You remember the Dark Times.  Businesses closed, kids not in school, and NO TRAVEL.  I’m more than happy to have the pandemic well behind us all – it brought out the absolute best, and the absolute worst of humanity.  In both cases, we learned a lot.  Today I thought I’d talk about how the travel business has changed since emerging from the Dark Times. 

BEING IN THE TRAVEL BUSINESS DURING THE PANDEMIC

I’m not suggesting our experience was any better or worse than anyone else’s, but there were a few things unique to travel advisors

• We didn’t get paid for 15 months.  We only earn money when people actually travel. 
• We rebooked some people 4 or 5 times.  Nobody knew when travel would resume, and so we rebooked some people several times.  Unfortunately, we only get paid once. 
• Cancellations:  There were LOTS, and when someone cancels, we don’t get paid. 
• OUR STAFF:  We had no ability to pay people, so it was just Bob and me trying to keep up with cancellations and rebookings.  It was our BUSIEST time in this business. 
• OUR VENDORS:  For the most part, the cruise lines treated us very well.  AMA Waterways and the Royal Caribbean Group of companies were most supportive. 
• OUR CLIENTS:  Overwhelmingly our clients were very kind to us during the shut down.  This was humanity at its best.  It seems that a crisis brings out people’s true nature, and in a very few cases, we realized we were mismatched with clients, and parted ways. 

EMERGING FROM THE PANDEMIC

• Travel didn’t really trickle back slowly… “Revenge Travel” was a real phenomenon.  
• Sitting it out for over a year, heightened people’s appreciation of experiences, and sharpened their awareness that time is short. 
• Bucket Lists were now longer, and there was a much stronger desire to move things from the “Bucket List” to the “Next List”. 

What has Changed Since the Pandemic?

• Domestic Travel:  It was first to recover, so we now book more US & Canada trips. 
• Longer Trips:  Our clients’ trip duration has doubled since the “BEFORE Times”
• More Frequent Travel:  People are travelling more often.  In some cases, 3 times a year.
• Revenge Travel:  In 2019, 30 million people took cruises.  In 2025, it was over 37 million. 
• Pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone:  Places like Antarctica, the Galapagos, the Canadian Arctic, and Africa became in demand destinations. 
• Overtourism is discussed in more measured terms, because we learned during the pandemic that UNDER-Tourism is NOT the solution. 
• Planning Matters:  Demand is high.  Ships and hotels fill quickly, so the best experiences often need to be secured earlier than previously. 

To all the longer term clients that stuck with us through the dark times – THANK YOU.  We’re so pleased to be part of your travel experiences now.  After having survived the travel apocalypse, we’re more convinced than ever that those experiences are worth prioritizing. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

The pandemic was a challenging time for everyone connected to TRAVEL, but it also reminded us how meaningful travel really is.  Join Kim & Bob for a chat about HOW TRAVEL HAS CHANGED emerging from the pandemic, and a little window inside what travel advisors did during that time:  https://youtu.be/mVJEadbw0vw 

In Case You Missed It:

TRAVEL HEALTHY – If you’ve ever lost a few days of precious vacation time due to some minor sickness, here’s some thoughts on how to avoid it again.  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-smart-travelers-stay-healthy-on-vacation/

ALASKA is much larger, and much further away than most people realize.  If you board your ship in Vancouver, you’re actually closer to Mexico than you are to Anchorage.  If you’re going all that way, make sure you do it right: https://pamperedcruiser.com/ultimate-alaska/ 

REGENT SEVEN SEAS is the MOST inclusive of the small ship luxury cruise lines.  Here’s a bit more information about this vendor:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/regent-seven-seas/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

NORWAY’S FJORDS – Kim and her husband travelled from Oslo to London last summer, and here’s her debrief of that trip, if you’re considering something similar:

https://youtu.be/JJ_Ga4jlmB0

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

REGENT Seven SEAS – All-Inclusive Luxury

Regent is the most inclusive cruise line, and for 2026 cruises booked THIS WEEK, we can get you an additional $300 per person OFF ($500 OFF cruises longer than 2 weeks).  Only through our agency.  Here are some examples:

ALASKA & JAPAN: Seattle to Tokyo departing September 30 for 20-nights

• Start in Seattle and visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Whittier, Kushiro, Hakodate, Muroran, Miyako, Hitachinaka, and finish in Tokyo.
• Fares From $12,999

ST. LAWRENCE & EAST COAST: Montreal to Miami departing October 30 for 16-nights

• Start in Montréal and visit Quebec City, Saguenay, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Sydney, Halifax, Philipsburg, Antigua, Saint Kitts & Nevis, British Virgin Islands, San Juan, and finish in Miami.
• Fares From $8,050

AMAZON & CARIBBEAN:  Round-trip Miami departing November 9 for 22-nights

• Start in Miami and visit Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Santarem, Boca Da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Alter Do Chão, St. George’s, and finish in Miami. 
• Fares From $14,349

SPAIN & PORTUGAL:  Barcelona to Lisbon departing November 11 for 12-nights

• Start in Barcelona and visit Alicante, Malaga, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Agadir, Canary Islands, Funchal (Madeira), and finish in Lisbon. 
• Fares From $6,099

AUSTRALIA: Sydney Round-trip departing December 19 for 10-days:

• Start in Sydney and visit Eden, the Bass Strait, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Portland, Tasmania, and finish in Sydney. 
• Fares From $9,249

NATIONAL PARKS with TAUCK

You COULD explore our National Parks on your own, but why not let someone else take care of all the details.  Here’s a summary of TAUCK’S itineraries to our National Parks:

• Canyonlands — Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, 1-week March to October from $4990.  
• Death Valley & Joshua Tree – from Las Vegas to San Diego for one week from $6390.
• Yellowstone & Grand Teton – Jackson to Rapid City (also includes Mt. Rushmore) for one week from $5890.  
• Canyonlands & Arches NP – from Salt Lake City to Denver for 1-week from $8920.
• Sequoia & Yosemite – RT from San Francisco for 1-week from $7290.
• Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, & Canyonlands – from Grand Junction (CO) to Las Vegas for 10-days from $8690

Learn more about visiting the National Parks with Tauck here: https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/national-parks?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

WINDSTAR Yachting Experiences

Imagine sailing with 300 people or less in an upscale but very casual setting.  That’s WINDSTAR.

WINE CRUISE in SCENIC ALASKA:  Vancouver to Juneau for 8-days:

• Start in Vancouver, and sail up the Inside Passage to visit Ketchikan, Rudyerd Bay, Wrangell, Sitka, Tracy Arm, Haines, and finish in Juneau.
• All-Inclusive fares from $5485
• 2026: Depart May 7^th or August 7^th 
• 2027: Depart July 2^nd 

ICELAND: Round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-days

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• 2026: Depart July or August from $6513
• 2027: Depart July or August from $4248

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

Here are some examples of some of the remote corners that HX can take you to:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

• 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

• 2026:  July through December from $6753
• 2027:  January through December from $7705
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires for 12-days, with 5-days of landings

• Includes flights to/from Ushuaia (from BA) to board the ship.
• Start with an included flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and embark your hybrid electric-powered expedition ship. Cross the Drake Passage and enjoy 5 days of scheduled landings in Antarctica before returning to Ushuaia followed by a flight back to Buenos Aires. 
• Departures October 2026 through March 2027 from $9518

UNIWORLD Boutique River Collection

Uniworld is the Boutique Hotel on the river with ships that are custom-built and decorated for the areas through which they are sailing.  Here’s two examples: 

VENETIAN LAGOON:  Venice round-trip for 8-days

• Uniworld operates a river boat in the Venetian Lagoon – the very best way to explore that corner of Italy.
• Explore all around Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Bologna. 
• Departures April through November from $2099
• Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

AMAZON Headwaters round-trip from Lima for 11-days

• 7 nights sailing on the Amazon and 3 nights in Lima. 
• Your ship, the Aria Amazon, only holds 32 guests, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, offering unparalleled views of this pristine part of the world.
• Have lunch with a family in Lima, visit a remote Amazon village, shop at a local market, take a skiff ride at night to view nocturnal creatures, visit local artisan and craft markets, and more. 
• 2026: Depart December 2^nd from $16,349
• 2027: Departures from $12,149
• ADD: Extension to Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

OCEANIA Small Ship Cruising for FOODIES

If you want to explore the world on a smaller ship, with port-intensive itineraries, and fantastic food and wine offering, then look at OCEANIA. 

NORWAY FJORDS from Copenhagen to Reykjavik departing June 21, 2027 for 13-days 

• Start in Copenhagen and visit Alesund, Trondheim, Leknes (Lofoten Islands), Harstad, Hammerfest, North Cape, Alta, Tromsø, Isafjordur, and finish in Reykjavik. 
• Fares from $5,099

PANAMA CANAL from Miami to LA departing January 6 for 15-days

• Start in Miami and visit the Cayman Islands, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Manzanillo, San Diego, and finish in Los Angeles.
• Fares from $6,299

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Viking’s BON VOYAGE incentive allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 35 days BEFORE you board, and get some extra goodies for doing so:

• $100 per person on board credit
• 6-month final payment date
• $100 per person OFF one-week cruises, and bigger discounts for longer itineraries.

We made a short video about the Bon Voyage Program if you’d like more details:  

https://youtu.be/gBM8IvjIb3U?si=Vy9UDiSqZQYHWR32 
Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

About once a month, you get a destination feature from us, but this month, we’ll talk about a SERIES of destinations that revolve around GOLF.  Travel and Golf have always gone hand in hand, but GOLF CRUISES and HOSTED GOLF JOURNEYS are quickly becoming one of the smartest ways to experience bucket list courses around the world.   

WHY Cruise & Golf?

• Unpack once and experience golf on different courses, and maybe different countries.
• Efficiency: The ship moves at night, so you’re not losing vacation days in transit. 
• Inclusions:  you’re not constantly pulling out your wallet to pay for things.
• Kindred Spirits:  You’ll be cruising with other golfers on board. 
• Non-Golfers are taken care of by the regular cruise programming.
• All the details are taken care of.  You need not worry about transfers and logistics. 
• Guaranteed tee times.  Some courses can be extremely difficult to access independently.

WHERE Can You GOLF and Cruise? 

• Danube River (Bavaria, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary) with AMA Waterways.
• Japan with Azamara Cruises. 
• Seine River (Paris to Normandy) with AMA Waterways
• Scotland & Ireland with Azamara, or on a Land Package.
• Spain & Portugal with Azamara
• Norway with Azamara
• Thailand with Azamara, OR on a Land Package
• Caribbean Islands with Azamara or on a Land Package.
• Australia & New Zealand with Azamara or on a Land Package

WHO Goes on these trips?

• Couples:  even when only ONE of them is a GOLF enthusiast.
• Girlfriends or Buddy getaways
• Cruisers who have been to destinations before, but want to do something active ashore. 
• Golf Enthusiasts already have trips like this on their radar!

WHY NOT Do-It-Yourself?

• Unforeseen Costs: The transfers and logistics of golfing will add up.
• Trouble securing a tee time.  Some courses can be really difficult to get on.
• Logistics: Club handling, ground transportation, and language barriers make having someone with local knowledge incredibly valuable.  You’re on vacation! 

Golf vacations are about more than just the scorecard.  It’s about stories, magnificent golf course landscapes, and shared experiences with like-minded people.  Your best golf rounds aren’t necessarily the ones with the lowest scores, but rather those rounds you’ll still be talking about long after the trip is over. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

Check out our UNPACKED PODCAST where Kim & Bob chat about the world of GOLF CRUISES and PREMIUM LAND GOLF VACATIONS, and why more travelers are discovering that structured GOLF TRIPS can be the smartest way to experience BUCKET LIST COURSES:

https://youtu.be/kk2xFfQlEVw

In Case You Missed It:

AMA WATERWAYS has a ton of Golf Cruises on the Danube River (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary), and in France.  We’re also having a private sale with them this month.  Here’s more info:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-river-cruising-done-right/ 

TRAVEL HACKS:  Here’s a little window into our world when we travel:  how we pay for things, the APPs we rely on, how we keep in touch with home, and dealing with the metric system: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-hacks-you-can-use/

The PAMPERED CRUISER TEAM:  We do it a bit differently than other travel agencies.  Each one of us will touch your reservation at some point.  Here’s a look behind the curtain at the people BEHIND the emails and phone calls: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-team-the-first-people-you-meet-on-vacation/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

BEYOND THE GREEN JOURNEYS:  If you’re a GOLFER, you’ll want to subscribe to this new channel that will highlight GOLF VACATIONS, as well as CRUISE & GOLF Experiences:

https://youtu.be/1EDHqLhK-M0?si=hqJbbhK-3GH7M1jy

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

GOLF River Cruises with AMA WATERWAYS

Remember we are running a PRIVATE SALE (NOT just on Golf Cruises!) with AMA during the month of April, so we have exclusive offers ONLY available through our agency.

GOLF JOURNEYS on the DANUBE with AMA 

• These are great if you’d like to play 4 or 5 rounds of golf at different courses along your journey, with all the details taken care of for you.  Especially great for couples with only ONE golfer.
• Danube River between Vilshofen (Bavaria) and Budapest.  Visit Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, Bratislava.
• 2026: Departures April through September from $4,099
• 2027: Departures March through December from $3,579

Paris & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September 17 for one-week

• Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight). 
• Optional 2-night Paris Extension
• Window Fares $5349.  
• French Balcony Fare: $7248. 

Learn about AMA’s Concierge Golf Program: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/explore/golf-cruises 

GOLF Adventures with AZAMARA

Azamara is the DESTINATION INTENSIVE small-ship cruise line that partners with PERRY GOLF to put together itineraries all over the world.  

GOLF CRUISE in JAPAN: Kobe to Tokyo departing May 6, 2027 for 14-nights

• This one is great for golfers, OR those really wanting to explore Japan. 
• Visit Kobe (overnight), Kochi, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Busan, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita, Aomori, and Toyko (overnight)
• Fares from $5,439 per person
• GOLF:  5-rounds with all the logistics managed for you: $4395 per person. 

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN GOLF: Rome to Barcelona departing October 31, for 7-nights

• Start in Rome and visit Florence, Monte Carlo, Nice, Provence, Palamos, and finish in Barcelona. 
• Veranda Fares from $3359

PERRY GOLF:  Azamara has over 40 itineraries ALL OVER THE WORLD where they partner with Perry Golf.  Here’s a link to the complete list: 

https://www.azamara.com/golf-cruises

GOLF PACKAGES — Premium Land Journeys

There are some golf destinations not accessible by ship.  Here are two are close to home: 

UNITED STATES: Master’s Tournament and Low Country Golf Tour for 12-nights

• Experience the excitement of the final round of the Masters Tournament combined with a small-group golf journey through the historic American Southeast.
• Attend the Sunday finale at Augusta National Golf Club, then continue on to the scenic Low country for six rounds of golf at outstanding venues including the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Ocean Course and the iconic TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. Along the way you’ll also enjoy time in the historic coastal cities of Charleston and Savannah.
• This escorted tour features hand-picked courses, luxury accommodations, and seamless transportation throughout. 
• Non-golfers are very welcome and can attend the Masters, enjoy sightseeing and dining in Charleston and Savannah, or relax at the coastal resorts.
• Departs in April each year for 12-nights
• Fares INCLUDING Golf: $16,298
• No Golf: $14,498

CANADIAN ROCKIES:  GOLF & SCENIC LUXURY TRAIN departing August 13, 2027 for 10-nights

• Experience one of the world’s most famous and scenic luxury rail trips, AND golf in the shadow of the majestic Canadian Rockies
• Fly to Calgary, and get transferred to Banff, where you’ll spend 3-nights at the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs, and get a golf game in while you’re there.  Next, go to the Columbia Ice Fields, and do a snowcat glacier tour, before spending 2-nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for your next round of golf.  To round out your Rockies stay, you’ll spend one-night at the Fairmont Lake Louise.  Spend the next 2 days in a GOLD LEAF Car on one of the world’s premier rail journeys.  Upon arrival in Vancouver, you’ll transfer to Whistler for 3-nights for more golf, and to experience this world-class resort. Transfer back to Vancouver Airport is included.  
• Fares INCLUDING Golf: $13,450
• No Golf: $11,990

RIVER CRUISE GOLF in France with UNIWORLD

WINE & GOLF in Bordeaux, FRANCE for 8-days

• Visit Cussac (for Medoc Oyster tasting), Cadillac (Toulouse-Lautrec’s house), Blaye (for Blaye Fortress – a UNESCO site), Bourg sur Gironde, Libourne (for the Farmer’s Market), Saint Emilion
• Optional extension to Biarritz Basque Country (3-nights PRE) and/or Paris (2-nights post).
• Depart May 31 from $5499
• Depart July 26 from $2,349
• Depart August 23 from $2,129
• GOLF is an additional $999 per person for two 18-hole rounds.  

CRYSTAL CRUISES Small Ship Luxury

Crystal has a certified PGA Golf Professional to help you with your game on every cruise.  Golf driving nets, complimentary clinics, and putting greens.  

CANADA NEW ENGLAND:  Montreal to New York departing October 16 for 10-nights

• Start in Montreal, and visit Quebec City, Iles-de-la-Madeline, Sydney, Halifax, Saint John, Portland, Boston, Newport, and end in New York City
• Fares from $6,300

CARIBBEAN:  Fort Lauderdale round-trip departing March 8, 2027 for 11-nights

• Start in Fort Lauderdale and visit San Juan, St. John’s, Gustavia, Roseau, St. Kitts, Road Town, and finish back in Fort Lauderdale
• Fares from $4,372

Travel Opportunities For NON-Golfers

Not everyone’s a GOLFER, so here’s some ideas for you:

SEA CLOUD Sailing Yachts

If you like the size of a river boat, with lots of time ashore, but want to visit some salt water destinations, check out SEA CLOUD.

SPAIN & ITALY:  From Mallorca to Sardinia departing August 22 for 10-nights

• Music themed cruise!  
• Start in Palma de Mallorca and visit Ibiza, Mahón, Alghero, Porto Cervo, Ajaccio, and finish in Olbia
• Fares from $6,085

GRENADINES:  Round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados departing December 8 for 7-nights

• Close to home with easy flight connections!
• Start in Bridgetown and visit Port Elizabeth, St. Vincent & Grenadines, St. George’s, Saint-Pierre, Soufrière and finish in Bridgetown
• Fares from $4,870

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

GREENLAND, CANADIAN ARCTIC & NEWFOUNDLAND: Departing September 21 for 17-nights

• Visit Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, and Disko Bay in Greenland, Qikiqtarjuaq, Lady Franklin Island, Monumental Island, and the Button Islands in Nunavut Territory, Saglek Fjord, Hebron, Tikkoatokak Bay, L’Anse aux Meadows, Red Bay, Norris Point and Woody Point in Newfoundland, as well as St. Pierre & Miquelon (France)  and finish in St. John’s. 
• Fares from $14,629

NORWAY & ICELAND:  Longyearbyen to Reykjavik departing July 10, 2027 for 10-nights

• Get NORTH of the Arctic Circle, and experience the midnight sun, the Greenland Sea, and urban Reykjavik
• Start in Oslo, and then take an included charter flight to board your ship in Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean.  Spend 3 days spotting whales, polar bears, and other wildlife in coastal Norway before heading across the Greenland Sea.  Make 3 stops in remote parts of Iceland before finishing your trip in Reykjavik.  
• Fares from $9504

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation (even if you booked ON BOARD).

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

If you’ve flown across an ocean, and then spent your first few days recovering from jetlag, fighting a bug, or just feeling lousy, you’re in good company.  Here are some ways you can minimize the odds of losing precious vacation time because your body has betrayed you:

BEFORE You Leave Home

• Adjust when you sleep and eat to the time zone of your destination if possible. 
• Get caught up on sleep.  Don’t start your vacation exhausted.
• Pack smart with appropriate vitamins, medications, and hand sanitizer.

ON THE PLANE (where much of the damage happens):

• Stay Hydrated – On a 10-hour flight you’ll lose 50 – 65 ounces of fluid.
• Get up and walk around every couple of hours.  Stretch a little bit while seated. 
• Wear a mask: The pandemic is over now, so let’s put the politics of mask-wearing aside.  An N-95 mask is proven to reduce exposure to airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses.  
• Compression Socks.  If you have any concerns about developing blood clots as a result of being seated for several hours, this simple method greatly reduces your risk. 
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the plane.  Sorry to be a drag… but too much red wine on the plane might prevent you from enjoying it at your destination.  

UPON ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION

• Eat and sleep according to the time at your destination.  Resist the urge to remain in your home timezone.  
• Enjoy the food at your destination, but ease into it.  Eat light meals with lots of fruit and vegetables for the first day or two.  
• Move your body:  walk for 15 minutes, rather than getting a taxi.  Stretch or do light exercise in your hotel room. 

AT ALL STAGES OF YOUR VACATION:

• Drink lots of water, and use rehydrating salts or electrolyte additives.
• Use hand sanitizer.  Particularly when on public transit, or in other “high-touch” places.
• Prioritize sleep.  Yes… you’re on vacation, but you’ll enjoy it more if you sleep well. 
• Build in small breaks.  It makes sense to want to see and do EVERYTHING, but schedule a quiet hour in the afternoon, or quiet coffee in the morning. 

There’s no doubt that cruise vacations in particular can be characterized by an over-abundance of food, and fewer opportunities to move your body.  You don’t have to deprive yourself, but rather look to do a few simple things:  a little bit of movement, an extra glass of water, and a quiet hour here and there.  

The little things will make a big difference in your ability to stay healthy while travelling… and you want your travel memories to be of people, places, and experiences.  NOT feeling horrible and lying in bed.  The best souvenirs you can bring home are memories… not exhaustion. 

PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

Travel should energize you… not wear you out.  In this episode, Kim and Bob discuss the TOP 10 things YOU can do to stay HEALTHY when you travel: 

https://youtu.be/wrorf2gwKr4

In Case You Missed It:

Our YOUTUBE CHANNEL:  We’ve made a number of changes to our channel that will make it easier to find the content that YOU want to see.  Here’s a description of the changes, and what you can expect going forward:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-story-behind-our-youtube-channel/

The GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:  This is the ultimate bucket-list trip, and it’s not too far away from home:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/galapagos-cruises-explained/

LAND CRUISES With COLLETTE:  If you like the rhythm and cadence of a cruise, but want to go where the ships can’t take you, then take a look at COLLETTE: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/collette-guided-vacations/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

SHIP TOUR of Oceania Regatta:  OCEANIA has four identical R-Class vessels that carry 680 guests.  This ship tour video also applies to Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena.  

https://youtu.be/Ryx1_QMD_oE

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

EXPLORA JOURNEYS – Luxury Lifestyle Cruising

If you’re looking for an elevated culinary experience, and a unique entertainment concept, all while enjoying a luxury small ship experience, then Explora is worth looking at.  The entry level room is a 377 square foot veranda – bigger than the suites on the mega-ships!

ALASKA:  Vancouver to Anchorage departing July 16, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, Prince Wales Island, Sitka, Juneau, sail past Hubbard Glacier, and finish in Seward.
• Veranda Fares from $5,305
• On the brand new Explora III

MEDITERRANEAN: Athens to Venice for 14-nights

• Visit Athens, Patmos, Istanbul (overnight), Bodrum, Mykonos, Syros, Paros, Corfu, Hvar, Rijeka, Venice.
• Depart July 27 from $10,370 or August 17 from $10,320

EXPLORA SHIP TOUR VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LHjAS0JKCQ0 

EXPLORA ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT: https://youtu.be/9ELX0zxNjZ0 

TAUCK CRUISES

Although TAUCK is best known as a land tour provider, they have a fleet of river boats in Europe, and they charter ocean vessels to offer unique itineraries on the seas.

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST:  Amsterdam to Munich for 10-days in September

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf (to visit local craft breweries), sail the Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg for a beer-paired lunch, Strasbourg, Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus, Lake Konstanz, and then on to Munich for 2 nights for the world’s largest festival!
• 2026: Sold Out
• 2027: Depart September 15 or 22 from $8990

GREAT LAKES Cruise from Chicago to Toronto for 12-days:

• Start with 2-nights in Chicago, then board the ship in Milwaukee and visit Muskegon, see the dunes in Saugatuck, Mackinac Island, sail the sunrise coast, Detroit (for Dearborn and the Ford Museum), Cleveland (for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), traverse the Welland Canal towards Toronto, and see Niagara Falls. 
• 2026: Sold out
• 2027:  Departures August & September from $11,690

OCEANIA Small Ship Experiences

If you’re looking for an experience focused on the destination and great food, Oceania is a great choice:

JAPAN: Tokyo round-trip departing March 21, 2027 for 10-Days

• Cherry Blossom Season!
• Start in Tokyo, and then visit Hokkaido, Niigata, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Busan, Nagasaki, and Shimizu
• Fares from $4050 with a $300 per person shore excursion credit. 

ICELAND round-trip Reykjavik departing July 4, 2027 for 10-days

• Visit 8 ports in Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands
• Fares from $4099 with a $300 per person shore excursion credit. 

Your Oceania fare includes SPECIALTY DINING, GRATUITIES, WIFI, and a choice of a SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT or BEER/WINE with meals.

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

You can do it on your own, but it will be easier, and quite possibly more cost-effective if you use COLLETTE for your next land vacation OR for pre/post cruise.  Here are the trips our clients ask for most frequently with COLLETTE:

AFRICAN SAFARI:  Kenya & Tanzania for 15-days round-trip Nairobi

• See Mt. Kilmanjaro, 12-game drives to spot the Big 5, see the Farmhouse from Out of Africa, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti NP.
• 2026: Departures weekly from $7,149
• 2027: Departures weekly from $8,199

IRELAND from Dublin to Kilkenny for 15-days

• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Donegal, Wild Atlantic Way, Fermanagh, Devenish Island, Enniskillen, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Kilkenny.
• 2026: Departures March through November from $5,699
• 2027: Departures March through June from $6,199

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

If you prefer zodiacs to motor coaches, and nature walks over shopping malls, then NatGeo has some options for you:

PACIFIC NORTHWEST: US San Juans & Canadian Gulf Islands for 8-days round-trip Seattle

• Visit Victoria BC, Desolation Sound for kayaking and hiking, Alert Bay for First Nations immersion, the Gulf Islands to visit quaint communities, Friday Harbor for the Whale museum, and other islands in Puget Sound. 
• This corner of the country is a well-kept secret.  Visit remote islands to see the sea lions, eagles, humpback and orca whales.  Go for a bike ride in Victoria; kayaking, zodiacs, and paddleboarding in remote bays.  
• 2026: Departures in October from $5,061
• 2027: Departures in October from $6,150

SCOTLAND & IRELAND from Dublin to Edinburgh for 8-days

• Visit Rathlin Island for world’s largest Puffin colony, Isle of Skye in the Hebrides for fishing villages and medieval castles, Loch Ewe, Shetland and Orkney Islands for incredible rugged scenery, and Viking heritage.
• 2027: June from $8390

ATLAS Yachting Experiences

Atlas has three ships, all carrying less than 200 people.  When they’re not in Antarctica, they offer CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS and EPICUREAN EXPEDITIONS in more moderate climates: 

PORTUGAL, SPAIN & FRANCE departing May 7, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Lisbon and visit Porto, La Coruña, Gijón, Bilbao, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and finish in Bordeaux.
• This itinerary is all about food and wine.
• Fares from $5,999

ITALY, SICILY & MALTA Naples to Valletta departing May 9, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Naples and visit Capri, Positano, Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Trapani (Sicily), Porto Empedocle, Gozo, and finish in Valletta
• Fares from $5,437

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Viking’s BON VOYAGE incentive allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 35 days BEFORE you board, and get some extra goodies for doing so:

• $100 per person on board credit
• 6-month final payment date
• $100 per person OFF one-week cruises, and bigger discounts for longer itineraries.

We made a short video about the Bon Voyage Program if you’d like more details:  

https://youtu.be/gBM8IvjIb3U?si=Vy9UDiSqZQYHWR32

Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

If you’ve travelled with AMA previously, there are probably a few things that stand out for you:

• Elevated Culinary Offering – particularly at the Chef’s Table restaurant on board. 
• Excursions: Choice of several included shore excursions (including some active ones).
• Final Payment Date of 90-days prior, allowing you to keep your money longer. 
• Guest Count: Average of 156 on the same sized ship that others put 190 people on. 

If you haven’t travelled with AMA previously, here’s a bit more detail:

AMA is an American company, with 23 river boats in Europe, with another 8 scheduled for delivery by the end of the decade, and another handful of ships around the world.

WHERE Does AMA WATERWAYS Operate?

• All the rivers in Europe.  
• NILE River in Egypt, with extensions to Dubai, Jordan, and Alexandria.
• MEKONG River in Vietnam & Cambodia, with extensions to Thailand. 
• CHOBE River in Southern Africa, with extensions to Capetown, Rwanda (for Gorillas), Zanzibar, or Kruger NP.
• MAGDALENA River in Colombia, with extensions to Medellin and Panama City.

HOW is AMA Different?

In addition to the culinary, shore excursions, and final payment date mentioned above:

• TWIN BALCONY Rooms that feature a step out Veranda and a French Balcony, so you don’t have to choose. 
• HAPPY HOUR:  An open bar during your port briefing before dinner. 
• BICYCLES to BORROW if you want to explore independently.
• WELLNESS Coordinator that offers complimentary fitness classes and runs more active shore excursions.
• AMA MAGNA & AMA RUDI:  These double-wide river boats operate on the Danube. 
• La CHAINE des ROTISSEURS:  AMA is the only river cruise line whose entire European fleet is recognized as members of this International Association of Gastronomy, demonstrating their commitment to the food and dining experience.

WHO Travels with AMA WATERWAYS:

• FOODIES – those wanting an elevated culinary experience.
• ACTIVE TRAVELLERS — Those wanting the option to be active on vacation
• CHOICE — Those that value choice (particularly for shore activities)

APRIL is the BEST TIME TO BOOK:  We’ve got some special pricing with AMA during the month of April, so reach out for more details. 

VIDEO Resources for AMA WATERWAYS:  

We have a number of videos on our YouTube Channel if you’d like to learn more about AMA:

• Our trip to Lyon & Provence: https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU?si=b5cWlfjOLGoHqAyM 
• AMA Dara MEKONG ship tour: https://youtu.be/T6YIfrUbDwk?si=RTjgrID_LDdcJB0i 
• AMA Mora EUROPE ship tour: https://youtu.be/BCfmq1g4CaU?si=I1mdN3Ta4OBTCLRH 
• Interview with Kristine Karst: https://youtu.be/3NAEB01hhAE?si=4n0F_agm2hDn7VId 
• How AMA does Shore Excursions Differently: https://youtu.be/YK30TUkkueY?si=XMdtG9VRe0sXNuAm 
• AMA on the MEKONG:  Kim interviews Alex Pinelo from AMA Waterways about their itineraries in Vietnam & Cambodia, while on board AMA’s river boat there: : https://youtu.be/tvA_WHOYuLo 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

AMA Waterways EXPLAINED —  Check out our PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about AMA WATERWAYS: Who It’s For, Where They Sail & What Makes Them Different.

https://youtu.be/wovDQXBqyu4

In Case You Missed It:

SHORE EXCURSION SURVIVAL GUIDE:  When it comes to Shore Excursion availability and quality, we still haven’t fully recovered from the pandemic.  Here’s some ideas on how to manage this:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/shore-excursion-survival-guide/

EASTERN EUROPE:  Many of the former Soviet-block countries have had a remarkable renaissance in the past couple of decades.  If you want to try something new, and experience something different than Western Europe, it might be time:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/destination-eastern-europe/

MAKING MEMORIES with your GRANDCHILDREN:  A few months ago, we were blessed with our second grandson.  He got us to thinking how short the window is for making memories with these little people.  Maybe we’ll take them on an AMA Waterways cruise in Europe!

https://pamperedcruiser.com/only-18-summers/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

We’ve got all kinds of videos about AMA Waterways, and itinerary videos from when we’ve traveled with them.  Here’s a link to the AMA WATERWAYS Playlist on our YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVE0S_npvbpzwHrLv0eaIQ-f&si=CIeREWoLndRe2coQ

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA in EUROPE

For the FIRST TIME river cruiser: The Rhine River will take you from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, through France and Germany before finishing in Switzerland.  This is a great itinerary for first-time river cruisers in Europe:

Amsterdam to Basel for one-week

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen (for Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Basel 
• 2026: Departures March through December from $3,249
• 2027: Departures March through December from $2,579
• Optional escorted extensions to Lake Como in Italy can be added to this trip.

Here’s our video Rhine Itinerary: https://youtu.be/UHzzsujRcDY?si=UubHGgsw4ykTcIDN 

For the SEASONED TRAVELLER: If you’ve already travelled extensively through Europe, or done a few river cruises, consider the LOWER DANUBE through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.  Eastern Europe is very different than Western Europe, and infinitely fascinating:

EASTERN EUROPE: Budapest to Bucharest departing for 7-nights

• Start in Budapest, and then travel the Lower Danube River through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania before finishing near Bucharest. 
• Optional extension to Transylvania/Dracula’s Castle and Bucharest.
• 2026: Departures March – December from $3,449
• 2027: Departures March – December from $3,879

Here’s our video from when we did this trip:  https://youtu.be/-OhF7PSrj0c 

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing for 7-nights

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Afurada.
• See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
• Optional extensions to Lisbon. 
• 2026: Departures March – December from $3,099
• 2027: Departures March – December from $2,879

EXOTIC ITINERARIES with AMA WATERWAYS

AMA has many more itineraries in Europe (they’re on all the rivers), but if you want to be amongst the first to try river cruising OUTSIDE of Europe, here are some options: 

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights

• Take in a Carnaval celebration, take a stilt-house village tour, enjoy a jazz street performance, and San Felipe Castle and Walled city tour.  Enjoy the Latin music, sample the famous coffee, and take in the tropical rainforest.
• Only a 4 HOUR FLIGHT from many US Gateways.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• Departures year round.  Pricing starts at $2999

Here’s a short video of a MOTHER-SON trip with AMA in Colombia that perfectly captures this fascinating destination:

https://youtu.be/tGbLg6R7mfI?si=YLDqAyklNozmvlM2

DISCOVER SOUTHERN AFRICA Itinerary

• Start in Capetown for 3-nights, then board your ship, and spend the next 4 days on Safari both by riverboat and 4 X 4.  Spend 2 nights in Victoria Falls, before finishing in Johannesburg for the trip home. 
• 2026: Fares from $13,570 with departures April through November
• 2027: Fares from $12,885 with departures February through November 

EGYPT for 11-nights (4 nights Cairo and 7-nights on the ship)

• See the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum (with King Tut’s room), Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and a Nile Felucca ride. 
• 2026:  Departures March through September from $6,279
• 2027:  Departures year-round from $5,749

MEKONG River: Vietnam & Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap for 7-nights

• Visit local markets and temples, do a local school visit, get a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, and experience the amazing people, culture and food of the unique part of the world on a fully escorted trip. 
• Departures January through April AND August through December from $2299

AMA on the MEKONG.  Kim travelled with Alex Pinelo from AMA Waterways on the Mekong, and put together this video: https://youtu.be/tvA_WHOYuLo 

YACHTING with WINDSTAR

With a maximum of only 342 guests, it’s only a bit larger than a river boat, and as a member of the James Beard Foundation, you’ll find the culinary experience to be elevated as well. 

MOROCCO, SPAIN & CANARY ISLANDS: Barcelona to Tenerife depart October 30 for 19-days

• Start in Barcelona, then visit Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga (overnight), Tangier, Lisbon, Funchal, San Sebastian, Santa Cruz de Palma, Las Palmas, Tenerife.
• Fares from $8,006

CARIBBEAN:  San Juan round-trip departing November 29 for 14-days

• Warm weather escapes, Island Hopping, beaches
• Start in Puerto Rico, and then spend the next two weeks visiting US Virgin Islands, Gustavia, Brasseterre, St. Maarten, Great Harbour, British Virgin Islands, St. George’s, Bequia, Mayreau, Les Saintes, and Marigot.  
• Fares from $5,393

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

• 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

• 2026:  February through December from $6,753
• 2027:  March through December from $7,705
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

NORTHERN LIGHTS in NORWAY

• Round-trip from Tromso, for 8-days with 5 stops on Norwegian Coast
• Northern lights PROMISE.  If you DON’T see the Aurora Borealis on this journey HX will offer credit towards another cruise.
• 2026: Depart November, or December from $3,685
• 2027: Depart January through March or November through December from $4,342

CRYSTAL: Small-ship LUXURY

Crystal Cruises creates raving fans with their intuitive service, resulting in the highest repeat rate in the industry.  They’ve also modified their ships to REDUCE the number of guests on board, which means they have the best passenger-space ratios at sea:

NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA: Auckland to Brisbane departing March 3, 2027 for 15-nights

• Visit Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Melbourne (overnight), Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane.
• Fares from $10,330
• OR stay on board for 29-nights, travelling up the Australian East Coast towards Bali, and stop in at Airlie Beach, Cairns (overnight), Papua New Guinea, Darwin, and Komodo Island before arriving in Bali for an overnight stay for an additional $8340.

SOUTH AMERICA: from Buenos Aires to Santiago departing November 11, 2027 for 18-nights

• South America ENCOMPASSED!  Visit Uruguay, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas (overnight), 2-days in the Chilean Fjords, and then 4 port stops in Chile before finishing with an overnight in Santiago. 
• Fares from $8830

CANYON SPIRIT LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY in the USA

This is the perfect way to take in the incredible scenery in Colorado, Utah, and the surrounding National Parks:

Denver to Las Vegas for 5-nights with 5 National Parks:

• Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab (2), Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas
• Departures available April through October from $5234

Denver round-trip for 7-nights with 4-Days on the Rails

• Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab (for 3 nights), Glenwood Springs, Denver
• Departures available April through November from $4535

TRAVELLING in SUMMER 2026? Be READY

FIFA WORLD CUP is the largest sporting event on the planet, and it’s coming to North America this summer.  Even if you’re NOT a soccer fan, you SHOULD have this on your radar if you plan to travel (internationally or domestically) in June or July of 2026.  Here’s why:

• AIR TRAVEL domestically, as well as to/from Canada and Mexico will be very busy.
• AIRPORTS:  Even if you’re flying to Europe or Asia, domestic airports will be busy. 
• HOTELS:  If you’re trying to find lodging in a host city around game day, it will be tight. 
• SECURITY:  The security in airports and at venues will be enhanced, and slow everything down. 
• SEATTLE & VANCOUVER:  If you’re going to Alaska in June or July, book your hotel NOW.  Both these cities are hosting multiple games. 
• HOST CITIES:
  • CANADA:  Toronto, Vancouver
  • MEXICO: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
  • UNITED STATES: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle

FIFA’s impact on travel to host cities is equal to travelling to an Olympic Games. Be prepared.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

In 2017, we posted our first video on YouTube (a port guide for Halifax!), and finished that year with 27 subscribers.  We were told building a YouTube channel takes time and patience, and 9 years later we have over 5000 subscribers.  And we’re just getting started!

WHY WE CREATED OUR YouTube CHANNEL:

• YOU have asked for more stories, real conversations and insider tips about travel.
• Some of you would rather watch/listen than read every week (and some want both!)
• It keeps us connected to our current clients, and helps us attract new ones.

CONTENT YOU’LL FIND ON OUR CHANNEL:

• Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:  The Podcast is back, with new episodes weekly.  Think of this as the audio version of our weekly travel letter (with more opinions and detail). 
• It mirrors our Weekly TRAVEL Letter, so there are four types of posts:
  • Bucket List DESTINATION features and ITINERARY videos
  • Industry Insider VENDOR features, and SHIP TOUR videos
  • Travel SMARTS Travel TIPS for Experienced Travelers
  • Travel STORIES
• There are also Vendor PLAYLISTS, and general travel information.

HOW OUR CHANNEL IS DIFFERENT

• We broadcast the way YOU’LL see it.  We DON’T have fancy camera equipment, or hire models to act like cruise passengers.  We use our iPhones to record what you’ll see.
• If you want the slick stuff, that is professionally edited, then we can direct you to the cruise lines’ website and YT channels.
• It’s NOT monetized.  Any commercials you see, YouTube places there, and we get NO revenue.  We’re fine with this… we don’t want to be TV stars – we want to sell travel. 
• We TRAVEL.  These are our stories… not repurposed content from vendors.

WHY THE RELAUNCH

• We’ve reorganized the home page to make it easier for YOU to find content you want. 
• To better comply with Google’s search parameters, so we can draw more traffic.

WHY SHOULD YOU SUBSCRIBE?

• Our videos will end up in your YouTube feed more often.
• It doesn’t cost you anything to subscribe to channels on YouTube.
• It REALLY helps us attract more viewers, when YOU subscribe.
• We release at least one new video every week, based on YOUR feedback. 
• If you’re already on our mailing list, then you’re halfway there.  Get the rest of the story on YouTube. 

Our YouTube channel is about sharing knowledge, inspiring ideas for viewers, and helping you travel smarter.  They’re short episodes, with specific content, and practical insights every week. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED: The Podcast

Every journey starts with a conversation, and in this episode Kim & Bob discuss the reasons behind the podcast and YouTube channel, and what YOU can expect going forward.   

https://youtu.be/aTLGzDdWt7Q

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our Podcast!

In Case You Missed It:

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATIONS (ETAs):  These are increasingly common, and if you’re visiting Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand or Europe (next year), you’ll have to complete one.  Here’s your guide: https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-need-an-eta/ 

TAUCK:  If you like the structure and rhythm of a cruise, but want to visit land destinations, then look at Tauck.  They have led the way in the industry for 100 years: https://pamperedcruiser.com/land-cruises-with-tauck/ 

JAPAN:  Japan has been a hot destination for the past couple of years, so here are some ideas on how to best visit this fascinating place:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/japan-destination-focus/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

ALASKA – HOW TO PACK:  If you’re doing an Alaskan Cruise, you could have vastly different weather in Seattle & Vancouver than you will in Anchorage & Denali.  It might be 90 degrees, or it could be 50 degrees and raining.  How do you pack?

https://youtu.be/m3APP25a9cE

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

REGENT 7 SEAS – All-Inclusive Luxury

Regent is the most inclusive of the cruise lines with shore excursions, and everything on board included in your fare. 

ALASKA:  Anchorage to Vancouver departing August 19 for 7-nights:

• Visit Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Klawock, Victoria.
• Veranda Fares from $6999
• Pre-Trip Denali available on this cruise.

JAPAN:  Tokyo round-trip departing October 4, 2027 for 11-nights

• Start in Tokyo and visit Shimizu, Tokushima, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kanmon Strait, Busan, Nagasaki, Hakata, Beppu, and finish back in Tokyo.
• Fares from $9,599

SEA CLOUD – Salt-Water River Cruise

You may have visited the Caribbean or the Med previously, but not like this.  Imagine a ship, closer in size to a river boat that can get into the small bays and destinations that the bigger ships just can’t consider.  

Eastern CARIBBEAN: round-trip Philipsburg departing December 6 for 8-nights

• Visit Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, Iles des Saintes, Nevis & Antigua.
• Sail the scenic Eastern Caribbean islands, and get into small coves and harbors on board the 136 guest Sea Cloud Spirit.  
• Fares from $3,995

GREEK ISLES: Round trip Athens departing July 17th/24th/or 31st 2026 (7 nights) 

• Details: https://issuu.com/seacloudcruisesusa/docs/sea_cloud_big_book_2026_/68
• Visit Amorgos, Milos, Amorgos, Nauplio, and Poros
• Brochure Price: starting at $6995 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE: From $3,745 per person

See our SHIP TOUR video here: https://youtu.be/XkhWMx4dK20 

OCEANIA Small Ship Experiences

If you love food & wine, then get on board Oceania and explore the world!

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  Montreal to New York departing October 17 for 11-days

• Visit Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Iles, Havre Saint Pierre, Corner Brook, Halifax, Sydney, and Saint-John.
• Fares from $5,899* with a $600 Shore Excursion credit per person OR complimentary beer and wine.

IRELAND, UK & SCANDINAVIA: Belfast to London departing August 12 for 15-days

• Visit Belfast, Douglas, Greencastle, Isle of Skye, Scrabster, Invergordon, Kristiansand, Copenhagen (overnight), Berlin, Ronne (Denmark), Kariskrona (Sweden), and finish in London
• Fares from $6,757* with a $800 Shore Excursion Credit per person OR complimentary beer and wine.

*Includes Specialty Dining, Wifi, and Gratuities

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises and Land Combinations

UNIWORLD and its sister-brand LUXURY GOLD have some combination Land & Cruise journeys that seamlessly coordinate explorations ashore and time on a Boutique River Boat:

SWITZERLAND & RHINE:  Geneva to Amsterdam departing June – August (2027) for 19-days

• Start in Geneva and visit Zermatt, Saint Moritz, Lucerne, Zurich, Basel, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, and finish in Amsterdam
• Fares from $14,039 

SCOTLAND to FRANCE:  Edinburgh to Paris departing April – October (2027) for 17-days

• Start in Edinburgh and visit Alnwick Castle, York, Stratford, Cotswolds, Bath, London, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Normandy Beaches, Versailles, and finish in Paris.
• Fares from $11,789

LAND CRUISES with TAUCK

If you like the structure of a cruise, but want to try out some places on land, then take a look at TAUCK: 

MICHIGAN and Mackinac Island from Traverse City to Detroit for 8-days

• Visit Traverse City (for the sand dunes, vineyards, and sandy beaches), Petoskey, Mackinac island, Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth Bavarian Village, Dearborn (for Henry Ford Museum), Detroit.
• 2026: Departures May through October from $5290
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/michigan-lakes-mackinac-island-escorted-tour?tcd=mi2025&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser 

Australia & New Zealand for 20 days.

• Australia is so large and so sparsely populated that it can be difficult to travel.  This itinerary has a number of internal flights included in the price, so you get to see a wide variety of Australian attractions before doing the same in New Zealand.
• Visit Melbourne, fly to Ayers Rock, then to Cairns, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, then on to Sydney.  Fly to Wellington, Blenheim & Marlborough Sound, Te Anau, Fjordland NP & Milford Sound, Queenstown, Auckland, and Waiheke Island. 
• 2026: Departures from September – December from $18,990
• 2027: Departures from January – April, OR September – December from $17,990
• Click here for more details: https://inspires.to/experiences/discover-the-wonders-of-australia-and-new-zealand-with-tauck-ppeg 

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

If you want to get to the POLAR REGIONS in comfort and style, here are two suggestions:

ICELAND & NORWAY:  Oslo to Reykjavik departing June 19, 2027 for 11-nights

• Start in Oslo and visit Kristiansand, Orkney Islands, Seyðisfjörður, Húsavík, Akureyri, Grímsey Island, Siglufjörður, Stykkishólmur, and finish in Reykjavík. 
• Fares from: $7,899

ANTARCTICA:  Buenos Aires to Ushuaia departing March 19, 2027 for 9-nights

• Start in, with 4 days of scheduled landings, before returning to Ushuaia
• Fares from $ 14,799

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation (even if you booked ON BOARD).

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley