Las Vegas 2012

Well, the date is now Sunday, March 25, 2012. That only means one thing. I SURVIVED Las Vegas. Not only did my boys and I survive Vegas, we KILLED it! With that being said I do admit that this venture took a toll on our bodies as we are now beaten soldiers.

Day 1
We arrived at 9AM on Monday, March 19, 2012, unsure of what to expect. Although I made plans and reservations to various places, nothing would have prepared me for what was to come. When we arrived to Las Vegas we had 6 hours to burn until our room was ready and prepared. I had most of the guys in the dark about the accommodations about our stay. All they knew was that we were staying in a studio suite at the Palms Place Suites ( A room with a king bed and pull out sofa ). So prior to check in, we went to the outlet malls to shop and then to the Planet Hollywood Hotel, where we walked around their mall and spent time at a Fat Tuesdays. A word of advice, those drinks that they serve are for real. DO NOT TAKE THEM LIGHTLY ( I have pictures)! Alas, It was 3PM and now time for check in at the Palms Place. When we arrived to our room, the excitement and shock in their faces when they saw what I had really arranged was priceless. As they walked into our suite 11-301, they realized our studio suite was actually a 1 bedroom condo/Penthouse suite. It included a luxurious living area (with a fireplace, pull out sofa , Flat screen TV, balcony and fireplace), beautiful full sized kitchen , powder room,  full sized bathroom ( with TV) and a beautiful bedroom ( with a king sized bed, hot tub, balcony and flat screen TV). At this time we are now feeling the Vegas life! With the evening winding down, it was time for us to prepare for our first night in Vegas: Club XS at Encore.
Club XS
About two hours later of preparation and pre-drinking, it was time for us to make our way to  Club XS. When we arrived, the area was EXTREMELY busy as the line up for entrance was endless! We've never seen such a big line up! Although I had reservations, we were still worried. I fired a text to my guy and told the bouncer about my reservations, less than a minute later, my guy came down and lifted the Red Velvet Rope! At this point people are looking and staring and we were on top of the world! I remember our table, our bottle services, some girls......... and that's all I remember lol.

Day 2
I woke up the following morning in a haze and still in awe of what happened. I wake up and see my boys half dead and with a smile on their face as if they were thinking "what a night!" I knew we were burning day light so I quickly got ready and prepared for the day and the next night out. Matt and I fuelled up and got some food and checked out what the Palms Place had to offer. We went to their amazing pool then ventured to the Palms Hotel via the skytube. We saw that MTV's Spring Break Parties were taking place  and that it was packed with people lining up. Shortly after, we went back to our suite to re-group with the other boys so we can return to Fat Tuesdays to officially re-start our festivities of drinking. Another Fat Tuesdays ( at the Planet Hollywood Hotel) drink later all of us were feeling great! We decided to venture the strip again where Matt and I ended up losing Derek and Brandon. However, it didn't matter since we were wasted lol. Matt and I decided to go to Caesar's Palace before heading back to our suite as we wanted to check out their hotel and mall. Once again, it was another beautiful hotel (possibly my favourite) and it was rich in designer shopping areas. Our time at Caesar's Palace was short lived, as we decided to go back and meet up with the other two and start getting ready. After a few more drinks and preparation, it was time for our second night in Vegas: off to Club Pure at Caesar's Palace!
Club Pure
From the very moment we pulled up at Caesar's Palace, it was stupid busy and full of people trying to get into Club Pure! Although the line up to get into XS was large, the line up to get into Club Pure was even larger (well according to us)! Again, we've never seen such huge line ups! This was definitely now the largest line up we have ever seen! The line up stretched as far and wide as I can see! Although we had reservations, I was skeptical again on what would happen. My connection to Club Pure advised me to go towards the side and ask for her, once I did, the door man greeted us and called our connection. She came down, all dressed elegant and beautiful and greeted us at the front. She then lifted the Red Velvet Rope, and asked us to follow her! Again people were staring and we were on top of the world! As she guided us inside, she took us to the elevator to take us upstairs and show us our VIP table on the rooftop of Club PURE! From that moment, we were provided with amazing service as the severs and bouncers were top notch! They were friendly, helpful and very accommodating. About an hour later, we were starting to feel the liquid courage. We were basking in awe as we took pictures and enjoyed the scenery from the rooftop! A few more drinks and a an entourage of girls later, we were having the time of our lives! Just when we thought the night couldn't have gotten any better, we ran into Coolio! What an awesome down to earth guy! Very friendly and talkative and down to have fun, just like us! As the night wore on, everything started to become hazy as the next thing I remember was waking up!

Day 3
Again, I woke up in a haze and in awe of what happened. However, this time I was starting to feel the effects of all the alcohol consumption. When I look at my boys, I can also see the toll it's taken on them. With that being said, we all knew we had one more day and one more  night in the beautiful city of Las Vegas. That only meant one thing: time to dig down deep and show what we are made of. Pulling off two nights in a row of VIP service and unforgettable memories is an accomplishment, but was it possible to pull off the hat-trick? Three nights of legendary parties? Only time would tell. If we were to do so, we knew needed to reenergize as we were running on fumes. We needed our Vitamin D, so we were off to the pool to soak in some sun. Right from the get go, we were feeling great, enjoying the sun and having some drinks. We chilled in the hot tub where we met some great people and shared our stories. We spoke about meeting Coolio and what an amazing time we've had so far ; then, we met a gentlemen that shared his celebrity experience. He took out his iPhone and started scrolling through pictures. All I see are pictures of him with random celebrities: Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks and others I couldn't recall... I started to wonder who this guy was when he told me he was one of the soldiers in the the Academy Award nominated documentary, "Restrepo". So far this afternoon was turning out well as this soldier was an awesome guy and great to talk to. Although we were having fun, we knew we needed to get going and get our night started. I was hoping to go to Fat Tuesdays, however the others were not feeling that idea. There wasn't enough time and we needed to fuel up with food. So instead of Fat Tuesday's, we had Brandon make us some dumb fucking drinks: We had Fat Brandon's back at our suite. Although it was called Fat Brandon's, it was Matt that made these drinks. Wow, who would have known these drinks were as potent and delicious as the ones at Fat Tuesdays. After having dinner, drinks and a brief rest, it was time to get ready for our final night out. During our preparation, I was still running low on energy. The others seemed like they were rejuvenated, but I was still running on fumes and unsure if I can make the night. Although I was struggling, I knew one thing: my dudes needed me. For us to have a good time and for the night to be a success, we needed to be together and represent! Once we were all ready to go, we had our final toast and I gave an epic speech to kick start the night! Now we were off to Club Surrender at Encore.
Club Surrender
Just when I thought the line ups to get into a club couldn't get any bigger, surprise surprise, Club Surrender's line up was just as long (if not longer) as what we saw the past two nights. There was the regular line up, the VIP line up, the VIP VIP line up etc... Doesn't matter, they were all huge lol. Just like the other nights, I made my connections. I went to the guest list guy at the front and told him about our reservations. A few moments later, my dude showed up, greeted us warmly and.... lifted the Red Velvet Rope! The reaction from the people were the same as the past two nights as they were in awe what we were able to do! Again, they were looking and wondering who these guys were! As we made our way through Club Surrender en route to our table, we were in awe as it was such a beautiful venue! We've never seen such a beautiful place (with the exception of Pure and XS)! Finally we made it to our table, as we were provided with first class service and again, the time of our lives! Maybe it was because we were overwhelmed, but it all went by so fast! It was such a good time I never wanted it to end. I remember Brandon and I working as a cohesive unit as we met our beauties from Oregon. We took them to our table as they were looking beautiful and elegant! There were so many of you and I wish I can remember all your names, but a shout out to MK, Liz and Abby :). By the way Abby, Derek misses you! All the dancing and all the drinks could not prepare us for what was to happen next. As Brandon and I turn around, we see Derek on fire! He is having the time of his life, mingling with beautiful ladies and.... he finally learned how to dance! Although I was already having a great time, Derek put the biggest smile on mine and Brandon's face! You were the MVP that night my dude! Just like that, within a flash it was all over. We closed the ceremony with style. We pulled off the hat-trick.

Day 4
We woke up that morning beaten and hungover. We knew we accomplished an amazing feat. Although it was a great feeling, it was bittersweet as it was all over. Time to pack and go home. We had the time of our lives and the memories that would last a lifetime. With that being said, there was one more trick up my sleeve. A limo ride to the airport. As we were on our way, all I can think of is one thing: well done boys, we took down Vegas.

Special Thank You to the amazing staff and people at the:
 Palms Place Suites, Club XS, Club Pure and Club Surrender

And an even more Special Thank You to:
Ryan, Irene and Mikey! Without you guys none of this is possible.

Thank You

Carnaval Legend: Western Caribbean

On October 16, 2011, I embarked on the 7 day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Legend with my family: which took us to Cozumel, Mexico, Belize, Mahogany Bay and the Grand Cayman Islands. Although the ports of call were nice during my previous Mexican cruise, I feel that the ports of call were much better during the Western Caribbean. As stated before the Mexican Cruise was my first cruising experience, so this time around I was more readily prepared on what to expect. Compared to the Carnival Splendor, the Carnival Legend is slightly smaller ( although I couldn't tell the difference). This trip was extra special because I was able to have family with me (parents, brother, his girlfriend and my cousin). I've been to the Caribbean before ( Bahamas and Barbados) however, like the Mexico, this was my first Caribbean Cruise. When it comes to what the ship had to offer, It had many of the same features and events as the Splendor and other Carnival fun ships (Cloud 9 Spa, various pool side experiences, casino, comedy shows, disco dance club, sport bars, Lido Deck buffet , formal dining, unlimited ice cream machine, 24 hour pizza stand, panini stand to their burgers and fries stand and live music). 


The only thing I did different was take part in the excursions. I saw the excursions offered many tours of the Mayan Ruins. Prior to this trip I have always found the history of the Mayan society fascinating. That is why it was only natural that I took part in those excursions. I partook on the tour to see the Mayan Ruins of Tulum at Cozumel and the Altun Ha Mayan site at Belize. I must say it was quite an amazing experience. Although I have seen the structures on television, it is a much more different experience seeing the magnificent structures up close. There are definitely more excursions to choose from but I focussed on the Mayan tours as per my interest.


Overall, my experience the  second time around was much more enjoyable. The fact that my family was with me and we were able to share the experience  made all the difference in this one. Also the excursions that I went to in combination with the amazing Carnival staff was great too!

Ship: Carnival Legend
Staterooms: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Amenities: 8/10
Hospitality/Service: 10/10
Food: 7/10
Overall Experience: 7.5/10

Mexican Cruise: Carnaval Splendor

On May 15,2011, I embarked on the 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise which took us to the Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta Ports. Ports of call destinations were enjoyable as you are able to tour Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Although I've travelled to Mexico in the past, this was my first time travelling to Mexico via cruise. I have not ever been on a cruise, so this experience was very exciting since i didn't know what to expect. Coming onboard the ship the first time was quite the experience because i was impressed and overwhelmed of the size of the ship (inside and out). Being in it's presents put me in awe as I was looking forward to the week in hand. During that week, I enjoyed most of what the ship/cruise-line had to offer. I say most because while onboard, the ship offers so many activities and it is difficult at times to try everything.

I particularly enjoyed the pool side experience ( although I feel the whirlpools could have been hotter) as it provided separate sections for adults and children. It provided the passengers with comfort and entertainment as you were able to lay back and enjoy the sun while live music was playing.
If you are looking for further comfort, the cloud 9 spa offers everything from massages to hot tub therapy. The only drawback is that you have to pay additional for those services (although their gym  is free of use for passengers).

When it comes to the rooms, I stayed in the balcony stateroom. Although nice, it wasn't anything special; either 2 single beds or a queen. Since I stayed with my Brother, we had two single beds. The spacing isn't very big and I feel the overall room could be more comfortable however, it's not much of a focus since passengers typically only use the room to sleep. When it comes to room service, I give them a 10/10 because they were always helpful as they strived to make your experience a memorable one.

Nightlife on the ship was eventful as there were many to choose from: Casino, Comedy shows, Disco dance club, sport bars and music. I had one complaint about their sports bar, since I am a hockey fan from Vancouver. It was the middle of playoff time and the Vancouver Canucks were playing the San Jose Sharks. Since the games were on versus, I wan't able to see any of the games. I suggest Carnaval subscribes to Versus (NBC Sports) since they are calling themselves a sports bar.

Last but not least, how was the food? When speaking to travellers that cruise, all you hear about is the food! Well Carnaval offers a buffet style setting at the Lido deck where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at appropriate times. The Lido Deck offers everything from their salad bar, daily specials, unlimited ice cream machine, 24 hour pizza stand, panini stand to their burgers and fries stand. Although edible and available, it wasn't spectacular as I was expecting. At times I felt the food was overcooked and dry. At times I felt it was bland. When it came to their fine dining, there was a vast improvement. The quality was much better than the food provided from Lido deck and you were able to order multiple portions and entrees without any additional cost!

Overall, I must say my first cruising experience was a success, and now I look forward to my next!

Ship: Carnaval Splendor
Staterooms: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10
Amenities: 8/10
Hospitality/Service: 10/10
Food: 6/10
Overall Experience: 6/10