Life is a series of small moments.  Big occasions like weddings and milestone birthdays are marked with pomp and circumstance, but when you’re feeling nostalgic, and reminiscing about days gone by, it’s often the small, seemingly insignificant moments that stand out.  

We travel a lot as part of our job (it’s what sets us apart from the big travel agencies or call centers where agents seldom travel), and you will sometimes ask us about our memorable moments.  Maybe some of these memorable moments will inspire you:

• Banitsa Pastry at a Bulgarian Family’s home while with AMA Waterways on the Lower Danube.  The pastry was incredible, and we got genuine insight by visiting this family.
• Sea Kayaking by a calving glacier in Alaska.  It looks way different from the surface than from the deck of the ship, and if kayaking is not your jam, you can do it by zodiac.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed in the 600 year old Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice.  Riding up the Grand Canal by water taxi was a key part of the experience.  We did this while spending a week on board Uniworld’s La Venezia in the Venice Lagoon. 
• Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey.  If you’re embarking or disembarking in Istanbul, add a couple of days to include this.  Seeing the sunrise from behind a snow-capped volcano from a hot air balloon was definitely a memorable moment.
• Louisiana State Prison at Angola while on a Mississippi River Cruise.  This might appear to be a strange choice, but this is as close to the corrections system as I’ll ever get, and it gave me a lot to think about. 
• Galapagos Islands – the whole trip was a series of unique moments, but when a Blue Footed Boobie was standing on my foot – I think that takes the cake.
• Auschwitz & Birkenau.  You visit here because it’s necessary to remember, so it doesn’t happen again.  The displays here were created in consultation with the victims and their families, and are incredibly moving. 
• Sea Cloud’s moving photo safari.  You board a zodiac, while the ship is under full sail (not nearly as scary as it sounds), and circumnavigate the sailing vessel for some incredible pictures, AND to get even closer to the sea.  
• Flight seeing with a glacier landing at Denali.  Seeing North America’s highest peak from a small plane provides unparalleled scenery (and you’re in Denali anyway!)
• Backstage at WICKED in London’s West End.  We were travelling with Luxury Gold, and they arranged a backstage tour and meet & greet with the cast.  Great for theatre-geeks. 
• Completing the Circle in Newfoundland.  About 100,000 years ago, humans left Africa.  Some turned left to Europe, others turned right to Asia, and eventually to the Americas.  About 1200 years ago, the first Europeans (it wasn’t Columbus) landed in Newfoundland, and reunited with those that “turned right”.  Newfoundland in general is overlooked for those that want to marvel in remote, rugged beauty.  At the very least visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Gander Airport. 

What are your Memorable Moments?

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this special episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim put the cruise comparisons and travel tips aside and share some of the travel moments that have stayed with each of them most.  The moments that surprised them, connected with local people, or changed their perspective.  There is some great inspiration for YOUR next trip contained in this podcast.

https://youtu.be/gf5O17Tu6d8

In Case You Missed It:

AIR TRAVEL COPING GUIDE.  It’s wild up there… but you need to get to your vacation, and flying is usually the way you get there:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/air-travel-survival-guide-3/

AMA WATERWAYS:  There’s lots of river cruise companies to sail with.  AMA is a great fit for those that appreciate great food, like more active options for shore excursions, and those that would prefer to pay 90 days prior to departure. 

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

TURKEY & ISTANBUL:  Don’t overlook this corner of the Mediterranean.  Turkey is a true crossroads of culture, with lots to do and see. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/istanbul-turkey/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.  If you enjoy scenery and wildlife, it won’t get much better than Galapagos.  Here’s our video blog from our trip there. 

https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ

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/pfbid02dtFoXpViboaxhAcx5NgqkVdWFG74qsKsBTRKbaecLUhUWy5pHTjTX4eZaTMe1Pcl

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!

GREECE & TURKEY: round-trip Athens departing June 28 for 7-nights

• Embark in Athens then visit the sandy beaches on Skiathos, before experiencing the most important ancient Greek ruins at Ephesus.  Chill out in Lesbos, before arriving in Istanbul for an overnight stay to explore this vibrant metropolis.  Finish in Mykonos before returning to Athens. 
• Fares from $5135

JAPAN:  Tokyo round-trip departing October 6, 2027 for 10-nights

• Start in Tokyo and visit Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Kanazawa, Busan, and Nagoya.
• Fares from $11,810

Monaco FORMULA 1:  June 3 – 8, 2027

• Explora I will be docked in Monte Carlo for 5 nights during the Monaco FORMULA 1 Race weekend.  Your cruise fare includes Grandstand Access for 3 days, and you’re docked right in town.  Use Explora 1 as your hotel for 5-nights or stay on board for a cruise:
• 7-nights round-trip from Rome
• 12-nights from Monte Carlo to Barcelona
• 13-nights from Rome to Barcelona

RIVER CRUISES Outside of Europe with AMA WATERWAYS

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena (or reverse) for 7-nights

• Take in a Carnaval celebration, take a stilt-house village tour, enjoy a jazz street performance, and San Felipe Castle and Walled city tour.  Enjoy the Latin music, sample the famous coffee, and take in the tropical rainforest.  Colombia is far more interesting, and certainly much more safe than Netflix would have you believe. 
• Only a 4 HOUR FLIGHT from many US Gateways.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• Departures year round.  Pricing starts at $3149

We’re just finishing this cruise right now, and it’s been an incredible experience.  Follow along on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pamperedcruiser 

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

• Visit local markets and temples, do a local school visit, get a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, and experience the amazing people, culture and food of the unique part of the world on a fully escorted trip. 
• 2027:  Departures January through April and August through December from $1929

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 love scenery and nature, both these destinations should be on your bucket list: 

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:  December from $6420
• 2027:  February – June from $7420
• 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 scheduled 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 November 2026 through March 2027 from $9268
• Departures November 2027 through March 2028 from $10,396

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.  

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 $5808

CARIBBEAN Expedition: St. John’s to Bridgetown departing October 13, 2028 for 8-days

• Start in Antigua, and then visit St. Barts, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, the Grenadines, and then finish in Barbados.  
• You may have visited the Eastern Caribbean on a mega-ship, but this is completely different. 
• Fares From $4999

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

COLLETTE is a premium provider of land-cruises around the world.  Here are two examples:

HAWAII:  Visit 3 different islands over 10-days:

• Start in Oahu and visit the city of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Pearl Harbor Waikiki.  Then move onto the Big Island for Volcanoes NP, Honaunau Bay, and Kona.  Then finish in Kahului on Maui.
• Includes 14 meals, a luau, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and Volcanoes NP admissions. 
• Departures year-round from $5399
• Pre-trip extension in Honolulu, and/or post-trip extension in Maui available.

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

• See Mt. Kilmanjaro, 12-game drives to spot the Big 5, see the Farmhouse from Out of Africa, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti NP.
• 2027: Departures weekly from $7999

AZAMARA Small Ship Experiences

With just 680 guests, Azamara offers a great way to experience a fully-inclusive small ship. 

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

• Start in Boston and visit Portland, Rockland, Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, Baie-Comeau, cruise Saguenay Fjord, Saguenay, Quebec City, Trois Rivieres, and finish in Montreal. 
• Fares from $4789

ALASKA Cruise Tour: Fairbanks to Vancouver departing May 30 for 14-nights

• Start in Whittier and visit Valdez, Cruise the Hubbard Glacier, Haines, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, Klawock, Nanaimo, Victoria, and finish in Vancouver. 
• Fares from $7699

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

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

We’ve travelled the section of coastline between Barcelona and Rome countless times. It’s always interesting, but much more so when you stumble into a village or port of call that you’ve never heard of.  For those that have travelled a lot in the MED, that should be your goal.

WHY Seek Out Off-the-Beaten-Path Mediterranean?

• The Mediterranean is not somewhere you go once, and put the tick in the box. 
• The Mediterranean has been the cradle of Western Civilization for millennia.  The history and ruins of ancient civilizations is unparalleled (and you haven’t seen them all)!
• 22 different countries have some coastline on the Mediterranean.  For example, you probably haven’t been to Slovenia, Malta, or Albania (to name a few).
• You’ve seen Greek Ruins in Athens, Roman ruins in Rome, but there’s still much more.

WHAT Makes the Mediterranean Worth the Visit for Repeat Travelers?

• Diversity of Coastal Scenery:  The largely undiscovered Dalmatian Coast. Harbors in Amalfi. Charming Greek Isles.  Deserts in North Africa.  
• Food & Wine: The Mediterranean basin is a Mecca for those seeking culinary excellence.
• Architecture from both modern and ancient cultures. 
• Markets and medinas from the North African and Eastern Mediterranean countries.
• Med cruises are “efficient”:  See a different country every day: great diversity of ports. 
• People, culture and communities.  Those living on the Med are much like us, but also very different.  There’s lots more to learn and discover. 

WHERE You Might NOT Have Visited Yet.  The Mediterranean’s Hidden Gems

• Malta:  It’s like a Medieval movie set, but with better coffee and fewer sword fights.  It’s compact, easy to explore, with both African and British Influences.  
• Morocco: A few miles from Spain, this former French colony has Roman ruins, medinas, desert camps with camel rides, and a thriving movie industry (think Game of Thrones).  
• Slovenia: Croatia’s been discovered. Slovenia’s next door, and every bit as interesting.
• Corsica (France) & Sardinia (Italy) are less frequented and more scenic.
• Albania:  Wedged between Greece and Croatia with the same natural beauty.
• Tunis:  Another former French colony in North Africa with lots to discover.

WHO Should Have the Undiscovered Mediterranean on Their Radar?

• If you’ve “been there, done that”. You’ve already visited marquis ports.  What’s next?
• Small ship people.  The mega-ships only go to mega-ports.  Explore in smaller groups.
• People that WANT fewer crowds. If you could do without thousands of tourists.

When it comes to the Mediterranean, less familiar ports may equate with being more memorable for you.  Barcelona and Rome are fantastic, but you’ve already been there.  The Mediterranean is huge… where haven’t you been yet?  Same sea… different story. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim look beyond the usual Mediterranean cruise ports and explore some of the region’s lesser-known destinations—the places that can turn a familiar part of the world into an entirely different trip.

https://youtu.be/VM69Eu1xOL4

In Case You Missed It:

CRYSTAL CRUISES will take you to both the big marquis ports, AND the smaller out of the way places.  Here’s more information about CRYSTAL:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/inside-crystal-cruises-why-are-its-guests-so-loyal/

TRAVEL MISCONCEPTIONS.  We all view the world through our own lens.  Here’s some thoughts on what some of those biases may be:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/deprogramming-travel-misconceptions/

WHEN TRAVEL IS YOUR JOB.  Our trips might look a bit different than yours.  Here’s what we do when we’re away:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-travel-advisors-really-work-and-why-it-matters-for-your-next-journey/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

OCEANIA REGATTA Ship Tour.  Join Bob for a walk around Regatta.  One of Oceania’s four R-Class vessels.  If you’re a lover of these cozy ships, you’ll want to get on board soon.  Oceania is slowly phasing these small beauties out of their fleet:

https://youtu.be/Ryx1_QMD_oE

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

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Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02HNEK6fTLNCzGAHAchHg5vEQM4DxTHy7DSkBmmbaiJNEViXp44esVWJcrQFr7YhFsl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL CRUISES MEDITERRANEAN

Here’s an example of how you can stitch together Crystal Cruises to custom build your own Mediterranean Itinerary

LEG 1:  Las Palmas (Canary Islands) to Lisbon departing April 2 for 10 nights

• Start in Las Palmas and visit San Sebastian, Arrecife, Funchal, Agadir, Casablanca, Cadiz, Portimão, and finish in Lisbon. 
• Fares from $6600  

LEG 2:  Lisbon to Barcelona departing April 12 for 7-nights

• Start in Lisbon and visit Gibraltar, Motril, Alicante, Valencia, Porto Mahon, and finish in Barcelona. 
• Fares from $4400

LEG 3:  Barcelona to Rome departing April 19 for 7-nights

• Start in Barcelona and visit Saint Tropez, Monte-Carlo, Ajaccio, Portofino, Livorno, and finish in Rome. 
• Fares from $4700

LEG 4:  Rome to Athens departing April 26 for 8-nights

• Start in Rome and visit Ponza, Salerno, Siracusa, Zakynthos, Crete, Spetses, and finish in Athens. 
• Fares from $4700

LEG 5:  Athens to Venice departing May 4 for 7-nights

• Start in Athens and visit Milos, Kalamata, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, and finish in Venice. 
• Fares from $4700

Intrepid Premium Land Journeys Near the MEDITERRANEAN:

CROATIA & SLOVENIA:  Venice to Split with departures April – October for 9-days

• Discover Europe’s best kept secret:  SLOVENIA
• Start in Venice and visit Ljubljana, Lake Bohinj, Postojna Caves, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, and finish in Split.
• Fares from $6390

PORTUGAL:  Lisbon to Porto with departures March through November for 8-days.

• Start in Lisbon and visit Praca do Municipio, Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra’s National Palace, Coimbra, the Joanine Library, Douro Valley, and finish in Porto. 
• Fares from $5765

WINDSTAR Yachting Experiences

With a maximum of 320 guests, the Windstar yachts can get into places in the Mediterranean others can’t go

AEGEAN:  Athens to Istanbul via Corinth Canal departing October 2 or 7, 2027 for 11-days

• Full of History, Culture and Hidden Gems.  Includes Cappadocia (where you do a hot air balloon ride!)
• Start in Athens and visit Corinth Canal, Delphi, Santorini, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Myrina, and finish in Istanbul. 
• Fares from $ 7624

SPAIN, MOROCCO & CANARIES:  Malaga (Seville) to Tenerife departing October 30, 2027 for 20-nights

• Start in Malaga and visit Cádiz, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Los Cristianos, Funchal, Porto Santo, Santa Cruz de Palma, El Hierro, San Sebastian, and finish in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 
• Fares from $12,642

OCEANIA CULINARY CRUISES

OCEANIA often does embarkation and disembarkation from marquis ports to make your air logistics easy.  In between, some of their itineraries contain undiscovered ports. 

ROME to TRIESTE departing June 11 for 7-days

• Start in Rome and visit Salerno, Messina, Valletta, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Split, and finish in Trieste. 
• Fares from $3690

BARCELONA to VENICE departing June 21 for 9-days

• Start in Barcelona and visit Provence, La Spezia, Rome, Sorrento, Catania, Igoumenitsa, Montenegro, Zadar, and finish in Venice. 
• Fares from $2380

RIVER CRUISES Near the MEDITERRANEAN

If River Cruises are more your speed, there are plenty of rivers NEAR the Med.  

TAUCK 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. 

TAUCK OCEAN: ITALY & CROATIA for 10 days with departures in June & September

• Start with 2-nights in Venice to see Doge’s Palace, St. Marks, and to enjoy the city scene. Then visit Murano, Korcula (Marco Polo’s birthplace), Krka NP, Split, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj.
• Visit 6 UNESCO sites across 3 countries.
• Departures in June & September from $10,590

UNIWORLD: 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. 
• 2027: Departures April through November from $2399
• Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

ATLAS YACHTS for Cultural and Epicurean Expeditions

These yachts carry less than 200 guests, and offer a cultural and epicurean expeditions: 

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

• Start in Naples and visit Capri, Positano, Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Trapani (Sicily), Porto Empedocle, Gozo, and finish in Valletta
• Fares from $5617

AFRICA:  Mombassa (Kenya) to Capetown departing March 24, 2029 for 14-nights

• Start in Mombasa and visit Zanzibar, Mozambique Island, Madagascar, Maputo, Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, and finish in Cape Town. 
• Fares from $14,499

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES:  River Cruises in the United States

If you’d rather not fly overseas, here’s some options closer to home:

MISSISSIPPI RIVER: Memphis to New Orleans for 9-days

• Start in Memphis and visit Cleveland, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, Oak Alley and finish in New Orleans. 
• Departures October through June from $4610 per person 

COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS:  Portland OR to Spokane WA departing in November for 8-nights

• Start in Portland and visit Astoria, Kalama, The Dalles, Pendleton¸ Lewiston, and finish in Clarkston. 
• Fares from $6390 with complimentary air. 

ACL includes pre-cruise hotel night, gratuities, open bar, and shore experiences.

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

How to Avoid the Biggest Flight Problems

Airlines have a well-earned reputation for poor communication, inconsistent service, confusing rules, and cramped seating.  The unintended consequence has been an impressive ability to transform a routine transportation transaction into a group therapy session at Gate B21.

The Air Travel Reality

• We always debrief our clients’ vacations and normally, the trip was great, but getting to and from their vacation is where 90 % of the negative feedback occurs. 
• The DOT reports average on-time performance of 77%… not great for tight connections.

WHY Airline Travel is Consistently a Problem

• There’s no true competition.  All they have to do is suck a tiny bit less than others.
• Poor Regulations.  In an oligopoly, consumers rely on government for regulation.  Successive federal governments for the past 50 years have failed their constituents.
• Logistics. Weather and conditions beyond the airlines’ control also have an effect.

STRATEGIES to Minimize Air Travel Pain

• Avoid Codeshare Flights.  A codeshare is when you buy your ticket through one airline (ie: United Airlines), but end up on one of their partners’ planes (Lufthansa). The most important thing to notice is “OPERATED BY”.  Here’s the problem with codeshares:
  • You probably WON’T be able to choose your seats prior to check-in. 
  • The operator controls your loyalty status, baggage rules & check-in counter
• Avoid Third party bookings (such as cruise lines, consolidators, or travel agents)
  • Third parties may buy up a block of seats, but those seats may have restrictions on them that don’t recognize your loyalty status with the airline.  Last year American Airlines declared that any seat NOT booked directly, would not have the traveller’s loyalty status recognized, nor would they accrue points.  They have temporarily backed away from this, but it’s clear which way this is going. 
  • You want as few layers as possible between you and the airline for rescheduling and credits.  Cut out the middleman in an already unpleasant transaction. 
  • Unless you’re saving A LOT of money, you’re much better booking direct, and it’s better if you’re controlling all the variables. 
• Connections: Pay for non-stop if it’s available. If a connection is unavoidable, consider your worst-case scenario.  Is there a flight every hour, or once a week?
• Get the Airline’s APP:  You’ll get better information, and rebook faster if things go awry.
• Build a BUFFER:  Arrive the day BEFORE a cruise.  It helps with jetlag too. 
• Insurance:  Check your Trip Interruption Insurance for help when things go wrong.
• Mind Your MANNERS: It’s not the ticket agent’s fault you’re in this situation, but they might be able to help you solve it.  Abuse them at your own peril. 
• DON’T BE CHEAP:  When you’re spending $20,000 on a vacation, it doesn’t make much sense to save $100 on air if it means a poor routing or connection.  That’s NOT a deal.

Air Travel has become a lot like trench warfare.  You spend a lot of time sitting in an uncomfortable position before you rush over the threshold, hoping you don’t get picked off.  A bit of planning can minimize your risk.

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim interviews Bob to put together a practical air travel coping guide for experienced travelers—especially those flying to Europe for cruises, river cruises, expedition trips and longer vacations.

https://youtu.be/-CIjhwbtCiI

In Case You Missed It:

SPENDING OUR KIDS’ INHERITANCE… and loving every minute of it.  How about you?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/spending-our-kids-inheritance-on-family-travel/

NATIONAL PARKS:  Spectacular by nature, and often overlooked as a vacation choice.  Here’s some different ways to experience these national treasures. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/national-parks-for-cruise-lovers-bucket-list-scenery-wildlife-easy-travel/

EXPLORA JOURNEYS:  They’re new, and with a strong focus on the culinary experience, large suites, and a unique entertainment concept, they should be on your radar:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/explora-journeys-explained-is-this-the-new-standard-in-luxury-cruising/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

EXPLORA I SHIP TOUR:  Join Bob as he walks through EXPLORA I

https://youtu.be/LHjAS0JKCQ0

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

Have something to say about this?

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

EXPLORA JOURNEYS:  European Luxury Lifestyle Experiences

Explora has huge suites, a great culinary offering, and a unique entertainment concept.  

PORTUGAL & SPAIN in Quiet Season:  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 $3675
• OR stay on board for a second week, and disembark in Rome with fares from $9940

WEST COASTER:  Los Angeles to Vancouver departing May 3 for 7-nights

• Try out small ship cruising close to home.
• Start in Los Angeles and visit San Diego, San Francisco, Victoria, and finish in Vancouver from $4575
• OR stay on board for 18-nights and also visit Wrangell, Juneau, the Endicott Arm (Dawes Glacier), Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert with fares from $11,445

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

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

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES:  River Cruises in the United States

If you’d rather not fly overseas, here’s some options closer to home:

MISSISSIPPI RIVER: Memphis to New Orleans for 9-days

• Start in Memphis and visit Cleveland, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, Oak Alley and finish in New Orleans. 
• Departures October through June from $4610 per person 

COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS:  Portland OR to Spokane WA departing in November for 8-nights

• Start in Portland and visit Astoria, Kalama, The Dalles, Pendleton¸ Lewiston, and finish in Clarkston. 
• Fares from $6390 with complimentary air. 

ACL includes pre-cruise hotel night, gratuities, open bar, and shore experiences.

SEACLOUD Sailing Yachts

You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy SEACLOUD.  If you prefer a river boat experience to a megaship, and love great food and wine, then you’re a great fit for SEACLOUD

CARIBBEAN:  Bridgetown (Barbados) round-trip departing December 7, 2027 for 7-nights

• Start in Bridgetown and visit Port Elizabeth, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Saint-Pierre, Cabrits, St. Lucia, and finish back in Bridgetown. 
• Experience the Caribbean completely differently than the mega-ships do it. 
• Fares from $6495

FRANCE & ITALY:  Nice round-trip departing May 4, 2027 for 7-nights

• Beat the crowds and the heat, and visit ports you’ve never seen before in the Med.
• Start in Nice and visit St. Tropez, Viareggio, Portofino, Calvi, Menton, and finish back in Nice. 
• Fares from $7995 

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.  Here are TWO Viking 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 $8299.

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 $7999.

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

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

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 $8519, but we’ve blocked 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. 
• Saguenay, Havre Saint Pierre, and Saint John all are near National Parks
• Veranda fares from $6379

TAUCK Luxury Land Journeys

UNITED KINGDOM: England, Scotland & Wales from Edinburgh to London for 14-days

• Start in Edinburgh for 2-nights, and then move on to the Lakes District.  Next visit the walled city of Chester before moving on to Wales to experience Caernarfon and Conwy.  Visit Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon, and then to Blenheim Palace and Oxford.  Next, it’s over to Bath and a visit to Stonehenge, before finishing in London for 3-nights. 
• 2027: Departures April through October from $10,690

SWITZERLAND from Geneva to Zurich for one-week

• Spectacular scenery at every turn.  Start in Geneva, and then visit Lausanne for chocolate making, and a winery visit.  Next take in the Olympic Museum, and take the Golden Pass train across the Swiss Alps to Interlaken.  Spend a day in Brienz to experience rural crafts and cheese making.  Visit the “Top of the World” at Jungfraujoch, and then on to the charming old town at Lucerne.  
• Departures April through October from $8590

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC REMOTE EXPLORATIONS

If you’re a photographer, or otherwise just someone that enjoys seeing more remote places that others don’t get to, then NATGEO is a good fit:

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 $7000

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 $6228

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 probably remember CRYSTAL CRUISES from their first iteration.  They went bankrupt during the pandemic and were resurrected from the dead by Abercrombie & Kent along with Manfredi Lefevre D’Ovidio (of SilverSea and Sitmar Cruises fame).  They are definitely back:

WHAT CRYSTAL CRUISES Does So Well

• FEWER GUESTS.  The 2023 refurbishment reduced capacity : Crystal Serenity used to carry over 1000 guests, and now has 730.  Crystal Symphony carries only 600.
• SPACE:  As a result, your room will be larger, and there is more public space, and a near-absence of line ups on board. 
• REFRESHED RESTAURANT options:  BEEF BAR and UMI UMA by Nobu, are world-famous land restaurants that are included in your fare on Crystal Cruises. Osteria d’Ovidio by the Michelin rated Alajmo brothers from Italy, is a new addition to your inclusive dining. 

• PRE & POST cruise options: The ownership by A & K comes through MOST strongly here.  On many voyages you can do luxury pre or post cruise packages with A&K.
• SERVICE:  A butler for every room, and service ship-wide is polished and thoughtful.
• NEW BUILD.  Crystal’s ocean fleet has been limited to two ships for over two decades.  There are 3 more ships on order of similar size, crew and guest complement as Serenity.

Where Do CRYSTAL CRUISES Sail?

• They aren’t in the polar regions, but are everywhere else.  
• Crystal Cruises does long and short legs — so NOT everyone is coming and going the same day.  You can stitch together segments to create your own itinerary. 

Why are Crystal Cruises clients SO loyal, and what are the cherished aspects of the brand?

• CREW:  All the cruise lines say this, but Crystal Cruises is clearly doing something right: it managed to get 90% of the crew to return after a two-year hiatus.
• ITINERARIES:  Crystal schedules its itineraries with a series of 6 to 10 day itineraries that don’t repeat ports, so you can stitch together an itinerary that works best for you.
• BUTLERS in every suite – this personalized service is available to everyone on Crystal. 
• GUEST to CREW Ratio:  Crystal has only 1.1 guests to every crew member.  

Who’s a Good Fit for CRYSTAL CRUISES?

• People that like attentive, intuitive service with butlers.
• Those that value space where the staterooms feel more like luxury hotel suites.
• GOLFERS:  There’s a PGA Pro on every sailing, and lots of golf-related shore excursions.
• Those that like ALL-INCLUSIVE.  You are given the choice of what to spend on shore excursions.  Everything else is included in your base fare. 
• People that prefer LAND JOURNEYS.  The A&K partnership will appeal to non-cruisers.

I was incredulous when A&K decided to resurrect this brand.  I thought it was badly damaged during the pandemic, and that they had old ships that wouldn’t appeal to people.  I was very clearly wrong… they must be doing some things very well to inspire such loyalty by past guests. 

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

Why do Crystal Cruises guests keep coming back—and what makes Crystal different from other luxury cruise lines?

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim interviews Bob to take a closer look at Crystal Cruises, including Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, and explain why this revived luxury cruise brand has developed one of the most loyal followings in cruising.

https://youtu.be/OL3kfpF-NS8

In Case You Missed It:

HOW TO CHOOSE A RIVER CRUISE LINE:  There’s lots of choices (particularly in Europe).  Which one is best for YOU?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-do-you-choose-a-river-cruise-line/

COACHING YOUR YOUNGER SELF?  Bob found himself contemplating the advice he’d give his younger self on a trip back to AUSTRALIA – where he lived and worked for a while as a young guy:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/reconnecting-with-my-21-year-old-self/

JAPAN:  The interest and demand for JAPAN sees no signs of abating.  So — what’s the best way to see it?

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

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

CRYSTAL SERENITY SHIP TOUR: Walk around Serenity with Bob:

https://youtu.be/QPyVijoO8Nk

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/pfbid0FEVJ22j2qowiNSUG4RVKcVXwnUmnSZGFfo2wHL4JdJ12JXWo5d2fRBDoR2zfrDTWl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL CRUISES – The Luxury of Space

CRYSTAL deploys their ships around the world, and you can stitch together itineraries without repeating ports.  Best of all, they have the highest space per guest in the industry.

ALASKA: from Vancouver to Seward departing June 7 for 7 nights 

• Start in Vancouver, and cruise the Seymour narrows, visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, the Hubbard Glacier, and finish in Seward. 
• Fares from $3900

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

• South America ENCOMPASSED!  Visit Uruguay, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas (overnight), 2-days in the Chilean Fjords, and then 4 port stops in Chile before finishing with an overnight in Santiago. 
• Fares from $10,600

JAPAN:  Hong Kong to Yokohama departing April 23 for 15-nights

• Start in Hong Kong and visit Xiamen, Shanghai, Busan, Hiroshima, Kyushu Island, Wakayama, Nagoya, and end in Yokohama (Tokyo).
• Fares from $10,000 

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

• Visit Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttleton, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Melbourne (overnight), Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane.
• Fares from $12,100
• OR stay on board for 29-nights, travelling up the Australian East Coast towards Bali, and stop in at Airlie Beach, Cairns (overnight), Papua New Guinea, Darwin, and Komodo Island before arriving in Bali for an overnight stay for an additional $9400.

ICELAND, SCOTLAND & NORMANDY:  Reykjavik to Le Havre departing August 21 for 7-nights

• Start in Reykjavik and visit Faroe Islands, Kirkwall, Edinburgh, and finish in Le Havre. 
• Fares from $5400  

PORTUGAL & SPAIN: Lisbon to Barcelona departing April 12 for 7-nights

• Start in Lisbon and visit Gibraltar, Motril, Alicante, Valencia, Porto Mahon, and finish in Barcelona. 
• Fares from $3,800
• Or stay on board for 14-nights, and also visit Saint Tropez, Monte-Carlo, Ajaccio, Portofino, Tuscany, and finish in Rome with a fare from $7,700

PACIFIC RIM:  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

CRYSTAL has the most loyal clientele in the industry, and is working hard to attract new clients: 

• STATUS MATCH:  If you’re a loyalty member on one of Crystal’s competitors, Crystal will offer 5% OFF for new guests.
• REFERRAL DISCOUNT.  If you’re previous Crystal guest, and you refer someone else, those new-to-Crystal guests get 5% off their cruise AND you get the equivalent discount off YOUR next Crystal Cruise.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT – Luxury Land Vacations

A&K offers luxury land experiences all over the world, many of which are designed to pair with a CRYSTAL CRUISE.

ALASKA LAND:  Fairbanks to Anchorage with DENALI for 9-days

• Start in Fairbanks, pan for gold and learn about Alaskan indigenous culture, and take deluxe dome rail car to Denali National Park for a guided hike, board a helicopter for a glacier landing, Valdez to paddle a glacial lake, cruise amid ice blue glaciers in Prince William Sound, and finish in Anchorage.
• Fares from $12,495

COSTA RICA:  Family Journeys round-trip from San Jose 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

UNIWORLD Boutique River Collection

Uniworld likes to experiment with different itinerary ideas, so why not try a train and riverboat experience in ITALY:

ITALY by Train & Riverboat:  Sicily to Venice departing September 7, 2027 for 13-days

• Start in Taormina and visit Ragusa, Palermo, Maratea, Verona, Venice, Mazzorbo, and Chioggia
• Fares from $22,799

TULIP CRUISE:  Amsterdam to Antwerp for 10-days

• Start in Amsterdam and visit Zaandam, Hoorn, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Ghent, and finish in Antwerp. 
•  Departures March through April from $3999

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

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
• 2027: Departures May through July from $6153

OR – if you prefer a warm-water destination: 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 7-days

• 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 5 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

• 2027:  January through December from $5442
• See our video blog from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

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 – ETIAS (implementation delayed indefinitely)
• 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

Many of you will contact us asking for help “spending our kids’ inheritance”.  It’s often intended as a joke, but more often, people hesitate with this idea of spending savings on travel.  Much like you, Bob and I try to strike the right balance, so here’s a window in our world. 

Bob’s dad once told him and his brothers that when he and Bob’s mom were gone, there would only be debts to settle.  There was a small inheritance, but Bob now understands his dad didn’t want to deprive his sons the satisfaction of achievement and making their own way in the world.  

So now Bob and I are trying to figure out the balance between enabling our kids (and grandkids) and ticking off things on our own bucket list.  

The STATS on Inheritance and How it Relates to Multigenerational Travel

Apparently, we’re not the only ones struggling with this issue:

• Handoff of generational wealth.  In the next 20 years, somewhere between $30 Trillion and $100 Trillion will be handed down.  That number is too large to fathom. 
• The dilemma:  People are WAY behind on their bucket list.  A Talker Research survey found only 10% of people have completed the amount of travel they thought they would have by this stage of life.  20% are embarrassed by their LACK of travel. 
• Travel is Necessary:  72% say travel has a positive effect on emotional well being. 
• Multi-Gen and Family Travel. An AARP study found adults over 50 are travelling at a frequency well above pre-pandemic norms, with multi-gen trips leading the way. 

What We’ve Learned About Making Travel Memories with our Kids and Grandkids

Here are some things that we are doing to attempt to strike the balance:

• We send our kids/grandkids plane tickets. My younger self wouldn’t have considered this, but tomorrow’s memories have become my most prized possessions today. 
• Travel as a LIVING inheritance. You should use your life’s savings to live YOUR life.  If you feel guilty, then invite your kids and grandkids along.
• Cruises & Land Tours: Ocean cruises have long been great for multi-gen groups, but there are also products like TAUCK Bridges if you want to explore away from the water.
• We Create Memories:  a tent camp in the Sahara, snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands, missing a train in Italy, or swimming in cenotes in Mexico. These stories will last much longer than any THING we could buy our kids or grandkids.  

We’ve gotten our heads around the fact that as soon as we die, our kids are going to get rid of all our stuff.  The dining room sets and wedding china are all going to good will, because my “prized possessions” are not theirs.  

So… that leaves memories.  I want to make sure my kids and grandkids have plenty of them.  The best part is by creating these memories with them, I get to enjoy my own experience AND create a legacy for them.  

It’s double value… seems like a pretty good return on my life’s savings.

The PODCAST:  Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED

Is it wrong to spend money on travel instead of saving everything for your kids?

In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim interviews Bob about a phrase many of our clients say jokingly—but sometimes with real emotion behind it: “We’re spending our kids’ inheritance!”

https://youtu.be/XqtOuTOCl-E

In Case You Missed It:

WATER LEVELS on the RIVERS IN EUROPE:  It’s been a wild summer.  What can YOU do if you have a river cruise scheduled?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/river-cruise-low-water-explained-rhine-danube-what-happens-next/

COLLETTE Premium Guided Land Journeys.  You can’t go everywhere on a ship, so here’s a look at land-cruises with one of our preferred partners. 

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

EGYPT:  Despite all the geo-political headwinds, interest in travelling to Egypt remains at an all-time high.  Here’s more information on planning your trip there. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/egypt-its-time-to-experience-it/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

TAHITI:  What a great place for a tropical multi-gen trip!  Hawaii gets as many visitors in a week as Tahiti does in a year, and Tahiti is only about 2 hours further by plane.  Here’s our video blog from when we visited this island paradise:

https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM

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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Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0WU6wwTtXtQDY8MvoMg66GxvhTPMdrNxzHrtdDByZ1FUipvbpeuDs9wPh3Bs1efAxl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA WATERWAYS on the RIVER

If you’d like to travel with kids or grandkids, then here are two trips where they’ll learn WAY more than in a lifetime of social studies classes: 

PARIS & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September – December for one-week

• Experience the museums and chic-urban scene in Paris, and learn about the Allied Landings at the Normandy Beaches.  
• Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight). 
• Optional 2-night Paris Extension
• 2026:  Depart September through November from $4099
• 2027:  Depart March through December from $3129

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

• See the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum (with King Tut’s room), Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and a Nile Felucca ride. 
• 2026:  Departures September – December from $6469
• 2027:  Departures year-round from $5839

If you’re looking to travel in 2026, AMA still has some space left, and we can get you additional on board credits.

YACHTING Experiences With WINDSTAR

If you want to travel with kids, but can’t stand the idea of a floating amusement park, then how about a water-sports platform for the kids, and an elevated culinary experience for the adults?

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

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

• Warm weather escapes, Island Hopping, beaches

• Start in Puerto Rico, and then spend the next two weeks visiting US Virgin Islands, Gustavia, Brasseterre, St. Maarten, Great Harbour, British Virgin Islands, St. George’s, Bequia, Mayreau, Les Saintes, and Marigot.  
• Fares from $9474

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

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

• Fares from $2676
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise with WINDSTAR: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

Here are two multi-gen favorites to explore with kids or grandkids:  

ITALY: Rome and the Amalfi Coast for 10-days

• Stay in Rome for 3-nights to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and just to enjoy the sidewalk vibe in Rome.  Then on to Amalfi, for coastal townships, beaches, Sorrento,  and Pompeii.
• Optional Pre and/or Post in Florence and/or Naples
• 2027: Departures March through November from $3599.

CITY SPOTLIGHT on Washington DC for 6-days

• Visit the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, White House, National Mall, and other monuments and museums, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Arlington National Cemetery, Alexandria, Mount Vernon.
• Departures March through October from $2699

SILVERSEA TRADITIONAL LUXURY

We’re HOSTING a cruise with Silversea in the British Isles!  Set sail with KIM from our office, or maybe go golfing with her husband, Jed:

BRITISH ISLES:  London round-trip departing August 14 for 11-days:

• Start in Southampton, and then visit Falmouth (Cornwall, England), Fishguard (Wales), Belfast, Liverpool, Invergordon (for Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands), Edinburgh, Dover, Honfleur (France, for the Normandy Landing Beaches). 
• Optional golf package with Perry Golf
• Featuring the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Fares from $8700, and a $200 per person on board credit as a thanks for joining us!  Can’t wait to meet you all in person!

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 $11,610

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 $11,635

Here’s our latest ship tour video of Silversea’s SILVER NOVA:

https://youtu.be/9yqmgJqNlgw

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

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

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 $21,499

GREENLAND, CANADIAN ARCTIC & NEWFOUNDLAND: Departing September 13, 2027 for 17-nights

• Start in Nuuk, visit 4 ports in Greenland, then call in at 5 ports in the Canadian Arctic before heading southbound down Iceberg Alley off the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland.  Experience L’anse aux Meadows where the first Europeans landed in North America (500 years before Columbus) and stop in at North America’s only French Territory at Saint Pierre before finishing in St. John’s. 
• Fares from $17,564

OCEANIA:  Small-Ships.  Great Food.

Oceania offers a shore excursion credit on every cruise, so that guests can make their own choices about shore activities.  

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  New York to Montreal October 13, 2027 for 12 days

• Start in New York and visit Boston, Portland, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspe, Sept-Iles, Saguenay, Quebec City, and finish in Montreal.
• Fares from $4,999

UK & IRELAND: London round-trip departing May 27 for 12-days

• Start in London and visit Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Belfast, Liverpool, Cork, Falmouth, and finish back in London 
• Fares from $5,580

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