I recently experienced my first Tauck River Cruise, and I was extremely impressed.

Maybe you saw my Facebook posts about the trip.  If not, you can easily find these 6 posts by searching for #pctauck on Facebook.

I was one of a handful of travel agents selected to attend “Tauck Academy” which took place during this trip. 

Now that I’m a Tauck Certified agent, all Tauck guests booked through our agency will receive a complimentary hotel night before or after your trip (your choice).  Tauck works only with the best hotels, so this is a valuable perk!

Tauck is an American, family owned and operated company that has been dazzling clients since 1925.  This company creates raving fans.  Our clients come back from Tauck vacations thoroughly delighted, and become brand ambassadors.  Tauck offers journeys on LAND in addition to river cruises and small ship cruises.

Bob and I are first and foremost cruise specialists, but our clients also take packaged land vacations, and we can help you with these “Land Cruises” as well.  There are thousands of different tour operators out there, but we strategically selected a limited number of top-notch land partners to work with, to ensure you have a top-notch experience on your trip.  Tauck was the first and most obvious choice for a land partner.

Here are the reasons why we chose Tauck as our primary partner on land.

·   High Quality – Tauck tours include top notch hotels, food, and sightseeing. You’ll stay in the best hotels, in prime locations.  For example on US National Parks tours, the lodges where you stay are often INSIDE the parks. The excursions are high quality too. You won’t be dragged around with 50 others on a typical “death-shuffle” walking tour. 

·   Privileged Access.  Tauck excursions take you behind the scenes, to places not accessible to the public.  They also avoid the crowds by visiting popular sites before or after hours.  Have you ever been to a major tourist attraction with thousands of others standing in a line? Imagine what it would be like with a Tauck group instead! You’ll see the world differently than you could see it on your own.

·   All the Little (and Big) Details are Taken Care Of.  You don’t worry about checking in and out of the hotel, making dinner reservations, or transferring your luggage.  You don’t have to worry about who to tip, or how much, or whether you have the right currency.  You just book your trip and leave the rest up to Tauck.  You are freed up to focus on the fun part, which is looking forward to the trip, and then being completely ‘in the moment’ while you’re travelling (and not distracted by details like making sure you have the right change for a tip). On my river cruise, the Tauck guide even gave us a Euro for the public restroom on our excursion.  Now THAT is detail-oriented!

·   Good Value For Your Vacation Dollars. Our clients don’t choose the cheapest trips.  Instead, they want the best bang for their buck. Tauck provides a higher quality, fully inclusive experience, with all the friction taken out.  If you were to try and replicate a Tauck itinerary on your own, with all the inclusions, you’d end up paying MORE.

·   Pay Once, Because Everything is Included.  Our clients would rather pay more up front, and have everything included, and all the details taken care of.  With Tauck, you pay one upfront price, with no hidden costs, no nickel-and-diming, no surprises, and no ‘optional’ up-sells.  Our clients also like to book and forget, so they appreciate that with Tauck, “the price is the price” and is never discounted.  You can book early and be confident your tour won’t go on sale later.

·   Personal Choices. Even though Tauck is all-inclusive, you’ll still have lots of flexibility to customize and personalize your trip. You can choose the activities and excursions that suit you best. There is also free time built in, so you can relax and spend time as you wish.

·   Experience and reputation. It was important for Bob and I to align ourselves with an experienced business partner we can trust for the long term.  Tauck has been guiding travellers for one hundred years and has received more than 250 awards for quality, innovation, and leadership. They are especially proud to have been honored multiple times by Travel & Leisure’s ‘World’s Best’ Awards, Travel Weekly’s ‘Readers Choice’ Awards, and Conde Nast Traveler ‘Readers’ Choice’ Awards. We are especially impressed by the experience level of their Tour Directors, who average more than 10 years’ experience, and who by all accounts are among the industry’s best.

·   High Guest Satisfaction – Tauck has one of the highest repeat and referral rates in the industry. Once you travel with Tauck, you’ll want to do it again and again and tell your friends! This is important to us as business owners, because we can be confident that if we do our job (i.e. help you select and book your tour), then Tauck will do their job and deliver on the promises we’ve made. Repeat clients are an important part of our business, so a product with a high repeat rate is very attractive from a business point of view.

To summarize, when you choose Tauck, it’s a decision you can feel good about.

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

TAUCK ON THE RIVER

THE BLUE DANUBE from Budapest to Prague for 12-days [This is Tauck’s most popular River Cruise Itinerary]

• Start in Budapest for 2 nights (with extensive sight-seeing in both Buda and Pest), Bratislava, Vienna for 2-nights (with a private visit to a palace), Durnstein (where you’ll visit castles and wineries), Wachau Valley, Linz (for side trips to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov), and Engelhartszell.  Disembark in Vilshofen, and visit Regensburg on your way to Prague for 2-nights where you’ll have a private dinner at Lobkowicz Palace, and get a private tour of the Baroque Library at Strahov Monastery. 
• Departures from April through October from $6790

GERMAN OKTOBERFEST:  Amsterdam to Munich for 10-days in September

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf (to visit local craft breweries), sail the Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg for a beer-paired lunch, Strasbourg, Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus, Lake Konstanz, and then on to Munich for 2 nights for the world’s largest festival!
• 2025: Limited availability on September 17 from $8190.
• 2026:  Departures September 16 and 23.

TAUCK ON THE OCEAN

ITALY & CROATIA for 10 days with departures in June & September

• Start with 2-nights in Venice to see Doge’s Palace, St. Marks, and to enjoy the city scene. Then visit Murano, Korcula (Marco Polo’s birthplace), Krka NP, Split, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj.
• Visit 6 UNESCO sites across 3 countries.
• Departures in June & September from $10,590

GREAT LAKES between Chicago and Toronto for 12-days:

• 2-nights in Chicago, the board the ship (Le Bellot – 184 guests) to visit Muskegon and Holland (Michigan), Mackinac Island, Detroit (for the Henry Ford Museum), Cleveland (for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), traverse the locks of the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls, and 2-nights in cosmopolitan Toronto.
• Departures August 18 or 25 from $10,790.

TAUCK IN REMOTE DESTINATIONS

GALAPAGOS Islands & Machu Picchu for 16 days from Lima to Guayaquil

• Visit Lima for 2-nights to visit its Historical Center (a UNESCO site).  Then fly to Cusco/Sacred valley (in Andes) to see Inca Fortress remains, and take the train to Machu Picchu.  Back to Cusco (fortress visits, ruins, Maras Salt fields, Inca temples, local markets).  Fly to Guayaquil for one night, and then to Baltra and board the Silver Origin for 7-nights aboard to explore the spectacular Galapagos Islands. 
• 2025:  Sold Out
• 2026:  departures in April/May or September/October from $16,990

ALASKA Vancouver to Anchorage for 10 days with departures May through August

• Start at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver and visit Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Gastown.  Board the Silver Moon and visit Ketchikan (to experience the Dungeness Crab at Saxman Village), Juneau (for Mendenhall Glacier, and kayaking), Skagway (for the White Pass Yukon Railway and a dog sledding demonstration), Sitka (for whale watching), Scenic Cruising near Hubbard Glacier (largest one in North America), and a scenic tour of Kenai Peninsula upon disembarkation.  One additional night in Anchorage included before flying home.  
• Departures May through August from $8790

TAUCK LAND TOURS

CLASSIC ITALY from Naples to Venice for 14-days.

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

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

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

TAUCK FOR FAMILIES

Tauck has a whole series of products designed for travelling with children and grandchildren.  The itineraries are especially designed for all ages and generations to enjoy together.

Click here to learn more about Tauck Bridges Family Journeys (they offer Bridges Family River Cruises too!): https://inspires.to/experiences/tauck-bridges-family-journeys-1dgpo

In Case You Missed It:

SHORE EXCURSIONS:  

The tourism boom has caused a shortage of tour guides globally.  Here’s what you can do to avoid some of the irritation resulting from the situation:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/shore-excursion-survival-guide/

MEET THE TEAM:  

Here’s some fun tidbits about those on the Pampered Cruiser team you may have communicated with:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/meet-the-team/

Reminder: VISITING THE UK?

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post: 

EASTERN EUROPE: Perhaps you’ve already travelled the Danube between Bavaria and Budapest.  Or maybe you want to see Eastern Europe (Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania) from the comfort of a riverboat.  Here’s our video blog from our trip there in October:https://youtu.be/-OhF7PSrj0c

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

Much like you, we’ve travelled a lot in the past 12 months.  Between Bob and me, as well as Kim, here’s where our travels have taken us recently:

• Alaska and Yukon (a cruise tour including Denali, Dawson City, and Fairbanks)
• The Danube River between Budapest and Bavaria
• The Galapagos Islands (with time in Quito, and the Ecuadorian Amazon)
• Greece and Turkey including a land trip to Cappadocia (for a balloon ride!)
• The Lower Danube (including Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania (with Transylvania)).
• The Norwegian fjords
• Provence and Lyon in France on the Saone and Rhone rivers.
• The Rhine, Main, and Moselle Rivers between Amsterdam and Nuremberg.  I did this trip in October with Tauck attending their Travel Academy.  It was a privilege to be chosen for this (more than 500 travel advisors applied), and you’ll be hearing lots more from me about this experience this month!)
• Tahiti and French Polynesia

So, our knowledge is especially fresh for these destinations!  

What will influence all of our travel in 2025?  My crystal ball is no clearer than yours, but here are a few thoughts:

EXTERNAL FACTORS that will affect how you travel:

• OVER TOURISM:  We will still be seeking equilibrium between over and under tourism.
• AIR TRAVEL is better than it was, but still a long way from what it should be in terms of reliability and customer service.  It will continue to be the biggest travel complaint.
• POLITICAL:  The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine will continue to impact where we travel.
• VISAS and ETAs will become more of a thing.  As of this week, you’ll need an ETA to visit the UK, and Europe’s not far behind.  See our video: https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk 
• INFLATION:  It seems our economy performed very well in 2024, with hotel and air prices actually declining over 2023, and inflation otherwise averaging about 2.7%.

WHERE You’ll Travel

• CONTINUE TO BE POPULAR:  Australia, Canada (168% higher than last year), Egypt, Iceland, Japan (160% higher than last year), New Zealand, Portugal.
• EMERGING DESTINATIONS: Colombia, Eastern Europe, Newfoundland/Labrador, Thailand, West Africa.
• COOLCATIONS: Canada (Far North), Greenland, Norway.
• LAND CRUISES: Bosnia, Morocco, Pakistan, Tibet.

HOW You’ll Travel

• LONGER DURATION or back to back cruises.  This trend will continue. 
• CRUISE VACATIONS – 3 million more cruisers in 2024 than 2019.  This is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry.  Yachts are up 52%, rivers up 23%, and expeditions are up 19% over 2023. 
• RAIL – Slow travel, with time to take  in the scenery, is growing quickly. 
• INCLUSIONS – You want to pay once, and have as much as possible included.  
• FAMILY TRAVEL – to celebrate milestones, OR just to create memories. 
• UNESCO sites – people have decided these are pretty cool, and are travelling to them.

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Uniworld has custom built and decorated ships specific to the region in which they sail.  Fares include transfers, a choice of shore excursion at each port, an open bar, and gratuities.  They are also offering an early booking bonus of up to 20% for 2026 departures:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2026-early-booking-savings 

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.
• Departures in December 2025 from $6999, and January through May 2026 from $6749.  

Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for 15-days

• Visit Ho Chi Minh City for 2-nights prior to embarking the ship at My Tho, and visit Tien Loi, a local farm in Vinh Long, the fishing village at Sa Dec, Gieng Island, Phnom Penh (to tour the city, and take a tuk-tuk ride), The Killing Fields near Anchor Ban, a children’s school at Wat Hanchey, and disembark at Kampong Cham.  Then spend 3 nights at Siem Reap, and fly to Hanoi for 3 nights. 
• Optional extension to Ha Long Bay for 4 days. 
• Departures in September from $6999.

VENICE & Northern Italy for 7-nights

• Visit Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia.
• Departs every Sunday from April – October from $4399.  This is far more cost-effective than staying in a hotel in Venice for a week.

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

• ADD: 2-nights in Milan
• ADD:  Lugano (Switzerland)  & Lake Como
• ADD: Train to Istanbul.  If you want to add to your country-count, then transfer from the ship to board the train in Venice and stop in Trieste, Ljubljana (Slovenia), Belgrade (Serbia), Montenegro (beaches every bit as spectacular as Greece, but undiscovered), Bulgaria, and 2 nights in Istanbul.
• ADD: Rome 3-nights.  Includes a city tour, and a tour of the Vatican.
• ADD:  Train from Budapest, then visit Vienna, Innsbruck, Zurich, Lake Como, Verona, Trieste, Lake Bled, Ljubljana.

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

AZAMARA Small Ship Destination Immersion

With just 680 guests, Azamara ships go places the bigger ships don’t, and they build their itineraries to really focus on the destination.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL:  Lisbon to Barcelona departing April 12 for 12-nights

• Visit Lisbon, Seville (for 2 nights!), Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Majorca, Barcelona
• Golf excursions available on this trip!
• Veranda fares from $3999.  Includes beverage package, gratuities and $250 OBC.

ITALY Intensive Voyage departing October 9 for 11-nights:

• Visit Nice, Florence/Pisa (overnight), Rome, Salerno, Sicily, Crotone, Taranto, Kotor, Venice (overnight).  If you really want to explore Italy, combine this with a Uniworld Venice river cruise (above).
• Verandas from $4969 with a $250 OBC

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND departing January 20, 2026 for 16-nights

• Visit Auckland, Bay of Islands, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Hobart (overnight), Eden, Sydney.
• Verandas from $8989 with a $250 OBC.

HX EXPEDITIONS Remote Adventures

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy these locations, but you do have to be curious about the more remote corners of the world.  

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.
• Depart May through August from $7839
• Depart September through December from $7643

ICELAND & GREENLAND round-trip from Reykjavik for 14-days

• Visit Reykjavik, and visit south and west Greenland for 7-days of expedition activities, followed by 3-days of expedition activities in Nuuk and its surrounding fjords before returning to Reykjavik. 
• Depart May 31, 2025 from $8775, or depart June 2, 2026 from $9277
• See our ship tour video here:  https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 

INTREPID PREMIUM LAND CRUISES

COSTA RICA:  round-trip San Jose for 9-days

• Costa Rica is both naturally exotic, and nearby (under 4 hours from Houston, Atlanta, or Miami). 
• Visit San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio NP.
• See monkeys, parrots, iguanas, caimans and sea turtles.  Enjoy coffee where it is harvested, slide into the hot springs at Arenal Volcano, and go snorkelling, kayaking, or take a surfing lesson in Tamarindo.
• Depart January through May, or September to December from $3695

MEXICO from Mexico City to Tulum for 15-days

• This trip is closer to home, and allows you to comfortably see the wonders of our southern neighbor.  
• Visit Mexico City, Puebla, Teotihuacan (for the pyramids), Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Chichen Itza, Merida, Tulum.
• Eat at award winning restaurants, take in Mayan Ruins and Museums, see the pyramids and archaeological sites, experience the wilds of the jungle, swim in a cenote, do a Mayan home visit, and see the artists’ community and musicians in Oaxaca.
• Weekly departures year-round from $6150 with a maximum group size of 12.

In Case You Missed It:

TAHITI:  Imagine the tropical beauty of Hawaii with a small fraction of the crowds.  That’s Tahiti and the French Polynesian Islands:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/tahiti-destination-focus/ 

FORCE MAJEURE:  A whole bunch of cruise itineraries were altered in 2024 because of the closure of the Suez Canal.  In situations such as this, what can you expect from the cruise lines? https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-suez-canal-and-force-majeure/

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

VISA FOR GREAT BRITAIN?  What’s up with the UK’s new entry requirements?  In this short video, Bob outlines the process, and what his experience was like applying for the new ETA: https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk 

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

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

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

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

ANTARCTICA – Nothing captures your imagination quite like a trip to the 7^th continent (you know… the one at the bottom).  Many of you have asked what the health and fitness requirements are to visit Antarctica.  Here’s the short answer:

• The overwhelming majority of clients we send there are 65 – 80 years old.
• You need to be able to walk up two flights of stairs (doesn’t have to be fast).
• You need to be able to get in and out of a bathtub unassisted (because this is like getting in and out of a zodiac).
• You need to have a sense of wonder about the natural world – because there really is nothing else to do down there other than marvel at the spectacular nature and wildlife.

I was in Antarctica 5-years ago, and when I got home, Bob insisted we sit down and record this video.  Some of the information is getting a bit dated, but the overwhelming majority is still very valid, and the images are breathtaking:  https://youtu.be/3c-2TBXw6ls 

One thing that has changed since we recorded this video, is the number of different companies visiting Antarctica, so here’s a summary of the companies we most often deal with, how they differentiate, and one sample itinerary from each:

ATLAS – An expedition yacht product holding fewer than 200 guests:

• These guys are new, and seem to be buying market share, so they’re very competitively priced. 
• Round-trip from Buenos Aires for 9-days with 6-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $9499 in March, November & December.

HX – formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions that have been going there for over 100 years

• A solid 4-star option, with ships that hold about 450.
• HX has two hybrid-electric ships in Antarctica.  See our ship tour video: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 
• Round-trip from Buenos Aires for 12-days with 5-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $9496 with departures November through March

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC (Lindblad) — with 4 ships carrying between 102 and 148 guests

• NatGeo stands out for its guest speakers, and celebrity cruise hosts, as well as having National Geographic photographers on board to help you with your photos.
• Round-trip from Ushuaia for 12-days with 5-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $15,291 with departures November through March

QUARK EXPEDITIONS – with 3 ships carrying between 130 – 199 guests

• Quark operates exclusively in the polar regions, and they have 2 twin-engine helicopters on board for optional excursions.
• Round-trip from Ushuaia for 11-days with 4-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $8546 with departures November through March

SEABOURN – 2 purpose built polar ships holding 264 guests

• Seabourn is best known as the luxury small ship line, and that brand transfers over to their expedition ships.  The entire ship is Veranda suites (also: check out the 2-level Wintergarden Suite!)
• There are 2 submarines on board for optional excursions
• Round-trip from Buenos Aires for 13-days with 7-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $18,364 with departures November through March.

SILVERSEA – 2 reconfigured ships for expedition (296 pax), and 1 purpose build expedition yacht (200 pax)

• Much like Seabourn, Silversea is best known as a luxury small ship cruise line, but they have an extensive expedition program as well, with very comfortable ships.  
• Round-trip from Santiago for 10-days with 5-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $16,000 with departures November through March

Viking Expedition – 2 purpose built expedition ships carrying 378 guests:

• You know Viking as the river cruise people, and maybe you’ve been on their ocean product.  Their expedition ships have incredibly bright and open public spaces. 
• There are 2 yellow submarines on board each vessel (which are appropriately named John, Paul, George and Ringo) for optional excursions.
• Round-trip from Buenos Aires for 13-days with 7-days of scheduled landings.
• Fares from $12,995 with departures November through February
• See ship tour video: https://youtu.be/izwAZ6NdFOo 

The Drake Passage

One of the concerns you most often bring up with Antarctica is potential motion sickness while crossing the Drake.  Several companies offer the option to fly over the Drake, and board your ship IN Antarctica.  This is available on Atlas, NatGeo, Quark, and Silversea. 

Citizen Science and Research

HX and National Geographic stand out on this dimension, but all the cruise lines allow you to participate in research, as well as take in lectures from expedition experts. 

South Georgia and Falkland Islands

The itinerary samples above focus on shorter itineraries going to Antarctica and back.  All these cruise lines also offer longer itineraries that visit other places in the vicinity, and if you have time, you should definitely consider these longer options.  When will you go back?

Drive-By’s

Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and Oceania all advertise cruises to Antarctica, and they do make it within sight of the continent, but they are not allowed to disembark guests.  If you are happy to go and see Antarctica from the deck of a ship (but not get out), then it is worth investigating one of these options.  

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Today’s Other Travel Opportunities

TAUCK RIVER CRUISES:  

Tauck has the most inclusive product on European rivers with all gratuities (both on ship and shore), a choice of shore excursions in every port, a full beverage package, and transfers.

Danube CHRISTMAS MARKETS for 7-nights from Bavaria to Vienna

• Visit Nuremberg (overnight), Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna (over night)
• Several Departures from November 30 through to December 14, 2025 from $4190
• BRIDGES TOUR:  If you want to take children or teens with you to the Christmas Markets there are departures on December 21, 22, or 28, 2025 from $4590.

PROVENCE, FRANCE for families for 8-days

• Visit Paris (overnight and with Privileged Access to the Musee Marmottan Monet), Lyon, Tournon (for a chocolate tour, or vineyard hike), Arles (for French Cowboy Ranch and Roman Ruins), Avignon (for the Pope’s Palace), Viviers.
• Depart June 22, July 4, July 16, 2025 from $5590.
• 10-day version of this trip (without kids) departing April through October from $6790.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER LUXURY RAIL JOURNEYS

These train trips offer world-class scenery and wildlife, and are right here in North America.

Vancouver to Banff for 6-nights

• Vancouver (2), Kamloops, Banff (2), Calgary.
• Prices range between $2926 – $5127 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October. 

Circle Journey: round-trip from Vancouver for 12-nights

• Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (3), Lake Louise (2), Jasper (2), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.
• Goldleaf service from $8672 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October.

Denver to Las Vegas for 6-nights

• Denver (2), Glenwood Springs, Moab (2), Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas
• $5209 to $6474 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October

In Case You Missed It:

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER:  These domestic (and Canada) train journeys are a great way to travel “slow”, so you enjoy the scenery and wildlife. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/try-the-train/

TRAVEL MISCONCEPTIONS:  Sometimes our assumptions about other places are based on our own biases, OR what we see on TV and in movies.  None of which are very accurate.  

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

VISA FOR GREAT BRITAIN?  What’s up with the UK’s new entry requirements?  In this short video, Bob outlines the process, and what his experience was like applying for the new ETA: https://youtu.be/6NGfCqOsDKk

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

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

Here are some travel “hacks” we used on our recent trip to Eastern Europe:

MONEY:

We were in Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.  Croatia is the ONLY of these countries that uses the Euro.  So what did we do?

• CURRENCY — We landed in Poland, and we flew home from Romania, so we purchased about $100 worth of currency ahead of time for each of these countries.  This enabled us to address any emergencies while in transit or at the airports.
• EUROS — We always carry Euros in Europe (even in those countries that don’t use it).  In a pinch, you can use them to pay for things.
• CREDIT CARDS — We used a credit card for everything… and they are accepted everywhere.  You get a better exchange rate than buying currency, and it solves a security problem.
• TIPPING –The tour guides are happy with whatever currency you give them, and Euros work well. 
• USING LEFT OVER CURRENCY — We had a bit of extra cash in Romania, so we used it to pay part of our hotel bill, and then paid the balance with a credit card.
• VISA DEBIT — I also attempted to use a pre-loaded VISA Debit card in Europe, and it was all but useless.  It doesn’t have a chip, and the Europeans (and really the rest of the world) abandoned swipe cards nearly 2 decades ago.

LANGUAGE:

Between the two of us, we have a reasonable command of English, and can carry simple conversations in French and Spanish.  In Eastern Europe, English was quite useful (although not as widely spoken as in Western Europe), Spanish was not at all useful, and French was marginally helpful in Romania (but not to any wide degree).  So what did we do?

• We had conversations that were half-charades, and half English.
• Learned the words for “Hello” and “Thank you” in each country.  It makes a difference.
• We are huge fans of GOOGLE TRANSLATE.  What the APP can do for you is incredible.  If you haven’t used it previously, it’s free… download it and be amazed.
• We love UBER.  Communicating with taxi drivers in ANY country can be challenging.  Uber solves this by entering the address (or just pushing the general area on a map) on your smartphone.  Payment, tipping, and everything else is taken care of.

TELECOM

The Apps I mentioned above are contingent on access to the internet.  You may have a global roaming plan through your cell phone provider, but if you look at all the restrictions and fine print, you could end up being frustrated.  Here’s what we do:

• Download an ESIM.  Many people get a local SIM card when they visit another country, but that involves taking the existing SIM card out of your phone, and replacing it with a local one for the duration of your visit.  An ESIM does this electronically.  It’s easy.
• We paid about $20 for a MONTH of unlimited voice and data.  Some roaming charges are that much per DAY, and you’ll have dreadfully slow service.
• You’ll find public wifi everywhere in Eastern Europe.  It’s only if you want to be constantly connected you’ll need an ESIM.

METRIC

English is NOT a universal language, and the US Dollar is not a universal currency.  What is universal is METRIC.  Once you learn it, it’s much easier than the imperial system that has been abandoned everywhere except the United States.  Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• 30 degrees is really warm, NOT really cold (it’s about 90 F)
• A meter is a bit longer than a yard, and 1000 meters is a kilometer.  Think of 10 or 11 football fields – that’s a kilometer
• A kilogram is just over 2 pounds.
• The easiest hack is to learn it.  Next best hack… a metric converter App. 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

AMA WATERWAYS

We can get you an extra 5% off publicly available fares on the following 3 AMA cruises:  

PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing July 4 for one week

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Afurada.
• See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
• Optional extensions to Madrid and/or Lisbon. 
• This trip is on the brand new AMA Sintra, carrying just 102 guests
• Fares from $4639.  You’ll get a further $225 pp off (5%)
• Click here for more details: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/enticing-douro

FRANCE:  Paris, Normandy and Bordeaux departing Oct. 2nd for 14 nights (2 cruises back-to-back)

• Start in Paris, then visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Normandy Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon (for Monet’s Gardens) before returning to Paris, and then taking the train to Bordeaux where you’ll spend your 2^nd week enjoying the famed wine region, historic architecture, and ancient castles
• You’re going all the way to Europe anyway, so why not take in these completely different regions of France, with all the logistics between ships taken care of by AMA.
• Visit during harvest!  
• Fares from $8179.  You’ll get a further $400 pp off (5%).
• Click here for more details: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/grand-seine-bordeaux

FRANCE, GERMANY & NETHERLANDS: Basel to Amsterdam departing July 19th for 7-nights

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Basel
• Optional 4-night extension in Switzerland (2 nights Lucerne, 2 nights Zurich).

• Fares from $3989.  You’ll get a further $200 pp off (5%)
• Here’s our itinerary video from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/UHzzsujRcDY 
• Click here for more details: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/enchanting-rhine

SMALL SHIP OCEAN OFFERS Expiring December 31st

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISING – 10% OFF and $100 per person onboard credit

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

Mediterranean including the Corinth Canal for 8-nights

• Visit Istanbul, Myrina, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini, the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Athens
• Depart April 3 from $5591, or September 28 from $5691.

Caribbean round-trip from San Juan for 6-nights

• Visit St. Maarten, Charleston, Gustavia, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
• Depart November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from $3292.

Iceland round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-nights

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• Depart August 4 from $4792, or July of 2026 from $4192.

Tahiti round-trip from Papeete for 7-nights.  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 in July from $4992, OR November/December from $3892.
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

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

VIKING FREE AIR PROMO:

If you’re ready to travel in the next few months, Viking is throwing in FREE AIR on these departures.

JAPAN & ALASKA: Tokyo to Vancouver departing April 17 for 26 days

• Visit Tokyo (overnight), Sappora (overnight), Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward, Valdez, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Inside Passage to Vancouver. 
• Veranda Rooms start at $6299 ($1700 off published fares) with FREE AIR.

JAPAN INTENSIVE.  Hong Kong to Tokyo departing April 3, for 15-days

• Visit Hong Kong (overnight), Taipei, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu, Hiroshima (overnight), Osaka, Shimizu (overnight), Tokyo (overnight)
• Veranda Rooms start at $7999 ($500 off published fares) with FREE AIR

AUSTRALIA & BALI.  Sydney to Bali for 17-days

• Visit Newcastle, Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Cairns, Thursday Island, Darwin (overnight), Komodo NP, Lambok.  
• Optional 6-night pre-trip land extension to Ayers Rock and Port Douglas.
• Depart February 20 from $6399, or March 21 from $7099.  Both with FREE AIR

EGYPT.  Round-trip Cairo for 12-days with several departures September to December

• Do 3-nights in Cairo (for the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids & Sphinx, then fly to Luxor to board the ship, and visit the temples of Karnak and Luxor, Qena, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Aswan, Felucca Ride, Edfu.
• Departures September through December 2025 from $6999 with FREE AIR.

ANTARCTICA with ATLAS 

ATLAS is a new cruise line with yachts that hold less than 200 guests, and visit some remote corners of the world.  Fares include shore shore/landing activities, an open bar, specialty dining, and gratuities.

POLAR NORWAY:  From Tromso to Longyearbyen departing August 17 for 9-nights

• This is like a safari at sea.  Spot puffins, reindeer, arctic terns and foxes.  See the ice floes, icebergs, and do some glacier cruising. 
• This cruise includes a private jet ride back to Oslo, Zodiac landings, boots, and a parka you get to keep. 
• Fares from $5999

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires for 9-days

• Includes charter flights to/from Ushuaia and 6-days of scheduled landings on the continent.
• Fares in March, November and December from $9499

LAND CRUISE WITH TAUCK

Australia & New Zealand for 20 days.

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

America’s Canyonlands departing Phoenix to Las Vegas for 8-days

• Visit Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion NP, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon
• Departures March to October departures from $5990.
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/american-canyonlands-grand-canyon-escorted-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

Michigan’s Lakes and Mackinac Island from Traverse City to Detroit for 8-days

• Visit Traverse City (for the sand dunes, vineyards, and sandy beaches), Petoskey, Mackinac island, Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth Bavarian Village, Dearborn (for Henry Ford Museum), Detroit.
• Departures from May through October from $5290 per person.
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/michigan-lakes-mackinac-island-escorted-tour?tcd=mi2025&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

In Case You Missed It:

EASTERN EUROPE:  It might be time to explore the other side of Europe:

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

Get your plans OFF the bucket list, and on to the NEXT list by putting together your 5-year plan:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/off-the-bucket-list-and-on-the-next-list/

Latest YOUTUBE Video:

VANCOUVER.  It’s a common pre & post cruise destination, so here’s some thoughts on what to do when you’re there:

https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

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

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

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

Many of you have been asking about Seabourn lately, so I was planning on addressing this anyway, then they contacted us with a SPECIAL OFFER, so apparently the stars are aligning. 

Our first experience on Seabourn was back in 2016, and it still stands out for us.  The crew all knew our names, our drink orders would just show up when we entered a lounge or entertainment venue (because the crew knew our preferences), and we got to visit corners of Alaska we hadn’t been to before (and we’d been to Alaska several times). 

Here’s what you can expect with Seabourn:

• All Suites.  All the staterooms on Seabourn are in fact suites that are 300 square feet or larger.  The in-suite bathrooms each have a full soaker tub, and double sinks, with granite counter tops.  It’s nicer than our bathroom at home!

• Small Ship.  There is a huge difference sailing with only 450 guests as opposed to 4500 guests.  Besides the added service and intimacy, there are also logistic issues – like NOT having to line up to embark and disembark.
• Casual Luxury.  Pants and a golf shirt (for the guys), is all you need to get in the dining room here.  No need to play dress up. 
• All inclusive.  It’s nice to have everything in the price, and it also changes the culture on board the ship.  When you order a glass of wine, they’re not asking for your key card, they just bring your wine (and top it up regularly). It’s like being in a friend’s living room.
• Great value.  Given that the best-priced suite on Seabourn is larger (and better appointed) than the highest cabin category on the premium lines, the value per dollar is quite evident.
• Ventures by Seabourn.  I like the option to be able to do some expedition offerings right off a luxury ship.  These active options are particularly good if you’re going back to places you’ve already been (like Alaska!). 
• Aquatic Platform.  In warm water destinations, you can go swimming right off the ship.  They also do their Caviar in the Surf event when anchored near swimming beaches. 

THE OFFER

Seabourn’s Waves Season offer is already published on their website, and offers 15% off on just about all their itineraries (these reductions are already included on the fares on their website).

PLUS:  Book through the Pampered Cruiser to receive an additional $200 per person onboard credit on many sailings (all of those listed below).

PLUS:  For new reservations made between December 13th –  20th, we can add a further $300 cabin credit.

Yes, you can combine these offers.  So what do you do with all these extra credits on an all-inclusive cruise line?  Hopefully, you spend it on something you wouldn’t have done otherwise, and creates a real memory for you.  There are tons of unique shore experiences you can use the credits for, or if you prefer a spa treatment or some shopping on board.  

LUXURY EXPLORATION SHIPS

Seabourn has two ships that carry 450 guests, and two ships that carry 600 guests.  They go all over the world, and prefer to anchor in yacht harbors, as opposed to big cruise ship ports (although you’ll likely embark and disembark at larger ports).  Here are a few examples:

PORTUGAL, SPAIN & MOROCCO departing Lisbon on April 9 for 7-nights:

• Visit Lisbon, Gibraltar, Tangier, Almeria, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona
• Fares from $4393 with a $200 per person on board credit (OBC).
• Watch our Seabourn Sojourn Ship tour: https://youtu.be/RJT7BVFpoqo

CROATIA & GREECE departing Athens June 22 for 7-nights

• Visit Athens, Monemvasia, Olympia, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Rovinj, Venice.
• Verandas from $5069 with a $200 per person OBC

ALASKA departing Vancouver August 22 for 7-nights

• Visit Queen Charlotte Sound, Ketchikan, Sitka, Yacutat Bay, Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Juneau.
• Fares from $4079 with a $200 per person OBC.  Stay on board 14-nights to go round-trip Vancouver from $7224 and also visit Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Misty Fjords, Prince Rupert, and Alert Bay. 
• See our Alaska PlayList on YouTube, with videos from our adventures with Seaborn in Alaska: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGIkLzMGzGDOfx8xOSpC2Vt 

JAPAN intensive cruise departing Tokyo October 24 for 12 days.  

• Visit Tokyo (Yokohama), Tokushima, Takamatsu, Kanmon Strait, Busan, Sakaiminato, Tsuruga, Niigata, Akita, Hakodate, 
• Fares from $7649 with a $200 per person OBC.

SOLAR ECLIPSE Cruise departing London August 8, 2026 for 14-days.

• Visit London, Isle of Wight, Cornwall, Galway, Killybegs, Oban, Ullapool, Faroe Islands, Westman Islands (Iceland), Reykjavik.
• Veranda fares from $12,499

Remote Luxury Discovery Ships

Seabourn has two Expedition Ships that carry 264 guests, for those who want to get off the beaten track a bit more, who prefer more active options for shore excursions.  We resist using the word “expedition” because people don’t associate that word with retired people with moderate fitness levels enjoying such a thing.  In reality, if you can walk up 2 flights of stairs, and can get in and out of a bathtub unassisted, you will do just fine on an “expedition”.  The most important requirement is being curious about the region you’re visiting.

AUSTRALIA: KIMBERLEY COAST from Darwin to Broome departing May 19, 2026 for 10-nights

• See the waterfalls, visit fresh water reefs, see the horizontal waterfalls at Talbot Bay, visit with the Wunambal Gaambera indigenous peoples, learn about the pearl trade in Kuri Bay, and the mangrove forests at Hunter River, and Darwin.
• Fares from $11,359

IRELAND, SCOTLAND & ICELAND from Reykjavik to London departing June 19 for 14-nights

• Visit 8 different ports in Iceland, for light hiking, zodiac rides, to see remote fishing villages, bird watching, wildlife spotting, and Iceland’s spectacular scenery.  Then  followed by 2 stops in the Faroe Islands, and 4 stops in the Shetland Islands.  Next to Scotland for an overnight stay in Kirkwall, and finally Copinsay Island before disembarking in London. 
• Fares from $16,574

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Today’s Other Travel Opportunities

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER COLLECTION

Uniworld custom-builds their ships for the region they travel, making you that much more immersed in the destination.  They are running two promotions right now:

If you want to travel in 2025:

The 12-days of Christmas promo has some interesting deals with very specific departure dates.  For example, 

• EGYPT: if you can travel in May, you can get 25% off.
• FRANCE:  Get a one-year wine subscription with select France river cruises

There are 10 other deals like this too.  Here’s the full list:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/12days

If you want to travel in 2026:

Get the early booking bonus of up to 20% off for departures in 2026.  Here’s the list:

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/current-offers/2026-early-booking-savings

LAND CRUISE with COLLETTE

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, the historic Quebec City, and the natural splendor of Niagara Falls. 
• Departures May through October from $3149

SOUTHERN CHARM:  Charleston, Savannah, & Jekyll Island for 7-days

• Visit Antebellum Charleston, and the country’s oldest public market, see historic Savannah, and stay at the Jekyll Island Club, and visit the Sea Turtle Center.  
• Departures March through November from $2699

In Case You Missed It:

OVER-TOURISM.  Yep… it’s a problem, but the discussion should be on what we do about it.

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-do-we-deal-with-over-tourism/

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.  If you want to get up close to nature and wildlife, this destination MUST be on your list:

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

Latest YOUTUBE Post:

VANCOUVER.  It’s a common pre & post cruise destination, so here’s some thoughts on what to do when you’re there: Watch our video here: https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

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