Cruise Specialists Blog

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 →

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: 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: 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 →

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 →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Scotland and Norway
Our arrival in South Queensferry, Scotland placed us right in front of the magnificent Forth Bridge, which spans the estuary Firth of the Forth River. It was the earliest multi-span cantilever bridge used for train traffic to connect Fife with Edinburgh. There are also two more modern road bridges that cross in the same location. All three make an impressive sight. 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 →

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 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: Gibraltar and Barcelona
Gibraltar is a small but very interesting British Overseas Territory. Everyone was out on deck this morning to watch as we sailed in to see “The Rock.” We were joined by the Sky Princess at the same dock, so we were expecting the streets and main attractions to be busy. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Arriving in Africa
We’ve reached mainland Africa in the city of Banjul, The Gambia. Our prior two visits showcased the poverty, which is hard to absorb coming from a luxury cruise ship. It makes us so much more appreciative of our good fortune. Today was a much better than expected experience. We had a tour with our Cruise Specialists guests called "Discover Banjul." READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Spain and Portugal
After our two-day festival in Barcelona, it was good to slow down a bit and visit a smaller, quieter but equally beautiful city. Located on the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. On our extensive walk today, we got to see some of the major attractions: 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 →

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: Montevideo and Punta del Este
Arriving in Montevideo, we had the pleasure of meeting up with coworkers who live in the area. We spent a few hours getting them acquainted with Volendam from top to bottom. This was their first time on a Holland America ship, they really loved it! We had coffee in the Library Café, toured the public spaces and our cabin, had lunch in the Lido, walked around the Promenade Deck, and shared stories about hosting in exchange for their stories about their work. It was inspiring to see our world from someone else’s fresh eyes. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: The Falkland Islands and Argentina
The Falkland Islands, also called Islas Malvinas, is a remote South Atlantic Archipelago of over 700 islands, 300 miles from the coast of Argentina. Although it is off the coast of Argentina, and Argentina believes it belongs to them, it is British in every way. The 1982 war between Argentina and Great Britain settled that ownership question in favor of the British. So British currency, driving rules, and other British customs prevail. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Southern Chile and Argentina
It was a very early start today as we approached the Amalia Glacier. A perfect morning offered clear skies, temps around freezing, but no wind. Lots of ice bits were all around in the water, a sign that the glacier had recently calved. Although we did not see any falling ice, the Glacier did not disappoint. Part of a massive ice field, it ends majestically down at the water line. It was awesome just taking in the sights. 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 →

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 →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Ecuador and Peru
Manta was our next stop, a city we have visited many times. There are some fun tours here that explore the local culture. Ecuador is the home of the Panama hat (not Panama, as you might think), and you can watch the painstaking weaving process required to create these unique hats. They are available for purchase everywhere. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Arica and San Antonio, Chile
Our first stop in Chile is the city of Arica. It’s another commercial port but the shuttle ride is only a few minutes to the port gates. You can then step out on the main street called Avenida Comandante San Martin. It is right across from the Main Square with the iconic Cathedral of San Marcos, a 19th century Gothic-Style Church designed by Gustave Eiffel. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Wendy's Adventures in Peru
We’re docked in the commercial port of Callao, adjacent to the city of Lima, Peru. Steve and his excited group of 15 left this morning for the Lima airport, headed for Cusco, on the way to Machu Picchu. We’ll tell his story when they get back in three days. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole Voyage Bon Voyage and First Ports of Call
Saturday morning, we headed to the ship. Our entire group was granted priority status and were among the first to board! The whole process was smooth and easy, and our luggage and supplies were delivered to our cabin by late afternoon. READ MORE →

Holland America Line Pole to Pole: Costa Rica and Panama
Our first group shore excursion was a diverse and fascinating adventure into the natural world of Costa Rica. We started with a bus ride to the Sloth Sanctuary. Their mission is to care for injured or abandoned sloths, rehabilitate them, and then release them back to the wild where possible. If it is not possible, they are given a lifetime home at the sanctuary, where they entertain and impress visitors like us. We met at least a dozen of these gentle creatures, all with disabilities or who were abandoned by their mothers before they learned the skills to survive in the jungle. 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 →

2024 Princess World Cruise, Chapter 4
as we reflect on the past 111 days. The days and weeks seem to become a bit of a blur, filled with good and exciting memories that melt into each other, reminded of our awesome journey as we look at the thousands of photos that were taken, and as we reminisce and laugh at the wonderful memories with our CS passengers during chat times! READ MORE →

2024 Island Princess World Cruise - Chapter 3
This Segment consisted of several Sea Days in groups of four to seven days. The first question that came to passengers’ minds was to wonder if they will be bored or if they will enjoy Sea Days, have time to participate in the events set up by the crew, or to get caught up on some reading that has been put to the side while we were visiting various ports. 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 4
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 →

2024 Island Princess World Cruise - Chapter 2
We reached Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii on January 24th, and the wonderful world and word of ‘Aloha’. Aloha means ‘Life’ and ‘Welcome’ as well as ‘Good-Bye’ and ‘Love’ depending on the context in which it is used. Hawaii, the name alone brings up visions of warm caressing winds, fragrant flowers, and Waikiki Beach, an area that is always alive with action. You see many tourists walking about, shiny limousines and buses on the roads, pedestrians sharing the sidewalks with dogs and scooters. READ MORE →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 3
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 →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 2
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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

2024 Island Princess World Cruise - Chapter 1
The Island Princess World 2024 adventure of a lifetime began on January 3rd, 2024, at the Renaissance Plantation Hotel when the Cruise Specialists guests signed in at the Hotel and enjoyed a hosted reception and a pre-cruise celebratory dinner. This was a first opportunity for guests to connect with each other and share their excitement of a journey that would take place over the next 111 days. READ MORE →

5 Must-See European Ports
Have you been dreaming of exploring Europe? We don’t blame you! From historic cities and silver screen cameos to breathtaking beaches and awe-inspiring ocean views, Europe is home to some of the world’s most incredible destinations. With so much to see and so many fantastic attractions, a cruise is a great way to soak up multiple cities in one easy vacation. When you book through our agency, you’ll have the expertise of a professional on your side. We can protect your vacation with travel insurance and help you understand all cancellation and refund options available. Looking for inspiration? Read on to discover five of our favorite European ports to explore on your next cruise adventure. READ MORE →

The Best Cruise Ports You’ve Never Heard Of
Glance at any cruise itinerary, and you’re bound to see a few unfamiliar names. Whether they’re small, remote or overshadowed by a more famous neighbor, these ports may be off the beaten track, but they offer the unique opportunity to explore further and delve deeper. So next time you look at an itinerary, take a moment to embrace the unknown stops — they could be the most rewarding of all. Here’s a few of our favorite hidden gems from across the world. READ MORE →

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