Matt was exquisite to work with! Knowledgeable about the ship, details, and getting things done his input and direction made our event wonderful. His easy going personality and ‘can-do’ attitude were exceptional. I highly recommend him as an agent and event coordinator. Thank you Matt! Well done!
Cathy
Matt was great to work with. Very responsive to any questions we had a proactive in checking on fare changes and any updates from the cruise line. He was very helpful in helping us choose both a cruise line and itinerary for our first European wine river cruise. I would highly recommend Matt and will work with him again on a future cruise.
Cruise Specialists client
Matt is very professional & personable & a total delight to work with. He went above & beyond to help our organization in preparing for our 2018 reunion cruise to Alaska. He made himself available as much as possible to answer cruise questions from start to finish. I would recommend Matt highly to any person or group working to plan a memorable cruise. Matt is deserving a of a 5 star rating for his competency, customer service and attitude in delivering a quality, exceptional cruise experience. I would be very happy to recommend Matt to anyone who wishes to plan a cruise & will personally ask for him on future cruises aboard Holland America Line.
Bonnie
Matt was exceptional in assisting us with planning this vacation. He was attentive to detail and able to answer all of the questions we had and point us in exactly the right directions we wanted. I would highly recommend him to anybody!
Jim
Matt, Your knowledge of subject and great personality goes far and beyond. You are a credit to the travel Industry. As Wanda and I travel, we will recommend you to all who want good travel advice and service. Thanks again.
Wanda and Garry
Dan is professional. He pays attention to every detail and if I have a problem he is always there to walk me through it. He answers all emails and even gives personal calls when necessary. I depend on him at every turn.
Sandi
Taking my first cruise in many years, I needed a lot of hand holding. From my first inquiry to end of my trip, Dan Twomey was there to answer all of my questions. The cruise line he suggested fit us perfectly. His suggestions were extremely helpful. Above all, Dan was totally and expeditiously responsive to all my concerns. Thanks to him we had a great time.
Cruise Specialists client
We can always depend on Dan to make our best arrangements. He is quick to reply to our calls. We know we can depend on him to take of any problem that we might think we have. He is polite and makes us feel that he is our best friend. We couldn't ask for a better person.
Ginny
We have worked with Joe for several years and would not use anyone else. We rely on his advice and on his taking care of anything that may come up with regard to a trip. We have learned time and time again, that extensive travel requires a true professional to get the most out of our travel plans. We rely on Joe!
Hugh
With the Silversea World Cruise being such a long trip of a lifetime, we were filled with many questions and Joe was always there, with patience, to help us prepare. He'd keep us informed as we prepared to leave the country for four months, visiting dozens of countries. Joe was great to work with and we will definitely work with him again!
Cruise Specialists client
Joe was very responsive to any questions I had about our cruise from the time of booking until we sailed. There were several phone calls between us and he was always helpful with information to us as new cruise clients. Joe, through Cruise Specialists, provided us with a bottle of champagne to enjoy in our stateroom as well as 2 special dining invitations to be used onboard the ship. Thank you Joe!
Cruise Specialists client
We have been working with Joe for over 12 years and 30+ cruises and land journeys. He has been extremely responsive to my needs to connect multiple tours back to back…sometimes a difficult task…however, Joe has been successful. One of the many benefits working with Joe, has been his connections with the tour providers as he has sorted out the details for me. All with a personal and responsive touch. We highly recommend Joe for your travel needs!
Chuck
We have been working with Gayle for many years. She is like a part of our family. Gayle is professional, patient, and competent. We know we can always count on her to help us choose the best cruise for us. We look forward to many more opportunities for cruising in the future.
Midge and Mike
Gayle has always been there for us, guiding us in the right direction on such complicated matters as insurance, choice of itinerary, and getting the best possible deal.
Ann
Gayle is very easy to work with. She is responsive to my requests for information and is extremely helpful in getting my trips planned. I have some very specific travel preferences and Gayle is always ready to tackle getting my ideas and preferences met. I've been working with Gayle for years and she has always taken very good care of us.
Rod and Diana
This was the third cruise that Bridgett arranged for us. This time we had a lot of special air arrangements and transfer arrangements. She worked with the cruise line to make sure that everything dovetailed together perfectly. We have already booked another cruise through Bridgett. She is so responsive to our requests!
Lee
We googled "world cruise" and found Cruise Specialists. Diane Ritchey provided us with information -- anytime we had a question about the cruise -- there was a lot we didn't know. She helped us with information about dining, visas, and more. She was wonderful.
Linda & Bob G.
When we were on the Amazon a few years ago, in the town of Parintins, they have a big dancing competition with fantastic costumes. It was an amazing experience. In 2007, we went to Iguazu Falls. That trip is well worth the time. And Machu Picchu is incredible. Another favorite is Easter Island with the moai statues.
Connie & Joe G.
Why a world cruise? It's a wonderful experience. Part of it is escaping winter. No shoveling and no plowing!
Lynn & Stuart R.
The more you travel, you think you've done and seen and heard everything. But there's always something new.
Bill & Mary Ann B.
I loved Voyage of the Vikings and I'm tempted to do it again. I love the ships and I love being on board. I like trivia, the happy hour sail aways, and the lectures on the Grand Voyages.
Teresa Z.
The first time I ever zip-lined was in Puerto Montt, Chile, and it was so thrilling. Now I've also zip-lined in Alaska, and since then I sky-dived in New Zealand. Cruising is what you make it. You can do something every hour and every day and have fun doing it.
Cheri Lynn S.
Cruise Specialists is efficient. Anytime we call Debra and leave a voicemail, she always calls back immediately. And, she's always pleasant on the phone. She's MORE than pleasant.
Tom & Kathie L.
I always elect to take the Cruise Specialists tours as they are very interesting and worthwhile. I also really enjoy taking the tours and sharing the experiences with the other Cruise Specialists clients as I have made many good friends within the groups over the years.
Alan H.
The pre-cruise activities provided by Cruise Specialists were a very enjoyable and positive beginning and set the tone for what was one of the best cruises ever.
Patrick and Raina C.
When touring on your own in port, head first to the farthest place you would like to visit. Then spend the day working your way back toward the ship. That way, you won’t find yourself far away and wondering if you have enough time to get back before sailing time. This makes for a much more relaxed and organized day.
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
A lot of people enjoy the excursions with Cruise Specialists because they like the group aspect of it. World cruising can be a very leisurely, relaxed environment. If you have the means, and you enjoy the ocean, you can just go – and let the world be your home for the next four months.
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
A perennial favorite for me – and many seasoned world cruisers –
remains the arrival and departure from Sydney, Australia. Sailing into
the welcoming waters of the harbor in the quiet of dawn is a wonderful
way to soak in the cityscape and views of the famous opera house just
before the city comes to life.
Tom Mullen, Cruise Specialists Voyage Host
Un-Cruise gets you out there, into the small bays and inlets and smaller ports of call, so that you can really experience Alaska.
Sharon Whiting, Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultant
My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on the Paul Gauguin. It was the most romantic, breathtaking trip I have ever taken. The highlight was the blanket ceremony. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate such a special occasion.”
Gayle Takashima, Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultant
My favorite part of the 2014 Boomerang cruise was being able to sail on two exotic world cruise segments and not have to take any international flights! The additional land package in Australia between the cruises was a bonus and made it possible for us to spend time with family and friends in Sydney.”
Dr. & Mrs. Hajratwala
Bill was a gracious and generous host and was there for us if we needed.
Genevieve S.
I took 9 of my family (making 10 of us) on the Holiday Panama Cruise (Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 4, 2014) - wonderful experience for all of us. Shannon took care of everything!
Rozell D.
We enjoy being part of the Cruise Specialists family. You don’t have to do anything. Luggage is taken care of – we left it on the [Cruise Specialists] bus, went to the banquet, and we won’t see it again until the ship.
Dave T.
Life on a world cruise – it’s everything. You go from high excitement to calm all in one cruise. Visiting a new port, going to the balls, meeting new people – even for people who are readers and puzzle players – they love sea days. I never get tired of looking at water. There’s an anticipation of what’s next, too.
Mary Ann D.
When you travel, you meet new people. Our hosts, Henk and Lucia, meet up with people in a lounge and just chat. They get a real feel for your experience and how things are going.
Carol R.
Going on a cruise with Cruise Specialists is like a class reunion. You see someone you recognize and you yell at each other, “Hey, Prinsendam 2010!” It’s really nice to have Cruise Specialists – they take care of you.
Why a world cruise? I liked the itinerary and my friends were going.
Jean M.
I’ve known Tom [Cruise Specialists Voyage Host] since he’s been on this ship. The escorts at Cruise Specialists are very good and you have a feeling that if something goes wrong, they will be there for you.
Ellen W.
You meet a lot of people on a world cruise. We met friends and we stayed friends. In a way it is like an extended family. It becomes part of your life.
I still have friends on the world cruises and it’s kind of like my home. It’s a nice lifestyle. It’s a way of life that’s nice and pleasant. Whatever your tastes, you need never be bored on this ship. It’s like a community. It’s a mindset to be a world traveler.
Ellen W.
On Voyage of the Vikings we were with the Barnhoorns [Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts] the entire time. It’s just nice to be taken care of. You meet nice people. The hosts are great and they help you with any kind of problem you have.
Raina and Patrick C.
When you’re with Cruise Specialists, you’re not on your own. If you have a problem they say they’ll get back to you, and they do. We’ve been on two trips with Tom [Cruise Specialists Voyage Host] and he’s very friendly.
Judy and Rich B.
We love having someone who holds our hand every step of the way. You know the hotel is going to be good and the food is going to be good. Cruise Specialists provides great value.
Lola B. and Rufus Y.
When we were planning this trip, we wondered about the possibility of taking a helicopter ride over the Great Wall. We mentioned something to Sharon [Cruise Counselor] and she referred us to Bill [Cruise Specialists Tour Manager]. No one could coordinate that so well except someone with connections like Bill. He really went above and beyond.
Lola B. and Rufus Y.
To read about something in history books and then see it in person is a totally different experience.
Chuck and Pat S.
We’ve stopped in Indonesia, where the families of the crew get to come onboard and the excitement is palpable. We become part of their family.
Don and Carol N.
I loved the small ship, yacht-feel of the Silver Shadow with its beautiful pool deck! The suites were absolutely gorgeous – and with a butler for the suites, how can you go wrong? The food and service in the dining room was also really good!
Nina Fadelli, Cruise Specialists
I truly love working with our Bon Voyage events. It is a special time when our staff and clients come face to face. It is a great feeling to see everyone arrive after their long day of travel and offer a comfortable & exciting experience to start their grand voyage vacation!
Holly Fraser, Cruise Specialists Voyage & Event Planner
The definite highlight of my cruise was the Watersports Platform, which offered so many options for water fun imaginable for offer on the size of the yacht! You can sit and float on the tethered floating mats and chat with the other guests or partake of the many offerings they have for the water sports like-minded.
Ingrid Werner, Cruise Specialists Consultant
One of my favorite experiences on board Windstar is dining on deck at Candles Grill. Enjoying a filet mignon, with your choice of sauces and side dishes, as the sun sets is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
Teresa Tennant, Cruise Specialists Operations Manager
On a world cruise, early on, I look for opportunities to make our first-time guests feel welcome. And for our repeat clients, many of them come every one, two or three years. They’re very comfortable with us and for them it’s like coming ‘home to home.
Tom Mullen, Cruise Specialists Voyage Host
I would highly recommend pre-booking tours with Cruise Specialists, because not only are they less expensive, but most importantly, we have our own busses for our CSI clients, and really bond together on these fabulous tours.
Henk and Lucia Barnhoorn, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
We love advising or offering suggestions to passengers on what to do in ports around the world. Like how to master a local transportation system or find a unique pagoda or locate a good snorkel spot.
Kevin and Susan Atkins, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
We love the long cruises as passengers relax and settle into their favorite routine. The sea days are packed with outstanding lectures and enrichment programs. There are classes on computers, iPads, languages, piano, bridge, yoga, Pilates, ballroom dancing, memoir writing, golf, arts and crafts and more. Nights are special with the best singers and dancers at sea and top-drawer guest entertainers. A World Cruise is truly the trip of a lifetime.
Lynn and Buddy Lewis, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
Our family had the most memorable Alaska Cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and enjoyed an unforgettable cruise. We had a wonderful specialty dinner at the Chops Grill and the tours and scenery of Alaska were breathtaking.
Henk & Lucia Barnhoorn, Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts
Our family had a wonderful time on our cruise celebrating our 25th anniversary with our three children. Royal Caribbean’s on board service was top-notch. We were amazed how many of the crew members knew us by name after just a few days. We were fortunate to have connecting suites which allowed us to spend more time together and also provided additional amenities available to us. No area seemed overly crowded and we found plenty to do onboard – we enjoyed the four sea days as much as the days in port.
Bobby R.
Debra Dickerson is the most outstanding travel person that I have ever worked with. Her accuracy, quality of service, promptness, professionalism, and attention to detail are second to none; she's the best. Debra remembers all of the travel details that are unique to us and provides the best counsel and advice whenever we have questions. Lastly, she is budget conscious, recommending ways to save us money. Cruise Specialists and Debra's cruise prices are typically a lot less expensive than any other sources. Debra Dickerson is the best!
Bruce and Nancy Everstine
Our Cruise Consultant Lisa Monticello is professional, knowledgeable, and very personable. She is like a cheerful, patient, helpful friend! We have also thoroughly enjoyed Deirdre Irlam as our Voyage Ambassador numerous times. She is very caring, organized, personable and a great representative for Cruise Specialists. We have enjoyed taking the Cruise Specialists half-day excursions!
Patricia and John Anderson
(Voyage Hosts) Lynn & Buddy are beautiful people – inside and out! Diane has been a terrific advisor, but more importantly – a friend. She has remained patient and kind as I considered every option under the sun. Remarkable woman! I feel like she’s ‘family.’
Judith & Harold Pryor
Cruise Specialists and Kelli Surdell were excellent! This was our first time using Cruise Specialists, which was recommended to us by Condé Nast magazine. We have since booked two more cruises, and recently referred some friends of ours. Kelli was always very helpful in helping us plan and book our cruise. She also was very patient with us on some last minute changes to our airfare. We look forward to a long relationship with Cruise Specialists.
p.s. We also love receiving the informative newsletters and brochures. We have booked all our cruises as a result of the very informative info. Thank you.
Robert and Linda Stec
One could not ask for a more devoted representation for their organization than the Cruise Specialists onboard escorts. It was a pleasure to work with all of them.
Marcie Loebensberg
We tell everyone we meet who talks about cruising that Cruise Specialists is the BEST out there! We have signed up for the 2013 World Cruise and while on this one, we talked four more couples into going! No one seems to compare with your itinerary on HAL and when you add in all the ‘extras’ that CS gives, it’s unbeatable combination. Thank you for continuing to be number one!
Mrs. Norma Wilson and Mr. Coy Clark
My experience on the recent Holland America world cruise with Cruise Specialists was the best thing that ever happened to me! I got to explore the world, see new cultures, become more compassionate and self-confident, and learn more about myself. I even met my soul mate and am now engaged to be married! As a 40 year old cruiser, I definitely encourage other younger travelers to embark on a world cruise while they are healthy and physically able to participate in all the shore excursions and adventures that are available on a world cruise itinerary!
Alex Johnson
Being a Cruise Specialists client feels like you are part of their family. Through the years, I have developed personal relationships with my agent, the onboard escorts, and the entire Cruise Specialists team and know they will put together a great cruise experience for me every time.
Alan Hesdorffer
The staff at Cruise Specialists are not only friendly and great to work with, but they get back to me right away with any questions or concerns I may have about my upcoming cruise vacation.
Waldo Beebe
We have known Cruise Specialists escorts Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins since 2003. Their knowledge of ports and their advice regarding shore excursions is excellent.
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kinne
Our experience with Cruise Specialists has been on Holland America Grand World Voyages. Excellent Service is another name for Cruise Specialists. The service starts with a "person" answering the telephone. Our Cruise Consultant is knowledgeable, efficient, and with good closure. The cruise escorts are excellent sources of information and guidance during the cruise. The amenities package is generous, and the price of the cruise is competitive. We have been very pleased with the Cruise Specialists service.
Dolores and William Ranck
I love doing business with Cruise Specialists – I wish I had been in touch with your company years ago. I was extremely pleased with your services and so happy to have met Debra. She is so easy to work with, and now feels like an old friend. I am anxious to get started planning my next voyage!
Diane Love
Having Cruise Specialists escorts gave us a definitely personalized attachment to the cruise, and we loved the ‘extras’, like the CS tours. The special ‘gifts’ were wonderful. The windbreakers were particularly welcome. As usual, we were totally pleased with Cruise Specialists. Thanks for everything.
Edward and Janet B.
This was my first experience both with a long term cruise and with Cruise Specialists and I loved it all, and certainly want to do it again in the future. It was a pleasure to meet and have the escorts!
Sheila Klein
It is nice to work with Cruise Specialists because they are warm, helpful, attentive and very professional. They make cruising a real pleasure.
Jim and Irene Baughman