The Palazzo Hotel and its sister property, the Venetian, are two of my favorite hotels in Las Vegas. The two properties are located on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip, adjacent to other popular properties such as the Wynn/Encore, Mirage, and Ceasar’s Palace. The Palazzo is connected to the Venetian, and the two properties share many amenities, including a casino, restaurants, shops, and a pool complex. Both the Venetian and Palazzo are solid hotel choices but I personally prefer the Palazzo over the Venetian as I think it has a more modern and upscale feel and it tends to be less busy.

In this post, I will review my 3-day stay at the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, booked through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR). The Palazzo and Venetian are both loosely tied to IHG Hotels and Resorts as Intercontinental’s Alliance Resorts, but elite status with IHG One doesn’t entitle you to room upgrades and lounge access. Those perks are exclusively reserved for elite members of their own loyalty program called, Grazie Rewards. But seeing as to how the majority of us will not have status with Grazie Rewards, booking through FHR (and other sites such as Chase’s Luxury Hotels and Resorts Collection) will be the best way to guarantee you additional benefits and perks to make your Vegas stay more relaxing and enjoyable.

American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts Benefits

But first, let’s look at the benefits offered to you when booking a stay at the Palazzo/Venetian through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts. And as a reminder, you actually have to book your hotel stay through the American Express travel portal. It’s not enough to just have an American Express Platinum Card on file to receive these benefits. It”s also important to note that these benefits, especially the experience credit, do change periodically so make sure to pay attention to the language before booking. Sometimes the experience credit may be a dining credit; other times it may be a spa credit or something else.

At the time of this posting, American Express FHR benefits at the Palazzo and Venetian Hotels in Las Vegas include:

• Noon check-in when available
• A room upgrade, when available
• Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine
• Daily breakfast for two people
  • It states “daily breakfast for two” but in reality, it doesn’t matter how many people are eating with you. It’s a $65 credit (total, not per person) that can be used for in-suite dining or at the Grand Lux Cafe. So if you’re traveling alone, feel free to use the entire credit on yourself.
• Complimentary in-room WiFi, as included in your daily resort fee
  • There is a mandatory $45/night plus tax resort fee ($51.02 after tax) added to your bill. This fee covers benefits such as WiFi, access to spa/fitness center, etc. It’s a B.S. charge and I’m not a fan of it.
• Guaranteed 4 PM late check-out
• Experience credit
  • $100 property credit, per stay (not per day)
  • Must be redeemed at the following locations – Casino and Pool bars, The Cocktail Collective, Black Tap Craft Burgers, Bouchon, BRERA Osteria, Buddy V’s, Capri, Cut, Hong Kong Cafe, Matteo’s Italian, estiatorio Milos, Mott 32, Spritz, WAKUDA, and Yardbird.

The Palazzo Hotel Las Vegas Review

For IHG One Rewards members and American Express FHR guests, there is a dedicated check-in area to the left of the main reception desks. This doesn’t seem like much but during peak hours, this can save you a lot of time.

On this trip, I booked a standard two-queen bedroom and upon check-in, was “upgraded” to a strip view room. This isn’t much of an upgrade but unfortunately, it’s very common in Las Vegas. In these mega-resorts, there are so many different room categories and oftentimes, when you do get upgraded from a standard room, it’s to a strip-view room or to a room in an upgraded tower. There are plenty of data points to suggest that upgrades to suites do exist but in my experience, with over a dozen bookings with American Express FHR and Chase Luxury Hotels and Resorts Collection, I have never been upgraded to anything more than this.

That being said, the reason why I love the Palazzo and Venetian Hotels so much is because all their rooms are suites and they start at 650 square feet. That’s massive for a standard room in Las Vegas and you can easily fit four guys in a room for a “boys weekend trip.” These suites are all well-appointed and comfortable, with quality bedding, large flat-screen TVs, and ginormous bathrooms with marble floors and dual vanities.

As you can see from my pictures, the suite is massive. In addition to the spacious sleeping area with two queen-sized beds, you also get a separate living area with another TV, a small dining table, a work desk, and a pull-out sofa couch.

Here’s the view from the room.

The en-suite bathroom is also massive with dual sinks, a separate toilet room, a bathtub, and a walk-in shower. You can easily have a couple of people getting ready in here without being on top of each other.

Aromatherapy bath and body products are also provided for your use.

Other room amenities include two bathrobes, an iron/ironing board, and an in-room safe.

Booking through AmEx FHR also gave us a generic “Grazie Rewards” bottle of California sparkling wine. It wasn’t anything special but good enough for slammers before going out.

If you’re looking for some sun, the Palazzo offers a large pool complex with several pools and plenty of lounge chairs to lay out. This pool area is also connected to the Venetian’s pool complex so you can walk back and forth between the two.

Pro tip: The Palazzo does have its own spa and fitness center but they are both fairly small. You can use them but if you want a true gym experience, walk over to the Venetian Hotel and use the Canyon Ranch Spa and Fitness Center located over there. It’s an easy five-minute walk and the facilities are worth the effort.

And there’s even an in-door, rock-climbing wall that you can use.

The Palazzo has a number of dining options, including several fine-dining restaurants and casual eateries. For dinner, we used our $100 dining credit at Buddy V’s Italian Restaurant. It was good but nothing special.

And for breakfast, we used our breakfast credit at Grand Lux Cafe. It’s basically a rebranded Cheesecake Factory but everything inside including the decor and menu are nearly identical.

Breakfast is served until 11:00 AM daily but there’s a breakfast buffet that lasts until 11:30. We got down here late every day so the buffet was the most convenient option for us. The selection and quality weren’t amazing by any means but for a quick breakfast, it wasn’t bad. There was only a small selection of eggs, proteins, fruits, and carbs but the redeeming highlight of the buffet was the omelet station.

And just for fun, we got the “breakfast beignets” one day. There was nothing breafasty about these but they were delicious. They were served warm with sides of cinnamon sugar and other dipping sauces.

The Palazzo American Express FHR Benefit Bottom Line

Overall, the Palazzo and its sister property, the Venetian, are great choices for travelers looking for a more luxurious and upscale experience in Las Vegas (that won’t break the bank). The hotels have everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay, including spacious “all-suite” rooms, plenty of dining options, and world-class amenities. Combine those with the great benefits provided by American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, and you’ll have a great stay in the heart of the strip.

Have you stayed at the Palazzo recently? If so, please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!

Read the rest of this article at Review: AmEx FHR Benefits at Palazzo and Venetian Las Vegas.

I picked The Brown Hotel Louisville for my one night stay in the city. The Kentucky landmark serves up plenty of gilded age opulence, along with a Louisville original, the Hot Brown. My stay was marred, though, by the typical cost cutting masquerading as hygiene theater prevalent in late 2021. I booked a standard Deluxe room for $135 cash at the AAA rate.

Note: this installment is part of my larger trip report to Louisville and New Orleans in December, 2021.  Click here for the trip report summary and introductory post.

The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky

• 335 West Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
• Website: https://www.brownhotel.com/
• Features: two restaurants, lobby bar, fitness center, meeting rooms, free airport shuttle

Date of stay: Sunday, December 12, 2021

History of The Brown Hotel

The hotel’s website proudly proclaims that The Brown has been a Louisville landmark since 1923. However, that’s only partially true. The hotel indeed opened in 1923 by owner James Graham Brown. Brown conceived of the hotel as a competitor to the Seelbach Hotel just up 4th Street. Initially, the hotel survived Prohibition, the Great Depression and the Ohio River Flood of 1937. Arguably, the hotel’s heyday occurred from after World War II to the early 1960s, coincident with Louisville’s industrial boom. However, as the city declined in the 1960s and 1970s, the hotel hit hard times it couldn’t escape. The hotel closed in 1971, shortly after J. Graham Brown’s death in 1969. For the next 12 years, the hotel building operated as the headquarters of Louisville Public Schools.

A downtown revitalization project led to the repurchase of the hotel from the school system in 1983. Following an extensive renovation, the Brown operated as a Hilton until 1993, when it once again went independent. Today, a series of renovations have brought the hotel back to a replica of its original Gilded Age splendor.

Over the years, the hotel hosted numerous celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Gene Autry, and Muhammad Ali. Perhaps the hotel’s biggest claim to fame, though, is the Hot Brown sandwich, invented at the hotel in 1926.

Check-In and Common Areas

The experience began with a shuttle pick-up from the airport. Though The Brown offers a complimentary airport shuttle, it doesn’t operate on a regular schedule. Rather, it’s on-demand, so when you arrive, you call and they send it for you. The airport’s a straight shot down I-65, and it usually takes 10 minutes or less to arrive.

Upon reaching the hotel, I was the lone guest checking in past 10 pm on a Sunday night. The clerk first explained the convoluted reduced dining options in place. (Getting an answer as to what was open and what wasn’t was a frustrating exercise.  Different answers appeared on the website, the confirmation e-mail, and the check in reminder a few days before arrival.) Within a couple of minutes, I headed up to my room, with quite a surprise in store.

The common areas of the hotel are quite opulent, reminiscent of other early 20th-century hotels like The Adolphus in Dallas or the Brown Palace in Denver. On the first floor (street level), Christmas decorations abounded with the holiday only a couple of weeks away. To the left is J. Graham’s Cafe (named after hotel founder J. Graham Brown).

J. Graham’s Cafe was unfortunately closed during my visit, but below is a stock photo from the hotel.

The staircase up to the second floor lobby was similarly outfitted for the Christmas season.

At the top of the stairs, an impressive lobby awaits, spreading out to the left. A grand piano marks the entrance to the Lobby Bar & Grill, with another Christmas tree as well.

Right behind is you is a rather oddly placed sitting area. I suppose it’s available as bar overflow seating.

Next to the piano is the Lobby Bar, also closed during my visit. The narrow dining area extends all the way down past the check-in desk, with a few extra single tables along the opposite wall. The high, vaulted ceilings in the lobby make it feel especially airy and cavernous. Though when the hotel is deserted like on my visit, it made it feel especially empty.

The restaurant area leads to another extension of the bar, this one across from the reception desk.

And yet another Christmas tree, this one directly across from reception (the fourth one by my count).

Continuing past the lobby, you’ll find yet another sitting area, this one leading to the ballroom. And some really, really big a** vases at the lobby exit.

You perhaps noticed the mezzanine one floor over the lobby. Standing up here provides quite the view of the lobby below. And also demonstrates the ornate design of the common areas.

The Brown Hotel, Louisville – Guest Rooms

The guest room corridors aren’t much to write home about. Unlike the ornate lobby in period Gilded Age design, even the Club Lounge floor looks pretty plain. The carpeting in particular seemed pretty well worn.

The room itself, though? Boy, did I receive quite the surprise. When I checked in, the clerk told me I received an upgrade to a Club Floor room. Cool, I thought, figuring that meant the same room, just on the club floor. Instead, I ended up getting an upgrade all the way up to a Luxury Suite. Why, I’m not exactly sure. As you probably guessed from the pictures, the hotel was pretty much deserted. But I wasn’t going to complain for an upgrade to a normally $500/night room.

Luxury Suites features a bedroom, separate living room, and two bathrooms, and come with two entrances. The first opens up directly into the bedroom. Immediately to the left is the first bathroom.

Across the way, meanwhile, is a small storage closet with an iron and ironing board. (Closet space is lacking, but the rest of the room provides plenty of space.)

Continue forward to the bedroom. To the left is a small sofa, with the bed and TV to the right. There’s also a small table with two chairs in the corner. If you like watching TV from the bed, the angle does make it a bit awkward. The storage area on top of the wardrobe includes a coffee maker.

All beds, regardless of room type, come with Kentucky Derby-themed throws.

Continue through the door into the spacious living room. At the entrance is a 6-seat dining table, with a loveseat and large chair on the other end. Fittingly, there’s a Thoroughbred-themed knick knack on the table.

Meanwhile, past the sitting area is a wet bar and mini-fridge. The wet bar includes a second coffee maker as well.

The living room also includes a second bathroom. It’s identical to the one in the bedroom, except the toilet is on the other wise of the sink. Just like the bathroom next to the bedroom, it seems disproportionately small to the size of the room as a whole.

One thing I found a little peculiar about the room – it’s not very practical for working. There’s no desk in either the living room or bedroom, and there’s a distinct lack of convenient plugs. Clearly, these suites are meant for entertaining more than working. Also, the shower-only configuration in the bathroom seems out of place in an otherwise period (1920s) furnished room. I almost expected to see a claw-foot tub in the master bath.

WiFi is fast and free in all guest rooms.

The Brown Hotel Louisville – Food/Beverage/Service

As with pretty much every other hotel imaginable at the time, yes, The Brown engaged in cost cutting masquerading as hygiene theater. In The Brown’s case, though, some of this continues even three years later. Considering how deserted the hotel felt, it makes me wonder about the hotel’s long-term financial condition.

First off, the Club Lounge was closed during my stay, and in fact, remains closed as of May 2023. So that upgrade to a club room provides no benefits, unless you get one of the big suites. To The Brown’s credit, at least they don’t try to sell Club Floor rooms at extra cost. Rather, the hotel sells all rooms at standard room rates, with Club Floor rooms assigned at check-in.

Second, one of The Brown’s three restaurants, The English Grill, also remains closed even as we head to summer 2023. The hotel’s website says it plans to reopen “late fall 2022”, but it doesn’t look like that’s happened yet.

During my stay, dining options rotated between room service, J. Graham’s Cafe, and the Lobby Bar & Grill depending on day and  time. Actual options contradicted both the website and the e-mail I received about a week ahead of time, though. While that was a bit annoying, room service was offered for Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast/lunch. Most importantly, this included the Hot Brown.

Lunch officially only begins at 11:30, so with a 1:45 flight scheduled, I wondered if the Hot Brown might happen or not. However, when I called about 10:30, the waiter told me no problem. About 20 minutes later, the monstrous turkey sandwich arrived with a Derby pie.

I ate as much of the Hot Brown as I could handle without exploding Monty Python style. The Derby pie went with me to snack on at the lounge in Charleston. I thought TSA might hassle me about it, but they let it through without issue. (The agent jokingly asked if he could have some.) Anyway, the sandwich itself is quite the ridiculous monstrosity, an open-faced turkey sandwich on toast, with bacon and tomatoes, smothered in Mornay sauce and topped with Romano cheese. Delicious, mind you, but ridiculous all the same.

For bourbon aficionados, the Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail includes the Lobby Bar & Grill on its list. To make the list, an establishment must offer at least 60 bourbons on the menu.

Hotel Location

The Brown sits at the corner of West Broadway and South Fourth Street on the south side of downtown Louisville. The huge red brick edifice makes it easily identifiable on foot. What I find a little interesting, though – aside from the arched windows, it’s a relatively un-fancy building compared to the inside. Certainly different from the Gothic architecture often found in luxury hotels built in the 1910s and 1920s.

Meanwhile, a classic clock marks the corner of 4th and Broadway.

With some extra time Monday morning, I took a walk a few blocks up Fourth to check out the area. The Brown Hotel also marks the unofficial center of Louisville’s performing arts district, with three theaters within a block. Immediately adjacent to the hotel is the Brown Theater, built in 1925 (not built by J. Graham Brown but named for him). Just up Fourth Street is the marquee of the defunct Ohio Theater. Built in 1941 as a movie theater, it closed in 1965, but the facade and marquee still stand.

Unlike the Ohio, the Palace Theater remains in operation as a live music venue. The Baroque-style theater opened in 1928, and seats 2,800 guests.

Fourth Street, as downtown’s commercial hub at the time, was also ground zero for anti-Jim Crow protests during the Civil Rights era. Several historical markers commemorate demonstration sites, and provide a history of civil rights protests in Louisville. The street’s business and theaters, in particular, became venues for the “sit-in” demonstrations common across the South during the time.

Another block or so north brings you to The Brown’s arch rival of the period, the Seelbach Hotel. The Seelbach was Louisville’s first luxury hotel, opening in 1905 just prior to the Kentucky Derby. Over the years, the hotel changed ownership numerous times, and has operated as The Seelbach Hilton since 1998. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald frequented the hotel; legend has it he used it as the basis for the “Mulbach Hotel” in The Great Gatsby. (His fondness of the hotel remained despite his allegedly getting kicked out for drunk and disorderly conduct in 1918.) Al Capone also frequented the hotel for illicit poker games during Prohibition.

Finally, my walk brought me to Fourth Street Live, a section of the street transformed into a pedestrian mall. Several shops and restaurants are in this area, with live entertainment offered periodically.

One thing that definitely felt noticeable – compared to Dallas, which seemed largely back to normal by December 2021, Louisville still felt very much deserted. Even at 9 am on a Monday morning, I saw but a small handful of people out on the streets.

Final Thoughts

The Brown is a beautiful hotel, and remains one of Louisville’s premier destinations for those looking for luxury hotels. And of course, if you’re passing through, you have to stop here and try a Hot Brown. Just beware that service reductions begun during the pandemic remain as of May, 2023. It won’t affect your ability to try a Hot Brown or some bourbon, but it’s still not fully up to pre-2020 levels.

Read the rest of this article at Review: The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky.

At the beginning of the month, Alaska Airlines launched a promotion to receive elite qualifying miles (EQM) for paying with your Alaska Airlines Visa credit card.  In case you missed it, here are the details.

The Promotion

Alaska Airlines is awarding 2,000 elite qualifying miles for every $10,000 spent on Alaska Airlines credit cards.  On the surface, this doesn’t seem like much of a deal, especially compared to previous “swipe to elite status” promotions.  Before Covid, Alaska Airlines never credited elite qualifying miles for credit card spend.  During Covid, the airline launched two “swipe to elite status” promotions that were very lucrative.  That was another day when airlines were hurting to fill their aircraft with paying passengers.  This promotion runs from May 1 through November 30, 2023.

Is This A Good Deal

At first glance, the promotion doesn’t appear to pay off well.  However, Alaska Airlines really doesn’t need to run any promotion at all since their aircraft are flying full with length standby lists at the gate.  This promotion is aimed at those customers who may find themselves a little short of status qualification at the end of the year.  For these people, this promotion can be a lifesaver.  What Alaska Airlines fails to mention in the promo details is that there is no cap on this offer.  I called customer care and I asked the agent that question.  She said there is no cap so you can cycle through this program as many times as you want until the end of the promotion on November 30, 2023.   Unlike previous promotions, if you have multiple Alaska Airlines Visa credit cards, the purchases made on those cards will pool for this bonus.  Refer to the terms and conditions below.

You Must Register For This Promotion

To take part in this promotion, you must first register here.  Even though the program ends on November 30th, your deadline to register is June 30, 2023.  The promotion will allow your purchases prior to registration to count.  If you register on May 31, your credit card purchases from May 1, 2023 will count.  If you wait until the deadline of June 30 to register, your credit card purchases from June 1 will count.

Trust But Verify

Usually, Alaska Airlines will send you an email confirmation when you register for a promotion.  Neither my wife nor I received any kind of acknowledgment from Alaska Airlines that we were registered.  The webpage did tell me that I was registered after clicking on submit.  I called Alaska  Airlines customer care to verify that we were indeed registered, we were.

Terms and Conditions

What would a good promotion be without the usual page of terms and conditions?  Please understand that these elite qualifying miles are exactly that.  You will not be able to spend these miles for an award ticket.  These elite qualifying miles are only to help you qualify for elite status if you are a little short.  Here are the rest of the terms and conditions:

Improvements To The Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card

The earning rates and benefits of the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card improved with changes that went into effect earlier this year.  You can read about those improvements here.

Final Thoughts

This promotion isn’t the best credit card spending offer but it will help the people it was designed to help, those that are close to an elite level at the end of the year.  Remember that these miles are for elite qualifying only and they are not redeemable for award tickets.  Alaska did make an improvement by allowing customers to pool credit card spending across multiple Alaska Airlines Visa credit cards.  There is no cap on this offer so keep on spending.  We’re getting a new roof on our house new week – “cha-ching”!

Read the rest of this article at Alaska Airlines Visa Card “Swipe To Elite Status” Promotion.

Last week, Alaska Airlines hosted its annual Loyalty Event.  Unlike previous years, this event was not broadcast as a webinar.  I picked up on some big changes to the million miler status from the Facebook Alaska Airlines 100K user group.  There are two big changes: status accelerator and status sharing.

Million Miler Status

Reaching million miler status on Alaska Airlines requires exactly that, flying one million base miles.  Bonus miles such as fare code multipliers and other bonus miles do not count.  Flying on partner airlines do not count either.  It must be one million base miles on Alaska Airlines-operated flights only.

Status Accelerator

One of the perks of million miler status is that you are granted MVP Gold (tier 3) status for life.  Alaska Airlines wants to keep these high-value customers in the air.  If you are a million-miler and you want tier 4 to tier 5 status, you have to earn it like everybody else.  Each year, tier status depends on the qualifying each year.  The qualifying year is January 1 through December 31.  Your status at the end of the year will determine your elite benefits for the next year.  The Status Accelerator gives million-milers a head start by issuing 20,000 elite qualifying miles (EQM) each year.  

With the 20,000 EQM head start each year, your annual requalification just got easier.

If you have two-million miler status, you get MVP Gold 75 K (Tier 4) status for life and your status accelerator is 40,000 miles.

The first round of status accelerator EQMs was posted to those accounts on May 16, 2023.

Status Sharing

The status-sharing benefit allows million-milers to share the higher of either lifetime status or a higher earned status with someone in your household.  This is a benefit for life.

For million-milers that have reduced their flying with MVP Gold (tier 3) status, they can share tier 3 status.  Those million-milers with earned MVP Gold 75K (tier 4) or MVP Gold 100K (tier 5) status can share the higher status.

Trust But Verify

There is nothing on the Alaska Airlines website that has any information on these new million-miler benefits.  I reached out to Alaska Airlines customer care to verify the contents of this post.  The customer care agent hadn’t heard about these benefits either.  The agent told me that she would escalate my question and send me an email response.

Final Thoughts

This is big.  Alaska  Airlines made a bold move to keep their best customers motivated to keep them flying on Alaska Airlines.  I have a ways to go to earn million-miler status but I am excited by these changes to hit my goal: million-miler status.

Read the rest of this article at Big Changes To Alaska Airlines Million Miler Status.

Last Saturday, Hawaiian Airlines inaugurated the only air service to the Cook Islands from North America.  This may be your destination if you are looking for an unspoiled tropical paradise without big-chain hotels.  The Cook Islands between Fiji and Tahiti are named for the great explorer, Captain Cook.  The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands with Raratonga being the largest island and where the Raratonga Airport is located.  Air New Zealand did fly from Los Angeles to the Cook Islands but that route was discontinued during Covid.

Getting There

Hawaiian launched this new weekly service last Saturday to this group of 15 islands, 2,940 miles from Honolulu.  The only other scheduled air services to the Cook Islands are by Air New Zealand from Auckland or Air Raratonga from Tahiti.  Previously, Hawaiian Airlines did fly to the Cook Islands in the 1990s before service ended after only six years.  Service had been provided from Tahiti by Air Tahiti until the carrier ended the route in 2020.  This route has been taken over by Air Raratonga using turboprop aircraft.  As you can see, the Cook Islands is remotely located and lacked reliable air service from North America.

Hawaiian’s New Service

Hawaiian flys this weekly service using Airbus A320NEO aircraft in a three-class layout:

• Business (First),
• Extra Comfort economy and
• Economy.

Round trip pricing in economy runs about $1,700 USD and $2,600 USD for business (first) class.

The block time for the outbound flight is 6:25 and the return flight is 6:15.  Flights to the Cook Islands depart Honolulu at 4:00 pm on Saturdays and return flights depart Raratonga Sunday night at 11:35 pm.

“This service greatly expands travel opportunities between the Cook Islands and the US, thanks to our well-timed connections and robust network, including service between Hawai’i and eight California cities,” Hawaiian president and CEO Peter Ingram said in a December press release.

“Our Honolulu-Rarotonga flight bridges Hawaiʻi with another South Pacific neighbor and connects two archipelagos that share Polynesian roots, rich culture, and endless tropical beauty,” Hawaiian’s vice president of airport operations Lokesh Amaranayak.

Final Thoughts

When I first saw this new route, I had no idea how remotely located the Cook Islands are and how difficult it is to reach this destination.  This new service is the only direct routing from the United States which makes this just a one-stop hop from North America.  Hawaiian did operate this service decades ago only to abandon the route after six years of operation.  It will be interesting to see if Hawaiian can make this work.  I like the idea of a tropical island destination without the big, commercial hype like Hawaii.

Read the rest of this article at Hawaiian Airlines Launches New Service To The Cook Islands.

Seabourn is having a HUGE sale to Alaska, where you can travel to Alaska in 5 star luxury for cheaper than you can with Norwegian Cruise line or Celebrity! The 7 day oneway options for the 2023 cruise season between Vancouver, British Columbia and Juneau, Alaska start at just $2,250 per person for an ocean view and are just $200 more per person for a balcony room! Price is all inclusive of port fees, taxes, and staff gratuities. There are NO hidden fees with Seabourn. A HUGE differentiator when booking luxury.

These prices are some of the lowest I have ever seen offered to Alaska and offer a great opportunity to visit Alaska on a small ship and really take in the beauty of the inside passage! From Glacier bay to the Hubbard Glacier, you are in for a treat. You can sale for less than $321 a day per person! Or choose a longer option, some which are even round trip from Vancouver for just $334 a day. Port fees included.

Last year, I took advantage of a travel agent offer and took my Grandmother on the Seabourn Odyssey. We had an amazing time. Yet even with my discount, we paid slightly over $2,000 per person! Now you can get the same deal and experience Seabourn for yourself! Plus when you book through me at Scott & Thomas Travel, not only do you get the lowest possible price, but you can also get additional onboard credit on select sailings! An addition $200 to spend at the Spa or towards an excursion. Just one more reason you should always use a travel agent. 

Why Choose Seabourn Odyssey

The Seabourn Odyssey is a small but mighty ship. Hosting just 460 guests and around 350 staff members you will be in for a real treat with near 1:1 staff ratio. The ship offers all the grandeur of the large ships, on a smaller scale. Plus, there’s nightly entertainment and shows. The ship has everything from a night club to a casino, a pool, multiple hot tubs, and multiple bars. Rejuvenate yourself in the spa and dance the night away to live music across the ship. This ship is beautiful and has it all. Small but mighty! 

Plus on a small ship, you can go places the large ships cannot! Stop in destinations others cannot. Wrangell and Haines, Alaska or Prince Rupert, BC.Kayaking in Alert Bay. You won’t find these stops on Princess Cruise line or Holland America. Even when stopping in Sitka, you get to stop in town. No busing to and from the cruise terminal like you have to do with the other cruise lines! Smaller ships mean a better experience! 

Also, if you haven’t experienced Seabournm you are really missing out. Seaboun all inclusive pricing means your fare includes everything onboard from internet to staff tips and even an open bar! There is no need to buy a drink package or wifi package. 

Thinking about where to eat? Room service and every restaurant is included. There’s no up charges for choosing to eat at the T.K Steakhouse or ordering ice cream to  your room. Want some Gelato. Order it, Coffee shop. It’s included too! Stop the insanity of the packages on the other cruise line and discover all inclusive cruising. Heck even unlimited caviar and champagne is included on Seabourn!

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an escape to Alaska this summer. Seabourn is offering the best prices I’ve seen in years. I just sold a balcony room on Norwegian Cruise line to a couple for $4,500. For the same price, this could have opt for Seabourn and had MORE for less. Come and experience Seabourn yourself this summer. Contact Scott & Thomas Travel for the best prices. Ask for Rocky and I’ll hook you up with the best deals to Alaska or send me an email directly and we can get your booked at the lowest prices of the season.

Other noteworthy cruise deals

• $6,500 fares to Antarctica. BOGO
• Emerald and Scenic River and Ocean Voyages BOGO
• 30% OFF Antarctica – Save $5,000-10,000 per person with Nat Geo & Lindblad Expeditions
• BOGO Expeditions to Antarctica, Canary Islands & Galapagos with Hurtriguten.
• 20% off the Arctic + free wifi with Nat Geo
• Kids go 100% on Select Sailings – Nat GEO & Lindblad
• 30% Seabourn Alaska 2023 sailings starting from $2,250 pp
• No Solo Supplement Deals – Lindblad
• No Solo Supplement Hurtriguten

Read the rest of this article at Seabourn Alaska Cruise Deal: Cheaper than Big ships.

Have you been waiting for the perfect opportunity to visit Antarctica? With several different expedition options on both small ships and larger ships there are over 15 different operators taking guests on trips to Antarctica. Yet, there’s only one company with the most experience, knowledge and highest rated teams and that’s Lindblad National Geographic expeditions. 

In 1966, Lindblad was the first to charter a ship and take tourists to Antarctica. Now, through the partnership with National Geographic, you can take an Antarctic cruise that mixes science with tourism and experience expedition cruises in its purest form! Plus, on select sailings you can save 30% off rack rate. Save between $5,000 and $10,000 per person depending on cabin type. That is a $10,000 to $20,000 per cabin saving!

Similar to the exclusive Arctic deals to see polar bears, which are still available, this deal is only available to Travel Codex readers and can only be booked through Scott & Thomas Travel. 

Why Choose National Geographic Expeditions

From the moment you step aboard National Geographic carbon natural expedition ships, you will be immersed in the untamed beauty of Antarctica. National Geographic ships are state-of-the-art and are specifically designed to navigate the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea, allowing you to access remote locations and witness the grandeur of towering icebergs and animals in their natural habitat. All designed to provide you with the best views along the way.

Unlike other companies, Lindblad and National Geographic is not just another cruise line. They were born in expeditions and take people to places others don’t. Yet Nat Geo does it with guiding principles which truly protects the environment, provide guests with the best experiences, leaves communities from people to animals better than they find them, and focuses on educational travel. 

National Geographic Society in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions has raised over $18.5 million through their Global Conservation fund. Lindblad Expeditions cares deeply about making a positive impact in the places they explore. Together with their guests, Lindblad supports projects that protect wildlife, engage communities, and promote locally-driven solutions to marine and coastal challenges. Something no other cruise line does. I can attest, my experience with National Geographic has been out of this world! 

Expert Expedition Team

A Lindblad Expeditions Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina is not just a vacation; it’s a journey of discovery guided by a team of world class naturalists and scientists on every trip.  National Geographic’s expeditions to Antarctica are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a deep commitment to understanding the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. 

Accompanied by a team of renowned scientists, National Geographic delves into groundbreaking research that contributes to our understanding of climate change, glaciology, marine biology, and more. All while taking you to explore the White Continent. Expect daily lectures or Ted Talks from the expedition leaders onboard, adding to your experience and teaching you about experiences.

Lindblad Expeditions is deeply committed to scientific research and conservation efforts in Antarctica. Partnering with renowned institutions, their cruises contribute to ongoing research projects that focus on climate change, marine biology, and sustainable tourism. By joining a Lindblad expedition, you become an active participant in vital scientific endeavors aimed at preserving Antarctica for future generations. 

With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the region, these seasoned professionals share their insights into Antarctica’s geology, wildlife, and history, enriching your experience and providing a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem. One of my favorite parts of EVERY Lindblad Expedition! 

Daily Activities 

There is so much to do in Antarctica you will never be bored. Before and after the cruise you will have time to explore South America. Most travelers opt to start their trips in Buenos Aires; yet the real adventure begins once you board the ship and start the journey across the drake passage. 

Wildlife spotting

Antarctica is a haven for wildlife! On my trip in Feb 2024 I saw everything from Minke Whales to Weddell Seals. We saw several different types of penguins, Orca whales, leopard and elephant seals, albatross and more. There is so much wildlife in Antarctica it reminded me of being on a Safari. Just slightly colder!

Nat Geo Expeditions ensures you will have the opportunity to witness all these remarkable creatures and maybe more! Encounters will be up close while minimizing any disturbance to their natural behavior. From massive colonies of penguins to majestic whales and seals lounging on ice floes, every day on a Lindblad expedition offers thrilling encounters with some of the world’s most iconic and elusive species.

Nat Geo even has undersea specialists onboard! Working to take photos to show guests what’s below you, while also taking part in scientist work.

Antarctica Excursions and Daily Landings

In addition, Nat Geo ships all have less than 150 guests! This means you will be able to maximize daily landings and activities. Most expedition ships which travel to Antarctica carry between 250-500 guests. Less guests means more time on land and more time off the ship! A huge win when traveling to Antaractica.

To truly immerse yourself in Antarctica’s beauty, Lindblad Expeditions offers opportunities for Zodiac cruising and kayaking. Hop aboard a sturdy Zodiac, expertly navigated by skilled guides, and explore hidden coves, glacial fjords, and ice-filled bays. Those who travel in November when the ice is thicker may have the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting.

Kayaking enthusiasts can paddle through pristine waters, experiencing the serenity of the landscape and observing wildlife from an intimate vantage point. All included in the cost of your cruise. Never pay more for these activities, a key differentiator between National Geographic expeditions and Seabourn, Hurtigruten or other expedition options.

Exclusive Antarctica Expedition Deal

Lindblad National Geographic Antarctic expedition expertise and limited cabin space on their small expedition ships bring an exclusive experience which brings a higher price than other companies. Yet, I’ve been able to secure an exclusive deal for Travel Codex readers and my travel agency clients. A 30% discount not available anywhere else or by booking directly with National Geographic/Lindblad.

Travel to Antarctica on either the sparkling new National Geographic Resolution or her beautiful sister ship the National Geographic Endurance. Departures dates are in Nov or Dec 2023 and can offer the perfect holiday vacation for you or the entire family.

Special pricing is available for 10 night vacations on the Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent expedition on either the Nov 18, 2023 or Dec 11, 2023 departures. 

Pricing does not include charter flights to and from Ushuaia. You can either opt to meet the ship in Ushuaia or take part in National Geographic Charter services which includes overnight hotels in Buenos Aires or Santiago. The charter service includes airport transfers and an overnight stay at a 5 star hotel plus meals. The cost is between $1,280 and $1,570 per person depending on sailing.

Bottom Line

Lindblad in partnership with National Geographic offers world class expeditions which allow you to travel to the polar regions and explore Antarctica in a way that no other company can offer. With the exclusive offer, Travel Codex readers can save 30% and save nearly $11,000 per person when booking through Scott & Thomas travel. This deal is capacity control and is first come, first serve. If you have been considering visiting Antarctica, now is your time to go on a World Class expedition and save a ton money

Read the rest of this article at Save 30% on National Geographic Antarctica Cruises.

I was recently in Panama for work. While I prefer to fly on American whenever possible, mostly did so here too, even though flights schedules were far from ideal, requiring 2 connections in each direction. For getting back home, flying on American would have required spending the night somewhere and getting home the next day.  Only 2 flights a day from Panama to Miami, both in the afternoon, so I instead opted to fly Copa part of the way home. I departed Friday night, had a very short night of sleep, then arrived home Saturday morning.  Not great for sleep patterns, but a much better use of my time, and best of all I made it home to volunteer at an activity with my daughter. The bid for business class on Copa worked out well. More than I wanted to pay, but comfort was worth it.

Booking my ticket

A usual for my business trips, I used my corporate online booking tool (SAP Concur), and while difficult, I eventually was able to book a mixed Copa/American reservation.  Despite being separate tickets, seemingly neither airline system could figure out these were separate, so my options were limited. The booking tool put me in A fare class for the Copa ticket from Panama to Miami. I didn’t think much of it, until seeing that it said business class. That seemed dubious, and of course it was. A class on Copa is basic economy. Sigh!

Realizing this meant no seat assignment without paying, I was annoyed, but content to buy an extra legroom seat for around $50. And I could have expensed that.  Note this flight is around 2.5 hours in the air, departing after 9pm (10pm at destination). Despite multiple attempts, I was unable to get payment to process for a seat assignment.  I could get a seat for free inside the 24 hour check in window, but I didn’t want to risk a middle seat in the back. I’m tall, and appreciate more space, especially on a flight where I would hope to get some sleep.

Bid for Business Class on Copa

Finally the day before departure, after frustration with securing a seat, I changed my strategy and decided to bid for an upgrade. Prior to travel, I received a few emails soliciting bids, but mostly ignored them. Ultimately I decided to bid the lowest possible amount, a “Poor” offer per their sales tool. $145 is a bit rich for such a short flight, but the seat is the Collins Aerospace Diamond seat familiar to many travelers as one of few flat bed options for narrow body planes. American and United use this seat for business class on their A321T and B757 fleets respectively. On Copa 737 Max-9 there are 16 seats configured 2-2.

Just over 24 hours before departure, I got an email that my offer was accepted:

Hopefully I wouldn’t regret it.  I talked to James (who took several of these photos in his own Copa business class experience) about this seat. He didn’t exactly give a strong recommendation, especially about the tight seats, but at this point I couldn’t back out. I just wanted to get some sleep. I was able to select a bulkhead seat hoping for slightly more legroom.

ProblemSSSS checking in

Once inside the 24 hour window, I checked in. Well, kind of. I couldn’t get my boarding pass. I thought maybe it was due to a secondary screening, or maybe just some sort of IT issue. American wouldn’t let me check in for my onward flights either.  Annoyingly, the error message said I couldn’t check in. After I landed in Miami, online check in wasn’t even available, so I had to go to a kiosk, which thankfully was uneventful.

Once at Tocumen airport in Panama, my suspicions about secondary screening were confirmed. The dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass. No one seemed to notice this at all during my initial screening, in fact, I later realized I had a half-full water bottle in my bag which no one noticed when going through security. Then I went to the Copa Club, had a drink, and left to get food, as the options there are pitiful; tiny cold cut sandwiches, and snack mix. At least the bar is fully srocked. There I tried a few Panamanian rums.

The new terminal 2 at PTY airport is quite nice, architecturally, at least.  The Copa Club is a nice space a level above the departure hall. Leaving the club to get a more substantial meal, because I was planning to just sleep on board. Unfortunately, the terminal options were very limited. Only one restaurant open that I could find, which was packed, so I got a sandwich at a small snack stand.

Onboard Copa Business Class on the Boeing 737 Max9

For my flight to Miami, there is additional screening at the gate.  There the SSSS on my boarding pass was noticed, and I was pulled aside before I could board.  The secondary screening consisted of an officer taking my passort as I walked through a metal detector, my bags scanned in the magenetometer, and then writing down my passport number. I was quickly on my way. At least that is all the additional screening I noticed. Thankfully the SSSS experience was basically an non-event.

Once on board, I found my seat, 1A.  Not exactly luxurious, but pretty nice for a narrow body, especially on a short flight.

Not a ton of legroom, but slightly more space than on seats in other rows.  Here is an image from another row:

I am generally a side sleeper anyway, so even at 6’3″, I fit relatively well into the seat.  It certainly isn’t spacious, but enough for me to sleep for most of the short flight.

I intended to sleep the whole flight. But I care about my readers…Blog research…something like that.  I opted for the meal. My Spanish skills aren’t strong, but sufficient to know my preference between pollo o pasta? Chicken and rice was actually quite tasty. Macarons were nice too.  If I wasn’t already tired and at the edge of my language skills I might have tried asking about the onboard rum options. I certainly could have asked in English too, but prioritizing sleep, vino tinto (red wine) seemed a good choice.

I ate a few bites of my food.  Okay, more than a few bites, but I only finished the wine and the dessert, reclined my seat and went to sleep.  I didn’t sleep all the way through, but i was at least dozing until final approach, when I had to put my seat upright.

So was it worth it?

In general, I’m cheap, and rarely would spend $150 for a better seat for a few hours. It is a flat seat, but a very short flight. In hindsight, I’m pretty content with the decision to buy this upgrade. I got a head start on sleep before landing in Miami.  There spent a few more hours in a hotel within the airport terminal, and then flew home on American, where I slept some more. Thankfully the upgrade on Saturday morning was not hard to get. Not the best night of sleep, in 3 separate sections, but once I arrived home, I was rested enough to get through the day.

Read the rest of this article at Was it worth it? Bid for Business Class on Copa 737 Max 9.

Save big on your next vacation with a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cruisefirst certificate. If you are planning a luxurious vacation with unparalleled cruising experiences, Norwegian Cruise Line stands at the forefront of the industry with their big ocean ships that can take you from Alaska to New Zealand and nearly everywhere in between. Thinking of a Carribean adventure, or sailing through the Mediterranean? NCL can take you there!

Norwegian Cruise line’s commitment to exceptional service, exquisite dining, and breathtaking destinations has earned them a well-deserved reputation. Plus their ships are full of great options for the entire family. From laser tag to go-cart tracks to even escape rooms and climbing walls, there’s something for everyone. Plus Norwegian free at Sea includes open bar, wifi, specialty dining experiences and more, making your floating holiday even more enjoyable!

As an avid traveler, I do enjoy a good cruise from now and again. Yet, more than anything, I seek out unique ways to save money. Save money on your next cruise with a Norwegian Cruise Line CruiseFirst certificate. 

NCL Cruise First Certificates

NCL Cruise First Certificates are almost like a gift card, but they do expire. Think of them as future cruise certificates. You are preparing now to save money later on a future Norwegian Cruise. These certificates can be redeemed for a variety of NCL’s cruises, offering flexibility and a sense of anticipation to travelers seeking their next adventure.

CruiseFirst deals

The current deal allows you to pay $250 today for $500 off any 6+ day cruise you choose to book when you’re ready! Double the value today, but the deal ends May 18, 2023. You can purchase your cruisefirst certificate here, or by contacting your favorite travel agent.

You can then use your Cruise First certificate for any cruise in the next 3 years. Just note that the voyage date must be more than 120 days from original purchase date and can only be applied to new bookings of 6 days or more.

Do remember you can buy up to 10 of the certificates for big savings. Yet, you are limited to one CruiseFirst certificate per reservation. No black-out dates will apply. If you are traveling with family soon, or considering a way to extend this discount to friends and family, just have them purchase their own. Then they can apply it to their new booking too! Find all the Terms & Conditions of Cruise First Certificates here.

Plus, don’t forget to always use a travel agent. Currently, we have an agency cruise deal to offer free room gratuities on balcony rooms or greater on Norwegian Cruise lines. That’s a $246 or more saving on a 7 night cruise! 

Bottom Line

NCL Cruise First Certificates open the door to a world of extraordinary cruising experiences and saves your money. You can save up to $250 on your next Norwegian Cruise Line vacation by purchasing your cruise first certificate today.  There’s no blackout dates per the T&C and can be applied to any new future booking as long as it’s 120 days or more in the future.

Current Noteworthy Expedition & Cruise Deals

• $6,500 fares to Antarctica. BOGO
• BOGO Expeditions to Antarctica, Canary Islands & Galapagos with Hurtriguten.
• 20% off the Arctic + free wifi with Nat Geo
• Kids go 100% on Select Sailings – Nat GEO & Lindblad
• 30% Seabourn Alaska 2023 sailings
• No Solo Supplement Deals – Lindblad
• No Solo Supplement Hurtriguten 

Read the rest of this article at Norwegian Cruise Line: $500 CruiseFirst Certificate for $250.

As I feverishly work to clear my backlog of trip reports, I fast forward from Alaska in August 2020 to the closing days of 2021. Yes, I went more than 15 months between flights before my next boondoggle. Itching to do something again, I set out to fly upstart Breeze Airways in Nice and Nicer classes. Why? For food, of course. In this case, the original Hot Brown sandwich and Derby pie in their native Kentucky habitat.

This trip report is relatively short, and will include the following installments:

• Capital One Lounge DFW
• The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky
• Breeze Airways Nice Class, Louisville to Charleston
• The Club at CHS, a Priority Pass Lounge
• Breeze Airways Nicer Class, Charleston to New Orleans
• Q&C Hotel Bar, Autograph Collection by Marriott, New Orleans
• The Club at MSY, a Priority Pass Lounge

The Flight Plan

As flight plans go, this one was pretty simple. I put together a circle with stops in Louisville, Charleston, and New Orleans. The only complication was severe weather in Kentucky two days before my trip. That canceled my nonstop to Louisville, necessitating a rerouting through Chicago. At least AA canceled my flight the day before, giving me enough time to figure out an alternative. The final routing ended up like this (more wonky pyramid than circle):

• 12/12/21 AA 1106 Dep DFW International (DFW) 16:35, Arr Chicago O’Hare (ORD) 19:09
• 12/12/21 AA 3680 Dep ORD 20:00, Arr Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) 22:28
• 12/13/21 MX 291 Dep SDF 13:45, Arr Charleston International (CHS) 15:20
• 12/13/21 MX 202 Dep CHS 18:00, Arr New Orleans Louis Armstrong International (MSY) 19:05
• 12/14/21 AA 1768 Dep MSY 09:42, Arr DFW 11:30

I won’t review the American flights, which are your plain Jane domestic coach flights. This flight from LA to Dallas gives you a good idea of the experience (albeit in Main Cabin Extra). The main event for this trip was checking out upstart Breeze Airways, both in Nice and Nicer Class.

I also did get in a few lounges on this trip. First up was the (then) recently opened Capital One Lounge DFW. Later, I discovered a couple of Priority Pass lounges I didn’t expect in Charleston (The Club at CHS) and New Orleans (The Club at MSY). As The Club lounges go, they weren’t bad, and actually decent options for airports of that size.

The Hotel Plan

This trip required two overnight stays, one in Louisville and one in New Orleans. No trip to Louisville is complete without a stop at the historic Brown Hotel, so that’s where I stayed. I booked a “Deluxe” room, but ended up getting upgraded to a club floor room. Why, I’m not sure, seeing as the hotel seemed deserted. But I certainly didn’t complain about the palatial room.

Next in NOLA, I booked a Marriott Autograph Collection property, Q&C Hotel Bar. In typical New Orleans fashion, he hotel formerly known as the Queen & Crescent is a charming historic property. Unlike the Brown, though, standard rooms are about the size of a broom closet.

The Food Plan

Of course, no trip of mine is complete without some frivolous pursuit of food. In this case, the real purpose of staying at the Brown was to eat a Hot Brown sandwich in its native habitat. Several places in Louisville serve up the ridiculously large open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in bechamel sauce. But there’s something extra special about getting one where it was invented. Along with the Hot Brown, I picked up another Kentucky original, a Derby pie. The Brown didn’t invent the pie; that honor goes to the defunct Melrose Inn in nearby Prospect. But the hotel serves up a fine version of the chocolate walnut pie in its own right. (Despite the poor presentation in a plastic box, it was quite tasty.)

And what trip to Kentucky is complete without some bourbon? Louisville Airport’s got you covered, with the Bourbon Academy Tasting Room to enjoy a flight before boarding your flight.

Now, some of you probably want to know, why go back and finish these trip reports now? Well, it’s been one excuse or another to proceed slowly over the last three years. But finally, I’m at a place where I have at least some time to write regularly again. And more importantly, get caught up so I can move on to my more recent boondoggles. The Breeze and Capital One Lounge posts went up long ago, with the rest going up in the next few weeks.  Enjoy!

Read the rest of this article at Introduction: Will Fly For Derby Pie.

Airlines use special liveries to celebrate or promote their history or a worthy cause.  Alaska Airlines has been flying a special salmon livery to celebrate this tasty catch from the state of Alaska.  Last year, Alaska Airlines made it known that the “salmon-thirty-seven” aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 (registration N559AS) would be making its last run.  This unique livery was the aircraft that would bring the first salmon catch from the Copper River to the lower 48 states.  Alaska Airlines brought the salmon back to N559AS as it just came out of the paint shop.

A tribute to Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) of Alaska

Alaska Airlines unveiled its newest aircraft paint theme yesterday – Xáat Kwáani –
designed by the talented Alaska Native artist Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl. Xáat
Kwáani means “Salmon People” in the Alaskan Tlingit (pronounced Klink-it) language and refers to the spiritual link
between the people who interact with the beloved salmon and all of us who benefit from their
stewardship of the environment.

Using Northwest Coast formline art, the salmon design by Worl is a one-of-a-kind work that
honors salmon, culture, artistic expression, and language. Traditional formline art dates back
thousands of years and is a two-dimensional design style of the Northwest Coast.

“Every time I looked at an Alaska plane, I couldn’t help but visualize the salmon being in
formline, or having some sort of design that represents identity. I can’t help but look at things
and see how to Indigenize them,” said Worl. “I have high hopes this project will encourage
people to learn and embrace Indigenous culture and values.”

Through her art, Worl aims to bring attention to Indigenous culture and to pass on ancestral
values to a new generation.

A Tribute To Strength and Resilience

As a tribute to salmon and its ancestral importance, this aircraft is the first in the country to be named in an Alaska Native language and the first time Alaska Airlines has featured a language besides English on the main door of an aircraft.

“This will be significant to have Indigenous language on an airplane,” says Crystal. “People will see it, they’ll read it, they’ll try to say ‘Xáat Kwáani’ (Salmon People), and they’ll want to know more and be curious to learn about it and want to feel connected to it. I think that’s significant in terms of the relationship we need to make between our languages that need speakers. So, I’m excited to be part of this.”

“Crystal Worl has a love of monumental art — most recently murals gracing the sides of
buildings in Juneau and Anchorage for locals and visitors to enjoy. And we had a large blank
canvas — a 737-800,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines. “During
our first conversation, Crystal shared her desire to paint an Alaska Airlines plane — she has
flown with us most of her life. Salmon as a focus was intentional and Crystal shares the
relationship between salmon and Native people through storytelling and artistic design.”

Salmon has a special meaning and significance in the state of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and
along the West Coast. Some travel as far as 600 miles each way, each uniquely adapted to its
particular river system, ocean and watershed environment.

The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 is the first livery of a U.S. airline fleet to have the name of
the plane in an Alaska Native language and the first time Alaska Airlines has featured a
language besides English on the main door of an aircraft.

“This will be significant to have Indigenous language on an airplane,” said Worl. “People will see
it, they’ll read it, they’ll try to say ‘Xáat Kwáani’ (Salmon People), and they’ll want to know more
and be curious to learn about it and want to feel connected to it. I’m excited to be part of this.”

The aircraft will begin flying on May 12, 2023, with an inaugural flight from Anchorage through
Southeast Alaska. First stop of Alaska Airlines flight 62 will be through Crystal’s hometown of
Juneau, the state’s capital, before it continues through Sitka, Ketchikan and Seattle.

What It Took To Create ‘X’aat Kw’aani

Painting a special livery is a delicate job that begins with removing the old paint.  For this special livery, required:

• 117  gallons of paint,
• Four main colors were used: Midnight Blue, Atlas Blue, White and Pink,
• The paint shop was able to complete the entire job in just 12 days and
• To keep the livery protected, a protective coat was applied over the base coats to keep this salmon looking fresh for years.

Here is how the paint shop created this flying mural:

About Crystal Worl

Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl is Tlingit Athabascan from Raven moiety, Lukaax̱.ádi
Sockeye Clan, from the Raven House and is Deg Hit’an Athabascan from Fairbanks, Alaska,
and Filipino. Worl has created several public art installations in Alaska including a design on the
side of Juneau’s Capitol City Fire Rescue ambulance, a steel cut medallion installed in
downtown Juneau, and a 60-foot by 25-foot mural of Tlingit activist Elizabeth Peratrovich on
Juneau’s downtown library building, and last year, painted a mural 125-foot by 48-foot in
Anchorage. In March 2023, Worl designed “The Art of Skateboarding” stamps for the United
States Postal Service that laud the sport of skateboarding — and what Indigenous groups have
brought to the skating culture. Today, Worl lives in Juneau, Alaska, as a co-owner and codesigner of Trickster Company with her brother Rico Worl. Trickster Company promotes
innovative Indigenous design focused on Northwest Coast art and exploring themes and
issues in Native culture.

Crystal’s expressive designs purposefully blend the old and new. Her work, whether it’s printmaking, painting or public art, recreates and modernizes her ancestors’ stories and explores the relationships and bonds that her people, the land and the animals share with Alaska so that generations learn its importance through traditional formline design, which dates back thousands of years. She says this aircraft will serve as a gateway to represent Alaska Natives, and she’s incredibly proud.

Her grandmother, Rosita Worl, remembers how even as a young toddler, Crystal couldn’t sit still, “The only thing that would slow her down were bright, bold, contrasting colors or patterns. I knew then she was going to be an artist,” she said.

Final Thoughts

Back in 1932, Harvey Barnhill and Linious “Mac” McGee founded Barnhill & McGee Airways. It became McGee Airways a few months later, solely owned and operated by Mac McGee.  Over the past 90 years, Alaska Airlines has gone beyond flying bush planes in Alaska to becoming the fifth-largest airline based in North America.  The airline has never forgotten its Alaskan roots and celebrates the native Tlingit people and the importance of salmon in their lives.  The choice of Alaskan native artist Crystal Worl put the whole thing together in Alaskan style for this tribute aircraft.

Read the rest of this article at Alaska Airlines Salmon Livery Celebrates Indigenous Culture & Language.

Here’s another unpublished trip report from the scrap heap. On our Christmas 2019 trip to Hawai’i, we island hopped from Oahu to the Big Island halfway through. For our flight from Honolulu to Hilo, Hawaiian Airlines offered the only option. But, we decided to spring for First Class for our party of 7. Why First Class? When I purchased our tickets in advance, First Class was a $50 premium over coach. To put it mildly, my family doesn’t know how to pack light. And with my then 3-year old son in tow, that made it difficult for me and my wife, too. With the likelihood of needing 2 checked bags per person, the $50 for First actually came out cheaper than the $60 in bag fees. Each ticket in Hawaiian Airlines B717 Interisland First Class set us back $179 cash.

Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Flight 362

• Saturday, December 28, 2019
• Depart: Honolulu – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Terminal 1, Gate A19, 15:54, 21m late
• Arrive: Hilo International Airport (ITO), Gate 6, 16:48, 19m late
• Duration: 54 minutes
• Seats: 2A, 2B, 2E
• Equipment: Boeing 717-200

Check-In and Boarding

The Saturday after Christmas, Honolulu Airport was bursting at the seams. That actually made the priority check-in come in handy. Regular security looked pretty nasty, too. The three of us had Pre-Check, so we got through in about 10 minutes. My mother had to go through the regular line, though, and it took her a good 15 additional minutes. Interisland First Class passengers can visit the Premier Club, but we decided not to go given our relatively limited time. Our inbound plane arrived nearly half an hour late, though they made up a little time cleaning up. We headed on board our 717 about 20 minutes behind schedule. It’s a plane I remain irrationally obsessed with, so I was quite excited to be flying this bird.

Stepping onboard, I saw a Hawaiian Airlines 90th anniversary badge painted by the door.

Hawaiian Airlines B717 Interisland First Class – Seating and Interior

As I took my seat, the First Class FA welcomed us on board. I mentioned my family decided to take over the entire cabin (since we booked 7 out of 8 seats). That gave the FA a good laugh.

Hawaiian Airlines B717 Interisland First Class consists of 8 seats in a 2×2 configuration. The seats are 18.5″ wide and feature 37″ of pitch, a gain of 7″ compared to Economy Class. These planes aren’t exactly spring chickens; our aircraft entered service on October 25, 1998. Perhaps surprisingly, the brown leather seats were still in pretty decent shape.

Legroom was certainly generous in these seats, with room to fully stretch out my legs.

For comparison, below is legroom in the coach cabin, which we flew back from Hilo to Honolulu. These seats felt really tight, even for the advertised 30″ of pitch.

My son certainly enjoyed the extra room to eat his Ruffles (the “orange cheese chips” as he calls them).

No in-flight entertainment is offered on board interisland flights. However, given that Honolulu – Hilo is probably the longest flight in the system, it’s not like you have time to miss the IFE. Of course, the greatest part of being up front in a 717 is how quiet it is up there. With the engines far behind you, it’s serenely quiet at cruising speed.

Hawaiian Airlines B717 Interisland First Class – Food, Beverage, and Service

The FA sprang into action a mere 8 minutes after take-off with a beverage service. Since I was flying First, I indulged in the obligatory mai tai. Including a mai tai selfie, of course.

There’s no food service, but passengers do receive a packet of “Pau Hana Cafe” snack mix. Although it’s packaged as “made exclusively for Hawaiian Airlines”, it’s not much different from what you find at other airlines and lounges.

My son, however, took a liking to it, helping himself when I got up to go to the bathroom.

Despite the short duration, I found service quite good on this flight. The FA warmly welcomed us on board, and hustled to provide efficient service. He even managed to offer drink refills despite just 34 minutes of flight time. That’s pretty impressive, even for an 8-passenger cabin.

Flightseeing

A mostly clear afternoon meant some really nice flightseeing on the way to Hilo, despite a filthy window. Before we even left the airport, we saw Alaska’s beautiful “Spirit of the Islands” livery on the taxiway.

Much like our flight back to the mainland a few days later, our route gave us outstanding views of Honolulu. Again, you could see the entire city stretching out past Diamond Head, and up into the mountains.

This flight heading southeast took us a little farther away from Diamond Head. You could still see straight down into the crater, though. And this time, a cloud deck created a pretty scene with the mountains disappearing into a sea of white.

Later, we passed over the island of Moloka’i, first over the dry leeward side, then the wet windward side.

As we began our approach to Hilo, we flew over the windward slope of Haleakalā on the island of Maui. I really hoped to see the summit of Haleakalā itself, but I picked the wrong side of the plane. Doh!

Final Thoughts

Do you really need the extra legroom and free mai tai on a short interisland flight? No, and so ordinarily, I wouldn’t pay for First Class on these flights. I’d rather save the money and settle for some free POG juice instead in coach. But if you anticipate checking a lot of bags, it might actually make sense. Occasionally, the buy-up to First runs less than or equal to the cost of two checked bags. If that’s the case, might as well spring for it.

Read the rest of this article at Review: Hawaiian Airlines B717 Interisland First Class.

As a frequent traveler, I find immense value in airport lounges, where I can relax, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal. This is especially true during delays and irregular operations, or just during connections.  I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly remodeled  British Airways Lounge at San Francisco Airport. From its elegant design to the exceptional service, this lounge offers a remarkable experience for both business and first class travelers plus other frequent flyers. Plus, the First class dining feature is what really makes this lounge special.

Design and Ambiance

Upon entering the SFO British Airways Lounge in international terminal A, I was immediately captivated by its sophisticated design and tranquil ambiance. Entering when the lounge first opened at 1:30pm, I had the lounge basically to myself.

The lounge boasts contemporary furnishings and a stylish layout, creating a sense of understated luxury. The sleek décor and soft lighting contribute to a calming atmosphere, perfect for unwinding before a flight or catching up on work.

The British Airways Lounge offers an array of amenities and facilities to enhance the travel experience. There are several different types of comfortable seating options available. Choose between cozy armchairs to private workstations equipped with power outlets and USB ports. There are also options for those traveling alone, or those traveling as a group. Tables for dining and working to bar stools and more.

The lounge also provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected and be productive.

Food and Beverage

For those seeking ways to stay hydrated, the lounge features a well-stocked bar offering a wide selection of premium wines, spirits, and refreshing cocktails. This is all self service. Be your own bar tender and mix up a drink of your choice. 

There are also multiple coffee machines and tea options for those looking for something non-alcoholic. The fridge is also well stocked with soda options, water, and juices, and beer. Offering both local craft beer to San Francisco along with international favorites such as Heineken.

The British Airways business class lounge also features a large buffet of both hot and cold food for all guests. Choose from delectable dishes ranging from fresh salads to hot entrees, including curry. Build your own charcuterie board or opt for a sandwich. There are options for nearly everyone. 

SFO First Class Dining

During the remodel, the first class lounge space was enhanced and became a dedicated space for only those flying First Class. Meaning emerald members and those not actually flying first class lost lounge access to this space. First class Dining is only open to First class passengers flying flights operated by British Airways. Similar access rules apply, like to the Concorde room at London Heathrow terminal 5.

The First class dining area boasts a dedicated dining room where guests can enjoy a more substantial meal with table service. Two staff members worked this area and provided first class guests with exceptional service. Always keeping our drinks full. Food was good and during our 4 hours there, due to our flight delay we had time to try several items. Overall everything was good. I really liked the food, especially the dessert. Overall, I was impressed by the flavors and happy with the smaller size of the portions. Which allowed me to still enjoy the food while flying British Airways first class.

Drinks in the First Class dining area were also out of this world. The lounge manager has done an impeccable job of curtailing the experience and making it truly unique. He has a real knack for wine and alcohol options, which are not typically found in British Airways lounges. 

Instead of the typical Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle champagne which is standard across British Airways, we were treated to a $200 bottle of Taittinger Comtes 2012. The wine selection only got better from there as the manager featured both local and world class wine from around California. 

Beyond just the wine, which he also made available in the Business class lounge, the lounge manager was active in hosting guests, and creating an elevated experience. Curtailing recommendations to people’s pallets. This is so rarely seen and made for such a unique experience. I want to return!

The First class dining space may not have any windows like the rest of the lounge, but the service was impeccable. Plus the alcohol selection was amazing. Even the spirits were top shelf and featured options rarely seen, even in the best airport lounges. Hands down British Airways First Class dining alcohol selection is among the best of any first class lounge I have visited. This is all due the love the manager puts into his job!

British Airways Lounge Access

Passengers flying both in business class and first class can access the British Airways lounge. In addition, British Airways lounges welcome  British Airways Executive Club Silver or Gold Card members from their own frequent flyer program. Plus, all Oneworld emerald and sapphire status members traveling on a Oneworld airline in any class of service can access the lounge. Do note that American Airlines and Alaska Airlines elites must be on a long haul international flight.

All oneworld emerald members do get access to first class lounges per Oneworld policies. However, SFO first class dining is not part of the OneWorld lounge access program. Meaning, only First class passengers on scheduled flights operated by British Airways gain access to this space.

Bottom Line

The British Airways Lounge at San Francisco Airport undoubtedly offers a premium experience for travelers seeking comfort, relaxation, and excellent service. The lounge does get very busy, especially before an A380 flight. With the delay of our flight, both flights took off minutes apart from each other. This caused the main part of the lounge to be flooded with guests. Yet, even then the First class dining area remained a reprieve from the airport and the rest of the lounge. Food was good, and the alcohol was out of this world. Beyond Impressive. 

From its elegant design to upgraded culinary offerings and impeccable service, this lounge is truly a haven amidst the airport chaos. Plus with direct gate access and boarding from the lounge, everything about this place is a win.  Whether you are an executive club members frequent flyer or simply looking to indulge in a little luxury, the British Airways Lounge at San Francisco Airport is undoubtedly worth a visit. So, the next time you find yourself at San Francisco Airport, make sure to treat yourself to this oasis of comfort and enjoy an elevated travel experience.

Read the rest of this article at British Airways Lounge San Francisco.

While going through some old files, I came across an old review that I never did publish. Back over the Christmas holidays of 2019, my entire family spent a week in Hawai’i.  On the way back, we went via San Jose to drop off my sister and her family before heading home. Conveniently, Hawaiian Airlines offers a daytime nonstop from Honolulu to San Jose. (We avoid redeyes, as my son…doesn’t do well with disrupted sleep.) That gave me a chance to try out Hawiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort for a little extra room. I paid $644 cash for each seat, which represented a modest $80 premium over standard coach.

Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Flight 44

• Wednesday, January 1, 2020
• Depart: Honolulu – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Terminal 1, Gate E1, 12:33, 3m late
• Arrive: San Jose – Norman Y. Mineta International Airport (SJC), Terminal A, Gate 4, 19:56, 11m late
• Duration: 5 hours 23 minutes
• Seats: 12A, 12B, 12C
• Equipment: Airbus A321neo

Check-In and Boarding

We actually started our day with a tag flight from Hilo, so we checked in there. Hilo is a tiny airport, so check-in took hardly any time at all. As with all flights to the mainland, all passengers must undergo an agriculture screening. Make sure to do this and get a sticker before check-in, or they’ll send you back to get it done.

As we taxied to the gate in Honolulu, we passed ANA’s Honu A380. What does this have to do with Hawaiian Airlines? Nothing, but you could use some extra Honu A380 in your life.

Our layover at Honolulu was right at 2 hours, so I took my son planespotting to stretch his legs. Not far from our gate was a nice Japan Airlines Dreamliner.

Boarding began about 40 minutes prior to departure. Economy Comfort receives priority boarding immediately after First Class. Thus, we were among the first onboard the Economy Class cabin.

Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort – Seating and Interior

This particular A321neo entered service just two months prior to our flight. Ahhh, you could still get a whiff of that new plane smell. Anyway, Hawaiian’s Extra Comfort is kinda-sorta their equivalent to Delta Comfort+, American Main Cabin Extra, etc. It’s the same coach seat, but with 5 extra inches of pitch (35″ vs. 30″). The A321neo features 44 Extra Comfort seats in a 3-3 configuration, though spread over two separate sections. Well, I guess to be precise, three sections. Extra Comfort includes the first three rows of the Economy cabin, the exit row and the row behind, and then the overwing exit row and the two rows behind. The seats definitely looked brand new.

Differentiators between Extra Comfort and standard Economy are the color scheme (teel versus light brown) and the “Extra Comfort” moniker on the headrest.

I found legroom quite generous in these seats, with enough room to completely extend my legs.

Meanwhile, my son had plenty of room in his seat to curl up and sleep with the armrests raised.

All that said, Extra Comfort seats are the standard 17.3″ wide, so they’re not exactly spacious in that regard. Seat comfort, though, was decent. Despite the slimline design, Hawaiian’s A321neo seats feature adequate padding and thigh support. I didn’t experience back pain or saddle sore on this 5 1/2 hour flight. We flew Southwest from San Jose on the way over, and Hawaiian’s seats definitely win in the comfort area.

Similar to the Boeing 737-MAX, the A321neo interior includes mood lighting. The soft colors create a relaxing atmosphere aboard the coach cabin.

The other area where I really like the A321neo – it’s noticeably quieter than a standard A320 family aircraft. Even in Row 12, relatively close to the engine, it’s really quiet at cruising altitude.

Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort – In-Flight Entertainment

Similar to American and Southwest, Hawaiian offers only streaming entertainment on board. To that end, the seatback includes a phone/tablet holder to keep your device in place. While possibly user error, I had difficulty keeping my iPhone 6s from falling out. And my eyesight isn’t great, so I had trouble watching on my screen with the phone on the holder. Really, I’ve tried, but I just really don’t like this whole BYOD trend.

Each Extra Comfort seat includes both a USB port in the seatback, and a 110V outlet on the floor between seats. While I prefer outlets at seatback level, these forward-facing outlets aren’t bad, as you don’t have to contort to try and plug a device in. Note: only Extra Comfort seats include 110v outlets. Standard coach seats come only with USB ports.

Hawaiian offers a fair selection of options on its streaming service. While I’ve seen better, there are enough movies and TV shows to keep you occupied, especially on a shorter flight to the West Coast. The offerings include a selection of kids shows and international (mostly Japanese) TV and movies. With Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted on tap, I watched a few episodes as we crossed the Pacific.

Of course, there’s always the moving flight map. This one is OK. The mobile version provides basic flight information and a map position, but doesn’t offer much in the way of zoom or other points of view. Perhaps this has improved in the last three years..

Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort – Food, Beverage, & Service

Unlike extra legroom products on the other major domestic carriers, Hawaiian offers no differentiation in Extra Comfort as far as food and beverage goes, at least on Hawai’i-Mainland routes. That means unlike Main Cabin Extra, for example, you don’t get alcohol for free. About 45 minutes after takeoff, FAs offered a “Pau Hana Cafe” service. On this route, that included a chicken and pesto hot pocket, sweet onion chips, and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. And, of course, the obligatory POG (passionfruit-orange-guava) juice. If you don’t fancy POG juice, a full selection of soft drinks, tea, and coffee are offered.

Perhaps surprisingly, the hot pocket wasn’t bad at all. It had a reasonably flaky crust, and I found the filling fairly tasty. And of course, who doesn’t like chocolate covered macadamia nuts. The problem? This wasn’t really enough. I still felt hungry after finishing off the meal. The FAs did come back through with a second pass of the snack basket a little while later, which helped. But I really wished for something a little more substantial.

As for service, I often say the best coach service is the one you don’t remember. That’s because you usually remember service in coach for all the wrong reasons. Service on this flight definitely fell in to the former category. The FAs were pleasant, the meal service efficient, and they did make a couple of snack/water runs throughout. A perfectly reasonable experience in the back of the bus.

Flightseeing

Of course, half the entertainment on a flight to or from Hawai’i is the free stuff you get looking out the window. This flight definitely didn’t disappoint. New Year’s Day 2020 was a beautiful day in Honolulu, making the departure to the east nearly perfect. Our initial path right along the coast gave us a perfect view of Honolulu, all the way down to Diamond Head.

Soon after, we flew parallel to Waikiki Beach, with a spectacular view of the beach and mountains beyond.

Our flight path then took us right past Diamond Head. Close enough, in fact, for a view straight down to the visitor center in the crater. (We’d visited the crater just a few days before.)

I thought this shot was especially cool, showing the city suburbs crawling up into the mountains.

Finally, as we left Hawai’i behind for good, we passed Hanauma Bay and then Makapu’u Point, the easternmost point on Oahu.

In this second photo of Hanauma Bay, from a little farther out, you could easily see the far suburbs of Honolulu going up the hillsides.

Makapu’u Point was the last land we’d see for quite some time.

About 30 minutes later, a fitting end to our Hawai’ian vacation – a rainbow courtesy of some showers over the Pacific.

Then, about 2 hours before arrival, the sun set the building marine layer off the California coast ablaze.

Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort – Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t provide a lot of extras with Extra Comfort, besides the extra legroom. You get priority boarding and security, but that’s about it. Nevertheless, with prices ranging from $55-95 each way, depending on demand, that’s actually not a bad price for the extra room on a 5 1/2 hour flight. American, for instance, charges about the same for Main Cabin Extra from Dallas to Los Angeles. The only real difference is free alcohol.

Read the rest of this article at Review: Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Extra Comfort, Honolulu to San Jose.

My short trip to Manchester gave me a single day to enjoy the city. Or more correctly, a single afternoon, after my flight from London ended up delayed. This didn’t give me much time, but I tried to make the most of it. Follow along as I go Sunday roasting and more in Manchester in the middle of Winter Storm Ciara.

Note: this post is part of my trip report series about my quick trip to Manchester in February, 2020.  Click here for the trip report index and introductory post.

Sunday Roasting and More in Manchester

My friend Kyle from Live and Let’s Fly heartily recommended a visit to Albert’s Schloss for a traditional Sunday roast. My original itinerary had me arriving in Manchester by air at 9 am. Unfortunately, the winter storm had other ideas, canceling my onward flight from Toronto. British Airways originally rebooked me on a flight departing London at 7:45 pm. With my reservation at Albert’s Schloss booked for 6:30, that simply wouldn’t work. Fortunately, with some quick thinking, I booked a one-way rental car to Manchester.  It saved my trip, but also meant an early afternoon arrival, leaving me not much time to explore the city.

Fortunately, soon after arriving, a break in the weather brought sunshine to the city center. I used the opportunity to stretch my legs and take a walk around area. The ornate red sandstone exterior of the Kimpton Clocktower certainly basks in the sunlight.

A short walk from the Kimpton Clocktower is St. Mark’s Square. Front and center in the square is the Manchester Central Library. The rotunda-style library building, built in 1930, resembles the Roman Parthenon.

Next door is the Town Hall Extension building. Constructed in 1938, it is an addition to the Manchester Town Hall building. Currently, it houses the Business Section City Library. The building’s designer, Emanuel Vincent Harris, also designed the Manchester Central Library. While many consider the library one of Manchester’s notable landmarks, the Town Hall Extension receives mixed marks from architecture critics.

Speaking of which, next to the Town Hall Extension is…Manchester Town Hall. The gothic-style Town Hall was completed in 1877, but council meetings are no longer held here. Instead, these occur in the Town Hall Extension instead. However, the old building still sees use for special events and conferences. It was also where the results of the Brexit referendum were announced on June 23, 2016. When viewing the building from St. Peter’s Square, the Manchester Cenotaph sits in front of the building. Though not the war memorial’s original location, the City Council relocated it here in 2014.

One of the unique aspects of St. Mark’s Square is the juxtaposition of new and old. Right next door to the historic Town Hall and Library buildings are modern office buildings.

While here, I made a quick stop at The Vienna Coffee House. As the name implies, it’s a Viennese-style coffee shop. On this blustery day, I enjoyed a flat white and a tasty chocolate cake. Besides coffee, the shop also serves breakfast and lunch, along with afternoon tea service after 2 pm.

After a quick rest at the hotel, I took the short walk down Oxford Road to the University of Manchester. Why the University? To visit Blackwell’s Bookshop to buy a children’s book or two for my son. I quickly found Judith Kerr’s classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which seemed appropriate for my trip to the UK. The book came with a kid’s size teacup, which my son still uses for tea on the weekends.

Anyway, the university traces its roots to 1824, though the University of Manchester itself only dates to 2004. At that time, a merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and the Victoria University of Manchester created what is now the University of Manchester. The centerpiece of the Oxford Road campus is the Old Quadrangle. Most of these Gothic-style buildings date from 1873 through the early 1900s. Whitworth Hall stands as the most well-known, and is where commencement is held each term.

After walking around the campus for a few minutes, I headed over to the Manchester Museum. Also on the grounds of the University of Manchester, the museum’s permanent exhibition is a natural history gallery on the first three floors. Front and center is Stan, the T-Rex. Perhaps someone should talk to Frontier about adding Stan as their next tail animal.

Also watching over the gallery is this enormous skeleton of a sperm whale.

In additions to dinosaurs and fossils, there’s also some miscellaneous wildlife exhibits. This one dealt with cats of all sizes and their prey.

Meanwhile, this one included a collection of various penguin skeletons.

Though I wanted to see more of the museum, I walked in pretty close to closing time, and so I only had time to explore the first two floors. So I headed for the doors to walk back to the hotel – only to find a raging hailstorm outside. Turns out Ciara had one last trick up her sleeve before heading east. Anyway, after waiting a few minutes for the hail to stop, I headed back to the hotel to get ready for my roast.

And so it was on to Albert’s Schloss, about a 10-minute walk from the Kimpton Clocktower. Despite the stormy weather, this place was packed. That made me glad that I made a reservation. Thanks to the advance booking, though, a friendly hostess brought me to my table immediately.

I started off with a beer flight. Dark beer is usually my preference, and so it was my favorite of the bunch.

As I sipped my beer, I noticed a parade of classic cars heading down the street in front of the restaurant. Turns out this was part of a film shoot, ostensibly set in New York but filmed in Manchester. (One of the waiters tried to tell me the name of the movie, but it was so loud inside, I couldn’t make it out.)

Finally, the pièce de resistance – my Sunday roast main course. I ordered the Cheshire pork belly with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, seasonal greens, Yorkshire pudding, and chips.

This was all quite delicious. The pork belly in particular was quite nice, tender with a well-rendered and crispy skin. Meanwhile, the mashed sweet potatoes had a good helping of brown sugar sweetness. And the Yorkshire pudding made an excellent bread to sop up the tasty brown gravy. I also ordered an apple streudel for desert, though I apparently forgot to take a photo. The Sunday service is a decent value to boot, £23 for two courses or £27 for three.

My one complaint – the dining room gets really loud. Like, loud enough you really can’t even hear the waitstaff as they take your order. In other words, don’t plan on coming for some quiet Sunday evening conversation. But as a representation of a joyous Sunday roast atmosphere, it’s just fine.

Needless to say, I slept well after stuffing myself. The next morning, I had a little bit of time to walk around before heading for the airport. First, I paid a visit to Exchange Square and the Corn Exchange building.

The Baroque-style building was constructed in two phases between 1896 and 1903. Originally used as a corn exchange, it fell into a state of disuse after World War II. After suffering significant damage in the Manchester IRA bombing, its owners repurposed it as the Triangle Shopping Center. Today, the building houses a food court and a 114-room apartment hotel.

Just northwest of Exchange Square is Manchester’s most notable landmark, Manchester Cathedral. Construction began on the cathedral in 1421, though work only finished in the early 16th century. However, in the early 19th century, the interior was largely scored to be finished in Roman cement. Unfortunately, this severely damaged the structure, with an extensive restoration replacing nearly all of the stonework between 1868 and 1898.

From the Cathedral, I then circled back through the city centre back to the hotel. Right in front of the cathedral, I was surprised to find a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. I later learned the Manchester City Council placed the statue here in 2019 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth. It’s a little interesting they placed it in Manchester. Gandhi had little connection to the city, aside from a short visit in 1931.

A series of pedestrian malls and cobblestone streets wind their way from the Cathedral back towards Albert Square. I found things oddly quiet for rush hour on a Monday morning. Perhaps road and rail disruptions from Ciara were to blame. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the quiet walk, admiring the mix of old and new buildings.

Final Thoughts

1 pm Sunday to 9 am Monday isn’t nearly enough time in Manchester, but I enjoyed a delicious roast, and a brisk walking tour of the city.

Read the rest of this article at Sunday Roasting and More in Manchester.

Scenic river and ocean cruises and sister company Emerald Cruises are offering an amazing two for one offer on river and ocean voyages. From the North Sea to Brazil and even select itineraries in the polar regions, there is no better way to explore the world’s most beautiful waterways than on a luxurious Scenic Cruise. 

Whether you want to explore the historic European rivers,  take in the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords, or explore untouched Antarctica, Scenic Cruises provides an unforgettable experience. And now you can save over $15,000 with these amazing two for one sales.

Plus, if you book and pay in full within 30 days you can also receive complimentary airfare on every Scenic River cruise in economy or Premium economy. For Scenic Ocean cruises, receive complimentary Business class or Premium Economy airfare for making full payment within 30 days. Saving is available in lieu of airfare if you prefer to make your own arrangements or use say points. 

Sister Emerald Cruises is offering a similar deal. Free premium economy air available on the Y, T and SA categories with a max value $3000pp.  Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value $1800pp. Book and pay in full today to secure this deal. Like Scenic cruises, you can receive additional saving if you do not want the free airfare bonus. 

Scenic European River Cruises Deal

Starting May 1, 2023; for a limited time enjoy two for one bookings on Scenic river cruises. The deal applies to new bookings only for all of Europe’s rivers and Discovery Yacht Cruises. Book your 2023 and 2024 departures in order to take part in these great BOGO deals. 

Enjoy a 8 day Rhine River cruise between Frankfurt and Basel for just  $4,720 per person. Save over $8,740 per couple.

Are you a foodie and looking for an elevated experience? Maybe this special cruise is for you. Go wine tasting in Bordeaux with a round trip river cruise throughout the wine region with Top Chef contest Bryan Voltaggio. This is a river cruise experience that you will not forget as you eat and drink your heart out. 

Brian Voltaggio was a finalist of the James Beard Foundation Award, Top Chef (season six), Top Chef Masters (season five), and most recently Top Chef All-Stars (season sixteen). He will be onboard cooking up some of the finest food on the river on this one of a kind river cruise. 

Two for one prices in June 2024 start at just $5,657 per person. Over $10,000 savings per couple! This cruise is aone week special only, other weeks are available without the Top Chef.

A Danube river cruise is always a popular choice. With options for cruises to and from Budapest. Travel between Nuremberg and Budapest and save over $8,000. 8 day journeys begin at just $4,500 per person.

Want something longer? Consider a full Rhine river and Moselle cruise, where you can spend 15 days and save over $14,000. Sail between Amsterdam and Basel for just $7,700 per person. A journey throughout the heart of Western Europe.

Scenic cruises also offers Seine river cruises from Paris and Douro river cruises in Portugal. If you are looking for a deal on a river cruise in Europe, this is your time to save. As this river cruise offer will not be around for long. 

Why Choose a Scenic River Cruise

Scenic Cruises is renowned for providing the highest level of luxury and comfort on its ships. Each vessel in their fleet is designed to provide guests with the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. Cabins are spacious and well-appointed, with luxurious bedding and linens, and a range of amenities including large flat-screen televisions, mini-bars, and 24-hour room service. 

Scenic focus on small ships and offers all inclusive prices. Every ship is small and includes lavish amenities and accommodations.

Enjoy all of the following options on Every Scenic River cruise. A true all inclusive option

• 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with between 125-170 guests
• Scenic Freechoice activities – complimentary excursions in every port
• Dine at the dining venue of your choice, from casual to fine dining.
• 5 or more dining experiences on each ship
• All meals are included
• Complimentary premium beverages on board all day, every day –
• Butler service for every suite throughout your cruise
• Complimentary full mini-bar throughout your cruise
• Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
• Scenic Tailormade App for river commentary and independent exploration
• Complimentary e-bikes for use to explore cities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
• Return airport transfers
• All tipping and gratuities included in fare. 

Scenic Ocean Cruises Deal

Scenic’s amazing two for one deal also applies to their ocean voyages as well. The amazing Scenic eclipse is the world’s first discovery Yacht. With a maximum of 228 passengers, Scenic claims 6 star luxury on every voyage, making them among the world’s most premium and luxurious cruise lines.

Like the European river cruise deals, most discovery voyages are on sale with Scenic through June 30, 2023 for 2023 and 2024 departures. You can explore Brazil, Raja Ampat, Indonesia; or explore the Arctic while saving thousands of dollars. 

Discover Raja Ampat and far east Indonesia from Darwin while saving $15,000 per couple. This 13 day journey is bound to be unforgettable as you see some of the world most famous dive sites and remote villages. 

 Get Lost in the South Pacific on Scenic’s amazing Fuji cruise. See Tonga and more while saving over $18,000! Prices start at just $9,565 per person for just amazing 9 day adventure

Still thinking about Europe and the Mediterranean? That too is on sale. Check out some of Italy’s treasure’s coast line on a 9 day sailing from Malta to Rome.

Go beyond the Arctic circle and save $30,000 while doing so! Tromso to Oslo expeditions  starts at $15,488 per person while you spend 12 days exploring Svalbard and chasing polar bears! This expedition is 1/2 off too and allows an in-depth expedition of the Svalbard archipelago at the top of the world!

There are several other options around the world on sale. You can even explore Greenland and Iceland with this amazing BOGO offer in 2023 or 2024!

If you have been considering a Scenic River or Ocean cruise, now is the perfect time to book your vacation. Contact Rocky at Scott & Thomas to book your luxury get away now, your partner in premium vacations. 

Why Choose an Ocean Cruise with Scenic

Scenic Cruises is not just about luxury and comfort. The cruise line also offers a range of complimentary shore excursions designed to provide guests with unique and unforgettable experiences. From guided tours of historic cities and landmarks, to scenic hikes and bicycle tours, there is something for everyone on a Scenic Cruise.

One of the most popular shore excursions offered by Scenic Cruises is the opportunity to explore the historic towns and cities of Europe. From Paris to Vienna, guests can take guided tours of some of the continent’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. For those who prefer to explore on their own, Scenic Cruises offers complimentary bicycles and e-bikes, allowing guests to explore the local scenery at their own pace.

Another popular excursion offered by Scenic Cruises is their Kayaking and SUP which travel with the ship. They even offer other water activities like a water trampoline in warm water destinations. You can have fun and be active, while on vacation. 

Exceptional Service

What really sets Scenic Cruises apart from other cruise lines is its exceptional service and attention to detail. With 1:1 staffing you will notice it from the moment you step aboard the ship. Enjoy the following amenities on every Scenic Ocean voyage

• 10 dining options for a truly all-inclusive culinary journey
• 9 spacious bars and lounges
• unlimited drinks including Premium wines and spirits included in every journey
• Personalized Butler service for all guests
• Signature Scenic Enrich experiences take you behind the scenes for private access and exclusive moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveler,
• Complimentary excursions at every port
• All staff tips and gratuities included in price
• Complimentary Airport transfers
• Complimentary full mini-bar throughout your cruise

Other Options

As the title of the post says, there are also other two for one sales available. Currently Emerald Cruises is also offering two for one sales one both their ocean and river cruises. You can have your fairy tale vacation with these amazing offers with Moselle River cruises, cruises through wine growing regions of France, and even visit UNESCO world heritage sites throughout your journey.

All vacations on both Emerald and Scenic offer all inclusive options with nearly everything included in the price. Emerald cruises tend to be more affordable, but are also lacking the 6 stars that Scenic offers. Regardless, Emerald offers a great luxury small ship option for those who are most price conscious.

For Ocean voyages, both cruise lines are offering great BOGO sales. If you are looking for something more expedition focused, then Hurtiguren would likely be better as Hurtigruten is not a luxry brand, but does have BOGO sales for Antaractica and the Galapagos. Deals not offered by Scenic and Emerald Cruises. Nevertheless, Scenic Eclipse II does offer expedition cruises to amazing places throughout the world. 

If this offer isn’t up your alley, also consider AMAwaterways which is currently offering free land packages before or after a River cruise. The time is ripe for river cruise deals in Europe.

Bottom Line

Scenic and Emerald cruises are offering amazing BOGO deals on European River cruises through 2024. If you are looking for an elevated river cruise or a small ship experience, now is your time to book and save thousands of dollars on your next vacation. River cruises offer an excellent way to explore interior Europe by boat. Allowing you to see several cities without worrying about the need to pack and repack. 

Both deals offer free airfare, but only if you make full payment within 30 days of booking. The time has never been better to book your vacation to Europe or your luxury small ship cruise. To book, contract Rocky at Scott and Thomas Travel to get the best deal on any Scenic or Emerald Cruise. 

Read the rest of this article at Scenic and Emerald Cruises Cruises: BOGO and Free Airfare.

For the first time ever, Hyatt’s Global Spring sale includes Hyatt Privé rates. Offering 15% off Hyatt Prive Suites and Villas stays across the globe. This global sale will Make your next stay at a Thompson, Andaz, or other Hyatt Prive participating branded hotels more affordable. This sale is for a very limited time and only available to those who book via Hyatt Prive approved Travel advisors. 

Hyatt Prive Suite Sale 

The limited time sale for Hyatt Prive Suite and Villas resorts includes over 298 hotels and resorts which participate in the Hyatt Prive program. Guests can save up to 15% off stays at all Hyatt Prive locations when booking a Suite or Villa. This current sale covers bookings for hotel stays between May 25 and September 10, 2023. All reservations must be completed before May 24, 2023 to qualify for the discount. And don’t forget, only Hyatt Prive approved travel agents can make these reservations for you. 

If you have a trip coming up and want a suite, reach out today just to see how much you can save. Otherwise, we can also look at regular Prive Rate as well for standard rooms. 

Hyatt Prive Benefits

Hyatt Prive offers elite style benefits without needing World of Hyatt Globalist status which requires 60 nights or more at Hyatt hotels. On every Hyatt hotels and resorts stay, guests can enjoy a slew of benefits including breakfast, a complimentary upgrade confirmed at check in, and early check in and late check and a hotel credit.

All Hyatt Prive stays come with the following Perks

• Welcome Amenity
• Welcome Letter
• Daily full breakfast for 2
• Unique Experience or $25 – 100 property credit per room per stay.
• Room Upgrade confirmed within 24 hours of booking.
• Connecting Rooms Priority confirmed within 24 hours of booking
• 9 am Early Check-In subject to availability
• 4pm Late Check out subject to availability

What elevates the Hyatt Prive program from having elite status or other hotel programs, such as American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts is that everything from the upgrade to connecting rooms are confirmed within 24 hours of booking. You do not have to gamble and wait until check in to secure an upgrade. Even the highest world of Hyatt elite status does not guarantee these perks. 

Most programs only confirm upgrades or late check out during the check-in process or on the day of check out. Hyatt Prive really ups the ante by confirming the upgrade within the first 24 hours after the reservation is booked. This allows guests to make informed decisions about their stays and travel plans and doesn’t leave it to a guest services agent mood at check-in. A win win for everyone!

Featured Hotels On Sale

The world is currently on sale and you can now get the best experience at Hyatt’s best resorts. You can even stack this promotion with Hyatt’s Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 promotions at select hotels. Some hotels such as the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki even offer double property credits! Increasing the resort credit to $200 per stay. Inquire for more information.

Heading to the Beaches of Mexico? Check out the Thompson Main House Now just $189 a night when staying three nights for a standard room. 

Hawaii on your mind? Save 10% on most suites at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, and other hotels across the island

Thompson Austin San Jacinto Suite Prive rate is $95 off a night

Ready to explore Hong Kong again. Suites start at HK$4,633. A savings of HK$813 a night. Plus you can still upgrade to the next suite category for even more of a savings thanks to Prive’s exclusive offers. 

Bottom Line

If you are going on vacation this year, now is the best time to save on your next room or suite at Hyatt Prive hotels. Only Suites and Villas are included in this sale. You must meet the minimum stay requirements per brand, ranging from 1 night at the Thompson Hotels to 3 nights at all inclusive. This sale is particularly for Suites and Villia Prive rates. Through May 23 you can save 15% on Suite and Villa stays between May 25 and September`10, 2023. Plus, you can get all the benefits of booking the Hyatt Privé rates while earning World of Hyatt points. Standard rooms are not included in this sale, but still qualify for all the wonderful benefits of Prive. 

Read the rest of this article at Hyatt Privé Suites & Villa Sale: Save 15%.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a popular choice for those who want to earn travel rewards and maximize their spending but not pay a high annual fee.The CSP offers a range of benefits and rewards. Points can be used for booking travel or paying oneself back. With a focus on travel, this card is a great choice for frequent travelers, including airline miles, hotel stays, and cash back. The card becomes even more powerful when matched with a card like the Chase Ink or Reserved. Allowing the transfer to transfer partners

Chase Sapphire Sign Up Offer

Like all new credit cards, one of the most appealing features is the sign-up bonus. The current sign up offer allows new card holders to earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening the account. There is a $95 annual fee for this card, which is not waived for the first year.

80,000 points are worth $1,000 in travel. As points can be redeemed at 1.25 cents a piece. Or stack your rewards with another credit card and transfer them to one of 14 transfer partners. Including both airlines and hotel partners. 

Chase Sapphire Rewards

Beyond the sign up bonus offer you can earn points every day with this card. Chase ultimate reward points are easy to earn and stack up quickly. Earn points with every swipe of the card.

• 5x points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, e $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit
• 5x total points on Lyft rides through March 31st, 2025.*
• 3x points on dining at restaurants, including delivery like uber Eats and doordash 
• 3x points on select streaming services
• 3x points from online grocery purchases
• 1x point everywhere else

The credit card earns points nearly everywhere. My favorite part of this card is Chase’s liberal use of restaurants. Unlike the American Express Gold card which earns 5x points at Restaurants, this card only earns 3x points. Yet, chase categorizes most bars as restaurants. Meaning you can earn 3x points while enjoying your sunday funday or dancing saturday night away.

The Chase Sapphire also has a $50 hotel credit which can help reduce the annual cost of the card. Book any prepaid stay via Chase’s ultimate rewards travel portal and receive a $50 statement credit, once annually. 

Finally, for those who love to travel know that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with additional travel protection. Use your card to book travel and receive the following protections every time. 

• TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
• AUTO RENTAL COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER=
• TRAVEL AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES
• TRIP DELAY REIMBURSEMENT
• BAGGAGE DELAY INSURANCE
• LOST LUGGAGE REIMBURSEMENT

Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is offering 80,000 bonus points for a limited time to new card holders or those who have not had the card in the last 48 months. Remember you cannot have both a CSP and Chase sapphire Reserve. It is one or the other. The card annual fee is $95, which is relatively low compared to other travel rewards cards.

Overall, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a great choice for those who want to earn travel rewards and maximize their spending. Its sign-up bonus, rewards program, and travel benefits make it a popular choice among frequent travelers. While it does have an annual fee and foreign transaction fees, these drawbacks are offset by the benefits and rewards the card offers.

Read the rest of this article at Chase Sapphire Preferred Sign Up Bonus: 80,000 Bonus Points.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn double miles on Qatar Airways flights. Flights can be any Qatar Airways flight flying to and from Doha or any 5th freedom flight operated by Qatar Airways. Just book a flight and fly between May 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 to earn double redeemable miles.

All bonus miles that are earned via this promotion do not count towards elite status, but are only redeemable miles to use towards award tickets or other places where miles can be redeemed. Bonus miles will not help you get to MVP Gold 100K or mvp gold 75K status faster, but it will help you earn a free trip quicker.

You must register for this promotion before flying Qatar Airways to qualify for the bonus miles.

Qatar Airways & Alaska Airlines Partnership

Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways are both oneworld partners. Ahead of Alaska Airlines joining the OneWorld Alliance, the two airlines started a codeshare agreement. This was primarily launched when Qatar Airways announced service to Seattle and San Francisco. Two of Alaska Airlines hubs. 

Alaska Airline members already earn miles on Qatar Airways flights in all travel classes. With the ultra long haul flights between the United States and Doha, members can earn thousands of miles. The number of miles earned is based on class of service. 

Alaska Airlines Bonus Miles T&Cs

Offer valid on flights operated by Qatar Airways and marketed by Qatar Airways or Alaska Airlines and credited to a Member’s Mileage Plan account. Members must register and book flights for this promotion through June 30, 2023, to receive double miles. Percentage of base miles earned can be viewed on the corresponding Qatar Airways partner page. Double miles offer is valid only on qualifying paid flights booked in fare class F, P, A, J, C, D, I, R, Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, G, T, O and W for travel from May 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. All travel must be completed by June 30, 2023. Member must register for the promotion at www.alaskaair.com/promo/QR2301 before the first qualifying flight. Not valid on free or award travel. Double miles do not count toward Mileage Plan elite status. Please allow four to six weeks for miles to be credited to your Mileage Plan account. All terms and conditions of the Mileage Plan program apply. Offer subject to change without notice.

Earn Additional Bonus Miles

Looking for ways to earn additional bonus miles? Consider an Alaska Airlines Credit card. You can get a $100 statement credit which pays for the first year of card membership and earn, 50,000 bonus miles when you are approved for a new card. Plus every card comes with Alaska’s $99 Famous Companion Fare.  All you have to do to qualify is make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

The Alaska Airlines credit card also comes with these great beneifts:

• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation.
• Priority boarding when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
• Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit including ride share purchases.
• Earn Alaska miles at a rate of 1 per $1 spent on all other purchases.
•  Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account.
• 20% back  on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases – think snacks and booze when flying coach.
• $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• no foreign transaction fees.
• No Cap on miles earned in a calendar year

An Alaska Airline Credit Card is a great way to top off your account with bonus miles and get you flying further for free sooner. Apply for your card now. See Alaska Airlines

Bottom Line

Alaska Airlines is offering double miles to their frequent flyers, aka Mileage Plan members who fly with Qatar Airways in a paid class of service between May 1 and June 30, 2023. As Alaska does not have their own network beyond North America, this is a great promotion for flyers who are opting to fly partner airlines. From Doha to Hong Kong or London to Doha, you can earn bonus miles during this promotion. 

Bonus miles will not be rewarded on award flights. Mileage Plan participants must register for this promotion and fly during the given time to earn the bonus on base miles only. These bonus miles are redeemable miles and not elite qualifying miles.

Read the rest of this article at Alaska Mileage Plan: Earn Double Miles on Qatar Airways.

Are you looking for a summer getaway or maybe an escape to the sunshine next winter? This cruise deal is for you then, but only if you have an American Express credit card. This morning I did find this bonus offer on my American Express Gold Card, the Norwegian Cruise Line Deal is perfect offering a nice discount on any cruise.

If you’re looking for a cruise, also note, these offers work by going directly to the cruise line or you can stack them with exclusive offers from a Travel Agent. When booking through a reputable travel agent, your card is charged directly by the cruise line, not the agency. This allows you to stack any onboard credits or promotions with the American Express promo. 

Do note that Online travel agencies like Costco Travel, Amex Travel or Expedia do not qualify. It has to be a mom and pop like travel agency. Why? Because Travel agents have direct access to the cruise line booking programs. Therefore your credit card doesn’t know the difference between Scott & Thomas Travel booking on Norwegian Cruise Line or a NCL agent booking on their own cruise line.

Are you in need of a travel agent? Reach out to me today. I can not only help you find the perfect cruise, but I can help save you time and money!

Current Amex Offer, Norwegian Cruise Line Deal

The current offer provides American Express Gold card holders with 25,000 bonus Membership Rewards points for spending $1,000. Membership Reward points are valued around 2 cents a piece when redeeming through partners. This equates to $500 in value! Or 50% back. The current promo is good through July 24, 2023.

If you have multiple users, check all your accounts. You may have multiple offers. Last year each of my authorized users had a deal where if we spent $1,000 on a Seabourn Cruise, we received $400 cash back. The offer was on ALL 4 cards and I saved $1,600 on our Seabourn cruise. All while stacking my travel agency offer of $200 onboard credit for each room. A double win!

Bonus Deal for Norwegian Cruise Line

When you select to book through me, instead of going directly to the cruise line, not only will you still earn your 25,000 bonus membership rewards but you will also get any promo that is currently available for Norwegian cruise line. PLUS an exclusive onboard credit! Use it at the bar, towards an excursion, or at the spa! Who doesn’t love free money!? 

Any deal you find on Norwegian Cruise line, we can meet and beat with the onboard credit offer, not available when booking online or via Norwegian Cruise line.

Bottom line

Traveling is making a roaring comeback and cruiselines want to see you back onboard. If you book your cruise adventure through Amex Travel or Costco travel these deals will not apply. But when you use a personalized travel agent, your credit card is charged by the travel operator, not the agency. This allows you to stack both agent specific deals with Amex offers. Maximizing your ROI.

There are several deals available right now, no matter where in the world you may want to go. Both at hotel and resorts and cruise lines. If you’re looking for an expedition or a vacation check out these amazing deals. Most are only available when using a travel agent. 

• $6,500 fares to Antarctica. BOGO
• AmaWaterways Deal: Complimentary River Cruise Land Packages
• 3rd – 5th night free at Select Hyatt Hotels
• 7th night free plus $150 Spa Credit – Sandals Resorts
• BOGO Expeditions to Antarctica, Canary Islands & Galapagos with Hurtriguten.
• 20% off the Arctic + free wifi with Nat Geo
• Kids go 100% on Select Sailings – Nat GEO & Lindblad
• 30% Seabourn Alaska 2023 sailings
• No Solo Supplement Deals – Lindblad
• No Solo Supplement Hurtriguten 

Enjoy exclusive deals on hotels or cruises, but only when using a travel agent and always be sure to stack your savings!

Read the rest of this article at Earn Bonus Rewards On Norwegian Cruise Line.