Hello Betty,

Spring and Summer Travel Awaits

Many of us have had the pleasure of visiting Rome, perhaps more than once. Looking for somewhere new to explore? If so, on your next visit to Rome, you may want to discover the Coppedè Quarter, a true hidden gem, known for its unique, eclectic, and beautiful architecture, offering a quaint neighborhood without the touristy crowds. The quarter is characterized by whimsical details, fairytale-like buildings, detailed facades, and ornate decorations. Designed by architect Gino Coppedè in the early 20th century, the area features a mix of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Baroque elements, comprising 18 palaces, 27 buildings, and villas. It’s a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers looking to explore something different in Rome.

Similarly, many of us have also enjoyed cruises and resort stays in the Caribbean. Did you know about Corona Island? According to Travel + Leisure, “ever since it welcomed its first guests in 2021, Corona’s lush, eco-protected island off the coast of Colombia has been an insider's secret for those with invitations only.” That all changes today, with the news that Corona Island, as the tropical paradise is officially known, is now open to the public. It’s now possible to book one of 10 sea-facing, tiki-style bungalows for two, each with a beachfront setting and private jacuzzi. The rate includes return transfers to Cartagena by speedboat, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, Corona beer.

More new ship news! Royal Caribbean is introducing Legend of the Seas, the sequel that elevates everything people love about Icon of the Seas. It is scheduled to sail the Med, “on a ship as monumental as the destinations.” Guests will also be able to choose from spectacular southern and western Caribbean sailings, both with stops at the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is an adventure of a lifetime, suitable for all ages, sailing in summer 2026 from Barcelona, Spain, and winter 2026 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ready for a longer cruise adventure? The 2028 Silversea World Cruise embraces a spirit of discovery that experienced cruisers understand better than most. From the glaciers of Chile to the skyscrapers of Dubai, this epic journey takes the experience of a Silversea voyage to a whole new level. Guests can voyage across five continents on the intimate Silver Shadow, exploring at a pace that reveals the pulse of each destination. With visits to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and overnight stays in major cities, guests can take the time to savor every moment of the journey.

It’s the end of an era for one of the biggest perks at a popular low-cost airline. Southwest Airlines announced it is ending its free checked bag policy for most of its fare types, a perk that has saved customers millions of dollars in baggage fees. For all flights booked on or after May 28, passengers will be required to pay for their checked luggage; however, the airline has not disclosed the exact fee amount. Passengers who book Business Select fares or are members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, at the A-List Preferred level will still receive two free bags. Passengers who are A-List members will receive one free checked bag. If a passenger pays for their bags with a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card, they will receive one free bag with the purchase. 

Architectural Digest has compiled a list of what it considers the 21 most beautiful places in the world to visit. Here is the list:  Victoria Falls, Paris, the Amazon Rainforest, Lapland (Finland), Torres del Paine National Park (Chile), the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (Japan), Banff National Park, the Alhambra (Spain), Dominica, Vatnajokoll National Park (Iceland), the Great Barrier Reef, Petra, the Sea of Cortez, the Shetland Islands (Scotland), Jaipur (India), Grindelwald (Switzerland), Zhangjiajie National Forest (China), Machu Picchu (Peru), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), the Grand Canyon (USA), and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam). How many have you been to? We can help you get to any of them!

We have a wide array of travel opportunities in this newsletter, or we can create a new one just for you.

So, where in the world do you want to go?

Betty & Frank Villani

909-980-6040

7 Day Mediterranean Cruise

Athens to Barcelona

May 10 - 17, 2025 or

June 21 - 28, 2025

Sun Princess

Voyage of the Glaciers

Vancouver to Anchorage

July 5 - 12, 2025

Caribbean Princess

Let Princess take you from Vancouver to these stunning Alaskan ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage. Enjoy scenic cruising of Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord.

7 Day Bermuda Cruise

Round Trip : New York

July 6 -13, 2025

Norwegian Getaway

Join Us!

We're off to beautiful Bermuda again and hope you'll Join Us for this amazing cruise from New York. Enjoy 2 nights docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard - our home base as we explore the sites on this spectacular island.

16-Day Scotland & Ireland Tour

Gate 1

July 16, 2025

This incredible tour includes flights, hotels, transfers, 21 meals, sightseeing, and more!

Visit Edinburgh, Aviemore, Glasgow, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Killarney & Dublin

Polynesian Dreams

Honolulu to Papeete

August 1 - 16, 2025

Oceania Regatta

Experience the wonders of Hawaii by visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Kona, and Hilo. Then, sail to French Polynesia and see Papeete, Tahiti and four other South Pacific islands.

7-Day Alaska Explorer Cruise

August 16 - 23, 2025

Roundtrip: Seattle

Holland America Eurodam

Enjoy scenic cruising of Stephen's Passage and Glacier Bay. Visit Juneau, Icy Straight Point, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Vancouver, British Colombia.

Alaska Cruisetour

August 20 - 30, 2025

Fairbanks to Vancouver

Caribbean Princess

This fabulous cruisetour starts in Fairbanks, then goes on to the Denali and Mt. McKinley Princess lodges. Then, board the Caribbean Princess in Anchorage and visit Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, as well as beautiful scenic cruising.

12 Day British Isles Cruise

with Military Tattoo

Round trip : London (Southampton)

August 13 - 25, 2025

Regal Princess

This cruise includes the world famous Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to see this spectacular event as well as these stunning ports:

Southampton (for London), England; Cork, Ireland (Cobh - For Blarney Castle) Dublin (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland' Belfast, Northern Ireland' Liverpool, England; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland; Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland; Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Scotland; Le Havre (for Paris/Normandy), France; Southampton (for London), England.

Regent Seven Seas Cruise

Lisbon to Barcelona

September 14 - 24, 2025

Seven Seas Voyager

Sail aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Voyager from Lisbon to these beautiful Spanish ports: Seville (Cadiz), Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante, Ibiza, on to Sete, France and disembark in Barcelona.

Cities of Light River Cruise

Prague to Paris

November 19 - 30, 2025

Viking Alsvin

Sail away on the beautiful Viking Alsvin from Prague to Paris, visiting spectacular ports in the Czech Republic, Germany and France.

9-Night Caribbean Cruise

January 23 - February 1, 2026

Roundtrip: Miami

New Ship! - Brilliant Lady

Join Us!

Join Us! on a magical Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise from Miami to Grand Turk, St. John's (Antigua and Barbuda), St. Kitt's, and San Juan!