the honor of doing the Icon of the Seas tour!
I will say after only 3 hours on Icon, none of us wanted to leave. She truly is such a beautiful ship with so much to offer!
When you walk on board you are greeted by the huge and magnificent pearl and the open and airy main promenade with multiple bars, restaurants and shopping. It’s so open you don’t even feel like you’re on a cruise ship!
I’ve not cruised on an oasis or icon class ship so the neighborhoods were new me but each of them stunning in their own way. I love that each neighborhood has a dedicated restaurant that is included, so you don’t have to leave and go to the main dining room or windjammer.
Water park & pools- The decor walking out to the pools and waterpark is out of this world. Thrill island includes 6 waterslides, 1 of which is a family raft slide. Thrill island also includes a huge rock climbing wall and the best pirate themed mini golf.
Adult only area- The adults only area is honestly the best view on the ship with a dedicated pool, hot tubs & tanning ledges on the very aft of the ship. This is the perfect sail away location.
Spa- The spa as always on Royal is 100% relaxing with everything form a hair blowout bar to iv treatments, they have it all.
Central Park- from the birds singing to all the lush foliage, bubbles champagne 
station and overlooking adorable beachy themed cabins it was just beautiful and serene.
Surf Side-
They knocked it out of the park with this neighborhood. They continued beachy theme of the balconies which is adorable. You are greeted by a giant flamingo 
you can choose to take the stairs or the dry slide between floors. A dedicated restaurant the xxxx carousel, ice cream station, playground and kiddie pool with a view of the ocean from the back of the ship. This is the perfect area for families with small children!!!
The Aquadome-
The reimagined auqu theatre has been given a new location and has a roof so it can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. Surrounded by eateries all you need to do is grab a bite and grab a seat for this amazing high flying, water show.
A few of my favorite suites!
Surf side Family Suite- I absolutely love this suite with the little kids room separated from the main bedroom. This suite is great for families that have kids 10ish and younger. You are right above the surf side neighborhood, with a view out the aft of the ship to the water. You definitely get the best of both worlds with proximity to the best kids area and ocean views
Sunset Family Suite-
This suite is my other favorite for families. When you walk in tucked in a corner in the hall is a bunk room. The bunk beds setup in an upside down L shape come complete with a set of stairs and their own TVs my kids would be happy as clams.
Sunset corner suite-
Oh my gosh the outside square footage is insane. It’s the entire length and width of the room. If you want private outdoor space this is the cabin for you!!!
The ship has been designed with so much thought into how guests will use the ship. From color coded elevators so you know if you are on the front or the back of the ship, dedicated and included eateries in each neighborhood, so much seating throughout the ship that it doesn’t even feel like 7600 passengers are on board.
I will beyond a shadow of a doubt be recommending icon to family and solos as it truly is a wonderful ship 
Icon of the Seas – August 2024 – Alicia M.
I toured the Icon on 8/17 and had the opportunity to meet several other agents from our agency. The tour was incredibly helpful to get a feel for the ship and I was sold on a cruise for my own family right away. The rooms are all bright and modern looking, even the interiors didn’t look as dark as some do on other ships.
Lunch at Windjammer- This was delicious, everything was beautifully presented, and it wasn’t crowded at all. The included drink options were lemonade and two fruit flavored beverages. These were better than the ones on Adventure which tasted watered down.
Surfside balcony – These had a view of the boardwalk area and the noise from below can be heard from the balcony on deck 12. The space for children to sleep had it’s own television and made the main sleeping area feel more spacious. The television can be seen from the balcony.
The areas for families with children are at the rear of the ship along with the rooms. This makes for less walking, and keeps a smaller ship feel while having all the mega ship amenities. If you’re looking for a teenager, they’re likely to be in a smaller overall area rather than spread over the ship.
The areas for adults only are towards the front of the ship. Even though it was embarkation day, these areas were calm and quiet. This would be a good place to relax or read a book. There were large seating areas in the Overlook that are perfect for a group of friends or family.
Utopia of the Seas – August 2024 – Christine F.
The Utopia of the Seas! This ship was amazing! I was curious how it would be the navigate and it wasn’t terrible at all. They really planned the layout and routes decently well. I’ll explain further- there were a few places we could cross from port side to starboard at the elevators and we had to either walk down to a floor where it does cross, or walk down the hallway of rooms to get to the next lobby area and cross over. That was a little frustrating and we did get lost and did the same thing several times 
But we did get it down pat on the last night haha.
Our sailing was the preview and was 60-65% full so it will be busier than ours on normal sailings- BUT there was so many empty chairs all the time everywhere we went. Pool chairs, at the formal dining room there were more empty chairs than full, and even most shows there was tons of empty space.
One thing to make note of to tell clients is that this ship does require reservations be made to attend any of the evening shows. The stage show, aqua show, ice skating show, and comedy all require reservations. They don’t have early viewings of these shows like other sailings do from my experience. The earliest is 9:30 so if you have early dinner at 6, you have some downtime between dinner and the shows.
In the rooms, you do have to use your key card to turn the lights and AC on in your state room, you can use any type of card to activate this and keep the AC on during the day. It did get pretty warm in the stateroom and our attendant did say they don’t have any fans for staterooms onboard.
In the staterooms you’ll find a power strip with several outlet plugs, a couple European outlets, a “c” charger and a usb charger outlet. The lamps on night stands have one regular outlet and one “c” charger outlet.
The showers in most staterooms have a combo of shampoo+body wash on the wall. So bring your own if that’s not your thing!
The way the elevators work on this ship is 100% helpful. You tap the touch screen flood number you’re going to, and a letter pops up on the screen to which elevator you need to get on. Reduces wait times SO MUCH.
Day 1
We boarded the ship and were welcomed with fruit punch and champagne! We entered on the promenade and Sorrentos and Cafe Promenade were open and serving food. The Windjammer buffet was open and had lunch started. The food onboard was DELICIOUS. 10/10. We made our way to view Adventure Ocean during their open house hours. (Which by the way, you can do on any cruise to get content or view for yourself even without children!) These child play areas are amazing- so many fun activities for the kids to do! The Play Place was open to littles and families. They also had a workshop and theatre. So many activities for littles. The Hangout for the older kids was so cool. Video games, interactive games based off movement on the walls, table touch screen games, board games, and more! Next we explored the pool deck. OMG the water slides looked amazing and the kids splash area was huge! 3 pools on this deck. SO MANY chairs on the main pool deck and up the stairs on the deck that overlooks the pool. The Lime and the Coconut is a bar that was at the pool and was two stories high. You can rent cabanas by the pool. You can also grab towels at the pool- you just have to scan your sea pass card to make sure you return them or else they charge your room for these towels. At the Sports Deck you’ll find the Flow Rider (boogie boarding and surfing experience), the Abyss (a dry slide that is 10 stories tall and comes out on the boardwalk), a children’s play area (wasn’t finished during our sailing), and mini golf. These are all included in the cruise fare. There is also a snow cone bar that costs extra- can be boozy snow cones as well. The Spare Tire food/snack bar at the pool was unique and the food was so good. Chipotle Chicken Sandwich was a cold sandwich and was great on a hot day. They also have “tornados” of different types which are like a rolled up taco almost. Hard to explain. El Loco Fresh is a Mexican food buffet near the pool and sports deck and is a 10/10. There are two casinos onboard- the smaller one is non smoking and the larger one allows smoking and is HUGE. The arcade is pretty big and was a fun vibe. The bars onboard were all so amazing. The Pesky Parrot was my fav. Such fun theming and the drinks were yummy. The alcohol beverage package is 100% worth it if you plan to have more than a few drinks per day most cocktails cost $14, some as little as $10. The back of the boat had the aqua theatre and a rock climbing wall near the Boardwalk. You’ll also find Playmakers and Johnny Rockets as well as the carousel and a candy shop. The adults only pool area, the Solarium, was HUGE and inside the dome at the front of the ship. Lots of hot tubs and a pool. A private bar and even a little buffet inside. It was very nice and the food was delicious there as well.
Day 2
This was our day at sea. We are breakfast at the Windjammer. You could also grab breakfast at the formal dining room, Cafe Promenade, Johnny Rockets. We grabbed a spot at the pool and enjoyed empty pools from about 10am-1pm. It was slow until about noon when people started the come out and swim. We explored Central Park which has the Rising Tide bar that goes from the promenade to that level. Around the ship this day they had some trivia, a pool party, and then the evening shows (I’ll review separately at the end of this). Dinner in the formal dining room tonight was themed White Night. Formal dining times were 6pm and 8:30pm and of course My Time.
Day 3
This day we were at Coco Cay! This island is owned by Royal Caribbean and is an extension of the boat. Meaning food is included and your drink packages will work also. There are several things you can do that are free and also several that cost more money and need to be booked in advance. Examples: adults only Hideaway Beach, over the water cabanas with butler service, Thrill Waterpark, Hot Air Balloon ride, etc. Children life vests are available for no charge as well as floating mats for the ocean. We went to the South Beach where it was a little further but a lot calmer. There is a floating bar in the ocean you can swim out to and order drinks. We ate at Skippers Grill. The food was just okay. The tacos were the best part for me. They also have burgers, hot dogs, hot sandwiches, salads, fruit. You will come across wildlife- chickens, iguanas, etc. Oasis Lagoon is the huge zero entry pool that features a swim up bar. You can also find small shops on the island to buy souvenirs. If you are unable to walk to and from the ship to the island you can catch a tram. You can also find a tram that has stops around the island- it is pretty big to walk and you’ll be tired at the end of the day! The last night of the sailing and they had an 18+ Silent Toga party in the Solarium. We picked up toga gear at Boleros and they gave us supplies to make our own. Several people purchased costume togas and wore those. Some didn’t dress up at all and everyone had a good time dancing. If you don’t know, a silent party is when everyone wears headphones and there are 3 channels (red, blue, green) that play different music. So the whole time everyone’s listening to different music potentially and just dancing. It’s hilarious to watch too if you just wanna people watch.
Day 4
Debarkation day. Our sailing arrived 2 hours later than planned for some reason so it was a little different than usual. It was honestly a bit chaotic because many people were freaking out worried about missing their flights. We didn’t actually get into port until after 8am. We started getting off the ship at 8:30am. This isn’t typical so not a good example to judge from. Starbucks is open in the promenade and also you can get breakfast from Cafe Promenade or go up to the Windjammer.
Aqua80s
This was the show in the Aqua theatre. It was SO GOOD! The stunts and diving they did was outstanding. Lots of fun surprises thrown in.
All In!
This show was in the Royal Theatre. It was great singing and dancing, but I’m partial to seeing Broadway like shows at these onboard. This was just a bunch of songs. But don’t get me wrong, the talent was top notch!
Youtopia
This was the Ice Skating show. It was AMAZING! 10/10 recommend!!!! Must see.
Comedy Show
This comedy show was in the Attic, a neat club. This show has 3 comedians that will change out pretty often if I’m not mistaken. I know one of the ones we saw said he was going back to the Icon a month later.
Overall, I would say that 4 days would probably be the best to experience most things and not feel like you missed out on too much. Of course, this ship is so big that you really can’t do everything on a short sailing.
Exoticaa Product Launch – September 2024 – Jesye B.
Hey everyone!
I’ve been eager to share my insights from the Exoticca Product Launch event I attended last week, but the unpredictable weather has delayed me. I’d like to highlight some key takeaways, dividing them into what would be great to share with clients and what’s just for us agents.
Clients:
· Fairly new company, founded in 2015. With a team of over 500 employees, but rapidly growing.
· Exoticca has more than 300 products in 70 destinations. Operating in 11 countries.
· 4.5 out of 5 star rating “Excellent” in TrustPilot (with 27,000 reviews).
· NEW: The Exoticca family collection, catered specifically towards families. The tours offer shorter transfers, small groups capped at 20 people, activities geared towards all ages.
· NEW: Hawaii tours coming in 2025!
· Clients have access to an app that shows the full itinerary, live and synchronizes automatically with all ground and flight components.
· Most tours average between 12-26 people, so very small. Depending on the tour depends on the max number of people on the tour.
· All English speaking guides.
· Guaranteed tour, meaning, even if only two people are scheduled on the tour it will NOT cancel.
· This is not a big bus tour company, it is much smaller and gives a more personal feel, and offers the clients more cultural immersion.
Agents:
· Make sure you are registered with Exoticca and do your on board training.
· Once you get your on board training done it qualifies you for an additional $200 on your first booking (made within 3 months of training completion).
· Exoticca offers FULL commission on all trip components (including air). For more commission information make sure to check out the MST page or send an email to: [contact@parksavers.com](mailt
· Full itinerates are available 11 months out, flights are the hold up, if you wanted to do a land only booking further out you can, but air CANNOT be added at a later date.
· Offers a free 48 hour price block for agents, and instant quotes with final prices.
· They are about to roll out a TA co-branded website (an affiliate link) it is currently in the testing stages and believe it will be live February 2025. All bookings make with the link will be fully commissionable. This link will be able to be shared to clients on social, websites. One of the coolest futures (IMO) is once the client clicks your link it will be saved in their computer for 60 days. So say someone is on your FB and they click the link and don’t book right then, but then decide to Google Exoticca a week later and book the algorithm will have you saved and you’ll get the booking.
· If you are working with a client and you get the dreaded “I booked direct” email, contact Exoticca and they can move the booking over to you, the sooner you contact them from date of booking the better. They said they will work with TA to find a solution.
· If you want to do a group booking 10 people is considered a group, you get 1 person free for every 20 people booked.
· Once make your first booking, you get enrolled in the loyalty program. Where every booking you make earns you loyalty to use towards milestone commissions (up to $10,000), top-up commissions” (Up to $200) and where you can get higher TA discounts on travel (up to 25%).
· All TAs get a 16% discount on all travel, you are not limited to one trip a year with the added 16% discount, and discount is good for up to 4 people in travel group (You have to have done the on board training to qualify)!
· Exoticca offers some pretty amazing FAM opportunities (You have to have done the on board training to qualify)!
· Some important contact information:
o Advisors Support line: 888-354-2321 M-F 9AM-9PM EST and SAT 9AM-6PM EST or [https://advisors.exoticca.com
o Emergency Phone Only: +1 786-485-1078
o Accounting & Commissions: [ta.commissions@exoticca.com](
o Group Bookings: [groupbookings@exoticca.com](m
o Marketing Recourse library: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo
BONUS: Any bookings made by October 15th 2024, Use the code: DaveHoshin200 and you will get an additional $200.00 commission and your client will receive an additional $200 off their package on bookings over $4,000.00!!
