Cruise Specialists Blog

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 →

Amazing Sea Days
If we were to ask the 34.6 million people who according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) sailed in 2024, what were their favorite days of the cruise, most would probably say the times in port. While I love exploring ashore –I mean, snorkeling among rainbows of fish in the Great Barrier Reef, riding a camel at the Pyramids in Egypt and admiring Michelangelo’s works in the Vatican are some of the big reasons why we cruise—I also really, really enjoy sea days. 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 →

Holland America Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage
Follow along with Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts, Keith and Susie Boyland in this detailed review of the Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage aboard Volendam which departed October 7, 2025. 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 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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole Recap
We finished all our port visits and spent three days at sea before arriving in Ft Lauderdale to complete our 133-day loop. It is the longest cruise Holland America has ever sailed, covering 28 countries, 68 ports, and almost 32,000 nautical miles. Some guests are ready to go home, others are actually staying on for the next voyage that will head back up the East coast and end in Montreal. We are happy to end with the incredibly positive experience we have had. Volendam has been a wonderful home away from home for 4 plus months and we could not have asked for a more friendly, capable crew than we have had. There is a certain camaraderie aboard this ship that we appreciate. The staff clearly like each other and work as a team. We were told that there is a crew survey that is meant to measu 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 →

Alaska Arctic Circle Summer Solstice Cruise
Excited guests from all over the USA and Canada were joyfully greeted at the port of Seattle by many of our Cruise Specialists agents and staff. Our group was allowed early embarkation in order to attend a welcome party in the Crow’s Nest. Each of our guests received a wonderful array of gifts for the voyage – tote bags, water bottles, unique pins and a notebook. Drinks and smiles flowed as we met our guests - and for some, they also got to meet their agents for the first time too. We later bid the Seattle team a fond farewell and Westerdam slipped out into the Puget Sound and headed north. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Iceland
For every port we visit, our Cruise and Travel Director has prepared an in-depth presentation of the best places to see. He tries to give us his "Top Ten" things to see and do, although in some ports his list is smaller. Then the night before our visit, he has a "Q and A" to go over some of the practical details that independent travelers are interested in - Is there a hop on hop off bus? Is Uber available? How far is the walk from the pier into town? For our visit to Djupivogur, Iceland, the first question asked was “Why do we stop here?” suggesting there was not much to do or see. He struggled a bit to come up with an answer, admitting that not every port will be equally exciting. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Canada and New England
Although we are down to our last 10 days of this voyage, they will be very busy. We still have 6 ports to visit! So, only a few sea days to fit in all those final cocktail parties, Mariner Recognition events, farewell dinners, and perhaps tearful goodbyes to new friends. Our final cocktail party for our Cruise Specialists guests was a lovely affair. About two thirds of the group attended and stayed more than an hour past the official end. They were really having a wonderful time and since it is our last party, perhaps the last chance for some of these people to easily get together. We love that they like spending time together! READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Greenland
Our first stop to Nanortalik, Greenland was cancelled due to ice and more ice. We have two very experienced Danish ice pilots sailing with us and one ice consultant, in addition to our captain who is also a qualified ice pilot. It was clear that Nanortalik was not accessible. So, the plan is to go further south to stay clear of the ice. We are also switching the order of our two other Greenland ports to take advantage of the best conditions. It was a very rough night - lots of shaking and rolling, things around the cabin falling, no damage, just noisy. 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 →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: More Norway
We crossed the Arctic Circle this morning, entering the land of the midnight sun. The sun will not set here for our next few days of travel, making everyone appreciate their blackout drapes. As we head north, we’ll sail close to the Norwegian coastline, providing an opportunity for spectacular scenic cruising. 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 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 →

A Personal Invitation to Discover the Galápagos with Lindblad Expeditions
There are few places on Earth that can truly be described as otherworldly—but the Galápagos Islands are one of them. I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively throughout the world, yet the Galápagos continue to hold a special place in my heart. Nowhere else can you walk alongside giant tortoises, snorkel with sea lions, and observe blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat—all in one day. It’s not just a destination; it’s a revelation. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: France, Belgium and The Netherlands
We watched a cable car cross the river and disappear into a large industrial building. So, of course we had to see where it went. Called Ateliers des Capucins, the building is a massive warehouse, filled with workshops, stores, and some unique old industrial equipment. We also wandered down to the Rue Saint-Malo, the tiny street that remarkably was not destroyed during the bombings. There was a pleasant wide pedestrian-only shopping street and loads of places to sit outside in the sun and watch the passing parade. Our final place to walk was down by the marinas - more cafés looking out on the small boat marina. It was a gorgeous day, so everyone was out enjoying the weather. 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 →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: The Canaries and Morocco
The Canary Islands are a Spanish Archipelago of seven islands off the coast of Northwestern Africa. They are known for their stunning beaches, spectacular landscapes, and year-round sunshine. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Leaving South America
We’ve left the Amazon heading to the Northern Hemisphere. Our next stop is what is commonly known as Devil’s Island. We’re actually stopping on Île Royale, one of the three islands in this grouping that make up the Salvation Islands off the coast of French Guiana. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: The Amazon River
Our first of 5 ports along the Amazon River is Santarem, one of the oldest cities, dating back to the 1600’s. We remember it as the place where the murky brown Amazon meets the blue Tapajos, a phenomenon called the “meeting of the waters.” The two rivers run side by side for miles without mixing - a fascinating sight. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Brazil
One of the characteristics of a Grand Voyage is immersion into the culture of the places we visit. With 11 stops in Brazil, including a long stretch on the Amazon River, we have had a lot of time to learn about this region. READ MORE →

10 Faves On Oceania's Vista
Long-time fans of the value and cuisine of Oceania, my husband Humberto and I decided to try the line's Vista this spring. Launched in May of 2023 and representing a new class of ship for Oceania, the 68,000-ton, 1,200-guest Vista is slated to be followed by sister ship Allura in 2026. READ MORE →

I Traveled to Antarctica with HX Expeditions—Here’s What It Was Really Like
There’s something surreal about saying, “I’ve been to Antarctica.” It sounds like something reserved for scientists or explorers—not your everyday traveler. But I recently had the incredible opportunity to join an HX Expedition aboard the Roald Amundsen, and it absolutely redefined what adventure means. From penguins waddling across icy shores to zodiac rides through a frozen sculpture garden, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: The Antarctica Experience
We arrived in Antarctic waters on Saturday night, pausing overnight off the coast of Anvers Island to begin our adventure the next morning. We were then off to a spectacular start! Our first destination was Palmer Station, part of the US Antarctic research contingent. 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 →

Double Delight: Back-to-Back Cruises
The old slogan of Doublemint chewing gum: “Double your pleasure, double your fun” comes to mind in the case of back-to-back cruises as they are a double delight. My husband, Humberto, and I have often said to ourselves after a week-long or shorter cruise that just as we are getting acquainted with the ship we have to disembark. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Robinson Crusoe Island and Southern Chile
Robinson Crusoe Island is a special place. There is something about it that captures our imagination, makes us slow down, absorb the atmosphere, and not want to leave when the time comes. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Steve's Adventures in Machu Picchu
Our group of 16 Cruise Specialists guests met our guide and chief escort, Katty, at the gangway for the short ride to the airport. She would be with us every step of the trip until she saw us safely back to the ship. 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 →

Holland America Grand World Voyage: Cruising the South Pacific
We experienced Rarotonga, one of the Cook Islands, a tender port. As much as we all prefer a dock for easy access to the islands, the nature of the harbor or underwater topography do not allow for larger cruise ships to enter the port. When we step on land, a huge sign welcomes us with the lovely “Kia Orana”! We arrived on a Saturday, in time to visit the local markets and to see the fish vendors with their prized tuna hanging next to their pickup trucks, ready to be sold. The local bus drove around the Island, passengers entering or exiting as they reached their hotels and beaches, with the bus driver calling out the various locations. If no one was interested in alighting, she drove on to the next stop. There was bus audience participation as we often had to repeat her location callou READ MORE →

Introducing Holland America Line Pole to Pole Voyage
Ever since the “Pole to Pole” concept was introduced as a possible future itinerary we felt it was designed for us. So much of our experience as Hosts and as avid cruisers has revolved around these destinations. READ MORE →

Holland America Grand World Voyage
The Holland America Grand World Voyage aboard the Zuiderdam commenced on January 4, 2025, from Fort Lauderdale. Over the past few weeks, passengers have explored a variety of captivating destinations, each offering unique experiences and insights. 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 →

42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage – Gibraltar, Tangier, and Seville
Arriving in Gibraltar is special, particularly if you have never seen the Rock of Gibraltar. Many were out on the bow to take in the view. READ MORE →

42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage – Malta & Tunisia
We can’t think of a sail-in that is as scenic as the arrival to Valletta, Malta. It is breathtaking to see the massive, fortified walls in every direction, luxury yachts in the harbor, and gorgeous architecture all around. We arrived at three in the afternoon and decided to go out for a walk. READ MORE →

Conclusion of the 42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage
There is no better way to sum up this voyage than with a collection of photos we took along the way. Here are a few highlights from some of our favorite destinations. READ MORE →

42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage – The Acropolis & Egyptian Pyramids
One short day in Athens can hardly do justice to the Greek experience. We have so many wonderful memories of the Greek islands, especially the great food. But today we are docked in Piraeus, the port city for Athens, with only a few hours to visit. READ MORE →

42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean Voyage – Exploring Italy
As we made our way toward Italy, our first major event on board was the Volendam Ball. Held in the World Stage, a beautiful new portable dance floor was installed in the middle of the room. Hundreds of guests attended and even though most of them didn’t dance, it was a crowded floor. No matter, we all made space for each other and had fun dancing with the Officers, as well as our partners. Wendy was lucky enough to grab the Captain, Hotel General Manager, Cruise and Travel Director, and Head Housekeeper for a dance each. Steve had dances with our Event Coordinator, Future Cruise Consultant, Entertainment Director, and Executive Assistant. READ MORE →

How to Plan the Perfect Solo Cruise
In a world where independence and adventure are increasingly valued, solo cruising is emerging as a growing trend among travelers. Traditionally seen as a couple, group or family activity, cruising also attracts solo travelers seeking the blend of luxury, convenience and freedom that only a cruise can offer. READ MORE →

Cruise Tips From the Cruise Specialists
Planning your dream vacation is exciting. Studies show that planning and anticipating of a trip alone can elevate your mood, long before you depart! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, everyone can appreciate travel advice. We asked our cruise consultants for their top tips they share with their clients. READ MORE →

Savvy Travelers Plan Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
Cruising offers unparalleled access to a wide array of destinations, often within a single voyage. Imagine your voyage itinerary is a geographic tasting menu where you can experience local culture, cuisine and scenery without the commitment of a longer stay or the hassle of scheduling multiple flights or accommodations. However, what if you wish to delve deeper into a city or region or simply keep the fun going? There are several good reasons to extend your travels with a pre- and/or post-cruise stay. READ MORE →

Conclusion of the 2024 Tales of the South Pacific Voyage
Embarking on a journey through the South Pacific with Cruise Specialists was nothing short of magical. Over 51 days, Holland America’s Zaandam took us across some of the world’s most breathtaking islands, filled with rich cultural encounters, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. READ MORE →

45-Day European Explorers aboard Seabourn Ovation
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts Susan Atkins and Kevin LaGraff spent the late spring and early summer on Seabourn Ovation hosting 4 cruises. They have provided a detailed account of their exciting journey. READ MORE →

Voyage of the Vikings - Greenland, Iceland & Norway
We were treated to a day of scenic cruising up and down the Tasermiut Fjord to see breathtaking views of icebergs, a glacier and even a rainbow! We have travelled many times in the Norwegian fjords and although the Icelandic ones are similar, each fjord is unique. The Tasermiut Fjord has very steep sides and a good deal of ice floats around it, making for magnificent photographs. We hosted an extra chat time today offering Cruise Specialists guests a chance to take in the views while we chatted and were pleasantly surprised as to how many people stopped by! READ MORE →

Navigating the New Era of Cruising: A Glimpse Into Tomorrow’s Cruise Ships
The word is out, there are a lot of new cruise ships being built and several are starting their maiden seasons. The world of cruising is on the brink of a remarkable transformation with the upcoming launch of new cruise ships between now and the next eight years. They are set to redefine luxury travel by sea, merging innovative design with unparalleled service. READ MORE →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 1
Follow along with Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts, Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer on Holland America’s 94-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Cruise aboard Volendam. READ MORE →

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

Cruise Destinations ▼

Cruise Lines ▼