Archive for the ‘Cruise News’ Category

During the first few weeks of January, a wave of ships will soon be departing from a variety of ports to take eager passengers on an adventure of a lifetime around the world.  As most people are preparing for the busy holiday season, some of our Cruise Specialists travelers are also busy preparing for their long awaited world cruise.

Chris Parker, vice president of sister company All Aboard Travel recently returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Seine River (Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary).  Here is his personal account: 

I recently experienced an Avalon Waterways river cruise on the Avalon Creativity cruising the Seine River.  It was amazing to experience France’s beautiful countrysides, meet fascinating people, enjoy fantastic cuisine and excellent service and take in all the great history this itinerary provided.

Cruise Specialists and Luxury Travel Network team at Travel Mart

Cruise Specialists recently attended the travel industry’s most prestigious conference, Virtuoso’s Travel Mart, which took place August 14-19 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada.  During the five-day conference, advisors from Cruise Specialists joined nearly 1,700 other elite travel advisors and more than 1,600 executives and representatives from some of the world’s best travel companies, all of whom belong to the Virtuoso® luxury travel network.  In total, the conference attracted approximately 3,700 attendees – the largest turnout in the conference’s 23-year history – from 90 countries around the globe.

Travel Weekly 2011 Power List

Travel Leaders Group (parent company of Cruise Specialists) once again earns top industry rankings and climbs to the number nine spot on Travel Weekly’s 2011 Power List of the industry’s top travel sellers. 

HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS

ms Rotterdam

May 24, 2011 – Cruise Specialists continues to keep our finger on the pulse and bring you the most current and exciting news in the cruise industry.

We are pleased to announce a move that’s a first for Holland America Line.   Ms Rotterdam will deploy from Europe year-round starting in September, 2012, on a series of extended sailings round-trip from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The home port of Rotterdam was selected because of the company’s deep historical connection to the city as well its easily accessible location in Northwest Europe.

Cruise Specialists is offering a variety of theme cruises this fall for travelers looking to explore and indulge in their favorite passion while cruising.  Taste distinct wines from all over the world on our wine lovers cruise through the Mediterranean, play 10 days of Bridge on your way to and from Hawaii, dance your way through the Caribbean or the Panama Canal, and get in tip top shape on your way to Mexico on our new Zumba Fitness® Cruise.

Guests who truly want to explore the world in ultimate luxury may want to consider

Cruise to Africa

embarking on the Silversea World cruise 2012 aboard the Silver Whisper themed “Global Treasures, Hidden Jewels”.  Pampered with impeccable service, all ocean-view suites, butler service, gourmet menus, sophisticated entertainment and complimentary beverages served thoughout the ship, travelers may not want to leave their new home away from home.

Uniworld Antoinette christening

Tom Baumann, President of Cruise Specialists, recently attended the christening of Uniworld’s new 164-passenger S.S. Antoinette pierside in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

“The Antoinette is absolutely without a doubt the most incredible ship ever built for river cruising,” described Baumann.  “If you are looking for an upscale river cruise and truly a ‘boutique’ experience, then you must try a Uniworld cruise.  Not only is the ship absolutely incredible, but the service and food was fantastic!  There is an infinity pool, a gym, spa treatment rooms, a movie theater, two lounges, two restaurants, a 24 hour specialty coffee and tea bar and more.”

Crystal Serenity

Any traveler who has experienced the luxurious ambiance and energy of a Crystal cruise will sure to be delighted at the exquisite service and pampering they will receive on the Crystal world cruise 2012.  For the first time, the Crystal world cruise 2012 on the Crystal Serenity will conveniently sail roundtrip from Los Angeles on their “Epic Islands & Empires” journey at sea.