I love this fall weather - don't you?!  It's my favorite time of the year!  I hope you are enjoying your fall season as much as I am.  This week, I wanted to chat about group travel...  Traveling as a group can be a wonderful thing and an amazing trip to take as a group, is a river cruise. But, you may be thinking, what's so great about going as a group as opposed to solo, couples or family travel? I'm so very glad you asked, because I've got five reasons your next river cruise should be done as a group!

1. Cost
Some river cruises offer discount for groups saving you money. For example, a group of 10 or more can save as much as 10% or more off of standard pricing. Remember, the goal for any cruise line is to fill up all the cabins and groups mean they are more likely to fill up the spaces. That is why they will offer a discount as an incentive to get groups to book together. PLUS, and this is the BEST part...  You may be able to cruise FREE as the group leader, depending on how many cabins you can fill and cruise line!

2. Safety In Numbers
When traveling in an unfamiliar place, it’s much safer to travel with a group. And, it doesn't hurt that you will feel more safe and comforted in the company of friends rather than strangers. At the various ports you will also be less likely to be the victims of crimes as a group as predators prey on singles and couples because they are easier to approach.

3. Having People You Know To Do Things With
Group cruising brings together a sense of togetherness. Whether it's friends or family members, you will have stronger bonds with the people you are traveling with by the end of your trip. Few things create common ground better than travel. Widely-traveled members in your group may also act as resource centers describing in detail the part of the country you are cruising through. They may also recommend attraction sites that the group might like to see.

4. Discounts May Extend Beyond the Cruise
Not only will your group enjoy group rates on the ship, you may get additional discounts for airfare, trip excursions at various ports, tours and more. Again, vendors like to fill up slots and that is why they love groups! Less work filling all the slots for a vendor translates to discounts for your group!

5. You'll Have Someone to Eat Dinner With
One of the greatest benefits of group river cruising is that you will know everyone that you're seated with at dinner. Some people get very anxious about who might be at their table because they don't like being seated with strangers. However, with a group you'll likely be seated together and not have to worry about that. Plus, the dinner will be a great time to re-group, talk about and vote on the next day's plans and ensure that everyone is getting what they want out of the trip.

Whether you are exploring the New England Islands or the Rhine River in Europe, bringing a group with you will make your trip even better!

Ready to book?! Call us today to discuss your options: (913) 244-9195
Experiences Await...

September marks the end of the cruise season in Alaska and it was another memorable experience for my clients this year.  I love seeing their photos and hearing about their adventures from this fascinating destination.  Each year, Alaska becomes more "hot" and desirable - so if you don't have it on your list... make sure to add this as a top priority for your bucket list.  No matter your age, you will fall in love with Alaska and the experiences it brings you. It's a great generational trip as well - grandparents, parents, kids and grandkids together - it's an amazing, cultural, and educational experience for everyone - which the family will discuss for a lifetime!

Thanks in part to the breathtaking beauty and natural wonders of this frigid destination, Alaskan cruises are hotter than ever before. The majestic landscape, the exciting wildlife and stunning views are just a few things that await you should you decide to cruise here. Cruise tours of Alaska, which combine land tours with cruising, are typically 10-12 days, however there are shorter and longer ones as well. Let's explore what types of cruises are available to you, and when you're ready to learn more, I invite to call Destinations HD and we'll assist you in planning your dream Alaskan cruise!  (913) 244-9195

Alaskan cruises on large cruise lines will leave you feeling as though you're being transported via a floating city. This is the most luxurious way to cruise and a few of the top lines that cruise here are Princess Cruise Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

These boats will traditionally cost you more per ticket, but you'll get a more intimate look at some of the ports that the big lines simply can't get to. The flexibility you'll enjoy with scheduling is also important to note as these boats offer more itineraries annually than the bigger cruise boats do. What you lose in amenities and size you'll get back by way of a more personalized and genuine experience.

The most popular time to go on Alaska cruises is June, July and August. This is when the weather is warmest in the area, but popularity has its drawbacks. Not only will this be the most expensive time to visit, it's also the time that is hardest to secure a cabin. Book early if you want your choice of accommodations and keep in mind the balcony cabins typically sell out first.

May and September are considered the shoulder season, but traveling in these months comes with a word of caution as well. Yes, the tickets will be cheaper, but during this time the weather is less predictable and could cause delays and rarely, even cancellations of trips. Although traveler's insurance is always a good idea, it's even more important that you have it should you choose to travel in May or September as some cruise line policies make it harder to get refunds and re-scheduling for travel interruptions due to weather.

The bigger lines generally don't travel here in the winter months, but some smaller lines cruise Alaska in the month of April. It can still be cold and weather conditions could cause travel interruptions during this month as well, but it can also be the cheapest time to book.

When you call us to discuss your Alaskan cruise we can go over all of your options and help you find the perfect one for your schedule and interests. Destinations HD looks forward to helping you cruise Alaska!  Experiences Await...

I have been planning a few river cruises lately and I always get so excited about these trips. :)  Earlier in the year I  spotlighted AmaWaterways River Cruises. This month I'd like to spotlight Uniworld River Cruises. This amazing company offers river cruises on upscale, boutique vessels to some of the world's most entrancing destinations with an all-inclusive experience. You'll travel easily between stops in staterooms with terrific perspectives of the passing landscape, while the transportation details are taken care of for you.

Just a few of the perks you'll enjoy while cruising with Uniworld include:

• Lodging in a lovely stateroom. Ships are decorated per destination you are traveling to emerge you in local familiarity.
• Unlimited beverages like beer, wine, espressos, teas and sodas; they even include many premium spirits such as Grey Goose and Crown Royal!
  
• All meals are included and the chefs are dedicated to providing farm-to-table culinary experiences so you know you will receive the freshest foods sourced from regional farms, farmers’ markets and artisan producers, to ensure every meal embodies the unique character of each region and season.
• Entertainment on board and complimentary excursions at each port
• Well-equipped on-board fitness center and wellness classes are included with your cruise ticket
• Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for onshore use at each port
  
• Wi-Fi on board

Because the boats are smaller you'll be able to get to ports not available to large cruise lines. Sea sickness is generally less frequent because you'll almost always be able to see land and you'll never have one of those dreaded “at sea” days.

With each port you'll dock smack dab in the heart of the activity. Instead of transfer boats taking you to and from the ship causing you to miss upwards of an hour or more of shore time, in most cases you'll step right off the boat and into your port of call. Because of this you'll enjoy a more casual pace without large crowds in your way.

Uniworld offers river cruises in Europe, China, Vietnam & Cambodia, Russia, Egypt and India.

Want to learn more about Uniworld River Cruising? Ready to experience what the buzz is all about on your own River Cruise adventure?  Call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195 today!
Experiences Await...