The next Savvy Travelers meeting is a cruise night February 12 in the San Tan Ballroom of Cottonwood Country Club at 6:30 pm. Come join us – Viking River Cruises will be presenting their new Ocean voyages and exciting itineraries for 2015 and 2016.

Viking has nearly sold out every sailing for the 2015 year except for a few dates in the late fall; 2016 is already seeing nearly 50 percent of their inventory sold as well. They will have three ocean-going ships of 900 passengers in 2016, all with balcony staterooms. All include water, soda, beer and wine. All include free specialty dining venues.

The new District Sales Manager Willy Beumer will have lots to offer at this meet for new bookings made between February 13 and 27; $100 or more of onboard credit, $200 off standard staterooms and some French balcony, $400 off verandah staterooms and $500 off suites. These are $$$ off the lowest price that Viking is offering. In addition he will have some surprising giveaways to folks already booked and for folks looking to book during this time period.

If you want to start the planning process early call Jeanette at 602-909-2000 to book an appointment so the deposit can be made during this special sale.

The March 12 meeting will be presented by Charles Naylor, attorney from San Pedro California. The topic will be “Maritime Personal Injury and How to Navigate You Cruise Ship Injury” and should be informative.

Please Contact Vic Hermann at 480-883-3897; e-mail [email protected] or contact Jeanette Rajamaki, our resident travel agent in Oakwood at 602-909-2000; e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or would like brochures.

Celebrity has some excellent promotions right now with choice of gratuities or beverage package but if sailing in Europe you get both.

Lots of promotions this month with all the cruise companies; call Jeanette for details and brochures.

March 25 – 18 nights – Holland America Easter Hawaiian cruise out of San Diego – includes transportation to the port and includes gratuities; $3995 pp for ocean view stateroom.

May 28 – 12 nights Mediterranean – Roundtrip Barcelona w/overnight in Venice – $100 onboard credit; hosted by Bob Duhon – there is still good availability.

June 11 – 13 days Russian River Cruise – Viking Akun Moscow to St. Petersburg on Volga River with an optional extension to Helsinki, Finland for three days; Tami Bogdanoff to host.

August 24 – 10 nights Cities of Light –Viking Gullveig – Prague to Budapest

September 23 – 10 nights Holland America fall foliage cruise – includes air, one night in New York City and all transfers; ocean view $3795.pp New York to Quebec.

September 26 – 7 nights – West coast sailing includes Monterey, California-San Francisco overnight with Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas; $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

October 15 – 13 days, 11 nights; Israel and Petra, Jordan land tour – includes 2 nights in Tel Aviv, one night in Haifa, one night in Tiberius, five nights in Jerusalem, one night in Petra and one night in Amman. Join Ray and Jeanette Rajamaki.

Cuba – coming soon

Africa – 18 days for April 2017; finalizing details.