Archive for the ‘Holland America Cruises’ Category

Cruise Specialists is proud to announce their offices raised over $2,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  The luxury cruise agency raised the money for the foundation by making a $10 donation for each cruise reservation they sold on a Holland America sailing during the month of October.  Cruise Specialists also encouraged clients to donate money to take part in special five-kilometer walk onboard any Holland America cruise ship deck this year called “On Deck for the Cure®”

Alaska is a crowd pleaser on Holland America

WALLACE IMMEN on Holland America’s Noordam

For frequent cruisers, seven days on a ship is never enough. And if you’ve been to Europe or Alaska or even South America more than once, you’re looking for a cruise itinerary that’s not only extended but also different from what’s you’ve seen before; something a little off the beaten track. Longer, more exotic voyages are a growing niche for Holland America Line and they’re planning routes for 2012 and 2013 that can keep giving you fresh perspectives for a month or more.

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.

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.

ms Nieuw Amsterdam

Once a year Holland America Line brings together Senior Management and its top agency producers for an opportunity to interact, share thoughts and suggestions and to enjoy the onboard amenities that are available to all guests. So we packed our bags and headed to Ft. Lauderdale this November for 7-days sailing through the Caribbean aboard the all-new ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

Day one – At Sea

Atrium Chandelier

Aft Pool With San Francisco Backdrop

On a gorgeous warm fall day my colleagues and I headed to the cruise pier in San Francisco to inspect Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam. With eleven decks and holding a mere 1,916 guests the ms Zuiderdam isn’t large by today’s standards, but she is large enough to offer all the creature comforts you could possibly ask for.

Cruise Finder iPhone app

When searching Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s new Cruise Finder iPhone/iPad app, you may stumble upon some expert advice from Cruise Specialists’ Greg Nacco on the best cabins to select on Holland America Line’s Amsterdam or Rotterdam ship.

“We have clients who find cabins #2554 on Amsterdam or Rotterdam or starboard #2555 to be a little larger and great for folks with walkers or wheelchairs,” described Greg Nacco, of Cruise Specialists, Seattle. 

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.