This week, we’re wrapping up our Uniworld ‘partner of the month’ promotion, but more on that in a minute.
Given that we’re in the middle of the Thanksgiving weekend, I’d like to offer my thanks to those who are cautiously returning to travel. It is not only our own livelihood that benefits from this, but 1 job in 10 in the United States that is in travel/tourism, and in some countries as many as 1 in 4 jobs are dependent upon travel. These folks have had a rough go in the past two years. So, thank you for travelling.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales
Many of you have asked if there is any substance in the travel biz to the hype around these sale days. At the bargain end of the cruise market, you might be able to do quite well. Many of the mega-ship operators have thousands of cabins to fill, and the consumer event that now defines the Thanksgiving Holiday is a great chance for them to do so.
The small-ship and river cruise lines are much more reluctant to discount their product. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a deal or two out there. It will most probably be a shoulder season departure that they are having more trouble filling. That means you’ll probably see some offers for departure in March and April for European River Cruises, and maybe some January and February Caribbean small ship sailings. It’s certainly worth looking around, just don’t expect to find deeply discounted, prime-time product.
Uniworld River Cruises – European Rivers
Today as we conclude our Partner of the Month promotion with Uniworld, we’ll highlight the standard European offerings. These are “standards” in so far as Uniworld sails the most popular regions in Europe. Uniworld’s Boutique River Ships are truly unique, and far from “standard”.
Uniworld cruises include several choices for shore excursions at each port, an open bar, gratuities, and wifi on the ship. PLUS – for all bookings made by November 30th, we’re able to get you an additional $200 per person on board credit.
The Rhine River
- Travel between Amsterdam & Basel, visiting the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Switzerland.
- Experience the urban splendors of Amsterdam and Cologne, and also small hamlets like Rudesheim and Speyer. You also get a scenic cruising day in the Rhine Gorge.
- Several departures for 7-nights in March and April offered at $1000 off starting at $2199 per person (from $3999 in the summer months).
- There are many variations of the cruise with longer ship stays, and land extensions as well.
The Danube River
- Travel between Passau (near Munich, Germany) and Budapest, visiting Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
- See the contrast between western cities like Vienna, and the Soviet-era remnants in Bratislava and Budapest. You also get a Scenic cruising day in the Wachau Valley in Austria. Finally, maybe you want to try on some Lederhosen in Bavaria and visit a beer hall.
- Departures for 7-nights in March & April at $2199 per person (just a few spots left). In the summer months, fares start at $3199 pp.
- There are variations of this trip that extend to Prague, as well as Lower Danube Cruises that sail between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania.
France
Uniworld has ships on three rivers in France:
- The Seine – round-trip Paris to Normandy, visiting Giverny (for Monet’s Gardens), Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Versailles, and the Normandy landing beaches.
- Dock within sight of the Eiffel Tour, and experience the urban wonder of Paris, as well as visiting Versailles. Further downstream take a trip to the iconic Mont Saint Michel, and visit the charming fishing village of Honfleur and shop in a local market.
- Departures for 7-nights in March from $2199 per person, and in the summer months from $3599 pp.
- Rhone/Saone Rivers – between Lyon and Avignon for Burgundy and Provence.
- See Roman ruins, the walled city of Avignon, ancient castles, and modern wineries in Burgundy, and the culinary centre of France: Lyon.
- Departures for 7-nights in March for $2199 per person, and in the summer months from $3799 pp.
- Bordeaux River Cruise – round trip from Bordeaux.
- This trip is about the wine-growing region and its estate wineries to be sure, but there are also picturesque hamlets to be visited, as well as visits to local markets for an immersion into French cuisine.
- Departures for 7-nights in March/April for $2199 per person (a few spots left), and in the summer months from $2999 pp.
You can also combine any two of these three French River cruises for a two-week trip, and Uniworld will transfer you between regions for complete French immersion.
Save on 2023 Uniworld River Cruises
If you’d rather travel in 2023, then Uniworld is offering 10% early booking bonus savings.
Remember, as part of our partner of the month promotion, we can get you an additional $200 per person onboard credit on ANY Uniworld cruise booked by November 30th.
Fly Free with Viking Ocean Cruises
We’re seeing some solid value offered by Viking in the next few months. They’ve re-deployed their ship that was intended for Australia/New Zealand, and on a per day basis, it’s not going to get much better for a small ship than we’re seeing right now. Here’s an example:
Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver, departing March 23rd 2022 (26 days)
- Visits Mexico, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, California and Oregon.
- For those with bucket-list destinations in the Americas, this cruise checks a lot of boxes.
- Price includes round-trip flights, airport transfers, all taxes and fees, an excursion in each port of call, beer/wine with meals, specialty dining, and wifi on the ship.
- Prices start at $6998 per person for a 270 square foot veranda stateroom.
There are also variations of this cruise offered with free air:
- Fort Lauderdale round trip – 15-days from $4499 pp
- Florida to California (or reverse) – 18-days form $4999 pp
- LA to Vancouver (or reverse) – 9-days from $2699 pp
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We truly value each and every one of you, and are grateful that you are part of our tribe. On a personal note, we’re doing back-to-back river cruises on the American Queen steamboat paddle-wheeler. Follow along with us daily on Facebook and Instagram if you’re interested in this unique trip on the Mississippi and tributaries. First post coming tomorrow!
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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
Sue Bradley
