Tourists are flocking to Alaska in record numbers

Almost 2 million people visited Alaska from May 2013 to April 2014, a new record for the state. 

U.S. carriers are boosting the number of flights to Alaska to accommodate the uptick in passenger demand. 

Cruise lines have increased summer sailings. Land tour operator have added departures. 

Personally I like Alaska either early or late in the tourist season. The weather is good, crowds are minimal and fares are low.

There are still some great offers in August and September. Plus plenty of 2015 early booking discounts are available!

Be kind to your travel agent and get out of town! 

Cruising the Rhine River

A river cruise is frequently the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the cities and towns that lie along inland waterways. Passengers sail aboard small and well-appointed ships, dine on gourmet food and enjoy personalized service. Daily sightseeing excursions capture the highlights of each port city.

When sailing on the Rhine River you’ll view vineyards and castles from the deck of your ship while sailing the Rhine. At the heart of Germany's Rhine wine region lies Rudesheim, where terraced rows of vines climb the banks. In Cologne, Germany, you'll visit the spectacular Gothic cathedral with twin spires. German and French cultures meet in Strasbourg in France's Alsace region; the district known as La Petite France is a nice place for exploration on foot.

Rebuilding the Carnival Cruise Lines Brand

According to BrandIndex, Carnival Cruise Lines was ranked the most-improved U.S. brand in consumer perception, or "buzz," in its mid-year 2014 Buzz Rankings report. This is such great news for you and your clients, and we just had to share! 

Throughout the second half of 2013 and thus far in 2014, Carnival has initiated a number of new programs that have resonated positively in the marketplace. Contributing to Carnival's notable brand recovery was a series of industry-first product innovations and marketing initiatives including: Seuss at Sea, Carnival LIVE, Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee, Great Vacation Guarantee and Camp Ocean.

I admit that I’ve noticed some slippage with the Carnival brand. To me it seemed like were cutting some corners to save money. I loved their chilled strawberry soup but on my last cruise it tasted like they had substituted water and 1% milk for heavy cream and whole milk. It went from tasty refreshing thick delight to a runny almost tasteless dish.

Carnival cruisers-what’s your feedback?

Win a Viking River Cruise!

Viking River Cruises offers great value with all-inclusive pricing that includes accommodations in an outside stateroom, port charges, onboard internet/wi-fi, wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners, Captain’s Dinner and Welcome Cocktails, signature Culture Curriculum program and exciting shore excursions in every port, as well as hotel accommodations during city portions of cruisetour itineraries.

With Viking River Cruises, you travel your own way—choosing to enjoy the guided walks and tours planned for you in each destination, or sightseeing on your own, with time allocated for independent activities. We believe that, quite simply, there is no better way to explore Europe, Russia, China or Egypt.

Learn more about Viking River Cruises by contacting your travel agent!

Like Viking River Cruises on Facebook and enter their free cruise drawing!

American River Cruising is Expanding

The American Queen Steamboat Company specializes in overnight sailings along America's most famous rivers. Every cruise includes complimentary wine and beer at dinner, bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees throughout the cruise.

The 432-passenger American Queen sails the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers. The modern-day paddle wheeler is filled with contemporary comforts, yet staterooms and public areas reflect 19th-century elegance.

In the Pacific Northwest, the 237-guest American Empress serves as a floating boutique hotel as guests travel the Columbia and Snake rivers, through a magnificent panorama of rolling hills, soaring mountains, deep canyons and open fields.

You can extend your vacation with a post-cruise city stay in Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville, Portland or Spokane. These packages include two hotel nights, two full American breakfasts, transfers and sightseeing tours -- visit Graceland in Memphis, for example, or the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument north of Portland.

The company is offering some fantastic 2-for-1 offers on last-minute departures and holiday sailings when you book by July 31.

Other savings from American Queen Steamboat Company include early booking discounts on 2015 voyages and waived single supplements on last-minute 2014 departures.

Contact your cruise consultant for details.