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HOLLAND AMERICA LINE CRUISE REVIEWS

How to Plan the Perfect Solo Cruise

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 →

Savvy Travelers Plan Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays

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 →

Cruise Tips From the Cruise Specialists

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 →

2024 Tales of the South Pacific Chapter 1

2024 Tales of the South Pacific Chapter 1
It feels like our adventures on the 51-Day “Tales of the South Pacific” aboard Zaandam just began, and yet, we are now already at the end of October! Here is an update of the first leg of this incredible voyage. READ MORE →

Conclusion of the 2024 Tales of the South Pacific Voyage

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 →

Voyage of the Vikings - Netherlands and United Kingdom

Voyage of the Vikings - Netherlands and United Kingdom
The day at sea between Oslo and Rotterdam was calm and relaxing, offering time for guests to indulge in the ship's many activities. Highlights of the day included "Chat Times" and "High Tea," both of which drew enthusiastic participation. READ MORE →

Concluding Voyage of the Vikings

Concluding Voyage of the Vikings
It was rough seas today, so a number of people decided to stay on board. We braved the tender and took a cold walk around this small village. READ MORE →

Voyage of the Vikings - Greenland, Iceland & Norway

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 →

Voyage of the Vikings - Bar Harbor, Sydney, Corner Brook and Red Bay

Voyage of the Vikings - Bar Harbor, Sydney, Corner Brook and Red Bay
Boston is steeped in history, impressive statues and storytelling plaques. We highly recommend a visit to this beautiful city. We walked more than 10 miles each day and used local buses and the subway system. Public transport in Boston is easy to use and inexpensive. READ MORE →

Scenic Glacier Bay, Homer, Haines and Skagway

Scenic Glacier Bay, Homer, Haines and Skagway
There is the city of Homer and then there is The Homer Spit. Our tenders took us to the small boat harbor on The Spit - a very narrow, 4 plus-mile-long peninsula, jutting out into Kachemak Bay. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, there is a gorgeous view in every direction. READ MORE →

Conclusion of the 2024 Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Voyage

Conclusion of the 2024 Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Voyage
We were pleasantly surprised at how nice a town it was. As our last port, we had planned a tour with our Cruise Specialists guests that included a farewell lunch. We started with a fun Vintage Trolley tour around the city. Our guide knew everyone and everything about the area and had a great sense of humor, keeping us laughing throughout our tour. READ MORE →

Discover Juneau and Misty Fjords

Discover Juneau and Misty Fjords
Welcome to the Capital of Alaska, Juneau. It is perhaps the busiest of the Alaskan cruise ports, with 4 ships joining us today which will be typical almost every day during the summer season. We estimated 16,000-18,000 cruise passengers tour the area. READ MORE →

Discover the Charm of Alaska

Discover the Charm of Alaska
As we approached Hubbard Glacier, the weather gods were pleased with us, as it was a truly spectacular day. Sun shining, moderate temperatures, and no wind made it perfect to be outdoors. READ MORE →

A Spectacular Start to Our Alaskan Adventure

A Spectacular Start to Our Alaskan Adventure
Our journey began in the charming Queen Anne section of downtown Seattle, just a few blocks from the Cruise Specialists office. After a delightful visit with our colleagues, we spent Friday and Saturday wandering around the city, taking in all the iconic sights of Seattle. READ MORE →

Contrasting Rugged Kodiak and Bustling Anchorage

Contrasting Rugged Kodiak and Bustling Anchorage
Last evening was our Cruise Specialists Cocktail Party, which was very well attended - 80 out of 110 Guests enjoyed an open bar with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. It was quite a congenial group, staying well beyond the scheduled time. READ MORE →

Discover Alaska: The Ultimate Frontier Adventure Awaits!

Discover Alaska: The Ultimate Frontier Adventure Awaits!
Nicknamed "The Last Frontier," our 49th state has it all. From breathtaking landscapes to unique wildlife and rich history, Alaska is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. READ MORE →

Seward, Dutch Harbor and Nome

Seward, Dutch Harbor and Nome
Here we are today, once again standing in front of the beautiful SeaLife Center complex. It is an aquarium, a wildlife response unit, an educational center, and a sophisticated research facility. It has become a focal point for tourists and tour groups. The rest of the town looks very much the same to us. It had a rugged frontier feel to it back then in 2004 and still does today. That feeling was magnified by the dense fog that covered everything at our arrival. READ MORE →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 4

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 →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 3

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 →

The Allure of the Open Seas: Multi-Month Cruises Redefining Travel

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 →

Grand Australia Voyage Journal, part 2

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 →

Sailing the World: Cruise Lines Offering World Cruises

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

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 →

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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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Justin Gibson

Justin Gibson grew up in the Dallas suburbia, but has since been transplanted to the D.C. area. He was schooled at Southern Methodist University, which was nice. He currently works as a copywriter, but longs to attempt riding a bull.
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Dayna Engberg

Dayna is an MBA who left a starchy job in finance to pursue the wild adventures of being a travel writer. She has since gotten caught in a blizzard in the Canadian Rockies, lost a shoe on a camel trek across the Sahara Desert and crashed a jeep in the Mexican jungle. She maintains that bad luck makes for excellent stories.
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Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
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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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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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Keith and Susie Boyland

Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their journeys to destinations around the world.
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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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Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins

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