By Judy Newell
Mexico News
The Real Love Boat
Anyone who watched the 70s and 80s TV series “The Love Boat” will recall the favored route from Los Angeles to Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta.
Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, is the latest vessel to sail round-trip on a seven-day Mexican Riviera voyage from Los Angeles. The voyage takes in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
The ship features Medallion-Class technology and a personalized wearable device which enables touch-free boarding and payments.
International News
Emirates Giving Away Free Hotel Stays in Dubai
This summer, Emirates is making it easier to take an unforgettable—and affordable—vacation to Dubai. The airline recently announced that it would be offering its passengers free hotel stays at some of the city’s best properties through August.
The offer applies to flights booked now through June 11 for travel to August 31. Travelers can choose to visit Dubai or to make the city a stopover and continue on another Emirates flight to a different destination.
You will get access to hundreds of discounts and perks around Dubai, just by showing your boarding pass. The boarding pass discounts last through the end of September.
Cruise News
West Africa and Cape Verde Cruises
Explore the unique history and vibrant culture of isolated Cape Verde alongside the remarkable biodiversity of the tropical Bissagos Islands.
Discover West African wildlife in mangroves, palm groves, coastal savannahs, and the UNESCO-protected biosphere of the Bissagos Islands. Visit Dakar and Banjul, two of West Africa’s colorful capitals, and learn about the deplorable history of the slave trade.
Witness Cape Verde’s Portuguese colonial heritage along with the history of its indigenous people. Enjoy culture and adventure on included and optional activities in some of the more offbeat parts of this African archipelago.
Travel between November and January when the weather is at its best. Choose from 13 to 17 day itineraries taking in coastal West Africa, Cape Verde, Bissagos, and the Canary Islands.
Your expedition team will guide you on hikes, landings, and expedition boat cruising. They also present talks on science, nature, history, and more.
West Africa Archipelago Cruise
Cape Verde and Bissagos Island cruise from Dakar for 14 days. The price has been discounted to US$5,074 (was US$8,625). Eleven departures between November 2023 and January 2025. Solo Traveler Benefit! Offer bookable now.
Christmas Expedition Cruise
Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands for 14 days. Departure date: December 21, 2023. The price has been discounted to US$7,145 (was US$9,758). Book Early for Epic Adventures Offer, bookable now.
West Africa Archipelago Cruise
Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands to Gran Canaria for 18 days from US$7,945 (was US $9,229). Departure date: January 2, 2024. Book Early for Epic Adventures Offer, bookable now.
Macaronesia and Bissagos Islands Grand Expedition Cruise
Lisbon to Dakar (Southbound) for 21 days. Priced US$7,391 (was US$9,706).
Departure date: October 9, 2024. Book Early for Epic Adventures Offer, bookable now.
Deal of the Week
Around the World in 25 Days
India / Egypt / China / United Arab Emirates / Greece / South Africa / Singapore
Embark on a 25-day tour of seven breathtaking cities across three continents, an experience of a lifetime.
Begin your adventure in Athens exploring the timeless Acropolis. Then, travel to Cairo to immerse yourself in the mysticism of ancient Egyptian culture. After that, explore the contrast between cultural tradition and futuristic ambition in Dubai.
Continue to Cape Town and indulge in its vibrant atmosphere followed by an exhilarating safari in Kruger National Park. In Singapore, sample the fusion cuisine and colonial elegance.
Move on to experience the rich history and energy of New Delhi. Conclude your journey in Beijing, where ancient wonders coexist with modern advancements.
- 21 Nights
- Superior and Deluxe Accommodation
- 26 Meals
- Daily breakfasts
- Special lunches and dinners
- Transport in deluxe AC vehicle
- International, regional and domestic flights included
- All sightseeing as per detailed itinerary
- All entrance fees as per detailed itinerary
Style: ultra small group tour with guaranteed departure.
Maximum six people per tour.
Tour Highlights
- Experience Athens’ Acropolis grandeur
- Be awestruck by Egypt’s pyramids
- Explore modern and ancient Dubai
- Enjoy Cape Town’s elegance and charm
- Encounter the big five in Kruger Park
- Admire stunning views from Singapore’s Skypark
- Discover Moghul and colonial wonders in Delhi
- Experience engineering marvel at the Great Wall
Prices and Dates
All air inclusive tours depart from New York (JFK airport). Inquire about prices from other gateways.
- Sep. 12, 2023 – Oct. 6, 2023; US$5,999 land only, US$9,199 air inclusive
- Oct. 24, 2023 – Nov. 17, 2023; US$6,199 land only, US$9,449 air inclusive
- Nov. 21, 2023 – Dec. 15, 2023; US$6,199 land only, US$9,499 air inclusive
- Jan. 23, 2024 – Feb. 16, 2024; US$6,299 land only, US$9599 air inclusive
- Feb. 13, 2024 – Mar.8, 2024; US$6,299 land only, US$9,599 air inclusive
- Mar. 19, 2024 – Apr. 12, 2024; US$6,199 land only, US$9649 air inclusive
- Apr. 16, 2024 – May 10, 2024; US$6,199 land only, US$9,399 air inclusive
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Escape, Condé Nast Traveler, Hurtigruten Expeditions, and Indus Travel.
