Many of you have been inquiring about Alaska recently, so I thought it was time to comment about this.  There is a lot of demand for Alaska in 2022, partly because it was mostly unavailable to us in 2020 and 2021, and partly because it is logistically easier than travelling overseas, which is especially appealing this year.

All the cruise lines operate in Alaska, and they broadly fall into three categories:

Mass-Market – these are the big-ship lines, and the cheapest way to visit Alaska.  These trips offer a more ‘standard’ experience – but the scenery and wildlife in Alaska are spectacular regardless of how you get there.

Just about all the mass market cruise itineraries visit Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

Several of the big-ship lines have excellent packages for Alaska. Princess is one of those lines, and for the next two weeks, they’re offering an extra incentive for those including Denali in their trip (more on that below).

Expedition – If you want to get off beaten path, and get out in zodiac boats, kayaks, or maybe just do some light hiking in Alaska, an expedition ship might be more appropriate.  These itineraries tend to go where the other ships in Alaska DON’T go, and the onboard experience is closer to the luxury offerings.

You can experience an expedition cruise on the Ocean Victory, American Queen Voyages’ new ship.  Other examples of expedition cruise lines in Alaska include UnCruise Adventures and Hurtigruten.

Luxury Small Ship – Many parts of Alaska can only be accessed by ship, and the small-ship luxury lines appeal to those who want to see this incredible part of the world, but don’t see themselves fitting into either of the two categories above and/or may not consider themselves to be ‘cruisers’.  These cruise lines are all-inclusive, and the quality of food, service and amenities exceeds those found at the world’s best hotels.  They are also remarkably casual (especially in Alaska).  It seems that those who are ready, willing, and able to pay for a higher quality product don’t like to play dress-up.

Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas are three examples of Luxury small ships that visit Alaska.

After you’ve chosen which one of those three cruise types is best for you, there are other decisions to made.  Choosing amongst all the options in Alaska is a bit like Lithuanian language lessons, so here’s a Cheat Sheet:

WHEN?   The tourist season runs from late April through to early October, and there is no “best” time to visit, just a series of trade-offs:

• April, May and early June have lots of daylight hours, are usually light on rain, and fewer crowds.  If you are going to Denali, it is also possible you won’t be able to get all the way into the depths of the park until the beginning of June.
• June, July, and August have reliable weather (although the further north you go, the more subject to rain you are starting in July).  There are also more crowds, and you’ll find it to be a bit more expensive in these months.
• September and October things get a bit quieter again, but the later in the season you go, the fewer daylight hours you get, and you are more subject to rain and colder weather.

CRUISE, LAND, or BOTH?  You can do round-trip cruises out of Seattle or Vancouver, but those trips only go halfway up the coast.  This might be fine if you’re just looking for a taste of Alaska, but many people who do these cruises vow to return to see the rest of the state, especially Denali National Park.  If you’re going to go to the time and expense of visiting Alaska, I recommend doing a cruise with a land extension to Denali National Park (and including other points if you have time).

NORTHBOUND or SOUTHBOUND?  If you’re not doing one of the round-trip cruises, the endpoints of your trip will be in Anchorage or Fairbanks in the north, and Seattle or Vancouver in the south.  It’s a matter of personal opinion as to which is preferable but remember that the northern end of the trip involves a much longer flight.  Vancouver is closer to Mexico than it is to Anchorage and flying from Seattle to Fairbanks or Anchorage takes about 4 hours.  You’ll want to consider whether that longer day of air travel should be pre-vacation or on your way home.

LENGTH OF TRIP?  There really aren’t any Alaskan cruises shorter than 7 nights because of the huge distance you are covering.  The land extensions are an additional 3 days to 8 days.  If you’re going to Denali, keep in mind it is about an 8 hours trip by train or motor coach from the port, and the park itself is larger than Massachusetts.  If you choose a 3-day land extension, plan on spending most of that time on a bus just getting to and from the park.  The most common land extension is 5 nights, which makes for a more comfortable pace.

SEATTLE or VANCOUVER?  Both these cities are spectacular in their own way, but logistically, they are very similar.  Vancouver has a larger cruise ship port and airport, but Seattle is better served for domestic flights.  In both cases you will need a passport.  These two cities are only about 100 miles apart, so this should be your last criteria, after you’ve decided on all the ones above.

Here are today’s travel opportunities with an example of each of the three modes of cruise ship travel mentioned above.

Princess Cruises – with Denali Extension
Princess is the largest operator in Alaska, and they own and operate 5 lodges on land in Alaska.  We visited all the Princess and Holland America Alaska Lodges in 2018.  Here’s a link to our YouTube Playlist on those lodges:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVEZh4TwDNnSFedD8FOItXHe
There are about 2 dozen different land-sea combinations on Princess, so here is ONE example that I’ve selected to highlight because I believe it allows you to see the 49th State very well.

12-day Denali Explorer

• Departing Vancouver on May 11th, 2022 with 7-nights aboard the ship, followed by 5-nights at Princess Alaska Lodges.
• Visits Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Whitter, train to McKinley for 2-nights, Denali for 2-nights, Fairbanks for 1-night.
• Inside cabins from $1809 per person.  Balcony cabins from $2609 per person.

The current Princess promotion makes this even more compelling:

• Inclusions: Open bar on the ship, gratuities, Wi-Fi, stateroom upgrade, and one night of speciality dining.
• Book by Jan. 27th and you also get meals in the lodges during your 5-nights land extension!  Normally, you are on your own for your meals at the Alaska lodges.  This perk is worth several hundred dollars in additional value, and we don’t often see Princess include this in their offer.

This is an extremely cost-effective way to see Alaska, but remember, you must book by January 27th.
 
Ocean Victory
If an expedition cruise to Alaska is more your speed, there’s a new player in Alaska this season: the brand-new Ocean Victory, a ship making its inaugural voyage in May 2022.  This ship is state of art, and holds only 186 guests, so it is more like a river boat that’s designed to operate on the ocean.  The beauty of travelling on such a small ship means you’ll visit smaller, out-of-the-way places the larger ships can’t reach… meaning you’ll get to experience the beauty of Alaska without the crowds.

Don’t let the word ‘expedition’ intimidate you.  You can choose your own adventures – guided walking tours, whale watching, zodiac trips… or simply sightseeing if that’s what you happen to feel like.

All Ocean Victory sailings include one night pre-cruise hotel, unlimited guided tours and expeditions, open bar, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi on the ship.  Here’s an example:

Vancouver to Sitka (or reverse) over 12 or 13 days starting at $4699 per person

• Sail the Inside Passage, visit Kynoch Inlet, Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Misty Fjords National Monument, Wrangell, Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Petersburg, Tracy Arm (for tidewater Glacier viewing), Kake and Frederick.  The fact you may not have heard of many of these places is a testament to the uniqueness of this Alaska itinerary.
• 2022 Departures at this price on May 6, May 27, June 17, Sep 9.  Similar pricing in July and August.

SilverSea
If you want to try small-ship luxury in Alaska, then the 388 guest Silver Shadow is great choice.  Here’s an example:

• Depart Anchorage on August 18th, 2022 for 7-nights bound for Vancouver.
• Visit Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan
• All staterooms on the Silver Shadow are suites
• Price includes shore excursions, open bar, gratuities, and Wi-Fi on the ship.

SilverSea has two pricing structures:

• Port to Port fares for this cruise start at $3350 per person
• Door to Door fares (from $5200 per person) also include the ride from your house to your departure airport, your round-trip flights, and your transfer to the ship for $5200 per person.

Regardless of which price you choose, you’ll get an additional $300 per person on board credit by booking through me. 

One final note:  If Alaska is on your list for 2022, it is much more sold out than it normally would be at this point.  There is still reasonable availability, but we’re seeing it get more filled up weekly. 

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3185255838423575

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

Do you remember Karl Malden advising us all about American Express Traveller’s Checks? “Don’t leave home without them!!”

We were asked recently what type of travellers’ cheques (that’s how it’s actually spelled!) are best for use in Europe.  I can only assume that this person hadn’t done much international travel in the past couple of decades.  Yes… travellers’ checks do still exist, but there are much more convenient ways to take money abroad. 

Here are a few ideas if you see yourself travelling overseas in the next year or two:

• Internationally, Euros and US Dollars (and to a lesser degree British Pound Sterling) are well recognized.  You should check where you’re going as to which of these currencies is going to serve you the best.  For the purposes of this conversation, we’ll talk about Europe (but most of these suggestions largely apply to Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and most of the Caribbean Islands).
• In Europe, quite obviously, the Euro is preferred over the US dollar.
• You have two choices for paying for things in Europe (travellers’ checks notwithstanding):  credit cards, or cash.

Cash

• Cash is not all that necessary – Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, and you can use them just about anywhere.  More on that below.
• Too much cash – The biggest mistake most people make is taking too much currency.  I normally buy about 100 Euros of currency before I leave home, and then top up at ATMs if needed when I’m abroad.  Even though public safety in Europe is excellent, it not a good idea to be carrying huge wads of cash anywhere – and it’s not necessary.
• Plan ahead – Here at home, at some smaller banks, you may need to call ahead to get Euros, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
• Get small bills – Most often, I find I use cash for tips, so small bills are preferable.  I use my credit card for everything else.
• Get used to coins – the smallest printed currency note in Europe is 5 Euros (worth about $6 US) so you need to get used to carrying more change.  I take a small zippered coin purse so I don’t lose coins (Bob takes a small plastic container – remember the ones we used to use for camera film)?.  And yes… it feels strange at first to tip a tour guide 3 Euros using coins but remember that is our bias – they don’t care.
• Multiple currencies? — The Euro is in use in 19 countries in Europe, but if you find yourself in Switzerland, Hungary, or the Czech Republic (for example), these countries have their own currencies.  Do you need cash for each of them?  It really depends how long you’re staying.  If you’re just there for a day or two, you can get away without it – they will take Euros, you just won’t get the best exchange rate, and they’ll make change in the local currency.  You can use your credit card quite easily in any of the three countries I mention above.  If I’m finishing a cruise in Switzerland, for example, and am staying on for a couple of days, I don’t usually bother buying Swiss Francs. 
• Excess foreign currency – If you’re flying home tomorrow, and you look in your wallet and find way too much currency, there’s a few things you can do:
  • Pay part of your hotel bill with local cash, and the balance on your credit card.
  • Buy something at the airport (although that can sometimes be a gouge)
  • Sell local currency for US dollars to a local exchange bureau (maybe at the airport).  You won’t get a great rate, but it will still be far better than what you’ll get if you sell Euros back to the bank at home in the US.
  • Save it for your next trip
  • If you just have a handful of lower value coins left, most international airlines will take them from you, and donate to a charity.
• ATMs – Cash machines are everywhere in Europe.  I look for the ones that are affiliated with my bank at home in the hope that it will minimize the fees.  This is example of why you’ll want to talk to your bank before you leave.  I also prefer use an ATM that is in-branch at the larger European banks, and avoid those private kiosk machines that you find at convenience stores.

Credit Cards

• ForEx Fees – Different credit cards have different fees for foreign transactions, so make sure you understand that prior to departure.  You’ll want to skim the 80-page document that accompanied your new credit card.  Or maybe you’ll just want to call them and ask.
• Notify Your Credit Card Provider – Make sure you inform your credit card company in advance of your trip that you’re going to be overseas.  There is nothing worse than getting to a foreign country and having your only credit card declined.
• Leave your Diner’s Club card at home:  In Europe the two most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard.  I take one of each (in case I have trouble with one).  Amex is accepted in many places, but not as many as the other two.
• Know your credit card PIN – In the US, we lag other advanced economies in the adoption of chip card readers with PIN (personal identification number).  Make sure you know your PIN – many vendors overseas no longer have outdated swiping technology at their point of sale.
• Pay in Local Currency — In Europe, you sometimes have a choice when paying by credit card to pay in US dollars or the local currency.  ALWAYS pick the local currency.  If you choose US dollars, you end up paying the exchange differential twice.

Here’s today’s travel opportunities

Hurtigruten Central America

Ever wonder what happens to expedition ships between the Arctic and Antarctic seasons?  In the case of Hurtigruten, they do some interesting itineraries at the lower latitudes. 

Here’s the details:

• SHIP:  Roald Amundsen – This is the world’s first hybrid electric cruise ship.  She holds 525 people when fully loaded.  Here’s a link to our YouTube ship tour video, if you want more details: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0
• Board in Punta Arenas, Costa Rica, on April 20, 2022
• Visit 2 ports in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and finish in San Diego.
• 13-days with fares from $4006 per person.
• If you want to get out after 9 days in Puerto Vallarta, fares start at $2869 per person.
• There is an expedition team on board, if you want to go out in the zodiac boats, dabble in the science lab, or go sea kayaking.  You could also just sit by the pool.

Who this will Appeal to:

• Those who are unsure about expedition cruising and would like to give it a try without the commitment of going to the polar regions.
• Those looking for a small ship getaway at a great price
• Those wanting to see some smaller, more out-of-the-way places in Pacific Central America

Azamara Caribbean

Azamara is a small-ship cruise line, with a focus on their itineraries.  They tend to go to places not often frequented by cruise ships, and the fare includes all drinks, as well as gratuities.  For example:

• Round-trip Miami for 12-nights
• Visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, and British Virgin Islands
• Depart February 2 OR 22
• Verandas from $2699 per person.  Suites from $3899 pp.

Who this will appeal to:

• People who want to try a small ship line (Azamara ships hold 680 guests when fully loaded).
• People who need some sun

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3179421645673661

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’ve learned anything in the past two years, it’s that I DON’T want to be in the prediction business.  I’m sure I remember writing sometime in March of 2020, that we expected things to be “back to normal” by July (of that same year!). 

However, people resumed travelling in the middle of 2021, and based on the requests we get, there are some patterns evolving for 2022.  I want to share my interpretation of these patterns to help you understand the considerations you need to be aware of if you’re planning travel for 2022. 

To illustrate the point, I went looking this week for space for a Lower Mississippi cruise the last week of September 2022, and it was 100% sold out already!  So, the high demand for some travel products is very real. 

Based on current booking trends, and the inquiries we receive, here’s some insight as to how travel in 2022 is shaping up:

ALASKA:  After being closed in 2020, and an abbreviated season in 2021, there is a lot of demand for the 49^th State.  The good news is that several new ships will be in the market in 2022, and the small ship and expedition lines are moving away from the crowded, more manufactured ports, so you can visit some unique, smaller places. 

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND:  These two countries have been essentially closed to visitors for two years, and people are ready to return.  We’re expecting a full season in 2022/23.  Interestingly, we’re seeing lots of interest in the repositioning cruises at the beginning and end of the season (October & March), that enable you to fly one way, and ride a ship the other way.  These cruises are usually between 25 and 40 days long, so they are not for everyone.

DOMESTIC RIVER CRUISES:  The Mississippi (and tributaries), as well as the Columbia/Snake Rivers out west are very popular.  The standard trip is the Lower Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis, but there several itineraries that take you as far north as Minneapolis, Chicago, or Pittsburgh, and each river has its own distinctive charms.  The Columbia River cruises take you between Portland OR, and Spokane WA, and are spectacular for scenery, waterfalls, volcanoes, and wineries. 

CANADA & MEXICO:  I guess proximity counts when you’re travelling in a pandemic, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in both these destinations.  There is no doubt that both these countries have lots to offer, and you’re not subject to an overseas flight.  In Canada, cruises on the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence Seaway are very popular, and the Pacific side of Mexico is seeing a resurgence in popularity.

There are two other trends that are not location specific:

1. Longer Trips – I suppose this make sense, given that PCR tests and extra paperwork is required when you leave the country whether you’re gone for a day or a month.  We’re seeing many more requests for two-, three-, and four-week trips, as opposed to a week or 10-days.
2. Paying for Upgrades – This might be partially driven by the fact that people earmarked a specific amount for travel in 2020 and 2021, and then didn’t get to spend it.  Upgraded air, cruise ship staterooms, and high-end hotel stays are more in demand now than we’ve seen previously.

Finally – and this probably goes without saying – a condition of travelling through to the end of 2022 will almost certainly include the trifecta conditions of proof of vaccination, negative covid tests, and masks in indoor spaces.  We are sometimes asked when these requirements will be relaxed, and we don’t know (and neither does anyone else).  For planning purposes, I would count on these conditions being in place through to the end of 2022.  The trajectory covid takes will determine whether things happen sooner or later than that. 

Here’s today’s travel opportunities

American Queen Voyages Year End Sale

American Queen is offering up to $1000 per person off select sailings next year.  Here’s some examples:

• Mississippi between New Orleans and Memphis
  • Departures in December 2022:
    • Inside:   $1199 per person
    • Window:  $2599 per person
    • Veranda:  $2799 per person
• Columbia River between Portland OR, and Spokane WA
  • Departures in June:
    • Window:  $3499 pp
    • Veranda:  $3599 pp
  • Departures in October/November:
    • Window:  $3049 pp
    • Veranda:  $3149 pp

All depatures above are 9-day packages and the prices already include the discouunt.  Remember that all American Queen Voyages include a hotel night prior to embarkation, unlimited shore excursions, an open bar, and wifi on the ship. 

The American Queen Voyages Year-End Sale ends January 4^th. 

Great Value on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Sometimes the best time to book trips abroad is when the news headlines are discouraging others.  We’re seeing some compelling value for Uniworld’s European river cruises in 2022.  Here’s a few examples:

• 7-night Danube River between Bavaria and Budapest
  • From $2199 per person in March/April
  • From $3699 per person July/August
• 7-night Rhine River between Amsterdam and Basel
  • From $2199 pp in March/April/May
  • From $3199 pp in July/August
• 7-night Po River round trip from Venice, Italy
  • From $2299 pp in April/May
  • From $2499 pp in July/August

We can get you an additional $200 per person on board credit on any of the above Uniworld cruises.  Uniworld always includes airport transfers, gratuities, an open bar, choice of shore excursions in every port, and wifi on the ship.  To get these prices, we need to place a courtesy hold on a stateroom for you by December 31^st. 

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3174660126149813

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

Remember a couple of years ago when single use plastic straws were the root of all evil?

To be clear, I think that minimizing the use of anything “single use” (i.e. disposable) is an improvement, but I find the singular focus on that one small part of sustainability to be more than a little self-defeating.

As it relates to the travel trade, we need to view sustainability in the broadest of terms, and we also need to have a long-term view. 

Before the pandemic, there was a great deal of legitimate discussion about the perils of over-tourism.  The pandemic taught us that under-tourism is equally as large a problem, so simply stopping tourism is not a viable solution.

I would suggest there are three aspects to sustainable tourism, and travel vendors will have to address all three of these things if they want to attract discerning travellers.

Cultural Sustainability – To what degree are local traditions and cultures maintained and enhanced because of tourism?  Will local customs be respected and taught to visitors, or will American and Western norms be imposed on the local populations?  This is a delicate balancing act.

Economic Sustainability – We learned during the pandemic how powerful a tool tourism is for the redistribution of wealth.  There is no doubt many of us struggled through the pandemic, but the economic pain was many times greater in developing economies that are more dependent upon tourism.  Approximately one in five jobs globally is dependent on travel and tourism.   Sustainability leaders in the travel industry leave a higher percentage of wealth in local communities we visit. 

Ecological Sustainability – We absolutely need to be better custodians of the planet if we want to continue to enjoy all that she offers.  This is about much more than plastic straws through.  One simple, yet meaningful action forward-thinking travel suppliers have taken is to provide guests with refillable water bottles to eliminate the use of single use plastic bottles.  It is these types of simple solutions we need to continue to look for in order to travel in a responsible way. 

We need to play the long game in all three of these aspects of sustainability.  Travel and tourism can be done in a way that strengthens local communities and minimizes ecological impacts. 

We just need to think bigger than eliminating plastic straws.

Here’s today’s travel opportunities

Viking Cruises is at it again, throwing in FREE FLIGHTS on some of their cruises.  Here are a few examples:

In Search of the Northern Lights (Norwegian Coast)

• 13-days between London and Bergen, Norway
• Visit Stavanger, Bodo, Tromso, Alta, and Narvik.  This is a Norwegian Coast cruise, so you stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
• March 2022 departures at $5299 per person with Free Flights.

Holland and Belgium

• 10-days between Amsterdam and Antwerp.  This cruise is perfect for those who’ve already sailed the Rhine and Danube and are looking to explore a different part of Western Europe by river boat. 
• Visit Hoorn, Dordrecht & Rotterdam, Kinderdijk, Wesel, Nijmegen, Maastricht.
• June, July, or August 2022 departures at $3599 per person with Free Flights.

Australia & New Zealand. 

• OK – this one isn’t free air, but it is reduced.  We’ve been forced to miss the past two seasons “Down Under”, so these cruises for next season will sell out very quickly.
• 15-days between Sydney and Auckland.
• Visit Melbourne, Tasmania, Foveaux Strait, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua.
• December 2022 departures at $6999 per person with $999 Flights.

Book your Viking trip through the Pampered Cruiser and receive an additional $100 per person onboard credit.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3165264583756034

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

Nearly two years later, we’re (unbelievably) still talking about this thing called “covid-19”.  Most of us are watching the news with a critical eye and some sense of déjà vu. 

We’ve been fielding a number of questions lately, so I thought I’d address those directly.  Please remember we don’t own a crystal ball, and much like all of you, we’re trying to make sense of the current situation as best we can with the information available. 

Q. Will the world ever return to normal?

A. Yes… but it’s going to take longer than any of us want.  It appears that 2022 will have many of the same travel conditions as the second half of 2021.

Q. Are cruise ships safe?

A. Cruise ships are running at reduced capacities and only permitting fully vaccinated travellers. They are testing guests and crew prior to boarding, and in some cases throughout a voyage.  Masks are required in confined areas, and high trafficked areas are being disinfected hourly.  There are long lists of other risk mitigating measures if you care to look it up.  Compare those measures to those of your local grocery store, or any hotel you might stay at, and then make your own determination as to whether ships are safe. 

Q. Will I have to wear a mask?

A. Yes – you will be wearing a mask to fly until further notice.  In Europe (and just about all other travel destinations) masks are required in any indoor space. 

Q. Why would I travel now?

A. That is a personal decision that everyone must make for themselves.  Our clients who have travelled in the past six month have overwhelmingly reported positive experiences, although they do acknowledge the extra hoops to be jumped through, and small hiccups along the way.

Q. What are these “hoops” and “hiccups”?

A. Travellers abroad need to provide proof of full vaccination, have a negative test result in advance of travel, and fill out some extra paperwork.  The specific requirements vary by destination.  Most people report this to be more annoying than onerous, and easily completed.  In terms of “hiccups”:  airlines cancel flights, hotels and travel providers are still hiring and retraining staff, and there are supply chain shortages that are not resolved yet.  Again, our clients report these things to be minor.  If you’re expecting perfection, you need to stay at home – for at least another year.

Q. Can I buy insurance for covid-related risk?

A. Yes – but you are well advised to speak with a professional insurance broker who can offer advice and guidance, as well as answer your specific questions about such matters.  Be advised that if you buy your insurance from the cruise lines, you’ll be provided with a copy of the policy, but advice and interpretation is not offered unless you phone the insurance company directly.

Q. Are the closures in Austria and Bavaria an indication of things to come?

A. I don’t think so, although I hesitate to make any predictions.  It is worth noting that both Austria and Germany have far lower overall infection and death rates per capita than we have here.  I think the recent temporary closure simply demonstrates they are more cautious.

Q. Will Australia and New Zealand open soon?

A. Yes – although it will be a slow opening for this season.  While these two countries have overall done very well battling the pandemic, their vaccine rollout was delayed, so it is taking more time for them to return to regular travel and tourism.

Q. Are Alaska and Hawaii open?

A. Both states have aligned their entry requirements with the lower 48, so they are available for travel. There is still some friction around rental cars, for example, but they are good domestic options for those wishing to stay closer to home for the next few months.  The Alaska summer season is much more booked up than it is normally this far in advance, and all Alaska cruises for 2022 will require proof of vaccination and a passport (there will be foreign port stops).

Here’s today’s travel opportunities

ALASKA

There’s a new player in Alaska this season: the brand-new Ocean Victory, a ship making its inaugural voyage in May 2022.  This ship is state of art, and holds only 186 guests, so it is more like a river boat that’s designed to operate on the ocean.  The beauty of travelling on such a small ship means you’ll visit smaller, out-of-the-way places the larger ships can’t reach… meaning you’ll get to experience the beauty of Alaska without any crowds.

All Ocean Victory sailings include one night pre-cruise hotel, unlimited guided tours and expeditions, open bar, specialty dining, and wifi on the ship:

• Vancouver to Sitka (or reverse) over 12 or 13 days starting at $3699 per person ($1000 off)
• Sail the Inside Passage, visit Kynoch Inlet, Ketchikan, Metlakatla, Misty Fjords National Monument, Wrangell, Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Petersburg, Tracy Arm (for tidewater Glacier viewing), Kake and Frederick.  The fact you may not have heard of many of these places is a testament to the uniqueness of this Alaska itinerary.
• Departures at this price on May 6, May 27, June 27, Sep 9, Sep 19.  Similar pricing in July and August.

Given the inclusions on Ocean Victory, on a per-day basis, this is close to what you’d pay to be on a megaship, fighting crowds of thousands of others through “manufactured” ports.  This is the perfect chance to see the real Alaska on a small, brand-new ship. 

REGENT SEVEN SEAS – Caribbean

If you prefer a warm weather cruise, then we’re seeing some interesting pricing on Regent right now.  Regent is truly all-inclusive, and when you calculate the value of those inclusions, it really puts the cruises mentioned below in the same price range as much larger mass-market ships:

• Miami round-trip for 7-nights departing February 14.  Veranda suites starting at $3799 per person.
• Port stops at Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Cozumel.  Even if you’ve been to these ports before, this is a great opportunity to try out the small ship luxury experience.

Regent has the following inclusions that I welcome you to assign your own value to:

• Round trip Air ($300 – $600)
• All taxes and fees (usually about $200 on a one-week cruise)
• Transfers ($50 – $75)
• Unlimited shore excursions ($300 – $400 – 4 ports of call at $75 – $100 per excursion)
• Unlimited open bar ($35 – $70/day = $250 – $500 for the week)
• Gratuities ($140 for the week)

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

Uniworld extended its Picture-Perfect Savings event, so we’re seeing some compelling value for river cruises in 2022.  Here’s a few examples:

• 7-night Danube River between Bavaria and Budapest
  • From $2199 in March/April
  • From $3699 in July/August
• 7-night Rhine River between Amsterdam and Basel
  • From $2199 in March/April/May
  • From $3199 in July/August
• 7-night Po River round trip from Venice, Italy
  • From $2299 in April/May
  • From $2499 in July/August

Book through our agency and you’ll get an additional $200 per person on board credit on any of the above Uniworld cruises.

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3160298460919313

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