You are very aware of the UK and Ireland as a destination, but it is ironically often overlooked.  Here are some ideas on how and why you should consider this destination: 

First, some social studies to start.  For the purposes of our discussion:

• The United Kingdom is England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.  Each of these is a distinct country, but not by the same definition we would use.  They are ONE nation. 
• The Republic of Ireland is a separate nation (and part of the EU), although people most often visit both Ireland and Northern Ireland together.

WHY Go to the UK and Ireland?

They’re not known for great weather or fantastic food, so here are some other reasons to visit:

• History:  The islands are full of centuries-old castles, Roman ruins and family heritage.
• Culture: There are unique music, art, and cozy pubs.
• Ease & Proximity:  Ports of call are close together, and it’s not difficult to get around. 
• Scenery:  The rugged coastlines of the British Isles are beautiful (and often overlooked).

HOW to Go

• Cruise Ship:  ALL the cruise lines operate itineraries here and you only unpack once!
• Land Tour:  Most attractions in the UK & Ireland are near the coastline, but if you want to go a bit farther from the coast, a land tour is the way to do it. 
• Independent Wandering:  English is widely spoken, and it’s easy to navigate. 

Most Frequented Ports of Call

• London: Your gateway to the Royal Family, the Tower of London, and West End theatre.
• Dublin: Friendly locals, Guinness, and literary roots that stretch from Joyce to Yeats.
• Edinburgh: Walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, or attend a festival.
• Belfast: Explore the history, Titanic heritage, and do day trips to the Giant’s Causeway.
• Liverpool: Beatles fans rejoice—this is your pilgrimage stop.
• Scottish Highlands: Loch Ness and castles straight out of your Outlander dreams.

WHO Goes to the UK & Ireland 

• History buffs, and those that love centuries-old buildings and castles. 
• People investigating their family heritage.
• Pub crawlers, and those that like small towns, or distinct neighborhoods.
• Those wanting to experience the rugged scenery of these islands’ coastlines. 

WHEN to go to the UK & Ireland:

• May through September weather is when the weather is most moderate, but also the most crowded and most expensive.
• The winter months are less crowded, and will cost you less.
• Pack a raincoat at any time of the year. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about travelling to the UK and Ireland.  When to go; navigating London; getting to the cruise ship port, and how to make the most of your trip:

https://youtu.be/UQsOuCxWVi8

In Case You Missed It:

18 SUMMERS to Travel with Kids and Grandkids?  It’s actually more like 10 SUMMERS!  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/only-18-summers/

AMA WATERWAYS:  AMA is on all the European Rivers, as well as Vietnam, Colombia, Southern Africa, and Egypt.  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-private-sale-90-day-final-payment/

MANAGING your LUGGAGE.  Overpacking is a rookie mistake… time to LIGHTEN UP. 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/luggage-a-refrigerator-sized-problem-2/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

AMA Waterways’ KRISTIN KARST.  Learn all about AMA when Bob interviews AMA’s Founder, Co-Owner and Brand Ambassador while on board her namesake ship, AMA Kristina. 

https://youtu.be/3NAEB01hhAE

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

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Today’s Travel Opportunities

REGENT Seven Seas

We’re running a PRIVATE SALE with Regent this month, and can get you $1000 OFF any of the cruises to the UK and Ireland listed below, as well as just about everything else in their inventory.  Regent is the highest end and most inclusive of the cruise lines.

London round departing June 16 for 12-days

• Visit Edinburgh, Invergordon, 2 stops in the Shetland Islands, Bergen, Faroe Islands, Hebrides, Belfast & Dublin
• Prices from $12,599 (Less Private Sale discount of $1000)

London to Belfast departing June 28 for 7-nights

• Visit Falmouth, Cork, Holyhead, Liverpool
• Fare from $8199 (Less Private Sale discount of $1000)

London round-trip departing August 12 for 20-nights.  Includes Iceland

• Visit Edinburgh, Invergordon, Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, 6 port stops in Iceland, Hebrides, Londonderry, Belfast, Cork.
• Fares from $18,999 (Less Private Sale discount of $1000)

London to Edinburgh departing May 10, 2027 for 11-nights

• Visit Fowey, Cork, Holyhead, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow, Kirkwall, Aberdeen
• Fares from $9799 Less
• Or leave July 2, 2027 from $11,199 (Less Private Sale discount of $1000)

WANT TO SHOP?  Here’s a link to REGENT’s Cruise Search Tool:

https://www.rssc.com/cruises?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

Azamara Small-Ship Experiences

You’ve heard of the R-Class vessels that hold just 680 guests.  Azamara has four of these ships, and they offer an affordable small-ship experience.  Here’s some UK & Ireland itineraries. 

Dublin to Edinburgh departing July 15 for 13-nights

• Visit Dublin (overnight), Holyhead, Liverpool, Isle of Man, Belfast, Greenock, Invergordon, Dundee, Edinburgh (overnight). 
• Fares from $4859

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

• Visit Dublin (overnight), Belfast, Killybegs, Galway, Foynes, Bantry Harbour, Waterford, Cork, Portsmouth
• Fares from $4069

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES Cultural Immersion by Yacht

Carrying less than 200 guests, these ships are in Antarctica in our winter months, and conduct CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS in our summers.  

London round-trip departing May 1, for 10-nights

• Visit London (overnight – docked at Tower Bridge), Edinburgh (overnight), Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cornwall.  
• Fares from $5499

London to Glasgow departing May 11, 2027 for 9-nights

• Visit London (overnight – docked at Tower Bridge), St. Malo, Isles of Scilly, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast
• Fares from $make something up. 

ATLAS Fares Include:  Shore excursions and ship-board activities, as well as an open bar, and gratuities. 

LAND CRUISES with COLLETTE

You can’t go everywhere on a ship, but if you like the variety, inclusiveness, and structure of cruise itinerary, you can find that with Collette and with groups no larger than 24.  Here are some itineraries in the UK & Ireland:

ENGLAND & SCOTLAND from Edinburgh to London for 14-days

• Start in Edinburgh for 2-nights, then on to the Lakes District.  Stop in at Liverpool and visit Strawberry Fields.  Next you’re off to the Cotswolds, then see Bath, and stay in Cornwall for 2 nights, and then finish in London for 2-nights. 
• 2026:  Departures April through November from $5899

IRELAND from Dublin to Kilkenny for 15-days

• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Donegal, Wild Atlantic Way, Fermanagh, Devenish Island, Enniskillen, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Kilkenny.
• 2026: Departures March through November from $5399

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

If you want to experience OUTDOOR Ireland & UK on a small ship with walking, wildlife spotting, sea kayaking, zodiac rides, Photography expert, see the puffins, for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Around the British Isles:  Portsmouth (London) to Edinburgh for 12-days

• Visit Cornish port of Fowey to visit a family farm, beaches on the Isles of Scilly, Cork’s natural harbour, rugged and sparsely populated west coast of Ireland (Dingle Peninsula), but still has the occasional neighbourhood pub, Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, Aberdeen. 
• 2026: Depart in April or May from $12,745
• 2027: Depart in April or May from $14,290

Around Scotland from Dublin to Edinburgh for 8-days

• Visit Rathlin Island for world’s largest Puffin colony, Isle of Skye in the Hebrides for fishing villages and medieval castles, Loch Ewe, Shetland and Orkney Islands for incredible rugged scenery, and Viking heritage.
• 2026:  April and May from $8111
• 2027: June from $8390

RIVER CRUISES – AMA

There aren’t any river boats in the UK or Ireland, but we’re holding space on a couple of European cruises with an extra discount:

RHINE RIVER: Amsterdam to Basel departing March 28 for one-week

• Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel 
• Window Fares: $4548.  Our Group Price: $4320
• Twin Balcony Fares (BA Cateogry): $6548.  Our Group Price; $6220

Paris & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September 17, 2026 for one-week

• Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight). 
• Optional 2-night Paris Extension
• Window Fares $5349.  Our Group Price: $5082
• French Balcony Fare: $6548.  Our Group Price: $6220

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

Remember dial-up internet?  The funky rhythm and tune of computer generated tones, and then you waited… a long time.  It was slower than a retirement community of turtles.  And that’s generally been the case on cruise ships until very recently.

During the pandemic, several cruise lines used the opportunity to significantly upgrade the technology on their ships, and it’s substantially better than it once was, but still not as fast as home.  I DO find it a bit ridiculous when people complain about the speed of the internet when they’re on board a plane or ship (or really any moving vessel for that reason).

Think about this for just a minute:  you’re flying through the air, or perhaps in Antarctica – thousands of miles from the nearest human community, and you’re fully connected.  It’s a marvel… and those that think it should be as fast as the fibre optic connection at home need to dial-back (pun intended) their expectations.

So here’s some Q & A on internet connections on cruise ships:

Q: Which Cruise Line Has the Fastest Internet?

A: Several make the claim of the “fastest”.  In reality, it depends where the vessel is, and how many people are accessing it at the same time.  Most cruise lines use Starlink, or one of its European competitors, so the technology is very similar between the cruise lines. 

Q: What Does Internet Cost on a Cruise Ship?

A: The smaller-ship cruise lines, and river boats usually include connectivity in your fare.  The mega-ship cruise lines will charge you between $15 and $50 per day, depending on how much data you want to move.

Q:  Sounds like it’s better than it was.  What still sucks?

A:  If you want to stream video, use a VPN or take video calls, you’ll sometimes still struggle.  Some cruise lines also limit the number of devices you can connect. 

Q:  What causes variation in internet speed?

A:  The position of the vessel, the number of people using it at the same time, and whether it’s a satellite or cellular connection will all impact your connectivity. 

Q:  Are there any hacks that will make it quicker?

A:  Download videos, or maps you intend to use before you leave home, so you’re not trying to download big files over limited bandwidth.  You will also do better when others AREN’T using the wifi.  If you want to upload the photos you took that day as soon as you get back to the ship and before dinner, keep in mind everyone else is doing the same thing.  It will be slow. 

Q:  What’s Your BEST Suggestion For Internet At Sea?

A:  DON’T PARTICIPATE.  You’re on vacation… disconnect, and be in the moment.  If you like to post your vacations on social media, consider doing that once you get home.  

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Wifi on Cruise Ships, and how to get maximum connectivity:

https://youtu.be/3EH4zRZc8TE

In Case You Missed It:

NATIONAL PARKS:  The hardcore outdoor enthusiasts have been going for years, but there’s something for everyone at our National Parks:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/time-to-visit-our-national-parks/

TRAVEL TRIVIA:  How much fluid will you lose on a 10-hour flight?  This and other mysteries solved: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-trivia/

TAUCK River Cruising:  Tauck is the most inclusive of the river cruise lines in Europe.  Here’s a bit more information about them:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/what-about-tauck/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

VIKING’S PRE-TRIP MAIL PACKAGE.  Yes, they send you luggage tags.  What else can you expect from your pre-trip mail out from Viking?

https://youtu.be/62QlltkT7xo

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/pfbid02z8XgRyi2YYLV5NNk5wfe3KCcpY2X3STtPAuYXQPsKGBncB1rphfYiRjPgAEtEhuel

Today’s Travel Opportunities

Oceania 

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

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

FALL SALE EVENT:  Oceania is offering a 2-category upgrade on select sailings.  Here are two examples: 

PANAMA CANAL departing Panama City April 24 for 10-days

• Start in Panama City, and then do a full daylight transit of the canal.  Then visit Cartagena, Costa Rica, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel before arriving in Miami.
• Veranda fares from $3899

ICELAND round-trip Reykjavik departing July 24 for 10-days

• Visit 7 ports in Iceland, as well as 2 port calls in the Faroe Islands
• Veranda fares from $4949

There are over 100 more itineraries included on the FALL SALE.  Here’s the link: 

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/fall-sale?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

WINDSTAR YACHTING Experiences

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

ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 12-days on the new STAR SEEKER

• This is a new ship, and a new destination for Windstar.  They’ve chosen some less frequented ports.  Perfect for those that have been to Alaska previously.
• Visit Misty Fjords, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Endicott Arm, Haines, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Kenai Fjords NP.
• 2026: Fares from $7699 for departures May through August
• 2027: Fares from $6899 for departures May through August

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

• Visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora (overnight), Huahini.  Remember this tropical paradise is only 2 hours past Hawaii, and has a fraction as many tourists. 
• 2026: Depart January through December from $3282 with ALL-IN Fare Package
• Here’s our video blog from when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/ctytpPPx1tM 

RIVER CRUISES with TAUCK

Tauck is the most inclusive of the river cruise lines, and they have some unique itineraries in Europe:

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!
• 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

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

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

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

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

• January through March from $6900
• April through December from $7968
• 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 offer credit towards another cruise.  The Northern Lights run in a decade-long cycle, and the natural phenomenon will begin to wane after this season. 
• 2026: Depart February, March, November, or December  from $4132
• 2027: Depart January through March from $5248

LAND CRUISES with INTREPID TRAVEL

You can’t visit everywhere by ship, and Intrepid is a great option for those that like the structure of cruise, but want to visit some places not accessible by river boat or ocean ship. 

MOROCCO:  Casablanca to Marrakech for 15-days

• If you’re in Southern Europe, then this North African country is close by, and in many ways is more comparable to travelling in Europe, than Africa. 
• Visit the Museum of Judaism, and Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca.  Walk the Medinas and Souks in Meknes, get a home-cooked dinner in Fes, visit the desert oasis town of Erfoud, go for a camel ride during your stay at a Sahara Desert Camp, stop in at Ait Benhaddou (where Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and many other movies have been filmed), stay overnight in a village in the High Atlas Mountains, and finish in Marrakech, where you’ll experience the crossroads of cultures that is Morocco.
• 2026: Weekly departures year-round from $4225

CROATIA & SLOVENIA for 16-days:  

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

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley

You’ve probably heard of REGENT SEVEN SEAS, and if you’re looking for a high-end, all-inclusive experience, they should definitely be on your radar.  They are THE most inclusive cruise line, and if you like small-ship luxury, here’s a brief look:

The Ships

• Carry between 496 and 850 guests.
• As of the end of 2026, Regent will have an ALL veranda fleet.
• There are seven ships including Prestige which joins in late 2026.
• Prestige will have Skyview Suites (with rooftop terraces).

The Itineraries

• Lots of overnights and extended stays.  Ports look a lot different at night, so you get a different experience.
• Regent visits 550 ports on 6 continents so you can go anywhere with them. 
• Shore excursions with a focus on Epicurean Delights, Wellness Tours, Eco Tours, Architectural Tours, as well as more traditional shore tours. 

The Experience

• There is 1 staff member for every 1.3 guests, so you’ll be well taken care of.
• Butlers and suite attendants for every stateroom. 
• Relaxed evening dress code to include refined denim and stylish sneakers after 6pm.
• Insightful guest speakers and Broadway quality entertainment.
• Culinary excellence with a wide variety of specialty dining choices, and featured local dishes as well.  

The Inclusions

• REGENT is the MOST inclusive cruise option available.  You may be aware that earlier this month without any warning, Silversea dropped Shore Excursions from their included amenities, leaving REGENT as the only truly all-inclusive option.
• Your fare on REGENT includes
  • All taxes and fees
  • Specialty dining
  • Butlers for every room
  • An open bar, including in-suite mini-bar replenished daily
  • Gratuities & Wifi on board the ship
  • Valet laundry service
  • UNLIMITED Shore Excursions

PRIVATE SALE in OCTOBER

Regent wants to get more of our clients on board their ships, so they’re offering us $1000 OFF per person on just about all their itineraries.  The REGENT PRESTIGE launches in 2026, and itineraries on that ship are excluded, but everything else we can save you $2000 per stateroom.  

Here’s a link to our agency page on Regent if you’d like to learn more:

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/bobbrad77410/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/2527/regent-seven-seas-cruises

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about Regent Seven Seas, and why you should have them on your radar:  https://youtu.be/H2CuxZNrV_g 

In Case You Missed It:

VISIT the MED and the CARIBBEAN of Decades Past in our CRUISE SHIP TIME MACHINE:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/cruise-ship-time-machine-the-mediterranean-or-caribbean-of-60-years-ago/

CRUISE NEWS:  Some updates and stats from the Travel Industry:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/state-of-the-cruise-biz/

WHAT WE DO ON VACATION.  People have asked about OUR travel preferences.  Here they are:

https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-we-travel-on-vacation/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

SEA CLOUD SHIP TOUR:  Here’s an insider look at our most recent experience on SEA CLOUD’s Salt Water River Cruise:  https://youtu.be/XkhWMx4dK20 

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/pfbid02kTfEvFwEBsU9LLTAaP7JKNX5DNuHaHbVoKsUPcf9xW32mWhqS6NyjXtUnEkhZ5wPl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

REGENT SEVEN SEAS Small Ship Luxury

During October we can get you $1000 OFF almost any REGENT cruise.  This is a great opportunity to try out this brand if you haven’t travelled with them before.  Here are a handful of examples.  We can save you $1000 off any of the fares listed: 

JAPAN: Tokyo round-trip departing March 25 for 14-nights

• Visit Nagoya, Kyoto, Kochi, Beppu, Seoul (overnight), Shanghai (overnight), Kagoshima
• Veranda Fares from $12,399

MEDITERRANEAN:  Rome to Athens departing May 8 for 7-nights:

• Visit Naples, Malta, Olympia, Santorini, Mykonos.
• Veranda Fares from $6349

ALASKA:  Anchorage to Vancouver departing July 8 for 7-nights:

• Visit Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, Klawock.
• Veranda Fares from $6799.  Business Class Air: $1270

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

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

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

• Visit Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Gaspe, Baie Comeau, Saguenay, Quebec City.
• Veranda Fares from $10,999.  Business Class Air $490

AUSTRALIA: Round-trip Sydney departing December 19, 2026 for 10-nights

• Visit Eden, Melbourne, Philip Island, Portland, Hobart, and Sydney (overnight)
• Veranda Fares from $8099

SOUTH AMERICA: Santiago to Buenos Aires departing February 1 for 16-nights

• Visit Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, San Rafael, 2 days in the Chilean Fjords, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia (overnight), Puerto Madryn, Montevideo.
• Veranda Fares from $10,320

Don’t see what you’re looking for?  Here’s a link to their cruise search tool that has ALL their sailings:  https://www.rssc.com/cruises?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser 

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with ATLAS

This company has 3 yachts (launched in 2021, 2022, 2023), all holding 196 guests.  Fares include open bar, daily refresh of minibar in room, prepaid gratuities, specialty dining, butler service, and some shore experiences:

ANTARCTICA round-trip from Buenos Aires departing March 3 for 10-nights

• Includes charter flight to Ushuaia and 5-days of scheduled landings on the continent.
• Fares from $9614

GREENLAND & NEWFOUNDLAND departing September 21, 2026 for 17-nights

• Visit 4 ports in Greenland, then 4 ports in the Canadian Arctic, and the onto Newfoundland and Labrador for 6 different port stops.  You’ll then see the rarely visited French Territory of St. Pierre/Miquelon, before returning to St. John’s, Newfoundland where it’s a quick flight back to the US Northeast.
• Fares from $13,626

Click here to learn more about the Atlas Ocean Voyages experience: https://inspires.to/experiences/the-atlas-ocean-voyages-experience-wx208

SEACLOUD SALT WATER RIVER CRUISE

There are four days left to take advantage of some great promotions on SEACLOUD.  Get up to $2000 per person off THESE select voyages, AND a $50 per person, per day on board credit:

https://www.seacloud.com/en/labor-day-2026

Don’t see the experience you want?  We can get you a 5% discount off ANY OTHER Sea Cloud itinerary… but only until the end of September.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

Uniworld custom builds and decorates its ships to reflect the area through which it is sailing, meaning you’re fully immersed in the destination.  They also have some itineraries that the other river cruise lines don’t do.  Here’s some examples:

• Belgrade, Serbia to Vienna, Austria.
• Vienna to Nuremberg
• Basel to Cologne
• Nuremberg to Frankfurt (for the full German Christmas Market experience)

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

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 for 7-nights aboard the SS Venezia (to see Venice, Burano, Chioggia, & Mazzorba), and then on to Rome for 3-nights
• Departures April through October from $5199

VENETIAN LAGOON:  Venice round-trip for 8-nights

• Explore all around Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia, Bologna). 
• Departures April through November from $2267
• Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

EARLY BOOKING BONUS

Uniworld is offering 20% off many 2026 itineraries:  

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

CANYON SPIRIT LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’ve undoubtedly heard Harry Chapin’s 1974 classic “The Cat’s in the Cradle”.  If not, it’s worth finding that song, and listening carefully to the lyrics.  I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, as Bob and I welcomed our second grandson to the world a few weeks ago. 

With our own children, we did our very best to be present for both the milestones AND the everyday ordinary miracles.  The age at which we become parents necessarily means this is always tempered with busy lives, building careers, and in some cases taking care of aging parents.

As grandparents, we usually have a little more time on our hands, and certainly more perspective as a result of more life experience.  If we’re paying attention, we’re also painfully more aware of the passage of time, and how temporary ALL things are. 

I’ve heard others comment “You only have 18 summers with your kids (or grandkids)”.  This hits people hard because 18 is a really small number.  Then it occurred to me that 18 is a REALLY GENEROUS number for such musings… it’s actually far less than 18 years.

If you’re looking to create memories with your grandchildren that they will retain, you probably can’t even start until they’re about 5 years old.  By the time they’re 15 years old, they are usually a lot more interested in their friends than their grandparents, and they probably have part-time jobs or other activities that will compete with your noble intentions of creating memories with them.  So it’s probably closer to TEN SUMMERS.

Our two children are in their 20s and 30s, and we feel truly blessed to be able to see them as often as we do.  However – much like we were at that age – they’re very busy.  And frankly, neither of them yet have the perspective to fully understand how quickly time will pass.  So that means WE need to create memories with them and their children.

Yes, we have selfish motives here too – our grandchildren are unbelievably adorable (if you have 45 minutes or so to spare, I’ll invite you over for a slide show of the cutest kids ever!).  We WANT to be there.  We WANT to create memories with them.  

So, we now find ourselves disavowing previous pledges to NOT over-indulge our children.  We always believed that they should achieve their own successes and own their own failures.  We felt NO obligation to buy them a car when they become of age or finance their other ambitions.

Yet, here we are now buying them (and their families) plane tickets to experience things WITH US.  

Selfish motives?  YOU BET… but the grandchildren really are adorable.  AND you only live once. 

Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:

Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about the SMALL WINDOW we have to make travel memories with our kids and grandkids.  There are also baby pictures in this video!

https://youtu.be/2MwJrihBKk8

In Case You Missed It:

ALASKA:  It’s relatively nearby, and a cruise vacation is a great choice for multi-generational groups: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/ultimate-alaska/

EXPLORA JOURNEYS:  This European luxury lifestyle brand was launched during the pandemic, and their third ship debuts next year.  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/explora-journeys-world-debut/

TRAVEL INSURANCE:  You will be best served by seeking out the advice of an insurance professional.  Here are the 3 aspects to travel insurance, and some questions you should ask:  

https://pamperedcruiser.com/our-advice-about-travel-insurance-2/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

Introducing SEA CLOUD.  If you want to learn whether this new brand is a good fit for you:

https://youtu.be/fy7Kfd1i3ZQ

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/pfbid0nyfuiZoG8WiRbMfjynhSRvHq41m6JqwPwN5ZuQ4Yc597NY1zL6s549XmRxFSiXMPl

Today’s Travel Opportunities

You have TEN SUMMERS or less to create memories with your kids and grandkids.  Today, I’ll focus on some multi-generational travel options.

SEA CLOUD Yachting Adventures

If you want to travel with active children while at the same time enjoying a first rate food and beverage experience, this is a great choice.  You can sip mimosas, while you watch your grandchildren climb the mast, or go swimming right off the boat.  Of course you can join them in these activities too!

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

We’ve also got some really special pricing with them available this month (SALE ENDS SEPT. 30th).  Here are two examples:

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

• Details: https://issuu.com/seacloudcruisesusa/docs/sea_cloud_big_book_2026_/68
• Visit Amorgos, Milos, Amorgos, Nauplio, and Poros
• Website Price: starting at $6295 per person
• SPECIAL PRICE (Book by Sept. 30th): From $4295 per person (SAVE $2000 per person!)

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

• Details: https://issuu.com/seacloudcruisesusa/docs/sea_cloud_big_book_2026_/100
• 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 (SAVE $2000 per person!)

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

• DISCOUNT:  5% OFF any Sea Cloud cruise 
• OBCs: Get $50 USD per guest per DAY in onboard credits to spend on spa treatments, high-end wines or upgraded shore excursions. That’s $350 per person for a 1-week trip!
• ALL INCLUSIVE: open bar, onboard gratuities, all dining, wifi on the ship, and many shore activities.

When you layer these offers together, the value is pretty hard to beat.  Remember though, you must book by Sept. 30th.

TAUCK BRIDGES – Multi-Gen Trips

Tauck Bridges has a series of products specifically designed for families and multi-generational groups, with age-appropriate activities to meet everyone’s needs.   

Here’s a great overview of Tauck Bridges Family tours: https://inspires.to/experiences/tauck-bridges-family-journeys-1dgpo

Here are two examples of Tauck Bridges trips:

AFRICAN SAFARI: Kenya, Tanzania for 10-days

• Visit Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Masai Mara Village, Ngorongoro Crater, and take a balloon ride over the Serengeti.
• Do game-drives, visit a Maasai School, and a coffee plantation.  You’ll see elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo, rhinos, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and many more. 
• Departures June through August, and December from $9890.
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.ca/tours/tanzania-family-safari?tcd=YZ2026&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

MT. RUSHMORE & NATIONAL PARKS from Jackson WY to Rapid City for 8-days

• Visit Jackson, Snake River Ranch, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Cody WY (for Buffalo Bill Center), Ucross, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore.

• Departures June through August from $5790
• Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/wyoming-family-vacation-packages-to-cowboy-country?tcd=yyn2025&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

If you’d like to see the complete line-up of TAUCK BRIDGES trips for Multi-Gen Groups:

https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/family-travel?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser

REMOTE EXPLORATIONS with HX

In the “old days” kids used to play outside.  If that’s something you’d like to re-introduce to society, here are two ways to do so:

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS and Quito for 9-days

• Swimming, snorkelling, nature spotting, and the world’s most exotic zoo (without any fences).  Show the kids tropical fish, sea lions, exotic birds, giant turtles and more. 
• 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.  

• January through March from $6725
• April through December from $7785
• See our video blog from when we took our kids on this trip: https://youtu.be/3F38Km2EEjQ 

Outdoor ALASKA: Vancouver to Anchorage for 10-days

• Take the kids beyond the T-shirt shops in Alaska and British Columbia.  Create memories of them sea kayaking, riding in a zodiac boat, going whale watching and wildlife spotting, all while you enjoy the remote Alaska scenery.  Just for fun, they can also experience the world’s longest zip-line at Icy Strait Point!
• 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 on to Anchorage
• Departures May through July 2026 from $4340.
• Here’s our ship tour video if you want to see the ship: Tour of the MS Roald Amundsen – YouTube 

AMA RIVER CRUISES

River cruises don’t attract many families, and unlike ocean cruises, there aren’t facilities on board for children and teens.  However, AMA has a number of adjoining staterooms, and they do attract Multi-Gen groups during school vacation times.  

2025 HOLIDAY CRUISES in EUROPE!  

• If you’re ready to go this year, AMA has 7-night cruises:
  • Rhine (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland)
  • Danube (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary)
  • Saone/Rhone (Provence region in Eastern France)
• BONUS: Includes pre-cruise hotel night prior to boarding, AND post-cruise extra night on the ship at the disembarkation port.
• Limited availability.  Pricing from $2589 per person.  Here’s the list:

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/new-year#offer

COLOMBIA: Barranquilla to Cartagena for 7-nights

• Take the kids to a Carnaval celebration, take a stilt-house village tour, enjoy a jazz street performance,  and San Felipe Castle and Walled city tour.  Enjoy the Latin music, sample the famous coffee, and take in the tropical rainforest.
• Only a 4 HOUR FLIGHT from many US Gateways.
• Pre/post available to Medellin and/or Panama.
• Departures year round.  Pricing starts at $3339

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

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

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

Explora is the only small ship luxury line that has a staffed children and teens center on board their ships.  They also have “Residences” for those travelling with larger family groups.  Here are two suggestions if you want to travel with the kids or grandkids for SPRING BREAK:

Eastern CARIBBEAN from Miami to San Juan departing March 18 for 8-nights

• Visit US Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Martinique, Saint-Kitts, 
• Veranda fares from $4275

SPAIN & ITALY round-trip from Barcelona departing March 25 for 8-nights 

• Visit Marseille, Corsica, Florence, Rome, Valencia, Mallorca, 
• Veranda fares from $5225

AZAMARA Pop-Up Sale

Azamara is the all-inclusive small ship cruise line that offers outstanding value for those that want to travel on the famous R-Class vessels, holding just 680 guests.  Any reservations made this week, we can add an additional on board credit:

• $150 per person for Ocean View Rooms.
• $200 per person for Veranda Rooms
• $250 per person for Suites

AZAMARA has 4 vessels that operate on 6 continents.  Here’s a link to their website:

https://www.azamara.com/home

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 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

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