Michael Alpuin

As a longtime Hilton loyalist, I don't often find myself rethinking where I stay. However, a recent overnight stay at InterContinental Miami before an international trip reminded me why it's important to evaluate properties on their own merits rather than defaulting to a particular brand. Between the location, service, elite recognition, and overall guest experience, the hotel delivered a level of value that has earned it a place on my short list for future pre-cruise and pre-flight stays in South Florida.

When we told people we were spending five nights in Lima for my wife's Golden Birthday, the reaction was almost always the same: "Five nights in Lima?" While I never shared the skepticism and was confident Lima could support a standalone vacation, many travelers still see it primarily as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, Cusco, or the Amazon. After spending nearly a week exploring the city, I can confidently say Lima deserves far more attention. Between its celebrated culinary scene, dramatic Pacific coastline, walkable neighborhoods, and outstanding hospitality, it became one of the most enjoyable city destinations we've visited in years.

This sailing on Icon of the Seas reminded me why Royal Caribbean continues to dominate the family and mainstream cruise market. Between the innovative design of Icon Class, elevated dining, and the ability to create completely different vacation experiences depending on your travel style, the ship truly becomes the destination. Celebrating our second anniversary onboard made the trip even more special, and despite the ship carrying thousands of guests during peak spring break season, it still managed to feel exciting, polished, and incredibly memorable.

This trip was all about energy, celebration, and extending the vacation experience beyond the ship itself. A convenient pre-cruise hotel stay in Fort Lauderdale made the transition into cruise mode seamless, while a lively three-night sailing on Liberty of the Seas delivered nonstop fun. From sunset sail-away moments to beach club parties in the Bahamas, this itinerary was the perfect choice for a birthday getaway with friends. It is an ideal combination for travelers who value convenience, a social atmosphere, and making the most of a short cruise.

This trip combined two very different but perfectly complementary experiences. Starting with a luxury stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach allowed us to slow down and fully ease into vacation mode before sailing. Following that with a short, high-energy cruise on Oasis of the Seas created a fun contrast that made the entire getaway feel dynamic and memorable. It was an ideal way to celebrate a birthday and a great example of how pairing the right hotel with the right sailing can elevate a short trip.

Sailing on the inaugural Star of the Seas was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences where you could feel the energy from the moment you stepped into the terminal. The live music, the buzz of families and couples all eager to see what Royal Caribbean’s newest ship had in store—it felt like being part of something historic. From the jaw-dropping first walk onto the promenade to the unforgettable shows and incredible dining, everything about this ship screamed “next level.” What stood out most, though, was the crew’s pride and excitement in making the inaugural sailing truly special. For me, this trip wasn’t just another cruise—it was a glimpse into the future of travel at sea.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about planning your own trip as a travel advisor—especially when everything comes together better than expected. For this journey, my wife and I kicked off with a VIP hotel experience in South Beach before setting sail on a Virgin Voyages cruise to Cozumel and Bimini. We balanced laid-back luxury with adventurous moments, including a surprise 51-inch kingfish in Cozumel. It’s a perfect blend of recharge and thrill, and a reminder that every trip has the potential to exceed expectations.