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Kimberly Oberkirsch
Vacation Consultant

News & Notes

November 2024

The Best Way to See Alaska & Japan

Be one of the first to experience Star Seeker, Windstar’s Newest yacht, on one of their highly anticipated 2026 Alaskan & Japan voyages! See Alaska & Japan from the Windstar perspective: Serving just over 200 guests, their yacht gives you unparalleled access to these breathtaking destinations. Visit small-ship ports, embark on Signature Expeditions right from the ship and get closer views of must-see attractions.

Windstar

Announcing Star Seekers Inaugural Season Including Alaska and Japan

Star Seeker’s inaugural season will begin in the Caribbean, where several Windstar yachts will come together in celebration. Then, the ship will then cross the Panama Canal toward Alaska, where it will sail from May to August before heading across the Pacific to Japan. Here are some of the highlights you can expect:

ALASKA

• Get closer to must-see attractions like Kenai, Misty and Tracy Arm Fjords.
• Embark on kayak and RIB boat Signature Expeditions directly from the ship.
• Get access to local Alaskan guides that sail on board, leading expeditions and answering questions about Windstar's destinations.
• Combine your cruise with a 5-day inland tour through the heart of Denali National Park, keeping an eye out for moose, sheep, caribou and grizzly bears.


JAPAN

• Enjoy scenic cruising of the gorgeous Inland Sea.
• Sail around the abandoned island of Hashima, near Nagasaki, and visit the Peace Memorial Parks of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
• Call on smaller ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu — home to a famous Japanese garden and the awe-inspiring Karatsu Castle.
• Combine your cruise with a 3-day inland exploration of Osaka and Kyoto, visiting Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion and more.


BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST VALUE

Complimentary All-Inclusive experience — with Wi-Fi, unlimited wine, beer and cocktails, and all gratuities — PLUS $200 onboard credit per stateroom.* Only until Oct. 31.
*Terms & Conditions apply.

Alaska from a Fresh Perspective

See Alaska from the Windstar perspective: Serving just over 200 guests, their yacht gives you unparalleled access to this breathtaking destination. Visit small-ship ports, embark on Signature Expeditions right from the ship and get closer views of must-see attractions like Tracy Arm Fjord.

Dive deeper into Alaskan culture: Get access to local Alaskan guides that sail on board, leading expeditions and answering your questions about the people, history and natural landscape of Alaska.

Enjoy sailing on a brand new ship: Guests will have access to a full-service spa with grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility and a fresh take on Windstar's iconic Watersports Platform.

Combine your cruise with an inland tour: Combine your Star Seeker Alaska cruise with a 5-night tour through the heart of DenaliNational Park, with over 6 million acres of rugged land and plentiful wildlife.

Windstar

Why Visit Japan with Windstar

See Japan from the Windstar perspective: Serving just over 200 guests, their yacht gives you unparalleled access to this breathtaking destination. Enjoy scenic cruising through the gorgeous Inland Sea and visit smaller ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu — homes to a famous Japanese garden and the awe-inspiring Karatsu Castle.

Enjoy sailing on a brand new ship: With new dining options, upgraded amenities and 112 spacious suites — all but 10 featuring a full private veranda or infinity-window view — Star Seeker is a fresh take on the Star Class that remains unmistakably Windstar.

Combine your cruise with an inland tour:
Combine your Star Seeker Japan cruise with a 3-night inland tour of Kyoto and Osaka, visiting World Heritage Sites, seeing feudal architecture and immersing yourself in Japan’s unique culture.

Windstar

Windstar

What are you waiting for? Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant to have your Windstar Cruises voyage booked today!

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Terms & Conditions: For Windstar’s new 2025 - 2026 Winter Mediterranean, Star Seeker Asia, Caribbean and Alaska, and Europe 2026 sailings with the exception of Grand Prix sailings, Windstar is offering a $200 shipboard credit per stateroom and a free upgrade to their All-Inclusive package (valued at $89 per guest per day). All fares mentioned are per person, in US dollars, cruise only, based on double occupancy in lowest category, and include non-discountable amounts. Single and Triple guests in a stateroom or suite are also eligible for this promotion, the shipboard credit will be awarded at $100 per guest. All-inclusive package includes Wi-Fi, and all beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities. Government Taxes & Fees are additional and are published at www.windstarcruises.com. Offer is valid on new bookings only and subject to availability. Consult your Windstar representative for promotional offer or discount combinability.

Now is the Best Time to Explore the Far Reaches of the Planet with HX

There’s never been a better time for adventure. With HX's Chart Your Next Course promotion, your clients can save big while exploring the most spectacular destinations on earth.

Since 1896, HX has been taking curious travelers on mindful expeditions to the world’s most awe-inspiring places. Today, HX is a leader in expedition cruising, taking their guests to the high Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, and the Antarctic peninsula, all from the comfort of their modern expedition ships.

HX

Adventure is All-inclusive

An HX expedition includes everything from daily excursions and activities to HX's onboard Science Center, meals, gratuities, drinks, and more. All designed to give your clients the expedition experience of a lifetime.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day*
• Daily expeditions, escorted landings, and activities*
• All-inclusive drinks*
• Onboard Starlink Wi-Fi at no extra cost*
• State-of-the-art Science Center*
• Citizen Science projects*
• Handpicked Expedition Team of experts, scientists, historians, and guides*
• Loan of equipment for activities*
• Professional photos of your trip from HX's onboard photographer*
• Expedition gear and water bottle to take home*
• Gratuities included*
and more!*

Chart Your Next Course - Save up to $3,500 with HX*

  • Save up to $3,500 on all-inclusive 2024-2026 expedition cruises*
  • Choose from awe-inspiring destinations, including Alaska, Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage & Arctic Canada, Svalbard, and more
  • Take advantage of HX's Price Promise
  • Loyalty and AARP members can save even more

HX is Made for the Curious Traveler

An HX expedition cruise is the perfect choice for travelers who want to learn, actively explore, and have an intimate knowledge and understanding into the science, history, wildlife, and culture of the places visited. Your clients can explore vast icescapes and marine life from an expedition boat in Antarctica, go on hiking adventures to discover unique ecosystems and wildlife in the Galápagos, take part in a cultural gathering for a traditional Greenlandic ‘kaffemik,’ or join a discussion by the Expedition Team about the effects of climate change on remote destinations.

When they return home, they have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the regional customs and cultures, the local way of life, unique wildlife, and so much more. Most importantly, they have stories to share of their adventures and have a sense of the planet’s fragility, beauty, and resilience.

HX

Why Choose HX for Your Clients' Antarctica Expedition?


• More people experience Antarctica with HX than any other expedition company
• An average guest rating of 9.3 / 10 for Antarctica expeditions
• The most experienced and reputable operator in Antarctica
• The largest, newest, and most hands-on science facilities, partnerships, and programs in the industry
• Modern, spacious, and stylish cabins and suites
• All-inclusive experience, including excursions
• A more relaxed and informal atmosphere

Why Choose HX for Your Clients' Galápagos Adventure?


• HX's partner, Metropolitan Touring, has led responsible Galápagos tourism since 1969
• MS Santa Cruz II is a perfectly sized home base, ideal for a more private and remote adventure
• Expert local naturalists guide your clients discover of the world's most extraordinary wonders
• Treading lightly and protecting the biodiversity of the archipelago
• All-inclusive experience, including guided landings with small expedition boats, as well as two nights in Quito plus flights from Quito to Baltra and Baltra to Quito
• Funds conservation of the Waved Albatross, petrels, and sea turtles through the HX Foundation
• Maximum 12:1 ratio of guests to naturalists
• 7-, 9-, and 11-day itineraries and interconnecting cabins, perfect for family vacations
• A more relaxed and informal atmosphere

HX

Your Clients' Expedition Team of Handpicked Experts

Among your fellow explorers are the onboard Expedition Team. They’re just as passionate about travel as your clients are, and they’ll be your clients' friendly expert guides on their journey of discovery.

Made up of skilled experts, scientists, speakers, and adventurers, they have an intimate knowledge of the destinations sailed to and they’ll engage your clients in lively talks throughout the day and evening.

The Expedition Team are passionate and knowledgeable, and care deeply about the protection of the places to which they voyage. With a commitment to sustainability, the Expedition Team are trained to safeguard not only your clients but also the wildlife and fragile habitats.

Friendly, enthusiastic, and natural storytellers, they love nothing more than sharing little-known facts and anecdotes. And if your clients catch them in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, they may even tell a funny story or two.

The Perfect Balance of Adventure, Comfort, and Sustainability

Your clients can maximize the time they have off the ship with the perfect mix of gear HX's ships carry, like kayaks, wetsuits and drysuits, and expedition boats. When HX say “luxury” they don’t mean butlers and chandeliers – HX is more interested in giving their guests experiential luxury rather than material luxury. This means your clients' onboard experience is incredibly comfortable with fantastic service, great food, and a relaxed and informal atmosphere between guests and onboard staff.

And from a sustainability point of view, HX have the highest ESG rating of any cruise company. It’s why we’re the only company in the expedition cruise industry to produce a robust, externally validated report showing HX's positive improvements against science-based targets every year. It’s also why they were the first to introduce hybrid electric ships into their fleet, ban heavy fuel oils, ban single-use plastics, work with local businesses in the places visited and support their economies.

Adventure, comfort, and sustainably, are at the heart of how HX design the perfect expedition experience on their ships and represents a perfect equilibrium that your clients need and that we know nobody else can match.

HX

What are you waiting for? Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant today to book your clients next HX expedition and take advantage of this spectacular offer!

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*Offer applies to bookings made from July 1, 2024 to November 10, 2024 (inclusive) for selected HX departures from July 3, 2024 and March 31, 2026 (inclusive). Bookings outside of these periods do not qualify. Offer applies automatically to valid Tour Codes and only to Tour Code components (including voyage and local domestic flights). Offer does not apply to optional excursions, pre/post tours, insurance, additional hotel accommodation, transfers, international arrival and departure flights, arrival and departure packages, and group bookings. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to any existing or held bookings. Bookings are subject to availability and the offer may be limited, amended, or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offer is combinable with the 1893 Ambassador loyalty program and Price Promise. Amount off stated in USD represents a discount applied on the “From” price quoted in USD, based per person, and on full occupancy of cabin. Single supplements may apply. Single supplements and other restrictions may apply. “From” prices are capacity controlled, subject to availability and change, and are based on Polar Inside cabins. The following pricing and promotions are excluded from and cannot be combined with the offer: Group pricing, Tour Operator pricing and promotions (where an agent is packaging the HX cruise / components), and third-party travel agent brand promotions, special pricing, or loyalty schemes. For trade partners, discount applies to bookings made via the FIT System but excludes group bookings. HX reserves the right to withdraw or amend the offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and to change or update fares and charges at any time without prior notice. Otherwise, payment, cancellation, refund, and other terms are as per HX's Booking Terms & Conditions.

Celestyal Heavenly Fall Savings

Secure your 2025 or 2026 getaway and enjoy up to 50% off with Celestyal's Heavenly Fall Savings.* And with up to 60% savings on triple and quad staterooms, the more the merrier has never sounded better!* Book one of Celestyal's 3-, 4-, 7- and or 14-night sailings to the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Arabian Gulf and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime.

Celestyal

The Celestyal Experience

With no more than 1,260 guests, their ships, the Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, provide guests with a genuine and highly personalized experience. Indulge in culinary creations at one of their world-class restaurants, seek relaxation at their Sozo Spa, relish in the abundant entertainment onboard; whatever you choose, their ships have something to offer everyone. Their accommodations focus on luxury and comfort and are designed to provide a ‘home from home’ experience. Whether you choose from a cozy interior stateroom, a spacious balcony with a view or one of their lavish Grand Dream Suites, both ships offer a range of accommodations to suit every preference, guaranteeing a restful and rejuvenating stay.

Book select 2025 and 2026 sailings with Celestyal, and enjoy the following:

Early booking savings of up to 50% off, plus enjoy 60% off when you book a triple or quad stateroom.*

Plus your choice of fare packages:

The Celestyal Experience
  • Onboard dining*
  • Select drinks with meals*
  • Onboard Entertainment*
  • $85 Shore Excursion Discount*
  • Port Charges & Gratuities*

or Upgrade to: 

The Celestyal Plus+ Experience
  • Onboard dining + 25% discount on Specialty Dining*
  • Sky High Drinks Package*
  • Onboard Entertainment*
  • $170 Shore Excursion Discount*
  • Port Charges & Gratuities*
  • Wifi Access - 1hr per person, per day*

Heavenly Adriatic

7 Nights from $919 per person.*
Departure Dates 2025 - 2026: March - October
Athens | Kefalonia | Dubrovnik | Kotor | Bari | Corfu | Katakolo | Athens

 4 Countries in 7 Days

The ultimate voyage for those craving history, culture and beauty, Celestyal's Heavenly Adriatic cruise invites you to soak up the serene atmosphere of spellbinding destinations across the islands and beyond. Uncover secrets behind the turquoise coastline that have been cherished for centuries. Unearth the legends of ancient Olympia, see for yourself Kefalonia’s mesmerizing cave and taste the treasures grown in Montenegro’s verdant lands. As you scale ancient city walls, stroll along charming fishing harbors and climb volcanic peaks, you’ll get a unique glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and lives from long ago.

Celestyal

Heavenly Adriatic Summer

7 Nights from $849 per person.*
Departure Dates 2025 - 2026: July - August
Athens | Kotor | Split | Venice | Katakolo | Athens

4 Countries in 7 Days

Every day brings fresh adventures in this grand journey through the heart of the Mediterranean. From the mountainous beauty of Kotor and the eclectic appeal of Split, to the labyrinthine canals of Venice and legendary ruins of Athens, every port is a doorway to another world. Ideal for the seeker of beauty, knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

Celestyal

Idyllic Aegean

7 Nights from $849 per person.*
Departure Dates 2025: Aug - Nov; 2026: Apr - Aug
Athens | Thessaloniki+ | Kusadasi I Rhodes** | Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Milos | Athens

+2025 Sailings Only
** 2026 Sailings Only

Discover the rich history, fascinating culture and sumptuous cuisine of the unforgettable Greek islands. With rugged landscapes to explore, Celestyal 7-night experience invites you to indulge in traditional flavors, admire stunning landscapes and delve deeper into charming villages. Celestyal even gives you a unique chance to take guided visits to the grand Palace of Knossos and the intriguing city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. 

Celestyal’s extra special tour takes you on a romantic and effortless odyssey to sun-soaked shores, quaint fishing villages, and iconic historical sites. With overnight stops in the stunningly beautiful and buzzing islands of Santorini and Mykonos, you will have the opportunity to discover hidden secrets and indulge in an authentic experience of Mediterranean cuisine and the classic Greek lifestyle.

Celestyal

Celestyal's Promise
Freedom to adjust Celestyal's sailing date up to 90 days before scheduled departure.
Freedom to cancel your cruise with no fees up to 90 days prior to departure.
Low booking deposit from only $300.*
Book now and pay later. No need to pay until 60 days before your departure.

What are you waiting for? Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant today to start planning your next getaway onboard Celestyal and take advantage of this reduced deposit offer!

Contact Us

All prices are per-person, based on a double occupancy of the stateroom. Celestyal Experience fares include accommodation on board in the booked category, on-board dining and complimentary select drinks and beverages during food service hours, all port and service charges and entertainment program on board. Moreover an $85 discount for pre-booked shore excursions is included. Booking window is September 1st, 2024 to October 31st, 2024 for the selected cruises. Offer is valid for new, individual bookings. It is not valid for groups and cannot be held as group block. Reduced rate space is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time with, or without notice. Celestyal Cruises reserves the right to add, change or modify reduced rate conditions at any time, without notification. Port and service charges and any other surcharges are not commissionable even if indicated as included in the cruise rate. Celestyal’s Deposit and Cancellation standard policies apply based on the booking/sailing date. Celestyal reserves the right to correct any incorrect information due to a human error, typographical error or technical error. Other restrictions may apply. In the event of any discrepancies between the rates stated herein and the rates displayed in the Reservation System, the rates provided by the Reservation System shall prevail and be deemed as the correct and binding rates for all purpose. The general terms and conditions of Celestyal apply.

Riviera River Cruises are now on sale for 2026 with 50% off*

Riviera wants you to have the best experience possible with a Riviera river cruise and also feel like you have the best value for money. For their 2026 river cruises Riviera have discounted their cruises by 50% from the brochure price meaning you will only pay half price for an all-inclusive river cruise.* This offer is available until December 15, 2024 so get booking!

Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant to find out more.

Riviera River Cruises

Brand New Ship in 2026

Not only will Riviera have 50% off all of their river cruises in 2026 but they also have a brand-new ship launching in 2026 called the MS Riviera Resplendence which will sail along the Rhine.*

Resplendence means a quality of almost unbelievably majestic beauty, something that has resplendence is gorgeous in a grand and brilliant way. This really sums up Riviera's new ship!

This brand-new ship will be similar to the MS Rivera Radiance that sails the Danube in 2025 – they are sophisticated, spacious and truly breath-taking ships.

Riviera River Cruises

2026 River Cruises Now All-inclusive

For 2026 Riviera have also listened to customer feedback and will be making their river cruises all-inclusive! Which means the below will be available from 10AM until midnight:

• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
• Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
• A selection of soft drinks and juices
• Riviera's cocktail and mocktail of the day
• House spirits and mixers (including gin, vodka, rum and whisky)
• A recommended regional wine during dinner
• Martini Rossi & Sherry pre-dinner
• Port & Brandy after dinner


2026 From Prices

From pricing for 2026:
• 4-night river cruises – Brochure price: $2700pp now on sale for $1399pp*
• 7-night river cruises – Brochure price: $3999pp now on sale for $1999pp*
• 10-night river cruises - Brochure price: $7599pp now on sale for $3799pp*
• 14-night+ river cruises - Brochure price: $9599pp now on sale for $4799pp*

Riviera River Cruises

What are you waiting for? Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant today to start planning your 2026 getaway onboard Riviera River Cruises and take advantage of these spectacular offers!

Contact Us

T's & C's: Promotion ends December 15, 2024 and based on availability. 50% discount is on all itineraries. Pricing on the website includes the 50% discount already. Pricing is based on 2 people sharing a cabin but offer is available on solo exclusive departures as well. Riviera has the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant for full terms and conditions.

Terms & Conditions

*Expedia Extras offers are per stateroom (unless otherwise stated) on select sailings, based on double occupancy, apply to new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, click the specific Expedia Extra offer or contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.

Prices are per traveller, available within last 24 hours and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.

Hot Deals

Our Promise


At Expedia Cruises, we are navigators of spectacular vacation experiences. As part of the number one brand in travel, this is our promise to you:


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  • Advice you can trust.

  • The best choice and prices.

  • Expedia Extras.

  • More than cruises.

  • Always there.


Kimberly Oberkirsch
Vacation Consultant