Jan-Feb 2024 eNewsletter / Sail into 2024 & Beyond

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year
with FUN, NEW (Travel) Adventures in 2024!

 

New Ship Launch
In December, I was invited to the launch of Celebrity’s brand new ship the Ascent delivered from the shipyard in France. Remarkably, she has 2 Captains who are brothers & 2 Godmothers who are sisters, double the usual number.

A NEW Intention for 2024 – Coffee Meetings.
Within my local area, I’d like to meet with you in person.
Not local? How about a phone call or a zoom meeting?

A NEW Inclusion for 2024 – More Videos.
I’ve talked about destinations for years. See more information visually.

A NEW Approach for 2024 – Group Getaways.
I’ll open them to a discussion of dates for interested parties.

Out of Office Jan 29 – Feb 17
Please contact me NOW/before I depart on my travels.
I’ll have limited access to WiFi while sailing to islands.
PRIORITY will go to URGENT matters while I’m away.

Sail into 2024 by Land & Sea
Why cruise? Seamless + Inclusive + High Quality = High Value.
Cruises are ON SALE right now! Current Promotions:

• Percentage Discounts
• On Board Credit
• Category Upgrades
• Reduced Deposits
• Free Pre or Post Nights
• Discounted On Board Packages
  These vary by cruise line. I also have additonal bonuses.
  Contact me for brochures & the pertinent details.

 

Where to Next?
The World is your oyster. Here are some of my Top Picks.
I have recommended/written about these multiple times.
NORTH AMERICA
USA – Alaska & Hawaii from West; Bermuda from East
Canada – British Columbia from the West
SOUTH AMERICA – Galapagos + Machu Picchu
OCEANIA – Pacific Islands, New Zealand & Australia
EUROPE
Iceland, Mediterranean, Greek Isles, UK, Scandinavia
Countries along the Danube, Rhine, Soane & Douro Rivers
ASIA – Japan by land or cruise; Maldives Islands
AFRICA – Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana

Ocean Cruises
Some of my Top Picks:
6 Star LUXURY – Regent Seven Seas. Exotic itineraries on small ships. TRULY All Inclusive –
includes cruise + air + shore excursions + open bar + speciality dining + WiFi + gratuities.
5.5 Star DELUXE – Oceania. Fairly inclusive. Known for the best cuisine at sea. Small ships.
5+ Star PREMIUM. Celebrity. Modern. Holland America. Classic. Medium sized ships.
Contact me for my recommendations on the Best Fit for your interests & needs.
916.897.9597 JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com

Sister Ships at Sea

My Top Pick: any of the 4 NEW Celebrity Edge Class ships.
Edge (2018); Apex (2021); Beyond (2022); Apex (2023)
Ascent is currently in the Caribbean, moving to the Mediterranean for summer.
Edge will sail to Alaska from Seattle this summer. Check with me for the other ships.
Current Promotion: 75% off the 2nd passenger + on board credit.
Plus my exclusive bonuses – reduced deposits & more on board credit.
See video: Celebrity Beyond

NEW Design Concepts
The most innovative ships with architectural spaces & thoughtful design elements.
See my posts & videos from the launch at www.Facebook.com/IslandGetaways

For example, the Infinite Veranda on Celebrity’s NEW ships is a clear balcony. 

It extends your space interior with folding doors that close it off as desired. High tech features allow the window & shades to be raised/lowered at the touch of a button. Prefer a traditonal open balcony? That’s available too. And solo cabins have a balcony on these ships. (I know which categories to arrange).

River Cruises
Floating directly through the landscape . . . without the waves.

5+ Star PREMIUM – AmaWaterways. Immersive cruise tours in Europe + Exotic destinations.
Current Promotions:

• FREE Pre or Post Land extensions in Europe
• TRIPLE SAVINGS on select summer 2024 sailings
• 2 for 1 OFFER on an Asia Pre or Post Land extensions
• SPECIAL SAVINGS on select Europe itineraries & dates
• NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on Europe select sailings

Contact me 916.897.9597 JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
See video: AmaWaterways

My Top Pick: the award-winning AmaMagna on the Danube River.
See my own summer experiences in my SEpt 2022 newsletter & on FB.
See video: Ama Magna

Expedition Cruises
One of my Top Picks: Celebrity has the most luxurious ship in the Galapagos.
See video: Celebrity Flora

Another Top Pick: Ponant with sleek yacht-like ships on unusual itineraries.
See video: new expedition vessels
Their Smithsonian Journeys offer enhanced educational voyages with area experts.
See video: Smithsonian Journeys

Rail Travel
Seamless luxury cruising on land! They do the driving.
You’ll be wined & dined. Just relax & enjoy the ride.

Canadian Rockies by Rail
Still a Top Pick just across the border but a world away.
Multiple train & land combinations between Vancouver & Calgary.
I have written about Canada & U.S. rail journeys in my newsletter.
Current Promotions
$1000 savings per couple on Canada routes.
$750 savings per couple on the U.S. route.
See video: Rocky Mountaineer
See video: U.S. Southwest by Rail

New Zealand by Rail

A 17-day, three-train tour starts in Auckland 0n the Northern Explorer and explores transcendent sites like the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and board the Coastal Pacific to ride along the jagged coast, stopping to whale- and dolphin-watch before ending in Christchurch. The last leg climbs over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine, with views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes.

Australia by Rail

Haven’t been to Australia yet? Only visited 2-3 locations?
It is an island continent approximately the size of the U.S.
Two famous train routes extend the entire length & breadth.
Very popular with Aussies & Kiwis & international rail fans.

North – South

One of the world’s greatest train journeys, The Ghan delivers so much more than an extended train ride. It promises access to the Red Center of Australia between Darwin and Adelaide in a unique combination of luxury rail and land expeditions in the Outback.
See video: The Ghan Train

East – West.

 

“With epic transcontinental crossings between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, step onboard for an all-inclusive train holiday you’ll never forget. A journey aboard the iconic Indian Pacific will whisk you between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth in comfort and style.
See video: Indian Pacific Train

Indian Pacific Train Sleeper Compartment

Everything you need on wheels. Lounge cars. Restaurant cars. Sleeper cars. Land excursions at specific stops. These two train routes can even be combined in intriguing ways. Ask me about it.

Island Girl on the Go

 

In November, I headed to Australia to attend an International Travel Conference – 60 business appointments over 3 days at the Sydney Convention Center, bookended with 2 days in the Whitsunday Islands & 2 days in Sydney for inspections. See all my posts & videos on www.Facebook.com/IslandGetaways

 

Out of Office Jan 29 – Feb 17
Please contact me NOW/before I depart on my travels.
I’ll have limited access to WiFi while sailing to islands.
PRIORITY will go to URGENT matters while I’m away.