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Travel Long and Slow

TRAVEL LONG.  TRAVEL SLOW: World cruises are a commitment.  You’re not really on vacation – you’re living on a cruise ship for several months.  It’s an efficient way to see the world, but not everyone’s ready to be away from home for months on end.  However, some of you have expressed an interest in options LONGER than the standard 2-week vacation… so here’s some ideas for you.

WHAT duration are we talking about?

  • World cruises are all over 100 days, so today, we’ll look at those cruises and vacations longer than 21-days, but less than 100 days. 

WHY would I consider being away that long?

It’s not for everyone, but there are advantages to a longer duration vacation:

  • It costs LESS.  Your per-day expenses will be less
  • You can go DIFFERENT PLACES:  Some remote places take longer to get to, so the ONLY way to get there is to spend more time.  For example: The Northwest Passage, Easter Island, and Antarctica.
  • Less time on airplanes:  Consider going to Europe 3 times in 3 years.  What if you went ONCE, and stayed 3 times as long?  Any solution to spending less time on planes and in airports is worth considering. 
  • Reduced JET LAG.  In the example above, you’ll only have to suffer jet lag ONCE instead of three times.  There are also Trans-Atlantic (or Pacific) cruises that offer you the chance to adjust to a new time zone over the course of several days, rather than a few hours. 
  • Because YOU CAN.  You’ve worked hard and lived within your means in order to afford yourself an extra luxury now and then.  The myth that we can only take one or two weeks vacation at a time is quickly disappearing for those that want longer breaks. 

HOW can I do this?

  • Longer Cruises.  More cruise lines are offering longer voyages, and there is something to be said about only having to unpack once, but being able to experience a wide variety of stops. 
  • Back to Back Cruises.  Many of the luxury lines design their itineraries so you can be on board for several weeks, and not have to repeat a port.  They usually offer a price break on subsequent voyages, too. 
  • Multiples.  Do TWO cruises, with time in between for independent travel.  We do this just about every time we go to Europe. 
  • Trans-Oceanic.  If you have time, taking a ship across the Atlantic rather than a plane can be a cost-effective and more leisurely option.  The Pacific Ocean is much bigger, but there are plenty of options there as well

Some really don’t want to be away from home for more than a few days.  The rest of us really have no constraints when it comes to how long we choose to travel. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about different ideas to take longer vacations, and where you can go:  https://youtu.be/RAIwXXWawRE 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

Longer voyages on the OCEAN

We’re running a private sale with Holland America this month, and can get you a 10% discount on cruises over 20 days long and 12% off cruises over 35 days long.  This could save hundreds (or even thousands) on longer cruises.  Here are some examples:

HAWAII & ALASKA round-trip Seattle departing September 6, 2026 for 28 Days.

  • Visit Vancouver, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Anchorage, College Fjord, Valdez, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Kauai, Honolulu (overnight), Kona, Hilo.
  • Fares from $5744 (LESS 10%)

AUSTRALIA Circumnavigation round-trip Sydney departing November 15, 2026 for 35-days

  • Great if you like sea days.  Visit every major port in Australia, as well as 4 ports in Papua New Guinea.
  • Fares from $7749 (LESS 12%)

ICELAND & CANADA round-trip Boston departing June 20, 2026 for 28-days

  • Visit Portland, Sydney, St. Pierre/Miquelon, St. John’s, 7 stops in Iceland, 2 stops in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Halifax before returning to Boston
  • Fares from $7669 (LESS 10%)

SOLAR ECLIPSE from NORTHERN EUROPE departing July 25, 2026 for 28-days

  • Visit 3 ports in Norway, and one fjord sailing day, 8 stops in Iceland, 4 stops in Greenland, experience the eclipse from the path of totality, the Faroe Islands, 3 stops in Scotland, London
  • Fares from $7734 (LESS 10%)

ALASKA:  The 49th State is HUGE and a long way away (particularly for those living in the Eastern Time Zone).  If you visit Alaska, you should stay as long as you can, and HAL has over 20 land-sea packages that allow you to thoroughly explore Alaska, Denali, and the Yukon Territory.  Our Private Sale is the BEST TIME to book an Alaska cruise tour. 

VIKING GRAND JOURNEYS

Viking has a number of longer cruises.  Here’s their webpage on their Grand Journeys:

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/specialty/grand-journeys/index.html

Longer Voyages on the RIVERS

There are more constraints for extended journeys on the rivers, but here are a few ideas:

TAUCK Europe from West to East from Amsterdam to Bucharest (Romania) for 25-days

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Rothenburg, Bamberg (Bavarian town and UNESCO site), Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk Abbey, Vienna (overnight), Bratislava, Budapest (overnight), Pecs, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Iron Gates Gorge, Ruse, Constanta & Mamaia, Bucharest, and Transylvania
  • Stay on ONE river boat through the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.  From the Atlantic to the Black Sea!
  • Depart July 5, August 6, or August 30, 2026 from $14,690

UNIWORLD Ultimate France from Bordeaux to Lyon on THREE rivers for 21-days

  • Can’t decide WHAT river to do in France?  Do all three!
  • Leg 1: Bordeaux round-trip for wineries, vineyards, oyster tasting, ancient fortresses, Farmer’s Markets. 
  • Leg 2:  Paris to Normandy: Versailles, Monet’s Gardens, Normandy Beaches, Rouen, Honfleur. 
  • Leg 3:  Provence for Farm to table food, wineries, roman ruins, and silk demonstrations.  Visit Lyon,Beaune (Burgundy), Vineyards at L’Hermitage, Viviers (for Ardeches), Avignon for the Pope’s New Palace, and Chateau Neuf du Paper, and Arles
  • Departures March through October 2026 from $11,339

Uniworld RIVERS OF THE WORLD departing April 16, 2026 for 51 days

  • If you want a comprehensive exploration of Europe, with Egypt thrown in for good measure, this one is right for you.  
  • There are 5 segments to this cruise package, and you are escorted the entire way, and your luggage is managed for you. 
  • Start in Brussels on April 16, 2026, and finish in Amman, Jordan 51-days later. 
  • Fares from $41,995

ACTIVE ADVENTURES with HX

NORTHWEST PASSAGE from Seattle to Reykjavik departing August 10, 2026 for 26-days

  • Start in Seattle, then fly to Nome (included), sail around Alaska, and up the Bering Strait, enter the NW Passage, and follow the trail of intrepid explorers across Canada’s Northern Coast, spotting wildlife, and stopping at remote indigenous communities en route. Spend your last week aboard making port stops in Greenland, before disembarking in Nuuk, and flying to Reykjavik (included).
  • Fares from $23,892

ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA & THE FALKLANDS for 23-days

  • Start in Santiago, and fly to Punta Arenas(included), then sail to the Falklands for 3-days of landings, and then on to South Georgia Islands for 4-days, before crossing the Drake Passage for 4-days of scheduled landings on the continent, then back to Punta Arenas. 
  • Fares from $20,606, with departures November to March

DEMYSTIFYING EXPEDITION:  If you think you need to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy an expedition cruise, then you’ll want to watch this interview where Bob chats with Alex McNeil – the Chief Expedition Officer for HX Expeditions.  You might be surprised who goes on Expedition Cruises, and what they’re all about:

https://youtu.be/niB-OWhUSSs?si=TNZxSuQJsdjU57gU

LAND CRUISES with TAUCK

Australia & New Zealand for 20 days.

  • Australia is so large and so sparsely populated that it can be difficult to travel.  This itinerary has a number of internal flights included in the price, so you get to see a wide variety of Australian attractions before doing the same in New Zealand.
  • Visit Melbourne, fly to Ayers Rock, then to Cairns, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, then on to Sydney.  Fly to Wellington, Blenheim & Marlborough Sound, Te Anau, Fjordland NP & Milford Sound, Queenstown, Auckland, and Waiheke Island. 
  • 2025: Departures September to December of 2025 from $16,290
  • 2026: Departures from January – April, OR September – December from $16,990
  • Click here for more details: https://inspires.to/experiences/discover-the-wonders-of-australia-and-new-zealand-with-tauck-ppeg 

US NATIONAL PARKS 

There are concentrations of our National Parks in the Southwest, the Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.  Do a National Park Safari, by piecing together multiple tours with TAUCK:

  • 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. 
  • 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

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

In Case You Missed It:

HX REMOTE ADVENTURES.  More and more of our clients are wanting to go places a bit further afield, that others DON’T visit.  Here’s our feature article on HX – a leader in adventures to more remote places:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/adventures-in-remote-destinations-with-hx/

WHAT WE DO ON VACATION.  We learn a lot of tricks from our clients, so here are some of the things we do to make the most of ANY vacation:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-we-travel-on-vacation/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

VIKING EXPEDITION:  How is a Viking Expedition cruise different than Viking Ocean?  Who goes on Viking Expedition, and what can you expect?  PLUS – a backstage look at the HANGAR (where Viking keeps all the Expedition toys), and the YELLOW SUBMARINES.

https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

Viking’s BON VOYAGE incentive allows you to book your next Viking cruise in the 35 days BEFORE you board, and get some extra goodies for doing so:

  • $100 per person on board credit
  • 6-month final payment date
  • $100 per person OFF one-week cruises, and bigger discounts for longer itineraries.

We made a short video about the Bon Voyage Program if you’d like more details:  

https://youtu.be/gBM8IvjIb3U?si=Vy9UDiSqZQYHWR32 
Contact us to book your NEXT VIKING CRUISE

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

How Travel Changed Me

Bob speaking today.  I wanted to share a bit of my backstory, and how I got hooked on travel, long before Sue and I were in the biz.

We’ve both always been wanderers.  Sue was born in Iowa, and did most of her growing up in Australia.  I was born to an American family, but mostly grew up in Vancouver (the one in Canada).  In 1986, the World’s Fair was hosted by Vancouver, and I was hooked.  Two years later, World Expo 88 was hosted by Brisbane, Australia, and I knew I had to go.

Part of that memorable trip was a stop-over in Fiji on the way TO Australia, and then again a year later on the way home.  On my first trip to Fiji, my travel mates and I took a long bus ride out of Nadi, and then a boat ride of several hours to arrive at Beachcomber Island – a coral atoll, perhaps the size of two football fields, with white sand, palm trees, tropical fish, fruit right off the vine, and the friendliest Fijians you can imagine.  It was like Gilligan’s Island… but with beer.

I stumbled off the boat, and gave the nearest middle-aged Fijian woman a hug, and announced “I’m home, mom!”.  I was performing for my buddies more than anything else, but it became the running joke for the duration of my stay on the Island.  Every time Mary (my Fijian mother) saw me, she’d give me a hug, calling me “sonny”.

After working at Expo 88 in Brisbane, and then travelling to every corner of Australia and then New Zealand, I returned to Beachcomber Island in Fiji.  I hadn’t been ashore more than 5 minutes, when Mary tapped me on the shoulder, and declared, “Sonny… you’ve made it home again”.  She had seen hundreds of young Aussies, Kiwis, Brits and Canadians on this island, and she somehow remembered me from the previous year. 

This second time around, she introduced me to her family, and I would play soccer with her sons on the beach.  She toured me to the staff-only areas of Beachcomber Island.  Upon my departure, she said something that changed my life forever:

“You go back home, and work really hard, save your money, and come back and visit us again.”

The Fijians have a very simple lifestyle.  They don’t have the big homes, cars, and consumer goods we consider to be “normal” in North America.  And yet I was going to return home, so I could work 50 weeks a year, so I could fly back to Fiji to spend 2 weeks living like they do every day.

That’s when I knew that I had so much more to learn about life from people in what we would consider to be less-developed countries.  That’s when I knew I didn’t really have much interest in collecting consumer goods, as much as I wanted to collect experiences.  That’s when I knew it was our ignorance of others, and arrogance of thinking we’ve got life “all sorted out” is horribly misguided.

That was nearly 40 years ago, and Mary’s gift put me on the path of discovery that Sue and I find ourselves on now.  Continuing to travel and learn, and helping others do the same could not be more fulfilling. 

And I owe it all to Mary. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Bob’s trip to Fiji many years ago, and Kim shares one of her life-changing travel stories.  https://youtu.be/kJuModdsI5E 

REAL ID for Domestic Flights

Effective May 7, you’ll need REAL ID to board an airplane for a DOMESTIC flight.  Previously a Driver’s License could be used as ID for domestic flights, but now you’ll need REAL ID compliant identification.  Here’s a link to the Government’s website for you to learn more: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.  

We are, unfortunately, unable to answer detailed questions on how and why this change is occurring, nor can we confirm whether your ID is compliant or not.  Please use the link above to get more information.

Passports are still required for any international travel. 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Uniworld has custom built and decorated ships specific to the region in which they sail.  Fares include transfers, a choice of shore excursion at each port, an open bar, and gratuities.  

They are also offering an early booking bonus of up to 20% for 2026 departures:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2026-early-booking-savings 

WESTERN EUROPE from Basel to Amsterdam for 8-days

  • Visit Basel, Breisach (for Alsace/Lorraine), Strasbourg, Speyer (for Heidelberg), Rudesheim, Braubach, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam.
  • Optional pre-trip to Lucerne for 2-nights
  • Optional Amsterdam 2-nights post trip
  • Fares from $2959

ITALY: VENICE & Northern Italy for 7-nights

  • Visit Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia.
  • Departs every Sunday from April – October.  This is far more interesting and cost-effective than staying in a hotel in Venice for a week.
  • 2025:  Departures in July from $2499 or October from $3519 
  • 2026:  Departures in May or September from $3869.  July/August from $3199

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

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

  • ADD: 2-nights in Milan
  • 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 (Slovenia), Belgrade (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, then visit Vienna, Innsbruck, Zurich, Lake Como, Verona, Trieste, Lake Bled, Ljubljana.

Sail PROVENCE with SNL ALUM RACHEL DRATCH from Arles to Lyon

  • This women-only cruise is being hosted by Rachel Dratch from Saturday Night Live and 30-Rock.  
  • Depart Arles on August 24, 2025, and then visit Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Beaune, 
  • Fares from $4679
  • Optional Pre-trip 2-nights French Riviera
  • Optional post trip Paris or Athens.

OCEANIA 

Oceania positions itself between the Premium cruise lines and Luxury lines, and operate small ships with a strong focus on culinary.  

Oceania is running a limited time offer with fares included gratuities, the beverage package, and an additional on board credit.  I’ve put 3 examples below, but here’s the whole list:

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

SOUTH AMERICA Circumnavigation departing Buenos Aires on December 21 for 20-days

  • Visit Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, 4 days of scenic cruising on the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, 2 days in the Chilean Fjords, Puerto Chacabuco, Castro, Puerto Montt, Santiago.  
  • Fares from $5799.  INCLUDES beverage package and $400 pp On Board Credit.
  • OR depart Feb 15, 2026, with fares from $5699 (with Beverages and OBC)

Eastern MEDITERRANEAN from Istanbul to Athens departing July 27 for 12-days

  • Visit Dikili, Izmir, Samos, Bodrum, Rhodes, Antalya, Alanya, Cyprus, Kos, Crete, Santorini
  • Verandas from $5185.  INCLUDES beverage package and $300 pp On Board Credit

PANAMA CANAL from Miami to LA departing December 3, for 17-days

  • Visit Jamaica, Santa Marta (Colombia), Cartagena, full daylight transit of the canal, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta.
  • Verandas from $6499. INCLUDES beverage package and $400 pp On Board Credit

OCEANIA CULINARY.  We get lots of inquiries about Oceania’s food and wine program, so we put together this Video: https://youtu.be/O0Que9codHo 

REMOTE ADVENTURES with SEABOURN

If you want to get to the remote corners of the world, and do so in style and comfort, then Seabourn’s expedition vessels are for you.  For any bookings on Seabourn made this week, we can also offer an additional $150 per person on board credit!

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 $14,699

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 $9299 for a Veranda Suite (

IRELAND, SCOTLAND & ICELAND from Dublin to Reykjavik to London for 10-nights

  • Visit Dublin, Isle of Man, Isle of Bute, Tobermory, Isle of Eigg, Stornoway, St. Kilda, Shetland Islands, Westman Islands
  • Departing July 6, 2026 from $14,599

PRE & POST CRUISE City Spotlight tours with COLLETTE

LONDON City Spotlight for 6-days

  • Includes accommodations, 8 meals, Hop-ON, Hop-Off London Retro bus, Westminster Abbey, London Theatre, Tower of London, river bus on the Thames to Greenwich
  • Year-round packages from $2399

PARIS City Spotlight for 8-days

  • See Notre Dame, Montmartre, Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.
  • Includes 12 meals, accommodations, Seine River dinner cruise, Louvre Museum, Le Marais, Place de Vosges, Palace of Versailles, and dinner at the Eiffel Tower
  • Optional tour to Normandy Beaches, Optional to Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, 
  • Packages February through November from $3299

In Case You Missed It:

LUGGAGE:  If you leave home with a suitcase larger than a refrigerator, you’re making your life unnecessarily difficult.  Here’s some thoughts on how to pack for vacation:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/luggage-a-refrigerator-sized-problem-2/

UNIWORLD:  Who is Uniworld, and how do they differentiate themselves in the crowded river cruise market:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/who-is-uniworld-and-why-sail-with-them/ 

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

VIKING EXPEDITION:  How is a Viking Expedition cruise different than Viking Ocean?  Who goes on Viking Expedition, and what can you expect?  PLUS – a backstage look at the HANGAR (where Viking keeps all the Expedition toys), and the YELLOW SUBMARINES.

https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM

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

Holland America – Private Sale in April

HOLLAND AMERICA?  Our clients overwhelmingly travel on river boats, small-ship ocean cruises, and increasingly on expedition ships.  So why might you consider Holland America?  

  • The SMALLEST of the Big Ships.  We can’t call HAL’s ships “small” like the luxury lines, but they are a fraction the size of the floating amusement parks.  HAL ships carry between 1400 and 2600 (as opposed to 5000 or more) and ALL HAL ships are under 100,000 tons (as opposed to 240,000 tons (or more). 
  • Take the kids or grandchildren.  River or small ship ocean cruises might not be optimal for younger people.  HAL isn’t overrun with children like the floating amusement parks, but there are facilities and programs for children and teens.
  • Alaska Land-Sea Combos.  HAL has 6 ships in Alaska, and along with their sister brand, Princess, own just about all the lodge and transportation infrastructure in the 49th State.  You’ll have MORE choices (upwards of 2 dozen) for Land-Sea combinations. 
  • Selection of Suites:  If you travel with HAL in a Signature Suites, Neptune Suite or a Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have between 500 -1300 square feet, and a KING bed.  The suites have jacuzzi tubs, and if you go in the Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have a hot tub on your outdoor deck.  Suites also get priority embarkation/disembarkation and tender queuing. 
  • Entertainment.  Like the other big-ship lines, they have the Vegas-style production shows in the big theatre, but I really like the smaller venues geared to those of us over 50: The BB King Blues Lounge, the Dueling Pianos, the Rolling Stones Lounge, and the Strings (if you feel like classical music). 
  • Pickleball anyone?  It’s hard to believe how popular this has become, and HAL has got you covered, if this is part of your routine.  
  • Travel Slow.  HAL wants its guests to be story collectors, so they have longer voyages, and stay in places longer. 
  • Extended Voyages.  You might not be ready for a 6-month world cruise, but if you wanted to try living on board a cruise ship for 20 to 100 days, there’s several choices.  

PRIVATE SALE OFFER:  

Holland America wants access to our river cruise and small-ship ocean cruise clients, so they’ve extended this exclusive offer to clients of our agency for the month of April:

  • The DEAL:  Between 5% off (on shorter cruises), and 12% off (on cruises over 35 days) on HAVE IT ALL fares.
  • WHERE:  Alaska (2026), Australia/New Zealand, Europe, South America
  • EXCLUSIONS:  World Cruises, Grand Voyages, Caribbean, Mexico
  • COMBINES:  with all HAL’s current market offers

I’ve put some examples below, but this deal applies to MOST of HAL’s inventory.

Getting the BEST VALUE:  Layer it up

  • PRIVATE SALE SAVINGS:  We can get you 5% – 12% OFF the pricing for HAVE IT ALL fares you see on the HAL website.  
  • EARLY BOOKING BONUS for 2026:  You’ll get FREE gratuities, the Elite beverage package, Premium wifi, a shore excursion credit, specialty dining.
  • MARINERS’ CLUB CREDITS:  If you’re a previous HAL guest, you’ll get an additional on board credit in recognition of your loyalty.
  • VERANDA OBC:  We can add an additional $50 per person OBC for Veranda rooms (and higher).
  • CLUB ORANGE:  Add club orange for upgrades, concierge service, priority embarkation/disembarkation.  

When you layer all these things together, this offer is pretty hard to beat. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Holland America, where they excel, and why you might want to consider them.  Also hear about Kim’s trip on Holland America to Yukon and Denali:  https://youtu.be/bws9SQbmJus 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

HOLLAND AMERICA FEATURED SAILINGS

We can get you a price break on just about ALL Holland America sailings (for departures in late 2025 through 2027), so what’s below is just a handful of examples.

ALASKA with YUKON & DENALI (Y1L) round-trip Vancouver for 17-days 

  • Start in Vancouver, then fly to Whitehorse (included), visit Dawson City (overnight), Fairbanks (overnight), Denali NP (2 nights), Anchorage (overnight), then board the ship, and visit Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and then finish back in Vancouver
  • Depart June 4, 2026 from $5814 (LESS 7%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

ALASKA with DENALI (D1C) depart June 7, 2026 from Vancouver to Fairbanks for 12-days 

  • Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Anchorage, Denali NP (3 nights), then on to Fairbanks, with the return flight to Seattle (included). 
  • Fares from $3894 (LESS 7%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

HAWAII & ALASKA departing September 6, 2026 for 28 Days.

  • Visit Vancouver, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Anchorage, College Fjord, Valdez, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Kauai, Honolulu (overnight), Kona, Hilo.
  • Fares from $5744 (LESS 10%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

AUSTRALIA Circumnavigation departing November 15, 2026 for 35-days

  • Great if you like seas days.  Visit every major port in Australia, as well as 4 in Papua New Guinea, 
  • Fares from $7749 (LESS 12%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

ICELAND & CANADA departing June 20, 2026 for 28-days.  Round-trip from Boston

  • Visit Portland, Sydney, St. Pierre/Miquelon, St. John’s, 7 stops in Iceland, 2 stops in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Halifax before returning to Boston
  • Fares from $7669 (LESS 10%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

SOLAR ECLLPSE from NORTHERN EUROPE departing July 25, 2026 for 28-days

  • Visit 3 ports in Norway, and one fjord sailing day, 8 stops in Iceland, 4 stops in Greenland, experience the eclipse from the path of totality, the Faroe Islands, 3 stops in Scotland, London
  • Fares from $7734 (LESS 10%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

MEDITERRANEAN SOLAR ECLIPSE: departing Lisbon August 9, 2026 for 13-days

  • Visit Lisbon, Alicante, Barcelona (overnight), experience the eclipse from the path of totality, Corsica, Rome, Puglia, Montenegro, and finish in Athens. 
  • Fares from $4289 (LESS 7%) for HAVE IT ALL fare

** ALL FARES above INCLUDE gratuities, Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wifi, a shore excursion credit, specialty dining

EXPLORE the RIVERS with AMA WATERWAYS

AMA has a strong culinary offering, and is great for people that want more choices for shore excursions.  Your final payment also isn’t due until 90 days prior to sailing.  

TULIP CRUISE round-trip Amsterdam for 7-nights

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Kampen, Bruinisse, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk
  • March 2026:  Fares from $2449
  • April 2026: Fares from $3449
  • May 2026: Fares from $4099

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 April – December from $3139.
  • Here’s our video from when we did this cruise:  https://youtu.be/H2rBL8J7DIU 

DISCOVER SOUTHERN AFRICA:  

  • Start in Capetown for 3-nights, then board your ship, and spend the next 4 days on Safari both by riverboat and 4 X 4.  Spend 2 nights in Victoria Falls, before finishing in Johannesburg for the trip home. 
  • 2025: Fares from $12,045 with departures April through November. 
  • 2026: Fares from $12,170 with departures February through November

ACTIVE ADVENTURES with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

You don’t have to be an elite athlete, but if you like to be active on vacation, here are some great options close to home:

OREGON & WASHINGTON: Columbia River from Portland to Clarkston for 6-days

  • Visit Portland, The Dalles (for Multnomah Falls and fish hatchery), Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Palouse River.  Traverse the locks by river boat right here at home!
  • Go hiking, kayaking, ride on the zodiacs, visit museums and wineries
  • Departures in March, April September or October from $3720

BRITISH COLUMBIA and the SAN JUAN ISLANDS for 8-days round-trip Seattle

  • Visit Victoria BC, Desolation Sound for kayaking and hiking, Alert Bay for First Nations immersion, the Canadian Gulf Islands to visit quaint communities, Friday Harbor on for the Whale museum, and other islands in Puget Sound. 
  • This corner of the country is a well-kept secret.  Visit remote islands to see the sea lions, eagles, humpback and orca whales.  Go for a bike ride in Victoria; kayaking, zodiacs, and paddleboarding in remote bays.  
  • Departures in September and October from $4718

WHALE WATCHING in MAGDALENA BAY (Baja California) for 6-days round-trip Loreto

  • Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay for 6 dyas Jan, Feb, Mar.  RT Loreto Mexico
  • See the Gray Whales, explore the sand dunes at Sand Dollar Beach, and visit the fishing village of Puerto Magdalena.  Go kayaking, zodiacs, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling.
  • Departures January through March from $3750

LAND CRUISES with G-ADVENTURES

G-Adventures has a new product called GELUXE, for those wanting to travel in a bit more comfort.  Here are 3 examples:

IRELAND from Dublin to Ennis for 10-days with departures June through October

  • Start in Dublin, do a walk on the Howth Coastal Trail, Cork & Spike Island, visit the villages of the Baera Peninusla, go sea kayaking (or if you prefer, a scenic boat ride), Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Adare, Limerick, Inisheer Island, Cliffs of Moher, and finish in Ennis
  • Fares from $4799 on departures June through October

CROATIA Island hopping on Dalmatian Coast from Dubrovnik to Trogir for 9-days

  • Visit the walled city of Dubrovnik (see where Game of Thrones was filmed), travel by small boat to Korcula (for hiking, biking, or a winery visit), Hvar (for a beach day, or day on the water), Split and Trogir for Krka NP and Waterfalls
  • Fares from $3824 for departures April through October

In Case You Missed It:

INSURANCE:  You don’t need insurance until you need it.  Here’s some questions to ask when you’re buying your travel insurance:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-advice-about-travel-insurance-2/

WHY WE TRAVEL:  Some of you have asked about the travelling we like to do.  I wrote this article about a year ago that offers some insight in to when, how, and where we like to go.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/why-we-travel/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:  If you’re a photographer, or outdoor enthusiast, this destination is already on your radar.  Check out our itinerary video from our recent trip there:

https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ

Reminder: VISITING THE UK?

You now need to complete an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if you are visiting or connecting a flight anywhere in the UK.  England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland require US Passport Holders to complete this prior to arrival.  Here’s a video we did that contains all the details:  https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk 

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

Air Travel Survival Guide

AIR TRAVEL SURVIVAL GUIDE — When I was in Business School, there were numerous terms and concepts we studied that perfectly describe the nature of the aviation industry in this country: COLLUSION, OLIGARCHY, PRICE-FIXING, BRIBERY (of our elected officials), ANTI-COMPETITION, CARTEL.

Not a very flattering list.  In reality, air travel has improved since its lowest of lows a couple years ago.  To refresh your memory, the airlines were given a bailout to the tune of $50 BILLION, so they wouldn’t lay off pilots and flight attendants.  The airlines took the money, and then got rid of people anyway.  So it created a massive skilled labor shortage that resulted in cancellations, late flights, lost luggage, and general disgust with the whole industry.

It’s marginally better now, but still not good enough.  So what do you do?

  • Contact your elected representative – you’ve been ignored as a consumer for the past 50 years, by governments of both parties.  The airlines make massive campaign contributions to both parties, so that they DON’T have to be accountable to you (the bribery, I mention above).
  • Fly on foreign-flagged carriers whenever you can.  We’ve been particularly impressed with Turkish Airlines.  They fly to more countries than any other carrier, and Istanbul Airport is very large, but much more organized and comfortable than any airports we have domestically.
  • Pack Light.  Your life is always easier with less luggage – particularly as more and more people attempt to smuggle a refrigerator sized bag as “carry on”.
  • Pay more.  If you can fly Premium or Business, your life will be easier.  Sometimes the price is out of sight, but you should always check.  If you’re spending $20,000 on a vacation, an extra $1000 for better air arrangements is worth considering. 
  • Fly direct.  Every stopover and/or connection offers more opportunities for delays and lost luggage.
  • Travel in segments:  If you can’t avoid a connection, maybe stay the night (or maybe a few days if it’s an interesting location).  We recently had one client hop-scotch her way across the Pacific to avoid the 16 hour flight to Australia.  First to the West Coast for 2-days in Seattle, then onto Hawaii for a few days.  Fiji was the next stop, then into New Zealand for a few days before landing in Sydney.  The longest flight day was 6 hours. 
  • Book directly with the airline.  When you book your air through a consolidator, a cruise line, or a travel agent, it is entirely possible you won’t accrue points, or have your loyalty status recognized.  This is an AIRLINE problem… not who you bought your ticket from.
  • Manage your own details:  You want to control all the micro-decisions involved in booking air (connection times, carriers, layovers, refundability).  If you’re saving several hundred dollars by booking through a third party, it may be worth it.  Otherwise – book it yourself directly with the carrier. 
  • Take a chill–pill.  Set your expectations to the lowest setting when dealing with airlines.  There is NOTHING you can do in the moment to fix delays, lost bags, rude “service”, or long line ups.  Take a book to read, and expect to wait in long lines.

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Coping with Air Travel:

https://youtu.be/Uj995Yh6zOk

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0s6xhsvv88rmNWBN9pynakZAriJHnr2JkugPx8yDaGmUATNVNmR9KzTDb2VtVRFhNl?rdid=Q0OwWsV96YjxSYne#

Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL CRUISES

We are getting great feedback from Crystal clients that knew the brand in its previous incarnation, and are now enjoying it again.  They’re also running a promotion with up to $4000 off per suite: https://www.crystalcruises.com/offer/us-sensational-savings

ST. LAWRENCE & NEW ENGLAND from Quebec to New York departing October 22 for 9-nights

  • This is the 35th anniversary cruise, and Gary Hunter – the cruise director that everyone seems to know will be hosting. 
  • Visit Quebec City (overnight), 2 stops at Quebec Eastern townships, Halifax, Boston (overnight), Bayonne (NJ).
  • Fares from $6100 per person (save $1000) with a $250 pp OBC

CARIBBEAN from Ft. Lauderdale to Costa Rica departing December 22 for 8 nights

  • Visit Grand Cayman, Cartagena (overnight), full daylight transit of the Panama Canal, Puerto Caldera (for San Jose, Costa Rica)
  • Fares from $4700 pp

JAPAN INTENSIVE from Tokyo to Seoul departing May 20, 2026 for 11-nights 

  • Visit Toyko, Hokkaido, Aomori, Sakata, Niigata, Kanazawa, Maizuru, Sakaiminato, Busan, Seoul
  • Fares from $4540
  • Stay on board for 23 nights, and also visit Jeju, Nagasaki, Miyako-Jima, Okinawa, Aburatsu, Hiroshima, Kobe (overnight), and finish back in Tokyo with fares from $11,350

TAUCK RIVER CRUISES

Tauck offers the most inclusive river cruises:  if you missed our feature in January 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, on this specially designed itinerary to the Christmas Markets!
  • Visit Munich, Regensburg, Passau, Wachau Valley, Melk, Vienna (overnight), Bratislava, Budapest. 
  • 2025: Depart December 21 or 22 from $4590

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.

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
  • 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

EXPEDITION CRUISES with ATLAS

ANTARCTICA in 2026 – 2027 Season.  Round-trip from Buenos Aires

  • Planning ahead?  Get a complimentary upgrade from Ocean view to Veranda, or Veranda to Suite if you book for the 2026-27 season. 
  • All fares include 2 landings per day, Zodiac Safaris, and Parka/Vest to keep.
  • 10% to 20% off for active or former military members
  • 9-nights voyages with 4-days of scheduled landings from $9944. 

EPICUREAN Adventure in the MEDITERRANEAN for foodies

  • Lisbon to Barcelona departing September 27 for 10-nights
  • Visit Portimao, Cadiz, Marbella, Cartagena, Ibiza, Nice, Marseilles, Port-Vendres, Barcelona.
  • Besides a strong focus on culinary for the foodies, explore wineries by 4 X 4, craft breweries, and chocolate making.
  • Fares from $4819

LUXURY RAIL with ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

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

CANYON SPIRIT: Denver to Las Vegas for 6-nights

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

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: Vancouver round-trip for 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:

QUIET SEASON MEDITERRANEAN:  You might have to wear a long-sleeved shirt, but there will be far fewer people, and it will cost you less if you travel to the Mediterranean October through April:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/quiet-season-mediterranean/

LAND-CRUISE with TAUCK:   You can’t go everywhere on a cruise ship, but many of our clients really prefer the structure of cruising, and the convenience of having all the details arranged for them.  Try Tauck for a land-cruise:

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:  If you’re a photographer, or outdoor enthusiast, this destination is already on your radar.  Check out our itinerary video from our recent trip there:

https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ

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

Greenland:  Add it to your Bucket List

GREENLAND — It’s so close, yet so far away.  

Greenland is geographically part of the Canadian Arctic archipelago of islands, but politically is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.  We can now fly there from New York in about four hours (a substantial improvement over having to fly to Europe, and then back!).

Why do you want to go to Greenland?  

For the same reason you might want to visit Alaska, Antarctica, or the Norwegian Coast… it’s naturally spectacular.  Avid photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts already have this world’s largest island on their radar.  Here’s what you can expect to do and see there:

  • Icebergs – Greenland is home to the world’s second largest ice sheet, and in the spring when it starts to calve, you can expect to see the icebergs.
  • Indigenous Culture – About 60,000 people call Greenland home, and although they are all Danish citizens, most of them are indigenous… not of European descent.  They have a unique history and culture, and they are keen to share it with you.
  • Wildlife – Do a TUNDRA SAFARI, and go looking for whales, dolphins, walrus, polar bears, Arctic fox, and many other species.
  • Fjords – The scenic cruising in Greenland rivals what you see in Norway, remote Alaska, or Antarctica.
  • It’s easier than Antarctica – it’s not nearly as far away, and there are people in Greenland.
  • Outdoor Activity – just like Alaska, you can take-in the incredible scenery from your ship, or you can get outside in a zodiac, kayak, canoe, or on foot to experience it first hand.  Fishing and whale watching is also widely available here. 
  • North American History – you’re probably aware that Columbus was a bit of a fraud.  He never set foot in the United States, and the Vikings beat him to this continent by 500 years.  The Vikings’ path to the New World included Greenland and Newfoundland.  

If you’ve been questioning whether an “Expedition” cruise is right for you, then visiting Greenland is a great way to check it out.  There are also more standard cruise vacations that call in at Greenland.  Many cruises to Greenland include Iceland, Newfoundland & Labrador, or the famed Northwest Passage.  There are endless possibilities for adventure in this remote land. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

See our VIDEO BLOG on GREENLAND.  Kim & Bob chat with Alex McNeil from HX Expeditions about GREENLAND, and why you want to go there.  https://youtu.be/7fCAyZSPZ_Q 

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02FdmMbwKQTAKdUPyya7Kc7zi3svvXiZuF3TEKuwsf3BQcGpHM5fNWt8fzd9G21PpJl

Today’s Travel Opportunities to GREENLAND

EXPEDITION CRUISES to GREENLAND

An “Expedition” cruise is very simply a small ship adventure to a remote location.  Most people on board are 50 – 75 years old with moderate fitness levels.  Here are some Expedition cruises visiting Greenland and other parts of the North Atlantic.

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

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

SILVERSEA: ICELAND & GREENLAND from Reykjavik to Nuuk depart July 14, 2026 for 12-days

  • Depart from Reykjavik, then visit one more port in Iceland before sailing for 12 different ports in Greenland, before finishing in Nuuk.  
  • Fares from $10,900

ATLAS:  GREENLAND & NEWFOUNDLAND departing September 21, 2026 for 11-nights

  • Visit 4 ports in Greenland, then set sail for 3 ports in Newfoundland, then into the Canadian Maritimes for 1 stop in Quebec, and 1 stop in Nova Scotia, before finishing in Halifax, where it’s a quick flight back to the US Northeast.
  • Fares from $8559

OCEAN CRUISES to GREENLAND

These itineraries are a more traditional small-ship experience that include Greenland and the North Atlantic:

AZAMARA ECLIPSE CRUISE:  Iceland, Greenland & Quebec for 18-nights.

  • Visit Reykjavik (overnight), then 2 more ports in Iceland, and take in the full solar eclipse (in the path of totality), next on to 4 stops in Greenland,  then to St. John’s NFLD (overnight), St. Pierre & Miquelon (France), Saguenay (Quebec), Quebec City, and finish in Montreal 
  • Depart August 8, 2026 from $8859

WINDSTAR: Star Pride from Reykjavik to Boston departing August 24, 2026 for 21-days

  • Visit 6 ports in Iceland, and then carry on to visit 5 ports in Greenland, 2 stops in Newfoundland, Halifax, and then finish in Boston
  • From $12,659
  • See our ship tour video of Star Pride’s identical twin Star Breeze:  https://youtu.be/VSsLmFZPqdI 

Today’s OTHER Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD:

If mainland Europe’s more your speed, then here’s some offers we’re seeing from UNIWORLD.  Uniworld custom build and decorate their ships specific to the region in which they sail.  Fares include transfers, a choice of shore excursion at each port, an open bar, and gratuities.  They are also offering up to 40% off select departure in 2025.  Here’s some examples:

BUDAPEST to AMSTERDAM for 15-days.  40% off the last few cabins for 2025

  • Visit Budapest (overnight), Vienna (overnight), Melk (for Wachau Valley), Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Wertheim, Frankfurt, Rudesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam.
  • Depart October 29 from $4319
  • July & August departures from $5039

AMSTERDAM to BASEL departing June 6 for 11-days

  • Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Harlingen, Nijmegen, Cologne, Oberwesel, Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel (overnight)
  • Fares from $4159. 

MEKONG RIVER between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for 15-days

  • Visit Ho Chi Minh City for 2-nights prior to embarking the ship at My Tho, and visit Tien Loi, a local farm in Vinh Long, the fishing village at Sa Dec, Gieng Island, Phnom Penh (to tour the city, and take a tuk-tuk ride), The Killing Fields near Anchor Ban, a children’s school at Wat Hanchey, and disembark at Kampong Cham.  Then spend 3 nights at Siem Reap, and fly to Hanoi for 3 nights. 
  • Optional extension to Ha Long Bay for 4 days. 
  • Departures in September & October from $6399.

If you want to see the whole list of discounted 2025 voyages on Uniworld with up to 40% off: 

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2025-savings

LAND CRUISE with TAUCK:

You can’t get everywhere on a ship, so TAUCK has land tours that are structured like cruises, and are inclusive like cruise vacations.  Here are a few examples:

CLASSIC ITALY from Naples to Venice for 14-days.

  • Fly into Naples, and go to Sorrento for 2-nights to experience the Amalfi Coast.  Next visit the city of Pompeii on your way to Rome for 3-nights, where you’ll visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, and all the major sites in Rome.  Next head to Orvieto’s Duomo, Perugia in the wine region of Umbria.  Collect another UNESCO site at Assisi.  On to Tuscany to visit San Gimignano and Cinque Terre, 3-nights in Florence, high speed rail to Venice for 2-nights
  • Tauck Exclusive: Learn about the masters of the Renaissance in Florence when an art historian shares insights about what you’ll see inside the Galleria dell’Accademia and the Uffizi Galleries
  • Departures from April through October from $10,890

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

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

SOUTHEAST US from Jacksonville to Charleston for 8-days

  • Visit St. Augustine, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Beaufort.
  • Departures March through October from $4990

In Case You Missed It:

TRAVEL NOW… EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY.  There are a multitude of factors that MAY impact your ability to execute your bucket list.  It’s time to go:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/its-all-temporary-so-travel-now/

TELECOM ABROAD:  Global Roaming is a cute idea, but it’s often not the most effective way to stay connected when you’re abroad.

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

DEMYSTIFYING EXPEDITION:  If you think you need to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy an expedition cruise, then you’ll want to watch this interview where Bob chats with Alex McNeil – the Chief Expedition Officer for HX Expeditions.  You might be surprised who goes on Expedition Cruises, and what they’re all about:

https://youtu.be/niB-OWhUSSs?si=TNZxSuQJsdjU57gU

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

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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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