Christmas in July: Exclusive Travel Deals & Santa Interview
- Connie George
- Jun 30
- 8 min read
Updated: 26 minutes ago
I’m excited to announce our third annual Christmas in July promotion with lots of great exclusive promotions we’ve negotiated just for our clients.
But first, I want to share a transcript from a special client of mine—who also happens to be a celebrity.
As a travel advisor, I’ve had the privilege of building lasting relationships with incredible clients—some for as long as 40 years! While I always keep my clients’ travel plans confidential, one very special traveler gave me permission to share a peek into his vacation style. And this isn’t just any client… he’s the most magical globetrotting celebrity of them all.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus—and he books his cruises and guided tours through my agency! I recently had a jolly phone interview with Santa himself, just in time for our Christmas in July celebration. Here’s what the big guy had to say about cookies, cruising, and why even he needs a break from the North Pole.
Jump to: Christmas in July Promotions
My Interview with Santa Claus
Connie: How early do you start preparing for Christmas each year?
Santa: Ho ho ho! Well, Connie, I take a short nap on December 26th, then it's straight back to the North Pole workshop on the 27th! There’s no such thing as ‘too early’ when you’re coordinating elves, toys, reindeer training, and the Naughty & Nice list. Good thing Mrs. Claus makes strong cocoa—and that you keep my vacation calendar organized!
Connie: What’s the most unusual gift request you've ever received?
Santa: Oh, I’ve had some head-scratchers! Once, a child asked for a ‘real baby dragon’ with glittery wings and a name tag. Another time, someone requested a lifetime supply of pickles and a llama named Kevin. I do what I can, but even Santa has to draw the line at livestock in the sleigh!
Connie: What’s your Christmas Eve routine once the sleigh is packed and ready to go?
Santa: After triple-checking the list and stretching my back (those chimneys don’t get any bigger), I warm up the reindeer with a few laps around the Pole. Then I get a kiss from Mrs. Claus, grab my travel mug of hot cocoa, and give a big belly laugh to start the night off right. “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer!” and off we go!
Connie: Do you have a favorite cookie that kids leave out for you?
Santa: Oh, I love them all! But if I had to choose… warm snickerdoodles really sleigh me. I’m also partial to chocolate chip with just a hint of sea salt. But please tell the kids—carrot sticks for the reindeer go a long way. Especially for Rudolph. He’s watching his figure.
Connie: Once Christmas is over, what’s the first thing you do to relax?
Santa: I hang up the red suit, swap my boots for flip-flops, and book a cruise with Connie George Travel Associates, of course! A balcony cabin, ocean breeze, and room service that I don’t have to deliver? Now that’s Christmas magic in January!
Connie: Where do you go when you’re ready to trade the snow for sunshine?
Santa: Oh, I do love a Caribbean sailing—Aruba, Curacao, and St. Lucia are some of my favorites. But I’ve also enjoyed a spectacular Mediterranean cruise, thanks to you, Connie! Mrs. Claus and I strolled through charming coastal villages, ate our weight in gelato, and even took a selfie in Rome with the Colosseum in the background. Whether it’s island time or ancient ruins, you always know just what I need to recharge after the holidays!
Connie: Do you travel undercover so people don’t recognize you?
Santa: Often! Most of the time, I trade my red suit for shorts, sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat, though sometimes I miss my trademark stocking hat. But even when I try to go incognito, the beard usually gives me away. I’ve been caught doing the limbo at the sail-away party more than once.
Connie: What’s your favorite cruise activity when you’re not checking the Nice List?
Santa: Oh, I do love a good sea day! You’ll often find me in the observation lounge with a good book and some cookies, or taking a leisurely stroll on the promenade deck. I’ve even been known to dominate in holiday trivia. And don’t get me started on the dessert bar—I consider it “research.”
Connie: Do you and Mrs. Claus ever do guided tours, or are you strictly cruise fans?
Santa: We love both! Cruises give us the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, but we’ve also had wonderful land experiences on guided tours. We did a charming Irish countryside tour last spring. Mrs. Claus fell in love with scones and sheep. You planned it beautifully, of course!
Connie: Why do you trust Connie George Travel Associates to plan your vacations?
Santa: That’s easy, Connie—you know me. You understand that even Santa needs time off, and you make sure every trip is joyful, seamless, and tailored just right. Whether it’s helping me pick the perfect cabin, reminding me to take sunscreen or making sure there’s extra whipped cream on the dessert menu, you take care of the details so I can focus on relaxing. Frankly, you make the magic happen for me for a change!
Connie: Santa, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your thoughts with our clients and blog followers.
Santa: Ho ho ho! It’s my pleasure, Connie! Even the busiest elf needs to spread a little holiday cheer year-round. I hope your clients enjoy these travel tips—and maybe a vacation or two—just as much as I do!
Now —let’s unwrap the Christmas in July deals!
We’ve gathered a sleighful of promotions from top cruise lines and tour companies to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, the Caribbean, or another exciting destination, there’s a special waiting just for you.
Christmas in July Promotions
Promotions, Terms & Conditions:
All promotions apply to bookings made July 1-31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
All savings and onboard credits are per cabin/suite, unless otherwise noted.
All Christmas in July specials are combinable with the supplier's prevailing promotions, unless otherwise noted.
All promotions are exclusive to bookings made through Connie George Travel Associates.
Destination & Special Programs:
Connie George Travel Associates- Book any of our participating suppliers for a cruise or tour departing by 12/31/25 with a cost of $4,000 or higher per booking and receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Must travel to qualify. Gift Card will be sent two weeks prior to departure.
Alaska Family Travel- Free binoculars for children ages 3-17 on any Alaska Cruise or Alaska CruiseTour aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. Binoculars will be age-appropriate.
Culinary Collection Sailings- Perfect for food and wine enthusiast travelers, these themed sailings are available on select premium and luxury cruise lines. Each Culinary Collection departure features epicurean delights such as demonstrations from world-renowned chefs, shopping with chefs at local markets, wine and spirit tastings and delightful meals focused on regional cuisine. Receive a $100 Onboard Credit per cabin for any upcoming sailing.
Distinctive Voyages Sailings- These sailings provide you with complimentary amenities you’ll find nowhere else, elevating your cruise vacation experience and helping you create memories you’ll cherish forever. Each Distinctive Voyages departure includes the service of a Distinctive Voyages Host, a Welcome Reception and an Exclusive Shore Event. Receive a $100 Onboard Credit per cabin for any upcoming sailing.
Terms & Conditions Reminder:
All promotions apply to bookings made July 1-31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
All savings and onboard credits are per cabin/suite, unless otherwise noted.
All Christmas in July specials are combinable with the supplier's prevailing promotions, unless otherwise noted.
All promotions are exclusive to bookings made through Connie George Travel Associates.
River Cruise Specials:
AmaWaterways- Complimentary prepaid gratuities valued at $250-300 per cabin on any future sailing. Combinable with prevailing programs.
Avalon Waterways- Complimentary prepaid gratuities on any Europe "Active & Discovery" 2025 or 2026 sailing. Save $100 on all other sailings worldwide.
Scenic River Cruises- Save $250 on any river or ocean cruise on a 2025 or 2026 sailing.
Viking River Cruises- Receive a $100 OBC for ocean, river and expedition sailings.
Valid for bookings made 7/8/25-7/22/25. Not combinable with consortia promotions.
Terms & Conditions Reminder:
All promotions apply to bookings made July 1-31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
All savings and onboard credits are per cabin/suite, unless otherwise noted.
All Christmas in July specials are combinable with the supplier's prevailing promotions, unless otherwise noted.
All promotions are exclusive to bookings made through Connie George Travel Associates.
Ocean Cruise Specials:
Celebrity Cruises- Receive a $100 Onboard Credit on any sailing when you book a verandah or higher category. Excludes Galapagos Islands cruises.
Celebrity Cruises- Receive a $300 Onboard Credit on any Galapagos sailing aboard Celebrity Flora.
Holland America- Receive a $35 - $150 Onboard Credit when booking between 7/8/25 - 7/22/25. on any seven-day or longer cruise excluding World and Grand Voyages. Credit value is dependent on the category booked and the length of sailing.
MSC Cruises- Receive a $100 Onboard Credit when booking a Yacht Club suite.
Oceania Cruises- Receive a $200 Onboard Credit per cabin on any sailing.
Princess Cruises- Receive discount coupons for shipboard savings and pay a reduced deposit when you book between 7/17/25 - 7/31/25.
Royal Caribbean- Receive a $25 - $100 Onboard Credit on any sailing booked 7/1/25 - 7/15/25 and must be made at least 90 days in advance of departure. Credit value is dependent on the category booked.
Scenic Ocean Cruises- Save $250 on any river or ocean cruise on a 2025 or 2026 sailing.
Sea Cloud- Receive a $200 Onboard Credit on any sailing.
Silversea- Save $500 off any future sailing booked 7/7/25 - 7/21/25.
Viking River Cruises- Receive a $100 Onboard Credit for any ocean, river and expedition sailings. Valid for bookings made 7/8/25 - 7/22/25. Not combinable with consortia promotions.
Virgin Voyages- Receive a $50 Onboard Credit on any future sailing. Not combinable with any additional "Exclusive Sailor Loot Offers."
Terms & Conditions Reminder:
All promotions apply to bookings made July 1-31, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
All savings and onboard credits are per cabin/suite, unless otherwise noted.
All Christmas in July specials are combinable with the supplier's prevailing promotions, unless otherwise noted.
All promotions are exclusive to bookings made through Connie George Travel Associates.
Guided Motorcoach Tour Specials:
CIE Tours - Save $150-$ 300 per person on any guided motorcoach journey. Discount of $300 per person applies to 10-day or longer tours, and $150 per person to tours of nine days or fewer.
Globus Tours- Save $50 off any 2026 motorcoach tour or $100 off any 2025 motorcoach tour. Excludes Globus Escape programs.
GROUP LEADERS- We're working with CIE Tours, a motorcoach tour company that operates over 80 tours in Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Italy and Spain for a special offer for our group leaders! Groups of 10 or more people already get a 5% discount, and group leaders get at least a 50% discount, but can earn a free spot with 16 or more group participants. And if you book your group by 4pm ET on 7/31/25 for a 5- to 16-day tour for travel by December 16, 2026, you'll receive a $500 Visa Gift Card after your trip. Organize your family, friends, or organization's members for something special that's meaningful to all of you. Contact me now to schedule a phone call to discuss what we can do together.
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Ready to start planning your vacation during our “holiday” month?
Whether you're dreaming of island breezes, European riverbanks, or some other nearby or far-flung region, our Christmas in July specials are the perfect gift to yourself. Take advantage of them for a quicker trip soon or to plan further ahead.
These exclusive promotions are only available when you book through Connie George Travel Associates—and only from July 1 through July 31, 2025. Call us at 610-532-0989 or email connie@cgta.com right away.
We’re always happy to be your vacation-planning elves!
Happy Traveling!
-Connie
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