https://pamperedcruiser.com/contact/

The Pampered Cruiser, 750 East Main Street, Stamford, CT (2026)

08/28/2026

Premium Guided Land Journeys Without the Hassle

If you think of a group tour as following the lollypop sign through crowded tourist sites, doing the death-shuffle with 40 other people, you wouldn’t be wrong, but it’s NOT how TAUCK operates. TAUCK defines luxury guided land journeys

HOW Do TAUCK Land Tours Differentiate?
- HOTELS: Your accommodation will be the best available in the area you are travelling.
- FULLY GUIDED: You are accompanied by a Tauck Tour Director at all times, and local guides are also used to help you immerse yourself in the destination.
- LOGISTICS: All the details are managed for you. For example, on days when you move hotels, you leave your bags in your hotel room, and when you get to your destination, they’ll be waiting for you in that hotel room.
- FULLY INCLUSIVE: Meals, drinks, tours, gratuities for local guides and servers. It’s one price. They will even give you change for the restrooms in places where that is required.

WHERE Do TAUCK Tours Operate?
- DOMESTIC (& Canada): This is where TAUCK started and they really shine. They have dozens of tours on THIS continent.
- OVERSEAS: They also have premium guided land journeys on all other continents.
- RIVER CRUISES: They have a small fleet for European River cruises that are the most inclusive, and highest end in Europe.
- OCEAN CRUISES: Partner with Ponant and Silversea to offer cruise itineraries as well.

WHAT Travellers are a Good Fit for TAUCK Tours? It’s NOT for Everyone
- Those that want to experience culture, comfort, access, and seamless logistics, without having to manage every detail themselves.
- SMALL GROUP TRAVEL: The average group size is 24. Smaller Groups with 15 people.
- CRUISERS: People that like the structure and cadence of a cruise, do well with TAUCK.
- INCLUSIONS: Those that prefer to pay once, and have it all included.

PRO TIPS for TAUCK Premium Guided Land Journeys
- PACING: If you’re on a premium guided land journey with any company, look at how many nights you’re in each location.
- FREE TIME: Consider the balance between scheduled activities and free time to determine what is best for you.

TAUCK’s long history, professional tour directors, and destination relationships help remove the friction from land travel. Our clients are mostly cruisers and prefer to unpack once… but you can’t go everywhere on a ship. A TAUCK premium guided land journey is the closest you’ll get to “land-cruise” for exploring those places away from the water.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim take a closer look at Tauck—one of the most respected names in premium guided travel, land tours, national parks trips, and European river cruising. Bob also talks about the TAUCK Tour he and Sue did in Utah earlier this year.
https://youtu.be/jXcrDJxifqY

In Case You Missed It:
ALASKA: You might have done a round-trip Seattle cruise to Alaska. These trips can be great, but you’re only seeing a fraction of what the region has to offer
https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-best-way-to-see-alaska/

ON-LINE TRAVEL REVIEWS: These are full of misinformation and easy to manipulate. Here’s how to sort through the noise, and get the most out of them.
https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-problem-with-online-reviews/

HOW THE TRAVEL BIZ WORKS: The price you pay, how the industry is structured, and more:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-the-travel-biz-works/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:
CRYSTAL CRUISES has the most loyal clientele in the industry, and more space per guest than anyone else. Join Bob for a wander through CRYSTAL SERENITY.
https://youtu.be/QPyVijoO8Nk

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/why-tauck-tours-are-different/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

08/21/2026

Dynamic cruise pricing is coming to cruising. You’ve seen it with the airlines. It goes like this: you look at an airline seat at 11.00 at night, but you’re tired, so you go back the next morning and the price has doubled – ruining your coffee. That’s DYNAMIC PRICING.

And the cruise lines have been studying the airlines… so buckle up. It’s going to get wild.

WHAT is Dynamic Cruise Pricing?
- Prices will change more frequently based on demand. Not monthly or quarterly.
- It’s also called “revenue management”, “demand forecasting”, “machine learning”, and “flexible inventory control”. They are using AI and big data to maximize their revenue.
- The “Big 3” cruise conglomerates are already into this. We’ve also seen it with Viking.
- Your cruise price will depend on what is selling, how quickly it is selling, how many cabins remain, and how it compares to the forecasts the cruise line were expecting.
- Cruise ship rooms (or airline seats) are the ultimate “perishable” product, so they’re managing their inventory very carefully.

WHO WIN and WHO LOSES with the cruise lines moving to Dynamic Cruise Pricing?
- Who wins? Very simply, it enables cruise lines to make more money.
- Who loses? Travellers wanting to make last minute reservations on popular itineraries.
- It has worked really well for the airlines, so this is the next iteration for travelers.

WHAT Can YOU DO About Cruise Line Dynamic Pricing?
- Book early… particularly on river cruises and luxury ocean lines. Waiting will backfire.
- Monitor your cruise fare, and if it goes down (doesn’t happen often), be ready to either rebook, or take some extra goodies in lieu of a lower public price.
- Know your deposit rules. Most of the time it’s refundable, in which case it's re-bookable.
- Look at comparable cruise lines. Our clients travel across different luxury brands, but some really only consider their favorite. If the price has gone up, what else is available?

Cruise Pricing Tips
- The mega-ship lines may continue to fire-sale stuff at the last minute.
- The Luxury Lines are more hesitant to discount, because it erodes the brand, and the trust of their guests (they’re concerned about you getting on board and bragging to everyone about how much less you paid by booking last minute, so they avoid it).
- Luxury cruise lines tend to sell “bookends” first (top cabin, and entry level cabins), and then move towards the middle range cabins.

Dynamic cruise pricing is simply the latest revenue management technique the cruise lines are employing. The trick is to understand that pricing will be volatile, and get out in front of them with your booking plans.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim explain dynamic pricing in the cruise industry and how it may affect luxury cruise buyers, river cruise travelers, and anyone planning a meaningful vacation months in advance.

https://youtu.be/TYvtPyVfwQg

In Case You Missed It:

VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK: Why it Matters to our Clients. We’re just back from the year’s most important trade show in Luxury Leisure Travel. Here’s why this matters to YOU.
https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-travels-biggest-week-what-it-means-for-our-clients/

CANADA: It’s right next door, and there’s lots to see – both on cruises and on land journeys and National Park Tours:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/destination-canada/

UNIWORLD: If you like the idea of luxury train travel, and would like to combine that with a river cruise, the UNIWORLD has some suggestions for you:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/train-travel-uniworld/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

LOCKS & BRIDGES are a key feature of a European River Cruise, and we get lots of questions about them from first-timers:
https://youtu.be/AgGNSU-7Qu8?si=BChxon3ZqDf5MkTK

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/cruise-dynamic-pricing-explained-why-waiting-can-cost-you/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

08/14/2026

You’ve probably already done a coastal Alaska Cruise round-trip out of Seattle or Vancouver. You undoubtedly experienced some spectacular scenery, and saw some whales. You’ve also only experienced a small fraction of what this region has to offer. A few thoughts:

ALASKA is HUGE
- If Alaska and British Columbia were a sovereign nation, it would be the 8th largest on earth, and would be about half the size of the lower 48. There’s LOTS to see.
- Vancouver is closer to Mexico than it is to Anchorage, so the scenery and wildlife you see in coastal Alaska on a cruise is entirely different than Denali and the interior.
- The number of options to visit Alaska is almost as vast as the state itself.
- You can fly to Alaska and experience a small piece, or you can use the “efficiency” of a cruise ship to see more.

WHY Go To ALASKA?
- Scenery, wildlife spotting, whales, First Nations culture and art, National Parks, urban vibe in Seattle and/or Vancouver. Fjords, fishing villages, wildlife habitats, historic gold rush towns, glaciers… the list is seemingly endless.
- Even though it’s some of the most rugged geography in the world, it’s logistically easy.

WHO Should Have ALASKA on Their Radar
- Photographers, National Park enthusiasts, those “collecting” states, outdoor people.
- Those wanting a reflective vacation, rather than one busy visiting historical sites.
- For those in Western half, it’s an exotic getaway that’s relatively close by.

HOW to Visit ALASKA
- COASTAL CRUISE from Seattle or Vancouver if you only have a week to spare.
- SMALL SHIP ALASKA: Get to more ports (on days when there aren’t 6 other ships there).
- CRUISE TOUR: A combination cruise and land journey that will get you to Denali and Fairbanks will give you a more comprehensive experience.
- EXPEDITION: If you want to get into nature by kayak, zodiac boat, bicycle and on foot.

BEST TIME to go to ALASKA
- Cruise ship season is May through October, and each time has different advantages:
- May/June: Long days. Less rain in interior. Fewer crowds
- July/August: The least likely rain for coastal Alaska. Will be warmest.
- September/October. Fall colours.

PRO TIPS for Visiting ALASKA
- Pack for rain, whenever you go. There are no guarantees in this region.
- Do pre/post in Vancouver, Seattle, or Victoria. There’s lots to do and see.
- Take Binoculars – you really don’t want to buy them from the cruise line.
- Stay as long as you can. Particularly if you’re coming from the Eastern time zone.
- Go flightseeing – these excursions aren’t cheap, but they are life-changing.

Alaska is one of those destinations that sounds simple until you start researching it.
Then suddenly you’re comparing Inside Passage cruises, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Denali, rail journeys, wildlife tours, cruise-tours, northbound sailings, southbound sailings, roundtrip Seattle, roundtrip Vancouver, and seventeen opinions from people on the internet who appear to have strong feelings about binoculars.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim talk through the many different ways to experience Alaska and British Columbia, including round-trip coastal cruises, small-ship cruises, cruise tours, expedition cruises, Denali, the Yukon, and land-based options.

https://youtu.be/GkUVXjf2yY8

In Case You Missed It:

HOLLAND AMERICA: Yes… it’s a mega-ship (although with the smallest ships in that category), but they have some higher end suites that appeal to our clients. They also have the most extensive network of lodges and infrastructure for the interior of Alaska.
https://pamperedcruiser.com/holland-america-vs-mega-ships/

TRAVEL APPs that I use. We all have different “hacks” we use when we travel. Here’s some of mine:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/travel-websites-and-apps-that-i-use/

IT’S ALL TEMPORARY: A number of years ago, my mom & dad took all their kids and grandkids away to ALASKA to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. My parents are both gone now, but I (and my kids) will cherish those memories forever:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/its-all-temporary-so-travel-now/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:
We have made several videos about ALASKA that will help with planning your next trip there:

7-STEPS to Planning Your ALASKA Vacation: https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M

ALASKA: What to Pack https://youtu.be/m3APP25a9cE

VANCOUVER: If you embark or disembark in Vancouver, and DON’T explore it for a couple of days, you’re making a mistake. Here’s some thoughts on what to do there: https://youtu.be/Dtn_1BR_z3k

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-best-way-to-see-alaska/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

08/13/2026

This week in our "Who We Sail With" series, we're highlighting Sea Cloud.

Sea Cloud offers a truly unique style of cruising. With elegant sailing yachts, intimate guest counts, and extraordinary itineraries, the experience feels more like sailing aboard a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship.
For travelers seeking authentic experiences, personalized service, and a touch of old-world charm, Sea Cloud is in a category all its own.

Head to our stories to learn more about why we love Sea Cloud, and get a behind-the-scenes look at Bob & Sue's 2025 voyage aboard this remarkable ship!

08/07/2026

Luxury Travel’s Biggest Week: What It Means for Our Clients

While YOU read this, WE are on our way to Las Vegas for Virtuoso Travel Week. Going to Vegas in August is a bit like standing in front of the oven, just to see how hot it is. Except rather than hanging by the pool, we’re in business attire in overly-air conditioned rooms with NO windows.

I would rather be just about anywhere else in August than Vegas, but this trade show is so valuable to us and our clients, we look forward to the trek.

WHAT is VIRTUOSO TRAVEL WEEK?
- It’s an invitation-only week-long luxury travel trade show and exhibition. It is to travel what Paris Fashion Week is to that industry. - It brings together those shaping the future of luxury and experiential travel. There will be 6000 people from over 100 countries in attendance this year.

WHY DO WE ATTEND (because Vegas in August… really?)
- SHARPEN KNOWLEDGE: About new products, destinations, technologies and itineraries.
- RELATIONSHIPS: Executives from our most important vendors will be there.
- PEER MENTORING: We learn a ton from other high-producing luxury travel advisors.
- TRENDS: How is the industry changing, and how that impacts our clients.
- IMPROVEMENT: These combine to make us better, so we can better serve you.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR CLIENTS:
- PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN: You tell us you like it when we talk about how the luxury travel industry works, and Virtuoso Travel Week is a prime example.
- YOUR NEXT TRIP: We’ll have more suggestions for your bucket list (that keeps growing!)
- OUR Network. YOUR Trip. Usually your trips go just fine. Occasionally something goes sideways, and we need to leverage our relationships with key vendors.
- NEW PRODUCTS: Like Celebrity River Cruises, American Cruise Lines and Seacloud.
- NEW ITINERARIES: Like AMA Colombia, and VIKING Oberammergau.
- TRENDS that affect travellers: like geo-political events, and economic considerations.
- TECHNOLOGY that helps us spend LESS time on admin, and MORE on client interface.

TRENDS and THEMES WE’RE WATCHING
- MULTI-GEN TRAVEL: Generations are travelling TOGETHER. We notice this in our business – our clients want to create memories with their kids and grandchildren.
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and Automated Tools will radically change the travel industry. We are excited about the possibilities to better automate the behind the scenes functions of booking YOUR travel, so it gives us more time for the personal connection. Algorithms DON’T travel… we do.

The old adage “What Happens in Vegas, STAYS in Vegas” is exactly the opposite of what we do. We leave Vegas with the intent of bringing YOU the benefit of everything we learned and experienced there. We also leave with caffeine withdrawal, and the need for a nap.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim pull back the curtain on Virtuoso Travel Week—the most important annual event in the luxury travel industry—and explain why it matters to YOU.
https://youtu.be/umHzYXJ3ogc

In Case You Missed It:
US CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES: These are often overlooked, but they’re different than home, logistically easy, and with no passport requirement:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-caribbean-travel-without-leaving-the-usa/

QUIET SEASON TRAVEL: If you’re ready to wear longer sleeves, you can beat the crowds (and probably pay less) if you travel off-season (which is becoming increasingly shorter)
https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-best-time-to-travel-why-quiet-season-may-be-the-answer/

TAUCK LAND TOURS: You can’t go everywhere by ship, so if you’re looking at a land-cruise… particularly if you’re interested in domestic destinations, then take a look at Tauck:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/land-cruises-with-tauck/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:

AMA WATERWAYS Shore Excursions: If you’re looking for more choices for your included river cruise shore excursions, then look at AMA. Brand Ambassador Kristin Karst explains how AMA does it differently.
https://youtu.be/YK30TUkkueY

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-travels-biggest-week-what-it-means-for-our-clients/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

07/31/2026

Who Should Sail This Cruise Line?

HOLLAND AMERICA? Our clients overwhelmingly travel on river boats, small-ship ocean cruises, and increasingly on expedition ships. So why might you consider Holland America?

- The SMALLEST of the Big Ships. We can’t call HAL’s ships “small” like the luxury lines, but they are a fraction the size of the floating amusement parks. HAL ships carry between 1400 and 2600 (as opposed to 5000 or more) and ALL HAL ships are under 100,000 tons (as opposed to 240,000 tons (or more).
- Take the kids or grandchildren. River or small ship ocean cruises might not be optimal for younger people. HAL isn’t overrun with children like the floating amusement parks, but there are facilities and programs for children and teens.
- Alaska Land-Sea Combos. HAL has 6 ships in Alaska, and along with their sister brand, Princess, own just about all the lodge and transportation infrastructure in the 49th State. You’ll have MORE choices (upwards of 2 dozen) for Land-Sea combinations. While you’re up there visit YUKON – only HAL can get you there.
- Selection of Suites: If you travel with HAL in a Signature Suites, Neptune Suite or a Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have between 500 -1300 square feet, and a KING bed. The suites have whirlpool bath tubs, and if you go in the Pinnacle Suite, you’ll have a hot tub on your outdoor deck. Suites also get priority embarkation/disembarkation and tender queuing.
- Entertainment. Like the other big-ship lines, they have the Vegas-style production shows in the big theatre, but I really like the smaller venues geared to those of us over 50: The BB King Blues Lounge, the Dueling Pianos, the Rolling Stones Lounge, and the Strings (if you feel like classical music).
- Pickleball anyone? It’s hard to believe how popular this has become, and HAL has got you covered, if this is part of your routine.
- Extended Voyages. You might not be ready for a 6-month world cruise, but if you wanted to try living on board a cruise ship for 20 to 100 days, HAL has more choices, and the BEST journeys aren’t always about getting somewhere quickly!
- Big Ship Amenities… but without the floating amusement park vibe.

Getting the BEST VALUE: Layer it up
- EARLY BOOKING BONUS for 2027: You’ll get FREE gratuities, the Elite beverage package, Premium wifi upgrade, and a shore excursion credit.
- MARINERS’ CLUB CREDITS: If you’re a previous HAL guest, you’ll get an additional on board credit in recognition of your loyalty.
- VERANDA OBC: We can add an additional $50 per person OBC for Veranda rooms (and higher).
CLUB ORANGE: Add club orange for upgrades, concierge service, priority embarkation/disembarkation.
AARP Members: Get an additional On Board Credit.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Bob and Kim take a practical look at Holland America Line: where it fits, where it does not, and why it remains especially important for Alaska, Yukon, longer voyages, and travelers who want a larger ship without the amusement-park atmosphere.
https://youtu.be/tFgXu9l9alA

In Case You Missed It:
ALASKA: Holland America really excels in Alaska itineraries. Here’s some other ideas on how to maximize your visit there:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/ultimate-alaska/

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. Yes… we intend to use it to help us be better, cheaper and faster. NO… you won’t be dealing with an algorithm, because ALGORITHMS DON’T TRAVEL. We DO!
https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-want-to-deal-with-artificial-intelligence-or-a-real-person/

TRAVELING WITH MOBILITY ISSUES. Eventually we all reach a place where we’re not as agile as we once were. Does this mean you CAN’T TRAVEL? No… but it does mean you have to get over yourself to a certain degree, and have the courage to get out there:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-mobility-issues/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:
ALASKA trip planning can be like drinking from a fire hose. Here’s a video we made on the SEVEN QUESTIONS you need to ask yourself to plan your best trip to ALASKA.

https://youtu.be/CwWytuiuK8M

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/holland-america-vs-mega-ships/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

07/24/2026

When YOU travel, your name ends up on a list that is prepared for me at the beginning of every month, and if you travelled this past October, you were part of a list that was the longest one EVER for our little agency. Apparently October is the new peak season amongst our clients.

Our clients may be slightly ahead of the curve on this trend. This is because many of you are retired, or semi-retired, or at least have a high degree of control over your own schedule. Use this to your advantage, but you might want to KEEP QUIET about QUIET SEASON:

WHAT Exactly is QUIET SEASON?
- The exact dates vary by destination, but it’s often the winter months.
- PEAK season for Europe, Canada, and Japan is now May through September (yes… the “September Secret” is out – the busiest month of the year for river cruises in Europe).

WHY Travel in Quiet Season
- Way fewer people to compete with on shore. This means shorter line-ups.
- It will usually cost you less.
- It’s easier for restaurant reservations, museum tickets, and hotel availability.
- You can support local, small businesses when they need it most.

The Trade-Offs for Travelling in QUIET SEASON:
- You’ll need to wear a jacket, pack in layers, probably bring rain gear.
- It’s more difficult to travel with kids or grandkids
- There are fewer flight options.
- Fewer daylight hours in winter, and this is MORE pronounced at higher latitudes (like Europe, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand).
Some shoppes or attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.

WHEN is QUIET SEASON for Destinations our Clients Visit Most:
- EUROPE: October through March. You’re not going to Europe for a beach holiday anyway, so the cooler temperatures aren’t a problem. Do remember the daylight hours are short in winter. Rhine & Danube cruises are now available year round.
- CANADA: Our clients go to Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies, or Quebec. If you can cope with rain, Vancouver is relatively warm in winter, and there are occasional cruises to Hawaii. OR-if you want a unique winter escape, visit the Ice Hotel near Quebec City.
- AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: March through October is the austral winter. Aussies and Kiwis are BIG cruisers, so there are ships there year-round if you want to beat crowds.
- JAPAN: October - March. People go for Cherry Blossoms in spring but that’s the busiest time to visit. If you like winter getaways, go North, and visit Mt. Fuji during ski season.

Life is full of trade-offs, and travelling in non-peak season is one of them. Experienced travellers have found Quiet Season… and all indications are that October 2026 will exceed October 2025 for the month with our most clients travelling ever. Experienced travellers want to enjoy “being there”, as opposed to just saying “I was there”.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, we talk about why more experienced travelers are choosing to travel outside traditional peak season—and why the old idea of “shoulder season” may not mean what it used to.
https://youtu.be/SMsVu3WuJy8

In Case You Missed It:
QUIET SEASON MEDITERRANEAN. Several cruise lines leave ships in the Mediterranean year-round, and that creates a great opportunity to explore the sites without having to compete with quite so many others:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/quiet-season-mediterranean/

AIR COMPARE: In June, Bob and I found ourselves flying on American, Air Canada, Delta, and United all within a few weeks of each other, and we were even on a Boeing 737-MAX for each leg. How often do you get a direct comparison like this?!?
https://pamperedcruiser.com/which-north-american-airline-is-best/

SEACLOUD: If you’ve been seemingly everywhere, or you like to be the first to experience something new, then look at what SEACLOUD is doing. It very well could be your next bucket list trip!
https://pamperedcruiser.com/sea-cloud-a-river-cruise-lovers-dream-on-the-ocean/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:
Silversea’s SILVER NOVA Ship Tour. We were on board a few months ago, and Laurie Bohn from Silversea walked Bob around this innovative vessel:
https://youtu.be/9yqmgJqNlgw

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/the-best-time-to-travel-why-quiet-season-may-be-the-answer/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

07/17/2026

Columbus – you know…the Italian, who sailed under the Spanish flag to “discover” the Americas, while looking for a shorter route to India. He was RIGHT about the earth being an orb. He was wrong about most everything else. He also NEVER made it to what is now the Lower 48. Many of us go to Italy (Columbus’ home), but today I’m going to talk about two US Territories that Columbus actually DID visit: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

WHY Visit the Caribbean US Territories?
- Proximity: Most obviously, they are close-by with reasonably easy travel logistics. They’re not like anywhere else in the US, and they’re closer than Hawaii.
- Weather: For those of us in the northern half of the country, the warmth, turquoise water and white-sand beaches, are very appealing in winter.
- Cruise Ship Home Port. San Juan is a major cruise ship port, with lots of options.

DIFFERENTIATORS: How do Puerto Rico and USVI compare to other Caribbean Destinations?
- You don’t need a passport, and you’ll use US dollars. They are American territories.
- Minimal language barriers. There’s some Spanish, Creole and French, but mostly English
Accessible: These destinations are relatively well served by airlines

WHO is Puerto Rico and USVI Perfect For?
- Those looking to get out of the dark and cold in the winter months without travelling too far.
- Those considering a cruise. San Juan is only one hour further than Miami by plane from Chicago (for example), and there are different cruise choices from Puerto Rico.

HOW to Visit US Territories in the Caribbean
- Cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico and do pre or post cruise:
- Enjoy the cobblestone streets, old forts, and Spanish colonial architecture.
- Experience the rainforests, coffee plantations and mountain villages.
- Go stay at a land resort on one of the US Virgin Islands:
- St Thomas: most frequented by cruisers. Great for shopping and beaches.
- St John: the most relaxed, and best to be in nature, go hiking or snorkelling.
- St. Croix: the most historical, and great for diving or visiting rum distilleries (not on the same day!)
- Cruise lines: All the mega ship lines go there, but you’ll get a much better experience on a small ship. We’ve made some suggestions below.

MORE INFORMATION ON PUERTO RICO:
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/bobbrad77410/travel/destinations/caribbean/puerto-rico/san-juan

MORE INFORMATION ON US VIRGIN ISLANDS:
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/bobbrad77410/travel/destinations/caribbean/u-s-virgin-islands

Sometimes the best part of travel isn’t discovering someplace completely foreign, but discovering a familiar place that still manages to surprise you.

The PODCAST: Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED
In this episode of UNPACKED, Kim and Bob explore two of the easiest tropical destinations for American travelers: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

https://youtu.be/FHkL5E55Jns

In Case You Missed It:
SEACLOUD in the US Caribbean Territories. If you’d like to explore the remote harbors of Puerto Rico and the USVI on a ship much closer in size and configuration to a river boat, than an ocean cruise ship, then look at SEACLOUD:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/sea-cloud-a-river-cruise-lovers-dream-on-the-ocean/

MISTAKES WE MAKE WHEN ABROAD. Good people can be bad travelers simply because they don’t think some things through before they travel. Here’s some suggestions on how to NOT be that person:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/good-people-bad-travellers/

THE BOOMERS ARE OUR TRIBE, and not just because we fall in that cohort. While the travel industry chases Millennials, we’re comfortable dealing with people a bit older:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/why-were-sticking-with-the-baby-boomers/

Featured YOUTUBE Video:
EXPLORA JOURNEYS ENTERTAINMENT. Explora has a different concept for cruise ship entertainment, and Bob interviews Drew Gowling from Explora to learn more about those differences:
https://youtu.be/9ELX0zxNjZ0

Remember to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel while you’re there. It really helps us, and we can produce more content for you!

[CLICK for the full article]
https://pamperedcruiser.com/luxury-caribbean-travel-without-leaving-the-usa/
P.S. Give us a call at 800-876-0168 to book your next trip.

The Pampered Cruiser

08/28/2026

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