Many of you like the IDEA of a WORLD CRUISE, but are unsure as to whether you want to be on a ship for several months.  OR — perhaps there’s whole sections of the world you would choose to bypass, either because you’ve been there previously, OR you don’t have an interest.  

A world cruise is typically defined as any voyage over 100 days, and visits more than two continents.  They often leave in January, and sail westward.  The upside is obvious – you unpack once, and all your logistics are taken care of.  The downside: if there are sections of the itinerary (or a lot sea days) that don’t appeal to you, you can’t skip that part of the trip.

If you’re looking for an extended trip abroad that is more tailored to your specific interests, you might want to consider a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) world cruise.  

The UPSIDE: an extended trip that’s more tailored to your unique interests.  

The TRADE-OFF:  you’ll have to pack and unpack more than once, and there will be planes, trains, and automobile logistics.  Luckily those are fairly easily managed.

Here’s ONE example of an extended trip around the world.  Because this example uses more than one cruise line, AND flights between certain places, you could easily bolt together the sections of this trip that hold the most interest:

• LEG 1: Vancouver to Japan via Alaska on Viking Ocean for 23-nights
• LEG 2: Japan Land Cruise with Collette for 11-nights
• FLY to Hanoi, Vietnam
• LEG 3: Mekong River Cruise with Uniworld for 14-nights
• FLY to Sydney, Australia (could also stop over in Singapore or Bali)
• LEG 4: Tauck Land-Cruise of Australia and New Zealand for 23-nights
• FLY to India
• LEG 5: Viking River’s brand new India river cruise for 14-nights
• FLY to Dubai: Spend a few days to break up the long flight
• FLY to Capetown, South Africa
• LEG 6:  Chobe river cruise and safari with AMA Waterways.  Visit South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Tanzania for 14-nights.
• LEG 7:  Capetown to Lisbon via West Africa with Regent for 24 nights.
• LEG 8:  Portugal/Spain Douro River Cruise with Tauck River for 12-nights
• LEG 9:  Lisbon to Istanbul with Explora Journeys for 29-nights on the Mediterranean.
• FLY to Bucharest (Romania).  Spend a couple of days in the “Paris of Eastern Europe”
• LEG 10: River Cruise across the entirety of Europe from Bucharest to Amsterdam with Uniworld for 22-nights
• TRAIN to London.  Spend a few days in Southern England.
• LEG 11:  Baltic Cruise to Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Norway for 14-nights with Oceania, finishing in Edinburgh.
• LEG 12: Edinburgh to Reykjavik, Iceland via Scotland and Ireland with National Geographic.
• LEG 13: Reykjavik to Newfoundland via Greenland and Labrador for 17-nights with HX
• FLY to Fort Lauderdale
• LEG 14: Florida to Santiago, Chile via Panama, Ecuador and Peru for 17-nights with Viking.
• LEG 15: Santiago to Buenos Aires via Patagonia and Antarctica for 18-nights with Seabourn.
• FLY to Medellin, Columbia
• LEG 16:  Colombia’s Magdelena River with AMA Waterways for 7-nights, with 3-nights pre-cruise with AMA in Medellin, and 3-nights post-cruise in Panama.
• LEG 17:  Panama City to Fort Lauderdale for 10-nights with Viking Ocean.
• FLY (or drive) home from Miami

This is just one (ridiculous) example, and it assumes unlimited time and money.  Start with parts of the world that interest you MOST, and then see if you can string them together in some order that will serve you.  There WILL be trade-offs, and if it all seems like too much work, we’ll put you on a world cruise. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about DIY World Cruises, and how to piece together a global journey.  https://youtu.be/K7Gz_uIcxSY 

In Case You Missed It:

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  It’s very popular “down-under”, so here are some different ideas for exploring this fascinating region

https://pamperedcruiser.com/down-under-new-zealand-australia/

THE BABY BOOMERS:  The experts tell us we need to focus on younger people.  Here’s why we’re sticking with the BOOMERS.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/why-were-sticking-with-the-baby-boomers/

TAUCK on the RIVER:  Tauck is best known as a land-tour company, but their expertise extends to the rivers as well.  https://pamperedcruiser.com/what-about-tauck/

Featured YOUTUBE Post:

CAPPADOCIA – Where?!?  If you’ve ever seen dozens of hot air balloons drifting effortlessly over the desert, it was probably Cappadocia.  If you find yourself starting or finishing a cruise in Istanbul, this isn’t to be missed:  https://youtu.be/m6L12POlFqU 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

Maybe a long Do-It-Yourself World Cruise isn’t your jam.  Here’s some other ideas

RIVER CRUISES – AMA

We’re holding space on SPECIFIC VOYAGES that have some special pricing:

RHINE: Amsterdam to Basel departing March 28 for one-week

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel 
• Fares from $3898 (less 5% on Category D rooms only).

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing May 5 for one-week

• The Douro River is incredibly popular, and space for this year is difficult to find.
• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Afurada.
• 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 Lisbon. 
• Fares from $5298 (less 5% on Category D rooms only)

Paris & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September 17, 2026 for one-week

• Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight). 
• Optional 2-night Paris Extention
• Fares start at $5448, and we can get you 5% off any available cabin

REGENT SEVEN SEAS

Regent is the fully inclusive small-ship cruise line, and we have some EXTRA GOODIES we can offer on these REGENT SEVEN SEAS departures if you are willing to travel in the next several months.  Contact us for more details:

Miami round-trip departing December 10 for 10-nights

• Visit Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel
• Fares from $3900*

Miami to Honolulu departing January 11 for 21-nights

• Visit Cartagena, full daylight transit of Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu (overnight). 
• Fares from $14,727*

Buenos Aires to Santiago departing January 14 for 18-nights

• Visit Uruguay, Falkland Islands, Antarctica (scenic cruising), Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, 4 port stops in Chile.
• Fares from $11,920*

Vancouver to Anchorage departing May 20 for 7-nights

• Visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier
• Fares from $6399*

Athens to Venice departing June 2 for 14-nights

• Visit Volos, Thessaloniki, Istanbul (overnight), Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Olympia, Kotor, Split (Croatia), and Trieste. 
• Fares from $11,399*

London round-trip departing June 6 for 10-nights

• Visit St. Malo, La Rochelle, Bordeaux (overnight), Biarritz, Bilbao, La Coruna
• Fares from $10,399*

*Regent Fares include unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining, open bar, wifi and gratuities.  LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT? Other itineraries are available with extra amenities… please inquire. 

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS

This company has 3 yachts (launched in 2021, 2022, 2023), all holding 196 guests.  November through March,  these ships are all in Antarctica, but the rest of the year, they are doing “Cultural Expeditions” and “Culinary Expeditions”.  

Fares include open bar, daily refresh of minibar in room, prepaid gratuities, specialty dining, butler service, and some shore experiences.  Here’s a few examples.  

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires departing December 18, 2025 for 9-nights

• Includes charter flight to Ushuaia and 4-days of scheduled landings on the continent.
• Fares from $9944

GREENLAND & NEWFOUNDLAND departing September 21, 2026 for 17-nights

• Visit 4 ports in Greenland, then 4 ports in the Canadian Arctic, and then onto Newfoundland and Labrador for 6 different port stops.  You’ll then see the rarely visited French Territory of St. Pierre/Miquelon, before returning to St. John’s, Newfoundland where it’s a quick flight back to the US Northeast.
• Fares from $13,369

LAND CRUISES with INTREPID Premium

COSTA RICA:  round-trip San Jose for 9-days

• Costa Rica is both exotic, but nearby (under 4 hours from Houston, Atlanta, or Miami). 
• See a turtle sanctuary, enjoy coffee where it is harvested, slide into the hot springs at Arenal Volcano, see the abundant wildlife in the rainforest, and take a surfing lesson in Tamarindo (or maybe just watch it!).
• Departures year-round from $3362

MOROCCO:  Casablanca to Marrakech for 15-days

• If you’re in Southern Europe, then this North African country is close by, and in many ways is more comparable to travelling in Europe, than Africa. 
• Visit the Museum of Judaism, and Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca.  Walk the Medinas and Souks in Meknes, get a home-cooked dinner in Fes, visit the desert oasis town of Erfoud, go for a camel ride during your stay at a Sahara Desert Camp, stop in at Ait Benhaddou (where Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and many other movies have been filmed), stay overnight in a village in the High Atlas Mountains, and finish in Marrakech, where you’ll experience the crossroads of cultures that makes up the place. 
• Weekly departures year-round from $4014

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

JAPAN: You’ve been asking about Japan a lot lately, so here’s a few tidbits to help plan your trip:

Why is it so popular right now?

• It was closed longer for the pandemic, so the demand is still equalizing.
• It’s safe and easy to travel:  All the secondary signage is in English, and it regularly scores in the Top 10 globally for public safety. 
• It’s naturally beautiful – Mt. Fuji, the blossoms, the gardens and hot springs.

Ways to travel Japan:

• CRUISE:  As a group of islands, Japan lends itself well to cruise vacations.  The most common ones are 12 – 14 days that circumnavigate the Japanese islands with one or two stops in South Korea.
• REPOSITIONING CRUISE:  These cruises start or finish in Japan, and include port stops in China/Taiwan, or Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore).  Some cruises carry on through Malaysia and Indonesia to Australia.  It’s a great way to see parts of the world otherwise more difficult to get to.
• JAPAN & ALASKA:  This is also a repositioning cruise that has become more popular.  These cruises are usually 20 – 24 days, and save you the long flight one way.
• LAND CRUISE:  The options for packaged land tours to Japan are endless, and they almost all include getting around by train (or “shinkansen” – the bullet train).  Ultimately, doing a back to back circumnavigation of Japan by ship, and coupling it with a packaged land tour, will give you a comprehensive visit to this fascinating country. 

Logistics of Visiting Japan

• AIR:  It’s a long flight: 11.5 hours from LA, or 10 hours from Vancouver.
• TOKYO:  Most people fly to Tokyo’s Narita Airport.  Check out Haneda – there’s not as many flights there, but it is often more convenient.
• CLIMATE: It’s seasonal, and the northern and southern extremes have different climates.

When to Visit Japan

Japan is a four-season destination.  Tokyo is on the same parallel as central California, and the weather is moderate year-round. 

• WINTER: Visit the hot springs, OR go skiing / snowshoeing on Mt. Fuji.
• SPRING: Cherry Blossom season is March through May.  This is peak season in Japan with crowds and prices set accordingly. 
• SUMMER:  There are Festivals and public events continuously during summer in Japan. 
• FALL:  If you want to take in the Autumn leaves, and have already been to Canada/New England, this may be your next destination. 

Things to See and Do in Japan:

• TOKYO: By some measures, this is the largest city in the world, and you can marvel at how orderly and safe such a large city can be.
• HIROSHIMA: the peace memorial and museum here are moving and poignant.
• KYOTO: for temples and shrines.  Check out the Golden Pavillion.
• HAKONE: to take in the vistas of Mt. Fuji or dip into the hot springs. 
• OKINAWA:  for beaches and snorkelling.
• CULTURAL:  do a tea ceremony, take a cooking class, or go to a Sumo demonstration.

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about how to travel Japan, and the different types of cruises there. https://youtu.be/tNOmAsGSZCc 

In Case You Missed It:

REMAINING MOM & POP.  The luxury-leisure travel industry has doubled in size since 2019.  We love the growth, but we also want to maintain a small-business “mom & pop” feel: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/remaining-mom-pop/

CRYSTAL CRUISES:  We travelled with Crystal last month for the first time since the brand’s resurrection.  Here’s what you can expect on board: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/crystal-whats-new-whats-cherished/

SHORE EXCURSIONS:  Many of the cruise lines are STILL struggling to deliver quality shore excursions.  This is a result of many skilled tour guides leaving the industry during the pandemic, but here’s some ideas of what you can do to minimize your risk: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/shore-excursion-survival-guide/

FEATURED YouTube Post:

VANCOUVER City Guide:  Just about everyone on an Alaskan Cruise does Vancouver pre/post.  Here’s a quick look at how to make the most of your time there:

https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL CRUISES to JAPAN

Tokyo round-trip departing April 5 for 13-nights

• Visit Shimizu, Kobe (overnight), Okinawa, Ishigaki Islands, Taiwan, Kagoshima, Kochi, Tokyo (overnight). 
• Fares from $6940

Tokyo round-trip departing May 9 for 11-nights

• Visit Shimizu, Osaka (overnight), Okinawa, Jeju, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Tokyo
• Fares from $6530

Ultimate Japan: Toyko round-trip departing May 20 for 23-nights

• Visit Hakodate, Aomori, Sakata, Niigata, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Sakaiminato, Busan, Seoul, Jeju, Nagasaki, Miyako-jima, Okinawa, Aburatsu, Hiroshima, Kobe (overnight).
• From $10,530

JULY BONUS:  Any Crystal reservations made this month through our agency qualify for an additional on board credit!  See the details here: https://pamperedcruiser.com/crystal-whats-new-whats-cherished/

JAPAN & ALASKA with VIKING: Tokyo to Vancouver (or reverse) for 23-days

• Visit Tokyo (overnight), Tsugaro Strait, Sapporo (overnight), Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska, Kodiak, Homer, Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan, Vancouver. 
• 2025: Depart September 14 from Vancouver from $5499 (with FREE AIR, pre-paid gratuities, and the Silver Spirits Beverage Package). 
• 2026: Depart May 6 or 25 from Tokyo from $6999 (with FREE AIR). 

JAPAN INTENSIVE with AZAMARA: Kobe to Tokyo departing March 13 for 14-nights

• Visit Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kitakyashu, Nagasaki, Busan, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita, Aomori, Tokyo
• Fares from $5079 (March 13), $6199 (March 27), $5510 (April 10), $6169 (April 24)

JAPAN LAND CRUISES

A land-cruise combined with an ocean cruise of Japan gives you a comprehensive experience:

COLLETTE:  Tokyo to Kyoto for 11-nights

• Visit Tokyo (3-nights), Hakone, Takayama (2-nights), Kanazawa (2-nights), Kyoto (3-nights)
• 2025: Sold out
• 2026:  January through December from $4999

TAUCK: Tokyo round-trip for 13-days

• Visit Tokyo (3-nights), and then travel by train to Lake Ashi/Mt Fuji, Hakone (2-nights), Nagoya, Gero Onsen, Takayama, Kanazawa (2-nights), Kyoto (4-nights), Hiroshima.
• 2026: Departures February through November from $11,990.

TAKE THE KIDS/GRANDKIDS: There is also a 10-day version June through August from $9590

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC from Osaka to Kyoto departing September 7 or 19, 2026 for 16-days

• Visit Osaka (overnight), Naoshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Takamatsu, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Uwajima/Uchiko, Yakushima Island, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Ulsan, Matsue, Moji, Mitarai, Kyoto. 
• Fares from $30,048

RIVER CRUISES with TAUCK

There aren’t river cruises in Japan, so if Japan ISN’T on your radar, here are a few options for Europe: 

EASTERN EUROPE: from BUDAPEST to BUCHAREST for 13-days

• Visit Budapest for 2 nights, then travel to Mohacs, Pecs, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade (with a private Palace evening at Royal White Palace of Serbian royal Family), Iron Gates scenic cruising, Ruse (also known as little Vienna), Constanta & Mamaia, then disembark to visit Bucharest and Transylvania.  
• 2026:  Departures April through October from $7490

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST:  Amsterdam to Munich for 10-days in September

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf (to visit local craft breweries), sail the Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg for a beer-paired lunch, Strasbourg, Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus, Lake Konstanz, and then on to Munich for 2 nights for the world’s largest festival!
• 2025: Sold Out
• 2026: Depart September 16 or 23 from $8490

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.
• Optional extensions to Madrid and/or Lisbon. 
• 2025:  Limited availability on October 10 or November 14 from $5890 
• 2026:  Departures April through October from $5790

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

Happy Independence Day!  I hope you are celebrating with those most important to you.  

Many of you have been asking lately about what type of reception you can expect when you’re travelling abroad.  It is with some trepidation that I wade into this discussion, because I want to focus on the pragmatic aspects of this question, and leave the unhelpful and highly partisan political aspects for people to debate in other forums.  

Please take your politics to other places.

So far in 2025, Bob and I have travelled to France, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia, as well as to Canada and Mexico.  We have interfaced with hundreds of people in these countries, and WITHOUT EXCEPTION we have been treated extraordinarily well.

WHY?  Because the GOLDEN RULE applies to travel as much as any other aspect of our lives. I wanted to focus on the pragmatic aspects of being an American abroad, so here goes…

• WE’RE GUESTS: Wherever we are, we do our very best to be respectful of the locals, their customs, and culture.  Giving respect earns the same back, almost always. 
• NO POLITICS:  In rare cases when people bring up politics (or religion for that matter), we DON’T engage.  There’s nothing to be gained from such discussions.  If someone wants to debate US foreign policy with you, they have already made up their mind.  NOTHING you can say will change that… so DON’T ENGAGE. 
• NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS:  In just about all other countries, English is a second language, and this means that locals have no idea if I’m from the US, Britain, Canada, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.  Can you tell the difference between someone from Argentina or Chile?  It’s exactly the same for the Europeans… so unless you go out of your way to self-identify as an American, most people won’t know.  Perhaps more important – they don’t care.  The overwhelming proportion of people will treat you with the respect you show them (see the first point above).

THE CAVEAT:  For people that choose to go abroad, and loudly complain about how much better things are at home, and how vastly superior the US is – these people SHOULD expect blowback.  My best advice to such people is to not leave their home state – you won’t be happy anywhere else, and people don’t want you there anyway.  

However – I suspect by virtue of reading this newsletter, that you’re NOT one of those people.  So Happy Independence Day, and keep exploring the world with respect and courtesy – you’ll get the same back.  

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim interviews Bob about his recent experience while travelling in Europe, and how it relates to being an American Abroad: 

https://youtu.be/y0iW69MIoFA

In Case You Missed It:

GLOBAL ENTRY?  There are a number of programs to expedite your process at the border.  Which one is best for you? https://pamperedcruiser.com/trusted-traveller-programs-which-one/

ALASKA:  There’s lots of different ways to see the 49^th State, and most people don’t figure out the best way to do it until AFTER they’ve been there.  Here’s some ideas:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/alaska-different-ways-to-see-the-49th-state/

TAUCK is an American land-tour company that is celebrating 100 years in business this year.  Here’s a bit of background on TAUCK and what they do:

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

Featured YOUTUBE Posts:

ALASKA How to Choose.  The choices for cruises to Alaska can be overwhelming.  This video is a step by step guide to choosing what is most appropriate for you:

https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M

GREAT LAKES with VIKING.  It’s right in our own backyard, but we should follow the lead of tourists from around the world that travel to the GREAT LAKES to experience incredible scenery and wildlife spotting, as well as unique urban experiences in both the United States and Canada.  If locks and canals are your thing, you can also experience that on the Great Lakes. 

https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

In observance of Independence Day, here are some ideas for travelling domestically (or at least close to home).

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
• 2025:  SOLD OUT
• 2026:  Nordic Balconies from $5995.  Departures April through October
• 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 $13,995.  Departures June 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 

ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 7-nights with SILVERSEA

• Visit Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, and Seward.
• 2025: Sold Out
• 2026: Depart May through September from $4480.  

New England & Canada: Montreal to New York for 11-days

• Visit Montreal, Saguenay, Charlottetown, Halifax, Portland, Boston, Newport, NYC.
• 2025:  Depart September 2 OR October 5 from $6350
• 2026:  Depart September or October from $6230

MISSISSIPPI RIVER with VIKING from New Orleans to Memphis for 8-days

• Visit New Orleans, Darrow, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge, Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville, Memphis
• 2025:  Departures in December from $3999
• 2026: Departures February through June from $3999.  September to November from $5499

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURES:

You DON’T have to be an elite athlete to enjoy these trips.  You DO have to like being outside, and be curious about nature:

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
• 2025:  Departures in October (8-day variation) from $5827
• 2026: March $3500, April $4834, September $4335, October $4243

SAN JUAN ISLANDS for 8-days round-trip Seattle

• Visit Victoria BC, Desolation Sound for kayaking and hiking, Alert Bay for First Nations immersion, the Gulf Islands to visit quaint communities, Friday Harbor on for the Whale museum, and other islands in Puget Sound. 
• This corner of the country is a well-kept secret.  Visit remote islands to see the sea lions, eagles, humpback and orca whales.  Go for a bike ride in Victoria; kayaking, zodiacs, and paddleboarding in remote bays.  
• 2025: Departures in September and October from $5897
• 2026: Departures in October from $5954

DOMESTIC LAND CRUISES with TAUCK

US NATIONAL PARKS: America’s Canyonlands departing Phoenix to Las Vegas for 8-days

• Visit Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion NP, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon
• 2025: Depart October 10 from $5990.
• 2026: Departures March through October from $4990
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/american-canyonlands-grand-canyon-escorted-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser 

SOUTHEAST US from Jacksonville to Charleston for 8-days

• Visit St. Augustine, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Beaufort.
• 2025: Departures in September and October from $5490
• 2026: Departures March through December from $5290

MICHIGAN and Mackinac Island from Traverse City to Detroit for 8-days

• Visit Traverse City (for the sand dunes, vineyards, and sandy beaches), Petoskey, Mackinac island, Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth Bavarian Village, Dearborn (for Henry Ford Museum), Detroit.
• 2025: Departures in October from $5290 per person.
• 2026: Departures May through October from $5290
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/michigan-lakes-mackinac-island-escorted-tour?tcd=mi2025&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser 

NEW YORK to WASHINGTON for 12-days

• New York (dinner at ONE World Observatory, Walking tour of Manhattan, 911 memorial, Central Park), Valley Forge NP, Philadelphia (early access to Museum of American Revolution, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell), Amish Country in Lancaster, Gettysburg National Military Park, Harper’s Ferry, Charlottesville, Jefferson’s Monticello, Richmond, Williamsburg, George Washington’s Estate, Washington DC (National Mall, Early Access to National Archives to see Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights)
• 2025:  Departures in October from $6990
• 2026:  Departures March through October from $7590
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/freedom-footsteps-philidelphia-washington-dc-guided-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

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

CRYSTAL CRUISES: If you follow us on Facebook, you know we just finished a MED cruise on Crystal Serenity.  It’s our first time aboard since the brand’s resurrection in 2023, so we were keen to get on board to determine which of our clients might be best suited to this brand.  

The background:  Crystal Cruises went bankrupt during the pandemic.  The previous owners operated two ocean ships, four river boats, and a plane.  We were invited on the Crystal Skye (a pimped-out Boeing 777) in 2019.  Here’s our video: https://youtu.be/4YaJcEpBsSc 

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings in 2022, Abercrombie & Kent along with Manfredi Lefevre D’Ovidio (of SilverSea and Sitmar Cruises fame) bought up the two ocean vessels.  At the time, I thought this was a terrible business decision: the two ships are both over 20 years old, and the brand was badly damaged during the bankruptcy.

I was wrong.  It turns out that Crystal clients are the most loyal in the industry, and they flocked back to these two vessels.  The same is true of the staff and crew.  Over 90% of current Crystal crew were employed in the company’s previous iteration.  EVERYBODY came back.  This is a come-back story the business school geeks will be writing about for decades. 

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

• CREW:  All the cruise lines say this, but Crystal is clearly doing something right if it managed to get 90% of the crew to return (after two years!).
• 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.  

What’s NEW on Crystal?

• FEWER GUESTS.  The 2023 refurbishment under the new owners reduced capacity by 30%.  Serenity previously carried over 1000 guests, and now has a maximum of 730.  This means a larger staterooms, and a near-absence of any line-ups. 
• REFRESHED RESTAURANT options:  BEEF BAR and UMI UMA by Nobu, are world-famous land restaurants that are included in your fare on Crystal.
• PRE & POST options:  The ownership by A & K comes through MOST strongly here.
• 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. 

VENDOR of the MONTH PROMOTION

During the month of July, we are able to offer the following on board credits for any Crystal booking.  This is over and above anything offered directly by Crystal.  You can use these credits for spa treatments, purchases at the on board shops, or for shore excursions:

• $125 per person for cruises 7 or 8 nights long
• $200 per person for cruises 9 or 10 nights long
• $250 per person for cruises 11 nights or longer. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Crystal Cruises, and the cruise Sue and Bob just finished with Crystal. https://youtu.be/KrxMdXk7E1o 

In Case You Missed It:

GO PLACES YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF:  There are lots of places out there are only slightly off the beaten-track, and they’re nearby where you’re already travelling to:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/go-visit-places-youve-never-heard-of

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS have been particularly active in the last several months, but here are some ideas if you want to up your chances of seeing this incredible natural phenomenon. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/northern-lights-and-winter-solstice/

OUR BACKSTORY:  While travelling with clients a couple of years ago, we learned that people wanted to learn a little bit more about us.  Here’s our story:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-clients-and-our-backstory/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

GREAT LAKES with VIKING.  It’s right in our own backyard, and we should follow the lead of tourists from around the world that travel to the GREAT LAKES to experience incredible scenery and wildlife spotting, as well as unique urban experiences in both the United States and Canada.  If locks and canals are your thing, you can also experience that on the Great Lakes. 

https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0phYvFfjmZGt2z9tYZ7dvpqg7GZw3Hbj7wA76R7DqyRP8uWZnLWQ9yt9zANcR5Cxkl?rdid=cy7mKh7ZGJtSlfGJ#

Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL CRUISES JULY PROMO

See the grid above for the additional ON BOARD CREDITS we can get for you this month.  It is also combinable with the following promos offered directly from Crystal:

• STATUS MATCH:  If you’re a loyalty member on one of Crystal’s competitors, Crystal will offer 5% OFF for new guests.

• CRYSTAL SOCIETY members discount.
• 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.

Here are some examples:

NEW YORK CITY round-trip departing October 7 for 7-nights

• Cruise with GLORIA GAYNOR – I Will Survive!  This is a great way to take Crystal out for a test drive.
• Visit Newport, Provincetown, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John.
• Fares from $5000 (with a $125 pp OBC only from our agency). 

CARIBBEAN: Fort Lauderdale to Bridgetown departing November 28 for 9-nights

• Visit Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Martinique.
• Fares from $4100 (with a $200 pp OBC only from our agency).
• OR stay on board for 24-nights (and visit just about every island in the Caribbean) from $10,800

NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA: Auckland to Melbourne departing February 19 for 8-nights

• Visit Auckland, Tauranga, Lyttelton, Timaru, Fjordland NP, Melbourne.
• Fares from $4800 (with a $125 pp OBC only from our agency).
• OR stay on board for 37-nights, travelling up the Australian East Coast to Indonesia, and then on to Malaysia and the Philippines to finish in Hong Kong from $20,000.

JAPAN:  Seoul to Tokyo departing March 25 for 11-nights

• Visit Busan, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu, Kochi, Kobe, Nagoya
• Fares from $5400 (with a $250 pp OBC only from our agency).

MEDITERRANEAN:  Athens to Rome departing May 17 for 9-nights

• Visit Messina, Naples, Sardinia, Portofino, Villefranche sur Mer, Toulon
• Fares from $5040 (with a $200 pp OBC only from our agency).

ALASKA:  Anchorage to Vancouver departing June 23 for 7-nights from $3420

• Visit Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, Ketchikan.
• Fares from $3420 (with a $125 pp OBC only from our agency).
• OR go round-trip Vancouver for 11-nights and also visit Klawock, Prince Rupert and Victoria from $5620.

BRITISH ISLES & BALTIC SEA: Copenhagen to Liverpool departing July 16, 2026 for 10-nights

• Visit Sweden, 3 port stops in Norway, and 4 stops in the British Isles 
• Fares from $5950 (with a $200 pp OBC only from our agency).
• OR stay on for 29-nights for the SOLAR ECLIPSE from $17,160 (5 port stops in France, 2 in the Netherlands, 3 in Spain and 2 in Portugal

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER COLLECTION

If you’re a former CRYSTAL RIVER client, you’ll be pleased to know that Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler are now in UNIWORLD’s fleet as the SS Elisabeth and SS Victoria.  Each carrying only 110 guests, here’s your chance to get back on board:

If you book with Uniworld during July we can get you an additional $150 per person on board credit. 

TULIP CRUISE:  Amsterdam to Brussels for 8-days

• Visit Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Dorddrecht, Gorinchem, Maastrict, Antwerp, Brussels
• March 27 from $5034
• April 3 from $5889
• April 17 from $6174

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Nuremberg to Frankfurt

• Visit Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Frankfurt
• 2025: Depart November 24 from $4319
• 2026: Depart November 25, December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 from $3869
• PRAGUE pre-cruise available

RHINE RIVER EXTENDED VOYAGE: Basel to Brussels departing August 1, 2026 for 15-days.

• Visit Lucerne, Strasbourg, Speyer, Boppard, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Bernkastel, Trier, Cochem, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Roermond, Maastrict, Antwerp, Brussels. 
• Fares from $7649
• ZURICH pre-cruise available. 

SEACLOUD – SALT WATER RIVER CRUISE

If you’re NOT an ocean cruiser, but DO like river cruises, then take a look at SEACLOUD.  Their largest ship holds 130 (like a river boat), but they go to salt-water locations.  

MEDITERRANEAN: Naples to Nice departing October 6 for 7-nights

• Visit Bastia (Corsica), Viareggio (Italy), Portofino, Menton (France), St. Tropez
• Fares from $4575

CARIBBEAN: Philipsburg (St. Maarten) round-trip departing March 26 for 7-nights

• Visit St. Barts, Dominica, Isles des Saintes, Martinique, Anguilla, 
• Fares from $6495

CROATIA: Venice to Dubrovnik departing August 25, 2026 for 7-nights

• Visit Ravenna, Pula, Korcula, Split, Montenegro
• From $7495

CRUISE on the RAILS with ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

The original and most famous Rocky Mountaineer route starts or finishes in Vancouver, making it an easy add-on to many Alaskan cruises.  On both the Canadian and US Rocky Mountaineer itineraries, you’ll get to see world-class scenery and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying great food and wine. 

Vancouver to Banff for 5-nights

• Spend 2-nights in Vancouver, then board the train to Kamloops, and then follow on to Banff for 2-nights.
• Prices range between $2904 and $4968 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October. 

Circle Journey: Vancouver round-trip for 12 -nights

• Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (3-nights), Lake Louise (2-nights), Jasper (2-nights), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.
• Prices range between $9940 to $12,110 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October.

CANYON SPIRIT: Denver to Las Vegas for 6-nights

• Denver (2), Glenwood Springs, Moab (2), Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas
• Prices range between $5215 and $6270 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October

VIKING FREE AIR FOR ASIA ITINERARIES in 2025

Viking is throwing FREE AIR and some substantial incentives at their repositioning cruise in September, so if you’re ready to travel soon, you won’t beat this deal: 

JAPAN & ALASKA:  Vancouver to Tokyo departing September 14 for 23-days.  FREE AIR

·  Visit Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Homer, Kodiak, Sapporo (overnight), Tokyo (overnight).

·  Avoid the long flight (at least in ONE direction!)

·  Veranda Fares from $5499 (represents $1500 OFF) including FREE AIR, gratuities, beverage package, and room upgrade. 

JAPAN:  Tokyo to Hong Kong departing October 4 for 15-days.  FREE AIR

·  Visit Tokyo (overnight), Shimizu (overnight), Osaka, Hiroshima (overnight), Beppu, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Taipei, Hong Kong (overnight).

·  Veranda Fares from $6999 (represents $2000 off) including FREE AIR, gratuities, beverage package and room upgrade.

Reminder: VISITING THE UK?

You now need to complete an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if you are visiting or connecting a flight anywhere in the UK.  England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland require US Passport Holders to complete this prior to arrival.  Here’s a video we did that contains all the details:  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

You’ve seen the headlines of locals protesting tourism or cruise ship ports restricting traffic.  If you’re like me, you’re wondering where it will all end.  A few thoughts:

Yes… there is some backlash to tourism:

Several cruise ship ports HAVE taken steps to reduce traffic:  Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Palm Beach, Juneau, Santorini, and Venice (to name a few).  Some limit the number of ships or guests.  Others are adding taxes or fees to either discourage cruise ship traffic.

Under Tourism?

What is talked about less is that in many destinations a substantial portion of the economy is driven by tourists, and (as we learned during the pandemic) UNDER-tourism is also a problem.  So it’s not an effort to eliminate tourism, but rather to reach a better balance.

What Happened in Juneau, Alaska?

Juneau has a permanent population of about 30,000 (and many of those are in the tourist trade).  On a busy summer day, there might be six ships in port, each carrying 3000 or 4000 people.  You can imagine what 20,000 tourists can do to a town that size!

When Juneau residents were polled, the highest proportion (46%) felt tourism was a mixed blessing.  Thirty percent viewed it as entirely positive, and only 11% viewed it as entirely negative.  Similar dynamics are undoubtedly in place in busy cruise ship ports around the world.  

It’s also worth noting that outside of North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, many cruise ship ports are in emerging economies, and tourist dollars are an effective way to redistribute wealth (by supporting local businesses and jobs).  

What can YOU do about Over-Tourism?

• Don’t pay too much attention to the tourism protests that you see on the news.  They are not particularly widespread, and if you get into the details, I’m sure you’ll see something similar to Juneau, with residents viewing tourism as a mixed blessing. 
• Be patient: each jurisdiction is going to have to find an equilibrium that works for both the people that live there, and for visitors.
• Visit in the off-season.  Visiting the Mediterranean in the winter, for example, is a great way to see cultural and historical sites without all the crowds.
• Go on a small ship.  I’ve been to Juneau on a mega ship (they all dock there mid-week), and I’ve also been there with Seabourn with 450 guests, and no other ships in port (because Seabourn visits on the weekend).
• Go places tourists haven’t discovered yet.  If you follow us on Facebook, you’ll know we just visited Slovenia – a convenient pre/post cruise destination for Danube River Cruises, or for ocean cruises that start/finish in Venice, Trieste, Dubrovnik, or Athens.  Slovenia is incredible, and it hasn’t been discovered yet. 
• Be Contrarian to the White Lotus Effect.  Visits to Sicily went up 424% after season 2 of White Lotus.  Where seeing similar demand in Thailand this year.  Taylor Swift concerts have the same effect.  Know where everyone are going, and go elsewhere. 

Equilibrium will be achieved… it’s just that different jurisdictions are in a period of trying to figure it out. 

In Case You Missed It:

ISTANBUL & TURKEY:  Istanbul is a crossroads, and has been for centuries.  That makes it a really interesting place, and a common port stop for Adriatic and Eastern Med cruises:

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

AMA WATERWAYS:  With a strong focus on culinary, and lots of choices for included shore excursions, AMA should be on your radar.  Their final payment date is also 90 days prior:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-private-sale-90-day-final-payment/

MEET THE TEAM:  You get emails from our core team, and have probably talked to them on the phone.  Here’s a fun look to get to know them better:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/meet-the-team/

Featured YOUTUBE Post:

LOCKS & BRIDGES on European Rivers.  We get lots of questions from first-time river cruisers about how the bridges (that river boats must fit under), and locks (that river boats must go through) affect their trip.  This video is a few years old now, but shows our journey on the Danube through locks and under bridges. 

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

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid021qXS4Zst9VTcPGrNpAufbushZ4789icrbpXuzMUG2CNNmEsbpHTY6zziA3x5nKEkl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

RIVER CRUISES – AMA Waterways

AMA is on all Europe’s major rivers, as well as Egypt, Mekong, Southern Africa, and Colombia.  They’re really strong on food & wine, offer multiple choices for included shore excursions, and have a 90 day final payment date.  BONUS:  if you book any 2025 European river cruise, we can get you free pre-paid gratuities. 

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.  The featured dates below also include a $150 per person on board credit.
• 2025:  Depart September 22 from $3239, or September 29 from $3089
• 2026:  Depart September 28 from $2799.

AMA on the MEKONG.  Kim from our office travelled with Alex Pinelo from AMA Waterways on the Mekong, and put together this video: https://youtu.be/tvA_WHOYuLo 

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights

• Visit 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.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• 2025: Departures in October & November from $3339
• 2026: Departures year round.  Get a $150 per person on board credit on:
  • July 4 from $3649
  • October 10 from $3549

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.
• 2025: Get a $150 per person on board credit on November 6 from $4139
• 2026: Get a $150 per person on board credit on July 23 from $4549
• Here’s our video from when we did this cruise:  https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU 

EXPLORA JOURNEYS:  5% off early booking for Select 2026 Itineraries

With a strong focus on culinary, a unique entertainment program, and huge staterooms, this new luxury lifestyle brand is worth checking out.  Click here to learn more about the Explora Journeys experience: https://inspires.to/experiences/the-explora-journeys-experience-43wo3

CARIBBEAN: round-trip Miami departing Jan 5, 2026 for 10-nights

• Visit San Andreas (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Bocas del Toro (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), George Town (Grand Cayman)
• Veranda Fares from $5270.

NORTHERN EUROPE: Reykjavik to Quebec City departing September 17, 2026 for 11-nights

• Visit 2 ports in Iceland, then sail to Greenland to visit 3 ports, then on to Canada, where you’ll stop in 2 of Quebec’s Eastern townships, before arriving in Quebec City (overnight).  
• Veranda fares from $10,890

ARABIAN PENINSULA round-trip from Dubai departing December 14 or 21, 2026 for 7-nights

• Visit Dubai (overnight), Khor Fakkan (UAE) for archeological sites and Musandam’s Fjords (the Norway of Arabia), Sur (to visit the sand dunes), Muscat to immerse yourself in authentic Arabia or to go snorkeling, Khasab on the remote Omani Peninsula, then back to Dubai.
• Veranda fares from $3800 on December 14 or $4095 on December 21

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

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

OCEANIA PRIVATE SALE: Get the BOOK ON BOARD price until June 30 and save up to $750 (or more on Grand Journeys over 30 days).  Only 10 days left! 

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

HX is celebrating its 130^th anniversary this month, and is offering all kinds of goodies, like 5% off most of its itineraries.  Here are a few examples: 

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.  

• 2025: Depart October through December from $6900
• 2026:  January through June from $7271
• See our video blog from this trip:  https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

REMOTE ALASKA from Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days

• 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 to Seward (for Anchorage)
• Sail on the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship.  See our ship tour video here: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 
• Departures May through July 2026 from $4554

HX: GREENLAND & NEWFOUNDLAND from Reykjavik to St. John’s for 18-days

• Start in Reykjavik, and then visit 2 ports in Greenland, before travelling down the Labrador coast to Newfoundland, and finish in St. John’s, from where it’s a quick flight back to the US Northeast. 
• 2025: Depart September 18 from $11,264
• 2026: Depart September 20 from  $10,809

If you’re unsure if an EXPEDITION CRUISE is right for you, here’s an interview we did that addresses that: https://youtu.be/niB-OWhUSSs 

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

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.
• Departures in February & March 2026 from $2399
• 1-minute ‘Spotlight on New York’ video: https://youtu.be/_rRyuJ38vYc?si=CKlmKP0UKvNXTT2j 

NATIONAL PARKS of America from Phoenix to Rapid City, SD for 12-days.

• Visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, Buffalo Bill Center, Mt. Rushmore, the Crazy Horse monument, Lake Powell.  
• Departures May through October from $4999.

SOUTHERN CHARM:  Charleston, Savannah, & Jekyll Island for 7-days

• Visit Antebellum Charleston, and the country’s oldest public market, see historic Savannah, and stay at the Jekyll Island Club, and visit the Sea Turtle Center.  
• Departures March through November from $3149
• 1-minute ‘Southern Charm’ video: https://youtu.be/2EWB9qvQc6c?si=qyFpoKIy265vIUU_ 

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