The Pampered Cruiser

Dream. Travel. Share.

PREVIEW of 2026

Happy Boxing Day – for those that observe it.  Everyone is doing the year in review.  I’m going to look ahead to 2026, for the year in PREVIEW – at the risk of getting everything wrong.  Oh well… no guts, no glory.  Here we go:

The seeds for many of these things have already been sewn.  Here’s some things we expect to see in 2026:

  • Shoulder Season (redefined).  In Europe (for example), high season used to be July & August, with shoulder season being the times immediately before and after that.  High season is now May through September, with tons of winter options to explore there. 
  • Metering of Visitors.  You’ve heard about Venice limiting the number of visitors, and Barcelona is looking at ways to do something similar.  Look for other destinations to meter the number of visitors and restrict cruise ship traffic.
  • Chinese Tourists.  By the end of this decade, there will be more Chinese tourists out in the world, than there will be Americans.  This will lead to even more metering and restrictions for visitors. 
  • ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorizations).  You already need one for Australia, New Zealand and the UK.  2026 may be the year the Europeans finally agree on how to implement their ETA.  Expect MORE countries to require ETAs, and if you collect stamps in your passport… do it now – this practice will end. 
  • Israel and Middle East Tourism Recovery.  Hopefully the conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean is over, and tourism in the area will begin to rebuild.
  • Air Travel.  We all hope it will improve, but hope is NOT a strategy, and there doesn’t appear to be any willingness by Washington to do anything differently as it relates to air travel.  Expect more of the same poor customer experience.
  • Longer Vacations.  Partly as a result of painful air travel, and partly because of what we learned during the pandemic, the trend towards longer vacations will continue. 
  • Sustainability in Travel.  Viking will launch LIBRA in 2026 – the world’s first hydrogen powered cruise ship with zero emissions.  This will be the first of many. 
  • Misinformation.  Artificial Intelligence is a great tool, but not particularly reliable yet.  That, with social media algorithms that work hard to tell you what it thinks you want to hear, means travel misinformation will continue to plague travellers. 
  • Stock Market Returns.  This is directly related to luxury leisure travel goods, so we pay attention.  From 2021 to 2025, the stock market grew at an annualized rate of about 12%.  If a correction comes, travel products COULD moderate in price. 
  • New Ships.  There’s going to be LOTS in 2026:
    • RIVER: AMA (2 new ships), Tauck (2 new ships), Viking (10 new ships)
    • OCEAN:  Explora, Regent, and Windstar, will each introduce a new ship to the market.  Viking will have 2 new ships in the market in 2026. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

Check out our UNPACKED PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about trends, and make some predictions for 2026: https://youtu.be/46NSD4MCKiI 

In Case You Missed It:

REMAINING MOM & POP:  We’re proud to be a small family-owned business, and do our best to retain that personal contact between our small and dedicated team with our clients:

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

GREAT LAKES:  It’s in our own back yard, but we often overlook this spectacular, naturally beautiful destination:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/great-lakes/

VIKING:  Their growth is like a business case study.  What can you expect going forward from this iconic brand?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/viking-whats-new/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

ANTARCTICA:  What are the different ways to visit the LAST continent?  When should you go? What companies have ships there?  We produced this video when I got back from Antarctica a few years ago, but most of the information is still very relevant (and the images are stunning!)

https://youtu.be/3c-2TBXw6ls

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02g5gtjQ3HkSQcPsVPCy68AiJRWdFGXfXrS5kGnddaGbXiYbmcdFkmZcE8GJnwsoqfl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

CRYSTAL Small Ship Luxury

If you want lots of space, and to find out why Crystal has the highest guest repeat-rate in the business, check out some of these cruises:

SOUTH AMERICA: from Buenos Aires to Santiago departing November 11, 2027 for 18-nights

  • South America ENCOMPASSED!  Visit Uruguay, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas (overnight), 2-days in the Chilean Fjords, and then 4 port stops in Chile before finishing with an overnight in Santiago. 
  • Fares from $8330

ALASKA:  Anchorage to Vancouver departing August 1 for 7-nights

  • Visit Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Wrangell, Ketchikan.
  • Fares from $3900
  • OR go round-trip Vancouver for 11-nights and also visit Klawock, Prince Rupert and Victoria from $6700.

SEA CLOUD Salt-Water River Cruises

If you like the size and rhythm of a river cruise, but would like to immerse yourself in ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the Sea Cloud should be on your radar:

MEDITERRANEAN:  Malta to Athens departing June 25 for 8-nights

  • Start in the exotic Valletta, Malta to board your ship, and then travel to Syracuse and Taormina (both in Sicily), before sailing eastward to visit 4 different small (and rarely visited) island ports in Greece before finishing in Athens. 
  • Fares from $5195 ($2000 per person off)

CENTRAL AMERICA: Panama City to Cozumel departing Mar.13th for 12 nights

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruise Collection

UNIWORLD has an early booking discount of up to 20% for 2027 departures.  Here’s the full list:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2027-early-booking-savings

Uniworld operates a river boat in the Venice – the very best way to explore that corner of Italy, AND they have some interesting add-ons to that itinerary:

VENETIAN LAGOON:  Venice round-trip for 8-days

ITALY & SLOVENIA from Ljubljana to Rome for 14-days

  • Visit Slovenia’s charming and scenic capital city of Ljubljana for 4-nights (and also visit Lake Bled, and Postjna Caves), and then transfer to Venice for 7-nights aboard the SS Venezia (to see Venice, Burano, Chioggia, & Mazzorba), and then on to Rome for 3-nights
  • Departures April through October from $6299

AZAMARA Destination Focused Cruises

Azamara has a fleet of R-Class vessels carrying just 680 guests.  They offer an affordable way to get on board a smaller ship for a more intimate experience, and better destination immersion.  Your fare includes on board gratuities, an open bar, some shore activities, and a shuttle service into the city center at port stops where that is necessary.

They also run COUNTRY-INTESIVE voyages.  Here are two examples:

ITALY INTENSIVE from Rome to Venice departing August 22 for 11-nights

  • Depart Rome and visit Sorrento, Amalfi, Sicily (2 ports), Crotone, Taranto, Kotor, Bologna, and finish with an overnight in Venice. 
  • Verandas from $4819

CROATIA INTENSIVE from Venice to Athens departing June 29 for 9-nights

  • Visit Venice, Opitija, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Kotor, Athens
  • Verandas from $5119

If you’d like to see AZAMARA’s full line-up of COUNTRY INTENSIVE Itineraries:

https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=country-intensive

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

If you’d rather do a nature walk than a shopping mall, or be on a sea kayak instead of a motor coach, then HX can get you to some remote places where fewer people go:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

  • 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

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

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

With HX, you can also travel on the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship.  See our ship tour video here:

https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0

LAND CRUISES with TAUCK

SOUTHEAST US from Jacksonville to Charleston for 8-days

  • Visit St. Augustine, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Beaufort.
  • Departures March through December from $5290

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 $7590
  • Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/freedom-footsteps-philidelphia-washington-dc-guided-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

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

If I Had ONE Wish This Christmas

“If I could have ONE wish this holiday season, it would be for all the children of the world to hold hands and sing together in a spirit of harmony and peace.  If I had two wishes this holiday season, the second would be for $30 million a month be given to ME, tax free in a Swiss bank account”

-Steve Martin

If you want to see the full clip from Saturday Night Live in 1986, here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/_uVUSBi3u0E?si=Phzs9-fz9xkkLytu

Whatever you’re celebrating this month, you undoubtedly have some traditions, or maybe just routines that define the festive season.  At our house, Christmas is a state of mind more than it is a tree, decorations, and gifts.  This is partly because we travel a lot, and many years we are NOT at home for Christmas.  It also stems from our tendency AWAY from things, and more towards experiences.  

Bob and I prefer not to exchange gifts, and we’ve always tried to be minimal when bestowing gifts on our children and grandchildren.  We DO spoil them with experiences.  Sometimes this is flying them to a different location for Christmas, but often it is just about being with them, with a few regular routines:

  • ELF:  We started watching this when our kids were younger, and never grew out of it.  I still love seeing this movie every year.
  • The GRINCH:  None of the remakes… the original animated version from 1966 starring Boris Karloff.  
  • Get OUTSIDE:  I spent 4 years growing up in Australia, where a trip to the beach is a normal Christmas Day routine.  It’s more difficult to do that in North America, but getting outside is a key part of our Christmas tradition regardless of where we find ourselves. 

PERI – if you know Peri from our office, you’ll be happy to know she will spend this whole 4-day long weekend in the company of her large extended family.  She’ll make the rounds to various relatives’ homes, and if the weather permits on the Eastern Atlantic shore… she’ll be outside too!

KIM – If you’ve spoken with Kim in the past month, she may or may not have disclosed she is in Mexico in a small town north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast.  She and her husband spend winters there, and will celebrate Christmas with close friends.  Their kids won’t make it down this year, which inspired them to celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving together this year at the end of November. 

YOU – However you choose to observe Christmas, Hanukkah, other traditions (or perhaps none at all), it is our sincere wish that you enjoy this season with those most important to you, and that you create tomorrow’s memories in a way most meaningful to you. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

Check out our UNPACKED PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about TRAVELLING at CHRISTMAS, and the traditions in their households. 

https://youtu.be/ozAW8z_fSwY

In Case You Missed It:

EASTERN EUROPE:  Europe’s a big place, and if you haven’t explored the Eastern part, there’s lots to learn and discover.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/destination-eastern-europe/

OCEANIA:  With a strong focus on the culinary offering, Oceania positions itself between the premium cruise lines, and the luxury lines. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/oceania-private-sale-in-june/

TRAVEL MISCONCEPTIONS:  For those of us that grew up here in the US, we are somewhat sheltered from the rest of the world.  Here’s some things to consider when travelling abroad.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/deprogramming-travel-misconceptions/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

MEKONG River with AMA WATERWAYS.  Kim speaks with Alex Pinello from AMA while they were travelling on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia.

https://youtu.be/tvA_WHOYuLo

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02oiCpNj7GnXj95W2P5cyLYg6g25VyrC7JNrzecarfwmZgqVU3DHJN1kzgiz6kpUdwl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA WATERWAYS RIVER CRUISES

If you’re looking for an elevated culinary experience, lots of included shore excursion options, AND a final payment date ONLY 90 DAYS prior to departure, then look at AMA.  They are on ALL the rivers in Europe, and here are two options outside of Europe:

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights

  • Take in a Carnaval celebration, take a stilt-house village tour, enjoy a jazz street performance, and San Felipe Castle and Walled city tour.  Enjoy the Latin music, sample the famous coffee, and take in the tropical rainforest.
  • Only a 4 HOUR FLIGHT from many US Gateways.
  • Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
  • Departures year round.  Pricing starts at $3789

Here’s a short video of a MOTHER-SON trip with AMA in Colombia that perfectly captures why you need to make memories with your kids and grandkids when you can:

https://youtu.be/tGbLg6R7mfI?si=YLDqAyklNozmvlM2

MEKONG River: Vietnam & Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap for 7-nights

  • Visit local markets and temples, do a local school visit, get a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, and experience the amazing people, culture and food of the unique part of the world on a fully escorted trip. 
  • Departures January through April AND August through December from $3739

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

SILVERSEA Traditional Small-Ship Luxury

AUSTRALIA EAST COAST from Melbourne to Sydney departing January 3, 2027 for 14-days

  • Visit Eden, Newcastle, Fraser Island, Townville, Willis Island, Cairns, Mooloolaba.  
  • Fares from $6930 

NORWAY & UK Extended Voyage from Stockholm to London departing August 2 for 23-days

  • Visit Copenhagen, Aarhus (Denmark), Oslo (overnight), 4 port stops on the Norwegian Coast, Falmouth, Fishguard, Liverpool, Belfast, Invergordon, Edinburgh, and Honfleur.. 
  • Fares from $11,000

OCEANIA Smaller Ship Exploration

If you’re looking for an experience focused on the destination and the culinary experience, Oceania is a good choice:

ALASKA round-trip Seattle departing July 2 for 12-days

  • Visit Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock, Victoria
  • Verandas from $5580

ICELAND round-trip Reykjavik departing July 4, 2027 for 10-days

  • Visit 8 ports in Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands
  • Fares from $4099

Oceania has changed the inclusions offered in the base fare.  If it seems like they just did that… you are correct (but it was a year ago).  Your Oceania fare will now include:

  • Onboard Gratuities
  • Specialty Dining
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Choice of Beer/Wine with meals OR Shore Excursion Credit

ATLAS Small Ship EPICUREAN EXPEDITIONS

Atlas carries under 200 guests, and when their ships aren’t in Antarctica, they conduct CULINARY and CULTURAL Expeditions in Europe.  Here are two examples:

CANARIES & ATLANTIC EUROPE: Tenerife to London departing April 17 for 14-nights

  • Start in Santa Cruz (Tenerife), and then visit Funchal (overnight), Lisbon, Porto, Bilbao, Bordeaux (overnight), St. Malo, Honfleur, and finish in London at the Tower Bridge.
  • Fares from $6487

PORTUGAL, MOROCCO & CANARIES:  Porto to Lisbon departing May 13 for 11-nights

  • Board in Porto, and then visit Funchal (overnight), and then onto 3 port stops in the Canary Islands, before heading to Morocco to visit Agadir, Safi, and Casablanca.  Finish in Lisbon.  
  • Fares from $7259

**Exclusive $200 per person On Board Credit only through our agency.

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS – Lindblad

Here are two CLOSE-TO-HOME options for incredible scenery and outdoor activity:

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
  • 2026: March/April from $3675.  September/October from $4243.

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

  • Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay for 6 days Jan, Feb, Mar.
  • 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.  
  • 2026:  Departures January through March from $2524.
  • 2027:  Departures January through March from $3947.

LAND CRUISES with INTREPID PREMIUM

AFRICA: KENYA & TANZANIA from Nairobi to Arusha for 15-days

  • If you’re going to Africa to see wild game… this is the trip for you.
  • Start your adventure in East Africa’s Gateway of Nairobi, then head to the Great Rift Valley to see lions, hippos, and multiple species of bird.  Do a game-drive by 4 X 4 where you’ll see leopards and rhinos.  The next stop is Maasai Mara NP where you’ll meet the local tribes-people, and visit a zebra reserve, and also see elephant, wildebeest, gazelle, giraffe, and cheetahs.  Your journey continues on to Arusha where you’ll start the Tanzanian leg of your trip by 4 X 4.  Next it’s on to Ngorongoro Crater, where you’re almost guaranteed to see all the game.  Stay at Serengeti NP in a luxury tented camp.  Take an optional hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
  • Fares from $12,317 January through October. 

CROATIA & SLOVENIA for 16-days:  

  • Start in Venice and then travel to Slovenia where you’ll see Postojna Caves, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Lake Bohinj.  You’ll then travel to Croatia to visit Motovun and Buzet before heading inland again to see the incredibly scenic Plitvice Lakes NP.  From there it’s out to the Dalmatian Coast to experience Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Korcula, before finishing with 2-nights in Dubrovnik.  
  • This trip offers a comprehensive experience in Croatia, with some days in Slovenia, which has yet to be discovered (but it won’t be long).  
  • Weekly departures April through October from $8560.

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

Great Lakes

Do you remember studying geography in grade school, and learning that Lake Superior is the largest fresh water body in the world?  Lake Huron is the third largest.  People come from all over the world to explore the region, but it remains a less-frequented for domestic travellers.

We THINK we know the Great Lakes, but when you’re standing on the deck of a small ship, or walking a quiet lakeside trail, it might feel like the coast of Maine, the Norwegian Coast… or maybe just something wonderfully its own.  There are beaches, lighthouses, forests, indigenous culture, small towns, ship wreck museums and more to be explored.  

The area is HUGE.  The surface area of the Great Lakes is about the same size as the United Kingdom, and if you take the ribbon of land surrounding the Great Lakes, the region is larger than MOST countries in the world.  That puts it in perspective.  

Things TO DO and EXPLORE in the Great Lakes Region:

  • LOCKS & CANALS: You don’t have to go to Europe to traverse through canals and locks.  There’s plenty in the Great Lakes. Most cruises in the region travel the 27 miles through the Welland Canal between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, traversing 8 locks.
  • NIAGARA FALLS:  Yes… very touristy, but there’s a good reason for that. 
  • CITIES:  Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Toronto.  Two of these will serve as terminus ports.  
  • MACKINAC ISLAND: There’s a charm to a place with no cars.  You get around on foot, by horse drawn carriage, or bicycle.  Also take a walk through the historic GRAND HOTEL. 
  • SHIP WRECK SPOTTING:  You can take boat tours of the wrecks of ships from previous centuries that weren’t as lucky to make it across.
  • WALKING and LIGHT HIKING:  There are tons of National Parks (in both countries), and other lake side walking trails and other opportunities for outdoor exploration.
  • SEA KAYAKING:  You’re on fresh water, but you can still get out in a canoe or kayak. 
  • MUSEUMS:  The history, culture, and geology of the region is represented in several museums in communities surrounding the Great Lakes

Exploring by CRUISE SHIP:

You’ll only unpack once, and can cover much of the region quickly. 

  • Port intensive itineraries – you typically have a port every day. 
  • Mix of the urban (see the city-list above), and natural splendors of this place.

Exploring by LAND TOUR

There are an endless number of possibilities in an area as large as this.  Here’s a few:

  • MICHIGAN circle tour, with sand dunes, lakeside towns, and Mackinac Island.
  • NIAGARA FALLS to QUEBEC CITY – Experience urban delights in Toronto and Montreal, visit Canada’s Capital in Ottawa, and North America’s only walled city in Quebec. 
  • MINNESOTA to Thunder Bay with rugged cliffs, boreal forest, and incredible scenery.
  • GEORGIAN BAY with cinematic landscapes and over 30,000 islands in Lake Huron. 

It’s in your own backyard, and there’s lots to learn and discover in the region.  See why the Europeans spend so much time in the beautifully natural part of the world.  

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

Check out our UNPACKED PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about travelling to the GREAT LAKES, why you want to go there, and the best way to explore the region. 

https://youtu.be/nFJo_pgg6tI

In Case You Missed It:

Is VIKING CRUISES taking over the world?  Probably not, but their growth is undeniable.  Here’s what you can expect from Viking in the next few years:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/viking-whats-new/

ENGAGE or RETREAT:  Vacation Planning questions to make your next trip more perfect:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/engage-or-retreat-vacation-planning/

OUR BACKSTORY:  We found ourselves on the same cruise as a handful of our clients a while ago, and learned lots about them, and they about us:

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

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

The word “EXPEDITION” throws some people off.  If you want to get a little off the beaten track, and explore the more remote corners of the planet, then an expedition ship is the best way to do it.  Here’s a video we did to help people determine whether such cruises are a good match for them:

https://youtu.be/niB-OWhUSSs

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02LcfdTz5P9iRHRjoaYAugSKMqtxQnGq8ZGFpE3gPCojoYfNtPBBpVaDAvxhsiumj2l

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Exploring the GREAT LAKES with VIKING

In our summer months, Viking’s Antarctica ships ply the waters of the Great Lakes.  This is a great way to see if an Expedition Ship is right for you, while exploring this extraordinary region. 

GREAT LAKES with VIKING for 8-days between Milwaukee and Toronto

  • Visit Toronto, traverse the locks of the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Point Pelee NP, Detroit, Alpena (MI), Mackinac Island, Milwaukee
  • 2026: Nordic Balconies from $7995.  Departures April through October
  • 2027: Nordic Balconies from $5995.  Departures May through September.
  • Here’s our ITINERARY VIDEO from when we did this trip: https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM 

GREAT LAKES with VIKING for 15-days between Duluth MN and Toronto

  • Visit Toronto, traverse the locks of the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Detroit, Alpena, Algoma (Wisconsin), Mackinac Island, Fathom Five National Marine Park (submarine available), Killarney (Ontario), Georgian Bay, Soo Locks transit, Silver Islet, Thunder Bay (submarine available), Duluth.
  • 2026: Nordic Balconies from $16,995.  Departures June through August.
  • 2027: Nordic Balconies from $13,995.  Departures May through August.

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

See the Submarine and the HANGAR here: https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM 

PONANT Small Ship Discovery of the GREAT LAKES

Ponant is an all-inclusive luxury small ship cruise line with a strong focus on the culinary offering, while exploring where other ships DON’T go:

Toronto to Milwaukee departing August 11 or 19 for 9-days (Smithsonian Journeys)

  • Transit the Welland Canal, and visit Port Colborne (Niagara Falls), Parry Sound, Little Current (Manitoulin Island), Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks/foray into Lake Superior), and Mackinac Island before arriving in Milwaukee.
  • Fares from $10,290

With just 184 guests, and your internet, gratuities, all beverages, and specialty dining included. 

LAND Cruises of the GREAT LAKES with COLLETTE

MACKINAC ISLAND:  Detroit to Chicago for 9-Days

  • Start in Detroit, and then travel through Michigan to the scenic and historic Mackinac Island (with a two-night stay at the iconic Grand Hotel), visit Bay City, Frankenmuth, Dearborn (Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village) and finish in Chicago. 
  • Departures April through October from $3899

CANADA: Niagara Falls to Quebec City for 9-days

  • Visit Toronto, Niagara on the Lake, Ottawa, Quebec City & Montreal.
  • Experience the best of Canada’s urban scene, French culture, historic Quebec City, and the natural splendor of Niagara Falls. 
  • Departures May through October from $3599

TAUCK Great Lakes Cruise from Chicago to Toronto for 12-days

  • Start with 2-nights in Chicago, then board the ship in Milwaukee and visit Muskegon, see the dunes in Saugatuck, Mackinac Island, sail the sunrise coast, Detroit (for Dearborn and the Ford Museum), Cleveland (for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), traverse the Welland Canal towards Toronto, and see Niagara Falls. 
  • Departures August and September from $10,990.

REGENT Seven Seas ALL-INCLUSIVE Luxury

Regent doesn’t operate on the Great Lakes, but here’s something in the region:

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND:  New York to Montreal departing October 20, 2026 for 10-nights:

  • Visit Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Gaspe, Baie Comeau, Saguenay, Quebec City.
  • Veranda Fares from $10,999.

OK… this next one’s a long way from the Great Lakes, but ECLIPSE CRUISES are selling quickly:

SOLAR ECLIPSE in the MED: Barcelona to Rome departing July 29, 2027 for 9-nights:

  • Visit Alicante, Malta, Total Eclipse at Sea, Catania, Salerno, Golfo Aranci, Tuscany.
  • Veranda Fares from $7999

TRAVELLING in SUMMER 2026? Be READY

FIFA WORLD CUP is the largest sporting event on the planet, and it’s coming to North America next summer.  Even if you’re NOT a Soccer fan, you SHOULD have this on your radar if you plan to travel (internationally or domestically) in June or July of 2026.  Here’s why:

  • AIR TRAVEL domestically, as well as to/from Canada and Mexico will be very busy.  You should be particularly aware of flights through Toronto and Vancouver. 
  • AIRPORTS:  Even if you’re flying to Europe or Asia, domestic airports will be busy. 
  • HOTELS:  If you’re trying to find lodging in a host city around game day, it will be tight. 
  • SECURITY:  The security in airports and at venues will be enhanced, and slow everything down. 
  • SEATTLE & VANCOUVER:  If you’re going to Alaska in June or July, book your hotel NOW.  Both these cities are hosting multiple games. 
  • HOST CITIES:
    • CANADA:  Toronto, Vancouver
    • MEXICO: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
    • UNITED STATES: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle

FIFA’s impact on travel to host cities is equal to travelling to an Olympic Games. Be prepared.

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

VIKING:  What’s New

Some of you have asked why we don’t promote Viking more.  First… Viking is our top vendor in terms of sales and number of people that travel with them.  Second… most of you are on Viking’s mailing list, which means you already get A LOT of marketing material from them.  There is no doubt that Viking is a well-oiled marketing machine!

So here’s a peak at WHAT’S NEW, and what you can expect from them in the next few years:

The FUTURE is GROWTH:  From FOUR Ships to 100 Ships

  • Viking started in 1997 with only 4 ships, and this year eclipsed 100 vessels.  In the next six years, they will add 11 more ocean ships, and 26 more river boats.
  • Viking LIBRA joins the ocean fleet next year, and will be the world’s first hydrogen powered, zero-emission cruise ship.
  • Viking is now publicly traded, so we know that their revenue is 18.5% higher in 2025 than 2024, indicating substantial growth.  

What’s NEW on the RIVER:

  • INDIA:  Viking announced 15-day round-trip Delhi itineraries on the Brahmaputra River starting in 2027.  Unfortunately, it sold out for 2027 and 2028 in days.
  • RHINE / MAIN Rivers:  Nuremberg to Basel or Amsterdam itineraries. 
  • COMBINATION River & Ocean:  Barcelona to Porto (Spain & Portugal).  ALSO Basel to Bergen (Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway) and Bergen to Budapest (Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany France, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary)

What’s NEW on the OCEAN.  Viking Took the Soul of the River Experience to the Ocean:

What’s NEW on EXPEDITION.  Viking can take you to more remote places as well:

Most Viking Expedition itineraries are ANTARCTICA or GREAT LAKES.  Here are others:

Our team has travelled on Viking River, Ocean, and Expedition, and love the product, so we’re ready to help you with your Viking plans at any time. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED Podcast

Check out our PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about WHAT’S NEW at VIKING, and what to expect from them in the coming years. 

https://youtu.be/DzxND-DQjSA

In Case You Missed It:

MOROCCO is an easy add-on to a vacation to Southern Europe.  Here’s WHERE, HOW, and WHY you might consider Morocco (for pre/post cruise).  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/morocco/

INSIDER’S LOOK at PAMPERED CRUISER:  People sometimes ask how we position ourselves in the travel industry, and what our specialties are.  Here’s the detail:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/insiders-look-at-the-pampered-cruiser/

TRAVEL REVIEW WEBSITES like Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic can help you make vacation decisions, but it’s like panning for gold… you have to sift through a lot of misinformation to get to the nuggets: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-problem-with-online-reviews/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

We have several VIKING videos on our YouTube channel:

Viking Ocean Ship Tour:

https://youtu.be/g05LqbUNdjI

Viking Expedition Ship Tour

Viking Expedition Polaris / Octantis Ship Tour – YouTube

Viking River Ship Tour

https://youtu.be/Mxt71KvMGYY

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02c6hRMQWEab6FXqhiqyJBVc5auYf5KPVcuqMdj9xUPK244bnFKVNMW9qZE22Z3STxl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

RIVER CRUISES – Viking

Viking started with 4 river boats in 1997, and now are larger than all other river cruise companies combined.  If you’re looking at your first European River Cruise, look at this one:

RHINE GETAWAY:  Amsterdam to Basel for 8-days

  • Visit Kinderdijk, Cologne, Koblenz, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, and Breisach.  This itinerary has history, architecture, scenery, wineries, art and culture.  There’s a bit of something for everyone.  
  • Optional pre/post cruise extensions to Amsterdam, Switzerland, Lucerne, Basel, Lake Como, Belgium
  • BEST FARES:  $2199 for a Standard Room in November.  There are over 20 departures per month March through November. 

If you’ve already done a lot of river cruising in Europe, look at this one:

LOWER DANUBE:  Budapest to Bucharest for 11-days

  • Visit Budapest (for 3 nights), and then visit Kalocsa (Hungary), and then on to Croatia, Belgrade, Golubac Fortress, 2 port stops in Bulgaria, and then finish in Bucharest, Romania (“Paris of the East”).  These five countries are not as discovered as Western Europe, and have a rich history and culture. 
  • Optional pre/post cruise extensions to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Istanbul, and Transylvania. 
  • BEST FARES:  $3499 for a Standard Room in March.  There are 12 sailings per month.  

People often ask about the Locks & Bridges on European rivers.  Here’s a video we made when we travelled with Viking:  https://youtu.be/AgGNSU-7Qu8?si=BChxon3ZqDf5MkTK 

OCEAN CRUISES – Viking

Viking took the soul of river cruising to salt water, with their first ship in 2015, and there are now 16 currently in operation, with 11 more coming by the end of the decade. 

For the FIRST TIME Viking Ocean cruiser:

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN:  Rome to Barcelona for 8-days

  • Visit Florence/Pisa (overnight), Monte Carlo, Marseille, Sete, Barcelona (overnight)
  • Optional pre/post cruise extensions to Rome, Tuscany, Umbria, Madrid, Barcelona.
  • BEST FARES:  $2799 for a Veranda cabin in December.  Sailings year-round

If you’ve already done a few Viking Ocean cruises, look at this itinerary:

NORWAY & ICELAND: Bergen to Reykjavik for 13-days

  • This itinerary combines the best elements of Norway’s Fjords, and scenic Iceland
  • Visit Bergen (overnight), Flam (for the railway), Alesund, Geiranger, Faroe Islands, 4-stops in Iceland, with an overnight in Reykjavik. 
  • Optional pre/post cruise extensions to Bergen, Oslo (with scenic train), Reykjavik.
  • BEST FARES: $7499 June through August.

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS – Viking

The idea of an EXPEDITION CRUISE puts some people “off”, but it’s really just a smaller ship to more remote locations.  Viking’s expedition ships carry only 378 guests, and will feel very familiar to Viking Ocean clients.

If you just want to check out the Viking Expedition ship, or see if Expedition cruising is right for you, choose this itinerary:

GREAT LAKES:  Toronto to Milwaukee for 8-days

  • Traverse the Welland Canal (there are locks in North America, too!), then visit Niagara Falls, Point Pelee NP, Detroit, Alpena MI, Mackinac Island, Milwaukee (overnight).  
  • Optional pre/post cruise extensions to Toronto, Muskoka Lakes (Ontario), Milwaukee, Chicago
  • BEST FARES:  $6995 in April with departures April through October 

Here’s the itinerary video we make when we did the Great Lakes with Viking: https://youtu.be/uDeGzBDb0mM

If you’re comfortable with the idea of an Expedition Cruise, then Antarctica should be on your list:

ANTARCTICA:  Buenos Aires round-trip for 13-days

  • Start in Buenos Aires, and then fly to Ushuaia (included) to board your ship.  Traverse the Drake Passage, and have 6-days of scheduled landings on the continent, before returning to Ushuaia.  
  • Optional pre/post to Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Easter Island, Atacama Desert, Patagonia, or Peru. 
  • BEST FARES:  $13,995 in March with departures November through March

If you’re unsure about Expedition Cruising, here’s a video we made on HOW VIKING EXPEDITION IS DIFFERENT THAN VIKING OCEAN:

https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM

SEA CLOUD – Intimate Yachting Experience

If you prefer the idea of a Viking River Cruise, but want to visit a salt water destination that Viking can’t get you to, here’s two examples of on SEA CLOUD, that we would describe as a Salt-Water River Cruise.

Costa Rica & Central America (Panama City to Cozumel), departing Mar.13th 2026 (12 nights)

Greek Isles (Athens round trip), departing July 17th/24th/or 31st 2026 (7 nights) 

Learn more about Sea Cloud here: https://youtu.be/fy7Kfd1i3ZQ 

CANYON SPIRIT LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY

This is the perfect way to take in the incredible scenery in Colorado, Utah, and the surrounding National Parks:

Denver to Las Vegas for 5-nights with 5 National Parks:

  • Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab (2), Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas
  • Departures available April through October from $5003

Denver round-trip for 7-nights with 4-Days on the Rails

  • Denver, Glenwood Springs, Moab (for 3 nights), Glenwood Springs, Denver
  • Departures available April through November from $4249

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.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

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

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

Black Friday Hope and Thanksgiving Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving.  

I really hope you are spending these few days with those that are most important to you because occasions such as this are much like travel – they create tomorrow’s memories and bind us together with those most important to us.  

This has been a strange Thanksgiving for us – we’re in Australia today… a long way from the nearest Turkey dinner.  We had dinner last night with some other Americans, so I guess we’ll call that Thanksgiving.

Most years, Bob and I do Thanksgiving twice: Once in October to recognize Bob’s history having grown up in Canada, and then again in November.  Most years, we find ourselves in Mexico in November, but there is a large expatriate community in Puerto Vallarta, and unless our kids are visiting us, we almost always end up at a turkey dinner with our American community. 

KIM from our office (and her husband, Jed) celebrated Thanksgiving with their two adult children.  Thanksgiving fell on Jed’s birthday this year, and their son has a birthday early in December, so lots of things were celebrated yesterday.  Kim loves to cook, so having a house full with both their adult kids and partners, made it the perfect day for her. 

PERI has a large extended family, and they have a tradition of all gathering at Peri’s mom & dad’s house.  Here’s her report:  “I start the day by preparing my stomach, as in the evening I will have one huge family gathering where everyone brings a dish! I have a very big and warm family so this really is a momentous occasion that I look forward to every year. I then prepare to take a very short road-trip to the Eastern Shore to have another get together with my partner’s family. It is very close to the water so we get to enjoy the subtle crashing waves and sunset surrounded by fantastic people (and more good food that I am definitely too full to eat)!”

FEELING THANKFUL:  If you watch television news, then it is easy to feel despair at the best of times.  Thanksgiving is a great chance to recalibrate the overwhelming diet of negativity, fear and anger that our media and politics feed us daily.  We’ve convinced ourselves that this barrage of bad news, horrific images, fear-mongering, and stoking of anger is normal.  It IS NOT normal, and life is much better than is represented in your news feed.

THOUGHTS on BLACK FRIDAY 

In the luxury leisure segment of the travel business, Black Friday is a bit of a nothing-burger.  It’s easy to understand why: luxury goods don’t typically discount, AND the last thing the cruise lines want to do is re-fare a bunch of clients that have already booked.  For the overwhelming majority of our vendors, you’ll get the best price by booking as far in advance as possible.

Will I still look around at the Black Friday offers?  Yes – but I’m not expecting to find much in the way of fire-sales.  If you’re in the market for a cruise on one of the floating amusement parks, then it’s definitely worth taking a look. 

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend from all of us here at the Pampered Cruiser Team. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED PODCAST

Check out our PODCAST where Kim & Bob talk about how OUR TEAM celebrated their Thanksgiving, and some commentary on BLACK FRIDAY:

https://youtu.be/R19JhdCtJik

In Case You Missed It:

HOW TO CHOOSE A RIVER CRUISE:  If you don’t know WHERE, WHEN or WHICH River Cruise Line, here’s some ideas:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-do-you-choose-a-river-cruise-line/

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS is probably the most naturally spectacular destination in the world.  Here’s a few different ways to travel there:

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

TAUCK LAND CRUISES: If you like the rhythm and cadence of a river cruise, but you want to travel somewhere OFF the rivers… here are some ideas:

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

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

GALAPAGOS ISLAND Itinerary Video:  We were there about a year ago.  Here’s our video blogs:

https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there.  It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0iVnpgBEg44yFgXfijLxMi4J5wAT7ztkfXYaMrzb7XS5LRYGWzGh7hMTLTNYfQkLQl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

WINDSTAR YACHTING Experiences

With a maximum of 320 guests, Windstar offers a casual elegance, with a great culinary experience. 

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

  • Visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora (overnight), Huahini.  Remember this tropical paradise is only 2 hours past Hawaii, and has a fraction as many tourists. 
  • Depart January through December from $3399 with ALL-IN Fare Package
  • Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

ALASKA: Juneau to Vancouver departing May 15, for 8-days on the new STAR SEEKER

  • James Beard Foundation themed cruise for the foodies
  • Visit Haines, Tracy Arm, Petersburg, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Ketchikan.
  • Fares from $5199

NATIONAL PARKS with TAUCK

You COULD explore our National Parks on your own, but why not let someone else take care of all the details.  Here’s a summary of TAUCK’S itineraries to our National Parks:

  • Canyonlands — Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, 1-week March to October from $4990.  
  • 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 one week from $5190.  
  • 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

UNIWORLD Boutique River Collection

UNIWORLD is on all the rivers in Europe with custom built ships designed and decorated for the region they sail through.  Here’s some of their itineraries OUTSIDE EUROPE:

EGYPT for 12-days (4-nights Cairo and 7-nights on the ship)

  • See the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, and a Nile Felucca ride.

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

  • If the other cruise lines are sold out in India, we can still find you space on UNIWORLD.
  • Few countries simultaneously fascinate and frighten travellers as much as India, so 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. 
  • 2026: Depart January – March from $8299 or September – December from $7469

EXPLORA JOURNEYS – European Luxury Lifestyle

Explora has 3 brand-new ships, and the entry-level room is a 380 square foot veranda suite.  With a great culinary experience, and unique entertainment concept, you should take a look at this brand:

ARABIA:  Dubai round-trip departing December 14, 2026 for 7-nights

  • Get a great taste of the Middle East from the safety of the ship, and only unpack once. 
  • Board in Dubai (overnight), and then visit Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Saudi Arabia
  • Veranda fares from $3935
  • Stay on board for 14-nights from $7340 and also visit Khor Fakkan, Oman, Muscat, and Kashab.  

WEST COASTER: Los Angeles to Vancouver departing May 3, 2027 for 7-nights

  • Visit San Diego, San Francisco (overnight), Victoria.
  • Veranda fares from $4675
  • Get out in Vancouver OR carry on to Alaska OR take the Rocky Mountaineer to Banff.

Here’s our EXPLORA ship tour video:  https://youtu.be/LHjAS0JKCQ0 

AZAMARA Small Ship Country Intensive Voyages

Azamara has four R-Class vessels holding just 680 guests each.  They also specialize in country intensive voyages, giving you the change to really explore a country.  Here are two examples:

GREECE Intensive round-trip Athens departing April 3, 2027 for 21-nights

  • You won’t get a better immersion in Greece than this.  
  • Visit Cairo (overnight), Cypress, Alanya, Antalya, Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Santorini, Athens (overnight), Syros, Volos, Thessaloniki (overnight), Chios, Ephesus, Patmos, Paros, Mykonos (overnight)
  • Fares from $6019 (at this price per day, this cruise will sell out quickly)

IRELAND Intensive from Dublin to London to departing June 19, 2027 for 11-nights

  • Start in Dublin with an overnight stay, then Belfast (overnight), Killybegs, Galway, Foynes, Bantry Harbour, Waterford, Cork
  • Golf program through PERRYGOLF offered on this voyage.  
  • Fares from $4269

Here’s a link to Azamara’s list of COUNTRY INTENSIVE voyages:

https://www.azamara.com/cruises?keywords=country-intensive

HX Remote Explorations

If you’d rather do a nature walk than a shopping mall, or be on a sea kayak instead of a motor coach, then HX can get you to some remote places where fewer people go:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

  • 2-nights in Quito, then fly to Galapagos (included in fare) for 6 nights.  Visit Mosquera Inlet, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Charles Darwin Research Station in Port Ayora, Espanola Island, Eden Islet.  

NORTHERN LIGHTS in NORWAY with HX

  • Round-trip from Tromso, for 8-days with 5 stops on Norwegian Coast
  • Northern lights PROMISE.  If you DON’T see the Aurora Borealis on this journey HX will offer credit towards another cruise.  The Northern Lights run in a decade-long cycle, and the natural phenomenon will begin to wane after this season. 
  • 2026: Depart February, March, November, or December from $4132
  • 2027: Depart January through March from $4665

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

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

Weekly Newsletter

Cruise Articles and Travel Opportunities, delivered straight to your in-box.

Join Me on Social Media

The Pampered Cruiser

The Pampered Cruiser