Cruise Specialists Blog

Tom & Deann Baumann

Boarding the ship at Venice shipyard where the ms Nieuw Amsterdam was built and sailing to the docks in Venice was an incredible experience.  The captain took the ship out into open waters and then before returning to the docks in Venice, sailed the ship down the Grand Canal, right past St. Marks square…it was truly a magical moment to be a part of. 

Celebration aboard Sojourn

The fanfare all began with a wonderful cocktail reception where Pam Conover, the President of Seabourn introduced the Seabourn Sojourn’s godmother, Twiggy.  Twiggy then “pushed the button” to have the customary bottle of champagne break against the side of the ship, thus christening the ship. 

We arrived in Oberammergau about 10:30am, plenty of time to walk around the small village and look in the shops. We are staying the night here in the Hotel Bold, a chalet type structure of indeterminate age.  It’s nicely appointed and appears to be well maintained.  Lodging here in the city is very limited.  Some people have to drive back to Innsbruck after the play ends.  I’m glad Globus has found a place to stay here in town.

The number of large ships that will cruise the waters off Antarctica may be limited in the future, making now the perfect time to book a cruise to Antarctica during the upcoming December 2010-February 2011 high season.

Antarctica’s glacial beauty can be intimidating, but it is actually a fragile ecosystem. To help protect the White Continent and its wildlife, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) passed a rule last year that will ban the use or carrying of heavy fuel oils – the type usually used by large cruise ships – in Antarctic waters. The idea is that this will remove even the possibility of a harmful spill of heavy fuel oil into the sea.

Aghios Nikolaos

I joined the Crystal Serenity on May 11, 2010 for the Seaways of Antiquity cruise sailing from Rome to Athens via Sorrento, Taormina, Aghios Nikolaos, Kusadasi, and Mykonos!  My friend and I were able to board early in Civitavecchia (port for Rome) and leave our carry-on bags with an attendant while we enjoyed lunch in the dining room with welcome glasses of champagne.  Off to a good start! 

Main Pool with TV

On May 11, 2010 I ventured down to San Francisco on a warm sunny day and visited the Golden Princess. The recent refurbishment of this ship definitely shines through in every turn.  Overall I was very impressed with her open space and refreshing décor of light browns and creams. It gave me a very nice sense of calm and peacefulness.

Pools

Terrace Pool & Decks

Last week I had the pleasure of travelling with fellow travel advisors aboard Rocky Mountaineer, a fabulous train journey. If I had to sum up this very well-coordinated seamless travel product into a few words I would say it is a “deluxe cruise on rail”.

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

This letter was sent to Cruise Specialists agent Shannon Nelson from her client Mr. Rob McGregor

Hi Shannon,

I am writing this in order that you may be able to send it on to Marc Conroy at Regent and anyone else you feel should receive it. As you are aware we had a very enjoyable cruise this past November/December aboard the Mariner from Sydney to Los Angeles.

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.