Cruise Specialists Blog

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

ARTICLES BY LISA VONGPHACHANH

Introducing SS Emilie A Masterpiece on the Danube
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the upcoming debut of the S.S. Emilie, the newest addition to their award-winning Super Ship™ fleet, setting sail on the iconic Danube River in 2026. Inspired by the brilliance of Viennese painter Gustav Klimt and named after his beloved muse, Emilie Flöge, the ship is a celebration of art, elegance, and innovation. READ MORE →

The Ultimate Santorini Day Awaits in Summer 2026
If Santorini has been on your must-visit list, Royal Caribbean Group is about to make your dream vacation even more extraordinary. Coming in summer 2026, the new Royal Beach Club Santorini will redefine what it means to experience this iconic Greek island. READ MORE →

A New Era Begins for Crystal Cruises: First New Ship in 25 Years Announced
Luxury travelers have something extraordinary to look forward to. Crystal Cruises, a global leader in exceptional ocean voyages, has announced milestone dates for the construction of its first new ship in 25 years, scheduled for delivery in May 2028. READ MORE →

Iceland’s Wild West Coast & East Greenland: An Expedition Unlike Any Other
On July 27, 2025, the 136-guest National Geographic Endurance set sail from Reykjavik on a 12-day expedition to Iceland’s Wild West Coast and East Greenland, returning August 7. Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultants Gillian Clark and Karen McKinstry were aboard, and their firsthand experiences reveal why this was not just a cruise, it was an expedition that transformed how they saw the world. READ MORE →

Why Virgin Voyages Was the Perfect Family Cruise (without the kids)
When people think “family vacation,” they imagine staterooms packed with children’s toys, pool decks full of splash zones, and kid-friendly dining options. But for our recent Caribbean escape aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, “family vacation” took on a whole new meaning—one filled with gourmet dining, rooftop workouts, cocktail classes, and curated shore excursions. READ MORE →

A Seasoned Cruiser’s First Cruise with Holland America
At Cruise Specialists, our team of Cruise Consultants brings personal experience and honest insight to help our clients find their perfect vacation at sea. Many of our consultants are avid cruisers themselves—and today, we’re excited to share a first-hand account from one of our own: Matthew Spencer, who recently sailed with Holland America Line for the first time. READ MORE →

Discover Europe’s Heartbeat: River Cruises with Riviera Travel
Exploring Europe by river is a convenient way to easily explore many of the iconic cities and historic towns in one trip. Gently gliding past fairytale castles, hillside vineyards, and medieval villages, a river cruise is immersive, relaxing and memorable. READ MORE →

Discover MSC World America: A Bold New Way to Cruise the Caribbean
MSC Cruises has long been a leader in European cruising, with more ships and destinations across the region than any other cruise line. Now, they are focusing on the Caribbean with something entirely new. Meet MSC World America, their first ship designed specifically for guests from North America. This groundbreaking ship blends MSC’s signature European sophistication with the relaxed comforts North American guests love, offering a cruising experience unlike anything else in their fleet. READ MORE →

3 Unexpected Cruise Guests Perfect for Ovation of the Seas
When you think of a Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Ovation of the Seas, you might picture families with kids or groups of friends soaking up the sun. But this innovative Quantum Class ship offers far more than meets the eye. Whether you're traveling as a couple, traveling with a mobility device, or cruising solo, Ovation of the Seas delivers an unforgettable experience designed for you. READ MORE →

Introducing AmaMagdalena: AmaWaterways’ Stunning New River Cruise Ship Exploring Colombia
If you've ever dreamed of exploring South America in style, the wait is over. Launching in March 2025, AmaWaterways' AmaMagdalena offers a luxurious new way to experience the culture, flavor, and spirit of Colombia, along the breathtaking Magdalena River. Be among the first to sail aboard this intimate, 60-guest river ship and discover a region rich with history and rhythm on one of two unforgettable itineraries: Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia. READ MORE →

Majestic Princess Sets Sail Refreshed and Reimagined for 2025 Mediterranean Season
The Majestic Princess has officially returned to the seas with a fresh new look and exciting enhancements after a two-week drydock in Palermo, Italy. Just in time for the highly anticipated 2025 Mediterranean season, this revitalized ship brings with it a wave of beloved venues, redesigned social spaces, and all-new culinary experiences to elevate your cruise vacation. READ MORE →

Everything You Need To Know About World Cruise Segments
Imagine setting sail on a journey that takes you around the world, allowing you to explore diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and historic sites in multiple countries. This dream can become a reality through a World Cruise, however, not everyone has the luxury of taking several months off from their busy lives. That's where World Cruise Segments come in. 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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