Hello everyone. The Hobo has just returned from a wonderful vacation in the Bahamas with her beau. This will energize my travel writing again because New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas have gotten boring! We went to Grand Bahama island in the Bahamas and stayed at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna all inclusive resort. Now you know, though I am platinum, I'm still a hobo, so I got a great deal via
Livingsocial.com . I packed four bikinis, two dresses, some shorts, tops, sunblock and toiletries donned some tight white stretch Guess hip huggers, a white tank and a turquoise boat neck sweater and headed to BWI. We flew into Ft Lauderdale and took the Discovery Sun cruise to Freeport, Grand Bahama. I had checked around online and saw mixed reviews on everything, so I will now give you my two cents.
The flight: BWI to FPO Airtran ( I booked via cheaptickets.com )
If you can get the exit row, do so or get business if you're super deluxe (with appropriate wardrobe). On the flight down I had regular coach and my back was killing me! I forgot the type of plane I was on. On the flight back we got the emergency exit row seats and it was somewhat better. Bring something to eat because there are only light snacks and beverages on their flights.
The cruise: Discovery Sun Port Everglade to Freeport ( www.discoverycruise.com )
We were at the port little before 6 am, this is suggested so you don't have to wait in crazy lines. Have your passport and tickets of course, then you will have to go through security and customs procedures. Right afterward get ready for your close up, because there is a photo op! Once you are done this process and you're on the ship, it is breakfast time. Beware once you leave the included buffet there is no re-entry. Then I suggest you head for the lounge chairs by the pool before they are all gone. We did not get a cabin, we just sat out and tanned our already chocolate bodies, watched the ocean and napped.This was a great way to transition into vacation mode; especially after having to wait in the airport for so long. This is an all inclusive trip with two movies playing, a little casino room, a game room/ arcade, a small 6 ft deep ( that resembles a kiddie) pool, etc. We just ate and sun bathed, while enjoying the endless free drinks. I had Sherry Temples, virgin pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris with/without alcohol.The pina coladas were a little sugary. Once you get to Freeport after five hours, there is customs to go through. There are taxis outside that go to different hotels. It was $16 for the both of us to Viva via a van, amongst other passengers going to both Flamingo and Viva. When we left our hotel we were there at like 230pm the boarding was not until 315pm I believe. If you come early there is less of the crazy lines. On the return we sat on the deck again until 530pm when we ate and watched a movie. The return trip is good for the inside stuff.It also rained.
(I got my deal at livingsocial.com the deal is over but they have cool stuff.)
The staff there are awesome! Not the front desk people per se but the people that help create the atmosphere of the resort. They are very talented and fun. These are the people that teach the classes, sports and do the shows at 9 pm. Most are at least tri-lingual ( yes, I am going to make that a word.) This is an all inclusive resort with lessons and activities including archery, sailing, trapeze, tennis, poker, darts, kayaking, beach lounging,etc. My guy got certified in scuba diving (40 ft) for around $250. We stayed five days and had so much to do. Also the meals are all included, there is a nice buffet style cafeteria that does breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food and selection is pretty good, the juices can be kind of watered down and there also are two themed restaurants,a sort of outdoor pizzeria and a beach bar/fast food place. Make reservations for the Oriental and Italian restaurants when you get to the resort. The pizzeria was insanely packed it was too much work to wait for food if you were really hungry. The beach bar had good chicken strips and fries. Their pina coladas were flavorless but the strawberry daiquiris were great! Overall it was lots of fun beautiful weather and lush vegetation decorating the grounds. I took these in the morning with no one really around.
We missed the crazy spring break crowds by coming late April. There was so much going and with my guy busy, I regret not going off of the resort, which is not typically my travel style. But it was during Easter so things probably were closed, they celebrated on Monday. This is place good for couples, families with kids and groups of friends.
Photos by Platinum Hobo: LJ
Frivolity is Necessity!
