One thing that distinguishes Americans from Europeans (and Aussies, Kiwis and Canadians) is that we tend to take vacation blocks in 2-week intervals or less. This is mostly because we get less paid vacation time than our peers in other countries. However, once you reach a certain age, then you might have more time off, you might have more flexible work arrangements, or you might be retired.
And you’re still only taking 2-week blocks of time away. It seems old habits die hard.
However, the pandemic has made many of us more willing to look at longer vacation options. We’ve had a number of clients reach out to us recently to book trips to Europe that comprise of 2 or even 3 cruises, with some land tour options in between.
Part of this is undoubtedly frustration from being unable to travel during the past 2 years, but it makes infinite sense in a world where air travel has become more challenging and expensive. Getting to Europe is commitment of both time and money, so why not maximize your time there?
Some people really don’t like being away from home for more than 10 days or 2 weeks, and I would never attempt to talk any of those people out of that preference.
However, if you are able to manage your domestic obligations while being abroad for a longer stay, I suggest that you try and make this happen.
Several of our clients are planning to be away for 3-6 weeks this summer. For example:
- 7-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel (with pre- and post- cruise hotel packages) + transfer to Zurich for 3 nights + a one-week Switzerland-intensive guided land tour. [That’s you, Tom]
- 7-day Rhine River cruise + 14-day “Grand European” river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest + 7-day Danube River cruise with a pre-cruise stay in Prague and a post-cruise stay in Paris. Friends are joining along for various segments of the trip. [That’s you, Fran]
- 25-day Ocean cruise from San Juan, PR to Venice Italy + 7-day Ocean cruise home from Southampton to New York, with independent travel in between. [That’s you, Mary]
This is one way to get even with the pandemic!
Today’s Travel Opportunities
American Queen – Companion Sails Free
For those ready to travel in the next couple of months, American Queen has a compelling offer on selected voyages: The second guest in the room sails free. This is one of those offers where you’ll have to be flexible about dates and stateroom type because availability is tight. However, if you wanted to travel on one of the following departures in 2022, this offer is pretty hard to beat:
- Memphis to Louisville: June 13, 20, July 2, 9
- Memphis to New Orleans: June 12, 19, 26
- St. Louis to Minneapolis: July 23, 25, 30
Remember that American Queen fares include a pre-cruise hotel night, unlimited shore excursions, an open bar, Wi-Fi on the ship, and fantastic entertainment. Maybe it’s time to explore your own country this summer?
Uniworld Family River Cruise Sailings
We often get inquiries from people that want to take children or grandchildren on a river cruise, so they can expose these young people to the wonders of Europe. In normal circumstances, river ships might not be the most family-friendly environment, so we look for sailings like this.
How is it different from a regular river cruise?
- There will be other families and children on board… peers matter a LOT at this age!
- Shore excursions and ship activities will be more geared to children and teens.
- Menus will be adjusted to accommodate younger people that may not fully appreciate the delights of fois gras with balsamic reduction (for example).
- Family hosts will be on board to help entertain children and teens.
- A youth lounge is set up on the ship.
Here are some examples:
- Milan to Venice 10-days departing July 1, 2022. Fares start at $3699 pp based on double occupancy.
- Basel to Amsterdam 8-days departing June 25, July 2, 9. Fares start at $3999 pp based on double occupancy.
- Vienna to Prague 10-days departing June 29, July 8, July 27. Fares start at $3999 pp based on double occupancy.
The prices above are the going rates for adults. On designated family cruises, guests aged 4 – 17 get a 25% discount.
BONUS: On top of that, book any July – Aug 2022 Uniworld cruise through us and get an exclusive $250 pp discount (book by May 30th – does NOT have to be a family cruise).
No matter which Uniworld cruise you choose, you’ll always receive a $200 pp onboard credit just for booking through us (you won’t receive the exclusive $250 pp discount or onboard credit if you book directly with Uniworld). When you layer all these offers on top of each other, the value is quite compelling.
Check out Uniworld Cruises here: https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us
Oceania Ultimate O-Life Sale Ends May 20th
With Oceania you normally get to choose one of the following perks: Beverage Package, free Shore Excursions, or an on-board credit. On selected sailings (46 of them!) you get all three goodies (book by May 20).
Here’s the link directly to the Oceania Website if you want to browse the sailings, but remember to contact us for booking:
https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/olife-ultimate/
Here’s a few that caught my eye:
- Paris to New York departing August 27 for 14-days.
- Inside rooms from $4549. Balcony rooms from $5599
- Includes AIR, beverage package, 8 shore excursions, and an $800 on board cabin credit
- Rome to Barcelona departing September 26 for 7-days
- Balcony rooms from $4199
- Includes AIR, beverage package, 4 shore excursions, and a $400 on board cabin credit
- Miami round-trip departing December 17 for 11-days.
- Inside rooms from $3599, Veranda rooms from $4999
- Includes AIR, beverage package, 6 shore excursions, and a $600 on board cabin credit
Viking Flash Sale for Asia (4 days – ends May 16th)
Flying to Asia can be expensive, and even the discounted cost through Viking is normally $1000+ per person. For a limited time, you get FREE airfare, complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package, and $500 onboard credit!
Choose from 4 itineraries:
- “Southeast Asia and Hong Kong” (15 days, Hong Kong to Bangkok – Oct. 27th, 2022 departure)
- “Across the Bay of Bengal” (16 days, Mumbai to Bangkok – Nov. 14th, 2022 departure)
- “Bangkok, Bali & Beyond” (13 days, Bangkok to Bali – Nov. 29th, 2022 departure)
- “Komodo & the Australian Coast” (17 days, Bali to Sydney – Dec. 11th, 2022 departure)
Click the links above for more details about each itinerary. Remember to disregard the listed cost of flights because if you book through us by May 16th you’ll get FREE airfare included in the price.
Why not get even with the Pandemic and combine two or more of these itineraries?
Remember, any time you book a Viking cruise through us, you’ll get an extra $100 per person onboard credit in addition to any discounts and/or perks offered by Viking. If you recently booked directly with Viking so we can get the onboard credits added to your existing reservation.
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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
