Universal 2018 - Part I - Introduction

I am a theme park person. I most especially love Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. I have done both many times over the years, often with family; more recently solo. 

It was past due time to go back to Universal, so I booked a room at the Royal Pacific Resort, bought a seasonal pass, and got my flight. I chose the seasonal pass because I was going to be there for a week, and they weren't offering tickets for that length of time. I figured I would more than get my money's worth, especially since I had no problem with the idea of going back within the next 15 months (passes were on special with 3 months extra). 

The accommodation choice was equally easy. I love the Royal Pacific Resort. When we started going to Universal, it was the cheapest onsite resort. Now there are cheaper, but it is still the most inexpensive option that includes Universal Express. It also has wonderful theming, giving the air of an old time South Pacific resort. Even the music piped in in the public areas is early-era jazz.

My Room

My room was Club Level, which means upgraded amenities, and access to the lounge which has breakfast, snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres, and late night desserts. There is also complementary beer and wine during "happy hour". 

The Bathroom

The View from My Room

The Bed

My trip was just before the end of the You First program from Loews, so I got a welcome gift of fruit.

Welcome Gift

One thing I really love about Florida is being able to swim outside at night. For some reason, pools in the Caribbean tend to close before sunset, so this is one area Florida takes the lead. Well, also theme parks. 

The Royal Pacific Resort has a lovely pool, and a very nice pool bar to go with it. During the day, there is usually wait service around the pool, but in the evening, you tend to have to go up yourself to get drinks. 

The pool area also has a kiddy pool and a couple of nice hot tubs where you can relax. They say you're not supposed to have drinks actually in the hot tubs, but as long as they aren't in glass containers, I have never seen this rule enforced. 

The Pool by Night

Tropical Feel

The Ship Splash Section of the Pool

Next - Islands of Adventure

Jamaica 2018 - Part IV - Excursions

I did two excursions this trip: one an old favourite, and the other new to me. The old favourite was the Dreamer Catamaran Snorkel and Sail. I have done this one both as a shore, and a land, excursion.  I like this particular excursion because everything is so laid back. There is no mandatory equipment for getting in the water.

We Took a Bus to the Pier

The Sail out Gave us Lovely Views of the Shoreline

Your Humble Narrator Underwater

The Reef and Some Fish

Close up of a sea urchin in the reef

Once I was tired of taking pictures, I ditched the camera and snorkelling gear, and got back in the water with a nice refreshing beer. This is what I mean by laid back. No fuss, no muss, no requirements for snorkel vests, or fins. Just relaxing in the beautiful warm Caribbean.

Back on Board

Sadly, the pictures for my other excursion did not turn out. It was a trip to the luminous lagoon. It was beautiful, and a very interesting experience. A bus took us at sunset to the lagoon. There is a bar there, and food, and entertainment. I finally got my ackee and saltfish. For some reason, Jamaican resorts don't tend to serve this. So, I enjoyed my dinner while I was waiting for my turn on the boat.

They take you out to the middle of the lagoon, and let you jump in and swim. As the water in the lagoon is stirred by your swimming motions, it heats up and glows. The bottom of the lagoon has a very unusual, almost gelatinous, texture. I would do this again.

Next - Universal Orlando