Bar Harbor, Maine is going through gyrations right now, of considering limiting the number of cruise ship passengers that disembark on a given day.  Bar Harbor joins other coastal communities like Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Key West, Florida. 

The media defaults to presenting this as a binary issue (like they do with just about everything), meaning that either:

a. Cruise ship traffic is a significant contributor to local economies, and as such Bar Harbor is out of its collective mind for biting the hand that feeds it, OR

b. Cruise ships are the root of all evil, and harmony will not exist in the universe until they are all sent to the scrap yard.

It is disappointing that an actual discussion, based on fact and nuance is elusive.  I would like to presume there are enough intelligent people out there capable of such a debate. 

Here’s why this is an important discussion (and some of the subtleties that escapes most media commentary about the issue).

1. There is some truth to both A and B above.  Tourist dollars are a vital part of many economies… particularly in smaller cities and towns globally.  Cruise ships bring consumers to places that often otherwise would not get them.
2. These same small towns are not well served when overwhelmed by cruise ship traffic.  Skagway, Alaska is a great illustration of this.  With a permanent population of 800 people, it is entirely overwhelmed several times during the summer when four or more vessels show up and disgorge 15,000 or more passengers.
3. In these small ports, those providing shore excursions or selling T-shirts do fairly well.  However, cruise ship passengers DON’T buy hotel rooms, and they only spend minimally for restaurants or other services they get on their ships. 
4. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver and Seattle do well – people come in pre/post, and the cruise ships fill up with provisions at these ports.  The small ports… not so much.
5. It’s really difficult to staff businesses that are only viable on days that cruise ships are in port.  Alaska is largely staffed by summer students from Washington and Oregon.

What happens next?

There will not be some big coordinated regulatory change here.  We’re talking about multiple jurisdictions in many countries.  One of the things we learned during the pandemic is that smaller countries are not afraid to exert their authority over who comes and goes from their shores.  This is a good thing.

Instead, decisions will be made at a local level that best suit the interests of the local people.  This is what is happening in Bar Harbor, and what happened in Palm Beach.  The balance between commercial opportunity, and quality of life of the people that live there is also a good thing.

So, what might this mean for cruise ship passengers?  We can look at what has already happened to predict the future:

Venice – After musing about it for years, the Italians went cold turkey, and there are no cruise ships (carrying more than 200 passengers) in the Venetian Lagoon.  When you depart from Venice now, your ship will be docked in Fusina, Chioggia, Bologna, or Genoa.

Private Islands –all the mega-ship cruise lines have them, and it’s a trend that will probably continue in the Caribbean.  It is less clear if it will gain traction in other parts of the world.  The catch:  these port stops are manufactured by the cruise line – it’s really an extension of being on the ship. 

Cruises to Nowhere – We saw some of this during the pandemic.  This works great when the ship is the destination (like most mega-ships operating in the Caribbean).  There is often a “compliance” stop in a foreign port for a few hours, but otherwise, you’re at sea the whole time. 

Rationing of shore excursions – This has been in place in protected sites and National Parks for several years.  It is a trend we could see amplified.  In Antarctica, for example, a maximum of 100 people at a time are permitted on land from ships with a maximum of 500 people.

More delineation in cruising – Big ships will end up at big ship ports, and small ships will visit different ports of call.  This is already happening to a certain degree, so look for this to continue. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Oceania FREE Land Packages (choose from 15 cruises)

Oceania is offering free pre- or post-cruise land packages on several 2023 departures.  Here’s a few examples:

South Africa & Namibia

1. Capetown round-trip departing January 6, 2023 (12-days).
2. $4199 per person Ocean View, $5399 per person Veranda. 
3. Visit Walvis Bay Namibia (overnight), Port Elizabeth, Durban (overnight), Richard’s Bay, Mossel Bay
4. Round-trip air add-on $1600 pp
5. FREE 4-days land extension in Capetown with included tours to a penguin colony, wineries at Stellenbosch, and a private game reserve.

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Singapore

1. Bangkok to Singapore departing February 19, 2023 (10-days)
2. Visit Bangkok (overnight), Ko Samui, Cambodia, Nha Trang (Vietnam), Saigon (2 nights), Singapore
3. Oceanview $4299 per person, Balcony $5499 per person
4. Round-trip air add-on $1500 pp
5. FREE 4-day land extension to either Ankgor Wat OR Singapore (your choice)

New Zealand & Australia

1. Sydney round-trip departing February 13, 2023 (15-days)
2. Oceanview $6899 per person, Balcony $8999 per person
3. Visit Hobart, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands.
4. Round-trip air add-on $1700 pp
5. FREE 4-day land extension to Sydney OR journey to the Blue Mountains (your choice).

I can’t list all the cruises, but if you’ve ever wanted to pre- or post- in the following cities (for FREE), get in touch with us and we can provide more details:

1. Lima, Peru
2. Santiago, Chile
3. Mumbai, India
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
6. Dubai, UAE

AMA Waterways FREE Land Packages

Over on the rivers, AMA is offering something very similar.  The overwhelming majority of our clients end up extending their vacations pre or post in Europe anyway, so these are worth a look:

Douro River – Spain & Portugal

1. Round-trip river cruise from Porto in July & August (multiple dates) – 7-nights
2. Prices start at $4099 per person.
3. FREE 3-night land extension to Lisbon.

Rhine River – Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands

1. Travel from Basel to Amsterdam for 7-nights.
2. Prices from $2999 per person (March 2023), or $3899 per person (July 2023)
3. FREE 4-night land extension in Switzerland (2-nights Zurich, 2-nights Lucerne)

Saone River – France (Provence)

1. Travel between Lyon and Arles for 7-nights
2. Prices start at $3299 per person (March), or $4199 per person (July or August)
3. FREE 3-night land extension in Paris, OR
4. FREE 3-night land extension in Barcelona.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02GrGGfLggcwvCLWnTS5EFCGH9CHHNzAKEEj4McXzMWSxDs9dpmuADkXkYVDNHDo6zl

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

There are many things about other countries that I never fully understood until I visited them (one of the many benefits of travel), so when we talk to our clients about their trip plans, we sometimes end up offering some trivia in geography and social studies. Alex Trebek has nothing on us!.  Here are some of those discussions. 

Europe is much further north than we perceive.  Venice (in southern Europe) and Montreal (in Canada) are at approximately the same latitude.  The overwhelming majority of Europe is well north of the Canadian border.  Ketchikan, Alaska and Edinburgh, Scotland are at the same latitude!

Alaska is much bigger and further away than you think.  You’re probably aware that Texas is less than one-third the size of Alaska, but did you know that Vancouver is closer to Mexico than it is to Anchorage?  One of our clients wanted to rent a car and drive between Anchorage and Vancouver, until I told her it was 2200 miles – about the same as driving from Chicago to Vancouver.

Ireland is two countries.  The Republic of Ireland is part of Europe, uses the Euro as its currency, and the capital is Dublin.  It is home to 5 million people and the President is Michael Higgins.  Northern Ireland is part of the UK, uses Pound Sterling as its currency, and the capital is Belfast.  It is home to 2 million people, and the Prime Minister is xxxx (insert whoever the PM of the UK is this week – grin). 

The UK is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Each of these are considered separate countries by those who live there, but they are one political unit (or one nation).  We would consider England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be States or Provinces, although some citizens there would take exception to this characterization.  There is not a Prime Minister of Scotland; nor is there border control when you go from England to Wales (for example).

Australia is huge.  It is larger than the lower 48 states, but with only 26 million people.  So, there is a lot of wide open space, and there are vast distances between cities.  There is lots to see there, but unless you’ve got a lot of time, you should explore it by air segments, as opposed to driving between places.

Driving on vacation is an “American Thing”.  Renting a car is not the best way to get around most countries.  The United States (and our Interstate Freeway system) is unique.  Driving vacations in the US can make sense (and can be a lot of fun).  Other countries (particularly those in Europe) are better seen by train, or other forms of public transport. 

The speed limit is 100, and 30 degrees is really warm.  The English language is not universal, but the metric system is.  In reality, once you learn the metric system, it is infinitely easier than the old imperial system.

The Pacific Ocean is really large (it’s half the planet).  North America is NOT halfway between Europe & Asia.  For example, Seattle to Sydney is 15 hours by air, or 9 hours to London.  Dubai is closer by air to Seattle than Sydney. 

The Earth is round… flight routes will take you strange places.  If you fly from San Francisco to Sydney, you fly over Alaska to get there.  Our perceptions are based on a map… the reality is based on a globe.

Europe is bigger than the United States.  This may be a blinding flash of the obvious, but we’re often asked, “What’s the weather like in Europe in January?”.  This is the same as asking what the weather is like in the United States in a certain month.  Miami and Minneapolis have radically different weather forecasts.  So it is for Europe.

My Credit Card has a PIN?  Most countries have much more centralization and regulation of their retail banks than the US which has both advantages and disadvantages.  One of the advantages is that technological advancements happen more quickly because of that centralization.  Europe and most other advanced economies switched to chip credit cards 20 years ago, so make sure you know your PIN before you leave home – it will make your life way easier abroad. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Viking is throwing in FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE for a few departures.  The Catch?  You need to book by October 31st:

NOTE: Already booked a cruise with Viking? Please get in touch with your booking number so I can add extra onboard credits to your existing reservation!

Tulips and Windmills – Round Trip Amsterdam in late March 2023 for 10-days.

1. Visit Belgium and the Netherlands – including a stop at Keukenhof Gardens.
2. Standard (Window) rooms $3299 pp; French Balcony $3999 pp; Veranda $4799 pp
3. Includes round trip flights and airport transfers, a shore excursion in each port of call, beer/wine with meals, and wifi on the ship.

Paris to Zurich – 12-day package with free air on 2023 departures

1. 2 nights in Paris and 2-nights in Zurich, with 7-nights aboard the ship
2. Visit Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, Koblenz, Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg, & Basel.
3. May 2023:  Standard:  $5399 pp ; French Balcony: $6199 pp ; Veranda: $6999 pp
4. November 2023:  Standard:  $3299 pp ; French Balcony: $4299 pp ; Veranda: $4799 pp

Cities of Light – 12-day package with free air on 2023 departures

1. 2 nights in Paris and 2-nights in Zurich, with 7-nights aboard the ship
2. Visit Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Wurzberg, Bamberg, Nuremberg
3. May 2023:  Standard:  $4299 pp ; French Balcony: $5499 pp ; Veranda: $6299 pp
4. November 2023:  Standard:  $3299 pp ; French Balcony: $3799 pp ; Veranda: $4299 pp

AMA Waterways – Wine Immersion Cruise – 28-days departing April 20, 2023

1. If you’re really into wine, this 28-day river cruise in France is for you!
2. Visit the Bordeaux region for one week, Paris to Normandy for one week, and Burgundy/Provence for two weeks – travel on 6 different rivers!
3. Each week is hosted by a different world-renowned wine expert
4. Prices start at $24,392 pp for a French Balcony
5. Activities:  12 wine seminars, guided hikes, bike rides, 12 dinners with wine pairings and farm to table cuisine, 20 wine-themed shore excursions
6. Includes all transportation between ships/regions, laundry (you are away for a month!), a shore excursion in every port, beer/wine with meals, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

Uniworld Flash Sale

This one is hot off the press and will interest you if you’d like to take a river cruise in the spring of 2023. 

Here’s the link if you want to investigate further:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2023-flash-sale

Some of the featured cruises:

1. Danube – from Budapest to Passau from $1999 pp
2. Paris and Normandy from $2299 pp
3. Bordeaux from $1999 pp
4. Venice and Northern Italy from $1999 pp

Remember that Uniworld’s price includes airport transfers, a choice of several shore excursions at all ports, an open bar (at all times), gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02vquFyeyChuXbkxodzRAGgxQTNuL1BFR3okLATg5m41hipCjtDhzQ6zZZHG8fB6ATl

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

About 20 years ago, river cruising became the next big thing in travel.  It had been around previously in a limited capacity, but nothing like it is now.  About half the trips we book is on the river – and we are typical of many travel agencies.

Expedition cruising is in the same space from a market perspective that river cruising was a couple of decades ago.  People have heard of it, but most of our clients have not experienced an expedition cruise.

Part of this is awareness, and part of it is the word “expedition”.  It makes people feel they are not young or fit enough enjoy such a trip.  We need to come up with a better word than “expedition”, but until that happens, here’s a quick test you can take to assess whether you would be a good fit for an expedition cruise:

1. Are you between 55 and 75 (either chronologically, or at least in spirit)?
2. Can you climb two flights of stairs easily? (you’re allowed to be a bit winded)
3. Can you get in and out of a bathtub unassisted?
4. Are you curious about the earth and outdoors?

If you answered “yes” to all four of these, you are a good match for an expedition cruise.

In reality, the cruise lines have blurred the line between expedition cruise products and small ship luxury products.  All the expedition companies we deal with definitely qualify as luxury products as well.  You won’t be roughing it. You can expect a comfortable stateroom, gourmet meals, and luxury ship amenities like a spa, swimming pools and saunas, and with only a few hundred people on board.

In many ways, an expedition cruise is much more like a river cruise – one that just happens to take place on the oceans (or the Great Lakes, or the Amazon… but more on that in a minute).

Here’s a look at the companies with whom we book the most Expedition Cruises:

American Queen Voyages.  168 guests in Alaska.  See our ship tour video here:  https://youtu.be/KVaMZC2oTrQ

Celebrity Galapagos.  They have three ships there – the smallest holds 16, and the largest holds 100.

Hurtigruten.  They have the hybrid electric powered ships, as well as science lab, and plenty of luxury amenities too.  See our ship tour video here:  https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0

Seabourn.  Seabourn is best known for its small luxury ships, and the Seabourn Venture lives up the brand name, but with only 264 guests.  They also have kayaks, zodiacs and a submarine on board.

SilverSea.  SilverSea recently acquired the Crystal Endeavour, bringing its expedition fleet up to 5 vessels.  Masters of the luxury cruise, they use this expertise to bring added comfort for the expedition cruiser

Viking.  Viking is best known for its river product, but it has an ocean fleet of 9 vessels, and more recently added 2 expedition vessels to its fleet.  This combination of river and ocean experience will serve them well as they build their expedition market.  The Viking Octantis and Polaris each hold 378 guests.  There is a submarine available for guest use.

So… where can you go on one of these expedition ships?

1. Alaska
2. Amazon River
3. Antarctica
4. Galapagos Islands
5. The Great Lakes
6. Northwest Passage
7. Norwegian Coast
8. Pacific South America (incl. Patagonia)
9. West Africa
10. Some out-of-the-way tropical places during repositioning season

What can you do on board?

Kayak adventures.  You really don’t need any previous experience or special skills to paddle in a kayak. 

Zodiac boat rides. If you don’t want to paddle, and leave the driving to someone else.

Gentle hiking. Most of the “hiking” excursions are more of a walk (although there are more challenging optional hikes).

Submarine rides.

Participate in scientific research – most expedition companies have agreements with educational institutions, and research is being conducted on board.

Whale watching.

Snorkeling. Believe it or not, you can do this in both warm water destinations, and cold water ones as well.  We went snorkeling in Alaska a few years ago (with dry suits!), and it was spectacular. 

Lectures and enrichment. Learn about the ecology, geography, and wildlife of the land and sea life where you are travelling.

What you DON’T do. Shopping malls and tourist traps.

If you’ve been to a lot of other places, and want to try something new, OR you just really like being outside, then an expedition cruise might be next for you.  There’s no need to worry about being super-fit or active.  It’s more about your interest and frame of mind. 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Already booked a Viking cruise? Please get in touch as soon as possible so I can add extra onboard credits to your existing reservation. Viking makes it really easy to book direct and often it makes sense to do that… but I want to make sure you’re getting all the extra perks you’re entitled to, just for being associated with my agency. I have access to exactly the same prices you’d receive by booking direct (including ‘invisible’ promotions), and in case you’re wondering, I do not charge any extra fees.

Panama Canal with Viking Expedition

The folks at Viking are offering some incentives to get on their expedition ships.  For expedition cruises booked between now and the end of the month, they’re throwing in Free Air, and the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. 

1. Sail from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago for 18-days.
2. Departures in March, April, September or October 2023 from $9995
3. Visit Cozumel, Colon, Manta (Ecuador), Lima, Iquiqui (Chile)
4. Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship.
5. The best priced room is a 215 square foot veranda with a King Bed.

South America and Patagonia with Viking Expedition

1. Sail between Santiago and Buenos Aires for 15-days.
2. Departures in February and March 2023 from $7995.
3. Visit Ushuaia, Chilean Glaciers (4 days), Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords, Tortel (Chile), Castro (Chile).
4. Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship

Niagara & the Great Lakes with Viking Expedition

1. Sail between Toronto and Milwaukee for 8-days.
2. Departures in April 2023 from $5995
3. Visit Niagara Falls, Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena MI, Mackinac Island. 
4. Includes round-trip air, transfers, Beverage Package, a shore excursion or expedition activity at each port of call, all equipment, and wifi on the ship

Circumnavigate Iceland with Hurtigruten

Sail round-trip from Reykjavik for 9-days/ Departures in May & June 2023 from $4797 pp.

Rather than list all the unpronounceable Icelandic port of call, here’s what you’ll get to do:

1. Wildlife: bird-watching, whales, dolphins, puffins
2. Activities: Glacial cave tour, photography, hot springs, kayaking, zodiac boats, museum visits
3. Take Photos of: ice-capped volcanoes, wildlife, waterfalls
4. Visit:  fishing villages, black sand beaches, botanical gardens, the Blue Lagoon

Warm-water Expedition with Hurtigruten

1. Sail from Puntarenas (Costa Rica) to Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) for 9-days.
2. Sail on board the world’s first hybrid electric cruise ship, the Roald Amundsen.
3. Departure in April 2023 from $3987.
4. Visit Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur, Leon), El Salvador, Puerto Chiapas (Mexico), and Huatulco NP.

Alaska with American Queen Voyages

Sail between Vancouver and Sitka for 12-days in May 2023 from $4699

You haven’t heard of most of the port stops between Vancouver and Sitka, so here’s what you’ll be doing:

1. Wildlife: Eagles, whales, orcas, dolphins, grizzlys, black bears, moose, sea lions, mink, river otters.
2. Activities: Photography, bird-watching, kayaking, zodiac boats, walks in the old-growth rain forest, bike ride through Stanley Park (Vancouver).
3. Take Photos of: Ice-capped volcanoes, wildlife, waterfalls (lots of them!), totem poles, tide-water glaciers (calving into the sea).
4. Visit:  Fishing villages, and the very spot where Russia turned over Alaska to USA

Includes pre-cruise hotel night in Vancouver, open bar, shore excursion or expedition activity in every port of call.

Galapagos Islands on Celebrity Flora

Baltra round trip for 8-days from $9550 pp. Machu Picchu extensions available.

1. Wildlife: Sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, tropical birds, sea turtles, finches, mockingbirds, albatross, flamingo, pintail ducks, iguanas, stingrays, sharks, penguins, fur seals, sunfish, surgeonfish,
2. Activities: Photography, bird-watching, snorkeling, swimming, walking, zodiac boats,
3. Take Photos of:  Volcanic cones, green-sand beach, geysers, wildlife, lava flows, mangroves, underwater reefs, cactus,
4. Visit:  Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortoise breeding center.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid034jhvLtRS2uhGKqFQjRUr14xNZXfszwWfqjANzLWvn4Gs4Ta2WMhSTq6LT7VVvDByl

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

Bob here.  Normally you get to hear from Sue in these messages – but today you’re getting the B-team (“B” stands for Bob – thank you for asking).

Today is my dad’s 80th birthday.  I’m struggling a bit with how to best mark the occasion, because he passed away 13 years ago.  I miss him every day, but the pain and shock of having lost him suddenly at 67 years-old has eased in the intervening years, so my thoughts here are less about mourning him, and more about reminding myself about what can be learned from his life (and his death).

Fifteen years ago, Sue and I found ourselves at a transitionary point in our lives, so we put our things in storage and lived in Mexico for the year.  Upon our return, we ended living in my parents’ house for several months, as we completed construction on our new home. 

My parents wouldn’t take any rent money from us, so we needed a way to recognize them for having put up with us for 3 months.  This was before Sue and I created the travel business, but sending my parents on a nice trip seemed like a natural idea (what else do you get people that have everything, besides experiences?)

My mom had Greece on her bucket list, and my dad mentioned that he had never been to Monaco.  This was a bit of a shocker – he was in the Merchant Marines for two years in the 1960s and had been to almost every country that touched salt water.

Now my mission was clear.  I need a trip for them that included both Monaco and Greece.  The distance between these two countries necessarily meant I would be looking at a cruise.  On a whim, Sue and I (and our young – at the time – son) decided to join them.

We spent two weeks in Europe, ticking off stops on my parents’ bucket list, and creating memories to last a lifetime.  Those memories became that much more cherished when my dad died a few months later.

My mom and dad did some travelling before my dad died, and they always did lots of things with their kids, and their grandchildren.  However, it’s fair to say that with my dad having passed away in his mid 60s, there were many trips not yet taken, and many memories not created.  My mom has carried on, and bravely created her own memories, and realized yet more ticks for her own bucket list.  But it often feels like there is an empty seat – even this many years later.

I learned many things from my dad, but perhaps the most important lesson is to do the things you want to do, with the people that are important to you… and do those things NOW. 

For many of us, travel is one of those critically important things.  As Sue and I transition through middle age (where time is infinite), and more towards retirement and grand-parenting age (where you have more leisure time, but are unsure of HOW MUCH of it you’ll get), we’re looking closely at our own bucket list.

Because we’re in the travel-trade, we are fortunate to get many travel opportunities.  What has become more urgent is travelling with our family and close friends while everyone is able to do so.

I have a few years yet before I reach the age my dad was when he passed away.  I plan to live longer than he was able to, but I don’t control that, so my goal now is to create those memories with important people without delay. 

Because when your number’s up, it’s up.

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Today I thought I’d highlight trips that would be great for multi-generational groups.  The floating amusement parks that operate out of Florida do a great job of this.  However, instead of highlighting those, I picked four trips that I think my dad would have really liked to have done with his kids and grandchildren if he’d had the chance to do so:

ALASKA

1. 7-nights round-trip from Vancouver in July 2023 on board Celebrity Eclipse. 
2. This ship has children’s and teens’ programming, so there are activities and designated places for them on the ship.
3. Visit Icy Strait Point (and experience the world’s longest zip-line), Juneau (to go dog-sledding at the top of the glacier), Hubbard Glacier (to watch the tide-water glacier calve into the sea), Ketchikan (to take in a logger’s show).
4. Extend your stay in Vancouver for a few days, and take in the West Coast vibe, go for a walk in the rainforest, or just hang out on the beach. 
5. Balcony rooms start at $1250 per person.  Four departures in July 2023

LOWER MISSISSIPPI CRUISE

1. 7-nights between Memphis and New Orleans in March 2023.
2. This is an opportunity to share the history, culture, food, and music of the American South with your kids and/or grandchildren.
3. The American Queen has adjoining inside and balcony rooms – making this a great option for families and multi-generational groups.
4. Fare includes pre-cruise hotel night, unlimited shore excursions, open bar, and wifi on the ship.  Fares in March 2023 start at $2199 per person.
5. This one is pure Americana – and paddle wheelers are really cool!  You can take your kids to the engine room to check out how it all works.

MEDITERRANEAN ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAILING SHIP!

1. 12-days between Rome and Venice in August 2023.
2. Expose your kids and/or grandchildren to the ancient Roman ruins, Greek ruins, the spectacular shoreline of Croatia and Montenegro, as well as everything that Rome and Venice have to offer.
3. You’ll travel on the 225 passenger Royal Clipper.  On board, you can help the crew trim the sails, or use the water sports platform right on the ship.  This one has all the charms of a small sailing vessel, but with cruise ship amenities like a pool, spa, library, and fitness center. 
4. Depart Aug 1, 2023 from Rome starting at $3070 per person.

EGYPT

1. 12-days round-trip from Cairo in December 2023.
2. Visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Valley of the Kings, go sand dune boarding, and take a felucca boat ride on the Nile. 
3. On three sailings in December, there will be specific activities planned for children both on board the ship, and ashore – including the opportunity to meet some local children. 
4. You’ll visit 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip – each with unique perspectives for children and teens.
5. Depart December 16, 23, or 30 (2023) starting at $6399 per person.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02CPCtU2YT25ouhPtR2porXnj7eRm61U9YxaCXsBfxF7643J6kshKjiZ1zE3Qys4ECl

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

A couple of weeks ago, a bunch State Government Attorneys General (38 of them!) petitioned Congress to allow them to punish the airlines for their bad behavior.  On the surface, this looks like a good idea, and it likely has overwhelming political appeal.  

I’m not sure it will make any difference.

The airlines in the United States were deregulated in the late 1970s, and it’s been a bit of free-for-all ever since.  It is tempting to believe that tightening regulation will improve the insult that air travel has become.

However, consider the fact that the Europeans (and just about every other advanced economy), has far more stringent airline regulations than we have, and they are struggling too. 

Closer to home, Canada (with whom we exchange more air traffic than anyone) has strong consumer protection regulation for airline customers, and their two largest carriers (Air Canada and Westjet), both had performance records WORSE than American, Delta and United at the peak of the summer’s air travel woes.

I am not opposed to better regulation… I’m simply stating that people will be disappointed if they think that alone will remedy all that ails the industry.

So, what do we do?

In the longer term, we should seriously examine the regulatory framework for air travel.  We should also pressure the airlines to tell us how they are going to self-correct out of the current mess.  We also need to give the labor market time to return to normal (we are still recovering from the pandemic in this regard).  For domestic and Canadian travel, we should also encourage much better train service.  Compared to what the Europeans are doing on the rails, North America is second-rate and third world.

In the short term, we’re going to have to put up with frequent schedule changes, lost luggage, and flight delays.  Here’s my attempt at an Airline Survival Guide (to be used until further notice):

Expect Problems – and be pleasantly surprised when it goes well.  I’m a bit baffled by people who have been surprised by their air-related disasters in the past few months.  This is a well-known problem, and you are not exempt.  For the record, your favorite airline is statistically just as bad as the airline you hate.

Build in Buffers – Get to the airport early and take a book to read if you end up in a long line.  If you’re boarding a ship, go at least one day early.  The relatively small price of a hotel will save you a lot of stress.

Get TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, or Nexus – Ideally you would have this already, because there are delays to getting these right now.  If you leave the country once a year, then one of these programs is worth it.

Pack Light – ideally go with carry-on luggage only.  Wear your most bulky clothes, and pack light clothes that you can easily wash while you’re away.

Ship Your Luggage – if you’re unable to pack light, there are awesome services that will ship your bags to your destination (or to a cruise ship).

Consider Premium Economy or Business Class – the extra space on the plane is nice, but when you pay more, you also get priority service at airport check-in, screening, and lounge access if you take a delay.  It will cost more, but for some people the value is definitely there.

Get a Hotel and Wait for the Airline to Sort it out if things go horribly wrong.  If you booked flights through a cruise line, call the cruise line while you’re standing in the airline’s queue, so you can hedge your bets.

Use an Electronic Kiosk or Airline App for rescheduling flights when you’re in transit.  For example, we were flying through Frankfurt in the summer and our plane arrived late enough that we missed the connection.  Rather than stand in Lufthansa’s line-up (that was 20 deep), we punched our reservation code into one of their self-serve kiosks, and it spat out 2 new boarding passes for the next flight to our destination.  People don’t like to hear this, but often the best course of action when you miss a plane is to do nothing and simply wait for the airline to reschedule your flight.

Have Trip Interruption Insurance – if you lose a bag, or if you have to overnight unexpectedly, it nice to have someone else pay for.  You can chase the airline to compensate you, but don’t count on getting much action in any timely fashion.

Use Air Tags – half the problem when your bags go missing is not having any idea where they are.  Apple Air Tags can allow you to direct the airline as to where to look for your bags (ie: look downstairs at THIS airport, OR please get someone at my home airport to put my bags on the next plane).  Ideally the airline would already know this (but they often don’t).

Don’t be a Jackass.  Airline employees are at their limit – there’s not enough of them, and ones that do show up are overworked.  Be mad at their bosses if you want, but the best way to make sure you’ll get NO discretionary effort is to be nasty to the front-line employees.

Bob and I have flown 6 times so far this year (twice domestically and four times internationally), and we haven’t yet lost any bags, and only had one significant flight delay.  There is some luck involved here, but statistically airline on-time departure performance is above 80%.  This is still horrible, but it does mean you have a 4 out of 5 chance of getting to where you’re supposed to be on time. 

The only thing I know for sure is that this is NOT a problem that will be solved quickly – so plan accordingly.

Today’s Travel Opportunities

People have been asking about things coming up in the next few months, for here’s a few ideas if you want to travel in a specific month:

NOVEMBER 2022

Douro River (Portugal/Spain) with Uniworld

1. 7-nights round-trip from Porto.  Extensions to Lisbon available.
2. Get the urban experience of Porto; visit the wine making regions in the Douro Valley; check out local archeological sites; explore medieval castles.
3. $4549 per person.  Includes transfers, choices of shore excursions in every port, open bar, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

DECEMBER 2022

Holidays on the Mississippi River with American Queen Voyages

1. 7-nights between New Orleans and Memphis.  Package includes pre-cruise hotel night, and flights from most major gateways
2. Visit Helena, Vicksburg, Natchez, St. Francisville, Baton Rouge & the Nottoway Plantation.
3. $3098 per person for a veranda room.  Includes all taxes & fees, round-trip air, shore excursions in every port, open bar, and wifi on the ship.

JANUARY 2023

Antarctic Explorer with Viking Expedition

1. 13-days from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.  Includes flights from the US.
2. $14,995 per person.  Includes all taxes & fees, air, transfers, landing/shore excursion at each port, beer/wine with meals, speciality dining, kayaks, zodiacs, expedition gear.

FEBRUARY 2023

Carnivale in Rio with Azamara

1. 15-nights round-trip from Buenos Aires.  This allows you to visit Rio during Carnivale and stay on board a ship instead of a pricey hotel.  It’s also easier to fly in and out of Buenos Aires.
2. Visit Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Sao Paulo, Ilhabela (Brazil), Parati (Brazil), Rio de Janeiro (3 days), Punta del Este (Uruguay)
3. Prices from $2599 per person (window), or $3999 pp (veranda)
4. Includes open bar, gratuities, some shore events, and wifi on the ship.

MARCH 2023

Panama Canal and South America with Viking

1. 18-days from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago, Chile
2. Visit Cozumel, Colon, Panama Canal (full transit), Manta (Ecuador), Lima, Iquique (Chile)
3. Prices start at $9995 per person.  Includes round-trip flights, all taxes & fees, transfers, shore excursion in every port, open bar, and wifi on the ship.

Caribbean with Oceania

1. 10-days round-trip Miami
2. Visit Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Barts, Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Kitts,
3. Prices start at $3199 per person (window) and $3599 pp (veranda).

APRIL 2023

Great Lakes and Niagara with Viking

1. 7-nights between Toronto and Milwaukee
2. Visit Niagara Falls, Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena (MI), Mackinac Island
3. $5995 per person.  Includes all taxes/fees, air, transfers, open bar, an excursion in every port, wifi on the ship.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid02K8PiksFFt7S4DgDApqyQ65JpELyUWNXtowBZ15HVLCF4NqxCzyDDjnp2EMYgYSyTl

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