You might have already been to Italy – it is, after-all, always in the top five most visited destinations for American tourists.  It seems that most of those Italian visits are to Rome, Tuscany, or Amalfi.  Those places are magical, but today I’m going to talk about Northern Italy.

If you look at what immediately borders Italy in the North, you can begin to see how it is different.  We sometimes forget that borders are imaginary lines that we’ve drawn on maps, and very rarely are those borders a “hard-line”.  So you can see the influence of France’s Provence region in Northern Italy.  The natural beauty of Switzerland’s mountains and lakes doesn’t end at the Italian border.  The incredible Dalmatian Coast in the northeast where Italy shares a border with Slovenia and (almost) Croatia, also offers a window into what to expect in Northern Italy. 

Here’s a look at some places in Northern Italy, and some ideas on how to experience them. 

VENICE gets the most attention, and is certainly well worth a visit if you’ve not been.  It is also your most likely cruise ship port.  You have heard that Venice has outlawed cruise ships with more than 500 guests, so here are the ports in Northern Italy that serve as a proxy:

• Porto Marghera – this is the closest port, and it is on the mainland side, close to the Venice airport.  It’s about 20 minutes into town.
• Fusina – near Porto Marghera.  It’s about 30 minutes by car or water taxi into Venice. 
• Chioggia – this charming little town is sometimes called “Little Venice” and is on the opposite side of the Venetian Lagoon.  By car or bus it’s about an hour from Venice.  You can also take local (boat) transit, and transfer at Lido to get into Venice.
• Trieste – this is about 120 kilometers or 90 minutes from Venice.  You will want to look at a cruise line transfer to get here to/from Venice.
• Ravenna – is actually the port for Bologna.  If your ship is docked here, it’s about 150 kilometers or between 1.5 and 2 hours into Venice. 

MILAN is well known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and it is a very manageable city to just walk around (or to shop).  It is also a jumping off point to Lake Como and Bellagio.  It is very easy to do pre or post cruise days in Milan, and the airport is the 2^nd largest in Italy with lots of flight options. 

LAKE COMO is a lake-town nestled in the Alps near the border with Switzerland.  If you’ve seen photos of the mountains falling right into pristine fresh water, that could very well be Lake Como.  This destination is a popular pre or post cruise destination for both ocean cruises out of Venice, AND river cruises beginning in Basel, Switzerland.

Turin, Genoa, Verona, Trieste, and Bologna are also cities in the region that people want to explore.  If you’re adding such exploration to a cruise, you’ll want to understand the logistics of getting from these places to or from your docking location.  

Today’s Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

If you really want to immerse yourself in Venice and its surrounding areas, this is the best way to do so:

Venice & Northern Italy for 7-nights

• Visit Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia.
• 2025: Departs every Sunday from April – October  from $3509.  This is far more cost-effective than staying in a hotel in Venice for a week.

There are a number of add-ons you can make to this Uniworld cruise: 

• ADD: 2-nights in Milan to see Davinci’s Last Supper (after hours access), and a City Tour of Milan.  Stop in Verona and Valpolicella Wine Cellar en route to Venice.
• ADD:  Lugano (Switzerland) & Lake Como
• ADD: Train to Istanbul.  If you want to add to your country-count, then transfer from the ship to board the train in Venice and stop in Trieste, Ljubljana (Capital of Slovenia), Belgrade (Capital of Serbia), Montenegro (beaches every bit as spectacular as Greece, but undiscovered), Bulgaria, and 2 nights in Istanbul.
• ADD: Rome 3-nights.  Includes a city tour, and a tour of the Vatican.
• ADD:  Train from Budapest.  Board in Budapest, then visit Vienna, Innsbruck, Zurich, Lake Como, Verona, Trieste, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, then disembark the train in Venice to board  the ship. 

Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

VENICE HOTEL STAYS

If you’d rather stay in a hotel in Venice, here’s a link to our agency page:

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/bobbrad77410/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice

OCEANIA

Here are some cruises starting or finishing in Venice.  Remember that OCEANIA is changing its pricing structure in October so you need to book by the end of month to get the beverage package, shore excursions, and 5% off included in the fare.  This 5% discount is available on ALL Oceania cruises for Veranda Rooms and Suites.  You’re not ever going to get a better deal on Oceania than right now:

Rome to Venice departing August 22 for 10-days

• Visit Sorrento, Sicily, Malta, Argostoli, Albania, Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Split
• Verandas from $5199 with a $300 shore-excursion credit and tips included

Venice to Istanbul departing July 17 for 11-days

• Visit 2 ports in Croatia, Corfu, Olympia, Santorini, Athens, Ephesus, Istanbul (2 nights)
• Verandas from $5499 with a $300 shore-ex credit

Rome to Venice departing July 7 for 10-days

• Visit Naples, Sicily, Zakynthos (Greece), Albania, Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Ancona (Italy), Slovenia
• Verandas from $5399 with a $300 shore-ex credit

The 5% discount, and changes to the fare inclusions are for ALL Oceania cruises, so get in touch with us today if you want to take advantage of this last chance offer.

We made a short video about Oceania’s planned fare changes:

https://youtu.be/VZYE5iTOZ_8

WINDSTAR 10% OFF Venice Departures 

We can get you 10% off ANY Windstar itinerary as long as it is booked by September 30.  Windstar leaves a vessel in the Mediterranean year-round, if you’d like to visit in quiet-season.  Here are two examples:

Rome to Venice departing January 15

• Visit Naples, Messina, Dubrovnik (overnight), Zadar, Venice (overnight)
• Verandas from $4139.

Venice to Rome departing January 23 or March 23 for 8-days

• Visit Venice (overnight), Zadar, Dubrovnik (overnight), Messina, Naples, Rome
• Verandas from $4139 on January 23.  Verandas from $4639 on March 23
• You can also stay on to Barcelona (15-days) , and see Livorno (overnight), Genoa, Nice (overnight), Barcelona (overnight)
• Verandas from $6979 on January 23

If you want more information about Windstar Yacht cruises, the inclusions, and itineraries outside of the Mediterranean, here’s a link to our Vendor focus article on them:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/yacht-cruising-with-windstar/

COLLETTE LAND CRUISE of Italy

There are dozens of land tours in Northern Italy to suit any time, budget or itinerary requirements.  Here are two:

Italy’s Treasures:  Art, Food & Wine of Italy for 12-days

• Visit the Alpine Lakes region (Lake Maggiore, Stresa, Lake Orta), Liguria Coast, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, do a cooking class in Florence, stay at a Tuscan villa for 4-nights, and finish in Venice. 
• Depart May 19 for $4499.  Departures in June/July/August from $4799

Rome and the Amalfi Coast for 10-days

• Stay in Rome for 3-nights to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and just to enjoy the sidewalk vibe in Rome.  Then on to Amalfi, for coastal townships, beaches, Sorrento,  and Pompeii
• Departures June through September from $3799

In Case You Missed It:

E-SIMS and Managing Your Telecom When Abroad.  How can you avoid those nasty ROAMING CHARGES?

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

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Earlier this year, Viking replaced its Book on Board program with the BON VOYAGE incentive.  This allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 2 weeks 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

Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

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

Have you heard?  Oceania is changing what it includes in its fares at the end of September.  I’ve put more details below, but if you’ve been contemplating booking an Oceania cruise, I don’t envision you’ll get a better deal than you can in the next few weeks.  Starting October 1, the beverage package, and shore excursion credit will disappear, so you might want to place a hold by the end of the month to make sure you get these goodies. 

We can also get you an additional 5% off their best price on verandas and suites.  This isn’t available on direct bookings, or anywhere else.  Our long-time relationship with them is paying off for our clients.  

Here are the details:

Oceania is sunsetting its “Simply MORE” fare structure at the end of this month.  Here’s what Simply MORE includes:

• Beer, wine, and champagne with lunch & dinner
• A shore excursion credit (amount depends on the length of cruise)
• Specialty Dining
• High Speed Wifi

What’s going away?

• The beverage package.  You’ll pay restaurant prices for all your drinks on bookings made after September 30.
• The shore excursion credit.

What’s staying the same?

• You’ll still have included specialty dining.  “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” is core to Oceania’s brand, so I don’t see anything happening here.
• You’ll still have free Starlink Wifi on every ship. 

WHY are they making this change?

• Oceania has said that they are reacting to client feedback.

Will the price go down as a result of fewer inclusions?

• I suppose anything is possible, but demand for travel products still outstrips supply… so I wouldn’t count on prices going down. 
• Oceania raises its prices every quarter, with the next increase scheduled for October 1^st.  Perhaps the increase will be more modest as a result of these fare changes. 

My opinion:

• My impression was they introduced Simply MORE fifteen months ago to better compete with Viking Ocean by offering similar inclusions, on a comparable sized small ship.
• I suspect the strategy worked a bit too well, and began to cut into sales at Regent, which is owned by the same parent company as Oceania.
• By removing these inclusions, it makes them more competitively aligned with Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess (none of which are owned by Oceania’s parent).
• I think this is a strategic error for Oceania, but it does present a great opportunity for YOU, if you’re ready to book between now and September 30.

What if I have an EXISTING Oceania Booking?

• Nothing changes.  If you booked with the Simply MORE inclusions those will be honored regardless of when you sail.  This change is dependent on WHEN YOU BOOK, not when you sail.

The RECAP: What you’ll get if you book by September 30:

• Beer, wine, and champagne with meals.
• A shore excursion credit varying from $200 – $400 per person depending on the length of your itinerary. 
• 5% off Oceania’s best price on their website in Veranda cabins and above (this is only available through our agency). 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

If you’re new to Oceania, or you’re a Celebrity, Holland America, or Princess traveller looking to try a small ship, here’s an article we posted a few months ago with more details on the brand:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-private-sale-time-to-try-a-small-ship/

Here’s a few Oceania examples:

Alaska from Vancouver to Seattle departing June 17 for 9-days

• Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Victoria
• Verandas from $4299.  Includes tips, $200 pp shore excursion credit

Australia / New Zealand from Auckland to Sydney departing February 24 for 14-days

• Visit Rotorua, Gisbourn, Napier, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Tasmania, Melbourne (overnight)
• Fares from $6299 with a $400 shore-ex credit

Panama Canal from LA to Miami departing January 24 for 16-days

• Visit Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, full daylight transit of the canal, Cartagena, Cayman Islands
• Verandas from $7399 with tips included and a $400 shore-ex credit.

JAPAN from Hong Kong to Tokyo departing January 27 for 18-days

• Visit Hong Kong (overnight), Taiwan (2 stops), Ishigaki, Okinawa, Shanghai (overnight), Nagasaki, Busan, Hiroshima, Kochi, Kyoto (overnight), Nagoya, Tokyo (overnight)
• Fares from $6199 with a $400 shore-ex credit.

AMA WATERWAYS FREE GRATUITIES

Our friends at AMA Waterways often give us extra goodies, that we can layer on top of their existing promotions.  For all the cruises that follow, we can get you FREE pre-paid gratuities, and a $150 per person on board credit.  If you want to travel in the next 6 months with AMA contact us for special offers. 

2024 Christmas Markets on the Rhine departing December 19 or 21 for 7-nights

• Visit Christmas Markets in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, and Basel.  
• Fares from $3923

Tulip Cruise round-trip Amsterdam for 7-nights

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Kampen, Bruinisse, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk
• March 19 from $3185
• March 30 from $3539

Danube from Bavaria to Budapest for 7-nights

• Visit Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley (scenic Cruising), Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest (overnight).
• Depart March 26 from $2880

Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel for 7-nights

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwignshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
• March 19 from $3339.  Other departures dates available. 

AMA has a strong focus on the culinary experience, and they give you a choice of several shore exclusions (all included in the fare) at each port of call. 

TAUCK LAND CRUISES

Canadian Rockies and Glacier NP round-trip from Calgary for 10-days

• Visit Calgary, Waterton NP, Glacier NP, Banff, Kootenay NP, Morraine Lake, drive the Icefields Parkway, Jasper
• 2025 departures: June through September from $7990

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

CUNARD CLOSE-IN SAILINGS

If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway between now and the end of the year, CUNARD has a handful of space left of some interesting itineraries:

Norway & Northern Lights departing round trip from London November 1, for 12-nights

• Visit Bergen, Tromso (overnight), Trondheim, Alesund, Stavanger
• Verandas from $2727.  Suites from $9147

Portugal & Spain departing round-trip from London on November 17 for 14-nights

• Visit Seville, Cartagena, Valencia, Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar, Lisbon
• Fares from $4824 for a 500 square foot Penthouse on the brand new QUEEN ANNE

Go Christmas Shopping in London departing New York on December 3 for 7-nights

• Travel to the UK on the classic ocean liner QUEEN MARY 2.  If you have time you can travel both to AND from London by ship, with some days for shopping in between
• Fares from $3486 for Princess Suite

Caribbean Getaway round-trip New York departing December 21 for 13-nights

• Visit Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Rouseau, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Barbados, Brasseterre, St. Kitts
• Balcony fares from $2599.  Suites fares from $9498

In Case You Missed It:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: https://pamperedcruiser.com/galapagos-islands-destination-focus/

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE in the Travel Biz: https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-want-to-deal-with-artificial-intelligence-or-a-real-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.

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

You’ve probably heard of Uniworld, but who are they, and how do they differentiate in the crowded river cruise market?

Uniworld is a small, family-owned company whose river ships are truly unique and live up to the billing of being “Boutique River Ships”.  They are also the most inclusive of the river brands:

• Unlimited premium spirits, beer, and wines
• All gratuities on board the ship
• A choice of several shore excursions in every port of call.
• Airport transfers (whether or not you book your air through Uniworld)
• On board fitness and wellness classes.
• Wifi on the ship

Besides the value of having these things included, it changes the culture on board.  There’s a big difference between presenting your key card for a second glass of wine, versus having someone come along and top you up.  It’s much more like being a guest in someone’s home on Uniworld. 

What does “Boutique River Ship” mean?

Each of Uniworld’s ships is uniquely different – designed and decorated to reflect the area through which it sails.  In France, for example, on the SS Joie de Vivre, there’s a French Bistro, and a Wine Cellar Restaurant right on the boat.  River cruises are about what you do on shore, and Uniworld’s custom river ships amplify that experience when you’re on the boat.  Here’s our ship tour video of Joie de Vivre:  https://youtu.be/uBGJhdtFsBY?si=uY_frz6bzmpTxiNg 

You’ll also notice the design and ornate decorations on every ship that is personally designed by the Tollman family, owners of Uniworld.  Their personal art collection is featured on every ship.  You don’t have to be an art expert to appreciate the benefit of seeing an original Picasso on board a river ship at your leisure, versus lining up in Amsterdam to see one in a museum. 

Uniworld river ships hold around 120 guests (versus as many as 190 guests on similar sized competitors’ vessels).  Fewer passengers means not only better service, but it also allows space for amenities on the ship like a spa, a pool, a fitness center, self-serve laundry facilities, and extra passenger space in lounges, restaurants and other public areas. 

Privileged Access:  Imagine seeing Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s, or busy museums before or after hours, when you’re not competing with thousands of others.  Uniworld offers this.

Cruise & Rail:  Take a river cruise in Northern Italy, and then jump on a luxury train for a ride through the Balkans to finish in Istanbul.  Or maybe you want to follow up your Italian cruise with a rail trip through Switzerland and Austria to Budapest.  

Rivers of the World:  This is as close as you get to World Cruise on the river.  This 50-night trip takes you to all the major rivers in Europe, and to Egypt.  You are escorted throughout your journey, and your luggage is moved for you between ships. 

Here are some examples of Uniworld Cruises

Venice & Northern Italy for 7-nights

• Visit Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia.
• Optional extensions to Milan, Rome, Athens OR Athens/Santorini. 
• 2024:  Departs Sundays in October from $3499
• 2025:  Departs Sundays April – October  from $3509

Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

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. 
• 2024:  Departures in November from $8599
• 2025:  Depart January 13 for $6559.  Depart October or November from $7379

Amazon Headwaters round-trip from Lima for 11-days

• 7 nights sailing on the Amazon and 3 nights in Lima. 
• Your ship, the Aria Amazon, only holds 32 guests, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, offering unparalleled views of this pristine part of the world
• Have lunch with a family in Lima, visit a remote Amazon village, shop at a local market, take a skiff ride at night to view nocturnal creatures, visit local artisan and craft markets, and more. 
• 2024: Depart November 13 for $13,499
• 2025: Departures January, February, or May through November from $11,699
• Optional extensions to Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

Uniworld also sails on all the major river in Europe – I just features some of their more unusual destinations above. 

UNIWORLD is offering a 10% Early booking discount for 2025 departures.  If you want to see ALL their itineraries, here’s the link:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us 

Today’s Other Travel Opportunities

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISING – 10% OFF

We can get you 10% off any Windstar fare between now and the end of September.  This is NOT available on direct bookings or anywhere else.  Here are a few examples:

Mediterranean including the Corinth Canal for 8-nights

• Visit Istanbul, Myrina, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini, the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Athens
• 2024:  Depart October 4 from $4789*
• 2025:  Depart April 11 from $5211.

Caribbean round-trip from San Juan for 6-nights

• Visit St. Maarten, Charleston, Gustavia, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
• 2024:  Nov 3 or 16 from $2782
• 2025:  Nov 2, 9, 16 from $3222

Iceland round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-nights

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• 2025:  July 7 from $4522

Tahiti round-trip from Papeete for 7-nights

• 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. 
• 2024: November 28, December 5 or 12 from $2999
• 2025:  March 20 from $3999

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

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

If you’re looking for incredible scenery, and something not too far from home, consider taking one of these world-class RAIL vacations:

Rockies to Red Rocks for 7-nights round-trip from Denver

• Start in Denver, board the train to Glenwood Springs, continue on the train to Moab for 3-nights where you can do excursions to Arches NP (hiking, E-biking, golfing, horse back riding, fishing, WW rafting, and much more), then board the train again for the journey back to Denver.
• Saturday departures in May from $4481

Canadian Rockies for 9-nights round-trip from Vancouver

• Visit Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, & Jasper.  People fly in from all over the world to experience cosmopolitan Vancouver, and the incredible scenery between there and Banff National Park.  
• Departures in April 2025 from $5474

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Are You “Affluent”?:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-the-affluent/ 
DESTINATION: Australia / New Zealand:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-to-visit-australia-new-zealand/

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

If you read this every week, you were probably born between the mid 1940s and mid 1960s.  We didn’t plan it this way – it’s just that Bob and I belong to the Baby Boomer cohort, and we end up dealing with people like us.

A few times a year, we end up at a conference, or a webinar, where some industry expert tells us we need to work harder to attract affluent Gen Xers and Millennials.  For clarity, these are people born between 1970 and 2000.

That’s probably a good strategy, but we’ll stick with our current clients.

It’s not that we DON’T want younger people as clients – quite the contrary – we greatly appreciate it when you refer your kids, nieces and nephews to us.  We find the overwhelming majority of our clients to be genuine people that are a pleasure to deal with.  Nice people generally attract (and in our case, refer) other nice people.  

The reason we don’t want to put a whole bunch of effort into attracting a younger clientele is pure (and somewhat ruthless) arithmetic.  Like any business, we have limited resources to grow, so we have to be deliberate and strategic about how we allocate those resources.  We do have some Gen X and Millennial clients, but frankly there aren’t very many of them (in the population in general).  The post WW2 Baby Boom went bust in the mid 1960s.  There just weren’t that many people born in the 1970s compared to the previous two decades.  

This trend rebounded a bit in the 80s and 90s, but there are still WAY more Baby Boomers than any other cohort.  The other hitch is that we sell luxury products.  Many of our clients don’t consider themselves affluent, because most of them are of humble origin, worked hard, lived within their means, and now can afford a nice vacation.  

So while the travel industry chases those people born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Bob and I are more than happy to deal with folks born before that.  Our people.  The people that have time to travel, and the means to travel well.  

The criticism of this viewpoint is valid – “in 30 years, you won’t have any clients left”.  True – but in 30 years (should we be both be lucky enough to still be here), we’ll be the ones calling a travel agent – probably a Millennial. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

MEDITERRANEAN IN WINTER WITH WINDSTAR

If you’re going to the Med for scenery, cultural, and historical attractions, then it is substantially less busy in the winter months.  Yes… you’ll have to wear a jacket, but you won’t be competing with thousands of others at every shore attraction.  Windstar’s 320 passenger yacht, Star Legend,  is in the Mediterranean year-round.  Here are a few examples:

Athens to Rome departing November 6 for 8-days

• Visit Athens, then travel the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Corfu (overnight), Crotone, Sicily (overnight), Naples, and finish in Rome.
• Balconies $4679

Barcelona round-trip departing December 30 for 9-days

• Visit Palma de Mallorca (overnight), Cartagena, Gibraltar, Malaga (overnight), Valencia
• Balconies from $5019

Rome to Venice departing March 18 for 8 days

• Visit Napes, Messina, Dubrovnik (overnight), Zadar, and Venice (overnight)
• Windstar anchors right outside the walled City in Dubrovnik, and you’re there overnight!
• Balconies from $5199

TAUCK EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

Dutch Christmas Markets from Amsterdam to Brussels for 8-days

• Visit Amsterdam, Gouda, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Delft, Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels
• 2024:  December 20 or 27 from $3890
• 2025:  December 6, 13, 20, 27 from $4190

Family Sailing from Paris to Normandy for 8-days

• Take your kids or grandkids to learn the important history at Normandy.
• Visit Paris, Vernon, Giverny, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Normandy Beaches, Rouen, Versailles
• Get a private car tour of Paris, a walking tour of the Latin Quarter, a private tour of the Monet Museum, see Monet’s Gardens, the Castle of King Richard the Lionheart, Omaha Beach, the D-Day museum, Joan of Arc Square, and the Palace of Versailles. 
• 2025:  6 departures in June & July from $5490 

CRYSTAL CRUISES

Crystal excels in unique itineraries, and special entertainment features.

Travel with GLORIA GAYNOR departing Quebec on October 26 for 14 nights

• Visit Quebec City (overnight), Boston (overnight), New York (overnight), Norfolk, Jacksonville (overnight), Nassau before arriving in Fort Lauderdale.
• Fares from $8700

South America departing Buenos Aires on February 22 for 11-nights

• Visit BA, Balneario (Brazil), Sao Francisco do Sul (Brazil), Santos (overnight), Ilhabela, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janiero (2-nights).
• Fares from $6600

Reykjavik to New York departing September 17, 2025 for 13-nights:

• Visit Greenland, 2 stops in Newfoundland, Sydney, Halifax, Boston (overnight), New York (overnight)
• Fares from $6540

LAND CRUISE WITH COLLETTE

Thailand from Bangkok to Phuket for 15-days

• Visit Bangkok, fly to Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, fly to Phuket, fly back to Bangkok
• See the street life in Bangkok, take a private boat trip Bangkok, see the reclining Buddha at Wat Po, Grand Palace of Siam, do a Tuk tuk Ride, see the archeological sites at Sukhothai, visit the Golden Triangle, take a boat ride on Mekong River, visit the Opium Museum, experience the Buddhist Temples in Chaing Mai, see an elephant sanctuary, and relax on a tropical beach in Phuket, 
• 2024:  October 24 for $3699, December 27 for $3549
• 2025:  February and March departures:  $3799.  September – December:  $3699

NORTHERN LIGHTS in Alaska for 7-days

• Visit Anchorage, Prince William Sound, Talkeetna, and travel the railroad to Fairbanks
• 2025: February & March departures for $3999

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 per person. 

In Case You Missed It:

Destination Spotlight on TAHITI: https://pamperedcruiser.com/tahiti-destination-focus/ 

WINDSTAR Vendor Focus: https://pamperedcruiser.com/yacht-cruising-with-windstar/ 

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Earlier this year, Viking replaced its Book on Board program with the BON VOYAGE incentive.  This allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 2 weeks 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

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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 might have heard that Norway is closing its fjords to cruise ship traffic in 2026.  This isn’t entirely accurate, but it will be greatly restricted after next summer.  Some of you have asked, so here are some quick bits about Norway and its fjords.  Some of you know Kim from our office, and she and her husband visited Norway in July!

About Norway:

• It’s about the same size as Montana, and is home to 5.5 million people.  
• Norway has the world’s 2^nd longest coastline (after Canada), so it’s no wonder people want to visit the Norwegian coast.
• Norway’s largest industries are petroleum, fishing, and ship building – so you can see how restricting traffic to the fjords affects all three (imagine the politics!)
• The Norwegians have been a bit smarter than us about their oil industry.  A set amount from each barrel of oil is retained in their “Heritage Fund” that now amounts to $1.62 trillion or about $300,000 for every person in the country.
• We love to celebrate Christopher Columbus (even though he never set foot in the United States), but the Vikings beat Columbus to the New World by about 500 years. 

Are the Norwegian Fjords Closing?

• No… but traffic will be greatly restricted starting in 2026.
• Only cruise ships running on alternative fuels will be allowed after 2025, and ALL vessels will have to be zero-emissions by 2035.
• You MAY be able to take excursions into the fjords via the electric boats that have been operating there for years.  
• Some cruise lines have already begun the shift to liquid natural gas, hybrid-electric, liquid hydrogen, and biofuels.  More to follow in the next few years.

When to go

• Norway is a long way north (Oslo is only slightly south of Anchorage in terms of latitude), so most people visit May through September.
• There are cruise options in the winter (for Northern Lights), but it is mostly dark and cold then (but undoubtedly a fantastic experience). 
• 2025 will offer more choices and options to the Norwegian Fjords until further notice.  Again… the technology will catch up with the regulations, but it might take a few years.

What’s the Attraction?

• Pristine scenery, waterfalls, wildlife and nature
• Charming small townships with well-endowed parks and public space
• Norwegians!  This is a small, but really impressive country.

The bottom line here is that Norway will continue to be a significant cruise destination in Northern Europe, but if you want to get into the fjords on your preferred cruise line, then 2025 is potentially the last year to do that until ALL the cruise lines have upgraded their fleets.  

Today’s Travel Opportunities

SILVERSEA 10% OFF PRIVATE SALE

You’ve got a few more days before this offer disappears at the end of the month.  There are over 200 itineraries that can get you 10% OFF the best price on SilverSea’s website: https://pamperedcruiser.com/silversea-time-to-try-classic-luxury/ .  

Here are some SilverSea options if you want to visit Norway:

NORWAY: Round-trip from Copenhagen departing August 15 for 12-days

• Visit 7 ports in Norway including Oslo (overnight) and Skagen.
• Fares from $5940

NORWAY & UK:  Edinburgh to Longyearbyen departing May 25 for 18-days

• Visit 3 ports in the Shetland Islands, Noss (Scotland), 12 ports in Norway including Tromso and Svalbard.
• This cruise is on the former Crystal ship, Endeavour — that holds just 200 guests!
• Fares from $23,310

NORWAY & IRELAND: Copenhagen to Dublin departing July 25 for 9-days.

• Visit 3 ports in Norway, Shetland Islands, Noss, Orkney Islands, Shiant Islands, Loch Ewe, Lunga.
• Fares from $5040.  Also available from Dublin to Copenhagen on July 16.

HURTIGRUTEN:  Norwegian Coastal Cruises

As a Norwegian company, Hurtigruten is in the region year round:

NORWAY FJORDS IN SUMMER:  Midnight Sun cruises round-trip from Bergen for 15-days

• 10 port stops in Coastal Norway including Svalbard and Tromso. 
• Departures May through September from $4702.

NORWAY ULTIMATE NORTHERN LIGHTS:  Oslo to Helsinki for 17-days

• First, travel from Oslo to Bergen on the Flam Railway.  Then board the Norwegian Coastal Express for 7-nights in the Fjords.  Do a Reindeer Safari in Northern Finland, visit the Santa Claus Village, do a Husky Safari, stay in a Glass Igloo in Lapland, and finish in Helsinki.
• Departures September 2025 through March 2026 from $6412 pp

AMA WATERWAYS

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing July 4 for one-week

• 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
• BONUS: This trip is already offered at 10% off, and we have TWO remaining vouchers for an additional 5% (Up to $300 off).
• Verandas $6268.  Windows $4199

EGYPT for 12-days (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 
• BONUS: Business Class Air for $2499 round-trip
• November 22 or 29, 2024 from $6549
• December 2024 departures from $6149

CANADA LAND-CRUISE WITH TAUCK

Canada is “domestic” in terms of trip logistics, but still offers unique experiences.  Here are two different ways to see our neighbo(u)r to the North: 

URBAN: Canada’s Capital Cities & Niagara Falls for 10-days from Toronto to Quebec City

• Visit Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City
• Do a day cruise on the St. Lawrence, a walking and tasting tour of Old Montreal, see a maple sugar demonstration, see the walled city and citadel at Quebec, and visit the Plains of Abraham (where the epic battle between Wolfe and Montcalm took place (the result of which is why you’re speaking English right now)).
• 2024:  Depart September 28 for $5890
• 2025:  Departures May through October from $5690

MARITIMES:  Round-trip from Halifax for 11-days

• Visit the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, see Lunenburg (a UNESCO site), witness the 38 foot tides at the Bay of Fundy, visit Saint John, do a Lobster Cruise on Shediac Bay, enjoy Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island, see the site of Anne of Green Gables, travel Cape Breton Island, and stop in at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (this Scottish-born Canadian invented a lot more than just the telephone!)
• 2024:  Depart September 27 for $6990
• 2025:  Departures June through September from $5790

ICYMI: 5 -year travel plan:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/off-the-bucket-list-and-on-the-next-list/

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