Author: Jenna Miller

Avalon Waterways has redefined river cruising with its award-winning Panorama Suites(SM), offering breathtaking river views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. In 2025, explore their exciting new itineraries that delve into Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Avalon is not just cruising; it’s a journey where guests are in the captain’s seat, navigating extraordinary experiences and boundless exploration. Step aboard their modern, luxurious Suite Ships® and discover how the tides are changing. Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

Avalon Waterways’ Award-Winning Panorama Suites

Avalon Waterways has revolutionized river cruising comfort with its Panorama Suites aboard the Suite Ships®. These suites are not just accommodations, but luxurious retreats designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the European rivers.

Distinct from traditional cruise ship cabins, Avalon’s Panorama Suites feature floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, turning the entire room into a panoramic viewing deck. Beds are angled to face these expansive windows, ensuring guests wake up to stunning views of the river and its surroundings. With 200 square feet of space, the suites provide ample room to relax, including a comfortable sitting area, large bathrooms with full shower amenities, and plush bedding.

The standout feature of these suites is the Open-Air BalconySM concept. Instead of a traditional step-out balcony, the panoramic windows slide open to transform the entire living space into a balcony, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors. Whether cruising along the Rhine, the Seine, or the Danube, the Panorama Suites offer the perfect vantage point to enjoy Europe’s breathtaking vistas.

These suites have earned Avalon Waterways numerous awards, including accolades for having some of the best cabins in river cruising. Guests frequently praise the spacious, modern design and the enhanced cruising experience.

Avalon’s New Itineraries

Grand France for Jazz Lovers

In 2025, Avalon introduces the “Grand France for Jazz Lovers,” offering a 15-day river cruise from Arles to Paris, blending France’s breathtaking landscapes with vibrant jazz experiences. The journey begins on the Rhône River in Arles, featuring historical site visits and onboard jazz performances, including the Vienne Jazz Festival. As the cruise sails north, travelers will explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, the medieval town of Tournon, and Lyon’s culinary delights. The itinerary continues along the Saône and Seine Rivers to visit the historic Normandy Landing Beaches, Rouen, and either Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Malmaison. The journey concludes

in Paris, where guests will experience guided tours of iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, promising an unforgettable blend of jazz, history, and French charm.

Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps

New for 2025, Avalon Waterways’ “Romantic Rhine with Swiss Alps” offers a 12-day journey from Lake Como to Amsterdam. The adventure begins with three nights in Lake Como, exploring its historic district, Gothic Town Hall, and Duomo, followed by a boat ride. In Lucerne, spend one night with a guided tour featuring the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge, and an excursion to the Swiss Alps, including options like Mount Pilatus or Stanserhorn. The Rhine River cruise then departs from Basel, Switzerland, and sails through France, Germany, and Holland. Highlights include the Black Forest, Strasbourg’s Gothic cathedral, Heidelberg Castle, and Mainz’s Gutenberg Museum. Guests will explore Rüdesheim’s wine culture, the scenic Rhine Gorge, and Cologne’s Gothic cathedral. The journey concludes in Amsterdam, with a canal cruise through the city’s historic grachten, visits to world-class museums, and the vibrant modern capital of Holland.

This itinerary provides an unforgettable experience for those wishing to explore the heart of France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, known for its world-renowned wines, charming villages, and exquisite châteaux. Starting and ending in Bordeaux, guests will sail through one of France’s most legendary wine regions, experiencing its rich cultural and architectural heritage. This itinerary features Avalon’s signature Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions, allowing guests to delve into the history of regal castles, savor fine wines in romantic cellars, or explore the countryside through biking or panoramic drives. Key highlights include visits to famous wine estates, local cuisine tastings, and a seaside excursion to Arcachon, where guests can enjoy fresh seafood, including oysters from the region’s famous oyster beds. Avalon elevates this journey with exclusive experiences that capture the beauty, culture, and traditions of southwest France.

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Introduced in 2024, “Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro” is an 8-day river cruise exploring Portugal’s legendary Douro Valley from Porto. Known as the “River of Gold,” the Douro River winds through Portugal’s most scenic landscapes, where centuries-old vineyards and quaint villages produce some of the country’s finest wines and gastronomic delights. Aboard the Avalon AlegriaSM, the newest addition to Avalon’s fleet of Suite Ships®, guests will experience timeless traditions, family-run farms, and the soul-stirring melodies of Fado music. Key highlights include guided tours of Braga and Guimarães, tastings in Peso da Régua and Lamego, and visits to traditional farms. Guests will explore Freixo de Numão and Freixo de Espada à Cinta, with their traditional granite houses and Gothic windows, and tour

the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for Paleolithic rock art. The cruise culminates in Porto, with its stunning UNESCO-listed Historical Centre offering a perfect conclusion to the journey through the dazzling Douro Valley.

Welcome Aboard Avalon Waterways

With Avalon Waterways, river cruising is transformed into unforgettable journeys through Europe’s most captivating landscapes. Experience the luxury of the Panorama Suites and explore new and exciting itineraries that promise to enhance your river cruising adventure.

For more information on Avalon Waterways river cruises or for help with your next vacation, contact Adelman Vacations at 800-749-7116 or 417-888-4488, or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Sponsored by St. Kitts Tourism Authority

This winter, your clients are dreaming of an escape to an island with warm tropical breezes, sandy beaches and innumerable things to discover. It’s somewhere countless beach bars serve tropical delights and a warm smile greets at every turn. A place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea in a thousand shades of blue. Some call it paradise. We call it St. Kitts.

For those who like to have their adventures in the water, St. Kitts offers even more to explore on or below its sparkling blue seas. Divers and snorkelers will be mesmerized by the pristine underwater environment of the island, with plentiful wrecks, reefs, and shoals that are teeming with colorful marine life beneath the surface. Above it, fun can be found on catamaran sails, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, and even windsurfing and flyboarding for the ultimate in exhilaration.

From towering mountain peaks to sandy shores, the scenic natural landscape lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of activities. Visitors will find it easy to reconnect with nature and become immersed in the sights and sounds of St. Kitts’ rainforest. Many a thrill-seeker has let out an ecstatic yell when flying high above the rainforest canopy on ziplines up to 1,000 feet long. Others may prefer to get their kicks by bouncing along in an open-air Jeep safari through the rolling hills and fields outside Basseterre or to drive their own ATV, dashing down dirt roads and laughing aloud when splashing through the occasional mud puddle.

If thrill seeking adventure is not your preference, experienced guides can take you through the rainforest and point out plants like the touch-sensitive “shy lady” along with certain tree barks and leaves often used by locals to make home remedies or teas. Tailored to suit a guest’s desired activity level, scenic hikes range from strolls along the winding trails to more challenging climbs up the island’s tallest peak, which rises 3,792 feet above the sea.

However, what makes St. Kitts truly unique is its history and rich culture. Kittitians are a warm, friendly people who are proud to greet visitors with their biggest smiles. For passengers riding aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, they’ll see schoolchildren run excitedly toward the train and wave hello as it passes by. Lovingly nicknamed the “Sugar Train,” it is also a piece of living history, as it travels clickety-clack along the track initially built to carry sugar cane from the plantations to the factory in Basseterre.

History buffs will also delight in the majestic Brimstone Hill Fortress. Set high atop a volcanic outcropping, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the largest and best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. The climb to the top is well worth the effort, as panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands unfold. Nearby, watch batik being handmade by local artisans using the traditional wax and dye method dating back hundreds of years, then shop for the fabrics in the gift shop at Caribelle Batik factory.

To truly experience St. Kitts’ culture, the best thing to do is to sample the local food. Pick a restaurant frequented by the island residents and order an authentic West Indian dish such as roti, freshly grilled lobster or conch chowder. The delicious combinations of flavors reflect ingredients grown locally, sourced by the restaurant’s owners in the market or bough straight from a fishermen’s catch. Visitors just need to be prepared if they try the local hot sauces, since they’re known to be quite potent!

In addition to dining out, another great way to meet and interact with the local people is to visit the Frigate Bay Strip at night. Set on a half-mile stretch of beach, this stretch of beach bar after beach bar is a popular hangout for both locals and visitors alike. Here, everyone sips on their cocktails with their toes in the sand and enjoys a good “lime” – which is the local term for kicking back, relaxing and just enjoying the island life.

We are writing to inform you of recent updates from American Airlines (AA) regarding their AAdvantage Business™ program that may impact your travel arrangements.

Earn Company Points via TMC Bookings

Effective immediately, businesses enrolled in the AAdvantage Business™ program can now earn points on bookings made through Travel Management Companies (TMCs), as well as directly with AA. This means your company and travelers will earn rewards regardless of how travel is booked. With the AAdvantage Business™ program, companies earn 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent, while travelers earn additional Loyalty Points toward their status.

Reintroduction of Fares into EDIFACT

AA has also reintroduced certain fares back into the EDIFACT distribution system, which were previously removed. This adjustment aims to streamline the booking process and ensure comprehensive fare information is accessible to travel managers and agents.

No Action Needed from Travel Managers

Please be assured that no action is required on your part to enable these benefits. Your employees will automatically start earning points on eligible bookings made through TMCs.

Email Notifications from AA

You may receive emails from AA regarding individuals booking travel that aren’t linked to your company’s AAdvantage Business™ program. AA has indicated that these emails can be disregarded, and unfortunately, there is currently no way to deactivate these notifications.

Name Change Waivers for AAdvantage Business™ Members

Later this year, AA will introduce the ability for agencies to process name change waivers for AAdvantage Business™ members. This feature will be available for any business traveler who is part of the AAdvantage Business™ program, even without a contracted corporate account.

Join the AAdvantage Business™ Program for Free

If your business is not yet part of the AAdvantage Business™ program, it is free to join and offers several benefits designed to enhance your business travel experience. For more information and to enroll, please visit aa.com/aadvantagebusiness.

At Adelman, we aim to keep you informed of important industry updates that impact your travel programs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Client Success Manager.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Adelman Discoveries’ river cruise partner, AMADEUS River Cruises, debuted their newest ship this month, the AMADEUS Nova. The Nova will begin sailing on the Rhine and Danube rivers, both celebrated for their beautiful scenery, rich history and unique cultural traditions.

AMADEUS River Cruises is renowned for their spacious and luxurious ships, premium amenities, modern design and commitment to sustainability. A recipient of the river cruise industry’s prestigious Green Award, AMADEUS is committed to protecting the environment, and they continuously set the bar by finding new ways to improve sustainable river travel. All of AMADEUS’ ships are equipped with state-of-the-art water treatment plants that recycle the water used onboard; disposable plastic containers are eschewed in favor of glass dispensers and water bottles; and many items used onboard are turned into raw material in order to be repurposed.

The AMADEUS Nova, with its innovative shipping technology, will set new environmental protection standards on rivers. Some of the newest sustainable innovations on the Nova include:

· A hybrid diesel-electric drive that significantly reduces emissions, a powerful battery that ensures maximum engine power, and main engines that almost completely eliminate the emission of air pollutants

· Solar panels that feed electric energy into the ship’s circuit and heat recovery systems that make the heat from the electric engine room and public areas reusable

· Highly insulated glass that minimizes heat loss in winter and heat penetration through windows and glazed areas in summer

With the dawn of their newest ship, AMADEUS is focused on elevating sustainable travel practices while at the same time providing a new style of luxury cruising. While the Nova borrows from the design of some of AMADEUS earlier new generation ships, it is unique in that it feels much more spacious with features such as:

· Four decks with elegant, wind-protected lounge areas

· A heated swimming pool on the sundeck and more open-air areas

· Comfortable and spacious staterooms and suites with panoramic windows, full dropdown windows, or walkout exterior balconies.

· More 5-star amenities that meets travelers’ demands for luxury and comfort

Previous Adelman Discoveries journeys with AMADEUS include cruises on the Rhine, Seine, and Danube rivers. Adelman Discoveries is currently planning a Christmas Markets cruise aboard the AMADEUS Nova. For additional information on the Christmas Markets cruise or any other Adelman Discoveries cruise, please visit www.adelmandiscoveries.com.

As communicated on April 22, we began offering NDC content, starting with American and United Airlines, to all Adelman customers on May 1st. With NDC now supported by 19 airlines worldwide, Adelman Travel is continuing to integrate fares from the remaining carriers through a phased strategy.

We are pleased to announce that Adelman’s travel agents have access to all NDC content for offline (full agent service) transactions via the Sabre GDS. This will be included in our regular fare search process to ensure we offer and book the best possible content for our customers.

For online transactions via the new Concur Travel booking tool, we are working with our corporate customers to transition their online booking tool to the new Concur travel user experience. All fares and NDC content will be available for travelers to view and purchase.

Your client success manager will provide additional details. Meanwhile, you can download and share the traveler communication and quick card training overview which highlights the changes in the new Concur Travel booking tool.

Exciting Updates on SAP Concur Travel’s New Experience!

We’re delighted to see so many of our customers enjoying the new self-service features with SAP Concur EOT and NDC content. Our commitment to providing the latest capabilities and enhancements remains steadfast as we continue to roll out new updates.

In response to the questions from our recent webinar on May 7, we have put together a comprehensive Q&A document. You can access the FAQ here.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Adelman Client Success Manager.

Globus Choice Tours feature an exciting menu of YourChoice excursions – personalized

experiences allowing you to customize your vacation in at least two ways on every YourChoice

day – no other touring company offers such flexibility. From serene nature walks to captivating

wine flights, the options are endless and included in the package price. With twelve Choice

Tours across Europe and North America, these special journeys are changing the way people

tour!

Here’s a selection of our Choice Tours in Europe:

On “Hot Tam!: Scotland By Design” you get to customize your experience amidst the rich

tapestry of haggis, history, Outlander landscapes, and whisky trails. This 9-day Scottish

adventure from Edinburgh to Glasgow offers a menu of complimentary YourChoice Excursions

in Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Inverness, and Glasgow empowering you to shape your journey

according to your preferences. Dive into the heart of Scotland’s culture and landscapes,

blending iconic destinations with off-the-beaten-path treasures throughout the Lowlands and

Highlands. Chill out as you relax and rejuvenate in the restorative waters of the Pitlochry Spa,

indulging in traditional afternoon tea amidst spectacular views. Or choose to gaze upon castle

stones and enjoy tea with scones in a Highland market town, or tee off for a round of golf

amidst sweeping views and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. The choice is yours.

The 7-day Italian tour, “That’s Amore!: Italy By Design,” is a journey that encapsulates La Dolce

Vita through captivating sights, delectable treats, and culinary wonders. Whether you’re

indulging in truffle hunting, immersing in the legacy of St. Francis, or savoring the essence of

olive oil, the itinerary offers an array of experiences. Trace the footsteps of a 16th-century

painter or traverse the enchanting streets of Trastevere; explore Florence by bike or through

the elegance of Salvatore Ferragamo’s creations. With the added bonus of YourChoice

Excursions, bid “Ciao, Italia” in your preferred style, be it admiring frescoes, embracing fashion,

or relishing fortresses and cuisine. Included excursions in Rome, Spoleto, and Florence add

depth to the journey, offering experiences like olive oil tastings in Spoleto, retracing the steps

of Saint Francis, and embarking on a truffle-hunting adventure in Umbria.

“Art & Soul: Portugal By Design,” takes you on an 8-day journey from Lisbon to Porto where

you’re invited to immerse yourself in a myriad of experiences, from savoring sparkling wine to

delving into soulful Fado music. Whether you choose to roll along the river on a bike or cruise

through the Ria de Aveiro by boat, the options are as diverse as the pastel-hued palaces of

Sintra or the bustling streets of Lisbon. With complimentary YourChoice Excursions, you dictate

the rhythm of your adventure, embracing cinematic scenery, soul-stirring traditions, and

centuries-old history throughout northwestern Portugal. From medieval marvels to mellow

vintages, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration.

Perfect for travelers of all ages, from grandparents to grandkids!

Globus Choice Tours cater to multi-generational travel, ensuring that there’s something for

everyone, regardless of age or interest. With YourChoice Days, family members can select

excursions that align with their passions, adding a personalized touch to the journey. From

exploring ancient ruins with grandparents to indulging in culinary delights with parents or

embarking on outdoor adventures with children, these tours offer opportunities for shared

experiences and cherished memories across generations. With a minimum age requirement of

5 years old, Globus Choice Tours, foster an inclusive environment where families can embark on

European adventures together, creating unforgettable moments that will be treasured for years

to come.

Globus Choice Tours offer a captivating array of experiences, from the vibrant rhythms of

Portugal to the romantic allure of Italy and the cultural treasures of Scotland. With the

flexibility of YourChoice days, you can personalize your itinerary to suit your preferences,

ensuring a truly unforgettable journey through Europe. Whether traveling solo, with family, or

among friends, Globus Choice Tours promise to inspire, enrich, and delight at every turn