Hello Betty,

Thanksgiving Wishes

In this season of Thanksgiving, we thank all of you who have supported us and wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day!

Celebrity Cruises has released its 2026 and 2027 itineraries. Yes, you read that correctly—2026 and 2027! It offers considerable savings on early bookings. This is ideal for those of us who like to plan well in advance. And remember, with a deposit on the booking, you have until the final pay date (average cruises are 75 days before sailing except Galapagos, which is 160 days before sailing) to cancel your booking just in case life throws you a “curve ball”.

We have mentioned how much we have enjoyed our experiences on Virgin Voyages. Now, Virgin Voyages sets course for Alaska, the Last Frontier, in the summer of 2026 aboard Brilliant Lady, the line’s newest ship. The cruise line has just unveiled what guests can expect on the upcoming Alaska cruises. This includes 7 to 12-night itineraries that depart from Seattle and Vancouver, starting with the MerMaiden voyage (May 21-28). Contact us if you want more information about this unique cruise line. If you wish to Join Us! on our January sailing, you’ll need to act quickly as the ship is almost sold out.

As we reported in multiple newsletters, many cities are taking steps to address the over-tourism problem, with Venice, Italy, being one of them. In a just-released communication, the city of Venice will double the cost of its day trip fee next year for last-minute travelers and increase the number of days travelers need to pay in the program's second iteration intended to combat overtourism. Next summer, Venice will require travelers who come for the day to pay €10 ($10.83) if they come last-minute, according to the Municipality of Venice. Travelers who book in advance — at least four days before coming — will continue to pay the €5 ($5.42) fee. 2025, the fee will be in effect over 54 days from April 18 through July 27.

Last week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) rule detailing when airlines owe travelers a refund and how they must pay went into effect. But, like all good things, it comes with a few caveats. Under the new rules, all airlines in the United States will now be required to refund travelers for significant changes to their flights, baggage delays, and other instances. Travelers are entitled to automatic refunds when their flights are canceled, significantly changed, or if the airline fails to provide an extra service they purchased, like onboard Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment. When it comes to changes, the refund is only available if a traveler has not accepted alternative transportation or travel credits offered. Airlines are now required to automatically issue a refund without a passenger having to request one. Refunds must be issued within seven business days for credit card purchases and within 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

As with anything issued by our government, the definition of “significant change” is complex, but at least it is a step in the right direction. We have made no secret to how frustrating air travel has become!

We are delighted to announce several new travel opportunities. Please review the just announced 12-Day tour of Italy from Rome to Milan. We can offer both pre-tour and post-tour extensions. Also, please look at the June 2025 16-Day Scotland and Ireland tour with Gate 1 Travel, the August 13 to 25, 2025 cruise on the Regal Princess, and the August 17, 2025, Alaska cruise on the Holland America Westerdam. 

So, Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

Betty & Frank Villani

909-980-6040

Italy North Classic Tour

March 22 - April 4, 2025

Rome to Milan

This tour will take you to the breathtaking wonders of Italy, including Rome, the Vatican, Sorrento, Florence, Venice, and Milan!

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

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.

7 Day Alaska Cruise

Round trip: Seattle

Holland America Westerdam

August 17 - 25, 2025

Discover the last frontier and visit these beautiful sites: Seattle, Puget Sound, Stephens Passage (scenic cruising), Juneau, Endicott Arm/Dawes Glacier (scenic cruising), Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC.

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.