It looks as though the passport wait times are coming down. Right now the wait time is 7-10 weeks for normal delivery and 3-5 weeks for expedited. These times don’t include mailing time. Although this is looking better, much depends on where you live and which processing center is taking care of your passport. My advice remains the same. Get passports or renewals done as soon as possible. A bit of trivia: Between October, 2022 and September, 2023 47 million passports were processed.
The Blue Lagoon , one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations, is currently closed for at least a week due to increased seismic activity. This activity has led to magma flowing towards the earth’s surface around the area where the Lagoon is located. The nation’s international airport and the Svartsengi Power Plant are also in that area. I am keeping a special eye on Iceland as we are scheduled to travel there next summer. Hopefully, this will be a short term event. I still remember several years ago when we had a huge group in Rome and all of Europe closed due to a volanic eruption in Iceland. Very much hoping Iceland does not experience another big issue and that everyone in that beautiful land is okay.-Travel and Leisure.
Brightline, the new train service in Florida, just published a Black Friday Sale for their customers. They are not the only company publishing Black Friday sales. If you are thinking of a cruise, an all-incclusive, or a tour, now is a pretty good time to book as you may be able to find special sales this month.
It has always been difficult for people who travel alone to book a cruise stateroom at a decent price. Typically, cruse lines charge almost twice as much for a single as they do for two people. Norwegian may be changing that. The cruise line will add close to 1,000 staterooms across their fleet for guests sailing on their own. NCL is introducing Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Balcony cabin categories for sailings departing January 2 or later.
2024-25 Tours and Cruises
May 3-12, 2024 Milan, Venice and the Jewels of Veneto Spend 2 nights in the beautiful city of Milan before boarding the ship, the S.S. LaVenezia, in Venice. While in Milan, you will have an opportunity to take a city tour and also view DaVinci’s ‘Last Supper’. Once aboard your ship you will enjoy all that Venice has to offer but the ship will also take you to many of the Venetian Islands such as Burano (my favorite), and Torcello. you will discover Chiogga, a charming port loved by fisherman.You will also have a choice of exploring Vincenza or Padua. Savor the wines and cuisines of the region every step of the way. A Few rooms remain. Nice little video: Uniworld.
https://youtu.be/fTlHgKQXKJI
May 12-22, 2024. Countryside of the Emerald Isle. If you have traveled to Ireland and loved it, this is part two. If you have never been to Ireland, this is an amazing journey that will instill that love for the Emerald Isle. This is not the same tour that we normally do. This explorations tour is limited to 24 people going slightly off the beaten path. We will fly into Dublin and then head south. We will head to the National Stud Farm where you will see amazing thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Stand at the rock of Cashel where St. Patrick is said to have preached. Visit the coastal town of Kinsale to enjoy the shops and galleries before heading to the Old Midletown distillery, home of Jameson Whiskey. Visit the Garnish Islands and move on to Dingle where you’ll enjoy a drive along the Dingle peninsula. Take a ferry over to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran islands. where we will spend an amazing night. See the Cliffs of Moher from a ship before ending our trip in Ennis and flying home from Shannon. Truly a spectacular trip. Maximum number of passengers is 24. Collettehttps://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1149854
July 10-20, 2024 Princess Alaska Cruisetour. This is a magnificent cruise tour. Stay three nights on land to enjoy the beauty of Denali State Park and Denali National Park. Then take a bubble top train toWhittier to board the beautiful Sapphire Princess for a seven night cruise. Cruise Glacier Bay and visit the Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Princess
August 10-17, 2024 Iceland’s Natural Beauty. Discover Iceland’s majestic shores as you explore this northern isle’s coastal towns. Encounter unparalleled natural beauty and witness cascading waterfalls amid pristine fjord landscapes. Discover Viking heritage as you follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson. Or observe the wealth of wildlife, from puffins to the gentle giants of the sea. Join us for a truly immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and all her splendor.-Viking Ocean
September 10-19,2024 British Landscapes. An adventure fit for a Shakespearean tale takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling British cities rich with culture. Explore The Athens of the North during your stay in Edinburgh. Explore the ruins of a Roman Fort during a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy medieval York and its historic Minster. See the picturesque village of Llangolen in Wales. Walk in the footsteps of the Bard, visiting the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Personalize your tour with a choice of included excursions in Edinburgh and Oxford. See the quintessential sights of London with a local guide. Sleepy villages, grassy slopes, mountainside lakes, and cities built upon layers of history – these are the landscapes of Britain. https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1184777
September 28-October 7, 2024 Best of Greece Take advantage of group pricing on this amazing cruise. Visit the ports of Athens, Santorini, Ephesus, Turkey, Mykonos, Volos, Thesaloniki, and Kavala before disembarking in Athens.-Celebrity Infinity.
May 4-12, 2025 Paris and Normandy River Cruise. This cruise will begin and end in Paris. Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches. Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. I only have 15 rooms so if you are interested, let me know.
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