Dominique Barba of Bliss Travel Service has been designated as a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Elite Cruise Counselor after recently completing the organization's certification requirements.  Dominique is now recognized within the cruise industry as a CLIA ECC.

Dominique Barba has achieved Elite Cruise Counselor certification through completion of a comprehensive program of crusie sales training and product instruction, delivered through a combination of extensive classroom training and personal cruise experience.  This includes 310 credits of training, 13 different ship inspections, 115+ cruise cabins sold, and over 20 cruises sailed on 10 different cruise lines.  CLIA's Certification program graduates are widely recognized as the foremost cruise vacation experts among American travel agents.

Bliss Travel Service is one of the more than 20,000 North American travel agency members of CLIA.  Acorrding to CLIA statistics, the overwhelming majority of travelers - about 70 percent - book their cruise through a travel agency and for good reason.  Travel agents understand the products they recommend and excel in finding the perfect cruise to match their clients' need, lifestyle, and budget.

CLIA's Elite Cruise Counselors are the cruise industry's premiere travel agents and can arrange all of your vacation needs while providing the greatest service and value for your vacation dollar.

To learn more, and book your next vacation, please visit www.BlissTravelService.com

​Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts​

#BlissTravelService #CLIAECC #CruiseAgent #CruiseExpert

Everyone loves to relax on vacation, but we’ll be the first to tell you that relaxation is a loose term. Sure, relaxing might mean laying on a pool float with a drink in your hand, but you can also relax with dozens of other fun and exciting excursions. Let your troubles fade away on one of dozens of options. Amstar in Punta Cana has a host of options to choose from, and this blog post will break down some of the categories.

Are you an ocean lover? These excursions will get out onto the beautiful sea, either skimming on top of it or exploring beneath it. 

• Bavaro Splash Speed Boat Tour
  Want a true James Bond experience? Rent your very own two passenger speedboat and cruise down the coastline at exhilarating speeds. The boats are easy to handle and fun to ride, and you’ll finish your tour with a guided snorkeling tour of the reef. 
• Marinarium Shark Encounter

Hit the surf on a glass-bottom catamaran and see sharks and other wildlife up close and in person as you enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then plunge in yourself and have a swim with sharks and stingrays in the Caribbean.  

Want to get into the forest and do some adventuring and sightseeing? Say no more!

• Zip Lining

This activity is a classic for a reason. Enjoy a beautiful view of the jungle as you zip from platform to platform, seeing the coastline and the tree line at once. 

• Monkey Land

True to its name, this nature park brings tourists in contact with friendly squirrel monkeys. Enjoy feeding and visiting these social creatures, who are used to human contact and totally adorable. 

If you want to experience the Caribbean’s amazing culture and history, there are excursions for that, too!

• Santo Domingo City Tour

There’s more to Punta Cana than just tourism! The historic and vibrant city of Santo Domingo has much to offer in the way of food, museums, and culture. You’ll see Christopher Columbus’ lighthouse, the city’s first cathedral, and experience historic Santo Domingo architecture. 

• Dominican Flavors

This overview of the Dominican Republic’s rich culture is a half day experience that offers a glimpse at what makes the country so special. You get to see the beautiful countryside and even visit a typical Dominican home. 

And of course, we couldn’t neglect activities for the island’s visiting couples.

• Saona Island VIP Tour

Take tour of the coast on a beautiful catamaran, swim in a natural swimming pool, and enjoy your partner’s company on a white sand beach. Enjoy custom drinks, a luxury beach club, and a delicious lunch by the water. 

• Side by Side Adventure 

A true adventure for two, you’ll strap into a high powered ATV and set off on a journey through the jungle, and drive until you reach the beautiful Playa Blanca for some well earned rest and relaxation. Instructions and training provided, of course. We recommend this one for the adventurous couple!

And there you have it! Some of the coolest excursions on Punta Cana. 

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts​

#BlissTravelService #Paradise #FamilyTravelers #PuntaCana

The Now Onyx Punta Cana resort is located in (you guessed it) beautiful Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Part of the AMResorts family of vacation destinations, this resort is all-inclusive and really packs a punch for families and couples alike. 
I think this resort’s biggest strength is just how much that you can do, and how luxurious the all-inclusive offerings are. This level of inclusivity is less common among other family-friendly resorts, so Now Onyx is a wonderful blend of options for people of all ages. 
Entertainment
Like a lot of all-inclusive resorts, Now Onyx has a huge range of inclusive options. Tennis courts, volleyball, Spanish classes, excursions, snorkeling, scuba lessons, sailing, kayaking, and more are there to entertain you. This is in keeping with other AMResorts, just like other deluxe options like fishing trips, scuba diving, helicopter excursions, tennis clinics, world class golfing, and others. The outside excursions you can book are also incredibly cool. Think monkey parks, catamaran trips, and ziplining
One of the coolest things about this resort for parents is the nearby Breathless Punta Cana resort. This resort is next door to Now Onyx, and it’s an adult only resort, so it has different options. There’s a casino, a spa, a fitness center, and a night club. 
This aspect is one of my favorite things about Now Onyx. It’s a family friendly resort with adult-only options next door. I think it’s a great option for parents.
Kids
Speaking of parents, there are plenty of options and entertainments for parents on vacation. All-inclusive resorts are a kid’s paradise no matter what they actually get to do, so already it’s a good option for kids. Now Onyx has a very cool Explorer’s Club for kids, good for ages 3 to 12. Lots of really fun, supervised activities from 9am to 10pm. As a bonus? All the staff are Red Cross certified. 
There’s an equivalent for teens as well. Less about arts and crafts and more about games and socializing, the Core Zone Teens Club will give teenagers (13-17) a built in social network at the resort.
Suites
The suites at this resort have a really cool look. Because the resort is new, the interior décor at the resort has a fresh, modern look. I would describe it as earthy but modern. Fun accent pieces, bright colors mixed with earth tones, and soothing green tinted bedroom suites all mix together to create a mellow and upbeat atmosphere. 
Plus, they have outdoor whirlpool tubs in every suite. Too cool. ​

So there’s the overview of the Now Onyx  Punta Cana! All in all, a fun all-inclusive resort for families, with an adults-only aspect at next-door’s Breathless resort. 
Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts 
#BlissTravelService #Paradise #FamilyGetaway #PuntaCana

It’s not every day that a new resort opens in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana, so I’m thrilled to tell you about Secrets Cap Cana resort, which just opened in November. If you’re on the hunt for a luxury adults-only resort with all-inclusive amenities, Secrets Cap Cana is definitely one to check out. 
Here’s the run down! 
Location
Cap Cana is one of the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive communities. Gated and designed specifically for a luxurious and relaxing life, Cap Cana is located on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic, facing the beautiful Caribbean ocean. It’s a totally luxurious resort neighborhood. 
Cap Cana’s three miles of white sand beaches, protected harbors, and world class golf courses are a perfect retreat from a stressful world. 
Amenities
One of the most exciting things about Secrets Cap Cana is how new it is. As the Secrets Resort brand’s newest flagship resort, the resort is home to the best of the best. Brand new décor feels fresh and modern, keeping to a comfortable Caribbean decoration theme. Each room has a terrace or balcony with stunning views of the poor or the ocean. The suites are absolutely gorgeous. 
Plus, as an all-inclusive resort, the trademark Secrets Unlimited Luxury promise gives guests unlimited access to anything they want. The best food, premium drinks, and unlimited concierge, room service, and beachside wait services. Even the mini bar in your room is included!
There are no irritating wrist bands, no fussy reservations, and all taxes and gratuities are included. When Secrets says their resorts are unlimited, they mean unlimited.
Excursions
There are a lot of things to do at Secrets Cap Cana, and they’re all included in the all-inclusive promise, so you can do whatever suits your fancy! 
Some of my favorites: the infinity pool, Spanish classes, dance classes, water sports, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, indoor theater, outdoor entertainments, theme nights, and cocktails with the executive team. 
If you feel like doing something extra special, you can book an excursion that you pay extra for. Golfing on the nearby championship golf courses is a popular one, as you get a chance to experience two of the world’s best courses. There’s adventure tours and eco parks if you want to get into the Dominican Republic and see some nature. If adventuring isn’t your thing, you can go deep sea fishing on a custom fishing boat with a skilled guide.
The Bottom Line: 
If you’re planning an adult-only vacation, Secrets Cap Cana should be on your list of potential vacation sites! This place is hard to beat for luxury, and their all-inclusive policy is one of the best I’ve seen. Cap Cana is naturally beautiful and luxurious, but when you couple it with a resort of this quality? 
You can’t beat it. 
 
Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts
​
#BlissTravelService #Paradise #AdultsOnly #CapCana

Looking for a destination that will ensure that everyone in the family will have a trip that is one for the books? Try Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Punta Cana! This resort offers amenities for all ages. Unlike most family resorts, Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana is not split between the kids and adults area. Sure, it has the Aqua Nick that is quite a popular section for the younger guests, and the luxurious spa for adults, but there is definitely more to the resort than that! It’s filled with activities and areas that both adults and children will like. Here are some of them:

The pools and other activity areas. As mentioned earlier, most kids head straight to Aqua Nick, where most of the fun and kid-friendly pool activities are. Both kids and adults will have fun floating around the pool, or getting slimed in one of the sections, plus who wouldn’t say “no” to a meet and greet with some of the iconic Nickelodeon characters we all grew up with? However, aside from the Aqua Nick, the resort also has the main pool, the beach area where you can spend the day sprawled on your towel with a good book, or in the water, trying out some of the activities with the kids, and the sports hub that features an archery range.

The numerous restaurants, with most of them kid-friendly. If you are staying at the Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana with an all-inclusive deal, you’ll already get your money’s worth with all the gourmet hotel food that comes with your package. But if you are in the mood for something else, the resort is peppered with an array of restaurants that cater to different palates. If you want local favorites, something from the Orient, or just the good ol’ cheeseburger, there is a restaurant within the resort that serves that. They even have a swim up bar where your kids can hang out during the day!

The Spa that can set up a spa date for you and your little one. Checking in at a resort is almost never complete without a trip to the spa. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana offers that with its very own Vassa Spa. The Vassa Spa offers top-of-the-line treatments and features like dry saunas, steam rooms, chromo therapy showers, different kinds of bubble baths, whirlpools, and a lot more. What sets it apart, though, is that it’s one of the few spas that will allow you to share the therapeutic experience with your little ones. At the Vassa Spa, you can arrange a spa play date with your kids!

Do these features make you look forward to a five-star, family-friendly getaway at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Punta Cana? Wait until you see and experience all these yourself. Don’t miss out on the fun and book your stay now!

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts

#FamilyFriendly #Vacation #PuntaCana #BlissTravelService

Located at one one of the most sought-after beach spots, The Ibero Star Grand Hotel in Punta Cana is a go-to destination for travelers who have a preference for hotels and resorts that are exclusive to adults. 

Here are some of the highlights of this Greco-Roman inspired all-inclusive resort:

Luxurious interiors. The people behind Ibero Star Grand Hotel’s design really knew what they were dealing with when they thought of making it one of the most luxurious destinations in the industry. From the beautiful lobby area, the guests will be ushered to one of the hotel’s 274 rooms. These rooms are adorned with foyers, balconies, drapes, and sheets that subtly express the Greek and Roman roots of the hotel. Once they step into the bathroom, the guests will be greeted by marble floors and fixtures with jetted tubs, and if they are lucky, a view of the garden, the lake, and a few flamingoes.
Bars and Restaurants. The resort also has four restaurants and one gourmet buffet. The thing about adults-only resorts is that they usually have some of the most luxurious and premium bars and restaurants, and Iberostar Grand Hotel is no different. A fair warning, though—the bars and restaurants in the hotel premises are so popular that it is difficult to get a table without a few days or week’s notice. 

Entertainment. If you chose Iberostar Grand Hotel as your home for a few days during your Caribbean getaway, you will not be disappointed with what the hotel can offer in the entertainment department. Reconnect with your inner thespian by seeing a play (or two, depending on the length of your stay) at the La Scala, a Milanese theater. Looking for something that will get you on your feet? Try the salsa or yoga classes offered in the hotel premises! If your idea of fun includes sipping on your favorite drink, there’s also something for you! Every night, a three-mast ship serves as the venue for posh parties that will remind you of the old Victorian times.

Recreation and relaxation hubs. Iberostar Grand Hotel may not be family-friendly, but this doesn’t mean that it has a shortage of activities for you to try out! It does not matter if you’re after recreation or relaxation because whatever your preference is,  Iberostar has something to offer. If you’re after recreation, the resort has numerous pools and sports facilities such as golf courses. Want activities that are more relaxing? Try booking a treatment with the resort spa’s stress specialists, or get a beachside massage at one of the hotel’s Turkish baths.

The adults-only scene, combined with the peace and quiet that the resort offers is all that you need for a week of unwinding. Get to know more about Iberostar Grand Hotel Punta Cana and some of the best deals you can get by visiting this page. (Hotel URL, or the deal page within the site)

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
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​#AdultsOnly #AdultResort #PuntaCana #BlissTravelService

We all dream of the best Caribbean getaway, and there are only a few resorts in the world that can deliver that experience to a wide variety of travelers. One of those resorts is Paradisus Palma Real. Here’s why:

True to its name, Paradisus Palma Real is a paradise to adult travelers. 
Whether you are traveling by yourself, with your significant other, or a group of friends, checking in at Paradisus Palma Real is the best way to do it. The spacious, yet intimate resort offers an exotic retreat for anyone who is looking for a sense of seclusion or a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort also offers the adults-only Royal Service, which caters to a more luxurious taste with its VIP lounge, personal butler service, private pool and beach areas, in-room jacuzzis, and a lot more. 

If you’re in the mood for an adults-only getaway, there are very few things that will top Paradisus Palma Real’s Royal Service accommodations. We’re sure you’ve already heard about the Thierry Mugler amenities, but that is not the only thing that makes your stay there the ultimate luxury experience. As soon as you get there, there will be a butler who will show you how very serious the resort takes its customer service. You will even get a phone that you can use to call a butler anytime! By upgrading to to Royal Service, you’re also entitled to the exclusive areas, such as the spa and wellness area, the resorts Italian restaurant, and the Royal Service Pool.

Paradisus is also a paradise for family travelers.
The other thing that makes Paradisus Palma Real the perfect vacation spot is the fact that it is also family friendly. Paradisus has excellent childcare facilities—playrooms with inflatable castles and climbing walls, napping rooms, and craft zones. By upgrading to The Reserve section of the resort, families get access this area for free. No need to worry about finding things for your kids to do when they get bored, because of the unlimited supplies of arts and craft materials in the craft zone that will keep your kids busy for hours. To top it off, there is also a wide selection of kiddie snacks to choose from in that area!

Guests who bring kids to the resort have great reviews of the Reserve section because they feel like the area is indeed tailored-fit to their needs. There is a separate pool dedicated to The Reserve guests only, which makes it easier for the guests and their kids to pop in and out of the pool to enjoy some time in the sand and in the sea. They even have Balinese beds that guests can book all day for free, in case kids (or one of the parents!) need to recharge with a quick nap, or some quiet time time. 

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts

#BlissTravelService #Paradise #FamilyTravelers 

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts

#SandalsVacation #AllInclusiveVacation #TravelAgent #BlissTravelService




*** All images are property of Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

A destination wedding is a dream for most brides. The appeal of destination weddings is understandable—the magnificent setting, highlighted by the exoticness of the place, with every single guest having that vacation glow. The whole scene looks like it was taken straight out of a romantic novel. However it is also something that a lot of brides consider as a disaster waiting to happen if most of the guests have not traveled before, or if there is no one left to do the dirty work. If you are having one yourself, and still in doubt whether you should get a travel agent or not, check out the reasons below to help you decide!

A travel agent can help you look for and find the best room for the price that you want to pay. One of the primary things that you consider when planning a destination wedding is the price. Sure, this is the more expensive option, but by hiring a travel agent, you get to streamline your bookings to the price that you and your guests want to pay. Aside from that, getting the services of a travel agent is also equivalent to tapping into a network of discounts, since they already have relationships with most resorts. Get group discounts, bridal discounts, early bird discounts, and a lot more. Wedding packages also have hidden perks that only a travel agent can help you take advantage of.

You have someone at your beck and call to handle your guests’ travel needs. By getting a travel agent, you can already delegate the task of taking care of your guests’ travel needs. That’s good because we know that a bride already has a lot in her plate right? With a travel agent, you and your guests no need to worry about visa applications and other bookings. Plus, offering a convenient option is also a big factor when your guests decide whether to accept your wedding invitation or not. 

Seamless service not just for you. Even if you are very travel-savvy, the same cannot be said for your entire guest list. Having someone that you, your wedding coordinator, and your guests can contact for travel and “tourist” related concerns is really helpful, especially for last minute ones. Your live band did not show up during the wedding reception? Your travel agent can hire the island’s best fire dancers in an instant! Your maid of honor needs speed boat for a surprise bridal shower? The travel agent can take care of that, too! So some of your guests want to extend their stay in the resort. No problemo because your trusty travel agent can make the necessary arrangements.

If you like the idea of a relaxing destination wedding then it is evident that you need a travel agent. I know that it’s an added cost and that you can DIY almost everything now, but the perks, the extra time that you get to allocate on the other details of your wedding, and the convenience that you and your guests can get with a travel agent is priceless!

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts

#DestinationWedding #WeddingPlanning #Honeymoon #TravelAgent #BlissTravelService

Cruising and booking all-inclusive resorts are two of the most popular options for family vacations. If you are wondering which one perfectly suits you, then the comparison below should be helpful!​

Inclusions. The inclusions in cruise packages and all-inclusive resorts vary from one ship or resort to another, so the best way to really get a good comparison is to do your research once you’ve narrowed down which cruise lines and resorts you want to consider. Most cruise lines include accommodations, all your meals, some snacks and drinks, access to on-board sources of entertainment such as Broadway shows and on-ship casinos, and use of facilities like the pool, fitness center, pool table, and so on. 

All-inclusive resorts on the other hand, include accommodations, all meals and beverages, entertainment every night (although I must clarify that in most resorts, the shows are more low-key compared to Broadways shows featured in some cruise ships), and transport from the airport and back.

Value for money. These two getaways seem to offer somewhat similar inclusions in their packages, but which do you think gives you the best value for your money? At this point, I am going to challenge you to stop reading for a bit and type your guess in the comments section. 

My verdict? I would say that all-inclusive resorts offers the better value. Sure, you can book a lot of cruises that are a lot cheaper than all-inclusive resorts, but we must also take into consideration the other expenses that cruising entails: taxes, airfare, extra fees on shore excursions, and even shopping. When you book a stay at an all-inclusive resort, there is usually no need to leave the resort for excursions, or go shopping. And oh, did I mention that drinks in cruises are really expensive?

Quality of the trip. Cruising can give you a lot of scenery because it brings you to different places during the course of the trip. You will get the chance to see historical sites, natural wonders, and other popular tourist spots. Cruising also lets you immerse yourself in the culture of the place that you are visiting, as opposed to staying within the confines of the resort. For some people, though, being able to lounge beside the pool, having a spacious, cozy room, and being able to do water sports is enough to make a quality trip.

So to wrap it up…
Making the choice between cruising or going for an all-inclusive resort depends on what you are looking for in a trip. If you want to have a more laid-back and relaxed getaway, then you should definitely book an all inclusive resort. The same goes if your budget is not as flexible, because there is no need to spend on side trips—what you paid for the all-inclusive trip is close to your overall spend. If you like to visit various places and to experience a more luxurious vacation, then there is no doubt that cruising is perfect for you.

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService
https://plus.google.com/+Blisstravelservice/posts

#CruiseVacation #AllInclusiveVacation #TravelAgent #BlissTravelService