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In This Issue

March and Beyond Events & Webinars
Brilliant Caribbean in February! Explora-tion Station
Singles – Is This What You’ve Been Looking For?
Check out Explora Journeys cruises with Reduced (25%) or Zero Solo Supplement
New Viking Itinerary:

Viking’s New Ohio & Mississippi River Cruises

March Specials
Update on UK and European Union Visas
Links to Past Newsletters
The Last Laugh

March and Beyond Events & Webinars

Here are some of the events Carol and Tracie are presenting in March.

We hope you can join us for one of them!

March 6th (Friday) – Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC

Ice Cream Social - 2:30-3:15pm (Rivers) 3:30- 4:45pm (Oceans)

Lakehouse Bayside Room

March 7th (Saturday) – Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC

Home and Garden Expo -10am-1pm – Platinum Sponsor

March 11th (Wednesday) – Cresswind Peachtree City, Peachtree City, GA

Ice Cream Social - 1:30-2:45pm

March 11th (Wednesday) – Sun City Carolina Lakes, Fort Mill, SC (Charlotte area)

Ice Cream Social – Viking Rivers - 1:30-2:45 am – Featuring Tracie Mosley

March 11th (Wednesday) – Del Webb Carolina Orchards, Fort Mill, SC

(Charlotte area)

Light refreshments and Viking Rivers - 6:00-7:30 pm – Featuring Tracie Mosley

March 12th (Thursday) – Encore at Streamside, Waxhaw, NC

Brunch and Learn - 10:00-11:15pm – Featuring Tracie Mosley

March 12th (Thursday) – TreeTops Lancaster, SC (Charlotte area)

Ice Cream Social - 2:30-3:45pm – Featuring Tracie Mosley

Webinar: Thursday, March 12th at 2pm

Viking Oceans Itinerary: Empires of the Mediterranean

Registration Link: Empires of the Mediterranean

Webinar: Thursday, March 19th at 2pm

      Viking Oceans Itinerary: Alaska and the Inside Passage

Registration Link: Alaska and the Inside Passage

March 20th (Friday) - Del Webb Nexton, Summerville, South Carolina

Ice Cream Social - 3:00-5:00 pm – Featuring Tracie Mosley

March 21st (Saturday) – Del Webb Cane Bay, Summerville, South Carolina

Home and Garden Show - 10:00am-1:00 pm

Brilliant Caribbean in February!

Explora-tion Station

When we left Georgia for this voyage, it was actually snowing, so escaping to the Caribbean felt especially wonderful. We boarded Explora Journeys and quickly settled into a wonderfully relaxed rhythm of travel.

The ship has such an elegant, peaceful atmosphere, and it was a joy to spend time with several Imagine Going There guests who happened to be sailing with us.

We enjoyed sharing dinners together onboard and occasionally running into one another while exploring ashore, which made the trip feel even more special.

Lynn, Keith, Carol & Doug at San Juan Fortress

This particular itinerary sailed round-trip from Miami and explored several lovely Caribbean destinations including Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and the beautiful island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each stop offered its own personality, from colorful historic streets and coastal forts to pristine beaches and lush tropical scenery. It was the perfect combination of cultural exploration and easy island relaxation.

Gustavia, St. Barthélemy (St. Barts)

Lynn & Keith at San Juan Fortress

Many of you know that most of our clients sail with Viking, so it was interesting to experience some of the differences with Explora Journeys. While Viking includes a shore excursion in every port, Explora takes a different approach and allows guests to choose excursions individually if they wish.

What really stands out with Explora is the onboard experience. The dining is exceptional, with several restaurants offering beautifully prepared meals and a variety of cuisines, and the overall atmosphere feels very elevated and relaxed.

It’s a wonderful option for travelers who enjoy a luxurious ship experience paired with beautiful destinations.

Spending time in the warm Caribbean sunshine after leaving winter weather behind made this sailing especially enjoyable, and it was such a pleasure to share parts of the journey with members of our Imagine Going There community along the way!

Beautiful beaches of Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

If you want to see a closer look at our itinerary we did on this cruise, watch it here:
A Journey of Paradise Coves & Puerto Rican Spirits.

Singles - Is This What You’ve Been Looking For?

(And spoiler, see below for special NO - Single Supplement fares with Explora!)

From Steve P:

"Hi Carol, I'm just back from my Caribbean cruise on Explora 1.

It was just as fantastic as my Mediterranean cruise on Explora 2 (which was my first cruise ever). I'm a fairly critical foodie and wine drinker, and this cruise again exceeded anything I was expecting.

Every single meal was excellent, and the wine selection was exceptional.

I attended a special wine tasting of the top Antinori wines which was a real treat, and the Chefs Tasting Menu with wine pairings in Anthology, which was elegant and excellent.

I sat between two different wonderful couples from England who just serendipitously were both in the advertising business, as was I, so we had a really fun evening.

Carol, I can't thank you enough for introducing me to Explora, and for all the great service you and your team provide, but thank you!!!"

Check out these Explora itineraries with reduced (25%) or Zero Solo Supplement!

A Grand Journey through Atlantic Breezes and Mediterranean Grace –

March 12, 2026

A Journey into Caribbean Exploration & Island Delights - Nov 1, 2026

A Journey of Romantic Turquoise Shores & Archaeological Wonders – Nov 9, 2026

A Journey of Blissful Escapes & Island Splendor – Nov 15, 2026

A Journey through Mayan Marvels, Rich Reefs & Ocean Serenity – Nov 17, 2026

There are many 25% Solo Supplement journeys from now through 2028 and more information can be found by calling or emailing us and asking for the Explora Solo Supplement flyer.

New Mississippi Itinerary!

NEW for 2027 — Hot off the Viking press!

Great news for our river cruising friends! Viking has just announced brand new Mississippi and Ohio River itineraries for 2027! These journeys focus on the heart & soul of America, blending history, music, culture, and charming river towns into unforgettable sailings.

First up is Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass, a 15-day journey that travels from New Orleans to Louisville. This itinerary is a wonderful way to experience the Deep South and the Ohio River Valley, with stops that highlight Civil War history, classic river towns, and the musical traditions that gave us blues and bluegrass. It’s a rich, story-filled voyage that really brings this region to life.

NEW! Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass

Viking is also introducing Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer, an 8-day itinerary between Memphis and Louisville. This shorter sailing is perfect if you want a meaningful river cruise experience in a more compact timeframe, with a focus on culture, music, and the unique character of the towns along the river.

NEW! Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer

Both of these itineraries are brand new for 2027, and they are already generating a lot of excitement. If exploring America’s great rivers has been on your wish list,

this is a wonderful opportunity to be among the first!

March 2026 - Viking Special Offers until the 31^st

Remember, these won’t be published on the website, and you won’t get these prices by calling into Viking, either.

We have the special codes to provide the best savings,

so call us at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com!

River Cruises

Reduced Cruise fare & Up to *Free Air from Mainland US gateways

on 2026 sailings

Castles, Vineyards & Villages (8 Days, Nuremberg to Amsterdam)

Starts at $2,999; June departure

Capitals of Eastern Europe (17 days, Vienna to Bucharest)

Starts at $6,499; June-Aug departure

Cities of Light (12 days, Prague to Paris)

Starts at $3,299; July-November departure

Chateaux, Rivers & Wine (8 days, Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion to Bordeaux)

Starts at $2,949; July-August departure

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy (8 days; Roundtrip: Paris, France)

Starts at $3,299; December departure

Danube Waltz (8 days, Passau to Budapest)

Starts at $2,399; July-November departure

The Elegant Elbe (10 days, Prague to Berlin)

Starts at $3,599; June-July, Sept-Nov departure

Grand European Tour (15 days, Amsterdam to Budapest)

Starts at $4,999; June-November departure

Holland & Belgium (10 Days, Amsterdam to Antwerp)

Starts at $3,099; July-November departure

London, Paris & D-Day (12 Days, London to Paris)

Starts at $5,499; July-November departure

Lyon & Provence (8 days, Avignon to Lyon)

Starts at $2,799; July-November departure

Magnificent Mekong River Cruise (15 Days, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)

Starts at $5,999; Aug – Dec departure

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days, round-trip Paris)

Starts at $2,849; July-November departure

Paris to the Swiss Alps (12 days, Paris to Zurich)

Starts at $3,299; July-November departure

Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days, Lisbon to Porto)

Starts at $4,499; June-November departure

Passage to Eastern Europe (11 days, Bucharest to Budapest)

Starts at $3,599; Apr-November departure

Romantic Danube (8 days, Budapest to Regensburg)

Starts at $2,399; July-November departure

Rhine & Main Explorer (11 Days, Nuremberg to Basel)

Starts at $3,499; May-November departure

Expeditions

Up to *Free Airfare, Free Stateroom Upgrade for 2026 sailings

Into the Northwest Passage (15 Days, Nuuk to Nuuk)

Starts at $9,995pp; Jul 19, 31; Aug 12, 24; Sep 17

Great Lakes Collection (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Duluth, MN)

Starts at $13,995pp; Jun 7, 2026

Canada & Greenland Explorer (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Nuuk)

Starts at $9,995pp; Jul 5, 2026

Great Lakes Treasures (10 Days, Milwaukee to Milwaukee)

Starts at $9,995pp; Jun 27, 2026

Oceans

Reduced Int'l Airfare, Free Stateroom Upgrade plus SBC (from $500 up to $1000 per couple)

Amalfi Coast, Africa, & Iberia (8 Days; Rome to Barcelona)

Starts at $2999; 2026 - Dec: 23; 2027 - Jan: 5; Feb: 16, 25; Mar: 2, 16

Ancient Adriatic Treasures (15 Days, Venice to Istanbul)

Starts at $5598; 2027 - Mar: 10, 11

Ancient Mediterranean Antiquities (15 days, Istanbul to Rome)

Starts at $4798; 2026 - Nov: 7, 14, 21; Dec: 8, 9, 22, 30; 2027 - Jan: 6, 13, 20; Feb: 24

Ancient Mediterranean Treasures (8 Days, Istanbul to Athens)

Starts at $2599; 2026 - Nov: 7, 14, 21; Dec: 2, 9, 15, 22; 2027 - Jan: 6, 13, 20; Mar: 3, 10, 18, 25

Cities of Antiquity (15 Days, Rome to Athens)

Starts at $3999; 2026 - Dec: 22; 2027 - Jan: 19

Gems of the Mediterranean (15 Days; Roundtrip: Barcelona, Spain)

Starts at $6598; 2027 - Feb: 23, 25; Mar: 9

Greek Odyssey (11 days, round-trip Athens)

Starts at $3599; 2026 - Nov: 20; Dec: 3, 12; 2027 - Jan: 19; Feb: 22; Mar: 4

Iconic Western Mediterranean (8 Days, Barcelona to Rome)

Starts at $2599; 2026 - Oct: 7, 14, 16, 17, 24, 27, 31; Nov: 4, 10, 11, 18, 25; Dec: 1, 5, 7, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30; 2027 - Jan: 12, 17, 27, 28; Feb: 3, 5, 8, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26; Mar: 4, 9, 19, 23, 28, 31

Italian Sojourn (8 days, Rome to Venice)

Starts at $3599; 2026 - Nov: 3, 4, 11, 18; 2027 - Mar: 4, 5, 21, 24, 26, 30

Italy, the Adriatic & Greece (15 days, Athens to Rome)

Starts at $5398; 2026 - Oct: 27, 28; Nov: 4; 2027 - Mar: 4, 5, 14, 17, 19

Jewels of the Mediterranean (15 Days; Roundtrip: Rome, Italy; includes Tunisia)

Starts at $5598; 2026 - Dec: 23; 2027 - Jan: 5; Feb: 16, 18; Mar: 2, 16

Journey to Antiquities (8 days, Rome to Athens)

Starts at $2599; 2026 - Nov: 3, 7, 21, 28, 30; Dec: 2, 8, 9, 13, 16, 29, 30; 2027 - Jan: 3, 6, 10, 20, 27, 29; Feb: 4, 11, 15, 24

Mediterranean & Adriatic Odyssey (15 Days, Rome to Athens)

Starts at $4499; 2026 - Nov: 28; 2027 - Jan: 5; Feb: 2

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece (8 Days, Venice to Athens)

Starts at $3799; 2026 - Oct: 7, 21, 27; Nov: 4; 2027 - Mar: 11, 12, 14, 17, 19

*Free Air from Mainland US gateways on select sailings. Not all sailings have free air.

EES for European Countries

We have been receiving questions recently around the new EES (Entry/Exit System) being implemented in Europe and if travelers need to do anything in advance. This is different from ETIAS that has not yet been implemented.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new European Union automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals for short stays in the Schengen Area, replacing traditional passport stamping with the collection of biometric data like fingerprints and facial images. Starting October 12, 2025, the system will be phased in over six months with the expectation that once implemented it will make border checks more efficient. Travelers do not need to do anything advance. When non-EU nationals cross an external EU border, they will use self-service kiosks to scan their passport, provide a facial image, and give fingerprints. If you would like more information about the EES you can visit this link.

**PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE TRAVELING TO THE UK***

UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running!!! You must submit if disembarking in the UK.

The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure. (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need an ETA if you are only going through the airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)

This application costs £16 and is done online or on your phone. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.

Carol recently did it over her phone using this QR code. It was a clear and fairly easy process as long as you read the prompts closely.

CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”. However, you will end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website. You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you have the correct information.

ETIAS for European Countries

We are continuing to monitor when this will start, and the EU recently announced it will not start until the last quarter of 2026. Viking has told us they will be sending out announcements to travelers once it finally goes into effect and the European Union will inform about the start of the ETIAS several months prior to it’s launch. Click here for the official ETIAS website.

One less thing to have to think about – at least for now!

The Last Laugh

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”

- Oscar Wilde

About Imagine Going There Travel

Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.

Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.

Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.

Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most

P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.

P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!