We have been literally and figuratively around the travel world. And back. Now we''re here to tell you the tale in our own words. In vacation reviews you''ll find stories about our favorite island vacations, our experiences at these first person accounts of the destinations. From Barbados to St. Barts we’ll tell you what we liked best about our favorite warm weather destinations. In early December, my family and I celebrated our silver anniversary of Caribbean vacationing. It’s been a wonderful 25 years, filled with island adventures from private Bahamian cays to lavish "all-inclusive" Barbados resorts. On our most recent getaway, we visited Mustique, one of the few West Indian destinations previously undiscovered by any Hoey. This Grenadine Island is arguably the most glamorous hideaway in the Caribbean. Royalty and world-class celebrities own lovely homes that border powder-pure sand beaches. Graceful sail yachts float along turquoise waters like dreamy apparitions.

In my experience big ships deliver a superb cruise holiday. Its well-trained crews know how to pamper you and make you feel supremely comfortable. And Princess’ nightlife options, from floorshows to cool piano lounges, are fun. Like many seasoned travelers, I’ll try anything once. And, if I like the experience, I’ll come back for more. Especially when the trip is a week of Med sailing on the elegant crown jewel of deluxe fleet. A few years, when I took my first cruise, I knew I would want to take an encore sailing on it. I can’t wait to indulge myself again in this urbane ship’s simple pleasures. On my previous sailing, I was pampered from morning to midnight (and later, if I had wanted it) by a staff dedicated to personal service. And throughout the 350-passenger vessel, I felt cosseted by luxury, from my private verandah to sophisticated public rooms.

For years, Bermuda cruises have been one of our agency’s most popular vacations. They’ve also been, hands down, my family’s favorite cruise holiday. So, when Princess Cruises announced it would resume regular Bermuda sailings this season, I already knew where I would spend my summer vacation. I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for Bermuda cruises since I first started in the travel business over eleven years ago. The sailings, then and now, seem like vintage wines that just get better and better over time. There’s an ideal balance of time at sea mixed with days enjoying in Bermuda’s beautiful setting and friendly, English-speaking people. The island itself is, for me, magical. Views of the island’s bays are like an Impressionist’s dream of sailboats and sky. And I love the charm of Bermuda’s towns, with their British colonial atmosphere and interesting shopping.

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