Cruise Specialists Blog

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

ARTICLES BY JOHN BELL

Oceania Allura Cruise Review: Refined, Inspired, and Absolutely Oceania
I recently had the opportunity to step aboard Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Allura, and I’ll say this upfront: she is spectacular. I joined for a short sailing to experience the ship firsthand and attend the christening, and Allura made a lasting impression. READ MORE →

Orient Express Sailing Yachts: A New Icon of Luxury at Sea
Few names in travel history evoke the same sense of romance, refinement, and timeless elegance as Orient Express. Now, that legendary brand is redefining luxury once again—this time on the open sea. Orient Express Sailing Yachts represents an entirely new category of ultra-luxury travel, blending the glamour of classic yachting with cutting-edge maritime design and the impeccable service standards the brand is known for. READ MORE →

Exploring Private Islands: A Distinctive Advantage of Major Cruise Lines
Private islands have become one of the most compelling differentiators in modern cruising. Designed exclusively for guests of select cruise lines, these destinations offer controlled environments, elevated service, and experiences tailored to each brand’s identity. For travelers seeking pristine beaches, curated adventures, and a more seamless port day, private islands represent the pinnacle of convenience and luxury. Below is an overview of the premier private islands offered by today’s major cruise lines and what makes each one unique. READ MORE →

Oceania Cruises Unveils a New Ship: Introducing Sonata
Scheduled to debut in August 2027, Oceania Sonata will be the first ship in the new Sonata Class—a planned series of four sister ships, each sharing the same guest capacity and overall design philosophy. The ship will carry 855 officers and crew members, ensuring the high staff-to-guest ratio and attentive service Oceania Cruises is known for. READ MORE →

Introducing Cross-Brand Loyalty Recognition Across the NCLH Family
At Cruise Specialists, we are always looking for ways to help our guests get the most value, flexibility, and recognition from their cruise loyalty programs. Today, we’re pleased to bring exciting news: beginning October 15, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which encompasses Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) will begin honoring loyalty status across all three of its brands. READ MORE →

Riviera Travel Dedicates MS George Eliot to Solo Travelers on Select Departures
Riviera Travel has announced a groundbreaking step in making river cruising more accessible and enjoyable for independent travelers. Beginning in June 2027, select sailings of the MS George Eliot will be reserved exclusively for solo travelers, eliminating the need for single supplements and creating a community of like-minded explorers. READ MORE →

The Rise of 30–50 Day Cruises: Flexibility Meets Immersion
For many years, the ultimate prize for our devoted cruisers has been the full world cruise—120 days or more circling the globe. These sailings remain iconic, but a growing number of travelers are now embracing an alternative: 30–50 day voyages. Whether booked as stand-alone grand voyages, back-to-back cruises or as segments of a full world cruise, these itineraries are reshaping how people enjoy extended time at sea. READ MORE →

Silversea’s “Luxury of Choice” Pricing: What You Need to Know
Silversea Cruises, renowned as one of the world’s leading all-inclusive luxury cruise lines, has introduced a major update to its fare structure. Known for both classic ocean voyages and immersive expedition cruises to the most remote corners of the globe, Silversea is enhancing the way travelers book by offering greater personalization in what is included in their fare. READ MORE →

Celebrity Cruises Brings Their Signature Style to Europe’s Rivers in 2027
At Cruise Specialists, we’ve proudly introduced our clients to the very best in river cruising for decades. But in 2027, something truly remarkable is arriving: Celebrity Cruises is bringing its award-winning ocean experience to the rivers of Europe. READ MORE →

Why Book Your Cruise with Cruise Specialists Instead of Directly with the Cruise Line?
If you’ve ever dreamed of setting sail on the perfect cruise—whether it’s a 7-day Caribbean escape or a 107-day world voyage—how you book your cruise can significantly impact your overall experience. Many travelers, especially first-timers, assume that booking directly with a cruise line is simpler, more cost-effective, or yields better perks. But in truth, working with a dedicated cruise-focused travel agency like Cruise Specialists often provides greater value, deeper expertise, and more personalized service. Here’s why thousands of seasoned cruisers and newcomers alike choose Cruise Specialists over booking direct with the cruise lines: READ MORE →

Retirement at Sea: Live the Adventure on World Cruise
For many retirees, the golden years symbolize freedom—a time to explore, relax, and make every day extraordinary. What if your retirement could be a world cruise, with no need for grocery shopping, home maintenance, or the unpredictability of travel logistics? Enter the idea of retiring at sea, where every horizon holds a new destination, and you call a luxury cruise ship your home. READ MORE →

Discover Celebrity River Cruises: A New Era of Luxury on Europe’s Waterways
Celebrity River Cruises is set to redefine the river cruising experience by combining the elegance of luxury travel with a rich immersion into Europe’s culture and history. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or exploring this mode of travel for the first time, this is an adventure poised to exceed expectations. READ MORE →

The Allure of the Open Seas: Multi-Month Cruises Redefining Travel
Cruise Specialists is the expert in long cruises tailored to our clients’ preferences. Our dedicated team provides personalized guidance and unbiased recommendations to ensure you select the perfect voyage. Experience added luxuries and attentive cruise hosts during your extended getaway with Cruise Specialists. READ MORE →

Sailing the World: Cruise Lines Offering World Cruises
For those with the wanderlust bug intertwined with their very being, a world cruise is the ultimate voyage, promising much more than a typical cruise experience, but a dramatic unraveling of the planet's wonders over several months. READ MORE →

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Guest Contributor

Guest contributors to Travel Leaders have diverse backgrounds in publishing, travel, and vacations. They live across the globe and bring unique, first-hand experience to their writing.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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John Bell

John believes that travel creates some of the most significant memories of people’s lives and this fuels his passion and guides his work each day as the Senior Director of Marketing for Cruise Specialists.
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Lisa Vongphachanh

Her ideal travel day: visit a new place, do something unexpected and connect with locals.
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Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
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Keith and Susie Boyland

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
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Georgina Cruz

A Cruise Specialists guest and freelance travel writer, she has been on 200+ voyages!
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Kim Jackson

Kim Jackson enjoys traveling to lesser known and iconic destinations around the world. So far, her favorite country to visit is Spain for the hospitality, the landscapes and the amazing cuisine.
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Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
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