Greetings!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All
We are beyond blessed to have all of you who share our passion for travel. Every month, we have been trying to explore interesting destinations or perhaps give you a taste of what might be possible. For example, did you know that there are French Territories in North America? In fact, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are the last remaining French territories in North America, and they're closer than you think, especially for those of you on the East Coast. This small archipelago is located about 15 miles off the coast of Newfoundland. As one writer commented, “Low-tech is the right approach to these islands; schedules are merely suggestions, and traffic lights don’t exist. Time itself seems like an afterthought here.” So, are you looking to slow down and reconnect with yourselves, with one another, or with nature? Let us tell you more about this fascinating string of islands, how to get there, and what to expect.
Travel & Leisure Magazine’s Destination of the year is Costa Rica. We have been there several times and can appreciate why Costa Rica has achieved this accolade. One option to consider might be La Fortuna. An epicenter of adventure, La Fortuna magnetizes travelers with two natural wonders: Arenal Volcano, rising over the land with its emerald slopes and cratered peak, and La Fortuna Waterfall, which pours forth from a 230-foot cliff. Another option is Santa María de Dota. This small village in the cloud forest is the first of several coffee-growing towns named after saints in the Zona de Los Santos (Zone of the Saints). A third option is Tortuguero: This “mini Amazon” is located on Costa Rica’s northeast Caribbean coast and is home to the Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, an upscale property that offers sweeping views of the rainforest and luxury amenities. Head out to Tortuguero National Park and explore one of the best places in the world to see nesting giant green sea turtles, from June to October. For another view of the park, try a boat tour led by an experienced naturalist who can point out monkeys, tropical birds, and wildcats that you may otherwise miss. Finally, you may wish to consider relaxing on any of the pristine beaches of Guanacaste. In short, Costa Rica has something for everyone!
Celebrity has revealed the name of its fifth Edge-Class ships, the Xcel. The ship will debut in 2025, sailing 7-night cruises to the Caribbean out of Florida. Celebrity states that the ship will offer upgraded services and amenities compared to other Edge Class ships but has not yet revealed all the details. Given the vast popularity of the existing ships in this class, we look forward to learning more about the Xcel and will share that information with you.
Fans of Southwest Airlines may be interested to know that, for the first time, it may be rolling out red-eye flights. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said it would be a “logical evolution” for the airline.
Alaska has never been more popular, with many people (including us) going multiple times. Looking through this newsletter, you'll notice how many destinations include opportunities to enjoy The Last Frontier. We invite you to Join Us! on the just-added cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage next July. Take the Rocky Mountaineer adventure with us from Vancouver to Jasper, then continue on to the Alaska cruise. We'd love for you to Join Us! for either, or both. Scroll down for more details, and contact us to join the fun.
We close with a simple wish that you and yours enjoy a happy, healthy, and merry holiday. And a Happy New Year to All.
So, Where in the World Do You Want to Go?
Betty & Frank Villani
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Western Caribbean Cruise
Roundtrip: Galveston
February 9 - 16, 2024
Norwegian Prima
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5 amazing ports:
- Galveston, Texas
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Harvest Caye, Belize
- Roatán (Bay Islands), Honduras
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Galveston, Texas
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Antarctica Adventure
10 Days - 5 Ports
Round trip:
Puerto Williams, Chile
Silversea - Silver Wind
February 12 - 22, 2024
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With an erudite team of experts on hand to take you through the fascinating history and wildlife of Antarctica, this is a voyage that is both educational and inspirational. See the astonishing glaciers and icebergs firsthand by kayak and Zodiac and enjoy close encounters of the penguin kind! Visit abandoned whaling stations and imbibe all the experiences possible – nothing will seem the same again. |
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10 Night Cruise
New Zealand / Australia
Celebrity Edge
Auckland to Sydney
February 15 - 25, 2024
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8 Stunning Ports
New Zealand:
Auckland
Tauranga
Napier
Picton
Christchurch
Dunedin
Dusky Sound - Cruising
Doubtful Sound - Cruising
Milford Sound - Cruising
Australia:
Eden
Sydney
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11 Night Australia Cruise
Celebrity Edge
Roundtrip: Sydney
February 25 - March 7, 2024
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Make this a back-to-back cruise with the above cruise from New Zealand, or take one of these cruises!
5 Amazing ports:
Sydney
Airlie Beach
Cairns
Port Douglas
Willis Island - Cruising
Brisbane
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Best of Greece
11 Nights
Round trip: Athens
Celebrity Infinity
March 4 - 15, 2024
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Visit 6 ports with two overnights and explore:
Athens, Greece;
Thessaloniki,
Greece; Ephesus Kusadasi), Turkey; Limassol, Cyprus; Rhodes, Greece;
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, and Nafplio, Greece, on this fabulous 11-night cruise.
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Join Us!
Uniworld River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence, France
May 19 - 26, 2024
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Join Us! as we follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin on an exquisite journey of southern France. Cruise the Rhone and Saone rivers from Lyon to Arles, visiting Avignon, Viviers, Tournon and Macon with an extension to Paris.
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Join Us!
Rocky Mountaineer
Vancouver to Jasper
July 4 - 13, 2024
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Enjoy 3 days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in Gold Leaf Service, nine nights of hotel accommodations, gourmet meals, and unlimited beverages while onboard, lunch at the Columbia Icefields, Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk, Banff Gondola, all tours and transfers as specified in the itinerary, luggage handling/porterage at the hotels and train stations, prepaid gratuities for onboard Hosts.
Space is limited, so contact us as soon as possible!
See the video below for Rocky Mountaineer highlights.
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Join Us!
7 Day Alaska Gulf (Northbound)
Vancouver to Anchorage
July 13 - 20, 2024
Royal Princess
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Join Us! for a beautiful cruise to Alaska, visiting these 5 stunning ports:
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15-Day Off the Beaten Path
Alaska Cruisetour
Vancouver to Anchorage
Grand Princess
August 14 - 29
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Cruise first (7 days), followed by land (8 days)
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North to Alaska
7 Nights
August 18 - 25, 2024
Roundtrip: Seattle
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Cruise the beautiful Majestic Princess to these 5 stunning ports:
Ketchikan, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier (scenic cruising), Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, Canada.
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Ancient Mediterranean Treasures Cruise
8 Days: September 18 - 25, 2024
Athens to Istanbul
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Visit 2 countries and 6 ports: Athens, Heraklion, and Rhodes in Greece and Ephesus, Troy, and Istanbul in Turkey, and discover the wonders of these ancient lands. |
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Turning Leaves
October 7 - 17, 2024
Boston to Quebec
Emerald Princess
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Experience the beauty of fall and visit these stunning ports:
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Join Us!
11 Day Japan Explorer
Round trip: Tokyo, Japan
March 25 - April 5, 2025
Diamond Princess
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7 Day Mediterranean Cruise
Athens to Barcelona
June 21 - 28, 2025
Sun Princess
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Aboard the NEW Sun Princess.
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Mediterranean Cruise
Athens to Venice
October 5 - 15, 2025
Seven Seas Grandeur
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Sail aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Grandeur from Athens, Greece to Santorini, Greece; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Katakolon, Greece; Tirana (Durres), Albania; Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Zadar, Croatia; Koper, Slovenia and Venice, Italy. |
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