ms Amsterdam

Each year, avid cruisers from across the country eagerly anticipate the day in January when their Holland America world cruise adventure begins in Ft. Lauderdale.   Many of the travelers are experiencing the thrill of spending several months cruising and visiting intriguing destinations for the first time, while others return year after year to the Holland America world cruise to embark on a classic and treasured trip that is part of their annual traditions.  While many senior “snowbirds” in the country venture to warmer climates for the winter such as Florida or Arizona, these savvy cruisers opt to spend their 112 day winter break exploring new cities, embracing different cultures and enjoying ship life.

On November 9, 2010 I departed Seattle for my long awaited Safari with Abercrombie & Kent. I traveled to Nairobi aboard Delta Airlines, if possible opt for first or business class, it is a very long flight. Upon arrival in Nairobi I proceeded to obtain a Visa for $25.00USD, very easy to do on-site. Once that business was done I was met outside baggage claim by the A&K representative and transferred to the Fairmont Norfolk, a classy hotel built in a plantation style, our room faced the open courtyard, very lush and green.

Sailing off into the horizon for two or three months at a time on a world cruise can be your opportunity to explore exotic countries and destinations, peek inside other cultures, enjoy new experiences, and meet other savvy world cruise travelers from around the world.  If a cruise around the globe is something you have been contemplating but you don’t know where to start, Cruise Specialists has outlined your 2012 world cruise options.

I’ve arrived back home from our first-ever Cruise Specialists President’s Cruise. We sailed aboard Holland America Line’s ms Prinsendam from London to Rome for fifteen fabulous days. It was such a special treat to spend so much wonderful time with our clients.

Hamilton & ms Veendam

We just got home from our 7-day Bermuda cruise aboard Holland America Line’s ms Veendam. In spite of Earl and Fiona, we had smooth seas and good weather.  Bermuda was a new destination for us and we regret waiting so long to visit this colorful island.  One of the smallest territories in the world at 22 square miles, Bermuda’s population of 67,000 makes it the 3rd most densely populated place on earth. 

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.

Bora Bora

Buddy and I were very lucky to recently get to take part in an exclusive Cruise Specialists Bora Bora shore tour. Cruise Specialists designed a series of unique and exclusive tours for our January 2010 Rotterdam 63-day Polynesian Paradise & Incan Empires cruise.

Pareos dry in the island breeze

Buddy Flies Over The Jungle Canopy

Aerial Tram Ride Up

passengers set out on a truly marvelous day Zip Lining through the rain forests of Costa Rica.

After a gorgeous day on the sugar cane and beautiful beach strewn island of Mauritius we headed for South Africa- with Rev Desmond Tutu on board as our interesting and somewhat controversial keynote speaker.

Our first port was to be Durban with the many high rise blocks of flats along the coast line that I remember from visits many years previosly. However the entire city seemed alive with new buildings of luxury homes, hotels and of course to crown them all the impressive stadium (almost) complete for the World Cup.

Because of the social and political unrest in Thailand, there was some concern about traveling into Bangkok. Regent offered all of their passengers on the World Cruise one night in Bangkok complete with deluxe hotel, transfers, meals and a cocktail cruise on the Chao Phraya River at sunset. The weekend prior to our arrival there were 100,000 protesters on the streets of Bangkok. Several days before our scheduled stay, the protesters began collecting their own blood which would be used in upcoming marches. The leaders of the Red Shirts declared class warfare and vowed to shut the city down. So things didn’t look too promising! We also had private car arrangements pending for some of our guests. Our tour operator and the ship’s staff kept us apprised of the situation and the decision was made to go ahead with the excursion to Bangkok.