The hot dog days of Summer are here. Find yourself tall cool hydrating beverages and dream of your next travel destination. I have always believed that to have memories, you have to make them happen.

When you travel by sea shore excursions are important. There are a few things I would like to discuss with you about shore excursions. Everyone has a different reason for visiting a port, but research the destination well before you leave home.

1)     When looking through information about a port, decide what is most appealing. Is it museums? Is it old ruins? Is it city highlights? Is it a sunset sailing opportunity. Or how about a gastronomic experience. Each port city has points of interest that helps to narrow down what you want to take in.

2)     Once you know what you want to focus upon, it is time to find the excursion or means of seeing what you want. The ships all offer tours to the most popular destinations. They also offer lectures about the ports themselves and what to see. These are good if new to cruising. Check with different third party tour operators. Often times they will offer very similar tour at a reduced price. But be aware that the ship tours guarantee your return to the ship before its departure. I have used third party semi private tours that have always gotten us back in time. I can help you find those third party tours as well.

3)     Once you decide a tour you want to take read the description carefully. I can not stress this enough. When it says a walking tour, they mean walking over rough and uneven surfaces and generally at a quick pace. Walking tours are not strolls, they do move quickly. Look for how long the tour will be. If it is an all day tour, expect to be tired and exhausted upon return. Between a bus ride, photo stops, visits to points of interest can add up in hours. Only you can decide what you want to see and if the long day is worth the adventure.

4)     Finally, if you are meeting a third party, please know the exact locations for the meeting point. Make sure before you leave home that you know how to find your way to the location. Some ports are easier than others. If you are a tender port make sure you get your tender tickets very early! Many ships use a ticket system as means to get ashore and will announce where to get those tender tickets. Priority is given to those who booked ship sponsored shore excursions and loyalty guest. I would highly recommend taking a ship tour when there is a tendering process. I am always available to ask questions and recommendations.

How about a Valentine’s Day cruise? Here is a great deal! Book by July 31^st and get an additional $25 onboard credit. This is the NCL Prima ship! Let's start planning an unforgetable Valentine's. A dinner, cocktail party and a pub crawl is included!

Alert: For the next few days our company will pay your gratuities on all new NCL bookings that are greater than 7 days! This offer is in place if you book by July 23! This is for sailings until 4/30/2026. This is a great savings from our company. Gratuities are $20 a day per person, so you see how this can be a great savings.

How about a Cruise Night Event with Virgin Voyages? Register and attend this web based presentation to learn more about Virgin Voyages. https://bit.ly/4cyuDpg here is where you can learn more about the company, what they offer and even get Sailor Loot. They have great pricing for sailings this fall from 4 to 5 nights out of Miami. Virgin Voyages is expanding their fleet. Wifi is always included, all specialty resturants and gratuities always included.

While I do sell cruises and river cruises, I also sell land vacations. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let me design your next land vacation. What about a Christmas Market river cruise? Or celebrate New Years on a river cruise. Think about doing land based tour to Ireland and Scotland or a train trip across Canada. How about and All Inclusive in the Carribean?

Please share this email with friends and family who are looking as travel destinations. I am always glad to help them find a wonderful cruise destination.

Stay cool, and keep dreaming of your next destination! Make your dreams come true.

Kathy Hays

717 871 5378

[email protected]