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Greetings from Lynnwood, Washington,
Last Sunday, I was loading buses at three different Seattle area hotels, meeting some of the 270 Travel With Alan travelers leaving that day for our Alaska tours.
We have been busy this week, processing all of the reservations for our Princess Caribbean cruise and Texas tour. We had enough room for 280 people, but we sold out the first night. We were able to get more space from Princess, and our hotels, so suddenly we were up to 410 people. Then, by the following day, we had 300 on the waiting list. Princess would not give us any more space for the cruise, but they offered us the same deal, one week later. We have filled 360 of those 410 spots…same cruise (with Belize City Belize, instead of Costa Maya, Mexico), same Texas Stockshow and Fair, same Texas Rodeo, same Galveston/Houston tour, same Space Center Houston tour, and most importantly, same price! I am including the flyer for this new departure at the bottom of this email. If you want to join this new departure, please call us right away, or click on this link to sign-up online.
Princess Cruises – Regal Princess – 03/02/24-03/12/24
A couple of months ago, I wrote to you about the Seabourn “Grand Americas, Amazon & Antarctica” Cruise that we were offered, at a very special price. Seabourn gave us 25 Suites for this sailing, and I was not sure if we would book 5, or 8, or 15. It was the longest and, by far, most expensive tour we had ever offered. Actually, we booked all of them! Now they are giving us just five more Veranda Suites for this cruise, so we now have room for ten more people to join our Travel With Alan group. This is an amazing opportunity to visit a lot of South America. Also, the Seabourn Quest will be equipped with Zodiac landing craft and have extra naturalists and lectures onboard, so you will be one of the few cruise ship guests that actually does landings on Antarctica. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
This very special voyage will be kicked off with a very special pre-cruise night in Miami at the amazing Mandarin Oriental Hotel. That evening, there will be a Bon Voyage celebration at the hotel with cocktails, dinner, Seabourn officials and a very special guest entertainer. Following is my original email for this cruise…look and see all that you see on this “Grand Americas” cruise and all that you get!
Some of you are asking why we have had so many offers lately from Seabourn…and are wanting something less expensive. It is true that our Seabourn offers are more expensive than some of our other offers but, SO much is included…things that, one way or the other you pay for eventually. Mostly, we are offering so much Seabourn now because of the incredible deals we have been getting from them…and they usually sell-out in one day or less. We will continue to offer cruises and tours in every price range!
If you think the offers, we’ve had lately are expensive, then fasten your seat belts...The offer we have now is our most expensive, by far, that we have EVER offered. At the same time, it is one of the best values that we have ever offered. If you saved your money during the two years of the pandemic, here is your chance to treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime.
Please read on about our Seabourn GRAND VOYAGE to South America and Antarctica. Don’t worry…in the coming weeks you will see more of our “regular” offerings!
Almost every year, Seabourn offers a “Grand World Cruise” and a couple of additional “Grand Voyages” focusing on a region of the world. These cruises are big deals. They usually get started with a pre-cruise stay at a fancy hotel in the home port. Then, the night before the cruise, there is a “Bon Voyage” dinner, often hosted by the Seabourn President or a top official of the company. This is usually a very special dinner, with drinks and entertainment. Then, the next day, you are transferred to the ship to begin an incredible journey.
In January, right after the first of the year, Seabourn will be launching their South American Grand Voyage. South America has been one of our most popular destinations in recent years. South America features such a diversity in the different ports of call. The culture, heritage and spectacular scenery is amazing. The big cities and small villages along the way keep the cruise itinerary diverse and interesting. In addition, the scenery along the coastline of South America, including the glaciers, fjords, and passages rivals the best in the world…even without including Antarctica and South Georgia Island.
Join us on January 3rd, as we fly, FIRST/BUSINESS CLASS to Miami, Florida. You will just have to pack a bag for the one-night pre-cruise stay as all of your big luggage will be picked up at your home and delivered right to the ship. On January 3rd, you will be picked up at your home and taken to the nearest airport, within 100 miles, to catch your flight to Miami. Upon arrival in Miami, you will be transferred to the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, where you will check-in for a one-night pre-cruise stay. That evening, in the hotel’s ballroom, you will be treated to a spectacular gala evening.
The next day, after a morning enjoying the hotel and grounds, you will be transferred to the Port of Miami, where you will board the Seabourn Quest for your 80-night cruise, with a guaranteed upgrade to a Veranda Suite.
Your cruise will take you out of Miami through the Panama Canal, down the West Coast of Central and South America, and around Cape Horn. You will then head down to Antarctica for a five-day Antarctica experience.
Unlike other ships, that just sail by Antarctica, you will have a complete Antarctica “experience”. Enhanced staff, aboard the Seabourn Quest for the Grand Voyage, will take you for landings, weather permitting, so you will actually fully experience the continent, being one of the few people in the world who have actually stepped on the soil and ice of Antarctica. The Seabourn Quest will be outfitted with Zodiac inflatable craft, so the Expedition Leaders can take you ashore each day. After your five days in Antarctica, you will be taken to South Georgia Island, for a three-day similar experience, complete with zodiac landings. You will be taken ashore to see the birds, penguins, and other wildlife there. You will then sail, weather permitting, to the Falkland Islands, for a day in Port Stanley and a day doing scenic cruising around New Island. Remember, when it is the middle of winter here, it is the middle of summer in South America.
You will then continue up the East Coast of South America, having ports of call in Uruguay, Argentina, and several ports of call in Brazil, including a trip all the way up the Amazon River with an overnight in the magical city of Manaus. You will then continue to the north, visiting French Guiana and several of the more exotic Southern Caribbean Islands. From there, you will return to Miami, to complete your 80-day voyage. Take a look at this itinerary:
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
· 01/03/2024 – Miami, Florida (ARRIVE MIAMI) (Mandarin Oriental Hotel)
· 01/04/2024 – Miami, Florida (CRUISE EMBARKATION)
· 01/05/2024 – At Sea
· 01/06/2024 – At Sea
· 01/07/2024 – At Sea
· 01/08/2024 – Enter Panama Canal, Panama (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/08/2024 - Exit Panama Canal, Panama (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/08/2024 - Fuerte Amador, Panama
· 01/09/2024 – Fuerte Amador, Panama
· 01/10/2024 – At Sea
· 01/11/2024 – Manta, Ecuador
· 01/12/2024 – Manta, Ecuador
· 01/13/2024 – Puerto Bolivar, Machala, Ecuador
· 01/14/2024 – At Sea
· 01/15/2024 – Islas Guanape, Peru (Scenic Cruising*)
· 01/16/2024 – Callao Lima, Peru
· 01/17/2024 – Callao Lima, Peru
· 01/18/2024 – Islas Ballestas, Peru (Scenic Cruising*)
· 01/18/2024 – General San Martin Pisco, Peru
· 01/19/2024 – At Sea
· 01/20/2024 – Punta Islay, Peru (Scenic Cruising*)
· 01/20/2024 – Matarani, Peru
· 01/21/2024 – Iquique, Chile
· 01/22/2024 – Antofagasta, Chile
· 01/23/2024 – At Sea
· 01/24/2024 – At Sea
· 01/25/2024 – San Antonio, Santiago, Chile
· 01/26/2024 – At Sea
· 01/27/2024 – Reloncavi Sound, Chile (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/27/2024 – Puerto Montt, Chile
· 01/28/2024 – Gulf of Corcovado, Chile (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/28/2024 – Castro, Isla Chiloe, Chile
· 01/29/2024 – Chilean Fjords, Chile (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/30/2024 – Sarmiento Channel, Chile (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/30/2024 – El Brujo Glacier, Chile (Scenic Cruising)
· 01/31/2024 – Punta Arenas, Chile
· 01/31/2024 – Straight of Magellan (Scenic Cruising)
· 02/01/2024 – At Sea
· 02/02/2024 – At Sea
· 02/03/2024 – Antarctic Experience
· 02/04/2024 – Antarctic Experience
· 02/05/2024 – Antarctic Experience
· 02/06/2024 – Antarctic Experience
· 02/07/2024 – Antarctic Experience
· 02/08/2024 – At Sea
· 02/09/2024 – At Sea
· 02/10/2024 – South Georgia Experience
· 02/11/2024 – South Georgia Experience
· 02/12/2024 – South Georgia Experience
· 02/13/2024 – At Sea
· 02/14/2024 – At Sea
· 02/15/2024 – Stanley, Falkland Islands Malvinas
· 02/16/2024 – New Island, Falkland Islands (Scenic Cruising*)
· 02/17/2024 – At Sea
· 02/18/2024 – At Sea
· 02/19/2024 – Montevideo, Uruguay
· 02/20/2024 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
· 02/21/2024 – Punta Del Este, Uruguay
· 02/22/2024 – At Sea
· 02/23/2024 – At Sea
· 02/24/2024 – Ilhabela, Sao Sebastiao Island, Brazil
· 02/25/2024 – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
· 02/26/2024 – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
· 02/27/2024 – Armacao Dos Buzios, Brazil
· 02/28/2024 – At Sea
· 02/29/2024 – At Sea
· 03/01/2024 – Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
· 03/02/2024 – Natal, Brazil
· 03/03/2024 – At Sea
· 03/04/2024 – At Sea
· 03/05/2024 – Crossing The Equator (Scenic Cruising)
· 03/06/2024 – The Amazon River (Scenic Cruising)
· 03/07/2024 – Santarem, Brazil
· 03/08/2024 – The Amazon River (Scenic Cruising)
· 03/09/2024 – Manaus, Brazil
· 03/10/2024 – Manaus, Brazil
· 03/11/2024 – Boca Dos Botos, Brazil (Scenic Cruising*)
· 03/11/2024 – Parintins, Brazil
· 03/12/2024 – Alter Do Chao, Brazil
· 03/13/2024 – The Amazon River (Scenic Cruising)
· 03/14/2024 – At Sea
· 03/15/2024 – Devil’s Island, French Guiana (Visa & Vaccination Required)
· 03/16/2024 – At Sea
· 03/17/2024 – Bridgetown, Barbados
· 03/18/2024 – Fort-De-France, Martinique
· 03/19/2024 – St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
· 03/20/2024 – Carambola Beach, Saint Kitts and Nevis
· 03/21/2024 – San Juan, Puerto Rico
· 03/22/2024 – At Sea
· 03/23/2024 – At Sea
· 03/24/2024 – Miami, Florida, US (DISEMBARK - RETURN HOME)
In addition to the extra expedition staff, for your visits to Antarctica and South Georgia, a Grand Voyage always carries extra staff for an even more elevated onboard experience. A Grand Voyage also has enhanced dining and entertainment. Menus often include local specialties in addition to the incredible regular Seabourn fare. Also, a Grand Cruise always features a very special experience, exclusively for the full Grand Cruise guests.
Although Seabourn hasn’t announced this special experience, it is always something very special and exclusive…the perfect enhancement to your Grand Experience. Just look at what you will be doing and the complimentary excursions you will have in Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands:
THE ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE
You will never forget your first sighting of Antarctica and its islands. For the next five days, your Captain and Expedition Leader plan your itinerary, complimentary Zodiac® landings, scenic cruising and exploration operations to offer you the widest variety of experiences possible based on conditions and wildlife reports. Visits to breeding colonies of different penguin species; sightings of crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals basking on ice or swimming; and watching various species of whales are just some of the wildlife highlights you can experience in this coveted region.
THE SOUTH GEORGIA EXPERIENCE
Largely untouched and blessed with a sub-Antarctic climate and nutrient-rich seas, South Georgia is strikingly green with vegetation and teeming with wildlife, including massive populations of king and other penguin species, fur seals, elephant seals, albatrosses, giant petrels and other seabirds. Whales, orcas and dolphins abound offshore in the most diverse marine ecosystem on earth. Your Captain and Expedition Leader plan your days in South Georgia to offer you a variety of amazing experiences, based on conditions and wildlife reports. Your Expedition Team members accompany you on landings at the various sites in complimentary Zodiacs® and excursions.
NEW ISLAND, FALKLAND ISLANDS
Windswept New Island, one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands, lies on the western fringe of the Falklands Archipelago. A place of colorful landscapes, New Island supports some of the largest concentrations and diversity of wildlife in the Falklands, with over forty species of nesting birds. Four species of penguins, including 13,000 gentoo and 26,000 southern rockhopper penguins call the island home. Embracing winds and seas below, 60,000 black-browed albatross soars along the cliffs. Complimentary Zodiac® and optional kayak excursions enhance your experience.
On March 24th, you will return to the Port of Miami. Your large luggage will be taken from you aboard the ship and shipped to your home, where it will magically appear in a day or two. You will be transferred from the ship to Miami International Airport for your first/business class flight home. Upon your arrival at your home airport, you will be met and taken to your home, within 100 miles of the airport.
This cruise is a deal. Seabourn rarely offers any kind of special pricing on their “World” or Grand Voyages…but they made me a special suite upgrade deal on this one for committing to pre-purchase a block of space on this Grand Voyage…so this one is a deal!
For the complete 81-night/82-day package, the total price, based on double-occupancy is $39,500. Government taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4010 per person are additional. Full payment is due at the time of booking.
This price includes the round-trip first/business class air, door-to-door luggage service, door-to-door home airport service, the one-night deluxe Miami package with Bon Voyage Dinner, and all transfers in Miami and the 80-night Grand Voyage cruise in a Veranda Suite.
Our group will also receive a special onboard credit of $3000 per person. You will also receive complimentary laundry and dry cleaning the entire cruise. Since we will all be “Full Grand” cruisers, our whole group will be treated to the special event and some special “pillow gifts” throughout the cruise.
This is truly the trip of a lifetime. A “regular” Seabourn cruise is beyond amazing, but a Grand Voyage is Seabourn on steroids! You will rarely see a “deal” on a Grand Voyage, so this is a very special opportunity.
You can reach our office to hold your spot by calling our office at:
1-855-885-9252
OR
For faster service, you may now click on the sign-up link below to use our new online
Travel With Alan Booking Form:
Seabourn Quest – 01/03/24-03/24/24 - Booking Form
If you prefer to call our office, please have the following information available for EACH guest:
· Full legal name, (first, middle and last), exactly as it appears on your passport
· Home mailing address (address where you receive your credit card statement).
· Two phone numbers, per stateroom booked
· Your e-mail address (where you would like to receive correspondence for this tour)
· Date of birth
· Credit card number, expiration date, and security code
Have a great weekend…. I’ll be back next week with more!
Sincerely,
Alan
Alan Schiller, Travel With Alan
phone: 855.885.9252 | phone: 425.775.1595
5611 196th Street SW | Lynnwood, WA 98036
Visit us: www.dt.com
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