Seven Seas Voyager
This past June, I had the pleasure of travelling aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-suite, all-balcony luxurious Seven Seas Voyager. I have to say, the worst part about Regent is that you eventually have to get off the ship and go home.
For 11 straight years, Cruise Specialists’ founder Janet Lanterman has earned Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s top pick as the travel specialist to turn to when planning a world cruise. Lanterman has once again been recognized for her world cruise expertise on Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin’s prestigious list of the world’s Top 135 Top Travel Specialists.
For the eleventh year Perrin picked the travel specialists who offer the best blend of expertise, access, and good value. Cruise Specialists’ Lanterman was recommended for readers to call when planning a world cruise because of her longtime industry insider’s guidance, knowledge of Holland America, Princess and Regent Seven Seas, and ability to arrange unique private shore excursions for their guests in destinations around the world.
We arrived in Amsterdam July 29th to board the brand-new ms Avalon Luminary for my very first River Cruise. This was a great experience and a wonderful way to cruise along the Rhine River - with so much history and countryside to see. Most of the towns and villages we toured were hundreds or thousands of years old.
In July I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the all-new Seabourn Sojourn. Wow is all I can say - the ship is absolutely wonderful! It is amazing to me that this was only the third sailing for the Sojourn as the crew worked together like a well-oiled machine. The entire staff called you by name and they would bend over backwards to get you anything you needed. The wait staff easily remembered your preferences, for example if you ordered a drink while out by the pool; later in the lounges they would ask if you would like the same. Everyone had smiles on their faces at all times and looked to really enjoy what they were doing.
Cruise shore excursions can be more difficult for people who have disabilities, especially for those with mobility issues. However, even if getting on and off the ship is a challenge for you, you may still be able to enjoy some time on shore. While there are no official regulations that govern cruise ship or shore excursion accommodations for passengers with disabilities, some cruise lines have taken steps to make things easier for people with mobility challenges. For example, some ships now have special gangway equipment that makes it easier for people who use wheelchairs to get on and off the ship.
Diana & the Stateroom Window
My wife Diana and I recently travelled through Europe on an Avalon Waterways river cruise along the Danube River and the Black Sea. We had a most enjoyable time sailing from Vienna to Bucharest.
Prior to the cruise we stayed in a hotel in Vienna. Our initial transfer from our pre-cruise hotel to the ship was a little chaotic, but was amusing for us to watch at least. Between over enthusiastic guests, luggage and guides there was a little mass confusion. Eventually someone figured it all out and we were on our way. We arrived at Avalon Waterways Artistry in about 45 minutes and went directly on board.
2010 Travel Weekly Power List
Travel Leaders Group (parent company of Cruise Specialists) has held their top ten ranking for the second year in a row in Travel Weekly’s 2010 Power List of the industry’s top travel sellers.
Travel Leaders Group - #10 on 2010 Travel Weekly Power List
6442 City West Parkway
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
www.travelleadersgroup.com
2009 Sales:
1.68 billion
Employees:
1,624
Previous ranking:
10
Cruise Specialists Cares shore tour program is an opportunity to give back to those in need during your next cruise voyage. In this video Cruise Specialists guests aboard Holland America World cruise visited the SOS Children’s Village from the port of Durban, South Africa. Donations included everything from toys to the shirts off our client’s backs. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed meeting these smiling wonderful children. Cruise Specialists Cares is part of Cruise Specialists exclusive Shore Tour Program, for more information visit our Custom Shore Excursions page.
It has been 15 years since I first cruised aboard Crystal Cruises and I love it. It has been nearly ten years since I’ve been on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and I loved that even more. Last month I sailed with seven family members aboard Oceania Cruises Insignia and I think I’m in love all over again! Our itinerary was “Yacht Haven” and it featured the French and Italian Rivera’s. This itinerary is very port intensive, visiting ten ports in ten days – but very well worth it.
The ship has attractive glass, photography, paintings, and murals throughout the vessel.
Glass bubbles at the champagne bar
Artwork at the Garden Café Entrance
