The Caribbean and Mediterranean are the two most frequented cruise destinations in the world, and for that reason, some of our clients prefer to go elsewhere.  Today, we’re going to talk about leaning IN to these destinations, and how you can experience them DIFFERENTLY than you have before.  Imagine visiting the Caribbean or the Med like it was 50 or 60 years ago.  It’s possible… even if you can’t get the Delorean up to 88 miles per hour!

The two biggest objections we get to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are:

• It’s too crowded.
• Been There.  Done That.

What if you could visit these two compelling destinations, but without the crowds, and explore corners of the region you haven’t previously seen?  It’s possible, but NOT on a mega ship. 

THE CARIBBEAN

At one time the Caribbean was full of unique islands, each with its own language, culture, art, food and music.  Journeys to the Caribbean now are characterized more by floating amusement parks, filled with thousands of people who disembark to visit private islands, with duty free stores and T-shirt shops owned by the cruise line itself.  Not a very authentic experience.  

THE MEDITERRANEAN

If you’ve seen thousands of people lined up for the gondola on Santorini, you’ll quickly understand why several Mediterranean destinations are taking measures to limit visitors.  However, you DON’T have to visit these parts of the Mediterranean.

WHAT DO YOU DO INSTEAD?

One great aspect of increased tourism is more regular air service to these regions.  So starting and ending your journey in places with better airports makes sense:

• CARIBBEAN:  Florida, San Juan, Philipsburg (St. Martin), Jamaica, Grand Cayman.
• MEDITERRANEAN: Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Venice, Athens, Istanbul

Now, the trick is finding stops between these BOOKEND PORTS where you haven’t been previously, that scratch the itch of what you like to do on vacation.  

For example, In July, we travelled with SEA CLOUD between Monaco and Rome (the bookends), and visited Calvi (Corsica), Ajaccio (Corsica), Alghero (Sardinia), Bonafacio (Corsica), and Porto Cervo (Sardinia).  We went E-biking, sea kayaking, shopped at locally owned businesses, ate at farm houses with the food grown right outside the window, and interacted with the locals.  

It seems the SMALL PORTS are those hidden gems that leave BIG MEMORIES.

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about different ways to enjoy and explore the CARIBBEAN and the MEDITERRANEAN even if you’ve been there before: 

https://youtu.be/VjacK8TryTI

In Case You Missed It:

SEA CLOUD – Travelling with Sea Cloud is the closest thing you’ll get to travelling back in time to fewer crowds, and ports without Duty Free and T-Shirt shoppes: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/sea-cloud/

TELECOM ABROAD – Even if you’re travelling to more remote places, you might still want to be connected.  What’s the best way to do so?

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

VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK:  It’s a bit inside baseball, but for those that like to see behind the curtain in the travel biz, VTW is interesting.  There’s also a direct benefit to our clients when we attend this trade show every August. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/virtuoso-travel-week-why-it-matters-to-our-clients/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

Here’s two things you HAVEN’T done on a cruise ship before:

1. Climb the mast
2. Disembark the ship WHILE IT’S MOVING to get some action photos.

Bob and Sue do both, on board SEA CLOUD SPIRIT:  https://youtu.be/iyRxhlBPGj0 

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

Have something to say about this?

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

SEA CLOUD (A “SALT WATER RIVER CRUISE”)

Sea Cloud is the best way to visit the more remote corners of the Caribbean and Mediterranean.  With a maximum of 136 guests, a Sea Cloud cruise is a lot like a river cruise, and with so few people, guests going ashore do not overwhelm the port when the ship anchors.

See our ‘Introduction to Sea Cloud Cruises’ video here: https://youtu.be/fy7Kfd1i3ZQ?si=eSf7EI88pyCa8VSq 

If you’d like to try a Sea Cloud cruise, why not consider one of these trips?  Save $4000+ per stateroom off the prices listed on the Sea Cloud website when you book by Sept. 30th!

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

• Visit Amorgos, Milos, Amorgos, Nauplio, and Poros
• Website Price: starting at $6295 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $4295 per person.

Portugal & Spain (Lisbon to Mallorca), departing August 13th 2026 (9 nights) 

• Visit Lisbon (overnight), Cadiz, Marbella (overnight), Valencia, Ibiza, and Palma de Mallorca
• Website Price: starting at $8545 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $6545 per person.  

Croatia (Venice round trip), departing August 17th 2026 (7-nights) 

• Visit Vis, Hvar, Korcula, Trogir, Sibenik, and Rovinj
• Website Price: starting at $7195 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $5195 per person.  

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

• Visit San Blas Archipelago, Bocas del Toro (Panama), Puerto Limón (Costa Rica), Honduras, and Belize
• Website Price: starting at $7705 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $5705 per person.  

Canary Islands (Las Palmas round trip), departing Apr. 18th 2026 (9 nights)

• Visit San Sebastian, Santa Cruz (La Palma), Puerto de la Estaca, and Santa Cruz, Tenerife
• Website Price: starting at $8095 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $6095 per person.  

Mediterranean (Livorno, Italy to Malaga, Spain), departing June 29th 2026 (8 nights)

• Visit Alghero, Sardinia (overnight), Mahón, Menorca (overnight), and Ibiza, Spain (overnight)
• Website Price: starting at $7195 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $5195 per person.  

Mediterranean (Palma de Mallorca, Spain to Porto Cervo, Sardinia), August 22nd 2026 (10 nights)

• Visit Ibiza, Spain (overnight), Mahón, Menorca (overnight), and Alghero, Sardinia
• Website Price: starting at $9670 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $7670 per person.  

Mediterranean (Valletta, Malta to Athens, Greece), June 25th 2026 (8 nights)

• Visit Syracuse (Sicily), Taormina (Sicily), Pylos, Monemvasia, Milos, and Poros (Greece)
• Website Price: starting at $7195 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $5195 per person.  

SEA CLOUD is our Vendor of the Month for SEPTEMBER so we can offer you:

• DISCOUNT:  5% off ANY published fare on Sea Cloud, including the ones listed above.
• OBCs: Get $50 USD onboard credit per guest per DAY in on board credits to spend on spa treatments, high-end wines or upgraded shore excursions.  That’s 700 per couple for a one-week cruise.
• ALL INCLUSIVE: open bar, onboard gratuities, 5-star dining, wifi on the ship, and many shore activities.
• ZERO SOLO SUPPLEMENT: Solos pay the same per-person rate compared to 2 people in a room.  If you travel solo, you know this is an amazing deal.

When you layer these offers together, the value is pretty hard to beat… but ONLY this month (expires Sept. 30th), and ONLY through our agency.

OCEANIA 

If you prefer a more traditional cruise ship, with a GREAT culinary experience, OCEANIA has lots of options for both the CARIBBEAN and the MEDITERRANEAN.  PLUS – we can get the House Spirits Beverage Package thrown in!  Here are two examples:

CARIBBEAN: ABC Islands & East Caribbean – Round-trip Miami departing March 9 for 12-days

• Visit Aruba, Curacao (overnight), Grenada, St. Vincent, Martinique, British Virgin Islands.
• Veranda fares from $5949* on the brand new ALLURA

GREEK ISLES & AEGEAN:  Istanbul to Athens departing July 21 for 7-days

• Visit Troy, Lesbos, Izmir, Chios, Kos, Santorini
• Veranda fare from $3420* on the brand new ALLURA

*Includes Specialty Dining, Wifi, Gratuities, and the House Beverage Package.  

OCEANIA just released its schedules through to the middle of 2028.  Here’s the link if you want to shop: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/cruise-finder?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser# 

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

Here are two ideas for land tours in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

COSTA RICA: Round-trip San Jose for 12-days

• Visit Tortuguero NP, San Carlos, Arenal, Playa Herradura.
• Go wildlife spotting in the jungle, take in the rainforests, visit coffee plantations, and a sea turtle research station.  
• Departures weekly (year-round) from $4299 per person

ITALY: Rome and the Amalfi Coast for 10-days

• Stay in Rome for 3-nights to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and just to enjoy the sidewalk vibe in Rome.  Then on to Amalfi, for coastal townships, beaches, Sorrento,  and Pompeii
• Departures June through September from $3799

RIVER CRUISING with TAUCK

TAUCK offers completely All-Inclusive River Cruises (the MOST inclusive of ALL the cruise lines).  You don’t even have to worry about tipping the local guides and bus drivers.  Everything is taken care of for you, so you can put your wallet away and enjoy being completely ‘in the moment’ during your trip.

PORTUGAL & SPAIN on the Douro River for one-week:

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Mateus Palace, Guimaraes.
• 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. 
• 2026:  Departures April through October from $5790

PROVENCE, FRANCE: Paris to Arles via Lyon for 10-days

• Visit Paris for two nights, and then take the train to Lyon to take in the culinary scene, and board your ship for 7-nights.  Sail through the Beaujolais wine region, and then to Viviers, Avignon, Chateau Neuf du Pape, Arles.  
• See Roman Ruins, visit the numerous wineries, and experience farm to table food, in this agricultural region of France. 
• 2026: Departures March through October from $6990

AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST BY RIVERBOAT (14 days):

Learn More: https://inspires.to/experiences/amsterdam-to-budapest-by-riverboat-2lxro

• October 18 – Nov. 1st, 2026
• Prices from $9390 per person
• Zero solo supplement for Category 1 rooms
• Get a FREE pre- or post-cruise hotel night (your choice).  Tauck uses only 5-star properties, so this complimentary gift from our agency can be worth 100 Euros or more.
• Availability is limited so please inquire as soon as possible!

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Domestic Adventures:

Here are two of the best kept secrets in the country for incredible scenery and outdoor activity:

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

• Visit Portland, The Dalles (for Multnomah Falls and fish hatchery), Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Palouse River.  Traverse the locks by river boat right here at home!
• Go hiking, kayaking, ride on the zodiacs, visit museums and wineries
• 2026: March $3675, April $5119, September $4335, October $4243

SAN JUAN ISLANDS for 8-days round-trip Seattle

• Visit Victoria BC, Desolation Sound for kayaking and hiking, Alert Bay for First Nations immersion, the Gulf Islands to visit quaint communities, Friday Harbor for the Whale museum, and other islands in Puget Sound. 
• This corner of the country is a well-kept secret.  Visit remote islands to see the sea lions, eagles, humpback and orca whales.  Go for a bike ride in Victoria; kayaking, zodiacs, and paddleboarding in remote bays.  
• 2026: Departures in October from $5954

CRYSTAL – Small Ship OCEAN Cruises

Here are some suggestions from CRYSTAL if you’re looking across the Pacific Ocean, instead of the Atlantic:

NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA: Auckland to Melbourne departing February 19 for 8-nights

• Visit Auckland, Tauranga, Lyttelton, Timaru, Fjordland NP, Melbourne.
• Fares from $5400 (with a $1000 “As You Wish” credit (suite), AND $125 pp OBC).
• OR stay on board for 37-nights, travelling up the Australian East Coast to Indonesia, and then on to Malaysia and the Philippines to finish in Hong Kong from $20,800 (with a $3000 “As You Wish” credit). 

JAPAN:  Seoul to Tokyo departing March 25 for 11-nights

• Visit Busan, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu, Kochi, Kobe, Nagoya
• Fares from $7300 (with a $500 “As You Wish” credit, AND a $250 pp OBC only from our agency).

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

“In God We Trust…. All Others Bring Data & Evidence”.  

In a previous career, Bob had a boss (a retired Navy Admiral) that was amongst the most quotable of people he ever met.  The caption above is particularly appropriate for today’s column about the data and trends of the travel business:

TRENDS for CRUISING

• Smaller Ships… Bigger Experiences.  The mega-ships are still out there, but the growth is in ships carrying less than 1000.  More authenticity, and less being herded like cattle
• By 2028, 50% of all new cruise ship capacity will be powered by LNG or alternate fuels.

• There are 56 new ocean ships to be launched in the next decade.  70% of those will be small ships.  Mega ship cruising is stable, but ALL the growth is in small ships.
• EXPEDITION:  It’s a word that puts people off, but it’s BUCKET LIST GOLD to get to the more remote places on the planet (and NO… they not all in polar regions).  The first Expedition Cruise for most people is the Galapagos or Antarctica.  The fastest growing Expedition destinations are Greenland, and the Kimberly Coast (Australia). 
• RIVER:  Egypt and the Lower Danube (Eastern Europe) are showing the biggest growth.  

TRENDS for DESTINATIONS:

Over-tourism and geo-political events are driving demand for travel:

• The top destinations for Americans are Italy, France, Mexico, UK, Spain, and Canada. 
• The fastest growing destinations are Canada and Japan.
• “Coolcations” (cooler weather destinations) are up in demand by 263%.
• Europe is still very popular, but people are going to the more remote corners like the British countryside, the Algarve Coast in Portugal, Slovenia, Malta, and Montenegro.
• WHITE LOTUS EFFECT:  Hawaii was up over 300% after season 1. Sicily was up 424% after Season 2, and similar trends are showing for Thailand after season 3.  If you’re wanting to avoid crowds… avoid following pop culture destinations. 

TRENDS ABOUT CRUISERS:

• A full one-third of those going on cruises do so with multi-generational family groups. 
• Cruisers take A LOT of cruises; 14% of cruisers take at least 2 cruises per year.  25% sail more than twice a year.  11% take between 3 and 5 cruises per year. 
• In 2025, it is projected that 37.7 million (!) people will get on cruise ships. 

A GLOBAL LOOK:

• Inbound travel to the US is down substantially (24% YTD), with each 1% drop translating to $1.8 Billion in lost revenue.  15 million jobs are directly affected. 
• The Cruise Business is a $168 Billion industry, employing 1.6 million people.
• Between 2021 and 2025, the stock market rose 48%, and when people feel wealthy, they like to travel.  In April (when the stock market dropped 15%) our sales volume was cut in half.  So there is a direct correlation between stock returns and travel bookings. 

THE BOTTOM LINE:  The future is pointed towards smaller, more intimate experiences that are more personalized.  Managing overtourism, while still allowing people to travel will be the challenge.

In Case You Missed It:

TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA:  Imagine Hawaii, but with a fraction as many tourists.  Where is it? When’s the best time to go?  This and more: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/tahiti-destination-focus/

WHY WE TRAVEL:  Here’s a personal look at WHERE, WHEN, and WHY we travel, and what we hope to get out of our travels:

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

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISING:  How is the experience on a yacht different than a cruise ship?  What do you have to wear?  Where do they go? 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/yacht-cruising-with-windstar/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

TAHITI & FRENCH POLYNESIA:  Over-water bungalows, pristine beaches, friendly locals, French-inspired and tropical food:  Here’s a look at our trip to French Polynesia last June. 

https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM

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

Have something to say about this?

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid0JZ2ZddAaWdg1GWhpXFX6eARteDREdziWscjdKiUNYG3Smu5RXVVcSUGMfbHbK5sZl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

YACHTING with WINDSTAR

WINDSTAR is the casual yachting experience, with their largest ship holding only 320 guests.  

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. 
• 2025: Depart November or December from $3199 with ALL-IN Fare Package.
• 2026: Depart January through March from $3699 with ALL-IN Fare Package
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

Iceland round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-nights

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• Depart July or August from $4399

On the RIVER with UNIWORLD

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

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

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

• 2025: Depart November – December from $5199
• 2026: Departures January – May from $5599
• Details here: https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us/river-cruise/egypt/nile/splendors-of-egypt-and-the-nile/2025-cairo-to-cairo 

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

• If the other cruise lines are sold out in India, we can still find you space on UNIWORLD.
• Few countries simultaneously fascinate and frighten travellers as much as India, so visit it in comfort while still being exposed to the things that make this country so unique.
• Visit New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Kolkata, Cruise the Ganges, Kalna, Matairi, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Khusbagh,, Mayapur, Chandannagar.
• Includes 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and internal flights. 
• 2026: Depart January – March from $5999
• 2026: September – December from $7469

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

If you like to explore the more remote corners of the planet, and get up close to nature and wildlife, HX is a good choice for you.  You DON’T have to be an Olympic Athlete, but you DO have to be curious about the world around you.  Here’s a few ideas: 

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.  

• 2025/26: Depart October through March from $6725
• 2026:  April through December from $7785
• See our video blog from this trip:  https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

NORTHERN LIGHTS in NORWAY with HX

• Round-trip from Tromso, for 8-days with 5 stops on Norwegian Coast
• Northern lights PROMISE.  If you DON’T see the Aurora Borealis on this journey HX will put you on another cruise.  
• 2026: Depart January through March from $3899
• 2026/27: Depart November through March from $4536

EXPLORA JOURNEYS for Luxury Lifestyle Vacations on the Water

With a strong focus on culinary, a unique entertainment program, and huge staterooms, this new luxury lifestyle brand is worth checking out.  Click here to learn more about the Explora Journeys experience: https://inspires.to/experiences/the-explora-journeys-experience-43wo3

NORTHERN EUROPE: Reykjavik to Quebec City departing September 17, 2026 for 11-nights

• Visit 2 ports in Iceland, then sail to Greenland to visit 3 ports, then on to Canada, where you’ll stop in 2 of Quebec’s Eastern townships, before arriving in Quebec City (overnight).  
• Veranda fares from $10,890

ARABIAN PENINSULA round-trip from Dubai departing December 14 or 21, 2026 for 7-nights

• Visit Dubai (overnight), Khor Fakkan (UAE) for archeological sites and Musandam’s Fjords (the Norway of Arabia), Sur (to visit the sand dunes), Muscat to immerse yourself in authentic Arabia or to go snorkeling, Khasab on the remote Omani Peninsula, then back to Dubai.
• Veranda fares from $3800 on December 14 or $4095 on December 21

EXPLORA I SHIP TOUR VIDEO: https://youtu.be/LHjAS0JKCQ0 

EXPLORA ENTERTAINMENT CONCEPT: https://youtu.be/9ELX0zxNjZ0 

LAND CRUISES Close to Home With TAUCK

ATLANTIC CANADA:  Round-trip from Halifax for 11-days

• Visit the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, see Lunenburg (a UNESCO site), witness the 38 foot tides at the Bay of Fundy, visit Saint John, do a Lobster Cruise on Shediac Bay, enjoy Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island, see the site of Anne of Green Gables, travel Cape Breton Island, and stop in at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (this Scottish-born Canadian invented a lot more than just the telephone!)
• Departures June through September from $6590

POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE in MANITOBA Manitoba round-trip from Winnipeg for 6-days

• Go Polar Bear Spotting on their annual migration, do a dog-sled ride, see the Beluga Whales.  Includes flights from Winnipeg to the remote village of Churchill on Hudson’s Bay.
• 2025: Sold Out
• 2026: Departures in October/November from $9590

SMALL SHIP Immersion with AZAMARA

If you want small ships (680 guests) with immersive itineraries, then Azamara may be the right fit for you:

SOUTH AMERICA: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia departing February 8 for 12-nights

• Visit Montevideo, Punta del Este, Falkland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.
• Fares from $7559 with up to $750 cabin credit

NORWAY INTENSIVE: Amsterdam to Dublin departing June 27 for 18-nights

• Visit Amsterdam, 12 stops in Norway (as far north as Tromso), 2 stops in the Orkney Islands (Scotland), and finish with an overnight stay in Dublin.
• Fares from $5929

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

SEA CLOUD CRUISES is new to the American marketplace, but they’ve been around a long time.  Their first and namesake vessel (the SEA CLOUD) was built in 1931 by the Post Family (check your cereal box for why you recognize the name).  Sea Cloud II followed in 2001, and their latest vessel SEA CLOUD SPIRIT was launched in 2021.

WHO Goes on SEA CLOUD?

As a regular reader, you DON’T normally  travel on the floating amusement parks.  If you like the size, quality and experience of a river ship, you’ll like Sea Cloud.  Here’s some other hints: 

• Those that love being close to the water.  Your balcony is 1 floor above the water-level, not 15 stories up. 
• Foodies – the culinary experience is personal and excellent. 
• Casual and relaxed in both dress code, and in pace
• Those that want to try something new, and be the first to report back on it.
• Those that have been everywhere, and now want a different experience.
• Those that prefer lectures to produced Vegas shows.
• Tall ship and sailing vessel enthusiasts are a slam dunk for Sea Cloud.
• Those looking for a quieter, more casual, more personal, refined experience.

WHERE Can You Travel With SEA CLOUD?

You’ve probably been to these regions before… but NOT LIKE THIS:

• The MEDITERRANEAN:  We recently went from Monte Carlo to Rome over the course of a week.  We didn’t dock with ANY other cruise ships, and we only visited ONE port that we’d experienced previously.  Worried about crowds?  Sea Cloud is the solution. 
• The CARIBBEAN of 60 years ago.  Before the mega-ships took over, the Caribbean was full of quiet, tropical paradises with great food and interesting people.  Visiting the Caribbean on Sea Cloud is like travelling back in time to reclaim that experience.

Making MEMORIES on SEA CLOUD

You’ll have some UNIQUE EXPERIENCES on SEA CLOUD:

• SAILS: Watching the crew manually deploy the 40,000 square feet of sails – an hour-long ritual, that is almost like a Cirque de Soleil show.
• PHOTO SAFARI: disembark the vessel while it is moving under sail to get pictures.
• SCALE THE MAST:  if you want to climb to the first crows nest.
• BAREFOOT LUXURY: drink champagne from the top deck in shorts and bare feet.

The OFFER

SEA CLOUD is our Vendor of the Month for SEPTEMBER so we can offer you:

• DISCOUNT:  5% off any published fare on Sea Cloud.
• OBCs: Get $50 USD per guest per DAY in on board credits to spend on spa treatments, high-end wines or upgraded shore excursions. 
• ALL INCLUSIVE: open bar, on board gratuities, all dining, wifi on the ship, and many shore activities.

When you layer these offers together, the value is pretty hard to beat.  Until next time, we’ll be raising a glass of bubbly under the sails!

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob chat about Sea Cloud cruises, what types of people will enjoy being on board, what is included, how to get the best value when booking this Salt Water River Cruise, AND Sue & Bob’s experience on board:

https://youtu.be/wlWW-Bo2VhE

In Case You Missed It:

HOW the TRAVEL BUSINESS WORKS:  You sometimes ask to see behind the curtain in the Luxury Leisure travel sector, and our place in it: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-the-travel-biz-works/

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA MEKONG River cruises:  Many describe this itinerary as life-changing.  Here’s some insight from when we went: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/vietnam-cambodia-destination-focus/

TIPS on TIPPING:  The protocols for tipping in almost every country are different than at home.  ALSO:  how does tipping work on cruise ships?

https://pamperedcruiser.com/tips-on-tipping/

Featured YOUTUBE Post:

INTRODUCING SEACLOUD:  Bob chats with Sea Cloud Cruises’ Kevin Smith from the deck of SEA CLOUD SPIRIT about this new brand, what you can expect, and what types of people end up on these ships: https://youtu.be/fy7Kfd1i3ZQ 

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

SEA CLOUD Authentic Experiences

Sea Cloud has bookend ports to make your flight arrangements easy.  Everywhere in between is more remote – making for an authentic experience AWAY from the crowds. 

CARIBBEAN of 60 years ago:

There was a time when the Caribbean Islands consisted of pristine deserted beaches, perfect for water sports, fishing, and connecting with the locals.  Reclaim THAT Caribbean:

PHILIPSBURG (St. Martin) round-trip for one-week

• Visit Gustavia (St. Barts), Cabrits (Dominica), Terre de Haut (Iles de Saintes), St. Pierre (Martinique), Road Bay (Anguilla)
• December 4, 2025 from $4920*
• February 27, 2026 from $4495*

BRIDGETOWN (Barbados) round-trip for one week

• Visit Port Elizabeth, Tobago Cays, Grenada, St. Pierre, Soufriere.
• Depart December 8 or 15, 2026 from $4870*

ABC ISLAND & PANAMA from Aruba to Panama City for 8-nights

• Visit Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Cartagena, San Blas (Panama), Panama City
• Depart February 9, 2026 from $5140*

Insider’s MEDITERRANEAN

Go where the cruise ships DON’T: small villages where you can get outside, visit locally-owned restaurants and shops (NOT the ones owned by cruise lines).

GREEK ISLES round-trip Athens for one-week by Sailboat

• Visit Amorgos, Milos, (Cyclades), Nauplio, Poros
• Depart July 17, 24, or 31, 2026 from $6745*

CROATIA round-trip from Venice for 8-nights

• Visit Vis, Hvar, Korcula, Trogir, Sibenik, Rovinj, on August 17, 2026 from $7710*
• OR depart from Dubrovnik (to Venice) for 7-nights departing September 1, 2026 from $6745*

CINQUE TERRE & COTE D’AZUR from Nice to Monte Carlo for 7-nights 

• Visit Portovenere, Portoferraio, Corsica, St. Tropez, and Monte Carlo (overnight)
• Depart September 24, 2026 from $6295*

PORTUGAL & SPAIN from Lisbon to Mallorca for 9-nights 

• Visit Lisbon (overnight), Cadiz, Marbella (overnight), Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca
• Depart August 13, 2026 from $8545*

The cruises above are just a small sample of what’s available.  Here’s a link to SEA CLOUD’s website if you want to browse:  https://www.seacloud.com/en/ .  Our Private Sale in September gets you an additional 5% OFF pricing you see on the Sea Cloud website. 

*Sea Cloud Cruises include all drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.  

AMA WATERWAYS RIVER CRUISES

We describe SEA CLOUD as a SALT WATER RIVER CRUISE, but if you’re looking to go on an actual river with active shore excursion options, and a great culinary experience, here’s some ideas from AMA.  ALSO:  AMA doesn’t require final payment until 90 days prior to sailing.

TULIP CRUISE round-trip Amsterdam for 7-nights

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Kampen, Bruinisse, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Kinderdijk
• March 2026:  Fares from $1999 (with extra OBCs on March 13, 14, or 21)
• April 2026: Fares from $3449
• May 2026: Fares from $4099

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights

• Visit a Carnaval celebration, take a stilt-house village tour, enjoy a jazz street performance,  and San Felipe Castle and Walled city tour.  Enjoy the Latin music, sample the famous coffee, and take in the tropical rainforest.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• 2026: Departures year round.  Get a $150 per person on board credit on:
  • July 4 from $3649
  • October 10 from $3549

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

• Visit local markets and temples, do a local school visit, get a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, and experience the amazing people, culture and food of the unique part of the world on a fully escorted trip.  The featured dates below also include a $150 per person on board credit.
• Departures January through April AND August through December.
• Depart September 28 from $3299, and get a $150 per person on board credit.

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

CITY STAYS with COLLETTE

If you like the structure of cruise, but want to go somewhere not normally accessible by a ship, then Collette should be on your radar.  Here are some of the SPOTLIGHT tours, where you only have to unpack once, but get tons of excursions and activities.  

NEW YORK for 5-days

• Visit Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Chinatown, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.
• Includes 4-nights at the Sheraton Times Square, 5 meals, and 2 Broadway shows.
• Year-round departures from $2249.

PARIS for 7-days

• See Notre Dame, Montmartre, Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.
• Includes 8 meals, 6-nights hotel, Seine River dinner cruise, Louvre Museum, Le Marais, Place de Vosges, Palace of Versailles, and dinner at the Eiffel Tower
• Departures April through November from $2649

Here are some of their other SPOTLIGHT tours:

• The French Riviera – 9-days from $2449
• London – 7-days from $2549
• Northern Italy – 9-days from $2349
• South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore & the Badlands – 7-days from $2349
• Tuscany – 9-days from $2149
• Washington, DC – 6-days from $2249

SILVERSEA LUXURY VOYAGES

If you like traditional small ship experience with a butler, and a great culinary scene, here’s some ideas from SILVERSEA

JAPAN from Hong Kong to Tokyo departing March 9, 2026 for 14-days

• Visit Hong Kong, Taiwan, Seoul (overnight), Busan, Kanmon Strait, Kochi, Osaka (overnight), Tokyo.
• Fares from $7400

CANADA & New England: Montreal to New York for 11-days

• Visit Montreal, Saguenay, Charlottetown, Halifax, Portland, Boston, Newport, NYC.
• Departures in September 2026 from $7950
• Departures in October 2026 from $7350

Reminder: VISITING THE UK?

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK — You may ask why anyone would visit Las Vegas in August (when it is only slightly cooler than the surface of the sun).  For Bob and me, it’s our annual pilgrimage to Virtuoso Travel Week where we learn about NEW products for our clients; refresh relationships with vendors, and investigate new ways to innovate and serve our clients better.

You’ve expressed interest when we peel back the curtain on the travel industry so here goes:

WHAT is Virtuoso Travel Week?

• Virtuoso Travel Week (VTW) is to the luxury travel industry, what Fashion Week in Paris is to that industry.
• More than 5000 of us from 100 countries converge on Vegas to learn, network, improve, and connect.  This conference is by invitation only, so we learn a ton from the world’s top performing travel industry peers. 
• There is networking, professional development, mastermind groups, new product introductions, and technology presentations. 

TRENDS and THEMES:

• BABY BOOMERS are still driving the luxury leisure travel segment, but every year other cohorts become more influential.
• MULTI-GEN: Generations are travelling TOGETHER.  We notice this in our business too – our clients want to create memories with their kids and grandchildren. 
• INBOUND TRAVEL is in trouble: Globally, the travel industry is growing rapidly, but travel TO the United States has declined significantly.  This affects millions of jobs, overall economic health, AND reduces outbound air service to other countries.
• ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and Automated Tools will radically change the travel industry.  We are excited about the possibilities to better automate the behind the scenes functions of booking YOUR travel, so it gives us more time for the personal connection. 

How YOU (Our Clients) Benefit from Virtuoso Travel Week:

We soak up all kinds of things at VTW, and it shapes what we do for you:

• NEW PRODUCTS: Meetings turn into ideas, and those ideas turn into YOUR next experience!  Next week, we’ll talk about SEACLOUD – a new product!
• TECHNOLOGY TOOLS:  We’re experimenting with tools to make us better and faster.  Our intent is to have MORE time to personally connect with clients.

The old adage “What Happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas” is exactly the opposite of what we do.  We leave Vegas with the intent of bringing YOU the benefit of everything we learned and experienced there.  We leave Bellagio and Las Vegas re-energized, re-committed, and ready to take on the next year!

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Virtuoso Travel Week, and why that matters to YOU:  https://youtu.be/oFelxE9YSCE 

If you want to see the flashy video produced by Virtuoso, here it is: 

https://youtu.be/C7tN1q6AbUQ?si=SZKYboA_BlP6jUEJ

In Case You Missed It:

Travelling with the AFFLUENT:  Who are these people?  In short, they’re YOU – even though you probably don’t describe yourself this way: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-the-affluent/

OCEANIA – Here’s a peek at this culinary-focused cruise line that positions itself between the Premium and Luxury cruise lines:  

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

GREENLAND – You may want to get to this destination BEFORE demand outstrips supply.  We’re seeing lots of interest in this destination: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/greenland-add-it-to-your-bucket-list/

Featured Post From Our YOUTUBE Channel:

VIKING EXPEDITION:  Ever wonder how Viking Expedition ships and cruises differ from the Viking Ocean offering?  Want to see the Viking HANGAR deck and submarines? 

https://youtu.be/XlKq3ow2JrM

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

OCEANIA

With a strong focus on the CULINARY, and lots of overnight port stops, OCEANIA occupies a market niche between the Premium and Luxury lines:

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA:  Auckland to Sydney departing January 25 for 14-days

• Visit Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Hobart, Melbourne (overnight).
• Fares from $6699 with a $400 on board credit. 

SOUTH AMERICA: Buenos Aires to Lima departing February 3 for 18-days

• Visit Montevideo, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso, Coquimbo, Iquique, Pisco.
• Fares from $5499 with a $400 on board credit.

CARIBBEAN: Miami round-trip departing February 26 for 11-days

• Visit San Juan (overnight), St. Kitts, St. Barts, St. Martin, BVI on the brand-new ALLURA
• Fares from $4180 with a $300 on board credit

TAUCK on the RIVER CRUISES

This company is THE leader in land-cruises, and also have a small fleet of river boats in Europe:

EASTERN EUROPE: from BUDAPEST to BUCHAREST for 13-days

• Visit Budapest for 2 nights, then travel to Mohacs, Pecs, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade (with a private Palace evening at Royal White Palace of Serbian royal Family), Iron Gates scenic cruising, Ruse (also known as little Vienna), Constanta & Mamaia, then disembark to visit Bucharest and Transylvania.  
• 2026:  Departures April through October from $7490

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: Sold Out
• 2026: Depart September 16 or 23 from $8490

FRENCH RIVIERA to Switzerland for 14-days

• Fly to Marseille, and visit Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, Chateau Neuf du Pape, Tain L’hermitage, Macon, Cluny, Chalon sur Saone, Burgundy, Lyon, Geneva, Chamonix.
• 2026: Departures April through October from $9190

SEABOURN Private Sale

Just one week left to take advantage of our Private Sale with Seabourn, where you can get up to 10% OFF.  If you want to try out a high-end small ship luxury cruise line that is both casual and sophisticated, then the opportunity is not going to get better than this.  Here are the details: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/seabourn/

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

You don’t have to be an elite athlete, but if you like to be active on vacation, here are some ideas.  These trips are also perfect for PHOTOGRAPHERS: 

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

• Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay for 6 days Jan, Feb, Mar.
• See the Gray Whales, explore the sand dunes at Sand Dollar Beach, and visit the fishing village of Puerto Magdalena.  Go kayaking, zodiacs, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling.  
• Departures January through March from $3155, with additional incentives for January departures.  Contact us for details. 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS round-trip from Quito (or Guayaquil) for 10-days

• Visit for 2 days in Quito or Guayaquil, then fly to Baltra to board Endeavour II in the Galapagos.  Over the next week stop in at North Seymour Island, Isabella Island, Fernandina, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, Genovesa, San Cristobal.
• Departures in January and February from $5722, with additional incentives available.  Contact us for details.

BRITISH ISLES: England, Ireland, Scotland from London to Edinburgh for 12-days

• Visit London, Fowey (Cornwall), Scilly, Cobh, West Coast of Ireland, Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, Aberdeen, Edinburgh.
• Depart April 26, 2026 from $12,745, with additional incentives available.  Contact us for details.

G-ADVENTURES LAND CRUISE

Here are two close-to-home options if you want to explore with G-Adventures GELUXE:

COSTA RICA:  San Jose round-trip for 15-days

• Visit San Jose, then go kayaking and wildlife spotting at Tortuguero NP.  Next, it’s on to Arenal Volcano to take in the views, and visit a coffee plantation.  Then into the jungle at Rio Celeste, to experience the hot springs, waterfalls, and cascading pools.  Mount Chirripo for more volcanoes and the central highlands. Also visit Puerto Jimenez and Corcovado NP, and Manuel Antonio NP before returning to San Jose. 
• Departures November through March from $7899 per person 

MEXICO:  Oaxaca to Tulum for 14-days

• Visit the historical town of Oaxaca to experience its culinary delights, then on to Puebla, and Mexico City for urban highlights.  Next, take a plane to Yucatan (included in the price), and visit Chichen Itza, and Merida before carrying on to Tulum.  This trip is great if you want to see Mayan ruins and pyramids, or swim in the cenotes.  
• Departures October through May from $5099

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

ALASKA is an exceedingly popular cruise ship destination, and there are MORE options than most people realize.  

ALASKA IS GREAT for those that LOVE scenery, nature, wildlife, and remote spaces.  

ALASKA IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR those looking for a great urban or cultural scene.  Seattle and Vancouver are the only cities of any size in the region.  I personally find the culture and art of the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast infinitely fascinating, but it is a specific interest.

GUIDELINES for the ULTIMATE ALASKA Trip:

• GO for as long as you can.  It’s far bigger, and much further away than most think.
• SEE Coastal Alaska AND Denali – they are very different, and our clients that only do the cruise report back that they wish they had also visited Denali.
• Have a valid PASSPORT:  YES – Alaska is domestic, but you’ll be in Canada at some point.
• CRUISE ships are on the Alaska Coast from late April through early October.  There is no “best” time to visit, but there are trade-offs that we can chat through with you. 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

All the cruise lines have at least one vessel in Alaska, and you should tailor this itinerary to suit your own interests and tastes.  I’ve suggested a North to South routing here, but you can easily go the other way

• DAY 1:  Arrive in Fairbanks.  It’s 4-hours from Seattle, and 7-hours from Minneapolis or Chicago, so it will be a long day of travel.
• DAY 2:  Explore Fairbanks, go to Gold Dredge #8 to explore Alaska’s gold mining history, and go to the MINUS 40 room for a quick demonstration of Alaska winters.
• DAY 3:  Cheena River boat cruise and dog-sledding demonstration.  In the afternoon transfer to Denali.
• DAY 4:  Denali Park Tour.  The shortest one is 5 hours, the one you want to do is about 8 hours.  You CAN’T see Denali until you’re well into the National Park.  
• DAY 5:  Enjoy the amenities at your Denali accommodations or go for a walk or kayaking.  In the afternoon, board the train to Talkeetna/McKinley.  Sunset with a glass of wine viewing Denali.
• DAY 6:  Do a flight-seeing tour over Denali by small plane in the morning.  In the afternoon transfer to Anchorage, and enjoy one of their craft breweries. 
• DAY 7:  Transfer from Anchorage to Seward or Whittier to board your ship.  
• DAYS 7 – 14:  A typical coastal Alaska cruise between Anchorage and Vancouver/Seattle is 7-nights, but some are a bit longer.  Lots of options here. 
• DAY 15:  Arrive in Vancouver (or Seattle).  If you haven’t been there previously, you may want to stay for a day or two.  
• DAY 16 or 17:  Take the Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Rail journey for a scenic trip over the Canadian Rockies.  The shorter journeys are 3 to 5 days, and can include Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Calgary.  You can fly home from Calgary, OR if you want an even longer train trip, you can ride it in a circle route back to Vancouver.  

VIDEO RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP:

• ALASKA: How to Choose video: https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M?si=Bk0XzTgcgdk57cZH 
• ALASKA PRINCESS & HOLLAND AMERICA LODGES Video Blogs Playlist:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVEZh4TwDNnSFedD8FOItXHe&si=CNO-BKWSCvGu9_dR 
• COASTAL ALASKA PORTS with SEABOURN Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA1r3eOMaDVGIkLzMGzGDOfx8xOSpC2Vt&si=tA76ZQKVTd5EXlX1 
• ALASKA:  What to Pack:  https://youtu.be/m3APP25a9cE 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about the considerations of planning YOUR ULTIMATE ALASKA Itinerary, and their experiences in the 49^th State: 

https://youtu.be/-7HjisAy1tA

In Case You Missed It:

SEABOURN:  We’re running a PRIVATE SALE with SEABOURN this month, and ALASKA is one of the destinations we can get you 10% off.  https://pamperedcruiser.com/seabourn/ 

DO-IT-YOURSELF WORLD CRUISE:  If you’d like to be away for a few months, but aren’t thrilled with the idea of being on a ship ALL that time, here’s some ideas:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-it-yourself-world-cruise/

IT’S ALL TEMPORARY – SO TRAVEL NOW:  Here’s one of our personal stories about marking milestones, and why it’s so important TO DO the things you want to do with important people:

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

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

SMALL SHIP ALASKA with SEABOURN

We’re running a private sale this month with Seabourn, and can get you 10% OFF Seabourn’s best price on 2026 Alaska cruises.  Seabourn Encore is an all-suite ship, with verandas for ALL staterooms, and carries only 600 guests.  There are essentially THREE itineraries:

Vancouver to Juneau for 7-nights on May 29 (with other dates June through September) 

• Visit Queen Charlotte Sound, Ketchikan, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Inian Islands, Icy Strait Point, Haines, and finish in Juneau. 
• Veranda fares from $5898 (LESS 10%)

Juneau to Vancouver for 7-nights on May 22 (with other dates June through September)

• Visit Wrangell, Misty Fjords National Monument, Prince Rupert, Whale Channel, and Alert Bay.  
• Veranda fares from $5198 (LESS 10%)

Vancouver round-trip for 14-nights on May 29 (with other dates June through September)

• Visit all the places listed in the above two cruises
• Veranda fares from $9498 (LESS 10%)

Our Seabourn PRIVATE SALE includes more than Alaska, so inquire if you’d like to go elsewhere. 

REMOTE ALASKA with HX

• If you’d rather go to Alaska for hiking, sea-kayaking, light hiking, and see its more remote corners, then HX is a good choice.  You can also travel on the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship, Roald Amundsen that carries just 500 guests.  See our ship tour video here: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0 

Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days

• Depart Vancouver, sail the Inside Passage, then to Misty Fjords, Klawock, Fjords of the Alaskan panhandle, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay, Valdez, Prince William Sound, and then to Anchorage
• Departures May through July 2026 from $4554

Anchorage to Vancouver for 13-days

• Visit the tidewater glaciers on Prince William Sound and Icy Bay, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm, Klawock, Inside Passage, Alert Bay.
• Departures May through July from $5981

Vancouver to Seattle on July 26 for 19-days

• Visit the Canadian Inside Passage, Misty Fjords, Wrangell, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Icy Bay, Kodiak, Katmai, Alaska Peninsula, Unga, Dutch Harbor, St. Paul, St. Matthew, Nome, Anchorage, and then a flight back to Seattle.
• Fares from $10,798 (Includes flight to Seattle, and hotel night post cruise)

HX fares include expedition activities*, an open bar, expedition jacket, on-board photographer, wifi, and gratuities.  

*Expedition Activities:  Expert lectures, use of on-board Science Center, zodiacs, kayaks, light hiking, wildlife spotting.

DENALI ADD-ON for 6-nights

All the cruise lines have their own Denali add-ons to Alaska cruise that range between 3 and 7 nights.  Here’s typical itinerary:

• Two nights in Fairbanks, followed by 2-nights at Denali NP, 1-night Talkeetna (McKinley), and 1-night in Anchorage or Seward before boarding the ship.  
• Activities as outlined in the ULTIMATE ALASKA ITINERARY above.
• Transportation by Alaska Rail and Motor Coach.
• Fares for add-on is $3500 – $4500 per person depending on cruise line and departure dates. 

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Luxury Rail Journey

The scenery in the Canadian Rockies is every bit as spectacular as Alaska, and can be easily added on to ANY Alaskan cruise that starts or finishes in Vancouver.  You’ll get to see world-class scenery and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying great food and wine.  There are options between 3 and 12 nights, and are the two most popular Rocky Mountaineer itineraries:

Vancouver to Banff for 5-nights

• Spend 1-night in Vancouver, then board the train to Kamloops (overnight), and then follow on to Lake Louise for 1-night and Banff for 2-nights.
• Prices range between $2904 and $4968 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October. 

Circle Journey: Vancouver round-trip for 12 -nights

• If you really want a comprehensive feel for the spectacular Canadian Rockies, this is the trip for you.
• Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff (3-nights), Lake Louise (2-nights), Jasper (2-nights), Quesnel, Whistler, Vancouver.
• Prices range between $9940 to $12,110 per person based on your departure date, and level of service.  Departures available April through October.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES in Europe

There are no overnight river cruises in Alaska or British Columbia, so here are some ideas for European river cruise options that have incredible SCENERY (like Alaska) and wildlife viewing in Slovenia (the most beautiful country you haven’t yet visited), and Northern Italy:

Grand Highlights of Italy & Slovenia from Ljubljana to Rome for 14-nights

• Visit Slovenia’s charming and scenic capital city of Ljubljana for 4-nights (and also visit Lake Bled, and Postjna Caves), and then transfer to Venice of 7-nights aboard the SS Venezia (to see Venice, Burano, Chioggia, & Mazzorba), and then on to Rome for 3-nights
• Departures April through October from $5199

NORTHERN ITALY:  Lake Como to Venice for 12-days

• Start with 2-nights in Lugano and Lake Como, and then carry on to Milan for 2-nights (and also visit Verona and Valpolicella) before transferring to Venice to board the ship for 7-nights and explore all around Northern Italy (Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Bologna). 
• Departures August through November from $5858

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

Do You Have an Upcoming Viking Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley