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Greetings!
Book your winter travel now!
August is a great time to start planning travel for this winter. I'm here to help make your vacation dreams.
Airline News
Southwest Airlines ranked first in the 2026 Airline Quality Rating for the second consecutive year, reflecting its continued recovery since its 2022 operational disruptions. The report found that the gap between the best- and worst-performing U.S. airlines has widened significantly, indicating that some carriers consistently deliver reliable service while others continue to struggle. Based on 2025 government data measuring on-time performance, baggage handling, denied boardings, and customer complaints, the rankings were: Southwest Airlines (1), Alaska Airlines (2), Allegiant Air (3), Delta Air Lines (4), Hawaiian Airlines (5), United Airlines (6), JetBlue Airways (7), Spirit Airlines (8), American Airlines (9), and Frontier Airlines (10).
American Airlines changed its flight cancellation and refund policy to make it more restrictive, potentially preventing passengers from getting their money back when trips are disrupted. The airline's 24-hour refund policy now applies only to customers who book a ticket for a flight at least one week away. That means travelers are only entitled to full refunds for trips canceled within 24 hours of booking for flights departing at least a week later. American's refund policy matches those in place at JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Delta Air Lines has the least restrictive cancellation policy, offering refunds to customers who cancel trips within 24 hours of booking, without requiring that the flight be scheduled to depart at least one week later. This is another great reason to purchase your travel insurance when you make your booking!
Cruise News
Travel + Leisure's World's Best 2026 Cruise Awards
Did your favorite make the Top 5?
Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines
1) Virgin Voyages 2) Celebrity 3) Princess 4) Royal Caribbean 5) Costa Cruises
Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines
1) Disney 2) Holland America 3) Celebrity 4) Cunard 5) MSC
Mid-Size Ship Ocean Cruise Lines
1) Crystal 2) Explora Journeys 3) Viking 4) Silversea 5) Seabourn
Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines
1) Viking 2) The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 3) Windstar 4) Silversea 5) Paul Gauguin Cruises
Intimate-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines
1) Quasar Expeditions 2) Aqua Expeditions 3) Metropolitan Touring 4) Ecoventura 5) Overseas Adventure Travel
River Cruise Lines
1) The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers 2) Aqua Expeditions 3) Tauck 4) Viking 5) Grand Circle Cruise Line
AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia cruise travels along the Magdalena River from Cartagena aboard one of two small, purpose-built ships carrying fewer than 65 passengers. The itinerary combines Colombia's lush river landscapes with visits to historic towns like Mompox, known for its colonial architecture. A key feature of the cruise is its focus on immersive cultural experiences, including artisan workshops in Santa Bárbara de Pinto, an open-air jazz performance in Mompox, and a private Carnaval celebration in Sabanagrande. Rather than emphasizing sightseeing alone, the cruise encourages meaningful engagement with local communities and traditions. Overall, the itinerary stands out by blending scenic river travel, rich biodiversity, and authentic cultural participation, offering a more intimate and community-focused alternative to traditional river cruises.
Be sure to see the Just Added NCL Pride of America 7-Day Inter-island Hawaii cruise from January 30 - February 6, 2027! Explore 4 islands and 5 ports including an overnight in Maui. Special group rates are available for a limited time, Call today to book your stateroom.
So, where in the world do you want to go?
Betty Villani
909-980-6040
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