A few of you have asked recently about products we do and don’t sell, so I thought I’d offer a bit more information here. Most of our business is cruise, but please do ask, and if we can’t help you, we’ll let you know.
To make a go of it in travel now, you really do have to be specialized, if for no other reason than our clients are much more educated than they used to be. The internet really did change the travel business, and (I believe) for the better. There are still the occasional strip-mall travel agencies that will do whatever you ask them to, but it’s unlikely those folks have travelled much themselves, and it’s IMPOSSIBLE for them to be experts at everything.
- Our Specialty is small ship ocean cruises, river cruises, expedition cruises and “land-cruises”. Land cruises are those packaged land tours that are structured much like cruises.
- Pre & Post cruise extensions. Most of our clients add a few days before or after their cruise, and we can help with that. Most often it is extensions offered by the cruise lines, but some of our clients prefer to do their own thing.
- We share files – you’ll probably speak with Kim or Bob on the phone. They divide incoming requests based on which one of them has been to a destination most recently. For the details after you’ve booked, you’ll probably most often deal with me or Peri. When you contact us, we will direct your request to whomever is most qualified to deal it.
- We DON’T run a call center – we will always get back to you within 24 hours, but it’s unlikely if you phone you’ll get through immediately. We do our very best, but those requiring instant attention are better suited to dealing with an organization with a call center.
- We’re Mom & Pop… with scale. We like the personal and small business nature of how we operate. Our affiliation with Virtuoso enables us to have the benefits of a huge agency, while having the personal touch of a small business
- The Virtuoso Network. We are part of this invitation-only travel consortium. This gives us access to additional amenities and benefits that are not available if you book direct. Virtuoso has about 20,000 travel agents world-wide, and Bob and I have been recognized as “Cruise-Icons” because our sales place us in the top 1% of this group.
- We travel (not all travel agents do) – we think this is critical to providing the best advice and support to our clients. Our team is large enough now, that when any one of us is travelling, there are still people available to respond to your queries. Bob and I just got back from the Mediterranean with Viking Ocean, and I’m proud to say nobody really noticed we were gone until we started posting on Facebook!
- We work from wherever there is a good internet connection. We recently changed our office location to Stamford Connecticut, but we don’t envision being there much. In the winter months, we spend a lot of time in Mexico, and our summers normally take to Canada, and many points in between. We are digital nomads… and loving it.
We’re not trying to be all things to all people (that never works). Instead we try to be clear on what we do, and don’t do.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
SEABOURN SAIL BEYOND
Seabourn has a small fleet of ships that hold between 264 and 600. They differentiate on service with their signature “Seabourn Moments”. My experience with this is when I walked into the Observation Lounge on the third or fourth day of my cruise, and waiter walked over a couple of minutes later with the drink I had ordered previously… without having to order! Seabourn doesn’t have butlers, and there are no tuxedos or ball gowns on board. It’s a high end, casual luxury offering.
The Seabourn Sail Beyond event nets you a 2 category cabin location upgrade, and a minimum $500 per person on board credit:
CARIBBEAN: Bridgetown, Barbados round-trip departing November 23 for 7 nights
- Visit St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, St. John’s Carambola Beach, Grenada
- Fares start at $4999 per person.
UK & Ireland round-trip from London for 14-nights departing September 7
- Visit Portland, St. Malo, Fishguard, Isle of Man, Belfast, Isle of Bute, Orban, Ullapool, Newhaven, Newcastle, Great Yarmouth.
- Fares start at $8999 per person
JAPAN intensive round-trip Tokyo departing April 13, 2025 for 14 days
- Visit Naha, Taipei (overnight), Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Shimizu, Yokohama
- Fares from $10,599
Seabourn fares include all taxes and fees, an open bar, gratuities, specialty dining, and Seabourn’s famous luxury service.
DOMESTIC LAND CRUISES
You’ve been asking for more domestic (and Canada) offers, so here’s a couple to consider.
Southwest National Parks from Phoenix to Rapid City for 11-nights
- Visit 5 National Parks starting in Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Marble Canyon (Navajo Bridge), Zion NP, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone NP, Cody (Buffalo Bill Center), Mount Rushmore, Rapid City.
- Several departures from May through October from $4999 per person
Canadian Rockies by Rail from Vancouver to Calgary for 8-nights
- Visit Vancouver, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, & Calgary
- Several departures from May through September from $5499 per person
VIKING WORLD CRUISE
These long cruises aren’t for everyone, but if you’re ready to be away for 4 months, early next year, then this one caught my eye:
- LA to London for 121 days departing January 5, 2025
- Visit Hawaii, Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia, SE Asia, India, the Mediterranean.
- See full itinerary here: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/world-grand/viking-world-journeys/index.html?startLocation=los-angeles-california&endLocation=london&year=2025
- Includes all taxes and fees, Business Class air, transfers, a shore excursion in every port, wifi on the ship, Silver Spirits beverage package, specialty dining, gratuities, all visas, luggage shipping, $1000 pp shore-ex credit, and $1000 per person on board credit.
- $44,995 per person for a Deluxe Veranda (more than $10,000 off the listed price)
If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, here’s a Mediterranean and Africa itinerary for those that have already been there a few times:
- Barcelona round-trip for 16-days
- Visit Marseille, Corsica, Rome, Malta (overnight), Tunisia, Algiers, Casablanca, Seville, Grenada.
- Several departures November 2024 through March 2025 from $6999 per person
CHRISTMAS MARKETS FOR FAMILIES
Some of you have asked about taking kids or grandchildren on a Christmas Markets cruise. Here’s one:
Tauck Danube River from Vienna to Passau for 7-nights
- Visit Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Wachau Valley, Salzburg, Passau.
- Besides visits to Christmas Markets, there are also activities planned for younger people.
- 2024: December 20 or 27 from $4490 per person
- 2025: December 21, 22, or 28 from $4590 per person
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board. Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.
Have something to say about this?
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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
Sue Bradley
