Kevin in the Panam Canal
Our Voyage Ambassadors, Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins are currently circling South America on a 72-night journey aboard the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas. Their cruise began just two and a half weeks ago and they have already had so many incredible adventures. This week they passed through the man-made Panama Canal.
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.
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.
Fifty Cruise Specialists guests with a thirst for new adventures, good wine, and giving back recently set sail on the 2011 California Winemasters Association cruise which helped raise $10,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (the association’s official charity). Cruise Specialists donated a portion of each guest’s reservation to the worthy cause. This year’s cruise is hosted by Justin Baldwin of JUSTIN Vineyards and is sailing on the new Celebrity Eclipse to the Eastern Caribbean. Guests are enjoying private wine tasting events, exclusive winemaker luncheons and much more.
Circumnavigate the globe on a world cruise
A world cruise. At first, the idea seems viscerally decadent, conjuring images of bejeweled formal nights, exceedingly long sessions of bridge, day following day at sea, one gourmet meal blurring lazily into the other — and not to mention, super expensive for a luxurious journey of up to four months.
But as with so much about cruising, the image of world cruising is far removed from the reality.
I have a secret… I know how the other half lives! I decided it was time to raise my sights, look to
Queen Elizabeth in Sydney
the horizon and sail off to the seven seas for a holiday. My partner Deirdre asked me to assist her in her vocation. This vocation is the second best job in the world just behind Caretaker—Great Barrier Reef. Deirdre is a host for Cruise Specialists and Virtuoso on-board cruise ships around the world. Message starting to appear?
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.
Seabourn Quest
Guests onboard the Seabourn World Cruise 2012 will get a special opportunity to become part of the maiden world voyage on the new Seabourn Quest debuting in June 2011. Sailing on a Seabourn yacht is an experience like no other at sea due to their intimate ships, unique itineraries, complimentary wines and open bar, spacious staterooms and personalized service.
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.
While preparing for my second trip to Vietnam, I find myself reflecting upon my first “visit” to that hauntingly beautiful country. In April of 1968, I arrived in Saigon on a
In Vietnam
