Cruise Specialists Blog

Exciting itineraries, handsome ships, and gracious hospitality are just a few of the reasons why Cruise Specialists’ Greg Nacco recommends clients take a cruise vacation on Holland America Line this year.

“We have been booking passengers on Holland America Line for over twenty years,” explained Nacco, vice president of Cruise Specialists. “Our clients have consistently found Holland America to provide incredible value whether they are taking a 12-day Alaska Cruise-Tour or a 110-day World Cruise.”

The rivers and seas of Europe have always been essential to life and trade. But, until the mid-1800s, European boats and ships were only concerned with moving cargo or hauling in the day’s catch – not with passengers or their comfort.

In 1835, Arthur Anderson, a sailor from the Shetland Isles, wrote about his vision of providing passenger service from Scotland to Iceland in the summer months, and from Scotland to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) in winter. Two years later, he co-founded the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), which became a major operator of passenger liners.

Our Cruise Reporter Ralph Grizzle gives you a first hand look at Silversea’s new ship, the Silver Spirit.

http://www.cruisespecialists.com/cruise-report/index.php/2010/01/first-look-on-board-silversea-cruises-new-silver-spirit/

Enjoy!

MSNBC wrote a great article about the new ships coming out in 2010. At Cruise Specialists, we are especially excited about the launching of the Seabourn Sojourn in June of 2010.

Enjoy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34482841/ns/travel-cruising/

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.

Holiday Greetings from the Seabourn Legend.

While most of you are rushing around finishing last minute Christmas shopping I am lucky enough to be enjoying 2 weeks of ultimate luxury aboard the Yachts of Seabourn. I am currently hosting a charming group of guests aboard the intimate 200 passenger Seabourn Legend as she sails through the Panama Canal.

The ship currently has a total of 191 guests aboard, with an amazing 171 crew waiting to spoil us! The Seabourn Legend has beautiful, comfortable suites and the very best cuisine and service.

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of sailing aboard the elegant Queen Mary 2. At 151,000 Gross Registered Tons she is one of the largest ships afloat. The Qm2 is now six years old but the maintenance done on board has kept her in pristine condition and she is showing no signs whatsoever of wear and tear.

Have you been keeping track of our cruise reporter Ralph Grizzle’s latest adventures at sea? If you love to cruise, you will want to follow in his footsteps as he makes his way around the world on a variety of cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. Recently Ralph ventured onboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta to tour the French coast.

Read an excerpt from his journey:

New to Cruising?

Insiders Share Top Ten Tips for Smooth Sailing

For a vacation that appeals to travelers of all ages, you couldn’t ask for a better getaway than a cruise. One all-inclusive price includes your accommodations, several dining options and a variety of entertainment venues. Cruising is an ideal vacation because it provides an economical and fun way for you to visit and explore several new destinations on one trip while only unpacking once.

09-18-09
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Kevin and I boarded the Regent Mariner on 9/9/9 for the Grand Asia Pacific cruise for 102 nights.  We will be cruising around the Ring of Fire leaving from Vancouver to Alaska, Russia, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia and ending in Los Angeles on 12/20/09.  It will be an exciting trip to interesting parts of the world.
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In April we finished our 9th world cruise on the Regent Voyager.  It was one of the best circumnavigations we have been on–filled with exciting ports, good weather and wonderful travel mates.
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We spent the month of May on a 6000 mile road trip from Florida to California.  It was a great way to visit with family and friends while seeing the USA in springtime.  America is a vast country best observed from the road.  From the swamps of Florida to the Continental Divide to the vineyards of California there is so much to see.  The great plains of the upper Midwest are at their loveliest in spring with lilacs and fruit trees in full bloom.  Driving across this country gave us a greater appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the nation we call home.
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If you havent heard, Regent has announced their 2011 world cruise on the Voyager. We will once again be escorting the Voyager world cruise for Cruise Specialists.