Dynamic cruise pricing is coming to cruising.  You’ve seen it with the airlines.  It goes like this: you look at an airline seat at 11.00 at night, but you’re tired, so you go back the next morning and the price has doubled – ruining your coffee.  That’s DYNAMIC PRICING. 

And the cruise lines have been studying the airlines… so buckle up.  It’s going to get wild. 

WHAT is Dynamic Cruise Pricing?

• Prices will change more frequently based on demand.  Not monthly or quarterly. 
• It’s also called “revenue management”, “demand forecasting”, “machine learning”, and “flexible inventory control”.  They are using AI and big data to maximize their revenue.
• The “Big 3” cruise conglomerates are already into this.  We’ve also seen it with Viking.
• Your cruise price will depend on what is selling, how quickly it is selling, how many cabins remain, and how it compares to the forecasts the cruise line were expecting. 
• Cruise ship rooms (or airline seats) are the ultimate “perishable” product, so they’re managing their inventory very carefully.  

WHO WIN and WHO LOSES with the cruise lines moving to Dynamic Cruise Pricing?

• Who wins?  Very simply, it enables cruise lines to make more money.  
• Who loses?  Travellers wanting to make last minute reservations on popular itineraries. 
• It has worked really well for the airlines, so this is the next iteration for travelers.

WHAT Can YOU DO About Cruise Line Dynamic Pricing?

• Book early… particularly on river cruises and luxury ocean lines.  Waiting will backfire. 
• Monitor your cruise fare, and if it goes down (doesn’t happen often), be ready to either rebook, or take some extra goodies in lieu of a lower public price.
• Know your deposit rules. Most of the time it’s refundable, in which case it’s re-bookable. 
• Look at comparable cruise lines.  Our clients travel across different luxury brands, but some really only consider their favorite.  If the price has gone up, what else is available?

Cruise Pricing Tips

• The mega-ship lines may continue to fire-sale stuff at the last minute.  
• The Luxury Lines are more hesitant to discount, because it erodes the brand, and the trust of their guests (they’re concerned about you getting on board and bragging to everyone about how much less you paid by booking last minute, so they avoid it). 
• Luxury cruise lines tend to sell “bookends” first (top cabin, and entry level cabins), and then move towards the middle range cabins. 

Dynamic cruise pricing is simply the latest revenue management technique the cruise lines are employing.  The trick is to understand that pricing will be volatile, and get out in front of them with your booking plans. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim explain dynamic pricing in the cruise industry and how it may affect luxury cruise buyers, river cruise travelers, and anyone planning a meaningful vacation months in advance.

https://youtu.be/TYvtPyVfwQg

In Case You Missed It:

VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK:  Why it Matters to our Clients.  We’re just back from the year’s most important trade show in Luxury Leisure Travel.  Here’s why this matters to YOU.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-travels-biggest-week-what-it-means-for-our-clients/

CANADA:  It’s right next door, and there’s lots to see – both on cruises and on land journeys and National Park Tours:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/destination-canada/

UNIWORLD:  If you like the idea of luxury train travel, and would like to combine that with a river cruise, the UNIWORLD has some suggestions for you:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/train-travel-uniworld/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

LOCKS & BRIDGES are a key feature of a European River Cruise, and we get lots of questions about them from first-timers:

https://youtu.be/AgGNSU-7Qu8?si=BChxon3ZqDf5MkTK

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?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0D4YqdY6FpC2qw31j4e8yrsCgKfrJJ7rd2zqku7cycdcDcWKNP4Hk9jb3fNmnyxmbl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

European Luxury with EXPLORA JOURNEYS

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 380 square foot veranda – bigger than the suites on the mega-ships!

CANADA & EAST COAST:  Quebec City to Miami departing October 15 for 10-nights

• Start in Quebec City and visit Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Sydney, Halifax, New York City, and finish in Miami.
• Fares from $6370

JAPAN:  Tokyo round-trip departing September 27, 2027 for 9-nights

• Start in Tokyo and visit Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, Busan, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and finish in Tokyo.
• Fares from $9000

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER COLLECTION

Uniworld has custom built ships to reflect the region in which they sail, and go to places the other river cruise lines don’t go:

ITALY’S VENICE LAGOON:  Venice round-trip for 8-days

• Uniworld operates a river boat in Venice – the very best way to immerse yourself in that corner of Italy.
• Explore all around Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Bologna. 
• 2026: Departures September through November from $3499
• 2027: Departures April through November from $2999
• Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

WINE CRUISE 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).
• 2026: Departures September through October from $4249
• 2027: Departures March through October from $3249

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Remote Explorations

If you are a photographer, or just like scenery and nature, NatGeo will get you to all the remote corners of the world.  Here are two close to home: 

OREGON & WASHINGTON: Columbia River from Portland to Clarkston for 6-days

• Visit Portland, The Dalles (for Multnomah Falls and fish hatchery), Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Palouse River.  Traverse the locks by river boat right here at home!
• Go hiking, kayaking, ride on the zodiacs, visit museums and wineries
• 2026: September/October from $4778

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 $5061
• 2027: Departures in October from $6150

AZAMARA Small Ship Destination Cruises

Azamara has a fleet of R-Class vessels carrying just 680 guests.  They offer an affordable way to get on board a smaller ship for a more intimate experience, and better destination immersion.

Azamara’s COUNTRY INTENSIVE VOYAGES are fantastic if you really want to immerse yourself in a particular place.  Here are some examples:

• Chile
• Croatia
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Scotland
• Spain

If you’d like to see AZAMARA’s full line-up of COUNTRY INTENSIVE Itineraries:

https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=country-intensive

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES Yachts

All the ATLAS yachts carry less than 200 guests, so they can get you into some of the smaller places, and you’ll see the larger places differently.  

EASTERN CARIBBEAN:  From Saint Maarten to Barbados departing October 14 for 7-nights.  Go into small harbors where the big ships can’t go:

• Visit Philipsburg, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent/Grenadines, Bridgetown. 
• Fares from $5999

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & IRELAND:  London to Glasgow departing May 11, 2027 for 9-nights

• Start in London and visit St. Malo, St. Mary’s, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, and end in Glasgow.
• Fares from $5988

COLLETTE Premium Guided Land Journeys

SPOTLIGHT TOURS mean you only UNPACK ONCE, and can explore a city or region in depth while having the logistics taken care of for you:

NEW YORK for 5-days

• Visit Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Chinatown, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.
• Includes 4-nights at the Sheraton Times Square, 5 meals, and 2 Broadway shows.
• Year-round departures from $2699.

Here are some of COLLETTE’s other SPOTLIGHT tours:

• Washington, DC: 6-days from $2699
• South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands: 7-days from $3199
• LONDON: 7-days from $2999
• TUSCANY: 9-days from $2249
• PARIS: 7-days from $3299
• FRENCH RIVIERA: 9-days from $2999
• NORTHERN ITALY: 9-days from $2799

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

You’ve probably already done a coastal Alaska Cruise round-trip out of Seattle or Vancouver.  You undoubtedly experienced some spectacular scenery, and saw some whales.  You’ve also only experienced a small fraction of what this region has to offer.  A few thoughts:

ALASKA is HUGE

• If Alaska and British Columbia were a sovereign nation, it would be the 8^th largest on earth, and would be about half the size of the lower 48.  There’s LOTS to see.
• Vancouver is closer to Mexico than it is to Anchorage, so the scenery and wildlife you see in coastal Alaska on a cruise is entirely different than Denali and the interior.
• The number of options to visit Alaska is almost as vast as the state itself. 
• You can fly to Alaska and experience a small piece, or you can use the “efficiency” of a cruise ship to see more. 

WHY Go To ALASKA?

• Scenery, wildlife spotting, whales, First Nations culture and art, National Parks, urban vibe in Seattle and/or Vancouver. Fjords, fishing villages, wildlife habitats, historic gold rush towns, glaciers… the list is seemingly endless. 
• Even though it’s some of the most rugged geography in the world, it’s logistically easy.

WHO Should Have ALASKA on Their Radar

• Photographers, National Park enthusiasts, those “collecting” states, outdoor people.  
• Those wanting a reflective vacation, rather than one busy visiting historical sites.
• For those in Western half, it’s an exotic getaway that’s relatively close by. 

HOW to Visit ALASKA

• COASTAL CRUISE from Seattle or Vancouver if you only have a week to spare.  
• SMALL SHIP ALASKA: Get to more ports (on days when there aren’t 6 other ships there). 
• CRUISE TOUR:  A combination cruise and land journey that will get you to Denali and Fairbanks will give you a more comprehensive experience.  
• EXPEDITION:  If you want to get into nature by kayak, zodiac boat, bicycle and on foot.

BEST TIME to go to ALASKA

• Cruise ship season is May through October, and each time has different advantages:
• May/June:  Long days.  Less rain in interior.  Fewer crowds
• July/August:  The least likely rain for coastal Alaska.  Will be warmest.
• September/October.  Fall colours. 

PRO TIPS for Visiting ALASKA

• Pack for rain, whenever you go.  There are no guarantees in this region. 
• Do pre/post in Vancouver, Seattle, or Victoria.  There’s lots to do and see. 
• Take Binoculars – you really don’t want to buy them from the cruise line.
• Stay as long as you can.  Particularly if you’re coming from the Eastern time zone.
• Go flightseeing – these excursions aren’t cheap, but they are life-changing.

Alaska is one of those destinations that sounds simple until you start researching it.

Then suddenly you’re comparing Inside Passage cruises, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Denali, rail journeys, wildlife tours, cruise-tours, northbound sailings, southbound sailings, roundtrip Seattle, roundtrip Vancouver, and seventeen opinions from people on the internet who appear to have strong feelings about binoculars.

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED 

In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim talk through the many different ways to experience Alaska and British Columbia, including round-trip coastal cruises, small-ship cruises, cruise tours, expedition cruises, Denali, the Yukon, and land-based options.

https://youtu.be/GkUVXjf2yY8

In Case You Missed It:

HOLLAND AMERICA:  Yes… it’s a mega-ship (although with the smallest ships in that category), but they have some higher end suites that appeal to our clients.  They also have the most extensive network of lodges and infrastructure for the interior of Alaska.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/holland-america-vs-mega-ships/

TRAVEL APPs that I use.  We all have different “hacks” we use when we travel.  Here’s some of mine:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-websites-and-apps-that-i-use/

IT’S ALL TEMPORARY:  A number of years ago, my mom & dad took all their kids and grandkids away to ALASKA to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary.  My parents are both gone now, but I (and my kids) will cherish those memories forever:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/its-all-temporary-so-travel-now/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

We have made several videos about ALASKA that will help with planning your next trip there: 

7-STEPS to Planning Your ALASKA Vacation:   https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M

ALASKA: What to Pack https://youtu.be/m3APP25a9cE

VANCOUVER:  If you embark or disembark in Vancouver, and DON’T explore it for a couple of days, you’re making a mistake.  Here’s some thoughts on what to do there: https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

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?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02tvdcbsvpLhE1fLCoJmfM3VjdR6kd1o9p2TrbHq3F9J5xCLabfx9knD7apTSGM4Kil

Today’s Travel Opportunities in ALASKA

Today, we’ll just focus on Alaska itineraries, but there are two trends in recent years that might be a good fit for you if you’re looking for something longer:

• Alaska and JAPAN.  These cruises start/finish in Vancouver/Tokyo, and are usually 3-weeks long.
• Alaska and HAWAII.  These cruises go between Vancouver and Honolulu and are 14 to 20 days.

LUXURY Small Ship ALASKA with SILVERSEA

If you want to see the rugged beauty of ALASKA without roughing it, Silversea has two ships in the region, and you can do a one-week cruise that starts or finishes in Anchorage, so you can visit Denali, OR a two week round-trip from Vancouver:

Anchorage to Vancouver with Departures June – September for 7-days

• Start in Anchorage and cruise Hubbard Glacier, visit Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Klawock, cruise the Inside Passage, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Fares from $4020

Vancouver round-trip with Departures May – September for 14-days

• Start in Vancouver and cruise the Inside Passage, visit Ketchikan, Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seward, cruise the Hubbard Glacier, Haines, Sitka, Klawock, and finish back in Vancouver. 
• Departures May through September from $9500

DENALI:  Add 4-nights on land from $3060

REMOTE ALASKA

You’ve never seen ALASKA like this.  If you’d like to see more wildlife & scenery, and fewer T-shirt shoppes, then an EXPEDITION ship is the way to go:

Outdoor ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days with HX

• If you prefer a nature walk, or sea kayaking to the souvenir shops on the pier, this is the right choice for you.  This is also a great way to check out an Expedition Cruise, not too far from home.
• Depart Vancouver, sail the Inside Passage, then to Misty Fjords, Klawock, Fjords of the Alaskan panhandle, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay, Valdez, Prince William Sound, and then on to Anchorage
• 2027: Departures May through July from $5299

ALASKA’s Inside Passage:  Juneau to Sitka for 8-days with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

• Embark in Juneau, and take a close up view of the sculpted icebergs of Endicott Arm during a zodiac ride, take a scenic bike ride around the small fishing town of Petersburg, keep an eye out for whales while kayaking Frederick Sound and Chatham Strait, take a hike around Icy Strait and the Inian Islands, enjoy a full day of exploring Glacier Bay National Park, stop at the isolated beaches on the Southeast Alaska’s Islands, and disembark in Sitka. 
• 2026: Departures in August and September from $5973
• 2027: Departures May through September from $6516
• This is one of the few Alaska Cruises that doesn’t touch a foreign port, so there is NO PASSPORT requirement. 

OCEANIA:  Small Ships for FOODIES

If you’re buying higher end cabins on Celebrity, Holland America or Princess, but would prefer a smaller-ship experience with an elevated culinary experience, then look at OCEANIA:

ALASKA:  Vancouver to Seattle departing May 13, 2027 for 11-days

• Can’t decide between Seattle or Vancouver?  Do BOTH!
• Start in Vancouver and visit the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Skagway, Juneau, Wrangell, Klawock, Victoria, and finish in Seattle.
• Fares from $3320

YACHTING in ALASKA with WINDSTAR

Think of a private yacht with fantastic food, but without all the pretentious dinner conversation, and you’ll understand WINDSTAR.  Their ships carry between 200 and 340 guests, and the brand new STAR SEEKER will be in Alaska in 2027

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

• Start in Vancouver, and sail up the Inside Passage to visit Ketchikan, Rudyard Bay, Wrangell, Sitka, Tracy Arm, Haines, and finish in Juneau.
• 2027: Depart June through August from $4128

ALASKA with VIKING for 11-days

Viking has two ships in Alaska, and include a shore excursion at each port of call. 

• Start in Vancouver and cruise the Inside Passage, visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, cruise the Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, and finish in Seward. 
• Fares from $5999, with departures May through September
• DENALI and Alaska Interior Land Extensions for 5 or 6 nights from $3799

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER for Pre or Post ALASKA Cruise

Here are two itineraries from the CANADIAN ROCKIES, where the scenery is spectacular, and can be easily added on to ANY Alaskan cruise that starts or finishes in Vancouver. 

Circle Journey: Vancouver round-trip for 12 -nights

• If you really want a comprehensive feel for the spectacular Canadian Rockies, this is the trip for you.
• Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (2-nights), Lake Louise, Jasper (2-nights), Kamloops, Vancouver.
• Departures available April through October from $5641

Vancouver to Calgary for 7-nights

• Spend 2-nights in Vancouver, then board the train to Kamloops, and follow on to Lake Louise for 2-nights, Banff for 2-nights, and finish in Calgary.  
• Departures available April through October from $3669

HOLLAND AMERICA in ALASKA

There are over 25 different Alaska itineraries with HAL.  Here are three that will allow you to see lots:

DENALI Cruise-Tour(D1L):  Fairbanks to Vancouver departing June 8 for 12-days

• Start in Fairbanks and visit Denali National Park, Anchorage, Whittier, cruise the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, cruise the Inside Passage, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $5264

DENALI & YUKON (Y5L): Anchorage to Vancouver departing June 12 for 11-days

• Start in Anchorage and visit Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson, Whitehorse, Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, cruise the Inside Passage, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $3869

ULTIMATE ALASKA & YUKON (Y1C): Vancouver round-trip departing May 30 for 17-days

• Start in Vancouver and cruise the Inside Passage, visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay, College Fjord, and disembark in Whittier.  The carry on to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson, and finish back in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $5684

Today’s OTHER Travel Opportunities

If you’re looking further afield than ALASKA, here are some ideas:

RIVER CRUISING with TAUCK

Tauck is the MOST inclusive of the River Cruise Lines in Europe, and have 35% fewer people on the same sized ship as competitors.  

TULIP CRUISE: Amsterdam to Brussels for 9-days

• Visit Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, the Hague, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, Keukenhof Gardens, Enkhuizen, Amsterdam (overnight). 
• Departures in March and April from $5790

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: Nearly Sold Out.  A few spots left at $8490
• 2027: Depart September 15 or 22 from $8990

Oberammergau – The Passion Play with VIKING

Every ten years since the 1630s, the residents of this small Bavarian town put on this play to give thanks for being spared from the Bubonic Plague in the 17^th Century.  Your next chance to see it will be in 2030, but it will sell out long before that.  Viking has TWO river cruise itineraries that include Oberammergau and tickets to the Passion Play:

Oberammergau, Innsbruck & the Rhine from Amsterdam to Munich for 13-days

• Board your ship in Amsterdam, and visit Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel.  Next transfer to Innsbruck, and then to Oberammergau for 2-nights where you’ll see the Passion Play.  Finish in Munich for 2 nights.  
• Optional land extensions to Amsterdam, Belgium, Munich or Prague.
• Departures May to September 2030 from $7499.

Oberammergau & Salzburg on the DANUBE: Oberammergau to Budapest for 12-days

• Start with 2-nights at Oberammergau where you’ll see the Passion Play, and then head to Salzburg for 3-nights.  Next board your river boat in Passau, and visit Linz, Wachau Valley, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava and finish in Budapest (overnight).
• Optional land extensions to Munich, Prague, Budapest or Croatia/Slovenia.
• Departures May to September 2030 from $6999.

Additions to ship inclusions:  5 or 6 hotel nights (dependent on itinerary), transfers, admission to the Passion Play, and an included excursion in each land stop.  

Learn More HERE:  https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/specialty/oberammergau/index.html 

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

While YOU read this, WE are on our way to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week.  Going to Vegas in August is a bit like standing in front of the oven, just to see how hot it is.  Except rather than hanging by the pool, we’re in business attire in overly-air conditioned rooms with NO windows.

I would rather be just about anywhere else in August than Vegas, but this trade show is so valuable to us and our clients, we look forward to the trek. 

WHAT is VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK?

It’s an invitation-only week-long luxury travel trade show and exhibition.  It is to travel what Paris Fashion Week is to that industry.  It brings together those shaping the future of luxury and experiential travel.  There will be 6000 people from over 100 countries in attendance this year. 

WHY DO WE ATTEND (because Vegas in August… really?)

• SHARPEN KNOWLEDGE:  About new products, destinations, technologies and itineraries. 
• RELATIONSHIPS:  Executives from our most important vendors will be there. 
• PEER MENTORING:  We learn a ton from other high-producing luxury travel advisors. 
• TRENDS:  How is the industry changing, and how that impacts our clients. 
• IMPROVEMENT:  These combine to make us better, so we can better serve you. 

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR CLIENTS: 

• PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN: You tell us you like it when we talk about how the luxury travel industry works, and Virtuoso Travel Week is a prime example.  
• YOUR NEXT TRIP:  We’ll have more suggestions for your bucket list (that keeps growing!)
• OUR Network. YOUR Trip.  Usually your trips go just fine.  Occasionally something goes sideways, and we need to leverage our relationships with key vendors. 
• NEW PRODUCTS:  Like Celebrity River Cruises, American Cruise Lines and Seacloud.
• NEW ITINERARIES: Like AMA Colombia, and VIKING Oberammergau. 
• TRENDS that affect travellers:  like geo-political events, and economic considerations. 
• TECHNOLOGY that helps us spend LESS time on admin, and MORE on client interface. 

TRENDS and THEMES WE’RE WATCHING

• MULTI-GEN TRAVEL: Generations are travelling TOGETHER.  We notice this in our business – our clients want to create memories with their kids and grandchildren. 
• ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and Automated Tools will radically change the travel industry.  We are excited about the possibilities to better automate the behind the scenes functions of booking YOUR travel, so it gives us more time for the personal connection.  Algorithms DON’T travel… we do.   

The old adage “What Happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas” is exactly the opposite of what we do.  We leave Vegas with the intent of bringing YOU the benefit of everything we learned and experienced there.  We also leave with caffeine withdrawal, and the need for a nap.

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim pull back the curtain on Virtuoso Travel Week—the most important annual event in the luxury travel industry—and explain why it matters to YOU.

https://youtu.be/umHzYXJ3ogc

In Case You Missed It:

US CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES:  These are often overlooked, but they’re different than home, logistically easy, and with no passport requirement:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-caribbean-travel-without-leaving-the-usa/

QUIET SEASON TRAVEL:  If you’re ready to wear longer sleeves, you can beat the crowds (and probably pay less) if you travel off-season (which is becoming increasingly shorter)

https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-best-time-to-travel-why-quiet-season-may-be-the-answer/

TAUCK LAND TOURS:  You can’t go everywhere by ship, so if you’re looking at a land-cruise… particularly if you’re interested in domestic destinations, then take a look at Tauck:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/land-cruises-with-tauck/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

AMA WATERWAYS Shore Excursions:  If you’re looking for more choices for your included river cruise shore excursions, then look at AMA.  Brand Ambassador Kristin Karst explains how AMA does it differently. 

https://youtu.be/YK30TUkkueY

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?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02zjRzpZ8m2rzHXvCsCQ7vMensUpaE4orUv1NAuVYiELvZnNFVV1LvRbdyxAPwHs9Al

Today’s Travel Opportunities

AZAMARA Small Ship Experiences

Remember Pacific Princess?  She’s now Azamara Onward, along with her three identical sisters carrying just 680 guests.  They offer an affordable way to get on board a smaller ship for a more intimate experience, and better destination immersion: 

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)
• Verandas are currently priced at $9089, but we’ve got 2 more staterooms available for $7409.  Once these two sell, they’re gone.   
• GOLF:  5-rounds with all the logistics managed for you: $4395 per person. 

NEW ENGLAND & QUEBEC: Boston to Montreal departing October 4, 2027 for 12-nights

• Start in Boston and visit Portland, Rockland, Saint John, Halifax, Corner Brook, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Sept-Iles, cruise Saguenay Fjord, Saguenay, Quebec City, Trois Rivieres, and finish in Montreal. 
• Veranda fares from $6379

CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER CRUISES with AMA WATERWAYS

I know it’s the heat of the summer, but CHRISTMAS IS COMING.  If you want to visit the Christmas Markets in Europe, space is getting tight for 2026.  Here’s a few suggestions:

RHINE: (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland) departing December 16:

• Start in Basel (Switzerland), and visit Christmas markets in Colmar, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Cologne, and Utrecht.  Finish in Amsterdam. 
• Enjoy the Christmas shopping, drink the mulled wine, and listen to local entertainers.  Very different from Europe in summer!
• Departing December 16 for 7-nights from $4349*
• Optional land extensions to Amsterdam and/or Lucerne/Zurich in Switzerland.

Danube (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary) departing December 20: 

• Take in some Hungarian Christmas Markets, and board your ship, and then visit Bratislava, Vienna, Melk Abbey, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen, and fly home from Munich.
• Enjoy the Christmas shopping, drink the mulled wine, and listen to local entertainers.  Very different than Europe in summer!
• Departing December 20 for 7-nights from $4349*
• Optional land extensions to Budapest and/or Prague.

If you want to try somewhere warmer, how about SOUTH AMERICA?  We’re doing this cruise in September, and will have lots more to share:

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights with FREE AIR on select 2026 departures.

• 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, and if you want to go this year, there are several dates with FREE AIR.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• Departures year round.  Pricing starts at $3149*

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

*On 2026 departures of these itineraries, our agency can get you an additional $150 per person on board credit, and free pre-paid gratuities. 

TAUCK Premium Guided Land Journeys

If you like the structure of a cruise, but want to try out some places on land, then take a look at TAUCK.  Here’s two itineraries in the US:

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.
• 2027: Departures May through October from $5990
• 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 

NEW YORK to WASHINGTON for 12-days

• New York (dinner at ONE World Observatory, Walking tour of Manhattan, 911 memorial, Central Park), Valley Forge NP, Philadelphia (early access to Museum of American Revolution, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell), Amish Country in Lancaster, Gettysburg National Military Park, Harper’s Ferry, Charlottesville, Jefferson’s Monticello, Richmond, Williamsburg, George Washington’s Estate, Washington DC (National Mall, Early Access to National Archives to see Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights)
• 2026: Depart December 2^nd from $6,990
• 2027: Departures March through December from $7590
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/freedom-footsteps-philidelphia-washington-dc-guided-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

SEA CLOUD Salt-Water River Cruise Experiences

You may have been to these places before.  This time see them up-close, and get to where larger ships can’t take you.

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 $5995

SCOTLAND & IRELAND: Edinburgh to Dublin departing June 28, 2027 for 8-nights 

• Start in Edinburgh and visit the Orkney Islands, Isle of Lewis, Isle of Mull, Oban, Belfast, and finish in Dublin. 
• Fares from $9135

REMEMBER:  On ANY SEACLOUD sailing, we can offer an additional $50 per person, per day on board credit to spend on Spa Treatments, an elevated Shore Experience, OR a great bottle of wine!

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES Remote Adventures

All of ATLAS’ yachts carry less than 200 guests, so they can get you into some of the smaller places, and you’ll see the larger places differently.  Here are two in the POLAR REGIONS:

ANTARCTICA:  Buenos Aires to Ushuaia departing February 19 for 11-nights

• Start in Buenos Aires, then take an included flight to join the ship, and traverse the Drake Passage.  There are 7-days of scheduled landings, before returning to Ushuaia
• Fares from $16,499

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 $13,945

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

Who Should Sail This Cruise Line?

HOLLAND AMERICA?  Our clients overwhelmingly travel on river boats, small-ship ocean cruises, and increasingly on expedition ships.  So why might you consider Holland America?  

• The SMALLEST of the Big Ships.  We can’t call HAL’s ships “small” like the luxury lines, but they are a fraction the size of the floating amusement parks.  HAL ships carry between 1400 and 2600 (as opposed to 5000 or more) and ALL HAL ships are under 100,000 tons (as opposed to 240,000 tons (or more). 
• Take the kids or grandchildren.  River or small ship ocean cruises might not be optimal for younger people.  HAL isn’t overrun with children like the floating amusement parks, but there are facilities and programs for children and teens.
• Alaska Land-Sea Combos.  HAL has 6 ships in Alaska, and along with their sister brand, Princess, own just about all the lodge and transportation infrastructure in the 49^th State.  You’ll have MORE choices (upwards of 2 dozen) for Land-Sea combinations.  While you’re up there visit YUKON – only HAL can get you there. 
• Selection of Suites:  If you travel with HAL in a Signature Suites, Neptune Suite or a Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have between 500 -1300 square feet, and a KING bed.  The suites have jacuzzi tubs, and if you go in the Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have a hot tub on your outdoor deck.  Suites also get priority embarkation/disembarkation and tender queuing. 
• Entertainment.  Like the other big-ship lines, they have the Vegas-style production shows in the big theatre, but I really like the smaller venues geared to those of us over 50: The BB King Blues Lounge, the Dueling Pianos, the Rolling Stones Lounge, and the Strings (if you feel like classical music). 
• Pickleball anyone?  It’s hard to believe how popular this has become, and HAL has got you covered, if this is part of your routine.  
• Extended Voyages.  You might not be ready for a 6-month world cruise, but if you wanted to try living on board a cruise ship for 20 to 100 days, HAL has more choices, and the BEST journeys aren’t always about getting somewhere quickly!
• Big Ship Amenities… but without the floating amusement park vibe. 

Getting the BEST VALUE:  Layer it up

• EARLY BOOKING BONUS for 2027:  You’ll get FREE gratuities, the Elite beverage package, Premium wifi upgrade, and a shore excursion credit.
• MARINERS’ CLUB CREDITS:  If you’re a previous HAL guest, you’ll get an additional on board credit in recognition of your loyalty.
• VERANDA OBC:  We can add an additional $50 per person OBC for Veranda rooms (and higher).
• CLUB ORANGE:  Add club orange for upgrades, concierge service, priority embarkation/disembarkation.  
• AARP Members:  Get an additional On Board Credit. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim take a practical look at Holland America Line: where it fits, where it does not, and why it remains especially important for Alaska, Yukon, longer voyages, and travelers who want a larger ship without the amusement-park atmosphere.

https://youtu.be/tFgXu9l9alA

In Case You Missed It:

ALASKA:  Holland America really excels in Alaska itineraries.  Here’s some other ideas on how to maximize your visit there:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/ultimate-alaska/

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.  Yes… we intend to use it to help us be better, cheaper and faster.  NO… you won’t be dealing with an algorithm, because ALGORITHMS DON’T TRAVEL.  We DO!

https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-want-to-deal-with-artificial-intelligence-or-a-real-person/

TRAVELING WITH MOBILITY ISSUES.  Eventually we all reach a place where we’re not as agile as we once were.  Does this mean you CAN’T TRAVEL?  No… but it does mean you have to get over yourself to a certain degree, and have the courage to get out there:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-mobility-issues/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

ALASKA trip planning can be like drinking from a fire hose.  Here’s a video we made on the SEVEN QUESTIONS you need to ask yourself to plan your best trip to ALASKA.  

https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M

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?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02azcfTAo2gcASGpHTCpfVYwXf3P5yuhXrxWmbUEjGB2MbD6eCv4fJDKdZuDU4hXxml

Today’s Travel Opportunities

HOLLAND AMERICA in ALASKA

There are over 25 different Alaska itineraries with HAL.  Here are three that will allow you to see lots:

DENALI Cruise-Tour(D1L):  Fairbanks to Vancouver departing June 8 for 12-days

• Start in Fairbanks and visit Denali National Park, Anchorage, Whittier, cruise the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, cruise the Inside Passage, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $5264

DENALI & YUKON (Y5L): Anchorage to Vancouver departing June 12 for 11-days

• Start in Anchorage and visit Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson, Whitehorse, Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, cruise the Inside Passage, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $3699

ULTIMATE ALASKA & YUKON (Y1C): Vancouver round-trip departing May 30 for 17-days

• Start in Vancouver and cruise the Inside Passage, visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, cruise Glacier Bay, College Fjord, and disembark in Whittier.  The carry on to Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Dawson, and finish back in Vancouver. 
• Veranda Fares from $5684

EXTENDED VOYAGES with HOLLAND AMERICA 

If you’re looking to do a longer cruise, but aren’t quite ready for a world cruise, HAL offers more itineraries than anyone else.  Here’s a few: 

HAWAII & TAHITI: San Diego round-trip depart February 13, or October 14, 2027 for 35-days

• Start in San Diego and visit Hawaii (Hilo, Honolulu, Maui, Kona), French Polynesia (Tabuaeran, Avatoru, Huahine, Bora Bora, Society Islands, Moorea, Papeete, Fakarava, Taiohae), and finish back in San Diego. 
• Fares from $4324

ARCTIC CIRCLE and ALASKA: Seattle round-trip departing June 6 for 28-days

• Start in Seattle and cruise Puget Sound, Seymour Narrows, Johnstone Strait, Bella Bella, Grenville Channel, and the Great Bear Rainforest.  Visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Dutch Harbor.  Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Prince William Sound, and College Fjord, and cross the Arctic Circle.  Head southbound, and visit Dutch Harbor, Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell, Prince Rupert, and finish in Seattle.
• Fares from $6059

GREAT BRITAIN & ICELAND: Boston round-trip departing July 17, 2027 for 35-days

• Start in Boston and visit Portland, Sydney, Corner Brook, Red Bay, Greenland (Paamiut, Nanortalik), Iceland (Isafjordur, Akureyri, Reykjavik), then carry on to Norway, Ireland, and Holland.  Head back across the Atlantic and stop in at Newfoundland and Halifax before finishing in back in Boston.
• Fares from $9279

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: 

PARIS & NORMANDY:  Round-trip from Paris for 8-days 

• Visit Paris (overnight), Giverny (for Monet’s Gardens), Vernon, La Roche Guyon, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Normandy Beaches, Versailles. 
• 2026: Depart August through November from $5599
• 2027: Departures March through November from $4399
• See our video playlist from this trip: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVEP9ouRrZGrhocmhYp7EUPW 

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 year-round from $13,999
• ADD: Extension to Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

You DON’T have to be an elite athlete to do an EXPEDITION CRUISE.  You DO need to be curious about more remote places on the planet.  If you’re unsure if an expedition cruise is right for you, here are two ways to check it out: 

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:  September through December from $6787
• 2027:  Year-round departures from $7358
• 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 $4167
• 2027: Depart January through March or November through December from $4559

INTREPID PREMIUM Guided Land Journeys

You can’t go everywhere on a ship, and INTREPID TRAVEL will escort you to many of those places.  

YELLOWSTONE NP Guided Walking Tour for 5-days

• Experience the rivers, lakes, geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs up close.  
• Stay at Canyon Lodge… right in the park!
• Includes a daypack, hiking poles, and NP entrance fees. 
• There is 3 – 5 hours of walking per day.
• Departures in June through September from $4775

CROATIA & SLOVENIA for 16-days:  

• Start in Venice and then travel to Slovenia where you’ll see Postojna Caves, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj.  You’ll then travel to Croatia to visit Motovun and Buzet before heading inland again to see the incredibly scenic Plitvice Lakes NP.  From there it’s out to the Dalmatian Coast to experience Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Korcula, before finishing with 2-nights in Dubrovnik.  
• This trip offers a comprehensive experience in Croatia, with some days in Slovenia, which has yet to be discovered (but it won’t be long).  
• Weekly departures April through October from $11,665

ATLAS Small Ship EPICUREAN EXPEDITIONS

Atlas carries under 200 guests, and when their ships aren’t in Antarctica, they conduct CULINARY and CULTURAL Expeditions in Europe.  Here are two examples:

ITALY & CROATIA: Rome to Dubrovnik departing September 9 for 6-nights

• Start in Rome and visit Capri, the Aeolian Islands, Corfu, Montenegro, and finish in Dubrovnik. 
• Fares from $4271

PORTUGAL, SPAIN & FRANCE: Lisbon to Bordeaux departing May 7 for 7-nights

• Start in Lisbon and visit Porto, La Coruña, Gijón, Bilbao, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and finish in Bordeaux. 
• This one is all about FOOD and WINE!
• Fares from $5999

A NOTE on ETAs?

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATIONS (ETAs) are already in place for many countries, and there will be more.  We get lots of questions about these, and they are really NOT a big deal.  IT IS NOT A VISA. 

COUNTRIES / REGIONS REQUIRING ETAs for US Passport Holders:

• Australia
• European Union (implementation has been delayed until 2027)
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)

THE PROCESS

• Go to the website of the government of the country you are visiting, and download their official APP.  There are lots of knock-offs, so make sure you’re using the official one.
• Answer the required questions.  You’ll need your passport number, and you’ll be asked about the purpose of your trip, and some other questions.
• Pay the fee.  This is usually around $20 USD (New Zealand is more).

VIDEO RESOURCES

We’ve documented our experience when applying for these ETA’s

• United Kingdom: https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk

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

When YOU travel, your name ends up on a list that is prepared for me at the beginning of every month, and if you travelled this past October, you were part of a list that was the longest one EVER for our little agency.  Apparently October is the new peak season amongst our clients. 

Our clients may be slightly ahead of the curve on this trend.  This is because many of you are retired, or semi-retired, or at least have a high degree of control over your own schedule.  Use this to your advantage, but you might want to KEEP QUIET about QUIET SEASON: 

WHAT Exactly is QUIET SEASON?

• The exact dates vary by destination, but it’s often the winter months.
• PEAK season for Europe, Canada, and Japan is now May through September (yes… the “September Secret” is out – the busiest month of the year for river cruises in Europe). 

WHY Travel in Quiet Season

• Way fewer people to compete with on shore.  This means shorter line-ups. 
• It will usually cost you less.
• It’s easier for restaurant reservations, museum tickets, and hotel availability.
• You can support local, small businesses when they need it most. 

The Trade-Offs for Travelling in QUIET SEASON: 

• You’ll need to wear a jacket, pack in layers, probably bring rain gear. 
• It’s more difficult to travel with kids or grandkids
• There are fewer flight options.
• Fewer daylight hours in winter, and this is MORE pronounced at higher latitudes (like Europe, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand). 
• Some shoppes or attractions may have reduced hours or be closed. 

WHEN is QUIET SEASON for Destinations our Clients Visit Most:

• EUROPE:  October through March.  You’re not going to Europe for a beach holiday anyway, so the cooler temperatures aren’t a problem.  Do remember the daylight hours are short in winter.  Rhine & Danube cruises are now available year round.
• CANADA:  Our clients go to Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies, or Quebec.  If you can cope with rain, Vancouver is relatively warm in winter, and there are occasional cruises to Hawaii.  OR-if you want a unique winter escape, visit the Ice Hotel near Quebec City.
• AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND:  March through October is the austral winter.  Aussies and Kiwis are BIG cruisers, so there are ships there year-round if you want to beat crowds.
• JAPAN:  October – March.  People go for Cherry Blossoms in spring but that’s the busiest time to visit.  If you like winter getaways, go North, and visit Mt. Fuji during ski season. 

Life is full of trade-offs, and travelling in non-peak season is one of them.  Experienced travellers have found Quiet Season… and all indications are that October 2026 will exceed October 2025 for the month with our most clients travelling ever.  Experienced travellers want to enjoy “being there”, as opposed to just saying “I was there”. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, we talk about why more experienced travelers are choosing to travel outside traditional peak season—and why the old idea of “shoulder season” may not mean what it used to.

https://youtu.be/SMsVu3WuJy8

In Case You Missed It:

QUIET SEASON MEDITERRANEAN.  Several cruise lines leave ships in the Mediterranean year-round, and that creates a great opportunity to explore the sites without having to compete with quite so many others:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/quiet-season-mediterranean/

AIR COMPARE:  In June, Bob and I found ourselves flying on American, Air Canada, Delta, and United all within a few weeks of each other, and we were even on a Boeing 737-MAX for each leg.  How often do you get a direct comparison like this?!?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/which-north-american-airline-is-best/

SEACLOUD:  If you’ve been seemingly everywhere, or you like to be the first to experience something new, then look at what SEACLOUD is doing.  It very well could be your next bucket list trip!

https://pamperedcruiser.com/sea-cloud-a-river-cruise-lovers-dream-on-the-ocean/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

Silversea’s SILVER NOVA Ship Tour.  We were on board a few months ago, and Laurie Bohn from Silversea walked Bob around this innovative vessel:

https://youtu.be/9yqmgJqNlgw

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?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0267L2K8QLwJXH2mP1KWbFzWwsoPrgnDRHvUGbXVYpnoUonGRefUuvCkouboD5kgHfl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

YACHTING Experiences with WINDSTAR in the QUIET SEASON

With a maximum 320 guest, WINDSTAR is a casual experience with a great culinary experience. 

MEDITERRANEAN in the WINTER: Venice to Barcelona departing January 30 for 15-days

• Start with an overnight stay in Venice on board the ship, and then sail to Zadar, Dubrovnik (overnight), Messina, Naples, Rome, Livorno (overnight), Genoa, Nice (overnight), and finish with an overnight stay on the ship in Barcelona.  
• Fares from $5686

HOLLAND TULIPS round-trip Amsterdam departing April 22 for 7-nights

There’s lots of Tulip cruises on riverboats, but it’s off-season for Ocean Yachts in the Netherlands – except for WINDSTAR:

• Start in Amsterdam and visit Harlingen, Oudeschild, Bruges, Antwerp, and cruise the Scheldt River.
• Fares from $5479

RIVER CRUISING with TAUCK

Quiet season for river cruises in Europe is March, April & November.  Here are some ideas from TAUCK – the most inclusive of the river cruise lines in Europe:

PORTUGAL & SPAIN on the Douro River for one-week:

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Mateus Palace, Guimaraes.
• See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
• 2027: Depart April – May or July – November from $5990
• Optional extensions to Madrid and/or Lisbon. 

THE BLUE DANUBE from Budapest to Prague for 12-days

• Start in Budapest for 2 nights (with extensive sight-seeing in both Buda and Pest), Bratislava, Vienna for 2-nights (with a private visit to a palace), Durnstein (where you’ll visit castles and wineries), Wachau Valley, Linz (for side trips to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov), and Engelhartszell.  Disembark in Vilshofen, and visit Regensburg on your way to Prague for 2-nights where you’ll have a private dinner at Lobkowicz Palace, and get a private tour of the Baroque Library at Strahov Monastery. 
• Depart April through October from $7290

VIKING OCEAN QUIET SEASON

Viking leaves two ships in the Mediterranean year-round, providing LOTS of options for those that want to explore Southern Europe in the QUIET SEASON.  Here are two examples:

PORTUGAL & SPAIN: Lisbon to Barcelona departing for 8-days

• Visit Lisbon (overnight), Seville, Tangier, Granada, Cartagena, and Mallorca.
• Depart February 3, 10 or 12 in a veranda room from $3999 with air from $999
• Pre/post extensions available to Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, or Basque Country

SPAIN, ITALY & NORTHERN AFRICA round-trip Barcelona for 16-days

• Visit Marseille, Corsica, Rome, Malta (overnight), Tunis, Algiers, Casablanca, Seville, Granada. 
• Depart January 13 or 24 in a veranda room from $8499 with air from $799
• Pre/post extensions available to Madrid, Barcelona or Basque Country

Viking also has RIVER CRUISES on the Rhine and Danube in January and February.  

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC REMOTE EXPLORATIONS

With NATGEO it’s always quiet season.  They put far fewer people on vessel than other cruise lines, and they go to remote places.  

WHALE WATCHING in Baja California round-trip from Loreto for 8-days

• Experience the best of the Sea of Cortez.  Get up close encounters with gray whales; do zodiac tours in search of dolphins, sea lions and whales; go snorkeling to see the sea life; go for a walk in Espiritu Santo Archipelago NP; go bird watching for Blue-Footed Boobies and other species.  
• Departures January through March from $6450

COSTA RICA & PANAMA CANAL:  San Jose to Panama City for 8-days

• Start in San José and visit the Osa Conservation Area, Golfo Dulce, Coiba National Park, Gulf of Panama Islets, Gatún Lake, and finish in Colón
• Departures November 2026 through April 2027 from $6485

CRYSTAL Small Ship Luxury

Crystal has the highest space per guest on their ships in the industry, so regardless of when you go, it will feel like QUIET SEASON on board their ships.  

Cruise with VANESSA WILLIAMS: Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena depart November 23 for 9-nights

• Start in Fort Lauderdale and visit Paradise Island, Samana, San Juan, Jost Van Dyke, Oranjestad and finish in Cartagena. 
• Fares from $4200
• OR stay on board for 19-days, and disembark in Costa Rica from $9520
• $1000 Air Credit available.

San Diego to Vancouver departing January 8 for 139 nights 

• Circumnavigate the Pacific: Start in San Diego and visit the Mexican Riviera, Central America, the Pacific Coast of South America, the South Pacific and Polynesian Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Alaska, and finish in Vancouver.
• Fares from $76,200

COLLETTE — Premium Guided Land Journeys

If you travel outside of the summer months in most of the US, it will be much quieter.  Here are two examples: 

Northern CALIFORNIA and Yosemite for 8-days

• Visit Monterey, Carmel, Modesto (for Yosemite), Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, San Francisco.
• 2026: Departures in October from $3799
• 2027: Departures April through October from $3799

NORTHERN LIGHTS in Alaska for 7-days

Visit the 49^th State BEFORE the cruise ships get there, and catch the Northern Lights too!

• Visit Anchorage, Prince William Sound, Talkeetna, and travel the railroad to Fairbanks
• March departures from $4699.

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