Lift and Shift with RCCL

Cruise lines have found creative ways to keep your current cruise plans plus entice your family to book future cruise without worry in these challenging times. One unique option comes from Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program. It’s called Lift & Shift. Through August 1, if you wish to move your existing booking (must be an active booking) to next year, the cruise line will guarantee your original price and promotion when you select a future sailing on the same itinerary type, sailing length, stateroom category, and within the same 4-week period of your original cruise date same-time-next-year. Royal Caribbean is also allowing cancellations up to 48-hours prior to your sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit for sailings through April 2022 as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Up to two days prior to sailing (it used to be just up until final payment), they will ensure you have the best rate. You will receive the difference as an on board credit if your rate is lowered after final payment. And as usual, you can always cancel a cruise up until final payment with a full refund (except for non-refundable deposits which will be converted to a Future Cruise Credit).

Yacht Charters

Sailing charters are a unique, relaxing and intimate family vacation to explore destinations around the world. The Caribbean is ideal for this type of vacation. One of Lauren and Mindy’s favorite family trips was on a crewed sailboat charter through the British Virgin Islands. Each day we would set sail to a different island to experience, enjoy a variety of watersports, witness gorgeous sunsets and indulge in amazing food catered to our own set of tastes. Let us find your family a similar charter experience with The Moorings with a crewed yacht charter aboard your own private sail or power catamaran. Current promotions save you up to 20%.  Your all-inclusive package comes complete with a professional captain and gourmet chef, all meals, drinks, watersports, internet and more.  You can sleep up to 10 people or consider traveling with a flotilla of boats with extended family or friends! Their charters depart from The Bahamas, St. Martin, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Martinique or St. Lucia providing a wide array of itinerary options. The Moorings also arranges boat charters in Europe, Asia and Polynesia.

Galapagos Cruising

Small ship cruising is a perfect way for families to explore the world in a more intimate and relaxed setting.  An ideal destination for this style of travel is the Galapagos which only allows ships with 110 passengers or less to sail around these treasured islands.  We have booked our families on custom, private charters on up to luxury cruise ships on sailings that last 3-11 nights.  The nature-based cruise itineraries take advantage of night hours to travel long distances between islands allowing your family to arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Since 95% of the land area is protected and very regulated in regards to tourism; certified naturalist guides will show you around and educate your family about why these islands are so unique and special.  Different sites are known for their specific scenery, vegetation, and wildlife. However, many species, such as sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and a variety of coastal birds are commonly seen at most locations. Galapagos, which are actually part of Ecuador, is a terrific place to visit anytime of the year. Because of its location on the equator, the air and water temperatures remain relatively stable all year long. During peak seasons (mid-June through early September, and mid-December through mid-January), it is particularly important to make your travel arrangements well in advance. Check outhttp://www.galapagos.gob.ec/en/ for the official website of the Galapagos.

Alaska Cruise Adventures

Alaska is one of our most popular destinations for families, particularly in summer.  Highlights of this largest U.S. state include its indigenous culture, wildlife and diverse landscapes. Most of our families explore via ship as an easy and relaxing way to view the Inside Passage and experience its interesting ports such as Juneau, Sitka, Skagway and Icy Straight. Ships comes in all sizes including chartering your own boat, small ship nature cruises that can access smaller inlets and larger cruise ships with all their recreational bells and whistles. A common benefit is that they all can have naturalists on board to help make the most of your Alaska experience. Each port also offers a wide variety of nature and cultural experiences with a plethora of outdoor adventures, wildlife viewing and Alaska Native interactions. While many cruises sail round-trip from cities such as Seattle, Vancouver and Juneau; others go in one direction allowing your family to add on some time in other parts of Alaska such as Anchorage, Denali National Park and Fairbanks where you can easily train from place to place in domed cars to witness the beautiful landscapes. We can assist in creating custom itineraries depending on your interests and budget. For more details and inspiration, check outhttps://www.travelalaska.com/GetInspired/Blog/March-2020.aspx.

Virtual Lindblad

You can still travel virtually to places around the world and now is a great time to virtually learn about some of our special suppliers and what they can offer your family for your next vacation. Lindblad Expeditions is offering a virtual showcase of their unique voyage experience. Come and learn about shipboard life from wake-up to Recap.  Also observe wildlife, get great photo tips, enjoy the kids’ corner and more. There will also be special performances, personal appearances, presentations and more! This program is available Monday thru Friday at https://www.expeditions.com/destinations/virtual/.

RCCL Helps Australia

We want to recognize Royal Caribbean for providing free cruises to about 7,000 of Australia’s first responders and their families following the country’s catastrophic bush fires. In February and early March, the families sailed on the new Spectrum of the Seas up and down the eastern coast of Australia.

PROTECTOURS from MSC

MSC Cruises has designed a series of cruise excursions that are both eco-friendly and give local tour operators the opportunity to become internationally certified under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification program. Collectively referred to as PROTECTOURS, the growing list of 25-plus excursions allows your family to make a positive contribution to the planet, while discovering destinations in new ways. Seventy percent of the tours involve activities with zero environmental impact, such as walking, cycling or kayaking, while others make a direct contribution to the environment through activities like tree planting or beach cleaning. In January, the cruise line became the first global cruise line to become carbon neutral across its marine operations.Examples include:

Animal Haven Rescued Dogs Forest Hike, Jamaica: During this half-day excursion, participants will hike with rescued dogs from Montego Bay Animals Haven, all of whom were rescued from the streets and have suffered from starvation, dehydration, injury or abuse.

Discover the Magical World of Bees, Greece: In Corfu, participants can immerse themselves in the world of bees, learning all about what the Royal Geographical Society has called “the most important living being on earth.” Tour-goers will travel to Bioporos Farm, where they will be kitted out with full safety equipment to get up close with the farm’s honeybees. A meal at the farm’s fully organic restaurant is included, as are a sesame bar and 100 grams of local honey to take home.

Iceland on Horseback with Tree Planting, Iceland: Cruisers looking to add a little horsepower to their land experience will want to join this tour from Reykjavik as they saddle up and trek out into the scenic Icelandic wilderness of lava fields and green hillsides. Following the ride, tour-goers will journey to Guomundarlundur Forest, where a forester will guide them in planting a tree.

Tahiti Cruise Sale

Paul Gaugin Cruises is offering up to $3,400 per person in savings on select sailings throughout Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific when you book by March 7. Save even more as children 17 and under sail free as a 3rd person in your cabin!  Your cruise rate includes round-trip air from Los Angeles (except for the free child), transfers to the port, drinks including beer and select wines and spirits, tips, select watersports, private beach day, children’s program and more.  The luxury cruise line’s children’s program is available on summer and holiday sailings.  The August 8-15 Tahiti cruise is part of this current promotion. The extensive program combines naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures. Polynesia awaits!

Disney River Cruises

Due to overwhelming popularity, Adventures by Disney will offer even more river cruise sailings for 2021 with 30 options along four European rivers: Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. These cruises are on dedicated AmaWaterways vessels as part of a partnership that is now five years old. The all-inclusive vacations are filled with active, immersive experiences and include a team of Disney Adventure Guides who are master storytellers and bring each destination to life. Special activities and excursions abound as you venture through each town. We can also arrange pre- and post-city stays in the ship departure cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest. Bookings open on January 29, 2020 for these sailings. Book early for the best cabin availability.  Save up to $750 per person on select 2021 river cruises and $150 per person when you book by March 27, 2020.

Amazon for Families

Looking to explore the Amazon River as a family? Delfin Cruises offers families with children age 7 and older a unique opportunity to explore this fragile ecosystem. Survey the Amazon Basin in Peru aboard the luxury small ship Delfin III. This river cruise, with 22 glass-walled suites, tours the largest collection of animals and plants living in one area in the world!  Children onboard become scientists on a floating classroom and learn from experienced naturalists.  Families can also do trail hikes, kayaking, fishing, canopy walks, visit an animal rescue center and more.  All excursions are included!  The ship has four interconnected suites to cater to families and is the first cruise line to be a member of Relais & Chateau.