You have told us one of the reasons you book your travel with us, is because we’ve been to the destinations, and we’ve experienced the products that you want.  So today, I thought I’d offer a window as to where our team members are travelling this year, and how that benefits you. 

FIRST: An instructional story from the road:  Bob and I were in Rome a while ago, and decided to take the train out to the cruise ship port.  Knowing Europeans are generally better at public transit than we are, it seemed like a good idea that quickly became a bad idea.  First, Rail Italia was threatening to go on strike (a frequent occurrence in Italy).  Then, just 10 minutes before departure at Rome’s Termini Train station, the track had still not been announced.

What I learned from this (for our clients) is that for €120, a car service is probably a better way to get to the port – particularly if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.  So learn from our errors!

I have no doubt, there will be more lessons learned this year, as we and our other team members make journeys to these places:

• ROCKY MOUNTAINEER in the Canadian Rockies.  The journey between Vancouver and Calgary on this luxury train, is one of the world’s most scenic outings.
• GOLF CRUISE with AMA Waterways on the Danube River on AMA Magna.  Magna’s not like any other river boat, and you’ve been asking about this golf itinerary.
• COSTA RICA for a Premium Guided Land Journey.  Rainforest walks, wildlife, beaches, coffee plantations, volcanoes… it’s all here, and not too far from home. 
• CANYON SPIRIT Luxury Rail Experience through Colorado and Utah is a great way to experience several of our National Parks through some incredible scenery. 
• CARIBBEAN CRUISE with Celebrity.  This isn’t a common itinerary amongst our clients, but it’s still great to have some first-hand knowledge of this close-to-home option. 
• COLOMBIA with AMA Waterways with pre-cruise in Medellin and post-cruise in Panama City.  AMA’s the first river cruise company on the Magdelena.  Stay tuned for our report!
• NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM with TAUCK:  Historic cities, gardens, and lots of canals!  It’s also a chance for us to re-experience Tauck – one of clients’ favorites.  

Here’s few more trips that aren’t scheduled yet, but are near the top of our list:

• GREENLAND & CANADA’S ARCTIC.  It’s a scenery and wildlife safari at sea.
• EASTERN CARIBBEAN with SEA CLOUD on their sailing yacht.  We talk about Sea Cloud as a salt-water river cruise.  What a great way to experience the Caribbean!

We think in an age where algorithms and TV news only feed you information that aligns with your world view, that it’s important for us to get out there so we can speak firsthand to your travel destination or cruise line.  ALGORITHMS DON’T TRAVEL and it’s shockingly rare amongst travel agents and call center employees at the big travel brands to actually travel.  Sure… they read the brochures, and attend the webinars, but that’s a lot different than being there.   

We haven’t been everywhere, but whenever possible, we’d prefer to answer your questions from EXPERIENCE, not just from a brochure. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim & Bob pull back the curtain on something most travelers never think about — how much firsthand experience actually matters when planning a trip.

https://youtu.be/MNXwnClrtYE

In Case You Missed It:

GREAT LAKES:  People come from all over the world to experience our GREAT LAKES and surrounding areas.  It might be time for us to check out our own backyard.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/great-lakes/

OCEANIA occupies a unique space in the market between the Premium Cruise Lines and the Luxury Lines.  They also have a really strong focus on the culinary experience:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-private-sale-in-june/

TELECOM ABROAD:  E-Sims offer better performance, and cost a fraction of paying the roaming charges that most wireless carriers charge, but do you really need one?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/telecom-abroad-e-sims/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

VIKING deploys its Antarctic expedition ships to the GREAT LAKES from May through September.  This provides you a comfortable and familiar way to explore the region OR to check out what an expedition ship is all about:

https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM

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

SILVERSEA Class Luxury Ocean Cruises

THIS WEEK ONLY:  Silversea is offering our clients an additional $250 on board credit on 2026 and 2027 voyages booked this week.  Here are a few examples:

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  Sydney to Auckland departing December 4 for 14-days

• Start in Sydney and visit Hobart, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, and finish in Auckland. 
• Fares from $11,400

NORWAY COAST & SCANDINAVIA: Copenhagen round-trip departing May 21,2027 for 15-days

• Start in Copenhagen and visit Olden, Leknes, Honningsvag (North Cape), Alta, Trondheim, Romsdal, Vik, Skagen, and finish in Copenhagen.
• Fares from $9,800

BALTIC SEA: Copenhagen to Stockholm departing June 5, 2027 for 13-days

• Start in Copenhagen and visit Aarhus, Aalborg, Gothenburg, Rostock, Ronne, Gdansk, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, and finish in Stockholm. 
• Fares from $8,600

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruise 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.  These 2027 fares represent 20% OFF

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing round-trip from Porto for 7-nights

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca d’Alva.
• 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 Madeira Island. 
• 2026: Departures June – November from $2,969
• 2027: Departures March – November from $3,199

CHRISTMAS MARKETS:  Nuremberg to Frankfurt for 8-days in November or December:

• The Germans go all-out on the Christmas Markets, and this cruise on the Main River exposes you to many different Christmas Markets in Germany.  Space for 2026 is nearly sold out, but there are a few cabins left:

• Start in Nuremberg and visit Bamberg, Kitzingen, Würzburg, Wertheim, and finish in Frankfurt.
• 2026:  Fares from $5,699
• 2027:  Fares from $4,589

YACHTING with WINDSTAR

If you like great food, a really relaxed atmosphere, and being on a first-name basis with the crew, you’ll love WINDSTAR with a maximum of 320 guests. 

TAHITI:  Papeete round-trip departing weekly for 7-days

• Tropical Beauty, Remote Islands, Dreamy Lagoons.
• Start in Papeete, and visit Moorea, Raiatea (overnight), Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight), and Huahine before returning to Papeete.  

• Fares from $2,816
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise with WINDSTAR: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

JAPAN and EAST ASIA from Hanoi to Osaka departing March 1, 2027 for 10-days

• Fly to Hanoi, and start in Halong Bay, then visit Hong Kong (overnight), Taipei, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Amami, and finish in Osaka.
• Fares From $7,954

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

Both these cruises are easy to get to from the United States, but your experience will feel VERY remote:

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:  June through December from $6,753
• 2027:  January through December from $7,324
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

Outdoor ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days

• You’ve been to ALASKA, but not like this.  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
• 2026: Departures May through July from $4,867
• 2027: Departures May through July from $5,299

COSTA RICA Family Journeys with ABERCROMBIE & KENT for 10-days

• Explore in comfort and style, and take along kids or grandkids in a private group.
• Waterfalls, volcanoes, snorkelling, kayaking, jungle walks, coffee plantations, horse back riding, bird watching, surfing, nocturnal jungle walk, whale watching:  It’s ALL available in Costa Rica.
• Fares from $7595 per person

Exploring the GREAT LAKES with VIKING

In our summer months, Viking’s Antarctica ships ply the waters of the Great Lakes.  This is a great way to see if an Expedition Ship is right for you, while exploring this extraordinary region. 

GREAT LAKES with VIKING for 8-days between Milwaukee and Toronto

• Visit Toronto, traverse the locks of the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee NP, Detroit, Alpena (MI), Mackinac Island, Milwaukee
• 2026: Nordic Balconies from $6,995 – Departures June through October
• 2027: Nordic Balconies from $7,995 – Departures May through September.
• Here’s our ITINERARY VIDEO from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM 

GREAT LAKES with VIKING for 15-days between Duluth MN and Toronto

• Visit Toronto, traverse the locks of the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Alpena, Algoma (Wisconsin), Mackinac Island, Fathom Five National Marine Park (submarine available), Killarney (Ontario), Georgian Bay, Soo Locks transit, Silver Islet, Thunder Bay (submarine available), Duluth.
• 2026: Nordic Balconies from $17,995 – Departs August 10^th. 
• 2027: Nordic Balconies from $15,995 – Departures May through August.

See our Ship Tour video of Viking Polaris here: https://youtu.be/izwAZ6NdFOo 

See the Submarine and the HANGAR here: https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM 

OCEANIA for FOODIES

OCEANIA occupies the market space between the Premium and the Luxury Cruise Lines, with a strong focus on the CULINARY experience

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. 

HAWAII & ALASKA:  Vancouver to Honolulu departing September 19 for 16-days

• Start in Vancouver and visit Ketchikan, cruise the Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului, Nawiliwili, and finish in Honolulu.
• Fares from $3,910

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

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 like the idea of a luxury cruise, but you’re worried about being Gilligan on a ship full of Mr. & Mrs. Howells, then look at EXPLORA JOURNEYS.  There are no caviar luncheons served by butlers with white gloves… just understated European Luxury service with fantastic culinary.  

WHO is EXPLORA JOURNEYS?

• They have 6 near-identical ships, with two currently operating, with a third vessel joining the fleet in July, two more ships in 2027, and their sixth vessel arriving in 2028. 
• You’ve probably heard they are the luxury division of MSC, but don’t worry… Explora Journeys is a completely different onboard experience than MSC.  
• European Luxury Lifestyle brand:  slower pacing, spacious design.  More private yacht.

WHERE DOES EXPLORA JOURNEYS GO?

• Explora Journeys has a strong presence in the MEDITERRANEAN
• 2026:  They also have itineraries in NORTHERN EUROPE, the CARIBBEAN, and CANADA & NEW ENGLAND
• 2027:  All of the above, AND will add SOUTH AMERICA, ALASKA, JAPAN & EAST ASIA.
• EXOTICS:  Explora Journeys also has some itineraries in the Indian Ocean if you want to explore East Africa, Dubai, the Persian Gulf, and the Red Sea.  

HOW DO EXPLORA JOURNEYS DIFFERENTIATE?

• SPACIOUS SUITES – The entry-level stateroom on Explora ships is a 377 square foot suite with a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, heated bathroom floors and a veranda (or “Sun Terrace” as they call them) with a daybed for soaking up the sun.
• CULINARY – there isn’t a main dining room where everyone shows up at an appointed time.  Instead, much like a land resort, there are a variety of choices (9 of them!) where you can make a reservation ahead of time OR come as a “walk up”.  Frank Garanger, the Head of Culinary, was formerly with Oceania (well known for their amazing food).

• ENTERTAINMENT – Explora does not have a big main theatre that cranks out the Vegas-style production shows.  Instead, there are a variety of smaller venues (10 of them!) with different styles and types of entertainment, that are intended for you to drop in at your whim.  No more setting your watch to make the show.
• INCLUSIONS – Your fare includes an open bar (including an in-suite mini-bar), all specialty dining, gratuities, taxes/fees, and high-speed internet… it really includes everything other than shore excursions (Explora calls these “Destination Experiences”).
• NO CROWDS:  There are 922 guests on a 64,000 ton vessel.  This gives you about 5% more space per guest than Seabourn, 24% more space than Oceania, and 34% more space per guest than on Viking Ocean.  

WHO TRAVELS with EXPLORA JOURNEYS

• FOODIES:  If great food and wine is your thing, EXPLORA JOURNEYS is a good choice. 
• CASUAL LUXURY:  If you prefer to leave the tuxedos and ball gowns at home. 
• LAND TRAVELERS:  Non-cruisers — especially those that like waterfront luxury hotels.
• NEWEST SHIPS:  If you like the latest hardware, with service and amenities to match.
• FAMILIES:  We don’t see a lot of children on Explora, but they do have facilities for them, unlike the other luxury brands. 

Explora Journeys is elegant without being stuffy, and luxury without being loud, for those looking for a calm, immersive destination experience.  

UNPACKED:  The PODCAST

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim & Bob take a closer look at Explora Journeys, and break down what makes them different — and who it’s really for.  Having both experienced the product firsthand, they walk through what stood out to each of them, and how it fits into the broader world of luxury cruise travel. 

https://youtu.be/XWBqAUctJ90

In Case You Missed It:

HOW TRAVEL HAS CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC.  You remember the dark times… the world is a lot different now, and it has changed how we travel.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-the-pandemic-changed-travel-forever/

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND.  It’s in our own backyard, and there are different ways to see this corner of the world.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/canada-new-england/

TIPS on TIPPING:  Tipping expectations and culture vary widely across the world, and it’s important to know how to handle this when you’re abroad.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/tips-on-tipping/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

We have a few videos from our experience with this brand.  Here’s a link to our EXPLORA JOURNEYS Playlist.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVFSKHYuI7u89DR2aCV7JiY4&si=lLy240PO_Mb57swC

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

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 $5,495

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 $8,760

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 $5,555
• On brand new Explora III

SOUTH AMERICA & AMAZON: Manaus to San Juan departing February 17 for 12-nights

• Start in Manaus and visit Parintins, Alter do Chão, Macapá, Devil’s Island, Bequia, Bridgetown, Castries, Gustavia, Basseterre, and finish in San Juan.
• Fares from $10,100

CARIBBEAN:  Miami round-trip departing December 5 for 8-nights

• Start in Miami, and then visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, Guatemala, Belize, and Roatan. 
• Fares from $4655
• Or stay on board for 15-nights and also visit the US Virgin Islands, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten, and finish in San Juan, Puerto Rico with fares from $7000

PORTUGAL & SPAIN in WINTER:  Lisbon to Barcelona departing December 21 for 7-nights

• A great opportunity to visit Europe when it’s less busy.
• Start in Lisbon and visit Gibraltar, Málaga, Alicante, Ibiza, and finish in Barcelona.
• Fares from $4,865
• OR stay on board for a second week, and disembark in Rome with fares from $9,940

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

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

RIVER CRUISES with TAUCK

If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Europe with children or teens, then Tauck has a number of voyages every year that are designed for families.  These itineraries have specially curated excursions for younger guests, and take place during school holidays:

Paris to Normandy with departures in June & July for one-week

• Visit Paris, Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, the Normandy Beaches and more.
• Share the magic of Paris, and the importance of the Normandy Beaches.
• 2026: Fares from $5,940
• 2027:  Fares from $5,990

CHRISTMAS MARKETS on the Danube from Bavaria to Budapest for one-week

• Visit Munich, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vienna (overnight), Bratislava, Budapest. 
• 2026: Depart December 22, 23 or 29 from $4990
• 2027:  Depart December 21, 22, or 28 from $5,290

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

If you want to get to the POLAR REGIONS in comfort and style, here are two suggestions.  Atlas has three brand new yachts, all carrying less than 200 guests.  

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 $15,499

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 $14,629

SEA CLOUD Sailing Yachts

You may have been to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean previously, but you’ve never seen it THIS up close:

PANAMA, COSTA RICA, BELIZE from Colon to Cozumel departing March 13, 2027 for 12-nights

• Start in Colón and visit San Blas Archipelago, Bocas del Toro, Puerto Limón, Roatán, Belize City, Lighthouse Reef, and finish in Cozumel.  
• Fares from $7,710

CROATIA’s DALMATIAN COAST:  Venice to Dubrovnik departing August 30, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Venice and visit Rovinj, Sibenik, Korcula, Hvar, Vis, and finish in Dubrovnik. 
• Fares from $4,895

COLLETTE Premium 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 $2449.

South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands for 7-days

• Visit Mount Rushmore, Badlands national park, Devils Tower, Deadwood, and more.
• Departures May through October from $2,749

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

The Earth is a Sphere – although a sizeable number of people believe it is a plane, and all this round-earth talk is a massive conspiracy theory.  Why does this matter?  If the flat-earth gang works on its on-line presence, it will be presented as something other than a fringe fantasy.

It’s also a great example of misinformation as it relates to travel.

When you combine fantastic fabrications like flat-earth, with algorithms that work hard NOT to challenge your world-view, and a human population with an ever-decreasing attention span, it is the perfect storm for misinformation to thrive.  

We regularly field phone calls from people who have spent hours researching a trip on-line, only to be frustrated, and more confused than when they started.  Conflicting reviews. Outdated articles, and “worst-ever” assessments from people with no other experience. 

RAISING AWARENESS of TRAVEL MISINFORMATION

• ALGORITHMS DON’T TRAVEL:  They DO scrape information from popular websites, blogs, and forums, and can repeat what those sources say.  They CAN’T offer judgment like someone that has been there, or travelled on the product you’re considering.
• AI IS GOING TO ACCELERATE MISINFORMATION:  We love the potential of Artificial Intelligence, and plan to use it for selected processes, but there are cautions for all of us.
• INFORMATION OVERLOAD:  The internet has made information more democratic, and ubiquitous.  This is an advantage, but the disadvantage is TOO MUCH information.

WHAT YOU CAN DO to MITIGATE TRAVEL MISINFORMATION

• USE REVIEW SITES WITH EXTREME CAUTION:  I use Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic, but do so understanding that 90% of the reviews are useless.  You need to look for those very few nuanced and thoughtful comments.  It’s like panning for gold. 
• DO use web-search, AI, and product reviews to help with your trip research, BUT:
• BE AWARE OF THE RISKS.  Ask AI where it’s getting its information and the date of it.
• DISREGARD BINARY REVIEWS:  “Best-ever” and “Worst-ever” are not thoughtful or helpful.  They are also the majority of the reviews offered.  Look instead, for patterns.
• SEPARATE FACT FROM OPINION:  This is more difficult than it seems at first.  The line is fuzzy, and in forums like television news, there is NO line anymore.  One person’s “best-ever” is another person’s “worst-ever”, and you need to decide for yourself. 
• DON’T consider the information you gather to be the gospel.  You’ll need to be critical of the information provided, and make sure it’s relevant to you. 
• VIRAL ADVICE ISN’T ALWAYS GOOD ADVICE:  Just because the majority think a product or destination is fantastic, isn’t a guarantee that you’ll like it. 

Your goal should NOT be to follow the loudest voices online, but rather to use those opinions to critically evaluate what the right choice for YOU will be. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim & Bob talk about the growing challenge of TRAVEL MISINFORMATION, and how travellers can make sense of the flood of advice coming from the internet. 

https://youtu.be/TChYA-6uJNc

In Case You Missed It:

GOLF VACATIONS:  If you’re a golf enthusiast, but your travel partner is NOT, then Cruise & Golf packages can be a great solution

https://pamperedcruiser.com/golf-vacations-why-cruises-make-the-perfect-golf-trip/

HOW BOB GOT HOOKED ON TRAVEL:  Here’s a little slice of Bob’s backstory, and how he got the travel-bug as a young guy visiting the South Pacific in his GAP YEAR. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-travel-changed-me/

AMA PRIVATE SALE:  You’ve got until the end of the month if you want to take advantage of our promotion with AMA WATERWAYS. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-river-cruising-done-right/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

A key part of YOUR story on ANY river cruise in Europe is going through the LOCKS, and getting under the BRIDGES:

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/pfbid02TM4LkUSX52kSdm1ZS7E5SeS7dexfpsLpJbYgBtcv8iendd3DaEGjTHAPVzmJwmDJl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA WATERWAYS PRIVATE SALE

LAST CHANCE to book AMA with our Private Sale goodies.  Here are TWO examples:

PROVENCE, FRANCE:  Lyon to Marseille for 7-nights

• Visit Lyon (overnight), Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles (overnight).  Experience farm to table food, wineries, Roman Ruins, and the French countryside.
• 2026: Departures May through December from $3349
• 2027: Departures March through December from $3229
• Here’s our video from when we did this cruise:  https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU 

TULIP CRUISE round-trip Amsterdam for 7-nights

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Kampen, Bruinisse, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk
• April – May 2026: Fares from $4349
• March – April 2027: Fares from $2979

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 $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

SILVERSEA Small Ship Ocean Classic Luxury

If you like less crowded ships, a butler for every suite, and unique itineraries, look at Silversea.  

SOUTH AMERICA & PANAMA CANAL: Santiago to Miami departing March 5 for 18-days

• Start in Santiago, and then visit Arica, Lima, Guayaquil, Panama City, full daylight transit of the Panama Canal, Cozumel, and finish in Miami. 
• Fares from $13,000

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS departing September 5 for 7-days

• If you want to experience the Galapagos in luxury, then look no further than the Silver Origin yacht, with all-veranda suites, carrying only 100 guests.  
• Visit San Cristobal, Kicker Rock, Isla Bartolome, Santiago, Isabela, Punta, Espinoza, Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay, Floreana, Champion Islet, Punta Comorant, Santa Cruz.
• Fares from $11,400 on September 5.
• OR depart in January 2027 from $13,800

Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Rail Journeys

The scenery doesn’t get much better than the CANADIAN ROCKIES, and there’s no better way to see than from the rails on this world-class luxury train journey.  Here are 2 options:

Vancouver to Banff for 5-nights

• Spend 1-night in Vancouver, then board the train to Kamloops, and then follow on to Lake Louise for 1-night and Banff for 2-nights.
• Prices range between $3080 and $5276 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available May through October. 

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 (3-nights), Lake Louise (2-nights), Jasper (2-nights), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.  You cross the Rockies TWICE, but take two different routes. 
• 2026:  Sold Out
• 2027: Departures available April through October on a 9-night package from $5325

Azamara Small Ships

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.  They are also the LEADER in country intensive itineraries.  

IRELAND Intensive from Dublin to London to departing June 19, 2027 for 11-nights

• Start in Dublin with an overnight stay, then Belfast (overnight), Killybegs, Galway, Foynes, Bantry Harbour, Waterford, Cork
• Golf program through PERRYGOLF offered on this voyage.  
• Fares from $5539

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

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC REMOTE EXPLORATIONS

If you want great outdoor experiences close to home, here’s two suggestions:

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 $4,778

WHALE WATCHING in MAGDALENA BAY (Baja California) for 6-days round-trip Loreto

• Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay for 6 days Jan, Feb, Mar.
• See the Gray Whales, explore the sand dunes at Sand Dollar Beach, and visit the fishing village of Puerto Magdalena.  Go kayaking, zodiacs, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling.  
• 2027:  Departures January through March from $2524.

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES Yachting Experiences

Atlas spends our winter months in Antarctica, and then redeploy their vessels (all carrying less than 200 guests) to do CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS and EPICUREAN EXPEDITONS in the other months. 

NORTHERN EUROPE:  Dover to Oslo departing May 23, 2027 for 9-nights

• Start in Dover and visit Amsterdam, Harlingen, Kiel Canal, Wismar, Copenhagen, Skagen and finish in Oslo. 
• Fares from $6599

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 $5799

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 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!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid08HXEcD3Ku7kgzoL8iBqc71YH1jW2jFnbsQgfZdLSmKzARnd9sKNhA3u2s344JzgYl

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