Warning: Beginning October 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
I am quite certain that on October 1, 2020, the news media will be in our nation’s airports with sob stories about those who were turned away by TSA because they do not have REAL ID-compliant identification.
Please don’t let that be you.
Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to learn how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or simply plan to carry your passport to fly domestically after October 1, 2020.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
VIKING WILL ATTEMPT TO SET GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH ULTIMATE WORLD CRUISE
245-Day Roundtrip Journey Embarking in London is the Longest-Ever Continuous Passenger Cruise
On August 31st, Viking® (www.vikingcruises.com) guests embarked on the new Ultimate World Cruise itinerary, a 245-day journey spanning six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports. Sailing from London on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest Viking Sun ®, the longest-ever continuous cruise will fully circumnavigate the globe bringing guests to some of the world’s most legendary cities, iconic landmarks and far-flung destinations, before returning to London in May 2020. In beginning this journey, Viking will attempt to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the “longest continuous passenger cruise;” upon the return of Viking Sun to London next year, an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation.
“For more than 20 years we have been committed to connecting travelers to culturally immersive experiences that allow them to explore the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Our Ultimate World Cruise is the most extensive itinerary available in the industry, nearly double the length of our previous world cruise itineraries. I am pleased to offer such a unique experience for our guests.”
Ultimate World Cruise Map. Click for large view.
Viking’s Ultimate World Cruise offers an eight-month journey, allowing guests to explore Scandinavia, the Caribbean and destinations throughout South America before calling on the remote tropical islands of the South Pacific. Viking Sun will then continue its journey along the coast of Australia and through Asia before returning to the Mediterranean and Europe.
Like all Viking itineraries, Ultimate World Cruise guests will enjoy an included excursion in each port of call and free unlimited Wi-Fi; they also receive Business Class airfare and all gratuities and service fees, along with an extensive list of added-value inclusions in their cruise fare. The Viking Way of exploration offers additional, optional excursions that provide insight into Local Life, Working World and offer Privileged Access® visits to cultural institutions. Overnight stays in 23 cities allow guests to delve deeper into destinations; and Viking’s Culture Curriculum® offers additional enrichment on board with regional entertainment and lectures, as well as learning opportunities as part of the Viking Resident Historian® program. Full details on the Ultimate World Cruise can be found on Viking’s website here; highlights include:
Greenwich: London at Your Door – Dock in the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, which allows guests easy access to the regal capital’s iconic sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Peak of Brazilian Culture – One of the 23 overnight stays on this itinerary occurs in the historic city of Rio de Janeiro, where guests can witness the larger-than-life Christ the Redeemer statue or relax on the scenic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches of this coastal metropolis.
Ushuaia, Argentina: “End of the World” – Commonly referred to as the “End of the World,” guests will visit Ushuaia, a city perched on a steep hill on the southernmost tip of South America, and explore its lush scenery through excursions to the nearby Escondido and Fagnano Lakes or the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which was first inhabited by humans 10,000 years ago.
Hobart, Tasmania: An Island of History and Wilderness — The capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, Hobart offers guests the chance to learn about its aborigine history and explore its unique wilderness area, including Mt. Wellington, which the city is nestled under.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Vibrant Saigon – This eclectic city, home to a mix of modern skyscrapers, French colonial buildings and ornate palaces, offers a variety of experiences for guests, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Reunification Palace.
Mumbai, India: The Front Door to India – The bustling city of Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. While in port, guests can learn about the iconic activist Gandhi at the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum and visit the Hanging Gardens, one of the prized few parks found in the busy metropolis.
Luxor, Egypt: Temples and Tombs – The site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor is dense with historical monuments for guests to explore, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings & Valley of the Queens, which house the tombs of the Pharaohs and their wives.
The Viking Difference
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities whether on the rivers or at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore, onboard, and even at home, through premier partnerships such as National Geographic, PBS’ MASTERPIECE, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition and the upcoming new film Downton Abbey from Focus Features and Carnival Films, only in theaters this September. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences. Local Life excursions shine a light on everyday activities and include experiences such as Viking Chef-hosted trips to local farmers markets, tea at home with local residents and visits with local schoolchildren. Working World excursions feature behind-the-scenes “making of” experiences, illuminating destinations through their most famous exports, such as factory and farm visits. Privileged Access excursions include experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tours at Highclere Castle, the “real Downton Abbey;” visiting St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum “behind closed doors;” a private cooking class in a Tuscan castle; an intimate organ concert in the Berlin Cathedral; and an exclusive dinner in the Churchill War Rooms in London.
In addition, Viking offers a compelling value compared to other cruise lines. Every cruise fare includes an outside stateroom, a complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; free Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.
For more information or to book a Viking World Cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Soon, Carol and I are likely to be standing again in front of the Chateau Pichon Longueville in Pauillac, France.
I shot this photograph in 2014. We are more than excited to be headed back to this fabled part of France to enjoy the beautiful countryside, the fabulous food and wine, and the company of good friends from North Carolina.
On this second journey back to the Bordeaux Wine Region, we’ll be enjoying a river cruise with Scenic River Cruises as our host. Stay tuned.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Unveils 146 New Extraordinary Voyages for its 2021-2022 Season
Itineraries Feature 27 New Ports, 116 Overnight Stays, 3 Grand Voyages and New Free Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Tour Programs
Today’s luxury travelers are blessed to have several excellent choices when it comes to luxury ocean cruises. And so that we might better advise our clients between the various option, Carol and I have been working on sampling every luxury ocean cruise brand personally.
We first sampled Regent Seven Seas Cruises a year ago in Alaska. Since then, when we have a client looking for a 5-star luxury ocean cruise experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the first to mind.
We find their small-ship all-inclusive value proposition, including complimentary business-class airline tickets, to be compelling and all of our clients come home excited about the experience.
Plus, we can offer our clients our exclusive Virtuoso Voyages VIP perks on many of their sailings: CLICK HERE.
Let’s explore what is new and exciting with Regent Seven Seas Cruises for the 2020-2021 season. Here is their press release:
Click just above to view the Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2020 – 2021 brochure.
MIAMI (Aug. 7, 2019) – Where will you go next?
Starting today, luxury travelers will find their answer in Regent Seven Seas Cruises®’ 2021-2022 Voyage Collection Debut. The world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line unveiled 146 voyages embarking April 2021 through May 2022 featuring 27 new ports of call, first-time sailings for Seven Seas Splendor™ in Northern Europe and the Baltics and for Seven Seas Explorer® in Alaska, immersive new land programs, remarkable new shore excursions and access to newly announced UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, Portugal and Italy. Plus, a greater emphasis on Asia includes 10 voyages sailing the region with multiple in-port overnights. Highlights and firsts include:
27 maiden ports for Regent across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean
A record 116 overnight stays
First sailings to the historic Black Sea since 2014 with calls on Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine
A return to beautiful Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean
A scenic journey to Antarctica sailing near Deception Island, Paradise Bay, and Half Moon Island
Access to more than 350 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A unique Asia-Pacific route for Regent’s 2022 World Cruise Elements of the Pacific, and Regent’s most-ever Asia ports visited across all itineraries
Three Grand Voyages, including a unique European Tour that combines the best of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean on Regent’s newest ship, Seven Seas Splendor™
“These voyages represent the most stunning and ambitious collection in our company’s history. We are sailing to even more legendary and lesser-known destinations highlighted by included immersive land experiences in every port,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Whether searching for an exciting adventure, a new way to unwind or for something entirely different, we invite luxury travelers to find it with Regent and discover their next unrivaled experience, with the highest levels of elegance, comfort and hospitality on board.”
With today’s announcement, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers nearly three years of voyages for luxury travelers and their travel advisors to reserve and enjoy.
27 Maiden Ports of Call
Fort Dauphin, Madagascar
Pergamum (Dikili), Turkey
Paphos, Cyprus
Monemvasia, Greece
Igoumenitsa, Greece
Chios, Greece
Liepaja, Latvia
Wismar, Germany
Eskifjordur, Iceland
Klaksvik (Faroe Islands), Denmark
Rønne (Bornholm), Denmark
Dunkerque, France
Oban, Scotland
Turku, Finland
Kaliningrad (Pionersky), Russia
Nordfjordeid, Norway
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Fortaleza, Brazil
Natal, Brazil
Nagoya, Japan
Naze (Oshima Island), Japan
Port Arthur (Tasmania), Australia
Whangarei, New Zealand
Nessebur, Bulgaria
Laguna San Rafael, Chile
Îles des Saintes, Guadeloupe
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
116 Overnight Stays
St. Petersburg (10 Nights)
Istanbul (8)
Venice (7)
Jerusalem (Haifa) (6)
Bordeaux (6)
Ho Chi Minh City (4)
Osaka (4)
Barcelona (4)
Hong Kong (3)
New York (3)
Manaus (Amazon River) (3)
Stockholm (3)
Buenos Aires (3)
Bermuda (3)
Walvis Bay (3)
Sydney (2)
Tuscany (Livorno) (2)
Bali (Benoa) (2)
Bangkok (Laem Chabang) (2)
Kyoto (Kobe) (2)
Reykjavik (2)
Dublin (2)
Amsterdam (2)
Luxor (Safaga) (2)
Durban (2)
Richard’s Bay (2)
Rio de Janeiro (2)
Montevideo (2)
Constanta (1)
Monte Carlo (1)
Singapore (1)
Hue/Da Nang (Chan May) (1)
Hanoi (Ha Long Bay) (1)
Hanoi (Ha Long Bay) (1)
Shanghai (1)
Vancouver (1)
St. John’s (Antigua) (1)
Port Antonio (1)
Bridgetown (1)
Cozumel (1)
Copenhagen (1)
Abu Dhabi (1)
Mahé, Seychelles (1)
Hobart (Tasmania) (1)
Colombo (1)
Mumbai (1)
Dubai (1)
Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Programs
27 voyages aboard Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner offer a free Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Program. These new Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Programs include Vibrant Tokyo, Discover Singapore, Sydney Icons, Natural Wonders of New Zealand, Treasures of the U.A.E., Cape Town on Your Own, Glimpse of Balinese Culture, Glimpse of Arabia, San Francisco and Sausalito, A Passion for Rio, and Chilean Wonders and Wines. In addition, other upgraded land programs are available for purchase.
2021-2022 Highlights By Ship
Seven Seas Splendor™
Sails summer season in Northern Europe and winter in Caribbean.
Northern Europe features British Isles, Western Europe & Baltic on 7-to-12 night voyages.
Overnights featuring Bordeaux, Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Amsterdam.
Seven Seas Explorer®
First summer season in Alaska (7-night northbound and southbound itineraries).
Fall and spring Asia voyages featuring Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand.
Winter Australia and New Zealand voyages featuring Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast and New Zealand.
Seven Seas Voyager®
Early summer and fall in Eastern Mediterranean voyages featuring Turkey and Greek Isles, plus Holy Land.
Fall voyages feature Africa and Arabia — including a return to Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion, a winter Africa program, then a transoceanic crossing of the South Atlantic over Christmas en route to South America.
One South America voyage includes scenic cruising through select areas of Antarctica.
Seven Seas Mariner®
Spring and summer 2021 months will cruise the Mediterranean, including a return to the Black Sea with calls on Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Many of these voyages are 7-night cruises.
In the fall she crosses the Atlantic before cruising into the Amazon River and then traversing the Panama Canal en route to San Francisco.
On January 5, 2022, Seven Seas Mariner will embark on Regent’s 2022 World Cruise through Asia Pacific.
Seven Seas Navigator®
Cruise the Amazon and Caribbean in the spring before sailing up to New York, visiting Bermuda along the way.
In the summer she will sail Northern Europe on a Grand Voyage — visiting Greenland, Iceland, the Baltic, Arctic and famous capitals of Europe.
Fall months will be spent in Canada and New England.
During winter 2021 and 2022, she will call on Caribbean ports, including a number of overnights like Bridgetown, Cozumel, and Port Antonio, Jamaica.
Highlights by Region of the World
Africa and Arabia
Explore mighty Africa with roundtrip voyages out of Cape Town, a new port of call in Madagascar and stops along the continent’s east coast, from Seychelles to Réunion. Then, witness the marvels of Arabia with new Land Programs like savoring the Culinary Delights of the Ottomans.
Alaska
Cruise Alaska in the epitome of comfort aboard Seven Seas Explorer, the most luxurious ship sailing the region in 2021. Adventure ashore in Icy Straight Point, exploring the history of the Tlingit culture or capturing moments with the area’s abundant wildlife and Discover Denali through one of Regent’s immersive Land Programs.
Asia
Sail into the enchanting cultures of Asia with more voyages to the region than ever before, accompanied by more than 20 overnights and two new ports. Experience new Land Programs like Chengdu & Its Pandas or visit the newly-announced UNESCO World Heritage Site Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan.
Australia and New Zealand
Witness the grandeur of Australia and New Zealand through adventurous and insightful new Land Programs revealing Sydney Icons and the Natural Wonders of New Zealand, two new ports of call including a visit to the island of Tasmania and by cruising the majestic fjords of New Zealand’s South Island.
Canada, New England and Bermuda
Step back in time more than 200 years through the historic buildings and epic museums found throughout New England and stroll beautiful parks and shores decorated by fall colors. Make the most of overnights in Quèbec City, exploring the wonderful French influences, from classic architectural designs to savory French-Canadian cuisine.
Caribbean and Panama Canal
Sail from one tropical paradise to another aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Splendor. Savor authentic Jamaican cuisine during an in-port overnight in charming Port Antonio and feel the electricity in the air that comes with the preparations for Carnival when calling on Trinidad and Tobago.
Mediterranean
Return with Regent to the Black Sea and visit six new Mediterranean ports, from the Ancient City of Nessebur in Bulgaria to the modern, local charms of Igoumenitsa, Greece. Then, tour the newly announced UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal and Italy for a new experience of history.
Northern Europe
Tour the glory of the Baltic aboard Seven Seas Splendor, soaking in every moment of your journey. Ten new ports await, inviting guests to savor a glass of Scotch in the town it was made, go off the beaten path to a quaint Icelandic fishing village or visit the historic shores of Dunkerque.
South America
Adventure deep into the Amazon aboard Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner or Seven Seas Voyager and enjoy a Passion for Rio and Chilean Wonders and Wines, two fascinating new Land Programs. Then, board a voyage that offers a scenic cruise of Antarctica aboard Seven Seas Voyager.
Three New Grand Voyages And “Elements of the Pacific” World Cruise
Grand Arctic Adventure | 94 Nights | Roundtrip New York | Seven Seas Navigator
Guests on this voyage will touch upon the shores of New England, Canada and Greenland before exploring Iceland, the British Isles, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, the Iberian Peninsula and finally the Azores and Bermuda. (Embarks May 31, 2021)
Grand European Tour | 59 Nights | Stockholm to Istanbul | Seven Seas Splendor
Guests will experience the marquis ports of Europe aboard Regent’s newest ship during this voyage. After departing Stockholm guests will explore the Baltic Sea, the British Isles, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. (Embarks Aug. 30, 2021)
Circle South America | 62 Nights | Roundtrip Miami | Seven Seas Navigator
Guests on Circle South America will experience the history, culture and ecological wonders of Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. (Embarks Dec. 5, 2021)
Elements of the Pacific World Cruise| 120 Nights | Roundtrip San Francisco | Seven Seas Mariner
Previously announced in July, this unique voyage circumnavigates the inspiring Pacific Rim sailing to 17 Asia-Pacific countries and 59 distinct ports of call with 18 overnight stays, while providing access to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nearly 300 included shore excursions. (Embarks Jan. 5, 2022)
Every Luxury Included
Guests on all 146 sailings will experience the value of Regent’s all-inclusiveness and the sense of comfort and freedom it brings. Fares always include all-suite accommodations, round-trip business-class air on intercontinental flights from U.S. and Canada, ground transfers, the largest collection of unlimited shore excursions, unlimited internet access, highly personalized service, exquisite cuisine and specialty restaurants, fine wines and spirits, enrichment speakers and entertainment, gratuities, and one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher.
For more information or to book an all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruise with our exclusive Virtuoso Voyages VIP Perks, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
Are you looking for last-minute savings on a fabulous ocean cruise?
Here are 12 last-minute flash sale offerings from our friends at Viking Ocean cruises.
Hurry, this offer ends on August 31st. Plus, when you book one of these cruises with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, we will add $200 in shipboard credits to your booking.
To learn more, or to book one of these fabulous Viking Ocean Cruises experiences, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
Check out the 12 Flash Sale Offers below:
To learn more, or to book one of these fabulous Viking Ocean Cruises experiences, call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we will reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
The Roaming Boomers
Warning: Beginning October 1, 2020, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
VIKING WILL ATTEMPT TO SET GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH ULTIMATE WORLD CRUISE
