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Safari Newsletter Dated April 15, 2013

Dear Vacations To Go Customer,

Vacations To Go is the world's largest seller of oceangoing cruises and river cruises, and among the top sellers of escorted tours and basic air-and-hotel packages. If you browse our sites, you'll find travel options for every interest and budget.

From Caribbean cruises on megaships to river cruises along the Danube, Mississippi and Yangtze, and from safaris in Africa to tropical all-inclusive resorts, we're here to help you see the world at the lowest possible price, in whatever style you choose.

Today, I'd like to tell you about some of the best and most-trusted companies throughout the travel industry, leaders in their segments, along with special discounts and deals for Vacations To Go customers. Some of the cruise line offers include free shipboard credits, which are as good as cash on board and can be used to pay for almost anything not included in the upfront cost of the cruise, including alcoholic beverages, boutique items, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Just click any link for more information.



Trafalgar offers one of the best selections of vacations around the world, delivering an incredible value and an authentic insider experience you just can't get traveling on your own.

For one price, you'll receive high-quality, centrally located hotels, transportation between cities by luxury coach, a Welcome Reception with drinks, daily breakfasts and many dinners. Admission to popular attractions is included -- and with preferential access, you won't wait in long lines.

Plus, you'll get Trafalgar's Insider Experiences. These include the exclusive Be My Guest program, which treats travelers to an authentic local dining experience in a unique venue, like a 17th-century family farm in France or an olive-growing estate in Tuscany. Hidden Treasures are off-the-beaten-path gems shared by your Travel Director. Local Specialties introduce you to a region's crafts, customs and foods; learn how whisky is distilled in Scotland or visit a chocolate factory in Argentina, for example.

Trafalgar's itineraries offer the perfect balance of included sightseeing, optional excursions and free time. Choose from several travel styles, including the popular At Leisure trips, which have a relaxed pace, more free time, no starts before 9 a.m. and stays of at least two to three nights in visited destinations. Hassle-free Family Experiences are full of activities designed to help parents, kids and grandparents discover the world together.

Vacations To Go has negotiated several money-saving deals with Trafalgar, including discounts of up to 5% off guided vacations in Europe when you book and pay in full by April 30. Click here to see all promotions and departures with Trafalgar.



Royal Caribbean is known for its large, innovative ships and creative amenities. Rock-climbing walls and ice-skating rinks are among the unusual features passengers will find on many of the line's ships. Aboard the largest vessels in the fleet -- the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas -- look for ziplines, FlowRider wave simulators for surfing, inward-facing balcony cabins and the outdoor, oceanside AquaTheater.

The Oasis and the Allure each boast seven distinctive "neighborhoods," like Central Park (planted with more than 12,000 live trees and plants), the Royal Promenade (an interior boulevard flanked by eateries, lounges and shops) and The Youth Zone (the largest children's play area at sea).

For the first time, the Oasis of the Seas will offer cruises in Europe, sailing three Mediterranean cruises in fall 2014. Two 12-night trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises -- with plenty of days at sea -- will give guests ample opportunity to sample the onboard amenities, entertainment and many dining experiences.

Royal Caribbean is in the process of updating its ships, extending the most popular Oasis-class features to more vessels. Enhancements include the addition of new specialty restaurants and entertainment options, poolside movie screens and nurseries. Ten ships completed their Royal Advantage updates in 2011 and 2012, and the rest will be revitalized in 2013 and 2014.

Right now, Royal Caribbean is offering our customers exclusive shipboard credits of up to $150 per stateroom on a variety of cruises departing through January 2014.

Click here for more information about Royal Caribbean and its fleet of 21 ships.



Viking River Cruises made history last month when it christened 10 brand-new Viking Longships in a single day. The ceremony on March 20 was recognized by the Guinness World Records for the most ships inaugurated in one day by one company.

Four of the christenings took place in front of spectators in Amsterdam, while the remaining six were conducted live via satellite from a German shipyard. Each vessel had its own ceremonial godmother.

In all, 14 Viking Longships currently sail for the company. Two more are expected to launch later this year, and an additional eight vessels are scheduled to debut in 2014, bringing the total number of Viking Longships to 24.

Each Viking Longship accommodates 190 guests who can choose from a variety of staterooms. Two Explorer Suites -- among the largest river cruise suites in Europe -- measure 445 square feet each and feature a separate living room and bedroom and a private wraparound veranda complete with 270-degree views. Seven two-room Veranda Suites include a full-size veranda in the living room plus a French balcony in the bedroom. There are 39 Veranda Staterooms, each with a full-size veranda, and 22 French Balcony Staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open.

Viking Longships have energy-efficient, hybrid engines that offer a quiet ride and also feature solar panels and organic herb gardens on their sundecks. The indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, a Viking exclusive, at the bow features retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and is an ideal area for sightseeing, relaxing and casual dining.

Your companion cruises and flies for free from select gateways on eligible 2014 Viking departures when you book and pay in full by May 31. Click here to see all 2-for-1 deals from Viking, as well as every Viking itinerary.



The outstanding onboard experience and fascinating itineraries of Regent Seven Seas Cruises have drawn my family to the line for four different voyages over the years. I can attest that cruising just doesn't get any better than it is on this six-star line, known for top-notch service, fantastic gourmet cuisine and wonderful enrichment programs.

Two of the line's three ships -- Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner -- pamper 700 guests in all-balcony, all-suite accommodations. The Seven Seas Navigator carries just 490 passengers in all-suite, ocean-view accommodations, most of which have private balconies.

The upfront price of a Regent cruise includes all beverages, even unlimited wines, beers and spirits. Free prepaid gratuities also are included. There is no charge to dine in the specialty restaurants or for 24-hour room service; you even can enjoy in-suite dining served course by course during restaurant hours. In each port of call, Regent provides unlimited complimentary shore excursions.

Passengers who book higher categories receive concierge-level amenities such as priority, pre-departure online reservations for shore excursions and specialty restaurants, as well as in-suite binoculars, coffee brewer and cashmere blanket.

Regent is offering Vacations To Go customers deeply discounted fares -- save up to 73% -- plus shipboard credits of up to $900 per stateroom on select sailings. And, receive free unlimited Internet on certain departures.

Click here for a full list of Regent cruises.



Celebrity Cruises sails the seven seas on a fleet of ships ranging in size from the Celebrity Xpedition, which carries just 98 passengers on cruises of the Galapagos Islands, to the Solstice-class ships, which accommodate more than 2,800 guests.

Celebrity's fifth and final Solstice-class ship, Celebrity Reflection, debuted last October. Popular Solstice-class features, such as the AquaSpa and the Lawn Club -- a top-deck expanse of real grass -- are represented. It also has the newer venues introduced on sister ship Celebrity Silhouette in 2011, such as the Lawn Club Grill, an interactive, outdoor grill experience; The Alcoves, a cabana-style retreat; and the Art Studio, with hands-on instruction in subjects like painting, drawing, beading, mixology and cooking.

Celebrity is offering Vacations To Go customers exclusive shipboard credits of up to $425 per stateroom on a variety of cruises and cruise tours. Plus, receive free prepaid gratuities (a value of up to $30 per day) on select sailings.

Click here for links to all of Celebrity's ships.



Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's premier all-inclusive resort brands, with locations in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil. These properties are known for great food, attentive service and a wide variety of included amenities and activities.

All meals and beverages, nonmotorized water sports, many daytime activities and some evening entertainment options are included in the upfront price. In some locations, there are several Iberostar hotels in one complex and guests have privileges at neighboring properties.

Iberostar has some terrific offers for our customers who want an easy-to-budget tropical getaway. The savings are factored into the rates provided when you use the Find A Deal quote tool on our resort website. All offers must be booked by April 30. Click the links below for more details about the eligible resorts, including room category information, or to shop for a great price.

Pay reduced rates for a fall getaway at select Iberostar properties. This applies to stays of three nights or more between August 13 and October 31.

Kids stay and eat for free at certain Iberostar resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. This applies to stays between May 1 and December 23.

Save up to 40% at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in Jamaica, plus kids stay free, when you stay between now and June 24.

Pay reduced rates for a summer vacation at certain Iberostar properties on Mexico's Caribbean coast. This is valid for stays of three nights or more between now and June 24.



The American Queen Steamboat Company specializes in overnight cruises on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers. The 432-passenger American Queen, built to resemble the paddle wheelers of Mark Twain's era, is the largest vessel sailing these rivers.

The American Queen provides a full complement of comforts and amenities, but its staterooms and public areas reflect antebellum opulence, with gleaming woodwork, antiques and fresh flowers.

Guests can attend presentations by the "Riverlorian," the onboard river historian, or see a show in the Grand Saloon. Entertainment ranges from Broadway hits and Dixieland jazz to ragtime and rock 'n' roll.

Enjoy complimentary wine and beer at dinner and complimentary sodas, bottled water and specialty coffees throughout the voyage. Menus feature regional cuisine, like beignets at breakfast and Creole-inspired dishes during five-course dinners. You can dine alfresco in the newly remodeled Front Porch Cafe.

The American Queen is staffed by an all-American crew. The dress code is "elegant casual," and formal wear is not required.

The company offers themed cruises that focus on a variety of topics, like music, gardens, culture and history. Celebrate the 4th of July under the St. Louis Arch, meet a few veteran stars of the game aboard Baseball Legends departures, see the riverbanks cloaked in gold and scarlet on Fall Foliage trips and celebrate the simple joys of summer (complete with apple pie, lemonade and kite-flying off the top deck) on Good Old Summertime sailings.

American Queen Steamboat Company is offering our customers terrific savings, including discounts of up to $750 per couple ($375 per person) and one-category stateroom upgrades on select sailings. Click here to see all of American Queen's departures and any accompanying promotions.



The 5.5-star masted sailing ships of Windstar Cruises include the 310-passenger Wind Surf and the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star. With their sleek hulls and billowing sails, they make an impressive sight on the high seas. The line specializes in itineraries that visit off-the-beaten-path ports, many of which are accessible only by small vessels.

Windstar recently completed an $18 million renovation of its fleet. The stem-to-stern refurbishment enhanced public spaces, dining venues, staterooms and suites.

The onboard atmosphere of a Windstar cruise is one of casual elegance, so jackets, ties and cocktail dresses aren't necessary for the open-seating dinners. On each ship, guests can try windsurfing, sailing and other water sports at the aft Marina Deck, check out a DVD to watch in their stateroom or visit the spa for a massage or facial.

The line will return to the South Pacific next year. Starting May 2, 2014, the Wind Spirit will sail weeklong cruises from Papeete, Tahiti, calling at such islands as Raiatea, considered the cultural heart of French Polynesia, and Bora Bora, a place of unparalleled natural beauty.

Windstar is offering Vacations To Go customers exclusive prices, with savings of up to 68%, on a variety of sailings.

For more information about Windstar Cruises and its fleet, click here.



In addition to its worldwide cruise operations, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of cruise tours in exciting destinations worldwide. These land and sea vacations offer guests a unique opportunity to travel beyond the coast to fully experience a destination's scenery, history and culture.

Royal Caribbean's land tours are fully escorted trips with planned activities, conveniently located hotel accommodations and comfortable transportation between destinations. The line offers cruise tour packages in Alaska and Western Canada, Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

Cruise Alaska's coast, visiting places like Hubbard Glacier, Skagway and Juneau, before heading inland to see the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies or the wildlife of Denali National Park. Extend a European cruise vacation to sightsee in Paris, London, Madrid or Rome. If you're planning a trip Down Under, consider one of Royal Caribbean's Australia/New Zealand cruise tours to see the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Rotorua or Queensland.

For a complete list of Royal Caribbean cruise tours, click here.



Top 10 Africa vacations

1) South Africa Family - Kruger & Beyond, 12 days with Intrepid Travel. Begins and ends in Johannesburg with visits to the Mkuze Game Reserve, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. Save 10% when you pay in full. Land-only starting from $2,290. Departs July 21 & August 4, 2013. Book now!

2) Kenya Kaleidoscope, 8 days with African Travel. Begins and ends in Nairobi with visits to the Shaba Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Park. Land-only starting from $2,645. Departures from April 30 through December 31, 2013.

3) Nairobi to Victoria Falls Adventure, 20 days with G Adventures. Begins in Nairobi and ends in Livingstone with visits to Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar and Lake Malawi. Save 15%. Land-only starting from $2,649. Departs July 15 & 29 and August 19, 2013. Book now!

4) Great Parks of Kenya, 10 days with Globus. Begins and ends in Nairobi with visits to Amboseli National Park, the Masai Mara National Reserve and Samburu National Reserve. Military members save $50 to $100 off the land price. Land-only starting from $3,759. Departures from August 7 through December 18, 2013. Book now!

5) Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari, 15 days with G Adventures. Begins in Nairobi and ends in Arusha with visits to the Samburu Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Land-only starting from $3,949. Departures from June 21 through December 29, 2013.

6) Tanzania Lodge Safari, 8 days with Intrepid Travel. Begins in Nairobi and ends in Arusha with visits to Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Land-only starting from $4,570. Departures from June 21, 2013 through August 1, 2014.

7) South African Discovery, 12 days with African Travel. Begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town with visits to the Kruger National Park area, Swaziland and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. Land-only starting from $4,645. Departures from May 4 through October 26, 2013.

8) South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana, 12 days with Alluring Africa. Begins in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg with visits to the Cape Winelands, Kapama Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Land-only starting from $4,760. Near daily departures from May 7 through November 19, 2013.

9) Botswana in Depth, 11 days with SITA Tours. Begins in Livingstone and ends in Maun with visits to Chobe National Park, the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Makgadikgadi National Park. Save 5% when you pay in full. Land-only starting from $5,600. Daily departures from August 27 through December 31, 2013. Book now!

10) Uganda & Rwanda in Depth, 11 days with SITA Tours. Begins in Entebbe and ends in Kigali with visits to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Save 5% when you pay in full. Land-only starting from $8,375. Daily departures from August 17 through December 21, 2013. Book now!

Once you've found a safari that interests you, call us toll free at 800-291-3346 (US and Canada) and a safari specialist will attend to your needs. Customers from the UK, please call toll free 0-800-098-8546. All other international customers, please e-mail or call us at +1-713-974-2121.

To search for a river cruise anywhere in the world, click here. To see our worldwide listing of escorted tours, independent tour packages and train tours, click here. For hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Europe, Canada and the continental US, click here. For savings of up to 75% on ocean-going cruises, click here.

Please e-mail me your comments, suggestions and questions at alanfox@africasafari.com and I will respond the same day.

To send a copy of this newsletter to a friend or friends, click here.

Sincerely,

Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
Vacations To Go


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