Vacations

This was a great 50th anniversary cruise to the western Caribbean. Everything on the cruise was absolutely fabulous. The ship's crew was very supportive and friendly. The stewards did a great job of preparing the cabin and left a little memento along with a different towel animal each night. The dinner table companions were very friendly and we all shared stories about each other's lives. The visit to Cozumel was like a dream come true. The last evening on board was our 50th anniversary. The head steward presented our table with complimentary champagne and a small anniversary cake. This indeed was a great vacation that we will never forget.

- Fernando H. from San Antonio, TX

This was the most awesome seven day cruise imaginable. My wife and I toured the Eastern Caribbean. The experience was magical. The water was beautiful. We went on a snorkeling/rum ride expedition on the Island of St. Thomas. The overall cruise experience was absolutely awesome! The food, the entertainment, the amenities, the staff, the list goes on and on added up to be the ultimate vacation!

- Efrain V. from Renton, WA

Every year, my husband and I visit Walt Disney World, our favorite vacation destination.  Last year, for our fifth wedding anniversary, we decided it was time for a change.  So we booked a Caribbean cruise on the Disney Dream.

We set sail in late March 2011, just a few months after the Dream joined Disney Cruise Line’s fleet.  We’ve both cruised before and enjoyed it, but cruising with Disney was even more perfect for us – we are, after all, just a couple of big kids.  The trip combined all of the fun of cruising with the magical feeling that we love about the Disney theme parks.

Our days were spent exploring the different ports – in Nassau, we went on an excursion where we learned how to roll cigars, and at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, we enjoyed some quiet time under the sun on the beautiful beach.  We spent evenings in the Skyline lounge, where the windows show the skylines of different cities, enjoyed dinner at Animator’s Palate where we got to “talk” to Crush, the 150-year-old turtle from Finding Nemo, and greeted characters at almost every turn!
Our cruise adventure ended up being the best way to celebrate our anniversary – we’re ready for our next one!

I’ve read a lot of stories and seen many photos from RCI members who have also been on cruises. We’ll be sharing these stories and pictures on the RCI Blog this week…be sure to come back!

STORY CONTEST WINNER!

We were vacationing on Grand Bahama October 2010. One evening, my husband was out by the seawall of Mayfield Beach & Tennis Club and heard some whimpering below. He discovered a dog, stranded on some rocks with the tide filling in around him. My husband lifted the dog to safety. He looked thin and hungry, so we fed him that night (and of course, he returned the next day!) We fed him again and gave him fresh water. My husband contacted the Humane Society of Grand Bahama to pick him up. There was something in that dog's eyes that spoke to us. In our 30 years of marriage, we never owned a dog...even though my husband has been hinting at getting one for several years. The next day, my husband Leo went to the Humane Society to visit the dog and donate some food. They took a picture of him and the dog with our camera. When we returned home, I contacted the Humane Society of Grand Bahama via email and attached a picture of Leo and the little "Potcake" (they tell us it's a mixed breed indigenous to the Bahamas). I asked if it was at all possible to adopt this dog, and can we get him up to the northeast? I wanted to surprise my husband and bring the dog here. They were so accommodating! When Leo told me he also contacted the shelter about adoption, I immediately had to contact the humane society again and tell them I wanted to keep this a surprise for Leo...to please tell him that the dog has either been adopted, or is not medically ready to transport yet. They played the game so well...and within a couple of weeks, our little Buddy was on his way to us. The first leg of his trip was on a private pilot's lap from Grand Bahama. When he reached Ft Lauderdale, a foster mom picked him up and brought him to her house (she attached a lovely note on his crate to us saying that we had a "real special dog" here). The foster mom brought him back to the airport the next morning and after a stop in Atlanta, I finally got to meet our little Potcake at our local airport in CT. My son and I brought him home. When we brought him in the house, my husband was in shock...really didn't say much, just kind of fell to the floor, and the dog and him rolled around playing with each other. I had a lot of support from friends, so they all entered the house after the initial homecoming to wish Leo and our little potcake "Buddy" well. He really is the sweetest dog and best Buddy ever!

- Submitted by: vcegelka

We reserved 3 units at this lovely resort south of Banff for a wonderful family vacation. It is situated in the Columbia River Valley between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain Ranges. Almost every afternoon we were treated to a spectacular Rainbow. We captured this one while at dinner at the local country club.

- Submitted by: Celrek

Our 2-week vacation at Paniolo Greens on the Big Island of Hawaii in May 2011. This is one of our favorite vacations of all time.

- Submitted by: pcnetwrx

We had been looking forward to our east coast beach vacation for months and had invited my son's friend to go with us. We lived in Sarasota, but enjoyed the "other" side of Florida in Cape Canaveral just as much. The four of us packed up and got ready to go for a long weekend, looking forward to spending some time at the edge of the ocean. We had no idea what awaited us. In the weeks before leaving, we had been watching the news that the space shuttle launch had experienced delay after delay. The day we departed, we found out the shuttle was scheduled to be launched the night of our arrival! We had front row seats to one of the most spectacular (and final) night launchings from the Kennedy Space Center. The crew included a young Clearwater, Florida astronaut, Nicole Stott, who was going to the International Space Station. My teenage son and his friend were so excited. What a stunning view we had of that launch from our balcony. It lit up the sky - and the ocean - for miles around! We were at Ron Jon several months later and incredibly, again totally by coincidence, we were able to see the landing of another shuttle that carried that same Florida astronaut back to Cape Canaveral! Good times... and the beach was pretty spectacular, too.

- Submitted by: Jim&Leslie

My one week vacation in Vegas shown in one minute.

- Submitted by: SauceBoss

Mark your calendar for week 29 next year. We're all going on vacation to Hilton Head. We bought a timeshare. Those were the words my mother-in-law said to me 28 years ago. I didn't know when week 29 was, nor did I know what a timeshare was but 28 years later, I have come to appreciate, understand, and anticipate week 29. Over the years, we have met perspective spouses, watched our babies grow, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and even shed tears caused by family deaths on that beach at Hilton Head. The proverbial circle of life with week 29 as a backdrop. No matter the severity of the winter weather, sunny week 29 was waiting. No matter the stress of our day-to-day jobs, relaxing week 29 was waiting. No matter the 51 hectic weeks between trips, mellow week 29 was waiting. Last year my mother-in-law could not go to Hilton Head because of cancer, but this year she was back stronger than ever. She was ready to treat everyone, especially her new great granddaughter, to ice cream. What lies ahead? Who knows? But what we do know is that week 29, our timeshare, and the Hilton Head beach will be there to soothe our jangled nerves.

- Submitted by: worldtraveller

Last year, after our birth children were grown and gone, my husband and I adopted two little boys from foster care. The brothers, ages 6 and 8, had never been on a vacation when we took them to Lake Marion, SC. They both picked up water-skiing immediately and love to challenge Dad!

- Submitted by: partymom
 

Well, my parents told me we were going on vacation. I got to the airport --that plane was bigger than the world! We got on the plane and took off. Why did they go soooo fast? I wasn't in that big of a hurry! When we got to Cabo , our resort was the best..Swimming pools and slides and a beach just feet away. Where do I start? Well one day I played in the pool all day. Another day we went to pier and I couldn't believe my eyes---there was Captain Hook--my good friend! Then I tried on several sombreros. Why are they so big! Next day I went para sailing--how fun. While at divorce beach I held 6 iguanas. Mom and dad said NO to bringing one home. I spent another day at my resort. What fun.. This is my story thru the eyes of a 4 year old.

- Submitted by: cowboys

To celebrate our retirement, my wife and I booked a 7-day Alaska cruise and a one week stay at Whistler Vacation Club. It was the first post-retirement trip for two lovebirds who had worked for 35 years and were ready to enjoy life to the fullest. The Alaska cruise was incredible aboard Princess Cruise, the weather was very decent for a late September voyage. We saw incredible scenery, encountered plenty of wildlife and met very interesting people on and off the ship. The week stay in Whistler, just before the 2010 Olympics was out of this world. The accommodation was first class and the scenery in and around Whistler is just unbelievable. What a great week we had from gondola rides, to zip-lining to long walks in the forest (without seeing grizzly bears), everything was perfect. What a perfect, perfect start for our new life journey and we would like to thank RCI for making this once in a lifetime experience a reality. And the best, after 35 years of marriage, we are still together and much in love. I think spending time alone with the love of my life through RCI vacations will ensure many more tremendous experience and keep improving our quality of life.

- Submitted by: Shawi50

My son was a missing child for 15 years. I last saw him at 3 years old. When he was almost 18, I searched through a paid service and found his father. Afraid he would run again, I put an ad in the local newspaper. Days later, he answered the ad. I was finally reunited with my son. A year later we took a vacation. It was the most joyous time. The kid in all of us came out that week. All the things I missed with him growing up, was concentrated in this glorious week in Tahoe. The thrill of watching my child ski for the first time, sledding, the joy on his face doing things together again. It was life changing for both of us to reconnect after all these years in such a spectacular setting as Tahoe. The Ridge was fantastic, rooms were large, quiet, and luxurious. We kept so busy with all the amenities. This week at the Ridge began the journey of healing between a mother and her son! A week neither of us will never forget!

- Submitted by: Dispatcher

Last fall, we kicked off the RCI Your World, Your Way Sweepstakes. This gave you, our subscribing members, the chance to register and submit stories, photos and videos from your vacations for the chance to win the vacation of a lifetime. Are you wondering who won?

The RCI Your World, Your Way Sweepstakes winner was Jackie T., who has been an RCI member since 2005. Jackie was selected randomly from more than 75,000 entrants as the grand prize winner. Congratulations, Jackie! Watch Jackie get the news from Dan the RCI Guy when he showed up unannounced at her work to tell her she won!

In addition to the sweepstakes, we also held a contest in the 3 categories – favorite RCI stories, photos, and videos. From the thousands of vacation stories, photos and videos submitted, we selected 10 finalists in each category and allowed you – our members – to vote for your favorites.

Come back to the RCI Blog this week, where we will share the entries from all the finalists!

My trip to Hawaii was so much fun. We went boogie boarding, snorkeling, hiking, on a sunset cruise, and to The Polynesian Cultural Center. We toured the whole island of Oahu. This was the most memorable vacation we had. We also visited the USS Arizona and it just happened to be the day before they were remembering the men that died at Pearl Harbor. It was neat, they had some of the survivors there and they were signing autographs and just telling us their stories.

Stopped at almost every beach site there was. Especially Hanauma Bay. We even got to see the surfers competing at North Shore. That was pretty exciting. The food was fabulous. My brother-in-law is stationed there with the Coast Guard so we were able to stay a few more days with them and he took us to the different bases.

We were able to stay in Waikiki and do all that shopping. The International Marketplace was a lot of fun. My husband even bought me a Tahitian Chocolate Pearl. I had a lot of fun at the pick-a-pearl places. I ended up with 10 pearls of all colors. My daughter and daughters-in-law were so happy when I told them they could choose one and have it made into a ring or pendant. If it were up to me, I would still be there.

The hike up Diamond Head was long and for a minute there, I was going to give up. But, it was worth it once we were up there. The view is gorgeous...We also went to Germaine's Luau. Yes, I got up and tried to learn to do the Hula. Well, this is my story and I will go back as soon as I am able to. Everyone needs to make at least one trip to Hawaii.

- Rosie C. from Houston, TX

Along the coast of Oahu. Beautiful!

- Deanna N. from Akron, OH

Using our exchange we stayed on Oahu and "the Big Island" of Hawaii. We attended a church service on Waikiki Beach and visited Pearl Harbor and the Mighty Mo. We explored the island, driving along the coast in our rented convertible. Beautiful blue ocean, rugged velvet green mountain cliffs, sunny blue skies, wind blowing through your hair, and the fragrance of pineapples while driving through the middle of the island. On the Big Island we visited Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the City of Refuge, and many beautiful beaches, including a black sand beach...It was also so beautiful. Each island is so different. We look forward to returning one day. It is on our Vacation Bucket List. We recommend to anyone, who has not gone yet, to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii...

- Cheryl F. from Battle Creek, MI

We took our first family trip to Hawaii a couple of years ago and stayed on the island of Oahu. Boy did we have a BLAST! From the luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and hiking to a beautiful waterfall to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and getting lost in the maze at the Dole Plantation...and yes we did enjoy Waikiki Beach, but Waimea Beach was a lot better - not a lot of coral, rocks or people. And let's not forget Pearl Harbor (great history lesson) and the Polynesian Cultural Center (awesome).

Even though it's been a couple of years, we still talk about this amazing trip. Someone once asked me if I remember what my parents gave me for my 13th, 16th or 20th birthday (I am 37 now) and I responded with "No." Then they asked "Do you remember going on vacation with your family?" and I said "You bet I do, those were the best." It is then that I realized, time waits for no one; the memories we make is what life is all about, and I know that's what my son will remember. And hopefully he will make his own memories when he has his own family. We will definitely be going back to Hawaii soon.

- Irene S. from Cathedral City, CA

View of the beautiful coastline of the island of Oahu.

- Deanna N. from Akron, OH

I’ve always dreamed of going to Hawaii, and last month my wish finally came true when I vacationed in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I stayed in Waikiki at Lifetime in Hawaii in the Royal Kuhio building, and I couldn’t have been happier. I was in walking distance to everything Waikiki had to offer – the beach, restaurants, shops, and the International Market Place.

As a first-timer to Hawaii I wanted to make sure I did everything the tour books said to try. Naturally, one of our first stops was to tour the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. We didn’t reserve tickets online ahead of time, so we got there early, about 8:30 or 9am, to secure walk-in tickets. We had about an hour to wait before our tour time began, so we were able to walk through the various museums on-site.

Another day, we climbed the trail up Diamond Head to see amazing views of Hawaii. The hike can be tough at times (be sure to wear sneakers!), but what you see at the top is well worth the trip!

Another can’t-miss activity while in Hawaii is attending a luau. We chose the Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village since it was in walking distance from our unit. We enjoyed a wonderful buffet followed by a performance of several different dances, each with an interesting history.

Between Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and the luau, I still was able to relax on the beach, which is definitely one of my favorite pastimes! I think that is what made Oahu so appealing to me – it’s a great island with many places and attractions to explore, yet there’s always a beach nearby to catch some sun.

This week on the RCI blog, we’ll be sharing stories and photos from RCI subscribing members who have also visited the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Be sure to come back! Have you been to Oahu and have a story of photo of your own to share? If so, submit it here and maybe we’ll feature yours at the end of the week.

View from Diamond Head

View of a beach walk at Waikiki

Sunset on a beach in Waikiki