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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.

In April 2011 I sailed aboard AMA Waterways on a Europe river cruise. My guest and I arrived

Kelli with VP Gary Murphy

early at the airport in San Francisco for our afternoon flight to Amsterdam.  The lines for check-in were wrapped around as if we were waiting for a ride at Disneyland! That’s why it’s always good to give yourself lots of time at the airport.

In October 2010 I had the pleasure of travelling with AMA Waterways from Nuremberg

Amadagio in Budapest

to Budapest aboard the elegant Amadagio. This luxury river cruise product was wonderful from start to finish.

The staterooms were modern and luxurious with large marble bathrooms and huge glass showers – the shower heads had six different spray levels. My stateroom had large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a French Balcony that opens up for fresh air. The largest suite aboard the Amadagio is 230 sq. ft. featuring a French balcony, large tub and separate shower.

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.

We arrived in Amsterdam July 29th to board the brand-new ms Avalon Luminary for my very first River Cruise. This was a great experience and a wonderful way to cruise along the Rhine River – with so much history and countryside to see.  Most of the towns and villages we toured were hundreds or thousands of years old. 

In July I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the all-new Seabourn Sojourn. Wow is all I can say – the ship is absolutely wonderful! It is amazing to me that this was only the third sailing for the Sojourn as the crew worked together like a well-oiled machine. The entire staff called you by name and they would bend over backwards to get you anything you needed.  The wait staff easily remembered your preferences, for example if you ordered a drink while out by the pool; later in the lounges they would ask if you would like the same.  Everyone had smiles on their faces at all times and looked to really enjoy what they were doing.

Diana & the Stateroom Window

My wife Diana and I recently travelled through Europe on an Avalon Waterways river cruise along the Danube River and the Black Sea. We had a most enjoyable time sailing from Vienna to Bucharest.

Prior to the cruise we stayed in a hotel in Vienna. Our initial transfer from our pre-cruise hotel to the ship was a little chaotic, but was amusing for us to watch at least.  Between over enthusiastic guests, luggage and guides there was a little mass confusion. Eventually someone figured it all out and we were on our way. We arrived at Avalon Waterways Artistry in about 45 minutes and went directly on board. 

It has been 15 years since I first cruised aboard Crystal Cruises and I love it. It has been nearly ten years since I’ve been on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and I loved that even more. Last month I sailed with seven family members aboard Oceania Cruises Insignia and I think I’m in love all over again! Our itinerary was “Yacht Haven” and it featured the French and Italian Rivera’s. This itinerary is very port intensive, visiting ten ports in ten days – but very well worth it.

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! 

Right now we are at home, packing for our next voyage of the Fall Colors in New England and Canada. We just came back from our Viking Cruise on the Maasdam.

This cruise is always very successful. Lots of beautiful ports to visit. The ports are very versatile. Also lots of different sceneries, with ice-bergs, glaciers, fjords. We also visited lots of European countries. It is always great when you see repeat Cruise Specialists families. A lot of guests have cruised this particular cruise many times over and over again, due to the beautiful scenic cruise days and ports.