The Pampered Cruiser

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Our Advice about Travel Insurance

We offer just one piece of advice when it comes to travel insurance: You definitely need it.

We normally provide our clients with two different insurance quotes: one from the cruise line or tour operator, and another from a third-party insurance company.  We then highly recommend consulting a licensed insurance agent for guidance on this important aspect of travel.  Insurance pros have access to a much wider variety of insurance plans and can give you knowledgeable advice about which one would be best for your unique situation.

There are two reasons we don’t give detailed insurance advice:

  1. Our passion and expertise is travel, not insurance.
  2. As travel advisors we are required to offer travel protection, but we are not allowed to interpret the coverage.

Here is a bit of guidance to help you when you are speaking with an insurance pro:

Three Aspects of Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance policies bundle these three aspects together, but if you only wanted one of them, a good insurance broker can help you with that:

  1. Trip Cancellation.  This covers you if you are unable to make the trip (for specific reasons).  Without this coverage you are risking whatever you paid for the trip.
  2. Trip Interruption.  This is for annoying things like flight delays or when your luggage goes missing.  You are not mitigating much risk with this type of insurance, but it does make your life way easier when things go wrong.
  3. Travel Medical.  This is the critical one, and you are taking a significant risk if you leave home without this.  It can cost you tens of thousands of dollars if you are caught without this type of insurance.

Here is some of the rationalization we sometimes hear from clients about insurance, and why they may want to talk to an insurance professional about the flaws in their logic:

“Health Care is Free in Europe/Canada/Australia/NZ”.  It is true that in all other developed nations, health care is available to residents without a direct charge.  This is NOT extended to visitors, who will pay (a lot) for medical attention.

“I’m insured on my credit card”.  Check the fine print – you may or may not be covered, and there may be significant limitations to that coverage.  Unfortunately, this probably means reading through a few hundred pages of legal double-speak, but if you’re relying on such coverage, make sure you know what’s in there (and what is not).

“I’ll just fly home if I have a problem”.  This is truly asinine, and a really poor risk mitigation strategy.  You are betting everything you own that if you become sick or injured, you’ll be able to fly across the world on a commercial jet.

The pandemic has added to the complexity of travel insurance, underscoring the need to chat it through with an insurance pro.  

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA WATERWAYS RIVER CRUISES

Due to our exclusive arrangement with AMA Waterways, we are able to offer 5% OFF published prices (plus $150 on board credit) for all itineraries except Portugal and Southern Africa.  In most cases, the savings will amount to $500 or more per stateroom.  

Our private sale IS combinable with AMA’s Free Land promotion (get free pre/post cruise extensions):  https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/freeland/2025 

THE CATCH?  It must be booked before February 28.  Here are a few examples:

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing July 4th for one week:

OK – I know I said above that Portugal is excluded, but on the ONE SAILING ONLY, we’re holding group space, and get you over $500 off per cabin.  The Douro River is in huge demand, so there’s not many spots left:

●  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 Madrid and/or Lisbon.

●  This trip is on the brand new AMA Sintra, carrying just 102 guests

●  Fares from $4639

●  Click here for more details: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/enticing-douro

FRANCE, GERMANY & NETHERLANDS: Basel to Amsterdam for 7-nights

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel
  • Depart July 19 from $3989 (less 5%) AND $400 on board cabin credit on this sailing only.

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. 
  • Depart 2025 (Sep – Dec) from $6344 (less 5%)
  • Depart 2026 (Jan – Jun, Sep – Dec) from $5779 (less 5%)

EASTERN EUROPE: Budapest to Bucharest departing for 7-nights

  • Travel through Hungary, and then visit Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
  • Optional extension to Transylvania/Dracula’s Castle and Bucharest.
  • Departures March – December from $2939 (less 5%)

PARIS & NORMANDY round-trip from Paris for 7-nights

  • Start in Paris, then visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Normandy Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon (for Monet’s Gardens) before returning to Paris
  • Departures March – November from $3839 (less 5%)

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.
  • Departures March – December from $3139 (less 5%)

BORDEAUX WINE:  round-trip from Bordeaux for 7-nights

  • Enjoy the famed wine region, historic architecture, and ancient castles
  • Departures March – December from $3139 (less 5%)

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.
  • Departures January to April OR September to December from $2639 (less 5%)

CHINA with VIKING OCEAN

Viking has dedicated one of its ocean ships exclusively to China, and they have some really interesting itineraries if you want to immerse yourself in that country.  If you’re ready to travel in 2025, they’ll also throw in FREE AIR:

HONG KONG to BEIJING (with TIBET) departing October 3 for 22 days:

  • Start in Hong Kong, then on to Shenzhen, Xaimen, Pingtan, Dongtou, Zhoushan, Shanghai (overnight), Qingdao (overnight), Dalian, Beijing (Tianjin), fly to Chengdu, Lhasa (Tibet) for 4-nights, Xian (to see the Terra Cotta Warriors) for 2-nights, then back to Beijing to catch your flight home.
  • Veranda fares from $11,999 with FREE Air

JAPAN & CHINA departing October 31 for 15-days

  • Start in Tokyo, then visit Shimizu, Osaka (overnight), Kochi, Miyazaki, Hiroshima (overnight), Jeju, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, and finish in Beijing. 
  • Veranda fares from $7499 with FREE Air

If you want to see ALL the Viking itineraries for CHINA (many with FREE AIR), here’s the link:

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/asia/countries/china/index.html?agenturlid=pamperedcruiser

ADVENTURES in Remote Destinations with HX

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy these locations, but you do have to be curious about the more remote corners of the world.  Sail on the world’s FIRST hybrid-electric cruise ship, with only 450 guests. 

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. 
  • Depart September 18 from $11,264.

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires for 12-days, with 5-days of landings

  • Includes flights to/from Ushuaia (from BA) to board the ship.
  • Departures November through March from $9721

See our ship tour video of Roald Amundsen here: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 

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.  
  • Depart May through August from $7839
  • Depart September through December from $7643
  • 2026:  January through March from $6900

LAND PACKAGES closer to home with TAUCK:

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

Michigan’s Lakes and Mackinac Island from Traverse City to Detroit for 8-days

Ken Burns Journey from 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)
  • Departures March through October from $6990
  • 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

In Case You Missed It:

BOOMERNOMICS:  If you read this regularly, you’re probably a Baby-Boomer… so are we.  We’re regularly advised to attract a younger clientele… here’s our reasons for sticking with you:

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

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISING:  We were in Tahiti a few months ago on one of Windstar’s motor yachts.  Here’s a description of how that’s different than a cruise ship:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/yacht-cruising-with-windstar/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

NORWEGIAN COAST:  First of all, the Norwegian Fjords are NOT closing anytime soon.  Get the rest of the information from Kim (from our office) who travelled with her husband to the Norwegian Fjords, Bergen, Oslo, and the incredible Flam Railway:  https://youtu.be/JJ_Ga4jlmB0 

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

EGYPT:  It’s Time to Experience it.

If you’re anything like me, Egypt has been a fascination since seventh grade social studies class.  Visiting Egypt is about as close as we can get to travelling back in time.  Undoubtedly, modern Egypt has much of its own to offer, but we really visit Egypt to connect with the ancient civilizations.

Egypt is bigger than we think: it’s about the size of Texas and New Mexico combined, but much of that area is desert.  Just about all trips to Egypt are focused around the Nile River, where the ancients built their settlements. 

I visited the Nile River before river cruising was really a thing there, and I can tell you that a river boat is a much better way to see this incredible part of the world, than how I did it (planes, trains AND automobiles).  

The overwhelming majority of our clients who visit Egypt, do so with AMA, Uniworld or Viking.  All three companies offer 11-night itineraries that include 4-nights in Cairo, the flight from Cairo to Luxor, and then a week on a river boat between Luxor and Aswan.  We know all three of these brands very well, and are happy to chat them through with you.  

We’re also running a private sale with AMA this month with some nice goodies, and final payment not due until 90-days prior (compared to Viking, where final payment is due much sooner): https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-private-sale-90-day-final-payment/ 

You need some time in Cairo, because that is where the Egyptian Museum is, as well as the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.  It’s more than 400 miles from there to Luxor, the starting point to visit places like the Valley of the Kings, and the multiple Temples and Tombs of the ancients.  It’s more than 700 miles between Cairo and Abu Simbel – the furthest point south for most visitors to Egypt.   For all those reasons, a river boat really is the best way to experience Egypt.

There are some ocean ships that call in on Egypt as well.  Most of them berth in Alexandria (but it’s sometimes listed on the itinerary as “Cairo”).  It’s just under 3 hours to drive from the cruise ship port to Cairo – so it’s a LONG day, and most excursions take you to the pyramids, then they pop you back on the motor coach for the return trip.  

Nile River Cruises operate almost year-round, with a short break at the heat of the summer.  Cairo is about the same latitude as Jacksonville, Florida, and your journey will take you south from there.  Your river boat will be fully air conditioned, but keep in mind, you’ll be spending a fair bit of time outdoors to visit all the UNESCO sites (and there are LOTS of them), so let your tolerance for heat be a guide for the timing of your trip to Egypt. 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

RIVER JOURNEYS on the NILE RIVER

All of these river vendors offer 11-night itineraries to the Nile River.  The port order changes a little bit with each, but on ANY of them here’s what you’ll see:

  • CAIRO: the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, the GEM Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
  • NILE CRUISE: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Queens, Philae, The Temple of Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel, Temple of Esna, Edfu Temple, Temple of Horus, the High Aswan Dam and a Felucca Ride on the Nile. 

AMA WATERWAYS

*With our PRIVATE SALE this month, we can get you an additional 5% OFF any AMA Cruise to Egypt, as well as a $75 per person on board credit.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER COLLECTION

VIKING RIVER

LAND TOURS to EGYPT and the NILE RIVER

See details of Tauck’s Egypt trips here: https://www.tauck.com/destinations/africa-tours-and-safaris/egypt-tours?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

TAUCK Egypt – 10-days with departures January through May, and September to December

  • Spend 2-nights in Cairo, then fly to Luxor to pick up a river boat for 4-nights, followed by one hotel night in Aswan, then back to Cairo for 2-nights. 
  • Optional extensions to Jordan
  • 2025:  September to December from $11,190
  • 2026:  January to May, AND September to December from $11,490

COLLETTE Egypt – 11-days: departures January through May, and September to December

  • Visit Cairo for 3-nights, then fly to Luxor to stay on a river boat for 4-nights, then transfer back to Cairo for an additional 3-nights.
  • Optional extensions to Jordan
  • 2025: September to December from $3499
  • 2026: January to May from $3799

OCEAN SHIPS that call in EGYPT

These cruises are great for visiting Alexandria, and if you just want to tick off the Pyramids on your bucket list.  These cruises always include some Greek ports as well:

AZAMARA departing Athens round-trip on September 14 for 11-nights

  • Visit Athens, Alexandria (overnight), Rhodes (overnight), Marmaris (Turkey), Kos, Crete, Paros, Syros.
  • Veranda fares from $5519

SILVERSEA departing Rome on March 15, 2026 for 10-days

  • Visit Rome, Salerno, Sicily, Gythion, Heraklion, Rhodes, Alexandria, and finish in Athens.
  • Fares from $6800

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, GREAT LAKES & GREENLAND with VIKING

OK… here’s a couple for those wanting something a bit closer to home:

GREAT LAKES from Toronto to Duluth MN for 15-days

  • 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.
  • Depart May 20, June 3, 16, or 30.
  • Veranda Fares from $12,995 with FREE Air.

ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY and GREENLAND from Toronto to Nuuk for 15-days

  • Visit Toronto (overnight), locks of the St. Lawrence, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Tadoussac, Havre Saint Pierre, Gros Morne NP (NFLD), Red Bay (NFLD), Battle Harbour, and stop in at 4 ports in Greenland, before finishing in Nuuk.
  • July 15: $11,995 ($4000 off) with Free Air
  • Sep 15: $12,995 ($3000 off) with Free Air

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

In Case You Missed It:

PREVIEW of 2025:  Where are people travelling in 2025?  What are the factors that will determine where people will go?  Here’s a look in the crystal ball for the year ahead. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/looking-at-the-year-ahead-welcome-to-2025/

VISA for EUROPE?  The Europeans are going to roll out their ETA (they call it ETIAS) at some point in 2025, but we don’t have a firm date yet.  Here’s the background: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-need-a-visa-for-europe-or-the-uk/

VISA for the UK – The British have rolled out their ETA requirements and are in effect now.  If you’re travelling to England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, here’s what you need to know: https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk  Note: The UK recently removed this requirement for those who are only connecting a flight there.

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

NORWEGIAN COAST:  First of all, the Norwegian Fjords are NOT closing anytime soon.  Get the rest of the information from Kim (from our office) who travelled with her husband to the Norwegian Fjords, Bergen, Oslo, and the incredible Flam Railway:  https://youtu.be/JJ_Ga4jlmB0 

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

It’s ALL Temporary – (so Travel NOW)

We’re celebrating and remembering this week.  This week marks our grandson’s 2nd birthday (and he really is adorable), as well as the 15th anniversary of Bob’s dad’s passing (certainly not a celebration, but memories filled with warmth).

Our personal travel intersects with BOTH these milestones, and I thought I’d share, because many of you travel to mark milestones also.

Bob’s dad died young (he was 67), and suddenly.  One of our most cherished memories is having travelled with him (and Bob’s mom) only a few months before he passed away.  We had been undergoing extensive home renovations, and ended up living with Bob’s parents for a few months.  They would, of course, take no money from us for this imposition, so we decided to apply the amount it would have cost us for temporary housing, and send them to Italy and Greece on a cruise. 

Almost as an afterthought, we decided to go with them.  It WASN’T convenient – the timing wasn’t quite right, we had a 5-year-old at that time (who we didn’t think would cope well with a 10-hour flight), and we were trying to finish our home renovation.  It would have been much easier to just send Bob’s parents on their own.  But something compelled us to go with them.

So the five of us went to parts of the Mediterranean that had been on Bob’s parents’ bucket list for years.  We created memories that are now amongst our most cherished, and our son (now 20) has a few beautiful memories of the grandfather he never really had the chance to know.  

A few months later, the privilege of creating tomorrow’s memories with Bob’s dad was taken away from us.  We are SO glad we inconvenienced ourselves, and made the effort.  There’s always a reason NOT to go.  This time we made the right decision BEFORE the opportunity vanished.  EVERYTHING is temporary.

This allegory is always front of mind when we make plans with our grandson.  Our daughter and her husband are busy people, with busy lives.  Bob and I travel a lot (it really is the best part of this job).  We never know when opportunities to make memories will be taken away from us, and it’s not just extreme events like death or pandemics that can affect this.

So last year around this time, we flew our daughter and grandson to join us at our winter residence in Mexico.  Convenient? NO… Priceless? YES!  We’re making plans now to travel with them again soon. 

Bob’s dad used to tell us “Good opportunities are rarely well-timed”.  Words of wisdom to be sure. 

Here’s some ideas if you’re ready to make some memories:

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

TAUCK River Cruises in Europe

Tauck offers the most inclusive river cruises in Europe.  If you missed our feature last month about Tauck, here’s the link: https://pamperedcruiser.com/what-about-tauck/ .  They also have a whole series of trips (both on river boats, and land-tours) that are especially designed for traveling with multi-generational groups:

CHRISTMAS MARKETS BRIDGES TOUR on the Danube for 7-nights from Bavaria to Budapest

  • BRIDGES TOUR:  Take children or teens with you to the Christmas Markets!
  • Visit Munich, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vienna (over night), Bratislava, Budapest. 
  • 2025: Depart December 21 or 22 from $4590
  • 2026: Depart December 22, 23, or 29 from $4990

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: Limited availability on September 17 or 24 from $8190.
  • 2026:  Departures September 16 or 23 from $8490

TOTAL EUROPE from the Atlantic Coast to the Black Sea for 25 days

  • Visit 10 countries: The Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
  • Start in Amsterdam for a canal cruise and museum visits, then visit Cologne, the Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Rothenburg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Passau (for Salzburg), Melk Abbey, Wachau Valley,  private gala evening at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest (overnight), Mohacs (for Pecs), Vukovar, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Iron Gates Gorge, Russe, Constanta, Mamaia, a private reception at Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest, Transylvania. 
  • 2025:  Depart July 27 or August 14 from $14,690
  • 2026:  Depart July 5, August 6 or 30 from $14,690

REGENT SEVEN SEAS Pop-Up Sale

Regent Seven Seas is a fully inclusive luxury brand with a fleet of 6 vessels, all carrying fewer than 750 guests.  They rarely discount their fares, but reached out to us with this offer for the remaining space on 2025 departures.  Please note the tight deadline:

  • $600 per suite off cruises of up to two weeks.
  • $1000 per suite off cruises on longer itineraries. 
  • The Catch:  Only 2025 departures, and must be reserved by February 19th. 

Here are 3 examples:

JAPAN roundtrip from Tokyo on October 17 for 11-nights

  • Visit Tokyo, Sendai, Miyako, Kushiro, Muroran, Aomori, Sakata, Busan, Shimizu, 
  • Fares from $8160 (represents 15% off, and a 2 category upgrade). 

CARIBBEAN: Miami round-trip departing December 10 for 10-nights

  • Visit Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel.
  • Fares from $5699 (includes a 2-category upgrade)

MEDITERRANEAN WINE CRUISE: Barcelona to Athens departing September 13 for 10-nights

  • Visit Barcelona, Saint Tropez, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Istanbul (overnight), Bozcaada (Turkey), Athens
  • Fares from $6199 (represents 20% off, and 2-category upgrade)

REMOTE Destinations with SEABOURN

Not many cruise lines cover these regions, and Seabourn will take you there on their 264 passenger expedition vessels.  Great for those who want to get off the beaten track a bit more, but want 5-star dining, and a spacious veranda suite.  Bob and I absolutely LOVE travelling with Seabourn.

AMAZON RIVER round-trip from Belem (Brazil) for 9-days:

  • Visit Macapa to visit the Equator Marker, then do several days exploring tiny Amazonian villages, local markets in Santarem, and do scenic cruising, bird watching, and wildlife spotting by zodiac, kayak, and on foot.
  • 2025: Depart October 12 or 21, from $8499 for a Veranda Suite (15% savings).

AUSTRALIA: KIMBERLEY COAST from Darwin to Broome for 10-nights

  • See the waterfalls, visit fresh water reefs, see the horizontal waterfalls at Talbot Bay, visit with the Wunambal Gaambera indigenous peoples, learn about the pearl trade in Kuri Bay, and the mangrove forests at Hunter River, and Darwin.
  • 2025:  Depart June 27 from $12,699
  • 2026:  Depart May 19 from $11,359

IRELAND, SCOTLAND & ICELAND from Reykjavik to London for 14-nights

  • Visit 8 different ports in Iceland, for light hiking, zodiac rides, to see remote fishing villages, bird watching, wildlife spotting, and Iceland’s spectacular scenery.  Then  followed by 2 stops in the Faroe Islands, and 4 stops in the Shetland Islands.  Next to Scotland for an overnight stay in Kirkwall, and finally Copinsay Island before disembarking in London. 
  • 2025: Depart June 19 from $15,724 (15% off)
  • 2026: A 10-day version of this itinerary departing July 6, from $12,409

See ANDREA BOCELLI live in concert in TUSCANY

See Andrea Bocelli in Concert Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico, Tuscany (between Florence and Siena), where he will be accompanied by a symphony and a full chorus.  

  • Stay at Bagni di Pisa, built at a natural hot spring, with views of the Tower of Pisa for 3 nights. 
  • Package includes hotel accommodation, buffet brunch on the day of the concert, dinner at dei Lorena, access to thermal spa, a spa treatment, 2 VIP seats and access to VIP Hospitality area prior to the concert
  • ONE date only: July 22, 2025.  €9467 for two (about $9850 at current exchange rates).

In Case You Missed It:

ANTARCTICA:  What type of people travel to Antarctica?  What companies go there, and how are they different from each other?  Here’s your answers…

https://pamperedcruiser.com/antarctica-all-the-way-down-under/

ARE YOU “AFFLUENT”?  Are YOU really cut out for a luxury cruise, or are you going to feel like Gilligan on a ship full of the Howells?  Just who are these “AFFLUENT” types?  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-the-affluent/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

NORWEGIAN COAST:  First of all, the Norwegian Fjords are NOT closing anytime soon.  Get the rest of the information from Kim (from our office) who travelled with her husband to the Norwegian Fjords, Bergen, Oslo, and the incredible Flam Railway:

https://youtu.be/JJ_Ga4jlmB0

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

AMA Waterways – Private Sale (& 90-day Final Payment)

One of the things you have told us is that paying for your river cruise 12 or 15 months ahead of time is an irritation to an otherwise great experience.

AMA Waterways has also heard this feedback, and they think that paying 12 WEEKS ahead of time is a bit more reasonable than 12 months (or more) in advance.  They’ve also partnered with us for a PRIVATE SALE that will save you hundreds of dollars – more on that below. 

You’ve probably heard of AMA Waterways, but you might be wondering how they are different from the other river cruise companies out there.

All the river cruise companies we deal with in Europe offer a luxury guest experience, so they are LESS differentiated than the ocean cruise lines.  This means you’ll have a fantastic experience regardless of who you travel with, but it does make it confusing if you’re trying to make a decision between river cruise lines.

AMA Waterways fares include transfers, a choice of several different included shore excursions in every port, beer/wine with meals, and wifi on the ship.

We’ve travelled with AMA Waterways several times (and loved it).  Here’s a few things that stood out for us:

  • The Rooms – there are window rooms available for those looking for the best price, but most of the rooms on decks 2 and 3 are combination Veranda and French balcony (you get both!).  So the room feels much larger (and they are about 50% larger than other brands).
  • The Wellness Coordinator – each sailing has a crew member on board leads more active shore excursions, as well as offering fitness, yoga and pilates classes on board the ship included in your fare.  There is also a small gym on board.
  • Happy Hour – Beer and wine is included with your meals, and for the hour or so before dinner, it’s happy hour in the main lounge, with your drinks included.  It’s a small thing, but a nice touch.  It means you can have a complimentary cocktail while listening to the port briefing for the following day.
  • Bicycles for Borrowing – it’s nice to be able to go for a bike ride right off the ship in your spare time.
  • Choice of Shore Excursions – in most ports of call, you’ll have a choice of 2 – 4 different included activities, and you can do as many as time permits.  This works really well if you’re travelling with a group of people with a variety of interests.
  • Itineraries – AMA Waterways is the only company operating on the Magdalena River in Columbia, and the Chobe River in Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa & Zimbabwe).  Imagine doing an African Safari from a River Boat!  

AMA operates on all the main European rivers, as well as Egypt, Vietnam/Cambodia, South Africa, and Colombia.

We have a number of videos on our YouTube Channel if you’d like to learn more about AMA:

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA PRIVATE SALE

Due to our exclusive arrangement with AMA Waterways, we are able to offer 5% OFF published prices (and a $150 on board credit) for all itineraries except Portugal and Southern Africa.  In most cases, the savings will amount to $500 or more per stateroom.  

Our private sale IS combinable with AMA’s Free Land promotion (get free pre/post cruise extensions):  https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/freeland/2025 

Here are a few examples:

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. 
  • Depart 2025 (Sep – Dec) from $6344 (less 5%)
  • Depart 2026 (Jan – Jun, Sep – Dec) from $5779 (less 5%)

EASTERN EUROPE: Budapest to Bucharest departing for 7-nights

  • Travel through Hungary, and then visit Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
  • Optional extension to Transylvania/Dracula’s Castle and Bucharest.
  • Departures March – December from $2939 (less 5%)

PARIS & NORMANDY round-trip from Paris for 7-nights

  • Start in Paris, then visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Normandy Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon (for Monet’s Gardens) before returning to Paris
  • Departures March – November from $3839 (less 5%)

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.
  • Departures March – December from $3139 (less 5%)

BORDEAUX WINE:  round-trip from Bordeaux for 7-nights

  • Enjoy the famed wine region, historic architecture, and ancient castles
  • Departures March – December from $3139 (less 5%)

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.
  • Departures January to April OR September to December from $2639 (less 5%)

FRANCE, GERMANY & NETHERLANDS: Basel to Amsterdam for 7-nights

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel
  • Depart July 19 from $3989 (less 5%)

Windstar Casual Yachting

Our friends at Windstar have once again extended a 5% discount exclusively to Pampered Cruiser clients. Here’s a few examples of itineraries where you can enjoy Windstar’s  intimate yachting experience:

TAHITI round-trip from Papeete for 7-nights.  Departures every Thursday.

  • Visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora (overnight), Huahini.  Remember this tropical paradise is only 2 hours past Hawaii, and has a fraction as many tourists. 
  • Depart August – October from $3999, OR November/December from $3199.
  • Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN including the Corinth Canal for 8-days

  • Visit Istanbul, Myrina, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini, the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Athens
  • Depart April 3 from $5591, or September 28 from $5691.

CARIBBEAN round-trip from San Juan for 7-days

  • Visit St. Maarten, Charleston, Gustavia, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
  • Depart November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from $3292.

*Prices include all taxes and fees, all drinks, specialty dining, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

HX – Remote Destinations

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy these locations, but you do have to be curious about the more remote corners of the world.  

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)
  • Departures May through July 2026 from $4554

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.
  • Depart May through August from $7839
  • Depart September through December from $7643

NORTHERN LIGHTS in NORWAY round-trip from Tromso for 8-days

  • Travel north of the Arctic Circle to remote villages in coastal Norway.  See the mountains, fjords, fishing villages, and the AURORA BOREALIS.
  • Departures January through March from $4762

HX includes drinks with meals, wifi, gratuities, and outdoor gear.  

See our ship tour video of Roald Amundsen:  https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 

Rocky Mountaineer

Check out these domestic (and Canada) luxury train trips for spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying fantastic food and wine.

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

Vancouver to Banff for 6-nights

  • Vancouver (2), Kamloops, Banff (2), Calgary.
  • Prices range between $2988 and $6004 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October. 

Circle Journey 12 -nights

  • Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (3), Lake Louise (2), Jasper (2), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.
  • Prices range between $8254 to $11,983 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October.

In Case You Missed It:

ALASKA:  People go to Alaska for different reasons.  Here’s a quick way to match your travel requirements with the right travel product.  

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

ON-LINE TRAVEL FORUMS sometimes have useful information, but most of it is junk.  How can you best use the wiki-sites like Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-trouble-with-wiki-sites/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

LOWER DANUBE:  Perhaps you’ve already travelled the most common part of the Danube between Bavaria and Budapest.  Or maybe you want to see Eastern Europe (Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania) from the comfort of a riverboat.  Here’s our video blog from our trip there in October:  https://youtu.be/-OhF7PSrj0c 

Reminder: VISITING THE UK?

As of this week, you will 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

Time to Visit our NATIONAL PARKS

Many of you have been asking about domestic travel opportunities to complement all your international travel, so I thought I’d look at National Parks today.  

President Grant designated Yellowstone as the FIRST National Park in 1872, and now there are 63 of them in 30 different states.  The largest one is Wrangell – St. Elias in Alaska, and it is larger than the 8 smallest states.  That’s a lot of wilderness!

Hardcore outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to the National Parks for decades, but now it’s a much more mainstream vacation choice for people with all different types of interests.  You don’t have to sleep in a tent to experience these national treasures.  

The National Parks all have spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing, of course.  You might immediately think of snow-capped mountains and glaciers (and there are lots of those), but there are also 8 National Parks in California alone, and several in the Southwest that include deserts.  Hawaii has active volcanoes!  There’s so much to see!

When I was in Denali NP a few years ago, I was introduced to the National Parks Passport – the place to collect stamps and stickers from all the National Parks.  I have quite a few more to go before I’ve got all the parks covered, but it’s something for me to aspire to.  

Several companies offer tours that include National Parks.  Below are some examples from Tauck, a company we talked about a few weeks ago.  (Here’s the link if you missed that article: https://pamperedcruiser.com/what-about-tauck/)

Tauck (which in 2025 is celebrating one HUNDRED years of escorting travellers around the world) is an especially good choice for visiting the National Parks.  Because of Tauck’s long-term relationships and partnerships within the parks, you’ll stay at hotels and lodges INSIDE the parks, and you’ll visit the must-see places at the best time of day and with fewer crowds. Tauck takes care of all the details, so there’s no planning, no organizing… and best of all, no driving.

Learn more about visiting the National Parks with Tauck here: https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/national-parks?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

  • Canyonlands — Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, 1-week March to October from $4990.  Also available as a “Bridges” tour if you want to take children with you. 
  • Grand Alaska – Denali NP and Alaska for 2 weeks.  May to August from $7990.
  • Death Valley & Joshua Tree – from Las Vegas to San Diego for one week from $5990.
  • Yellowstone & Grand Teton – Jackson to Rapid City (also includes Mt. Rushmore) for 1 week from $5190 1 week.  Also available as a “Bridges” tour for families. 
  • Canyonlands & Arches NP – from Salt Lake City to Denver for 1-week from $7990.
  • Sequoia & Yosemite – RT from San Francisco for 1-week from $6790.
  • Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, & Canyonlands – from Grand Junction (CO) to Las Vegas for 10-days from $7990
  • Glacier, Waterton, Banff, Kootenay and Jasper National Parks – RT from Calgary for 10 days from $7990.  
  • Volcanoes NP — RT from Honolulu for 12-days from $11890.

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Today’s Other Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER COLLECTION

Uniworld is offering up to 20% off as an early booking discount for 2026 departures.  Here’s 3 examples:

TULIPS & Windmills from Amsterdam to Antwerp for 10-days

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Haarlem (for Keukenhof Gardens), Hoorn, Nijmegen, Rotterdam (Kinderdijk), Veere, Bruges, Antwerp (overnight)
  • Departures March 21 through May 1 from $3359

WINE & MORE: Bordeaux, France for 7-nights

  • Visit Cussac (for Medoc Oyster tasting), Cadillac (Toulouse-Lautrec’s house), Blaye (for Blaye Fortress – a UNESCO site), Bourg sur Gironde, Libourne (for the Farmer’s Market), Saint Emilion
  • Departures April through October from $3039
  • Optional extension to Biarritz Basque Country (3-nights PRE) and/or Paris (2-nights post).

INDIA:  Ganges River Cruise for 13-days between New Delhi and Kolkata

  • Few countries simultaneously fascinate and frighten travellers as much as India, so why not visit it in comfort while still being exposed to the things that make this country so unique.
  • Visit New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Kolkata, Cruise the Ganges, Kalna, Matairi, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Khusbagh,, Mayapur, Chandannagar.
  • Includes 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and internal flights. 
  • Departures January – March and September – December from $6639

If you want to see the entire list of 20% OFF river cruises, here’s the link:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2026-early-booking-savings

OCEANIA FLASH SALE

Oceania is running a flash sale until the end of the month that includes 74 itineraries:

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/flash-sale?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

Here’s some examples:

EASTERN SEABOARD: Miami round-trip departing April 19 for 12-days

  • Visit Key West, Bahamas, Bermuda (overnight), Charleston (2-nights), Port Canaveral, Nassau.
  • Verandas from $4699 with complimentary Beverage Package or $400 pp OBC
  • See our Oceania Vista ship tour video:  https://youtu.be/nN5lyXCEy_g 

JAPAN & ALASKA from Seattle to Tokyo departing September 18 for 19-days

  • Visit Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Kodiak, Anchorage, Dutch Harbor, Hokkaido, Miyako, Hitachinaka, Tokyo (overnight)
  • Verandas from $6030 with complimentary Beverage Package or $500 pp OBC
  • See our Oceania Riviera ship tour video: https://youtu.be/KvgJJ2bE1OU?si=ky1ahrsgV6B5fm_M 

AUSTRALIA & NZ from Auckland to Sydney departing Janurary 25, 2026 for 14-days

  • Visit Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Hobart, Melbourne (overnight). 
  • Verandas from $7749 with complimentary Beverage Package or $500 pp OBC
  • See our Oceania Riviera ship tour video:  https://youtu.be/KvgJJ2bE1OU?si=ky1ahrsgV6B5fm_M 

ACTIVE ADVENTURES with ATLAS Ocean Voyages

ATLAS is a new cruise line with yachts that hold fewer than 200 guests, and visit some remote corners of the world.  Fares include shore shore/landing activities, an open bar, specialty dining, and gratuities.

Learn more about Atlas Ocean Voyages here: https://inspires.to/experiences/the-atlas-ocean-voyages-experience-wx208

ANTARCTICA with FREE AIR and FREE Pre-cruise hotel night.

  • If you’re ready to travel in the next few months, Atlas is making this offer (with FREE airfare from the US) to fill the last few cabins on sailings to Antarctica this season:
    • February 25 for 14-nights including South Georgia from $12,804
    • March 5 for 9-nights from $9699
    • March 11 for 11-nights from $11,499
    • March 14 for 11-nights from $10,224
    • March 22 for 11-nights from $10,224

IRELAND to PORTUGAL from Dublin to Lisbon departing October 11 for 10-nights

  • When not in the polar regions, ATLAS conducts Epicurean Expeditions for those who really want to explore a region’s food and wine.  This sailing is hosted by TV personality Chef Christy Rost, and vintner Jon Schlegel 
  • Visit Dublin, Waterford (Ireland), La Rochelle (France), Bordeaux (overnight), Bilbao, Gijon (Spain), Lisbon (overnight). 
  • Fares from $4499

POLAR NORWAY:  From Tromso to Longyearbyen departing August 17 for 9-nights

  • This is like a safari at sea!  Spot puffins, reindeer, arctic terns and foxes.  See the ice floes, icebergs, and do some glacier cruising.  OMG I want to do this cruise so badly!
  • This cruise includes a private jet ride back to Oslo, Zodiac landings, boots, and a parka you get to keep. 
  • Fares from $6499

In Case You Missed It:

TRAVEL HACKS:  When we found ourselves in Eastern Europe recently, we found some tools to make our trip more seamless: https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-hacks-you-can-use/ 

OUR BACKSTORY:  We were travelling with clients about a year ago, and discovered by their questions, that they didn’t know much about us.  Here’s a bit of our story

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

LOWER DANUBE:  Perhaps you’ve already travelled the most common part of the Danube between Bavaria and Budapest.  Or maybe you want to see Eastern Europe (Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania) from the comfort of a riverboat.  Here’s our video blog from our trip there in October:  https://youtu.be/-OhF7PSrj0c 

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.

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

Hi There!

My mission is to help my clients accomplish the dream experiences on their travel-related 'bucket lists'.  Often, that includes a small ship cruise.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sue Bradley

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