Hey @PhilipJanikowski thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. I also appreciate your well wishes for the channel. I always do my best to shoot my videos around people who may be up and enjoying the resort. This could be in gyms, at the beach or around the pools. I usually try and shoot the video in the early morning before too many people are out and about. Sometimes it's difficult to avoid but I always try and keep my distance and be respectful. Treat others how you want to be treated. Thanks again for watching.

Hi @alanamodi9832 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my full resort video tour of Secrets Tides. I hope you have a fantastic vacation. This is a great question and I'll answer it in two parts. Yes, men are required to wear pants and closed toe shoes in all a la carte restaurants. That said, the enforcement of the dress code can be hit or miss at this resort or any resort for that matter. All the restaurants are air conditioned if you opt to eat indoors. Hope this helps. Please come back to the channel after your vacation to let us know how you enjoyed Secrets Tides.

Hi @dianarae1622 thank you for stopping by the channel and watching my video tour of a beautiful Club King Suite at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Unfortunately, I didn't look to see if it was a sleeper sofa and I cannot find an answer with a reliable source. It may be worth reaching out to the hotel directly.

@@SunnySouthVacations thank you. I did reach out and they said no the Club King does not have a sleeper sofa

@@dianarae1622 thank you for coming back to share that information with our community of SunSeekers.

Hi @brittonsmith9343 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my full resort tour of Dreams Flora. I hope you enjoyed it. In my experience the enforcement of the minimum height requirement for waterslides (at all resorts) is hit or miss and subject to the life guard on duty and their diligence to check. I saw them doing it diligently at Dreams Flora while I was on vacation. The minimum age requirement is much easier for the resorts to enforce because you do have to check your child in with a team member. I really love Dreams Flora for families with children at any age but if you have concerns about the minimums please consider reaching out to me directly as I would be happy to assist you plan and book a vacation where you're not concerned with meeting minimums. I can be reached at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca

Hey @diegoguigouaunchayna6852 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my full resort video tour of Iberostar Quetzal. During my vacation I don't recall there being any beachside food or drink service. That said, there are two beach/pool side bars steps away from all the sun loungers and the grill is also just steps away. You won't have to walk too far to satisfy any craving.

Hi @xpedrosilva007 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Iberostar Quetzal. Yes, there are designated smoking sections.

Hi @sanvic7590 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Dreams Flora. I very much appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment. It sounds like this pending vacation should be spectacular with all you have to celebrate. I'm a professional travel advisor and don't charge additional fees. If you'd like to work together to plan and book your vacation please consider reaching out to me directly at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca . I've assisted many of my subscribers plan and book great vacations. Once we've connected over email I'm happy to set up a time for a phone/video call at your discretion.

Hi @annapetras4986 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Dreams Flora. I very much appreciate your kind words as well. I'm a professional travel advisor and don't charge additional fees. If you'd like to work together to plan and book your vacation please consider reaching out to me directly at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca . I've assisted many of my subscribers plan and book great vacations. Once we've connected over email I'm happy to set up a time for a phone/video call at your discretion.

Hi again @loseto61 and thank you for watching my video tour of Sunscape Dominicus. I've traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, staying at and touring, many all-inclusive resorts. I understand that they are not all a created equally and follow a general rule that you get what you pay for in life. For this vacation I was looking for something a little more budget friendly and I wanted to see an area of Dominican Republic I hadn't seen before, so I picked Sunscape Dominicus. I wasn't expecting Sandals or Secrets quality but I did expect to enjoy my vacation, which I did. I'm bummed that you didn't enjoy your vacation but totally appreciate that people can experience the same things differently. I hope you'll consider send the resort your feedback.

Hey @loseto61 thank you again for stopping by the channel and for watching one of my video tours. As I said in my previous comment please make sure you send your feedback to the resort. Be as specific as possible by letting them know which pools and on which days you were vacationing at the resort. Your feedback will only help them get better.

Hey @loseto61 thanks for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Sunscape Dominicus. I'm sorry to hear that your vacation fell short of your expectations. I know people spend good money to vacation at these resorts and you should expect to have a great time. The beach, the waves, the ocean currents are all out of the resorts control. I've been to some resorts multiple times and had very difference experiences with their beach due to the unpredictability of mother nature. The resort should have sent you a survey after your vacation and I'm optimistic you would have shared your feedback with them so they know where they fell short and how they can improved. Alternatively, if they didn't send you a survey you may want to consider sending them an email. The only way anyone can improve is by receiving feedback. It may not always be easy to hear but we should all be striving to improve and feedback is needed.

Hi @duanec6497 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Freedom of the Seas. Good observation on the similarities. Both ships have gone through Royal Caribbean's amplification program which enhances older ships with amenities, activities and looks that guests like on the bigger and newer ships. Freedom of the Seas is indeed a bigger ship. It has a guest capacity of 3,782 while Mariner of the Seas has a guest capacity of 3,348. Are you looking at booking your next cruise? I'm a Royal Caribbean expert so please feel free to reach out and I can assist with your planning and booking. No extra fees. I can be reached direct at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca

Hey @rodritortosa5050 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Sunscape Dominicus. Great question. Sun Club doesn't have a standalone cost or price. You book a standard room or a room within Sun Club. The cost of Sun Club is built into the cost of your room if you purchase that category of room. If you'd like some professional assistance with your booking please email me direct at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca

Hi @BobSchmeckpeper thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Dreams Flora Resort and Spa. I always use and recommend Renny Travel but there are other companies you may consider as well.

Hey @mr.btheband thanks for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Seadust Cancun. Do you mean how will it be decorated or Christmas or how it will look in terms of the number of guests? If it is the former (decor) it will look fantastic. They put up a great big Christmas tree in the lobby and have lots of garland and decorations around the lobby area of the resort. I'm not a foodie, I don't need gourmet but I do like good food presented nicely. The resort delivers good food and presents it nicely. Sure, you may find some inconsistencies among all the dining venues but you'd find that at any resort. From a star rating perspective this resort would be a half star to a full star below Hard Rock and Moon Palace but it's a sold 4-star especially with the management change that took place last year. The new management group also manage Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Hyatt Zilara Cancun as well as some other premium resorts so they are cleaning this one up quite nicely both from an esthetic and service perspective. I'm a professional travel advisor and if you'd like to chat offline and have me assist with your vacation plans and booking please reach out to me directly at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca . There is no extra cost to using a professional travel advisor.

Hey @user-vj4hw8ud1t thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my room tour from Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Unfortunately, I can't answer your question definitively. I can't imagine there isn't air conditioning but I rarely use it any time I'm away so I cannot confirm. I'd suggest you reach out to the resort directly.

Hi @tiffanyendler9967 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Sunscape Dominicus. This is a great question. I did not see any bali beds available for rent while I was at the resort. That said, I may have just missed them.

Hey @seahorsedreams5732 thanks for watching my video tour of Norwegian Breakaway. Will this be your first cruise?

@@SunnySouthVacations no, but first cruise on Norwegian.

@@seahorsedreams5732 that's awesome. What are you most looking forward to on your first cruise with Norwegian?

Hi @yolita21 thank you for watching my video tour of Norwegian Breakaway. Yes, there is a Starbucks on board. I'm guessing you don't like to be too far away from your next latte?

@@SunnySouthVacationsha!!! Love my Starbucks but having or not having Starbucks on the ship would not sway my decision on booking either way. Thank you!

@@yolita21 I don't drink coffee so it wouldn't sway my decision either.

Hi @sandiehay4965 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of the Norwegian Breakaway. This is a great question. I'm happy to confirm that as of January, (2024) Norwegian Cruise Line started to transition American Diner into a complimentary dining venue. Some of the more upscale menu items were removed. That said, at the time I filmed this video they were still charging.

Hi @queene1427 thank you for watching my video tour of Hilton Rose Hall and for your kind words. Are you planning a visit to the resort? If so, what are you most excited about experiencing?

Hey @valeriemccann2502 thank you for watching my video tour of the Norwegian Breakaway. Have you sailed on Breakaway or experienced Ido on another ship?

Hey @clp480 thank you for watching my video tour of Hilton Playa del Carmen. Are you planning a visit to the resort? What are you most excited about?

Hi @Dessy0405 thanks for stopping by to say hello. Hope you're having a great day.

Hey @buddys369 thank you for watching my full resort tour of Dreams Flora. I also appreciate the kind words. It takes a lot of time and effort to produce these videos so I'm always happy to get positive feedback. I've toyed with the idea of putting my room tours in these longer resort tour videos and it's just not something I'm keen on doing at the moment. That said, I do have two room tours that are currently available on my channel. I have linked to them below. Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Up - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-P55LZhV2Zr8.html Preferred Club Master Suite Swim Up - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-A5y4hOwgpxg.html I don't always get into all the rooms since these resorts are operational at the time of my visit. I can only see rooms that are vacant. Are you planning a vacation at the resort? If so please feel to reach out if you'd like to work with me, a professional travel advisor, to plan and book everything.

@@SunnySouthVacations I appreciate you linking those videos, I did not see them before of the rooms. I am currently booked for the end of Oct staying in a preferred jr king swimout.

@@buddys369 you're most welcome. I hope you have a fantastic vacation and please come back here after to let us know how much you enjoy the resort.

@@SunnySouthVacations do you deal with Hawaii or Maldives bookings? Might be looking for one of those for next year.

@@buddys369 I do Hawaii but not the Maldives. Feel free to reach out. jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca

Hi @darlayang07 thank you for watching my video tour of Secrets Tides? Are you planning a vacation at the resort? This is a great question about air conditioning. Yes, all the restaurants have indoor air conditioning.

Hi @HRuiz-kt5ui thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Hayhu Beach Club. I'm so happy to hear that my video tour provided you with the information you needed in order to book your time at Hayhu. It's very kind that you took the time to post a message here in the comments and post a Google Review for Hayhu. I'm sure they appreciate it and I appreciate that you took the time to watch my video tour. Glad you had a great time. Was there anything in particular that was highlight for you?

You’re very welcome, but you deserve the feedback and participation for such a great video. The vibe there was everything…quiet enough to hear the gentle slap of the waves and to do some reading and napping between the frolics in the water. I felt immersed in the jungle and hundreds of miles from the port. Also, service was fabulous, attentive without being bothersome. Just what you need for a disconnected lazy beach day!

@@HRuiz-kt5ui thank you again so very much for your kind words. I happy you enjoyed a great day at Hayhu. There weren't many people there the day I was there but we still had a fantastic time. It was just a touch quieter than I would have liked. Enjoyed my nap though.

Hi @aminahguzman6111 thank you for watching my room tour of the Family Junior Suite with Premium Level at Barcelo Bavaro Palace. This is two connected Junior Suites so one room has a washroom, living area and king bed while the other has a washroom, living area and two double beds. Are you planning a vacation at Barcelo Bavaro Palace?

@SunnySouthVacations yes we just came back and we stayed there actually. But we had SO MANY mosquitoes in our room

@@aminahguzman6111 ah that's a bummer that you had some mosquito issues. What was the highlight of the resort or the vacation for you?

Hey @user-qs8gp9uu5m thank you for watching my video tour of Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. I absolutely loved my time at the resort. Have you been there before or are you planning your first visit?

Hi @raidernewf8355 thank you for watching my video tour of Jewel Paradise Cove. What has you going back to Jewel Paradise Cove so often?

@@SunnySouthVacations The people of Jamaica keep us coming back . We can get sun and sand cheaper in Cuba or the DR but we just like the Jamaican people and we know that we’re going to have a great time. As for why we go to JPC, it’s because it ticks the boxes of what we’re looking for in a resort. Adults only Smaller resort so you if you meet people you will see them again The staff are amazing The food and beverage are not the greatest we’ve had but we always find something we like.

@@raidernewf8355 I love your mindset as it relates to a great vacation. It all starts with knowing what's important, what's not as important and setting the correct expectations. I'd also agree, love the Jamaican people.

@@SunnySouthVacations After so many trips you get a sense of knowing what is and isn’t important. I’ve seen too many people let their days and trips be ruined because breakfast was a little late or it was raining that day.I’m not saying we’re better that them, we’re just at a point where we let the small things slide and focus on relaxing and enjoying ourselves.

@@raidernewf8355 sounds like you do a great job of not sweating the small stuff. Great outlook on life. Thanks for dropping by to share some wisdom and please come back after your next visit to Jewel Paradise Cove to give us your review.

Hey @nicob2212 thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my full resort tour of Dreams Flora. I also appreciate you taking the time to drop a positive comment. I was there in July which is the height of sargasso season and they do have a barrier about 50m out in the water. It did prevent the sargasso from getting through but the water was a bit murky. I'm not sure if the two are related. That said, ocean currents and weather patterns are changing constantly so it may have been something that was happening just those days I was at the resort. It wouldn't stop me from going back. One of the nicest resorts I've ever been to in my 20+ years of traveling to the Caribbean.

I understand, hard to judge the water in sea weed season! Thx so much for the quick response, greatly appreciate:) keep up the good work.

@@nicob2212 you're most welcome and thank you again for watching and for your positivity.

Hey @alanamodi9832 thank you for watching my video tour of Secrets Tides in Punta Cana. This is a great question. No, you cannot access the hydrotherapy area or amenities without booking a spa treatment or booking spa access to the hydrotherapy area specifically. Please come back here after your vacation and let us all know what you thought of Secrets Tides.

Hi @Mrs_Sandy39 thank you for watching my video tour of Dreams Flora and dropping some love on it. When made you fall in love with the resort?

Hey @Mrs_Sandy39 what are you loving about the Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Up tour at Dreams Flora?

Hey @jaelcaballero5212 thanks for watching my video tour of The Cabana Beach. If my memory serves me correct there are 12 cabanas in total. Cabana # 1 and #10 are the biggest and likely the ones you'd need to accommodate a group of 11 people. Cabana # 1 is probably a 3-5 minute walk from the beach area at Chankanaab Park while Cabana # 12 is a 15 second walk. How far the other park activities are from the beach at Chankanaab I'm not sure.

Hi @nayeliayalaortiz7180 thank you for watching my video tour of the Iberostar Tucan. Most of my adult only clients prefer to vacation at an adult only resort when they aren't traveling with children. I've never been to Sandos Playacar but I can speak about Iberostar Tucan. It is a lovely resort set in the jungle/rain forest. The food was quite good for an all-inclusive resort. There is an adult pool but that's the only place where children aren't allowed. I'd suggest you maybe consider an adult only resort. If you'd like the assist of a professional travel advisor please consider emailing me directly so we can plan and book your vacation. I can be reached at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca

Hi @user-re8sd6bd2n thank you for watching my video tour of Dreams Flora and for leaving such a positive comment. I appreciate your kind words. What did you like most about the video? Seeing the beach, the pools, the restaurants?

Hey @pabloandrew38 this resort tour video is of the Seadust Cancun Family Resort in Mexico.

Hi @SK1MD thank you for stopping by the channel and watching my video tour of Tabyana Beach Club. I had such a great time filming this video and an even better time spending my day at the beach club. Unless something changed recently I believe the only way you can get into Tabyana Beach is by booking through the cruise line. That said, at $55 per person that's a pretty good rate if that's for their all-inclusive day break.

Thank you for your response. I see. Yes, I thought $55 seemed pretty good including transportation, Tabyana beach, and medical coverage in case of an emergency so I did book it through the cruise line. Were food and drinks included at the beach for the day in your entrance fee?

Hi @mhobi__93 thanks for stopping by the channel and watching my video tour of Secrets Tides in Punta Cana. This is a great question and I'm glad you asked. There is also a Secrets Cap Cana which I will have a video tour of as well. That said, this video is very much Secrets Tides. Are you booked to vacation at one of these resorts?

@@SunnySouthVacations hello! We were already at Secrets Cap Cana and now we thinking to book for next year. And deciding between Cap Cana / Tides / Moxche (Mexico).

@@mhobi__93 both good choices. The one that's right for you depends on a number of factors. If you'd like to work with me, as a professional travel advisor, to plan and book for next year please email me directly at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca. One of the benefits of working with a professional travel advisor is we can assist with resort decisions. We know the differences between these resorts and some of those differences could sway you one way or the other.

Hi @Zoren9396 I was touring some other rooms at this resort while there on vacation and went through with a group of Canadian travel advisors. Hence, the flag. The rooms could use some new furniture, in my opinion, just to freshen up the look. Otherwise, I felt like the resort was in a good state of repair.

Hi @TruthInspector thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Freedom of the Seas. I'm sorry to hear that your experience on the ship was not pleasant. My experience was the complete opposite from yours, everything was clean, well maintained and the crew was fantastic. That said, I can totally appreciate that things could change from week to week (cruise to cruise) and that everyone experiences things differently. Royal Caribbean does sent out a post cruise survey to allow you to provide your feedback. I hope you took advantage of that opportunity. If us guests don't provide feedback, positive or negative, they won't know what's working and what they need to improve.

yes, i will do the survey. keep in mind, this ship has a reputation i found out from locals in the port, of being rundown with poor amenties. ive taken pictures all over the ship of rust in my room in window, bathroom, tile crumbling on decks due to lack of repair. the pool has at least 4 grapefuit sized patches of areas it needs for resurfacing, and its the only adult pool on board and no where else to go. no excuse for that. they dont have proper staff to pick up meal plates or restock depleted items the drink package is a joke. the waiters dont bring what you ask for and you cant even order coffee and orange juice at same time for breakfast bc staff has been told to make you wait to order second drink. the fresh squeezed oj is not right either. the oranges are so sour they taste like lemons. they have one specialty coffee area in buffet and you have to stand there while your breakfaat gets cold. i have pics of much more....so i can only think you get a kickbk from praising these people or you have very low standards

@@TruthInspector again, I'm sorry to hear that your experience fell short of your expectations. Please pass along your feedback directly to Royal Caribbean. They're the only ones that will be able to appropriately address your concerns. You may already have this information, if not, here's how you can reach their post cruise department royalguestrelations@rccl.com or call or text 1-800-256-6649.

Hi @Mrs_Sandy39 I had the same reaction the moment I arrived at Secrets Tides. For me it was the entrance that lead to the lobby to the courtyard to the pools and the beautiful beach. What made you say "wow"?

​@@SunnySouthVacations everything 😊😊😊

Hey @cliveg3122 this is such a great question. I did see some authentic Jamaican food items on the menus when I was at the resort including; oxtail stew, rice and peas but I don't recall curried goat. That said, menus can change and I certainly didn't see all of the menus so it may be an item they do offer. Thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Hilton Rose Hall.

Hi @rgrbch thank you for stopping by the channel and watching my video tour of Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen. I had no issue being served after 11pm. Certain bars and lounges may have adjusted their operating hours and some may close before or at 11pm but there isn't a bylaw in affect that I'm aware of at the moment. That said, one of the benefits of this resort is the proximity to 5th Avenue. Pending your comfort level you could always head to one of the bars and lounges on 5th Avenue which are always filled with a mix of locals and vacationers.

I am familiar with 5th Ave, we stayed at the Ocean Maya Royale 3 years ago, we really enjoyed 5th Ave. My things is ..... I would like to visit 5th Ave and surrounding area during the day, and relax with a few Cocktails in the evening, the whole 11pm thing isn't really a big deal for me, but I would like the option of a later Bar time, and I really wouldn't entertain the idea of going down to 5th Ave and spending even more money for what I feel I have already paid for 😉 it's not a deal breaker, well kinda is, because I won't be stating in Playa Del Carmen, instead, I'll stay in Riviera Maya and take a Taxi to 5th Ave, if I decide I want to visit the area again. Thank you very much for the reply, and safe travels 🙂

@@rgrbch have a great vacation and let us know what you decide. Would love to hear a trip review when you're back as well.

Hey @stevewalton1888 thank you for stopping by the channel, for watching my video tour of Wyndham Alltra Cancun and letting me know that my tour helped you make the decision to book this wonderful resort. Next time you're looking to book a Sunny South Vacation please reach out to me directly as I am also a professional travel advisor (jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca). I believe the only beer they have on tap is Dos Equis.

@@SunnySouthVacations Thank you for the quick reply. I will defiantly reach out next time we want to book our vacations.

@@stevewalton1888 sounds great and please come back here after your vacation to let us know all about it.

Hey @josedejezus thank you for stopping by the channel and watching my video tour of the Hilton Playa del Carmen. Yes, the restaurants are included in the price. The only exception is Chef's Plate. This restaurant has an elevated menu and is a fully immersive dining experience. The chef prepares a custom menu for guests each evening using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. All other restaurants are included. If you'd like assistance as you plan and book your vacation please feel free to reach out to me directly at jeff@sunnysouthvacations.ca . I am a professional travel advisor with nearly a decade of experience specializing in all-inclusives and cruising.

@@SunnySouthVacations thank you

@@josedejezus you're most welcome.

Hey @stephenbernard4675 , thank you for stopping by the channel and for watching my video tour of Iberostar Tucan. Are you booked for a vacation at the resort? Yes, you can request a taxi from the bell team. You could also pre-arrange a private transfer with one of the many private transfer companies in the area. What are you looking to do?

@@SunnySouthVacations okay nice, just checking out the various options available in the Playacar Area. One last question, how deep are the pools on site?

@@stephenbernard4675 I don't recall the exact depth of each pool. It's possible you may see the depth markers in my video. That said, I found the main pool got a little too deep be able to walk through and keep my arms sufficiently above water while carrying a beverage. I'm 5'8" though.