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Carnival Cruise & Florida Fun
By Andrew Leibstein
November 2007
Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
I was highly impressed with this resort! In a fabulous location, just 25-30 minutes drive from both Miami International airport and South Beach, this is a 5-star, AAA Diamond world-class oasis that has it all. All too often overlooked by travelers who automatically think "Caribbean" and discount the thought of South Florida, Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne has that relaxed Caribbean feel, offers a dynamic beach location, is secluded from the hustle and bustle of Miami, yet accessible enough to enjoy the nightlife, restaurants and clubs of South Beach.
 I had a bright and beautiful Club-Level room with great bedding and wonderful pillows (so comfortable I will never forget). The pool areas (there are two oceanfront heated pools) and hotel facilities were all in tip-top shape. This resort has 11 tennis courts (more than any other Ritz-Carlton) and a great Ritz Kids program to keep the kids engaged in fun filled activities, while adults can enjoy together time, knowing their children are under the best supervisory care. Those who go – and I hope you will consider this resort for an upcoming getaway – will be wowed by the 20,000 square foot luxury spa, offering every pampering, state-of-the-art treatment under the sun. This place is amazing. I can see why Ritz-Carlton hotels are so talked about.  Carnival Fascination
The next part of the trip brought me on the recently renovated Carnival Fascination, one of the
popular Fantasy-class ships in the Carnival fleet. I was very impressed on this fun-filled four day cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. An older ship, the renovation brought new life and spark as just about all the public areas were renovated, and the ship is in great shape from top to bottom - very clean, bright and colorful, without the previous Carnival neon glitz. Carnival Comfort Beds are a wonderful addition as the mattress and fine linens add to the comfort of your cabin. The entertainment is excellent, as is the food and service,
 all a part of the upgrades Carnival is creating in their brand. My waiter and assistant were very professional and all my meals were presented with tempting visual appeal and taste. They now have a 24-hour pizzeria, as well as frozen yogurt and ice cream available ‘round the clock. Another nice new food touch is a complimentary sushi bar. The only area on the ship that has not been renovated is the pool area which is expected to be completely redone in April. I saw photos and it looks like a winner. I had a great time onboard the Fascination and would not hesitate to recommend the Carnival product for the right customer.
 Fairmont Turnburry Resort
The final part of my trip brought me to the beautiful Fairmont Turnberry Resort in North Miami, now in the final stages of over one hundred million dollars of renovations. The rooms are extra large and very crisp and clean. The beds - amazing. Impeccable service abounds and all the facilities that I saw were immaculate. The Fairmont Golf Course is beautiful, as thirty million dollars alone went to renovating the course. A water park is in the process of being built and should be completed by February, 2008. A famous chef is due to open his restaurant on property shortly.
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