Many of you are avid cruisers, but your partner or travel companion may be less so.  Some people love the variety and activity of cruise vacations, and the other travel partner merely tolerates it.  

Or maybe, you’ve done a ton of cruises, and are just looking for something a bit different. 

I’ve had two separate inquiries recently from married couples, where each partner has a different idea of a “great vacation”, so I thought I’d offer some ideas for specific and unique experiences when cruising that might meet this need.  This allows one partner to pursue a passion or interest, and the other has all the normal structure and activity a cruise vacation offers. 

Here’s a few ideas for specific themes or experiences while cruising.  Oh yeah… the AI image generator had a ball this week with making a collage for all these different experiences (who knew polar bears played golf?).

AMA WATERWAYS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Our friends at AMA offer a variety of different experiences:

CLASSICAL MUSIC Cruise – Budapest round-trip for 7-nights

• Visit Budapest (overnight) Bratislava, Durnstein, Vienna (overnight).
• March 2, 2025 fares from $1799 with a $150 on board credit
• July 2, 2025 fares from $2999 with a $150 on board credit

Here’s the list of ALL the Classical Music Cruises:

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/europe-river-cruises/2024/celebration-of-classical-music-the-danube/dates-prices

WINE CRUISE in Provence from Lyon to Arles, departing November 6, 2025 for 7-nights.

• These cruises are hosted by sommeliers or winery owners, and have tasting and pairings conducted both on the ship and ashore. 

• Visit Lyon (overnight), Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles (overnight)
• Fares start at $3899 with a $150 on board credit. 
• We did this cruise a few months ago.  Here’s our video blog:  https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU?si=qEgzgTeVLJbAx1hQ 

Here’s a list of ALL the AMA WATERWAYS wine cruises: 

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/wine-cruises/2024

GOLF CRUISE between Budapest and Prague for 12-nights departing October 13, 2024

• Visit Budapest (2 hotel night), Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Passau, Vilshofen, Regensburg, Prague (3 hotel nights).
• Fares from $6159

Here’s a list of all of AMA’s Golf Cruises:

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/explore/golf-cruises-2024

COLUMBIA — SOUTH AMERICA Magdalena River cruise for 7-nights: 

• Experience Latin, Caribbean and Jazz music.  Eat incredible food, see tropical birds and other animals and plants unique to this ecosystem.  Best of all, it’s only a 3-hour flight from Miami. 
• Visit Cartagena, Palenque, Calamar, Santa Barbara de Pinto, Mompox, el Banco, Magangue, Nueva Venecia, Barranquilla. 
• Extensions available to Medellin and Panama. 
• Departures in May 2025 from $3349 per person

More information: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/colombia 

AMA fares include a choice of shore excursion in every port (many of which you would pay extra for on other cruise lines), beer/wine with meals, wifi on the ship, specialty dining, a wellness coordinator, and more active shore excursions.

AZAMARA UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Azamara differentiates itself by its itineraries.  They have four R-Class boutique vessels that hold 680 guests when fully loaded.  They position themselves between the Premium Brands, and the luxury small-ship companies.

GOLF CRUISE round-trip Dublin departing July 1, 2025 for 11-nights

• In partnership with PerryGolf, 5-rounds are available, including Royal County Down, Donegal, Ballybunion, Old Head OR Fota Island, Portmarnock Links. 
• Visit Dublin, Isle of Man, Belfast, Killybegs, Galway, Foynes, Bantry Harbour, Cork, Waterford,.
• Veranda Fares From $5320 for the cruise.  Golf is extra.

There are dozens of PerryGolf Cruises on Azamara.  Here’s the list: https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=golf-cruise 

RIO CARNIVAL & Amazon departing February 25, 2025 for 25 nights

• Imagine being able to visit the most famous Carnival in the world, but then retreating to the solace of the ship.
• Visit Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia, Macapa, Amazon River, Boca de Valeria, Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, French Guiana, Barbados.
• Fares from $7427.

SOUTH AFRICA round-trip Capetown departing January 4, 2025 for 12-nights

• See South Africa and only have to unpack once.
• Pre-cruise available for 4-nights at Imbali Safari Lodge in Kruger NP.
• Post-cruise available for Victoria Falls and Chobe Game Park.
• Visit Capetown, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Durban, Mossel Bay.
• Veranda Fares From $3888.

PORTUGAL, Bordeaux & Normandy departing June 1, 2025 for 10-nights

• The small Azamara ships means you dock right in town in places like Bordeaux and Honfleur, not like the big ships.  So you are closer to the wineries (Bordeaux), and the Normandy Beaches (Honfleur).
• Visit Lisbon, Porto, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo, Saint Helier, Jersey, Cherbourg, Honfleur, London. 
• Veranda fares from $3600

All Azamara fares include the beverage package, gratuities, wifi, and usually a generous on board credit that can be applied to shore excursions. 

TAUCK DOMESTIC LAND EXPERIENCES

Here are two options a bit closer to home, that offer a different vacation experience:

Philadelphia to Washington DC for 11-days

• See the Rodin Museum, the Liberty Bell, visit Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed), travel through Amish Country to Gettysburg, Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, see all the sites on National Mall in Washington, and get an exclusive visit to the National Archives.
• Live American history! Departures in September and October from $5790.

Polar Bears and Northern Lights in Churchill Manitoba for 6-days

• Visit this small community on the shore of Hudson’s Bay for a once in a lifetime experience.  Includes round-trip charter flights from Winnipeg.
• Travel in a specially designed tundra vehicle to look for Polar Bears, enjoy an after-hours reception at the Manitoba Museum, see a dog-sledding demonstration, and visit the Eskimo museum. 
• Departures in October & November from $8290

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 (or on board), 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.

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.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

It seems every year there is a new program to expedite your way through certain travel-related line ups.  The trade-off is simple: you give up some of your information, and if Homeland Security deems you to be non-threatening, you get preferential treatment in certain travel queues.  

But which one?

The short answer is for MOST people, GLOBAL ENTRY will do the trick.  However, it does depend on your circumstances, AND how you think you’ll be coming and going from the country.  Here’s a quick summary:

TSA Pre

• The Benefits: Expedited screening at US Airports.  You don’t have to undress and unpack at US airport security checkpoints.  You also get through faster. 
• Who can apply: US Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Cost: $78 for 5 years.

GLOBAL ENTRY:

• The Benefits:  Expedited Customs and Immigration when entering the US by air, land or sea.  You don’t have to do any paperwork upon entering, and there are dedicated entry lines when you arrive in the US.  You often get through MUCH faster. 
• Who can apply:  US Citizens and Permanent Residents, and some foreign nationals.
• Cost:  $100 (going up to $120 in the fall) for 5 years
• Note:  Global Entry INCLUDES TSA Pre – so you don’t have to decide between them. 

NEXUS:

• The Benefits:  Expedited Customs and Immigration when entering the US or Canada by air, land or sea.  You don’t have to do any paperwork upon entering, and there are dedicated entry lines when you arrive in either country.  You often get through MUCH faster.
• Who can apply:  US and Canadian citizens OR Permanent Residents.  Mexican Nationals.  This is essentially the same as Global Entry, but you’d get the same benefits when traveling to and within Canada (400,000 people cross the border daily – it’s a very busy).  
• Cost: $50.  Going up to $120 in the fall.  Good for 5 years.
• Note:  Includes TSA Pre (and its Canadian equivalent) for US and Canadian citizens.

SENTRI

• The Benefits:  Expedited customs and immigration for entry via air or land to the US from Canada and Mexico.  
• Who can apply:  US citizens and permanent residents.  Some Foreign Nationals
• Cost:  $122.25 for 5 years
• Note:  INCLUDES TSA Pre for US Citizens and Permanent Residents. 

Homeland Security’s website is a bit of a labyrinth, so here’s a link directly to their page comparing the various programs if you want more information: https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/

Today’s Travel Opportunities

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISES

Windstar has 3 motor yachts and 3 sailing yachts that hold between 148 and 342 guests.  It’s the definition of a small-ship cruise, but in a casual atmosphere.  Their current promo sweetens the pot quite a bit by offering an all inclusive package (that would normally cost $89 per passenger, per day) on over 300 sailings.  I’ve put a couple of examples below, but here’s the complete list if you want to shop:

https://www.windstarcruises.com/specials/sail-beyond-ordinary/?promo=beyond

Reykjavik to Montreal departing September 6 for 14-days.

• Visit Reykjavik, 5 stops in Greenland, 2 stops in Newfoundland/Labrador, then on to Havre St. Pierre, Quebec City, and Montreal.  Tick off Iceland and Greenland from your bucket list, and only have to fly one-way to Europe.  Also don’t overlook Newfoundland – it is spectacular.
• Fares start at $6799.

Tahiti and French Polynesia departing November 27 for 8-days

• Visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora (overnight), Huahine.  Imagine the Polynesian beauty of Hawaii, without the strip malls, and throngs of tourists.
• Fares start at $5399, and include air from LAX, and pre hotel night in Papeete, and the 7-night cruise. 

The above cruises include all drinks, gratuities, wifi on the ship, and only through our agency, we can get you an additional $150 per person on board credit. 

EUROPE RIVER CRUISES WITH TAUCK

Tauck is the most inclusive of the European river cruise lines, and their expertise on land packages will come in very handy if you want to extend your trip.

Tulip Cruises from Amsterdam to Brussels for 9-days

• Visit Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels.
• Enjoy a private Dinner at Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, see Keukenhof Gardens in tulip season, get a guided tour of Rijksmuseum, sail on a canal cruise of Amsterdam, and do a brewery tour in Belgium. 
• Fares from $5790 for 10 departures in April 2025.  

Paris & Normandy Family trip for 8-days

• Take your kids or grandchildren to experience the thrill of Paris, and show them the important history at the Normandy Beaches.  
• Visit Paris, Giverny, Les Andelys, Normandy Beaches, and Versailles.
• Get a private tour of the Musee Marmottan Monet, a walking or bike tour of Paris, see Monet’s house at Giverny, visit Rouen for Joan of Arc,  and the Eiffel Tower
• Fares from $5490 for 6 departures in June & July 2025.

LAND CRUISES WITH COLLETTE

Yosemite, Monterey, and Napa Valley for 9-days

• Visit Monterey, Modesto, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
• See the Monterey Aquarium, visit Carmel and Pebble Beach, experience an Olive Oil Farm and almond orchard, take in Yosemite NP, do a boat cruise on Lake Tahoe, and do wine tastings in Napa Valley. 
• Fares from $3099 for fall 2024, OR $3199 for departures March to Oct 2025

AFRICA Safari: Kenya & Tanzania for 15-days

• Visit Nairobi, Amboseli, Karatu, Serengeti NP, Arusha. 
• See an elephant orphanage, go to Karen Blixen’s House, view Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit a Masi Village, go to Amboseli NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, and Tarangire NP. 
• On your game drives, you’ll see elephant, rhino, lions, leopards, water buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, cheetah, hippo, gazelle, 500 species of bird, 
• Fares from $6745 in March 2025.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

You won’t win a prize, but you’ll have bragging rights if you get all of these right.  You’ll also find some useful information in here too.  At the very least, I hope you find it interesting.  

1. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was damaged by a devastating fire in 2019.  When will it reopen?
2. On a direct flight from Istanbul to Mexico City, which country’s airspace will you spend the most time over?  HINT:  think of a globe…NOT a map.
3. Outside of Florida, what are the world’s busiest cruise ship ports (by passenger volume)?
4. How much does Global Entry cost for a 5-year membership?
5. How many new cruise ship berths are planned globally before the end of the decade? (A berth is defined as one guest spot).
6. Which country comes FIRST on the Global Happiness Index?
7. How many fluid ounces of water will a person typically lose on a 10-hour flight in the dry airplane air?
8. What is currently the longest commercial flight?
9. What were the top three MOST visited countries in 2022 (the last year we have data for)?
10. What country spans the MOST time zones?
11. What European country is smaller than Central Park in New York City?
12. What country has the most miles of coastline?
13. The busiest airport (by passenger count) in the world is Atlanta.  What airport is second?
14. What is the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?
15. What is the world’s largest Spanish-speaking country?

I won’t make you wait until next week to get the answers… scroll the bottom for instant gratification.

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA VALUE FARES AVAILABLE

Our friends at Oceania have some compelling fares on select voyages.  The Catch:  these must be booked by May 10:

ICELAND & BRITISH ISLES: Reykjavik to London departing August 20 for 9-days

• Visit 4 ports in Iceland, Faroe Islands, Glasgow, Dublin, Cornwall, London.
• Verandas from $5199 ($1300 off) 

MEDITERRANEAN: Rome to Monte Carlo departing August 25 for 10-days

• Visit Rome, Sorrento, Catania, Malta, Tunisia, Sicily, Sardinia, Florence/Pisa, Corsica, St. Tropez, Monte Carlo.
• Verandas from $5199 (save $900).

JAPAN & ALASKA:  LA to Tokyo departing October 3 for 25-days

• Visit San Francisco, Portland, Victoria, Vancouver, Ketchikan, Sitka, Seward, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Hokkaido (overnight), Miyako, Oarai, Tokyo (overnight).
• Verandas from $7099 ($3100 off).

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  round-trip Sydney departing January 25 for 16 days.

• Visit the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Milford Sound Fjord cruising, Melbourne (overnight), and then back to Sydney
• Fares from $7199.

The Oceania Fares above include all taxes and fees, round-trip air, beer/wine with meals, specialty dining, wifi on the ship, and a shore-excursion credit.  Must be booked by May 10. 

UNIWORLD FLASH SALE – Available to May 10 (or while space lasts)

If you’re ready to travel this year to Europe you can do quite well on Uniworld.  Paris will be very busy this July & August with the Olympic Games, but in the rest of Europe there are some great travel opportunities.  I’ve put a couple of examples below, but if you want to see the whole list:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2024-flash 

PORTUGAL & SPAIN:  Porto to Lisbon for 11-days

• Visit Porto, visit wineries in operation since Roman times, see medieval castles and Roman ruins, visit Spain’s Golden City, and spend 3-nights in Lisbon.
• Fares from $3399 – $3899 for departures in July & August (leaves every Wednesday)

BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM departing October 19 for 16-days

• Visit Budapest (overnight), Vienna, Wachau Valley, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Frankfurt, Rudesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam (overnight)
• Fares from $5499 ($2000 off)

Uniworld fares include transfers, an open bar, a choice of shore excursions in every port, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Western & Northern Route

• Two nights in Quito followed by 9-nights on board the ship.  Includes 4-hour flight from Quito to Baltra. 
• Visit 9 islands in the Galapagos:  See picturesque landscapes showcasing a range of ecosystems and see many of the species which made these islands so famous.  You’ll get closer to the many natural wonders in small panga boats, kayaks and glass-bottom boat.
• On board the carbon neutral MS Santa Cruz II carrying 90 guests. 
• Includes meals, drinks, gratuities, landing activities, and access to on board science center.
• $7933 per person (including taxes) for departures on September 3 or 17, 2024

TAUCK LAND CRUISES

SOUTHERN CHARMS: 8-days between Savannah, GA and Charleston SC

• Visit Savannah, the Coastal Low Country, Fort Pulaski, Hilton Head, Beaufort (exclusive tour of the Sea Islands), Charleston.  Experience a Sunset Harbor Cruise, Historic plantations and Gardens, se the Davenport House museum, and enjoy a culinary demonstration.
• Departures in September and October from $4890.

Salt Lake City to Denver for 8-days, with 2-days on the rails with Rocky Mountaineer

• Visit Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, flightseeing over Canyonlands NP, Arches NP, 2 days on board Rocky Mountaineer, and Denver
• Includes all hotels, transfers, Silverleaf PLUS rail car with adjoining Lounge Car, flightseeing, off-road Hummer trip, 16 meals, and gratuities.
• Departures June through October for $7590 per person

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 (or on board), 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.

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.

Travel Trivia ANSWERS

At least make a guess before checking the answers

1. December 16, 2024 – and the controversy about the restoration has already begun.  Just go and enjoy it!
2. CANADA – We flew Istanbul to Mexico in March, and I was amazed that we were over Canada for several hours.  This is evidence that a) the earth is spherical, and b) Canada is insanely large.  To challenge any flat-earthers… we also flew over most of Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, and the United States, before entering Mexico.
3. Shanghai and Barcelona.  If you weren’t aware, the Chinese are starting to travel again, and with such a huge population, those places of interest to Chinese tourists will be VERY busy.
4. Trick question… it doesn’t matter what you’ve paid in the past.  Global Entry (and Nexus) are increasing to $120 this fall.  You’ve been warned!
5. 100,000 new berths – yep… growing in leaps and bounds.  
6. FINLAND… and they do this consistently.  Most years, the Top 10 rankings include other northern European countries, as well as New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
7. 60 ounces or 1.75 litres.  Stay hydrated people!
8. NYC – Singapore.  It travels 9500 miles, and takes 18.5 hours.  Hopefully they offer a bit of extra space in economy!
9. France, Spain, and Turkey.
10. France has 12 time zones, the United States has 11, and Russia has 9.  This is a bit of a trick question, because we’re counting global territories.  If you only count the site of the main (continguous) country, then France has 1 time zone, and the US has 4.  Russia still has 9 (it really is huge).  
11. Monaco at 514 acres.  Central Park is 843 acres.  Vatican City (121 acres) would also be smaller, but there’s some debate over whether it is considered a “country” (even though it is politically separate from Italy). 
12. Canada – with about 125,000 miles of coast.  That’s a lot of beaches (although many of them are frozen). 
13. Dubai – and its passenger count continues to grow quickly. 
14. Great Britain is comprised of England, Scotland, and Wales.  The United Kingdom includes all of those, PLUS Northern Ireland.  We tend to think of all these places as separate countries.  They are — but not by the same definition used elsewhere.  All the countries of the United Kingdom are ONE nation.  For example, there will be an election in the UK before the end of January 2025 (who knows when!), and the people in all of those countries will elect ONE Federal Government with ONE Prime Minister.  
15. Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country with about 125 million people.  Argentina is the largest by area. 

Have something to say about this?

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Alaska continues to grow in popularity, and knowing that many of you have previously been there, I thought I’d offer some different ways you can see this naturally spectacular corner of the world.  You can go again, and have a completely different experience.

You probably already know that Alaska is big, but to put it in context, the area of Alaska and British Columbia combined is about the same size as one-third of the lower 48.  Together, Alaska and BC are over one million square miles, and if it were a country, it would be the 10^th largest in the world.  Texas is about 25% this size.  That’s BIG… and if you’ve done a coastal Alaska Cruise, you’ve only seen a small portion of it. 

If you’ve previously been, here are some different ways to experience Alaska:

I WANT TO SEE IT ALL

• You’ve said: “I’m only doing this once”, OR “I’ve been before, but didn’t see everything”
• You only see coastal Alaska by cruise ship (it’s not possible to drive to these communities), then go to Denali (and perhaps a few other lodges), and perhaps into the Yukon Territory of Canada.  
• TIP:  Travel in one direction, which means using Fairbanks Airport, rather than Anchorage.
• Holland America has some itineraries that cover all these bases, and we have a Private Sale until the end of the month that will save you a lot of money.  Here’s the link to that post:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/holland-america-private-sale/ .  The CATCH:  must be booked by April 30. 

I LOVE THE SCENERY, AND WANT GREAT FOOD AND WINE

• Oceania is THE cruise line for FOODIES, and they run itineraries out of both Vancouver and Seattle.  They also visit some less frequented port stops.
• 2024:  This is the last year the 680 passenger REGATTA will be in Alaska, so if you like the Oceania small-ships, this is the last chance.
  • Vancouver to LA departing September 14 for 12-days.
  • Visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Holkham Bay Fjord, Klawock, Prince Rupert, Victoria, and Portland
  • Verandas from $5199 with a $300 per person shore excursion credit.
• 2025:  Oceania Riviera (1200 guests) will be in Alaska next season.  She had a stem to stern refurb last year, and has all the latest Oceania culinary delights, and larger staterooms.
  • Vancouver to Seattle departing June 17, 2025 for 9-days.
  • Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Tracy Arm Glacier Cruising, Wrangell, & Victoria.
  • Verandas from $4099 with a $200 per person shore excursion credit.

All Oceania fares include beer/wine with meals, specialty dining, wifi on the ship, and a shore excursion credit as indicated.  On the above two departures, we can also get prepaid gratuities thrown in (only available through our agency). 

I WANT TO SEE REMOTE ALASKA, AND GET UP CLOSE TO NATURE

• You’ve said, “I’ve been there before”, OR “I want to walk, kayak, see wildlife, and visit where others DON’T go”.
• Roald Amundsen (530 guests) is operated by HX, and is the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship.  See our ship tour video:  https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0?si=k6EKNdSgunln85CZ
  • Sail between Vancouver and Anchorage for 13-days.
  • Visit Ivy League Glaciers, Glaciers at Icy Bay, William Henry Bay, Haines, Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Sail BC’s Inside Passage, Alert Bay. 
  • 2024:  depart June 22 from $5963 per person
  • 2025:  depart May 29 from $5106 per person

I WANT TO TAKE MY KIDS OR GRANDCHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE ALASKA

• The age of those children, and what they like to do will determine the best option for you.  Here are some options:
• DISNEY:  You will pay a premium for the brand, but there is no denying the Disney magic.  Arguably, a Disney cruise is better for less defined destinations than Alaska, because on Disney, the ship IS the destination.
• ROYAL CARIBBEAN:  Nobody does floating amusement parks better than RCL.  They normally have three ships in Alaska.
• PRINCESS:  Along with their sister-brand, Holland America, they take more people to Alaska, than all the other cruise lines combined.  They own much of the infrastructure on shore, and if you’re going to Denali, they will have many more options than anyone else.  Princess also brings Alaska Park Rangers on board the ship, and your kids will be more immersed in Alaska than any of the other options.  

I’M A VIKING CLIENT, BUT HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO FIND SPACE

• For the first time, Viking will have TWO ships in Alaska in 2025, so you’ll find space easier to find, and the pricing a bit more moderate.
• Viking runs 11-day itineraries between Vancouver and Anchorage, and you’ll visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Yakutat Bay (for glacier cruising), Valdez, and Seward.
  • 2024:  Verandas from $6499
  • 2025:  Verandas from $4799

RESOURCES TO HELP MAKE YOUR DECISION:

• ALASKA: How to Choose video: https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M?si=Bk0XzTgcgdk57cZH 
• ALASKA PRINCESS & HOLLAND AMERICA LODGES Video Blogs:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVEZh4TwDNnSFedD8FOItXHe&si=CNO-BKWSCvGu9_dR 
• COASTAL ALASKA PORTS: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGIkLzMGzGDOfx8xOSpC2Vt&si=tA76ZQKVTd5EXlX1 
• SEATTLE & VANCOUVER Article: https://pamperedcruiser.com/alaska-pre-post-destination-focus-on-seattle-vancouver/ 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

If Alaska’s not on your radar, here are a few other suggestions:

AMA WATERWAYS FREE LAND PACKAGES

AMA Waterways is a great choice for those that like to be a bit more active on their vacations, for those that want lots of choices for shore excursions, or those really into food.  Here’s our discussion with Kristin Karst if you want to learn more about how AMA differentiates:

They are also offering FREE LAND extensions on select voyages.  Here’s the complete list:

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/freeland-2024

Here’s one example:

PROVENCE from Arles (Marseilles) to Lyon departing December 12 for 7-nights

• Visit Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, and Lyon.
• Visit Van Gogh’s house, a Truffle Farm, sample local red wine & chocolate, see the Roman ruins, and do a Beaujolais wine tasting at a vineyard.
• $4698 for a Twin Balcony Room with a $150 per person on board credit.
• Optional extensions to Barcelona (3-nights pre), or Paris (3-nights post). 

We did this cruise in December of 2023.  Here’s a link to our video blog:  https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU?si=wkaBzaibNhRxtV8B 

COLLETTE LAND-CRUISES

ITALY for 11-days

• Visit Rome, Umbria, Tuscany, Florence & Chianti.
• See the Roman Ruins, visit an olive farm, attend a cooking class, see the gothic cathedrals and medieval palaces, eat at a cheese farm, drink at estate wineries, enjoy farm to table cuisine, and visit a truffle farm
• 2025 departures March through November from $3199
• 2024 departures:  space is tight…enquire.

CROATIA and the Balkan States for 16-days

• Visit Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sarajevo, Karanac, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Ljubljana.
• 2024:  September and October departures from $4399
• 2025:  April to June from $3999

VIKING FREE AIR FOR CANADA & NEW ENGLAND ITINERARIES

• Travel between Montreal, and
  • Boston (13-days) on August 31 from $5999
  • New York (13-days) on September 12 or 24 from $5999
  • Fort Lauderdale (15 days) on September 26 or October 6 from $5999 per person
• Fares include all taxes & fees, round-trip AIR, transfers, beer/wine with meals, a shore excursion in every port, and wifi on the ship.  
• Must be booked by April 30.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

You are undoubtedly aware that cruise ship traffic has ceased using the Suez Canal until further notice due to the Houthi drone attacks in the Red Sea.  This has resulted in countless itinerary changes and redeployments, so I thought I’d offer a bit of context to the situation.

First a bit of social studies:

• The modern Suez Canal was built in the 19^th century, and opened officially in 1869.  
• It is about 120 miles in length between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
• This 120 miles saves about 5000 miles of travel if ships had to sail around Africa.
• The canal is located in, and is controlled by Egypt. 

The Logistics of the Suez Canal being unavailable:

• Many clients have asked why such drastic itinerary changes have been required.  Understandably, individual clients are looking at their own cruise in isolation, and haven’t considered how the ship will get to their embarkation port.
• Remember that cruise ships travel at about 20 miles per hour.  To make up an additional 5000 miles is an extra 250 hours of running time, or just over 10 days… and this is without stopping.
• Adding an extra 10-days to your cruise to get in all your port stops is not realistic.
• Cruise ship berthing reservations are made several years in advance, and some ports don’t have extra capacity to accommodate itinerary changes.

What you’re entitled to if the cruise line changes your itinerary as a result of the Suez closure:

• The short answer is “nothing”.
• If you read the 80 or so pages of your contract with the cruise line (don’t worry… I’ve never read it, nor do I know anyone that has), you’ll find the clause on Force Majeure, and you’ll probably also find a clause that gives the cruise line the option to charge you more for the fact they must now go an extra 5000 miles.
• In reality, I’ve never seen the cruise lines levy such a surcharge.  They will likely simply eat the extra expenses to keep their clients happy. 
• Some travellers believe they are entitled to some form of compensation because of the itinerary change.  The cruise lines disagree.
• The bottom line is that the cruise lines ARE liable when something they are reasonably responsible for causes itinerary changes (mechanical failures, for example).  The cruise lines have about as much control as you do over the Houthi attacks, and the fact an extra 5000 miles has been added to the ships’ travel schedule is also a logistic reality they DON’T control.

Rapid Fire Q&A:

• Will the cruise line add a bunch of sea days?  Yes… they have 5000 miles to make up.
• Can I cancel and claim this on my insurance?  Probably not unless you have insurance with a Cancel For Any Reason Clause.
• Why have they not told me yet if there’s going to be a change?  Because they are hoping the situation in Israel and the Red Sea improves, and they can stick with the original itinerary.
• What recourse do I have?  It depends when you leave.  If it’s in the next 4 months, you likely don’t have any.  If it’s beyond that, you need to refer to your cancellation terms. 
• I had a cruise booked from Athens to Barcelona… why did they cancel that?  Because the ship you were scheduled to be on is somewhere off the coast of Africa, trying to make up the extra 5000 miles.  

The people that will cope best with such disruptions, are also the very best travellers.  These are the people that realize that not everything always goes according to plan, and when you get a curve ball thrown your way, you do your best to roll with it, and see what new adventures open up as a result.  

Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA FREE HOTEL NIGHT

Oceania is offering free pre-cruise hotel night on selected voyages.  I’ve put in a few examples below, but if you want the complete list:  https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/hotel 

New Zealand & Australia round-trip Sydney departing January 25 for 16 days.

• Visit the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Milford Sound Fjord cruising, Melbourne (overnight), and then back to Sydney
• Free Sydney pre-cruise hotel night.
• Prices from $6799 with a $400 Shore Ex credit.

SOUTH AMERICA: Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires departing January 26 for 21-days

• Visit Rio (overnight), Ilha Grande, Parati, Ilhabela, Sao Paulo, Itajai, Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia (overnight), Punta del Este, BA (overnight).
• Free Rio pre-cruise hotel night
• Verandas from $5099, with $500 Shore Ex credit.

JAPAN INTENSIVE:  Tokyo round-trip departing April 1 for 12 days

• Visit Tokyo, Nagoya, Kochi, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Busan, Hiroshima, Beppu, Kyoto (overnight), Shimizu, Toyko.
• Free Tokyo pre-cruise hotel night.
• Prices from $5499 with a $300 Shore Ex credit.

All OCEANIA cruises fares include all taxes and fees, beer/wine with meals, specialty dining, wifi, and the shore excursion credit as indicated. 

UNIWORLD SALE ON SELECT 2024 ITINERARIES

Uniworld has some really competitive pricing on a number of itineraries on select dates, if you’re ready to go in 2024.  I’ve put a few examples below, and here’s the complete list:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2024-cruise-savings

PROVENCE, PARIS & NORMANDY:  Arles to Paris departing October 27 for 15-days

• Visit Arles (overnight), Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Beaune, high-speed train to Paris, La Roche Guyon, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Normandy Beaches, Versailles, Paris (overnight).
• This cruise has wine, roman ruins, and farm to table cuisine, urban experiences in Paris and Lyon, and a visit to the Normandy Landing Beaches. 
• $6799 with a $150 on board credit.  This is great value on a per-day basis. 

NORTHERN ITALY:  Milan to Venice for 10 days (several departures)

• Visit Milan for 2-nights in a hotel, and then transfer to Venice where you board the ship, and visit several places around the Venetian Lagoon including Burano, Mazzorbo, and Chioggia.  Trip includes 4 UNESCO world heritage sites. 
• Optional Lake Como pre-trip extension for 2 nights, AND/OR post-trip extension to Athens & Santorini. 
• Departures July 12 for $3899.  September 6 or 27 for $3199.  

PORTUGAL & SPAIN: Porto to Lisbon for 11-days

• Visit Porto, Entre-os-rios, Regua, Pocinho, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca d’Alva, transfer to Lisbon for 3 hotel nights.
• Fares from $3899 on November 17 or 24
• Fares from $2999 on July 21 or 28 (Flash Sale… only while space permits)

Uniworld includes transfers, a choice of shore excursions in every port, an open bar, gratuities, and wifi on the ship. 

HAWAII ONE-WEEK Honolulu ROUND TRIP.

Norwegian is not normally a cruise line we promote, but they are the ONLY ones offering a Hawaiian Cruise that doesn’t require a trans-Pacific stop in Vancouver or Mexico as part of the itinerary.  

• Visit Kahului (Overnight), Hilo, Kona, Kauai (overnight).
• Includes Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursion credit, and Wifi.  ALSO for the next week only, we can get you FREE PREPAID GRATUITIES on Balcony Staterooms and above. This is ONLY available to the 29^th, and only through our agency.  
• December departures from $2449, and January departures from $2699.  This itinerary is available every Saturday, so inquire for pricing on alternate dates. 

IRELAND ONE WEEK LAND-CRUISE with TAUCK

• Shannon to Dublin for 7-nights.  
• Visit Shannon, Cead Mile Failte, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Blarney, Cork, Kinsale, Ballyknocken, Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow Hills.
• Spend 2-nights as a guest at Dromoland Castle. 
• Departures June through October form $6390.

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 (or on board), 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.

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.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley