As a young man Tom Mullen was a cruise ship spa manager. After crossing paths with Cruise Specialists company founder Janet Lanterman, she hand-picked him to become a Voyage Host for Cruise Specialists.

What a decision it was!

Tom has since made a career out of hosting cruises for Cruise Specialists, hosting more than 30 for our company so far – including about 20 World Cruises. He’s also hosted Asia-Pacific cruises, the Voyage of the Vikings, Atlantic Adventurer, and Tales of the South Pacific.
Tom Mullen (center) during an Indonesian-themed dinner – 2015 Holland America Line World Cruise

Tom enjoys the personal relationships that he builds with clients, whether he has known them for 30 years or if this is their first time sailing with Cruise Specialists. He has some clients that he sees more than his own family. For those he is just getting to know, he’ll seek them out and sip a cup of tea with them. Eventually, he learns the habits of all his guests in a group and can anticipate their needs, assist them if they need help, and be there as a friend and guide throughout the voyage.

Destinations are another major aspect of each cruise Tom hosts, and he has many “best-kept secrets” about ports around the world, which he only shares with our guests. He can tell you the best place for a pastry in Sydney or his favorite place to have lunch in Singapore. Tom also gets excited about special events onboard the ship – for example themed dining nights or parties related to certain destinations being visited.

Some people may think a cruise of several months could be too long to be away from home. Tom might argue the exact opposite, that four months isn’t enough time to experience all there is to see and do!