Earlier this month Cruise Specialists staff attended a conference aboard the beautiful Crystal Symphony. We sailed from a sunny San Francisco, up the coast to Victoria and concluded our trip in Vancouver, BC. Trips such as these allow us to remain familiar with the cruise lines and experts in our field.

My experience on Oceania Cruises aboard the beautiful Regatta completely exceeded my expectations.  The ship, service and experience were wonderful.

Bridgett with Regatta

The Regatta is in excellent condition; the décor is very tasteful and understated and truly feels like a country club at sea.  I never felt lost or overwhelmed on the ship- it is the perfect size.  The pool area, midship on deck 9, features a large pool and two hot tubs, with plenty of teak deck chairs and Balinese Day beds for couples. Oceania has a wonderful self serve laundry on deck 7; the room is large, with 4 washers and 4 dryers and couches and chairs to sit on.  The laundry was never crowded, even on sea days.

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 March, I was fortunate enough to sail aboard the Seabourn Odyssey on a 12 day

Seabourn Odyssey

Mediterranean cruise from Lisbon to Istanbul. Pier check-in was a breeze and we were immediately greeted by the gracious Seabourn staff – white gloves and all.

Being sailors ourselves, we were looking forward to our 7-day cruise on the Star Clipper.  She is one

Star Clipper

of three ships in the Star Clippers fleet.  As soon as I laid eyes on her I fell in love… she was docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, just across on another pier was a large Carnival Cruise Lines ship which made the Star Clipper look quite small and made me feel quite special to be going aboard. A four masted sailing vessel, she stood out and stood proud.

My daughter & I boarded the luxurious, all-inclusive, Seabourn Sojourn in Ft. Lauderdale at the

Lisa and Guest (Seabourn Sojourn in the background)

Port Everglades cruise terminal (it’s not too far from the airport). We arrived around 2pm and embarkation was quick & easy. At the gangway we were met by smiling staff offering warm hand towels, Champagne & Bellini’s. As we boarded, we were met by a line of staff waiting to take our bags and lead us to our cabin. Nothing better than white glove service!

Debra Dickerson and I were lucky enough to be invited to sail Cunard’s beautiful Queen

Debra Dickerson

Victoria on a little 4 day West Coast getaway! The moment we stepped onboard, we were in awe…from the three-tier Grand Lobby, spectacular artwork throughout the ship, the Queens Room Ballroom with crystal chandeliers and richly decorated walls…it was all amazing!!!

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity of sailing aboard Azamara Club Cruises for 11 days

Azamara Journey

to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. I boarded the 694 guest Azamara Journey in San Diego with great anticipation. I have to say that in almost every way Azamara exceeded my expectations. By the time I disembarked again in San Diego I completely understood why they changed their name to Azamara “Club” Cruises, it really felt like a floating country club.

In December 2010, my husband Bill and I were lucky enough to travel to the Caribbean

Marriott Beach Place Towers

aboard the luxurious, six-star Seven Seas Voyager. Regent Seven Cruises is a spectacular, upscale cruise line with many wonderful included amenities.

Prior to our cruise we had an overnight stay at the Marriott Beach Place Towers in Fort Lauderdale. This beautiful hotel offered wonderful views of the water and beach. We had a nice lanai to sit and have our morning coffee and since we were so close, We walked on the beach and had breakfast at an outdoor restaurant.

Seabourn Sojourn

About once every year Seabourn invites its top travel agency partners onboard one of its ships for a review of their products, to meet with executives and to remind us why we love Seabourn. I was lucky enough to attend this year and have the opportunity to sail aboard the all-new Seabourn Sojourn. We spent two nights onboard cruising around the turquoise Caribbean waters.