Archive for the ‘Cruise Specialists Staff’ Category

It’s tougher than getting into Harvard (statistically speaking), but somehow Cruise Specialists Founder Janet Lanterman has managed to remain on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s coveted annual list of Top Travel Specialists for 12 consecutive years.  Lanterman earned the prestigious Top Travel Specialist designation for her expertise in planning multi-generational cruises.

“When you need the clout and wisdom of a longtime industry insider and the warmth of an understanding friend, look no further than Lanterman, whose creativity and reach translate into special treatment for your family—private shipboard celebrations, priority check-in and disembarkation, and access to club lounges, top tables, and superb guides—and who will ensure that your onboard experiences and private shore excursions are, in a word, priceless,” said Condé Nast Traveler’s Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin.

I just read Conde Nast Traveler’s Wendy Perrin’s Facebook post which referenced a post by Kevin May speaking about Trip Advisor’s recent softening in language around the ‘truth’ of the reviews being posted on their site.

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. 

Earlier this month Cruise Specialists staff attended a conference aboard the beautiful Crystal Symphony. We sailed from a sunny San Francisco, up the coast to Victoria and concluded our trip in Vancouver, BC. Trips such as these allow us to remain familiar with the cruise lines and experts in our field.

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.”

Disney Dream Celebration

The Ceremony
Tom Baumann, President of Cruise Specialists, recently had the opportunity to attend the christening and inaugural sailing of the new Disney Dream cruise ship.  The celebration and spectacular show took place in Port Canaveral, Florida at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal and featured classic Disney music, dancers, fireworks, and their beloved Disney characters.

Guess correctly where in the world Cruise Specialists’ staff and passengers are and be entered to win a shipboard credit!

http://www.cruisespecialists.com/Pages/Where-in-the-World.aspx

Windstar Wind Surf Report from the Med: October, 2009

Barcelona to Lisbon

Wind Surf

Our first time aboard Wind Surf. We had been told that people either prefer the smaller ships, Wind Spirit or Wind Star (148 guests) or the larger Surf (309) – but we confess to being equally pleased by both. We sailed from Barcelona on a balmy Mediterranean evening and before dinner had met several couples who became our sea buddies for the rest of the trip. That seems to happen aboard the intimate Windstar with its casual atmosphere. The next day found us in Ibiza – a quaint, walled Mediterranean city by day and a fairy tale setting at night with outside dining, romantic lights and candles, street performers and a laid back party atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca was next – more elegant – equally enticing.

Recently I was lucky enough to travel aboard Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam, which made its debut in summer 2008, to the sun-filled Caribbean. I thought I would take a moment and let you know all the fabulous things activities I did while in the Caribbean.

Ship: Silver Shadow
Destination: Mexican Riviera (Round-trip Los Angeles)
Dates: October 3-12, 2009
Category: Mid-Ship Verandah Suite – Cabin # 925