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Gillian Clark / Expedition Cruises
Gillian Clark

Gillian Clark

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 25+
47 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Expedition Cruises

With Helicopter Pilot On Board Scenic Eclipse
With Helicopter Pilot On Board Scenic Eclipse

I’ve had the opportunity to visit all seven continents, and through expedition cruising I’ve been able to explore destinations in an up close and personal way. The three expedition cruises I’ve been on are:

  • Tauck Small Ship Cruises (Antarctica)
  • Hurtigruten (on board new ship, M/S Roald Amundsen in the Pacific Northwest)
  • Hapag Lloyd (on the Hanseatic, from Nome to Seward, Alaska, including the Russian Far East)
  • Atlas Ocean Voyages (British Isles)

I’d like to share a few details with you about those, so you can see why I’m specially suited to arrange your expedition cruise.

Antarctica: Tauck Small Ship Cruises

My trip to Antarctica was with Tauck Small Ship Cruises. It was absolutely amazing. The wildlife and the ice combine to make a visit to Antarctica a fantastic experience. As you approach Antarctica, when you see tabular iceberg, it’s like Alaska glaciers on overdrive. The icebergs floating by are as big as downtown buildings – massive! One night, when we were finishing up dinner, the vessel stopped. We looked out at a pod of orcas. A few of us went all the way to the prow and looked down. The water was so clear, we could see the orcas racing up toward the prow, then they would jump out of the water like wild kids. We sat out there for at least an hour and just watched them. I always love watching nature in nature’s home.

Pacific Northwest: Hurtigruten

I had the honor of representing Cruise Specialists for a one-night ship visit on the brand new MS Roald Amundsen in fall 2019. We toured the ship, including staterooms, suites, interactive science center, observation deck, restaurants, gym and wellness center, and other public spaces. I stayed in an expedition suite. All cabins have outside views, 50% have private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs with endless views. This ship is a pioneer in “green” cruising and has tons of opportunities for deeper understanding of the destinations you explore. The science center has lecture spaces, a small library, and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. The expedition team leads shore tours and Zodiac rides, and is readily available for casual conversations you might have in the science center or simply when you encounter these experts at any point during your trip.

Alaska – Nome to Seward via Russian Far East: Hapag Lloyd

This was my first foray into expedition cruising and it was a very exciting itinerary. Departing from Nome, we cruised to Russia’s Far East, including the Pribilof Islands, concluding in Seward. Aboard Hapag Lloyd’s Hanseatic, there were about 260 passengers. We experienced the excitement of Zodiac cruising, which got us up close to nature and allowed for landings in remote places. After each day of exploration we’d go back to the ship, have our boots cleaned, freshen up in our staterooms and enjoy a leisurely, decadent dinner. There was ample programming on board, with speakers on flora and fauna, and even phenomenal entertainment! There was a pianist on board from Croatia who I still remember today!

I’ve also toured Silversea’s Silver Explorer and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours' Eclipse. I was impressed by this ship and I have sent many of my clients on Silver Explorer as well as Silver Cloud, another one of Silversea’s expedition ships. Scenic Eclipse is a beautiful, lovely small ship featuring many thoughtful touches and options for further exploration, including helicopter and submarine tours.

Good News for Luxury Expedition Cruising

Expedition cruising is better than ever with the launch of expedition cruise ships from traditionally luxury cruise lines, including Seabourn and Viking. They join the above-mentioned Silversea as a luxury line already in the expedition business for more than a decade.

Between these new advances in expedition cruising, along with my own unique travels around the world, I look forward to hearing what your travel priorities are and arranging your dream expedition cruise.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Antarctica
  • Australia
  • Ecuador
  • Greenland
  • Worldwide

Interests

  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Cruises

Supplier

  • Silversea
  • Ponant
  • Tauck

Certificates & Awards

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Reviews

Rating: 5 47 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Excellent travel agent

    Reviewed By Richard - Osprey | Traveled to World Cruise
    Gillian is friendly, outgoing and knows her material. Gillian treats with the highest regard. One of the best things that Gillian does is that she looks for the best deal
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    190 of 337 people found this review helpful
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  • Gilllian is a pleasure!

    Reviewed By Andrew - Erie, PA | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gillian has a wealth of knowledge. She was very capable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    193 of 348 people found this review helpful
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  • Fall Colors Cruise

    Reviewed By Joanne - Goose Creek | Traveled to Canada
    She was very professional and responsive to all our needs. She provided prompt and informative replies to all our questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    184 of 332 people found this review helpful
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  • Great to work with

    Reviewed By Marilyn - Indian Wells, CA | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Gillian went above and beyond in trying to solve problems on two different trips. Easy to work with. Highest recommendation goes to her.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    190 of 346 people found this review helpful
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  • Crystal Debussy River Cruise

    Reviewed By Shelley - Tucson | Traveled to Europe
    Outstanding professional and a pleasure to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    187 of 344 people found this review helpful
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  • Best Travel Agent Ever!

    Reviewed By Clifford - Wichita, KS | Traveled to Iceland
    How would we ever manage without Gillian Clark... our Travel Agent who has become our friend! She is the BEST! We just returned from an amazing Cruise on Holland America to Iceland and the North Pole and Gillian gave us so many helpful hints that it made the trip a total dream. thanks Gillian!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    195 of 361 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Carol - Palm Desert | Traveled to Australia
    She is great! Have been working with her since 2016.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    185 of 341 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Cheryl - Cypress | Traveled to Japan
    She is a delight!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    187 of 346 people found this review helpful
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  • Happy Cruiser

    Reviewed By Arinda - Laguana Woods | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gillian was a pleasure to plan a cruise with....very helpful and informative.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    185 of 342 people found this review helpful
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  • a good trip

    Reviewed By Nancy - Virginia Beach | Traveled to Caribbean
    This was a great trip. We meet so many old friends and made new. Being of the 'older generation' I was able to get around and visit and see all.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    180 of 334 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent advisor

    Reviewed By James - Boca Raton, FL | Traveled to Antarctica
    Gillian is an excellent travel advisor. She has provided assistance on all our cruises over the past 10 years and always finds the type of cruise we're looking for. She also goes out of her way to find the best value. We couldn't ask for a better advisor!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    183 of 340 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Barbara - San Diego | Traveled to Douro River
    She has been handling all my travel for 3 years now and she is lovely and efficient.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    178 of 331 people found this review helpful
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  • Panama Canal Cruise

    Reviewed By Susan - Highland Park | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gillian did an excellent job of arranging the cruise and overnight hotel accommodations. In particular she got me good rates and a nice onboard credit packet. She is always pleasantly responsive to my calls and does the research to find the best deal for me.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    187 of 349 people found this review helpful
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  • knowledgable

    Reviewed By Kathryn - Bremerton, WA | Traveled to South Pacific
    She was able to address all of my concerns in a timely fashion.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    176 of 328 people found this review helpful
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  • Great agent

    Reviewed By Cyril - Pasadena | Traveled to Tahiti
    Gillian was knowledgeable, gracious. She made sure that my cruise was going smoothly.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    181 of 339 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Woodrow - Dallas | Traveled to Alaska
    Gillian was excellent! She helped with every last detail, and she was always pleasant and positive.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    180 of 337 people found this review helpful
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  • Happy Camper from Holland America cruise

    Reviewed By Jill - Modjeska Canyon | Traveled to Europe
    Gillian was fabulous - we had a large-ish group (11) comprised of ages ranging from 12 to 81 so we were juggling lots of different preferences and interests. We also had some room changes along the way. Gillian was extremely responsive, very effective and always unfailingly polite. I already told her that she will be the first person I call if/when I want to take another cruise
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    180 of 337 people found this review helpful
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  • Post cruise tour

    Reviewed By Sarah - Issaquah | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    She was prompt with answers to questions about payments and billing
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    176 of 331 people found this review helpful
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  • THE BEST!

    Reviewed By Robert - Mill Creek | Traveled to Danube
    Seamless is the first word that come to mind. She was helpful and did not miss a trick. She was always looking out for our best interest both financially and cabin location. She never got annoyed when I would ask a million questions either.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    179 of 337 people found this review helpful
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  • Best of The Best

    Reviewed By Elizabeth - South Pasadena | Traveled to South America
    Excellent. Gillian is efficient, extraordinarily knowledgeable & responsive. A pleasure to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    178 of 336 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Christopher - Union Beach | Traveled to Alaska
    Great, any questions were answered quickly and covered the topic in an understandable way. It was helpful and made preparation for the trip easier.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    181 of 342 people found this review helpful
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  • Kudos to Gillian

    Reviewed By Charles - Melbourne Beach | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Gillian has been a wonderful person to work with. She is very professional in her handling of business but very friendly at the same time.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    166 of 314 people found this review helpful
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  • Fabulous follow through

    Reviewed By Brian - Alexandria | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Gillian is a true professional. She kept after the cruise line to get us our documents before we left town, and followed up and followed up and followed up until they complied. I appreciated Gillian's quick response to any questions/issues I had. I would not hesitate to have her plan for us again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    183 of 348 people found this review helpful
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  • Advisor

    Reviewed By C - New York | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gillian is extremely knowledgeable of the cruise industry and also very helpful with our Princess cruise arrangements. Always pleasant to deal with and returns calls promptly and courteously.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    180 of 344 people found this review helpful
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  • Best

    Reviewed By Howard - Bathurst, NB | Traveled to World Cruise
    Gillian is friendly, knowledgeable and gives personal attention to each client..
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    167 of 319 people found this review helpful
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  • Gillian was fantastic

    Reviewed By Patricia - Hemet | Traveled to World Cruise
    Fantastic. Gillian is always a delight to work with. Very courteous and very professional.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    175 of 335 people found this review helpful
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  • Gillian Clark

    Reviewed By Gregory - Wilmington | Traveled to Japan
    Gillian was efficient, professional, very pleasant, extremely helpful among other accolades she deserves (earned).
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    174 of 333 people found this review helpful
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  • It all starts with Gillian

    Reviewed By Ashley - White Plains | Traveled to World Cruise
    Gillian makes everything easy! I'm not a great planner. Yes, I am adept at conceiving the Grand Tour but, when it comes to executing the idea, I rely upon Gillian for her attention to detail, her intuitive sense of what's lacking, and her ability to organize, optimize and finalize. She's great with details, keeps up with changes, and leaves no loose ends. And, above all, she's just such a pleasure to talk to!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    190 of 365 people found this review helpful
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  • Star Princess week long cruise along west coast of US

    Reviewed By Janice - Monroe Township | Traveled to USA
    Gillian was courteous, attentive, and helpful for a first time cruiser.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    177 of 340 people found this review helpful
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  • World Cruise on Pacific Princess

    Reviewed By Hugh - Ganiesville, GA | Traveled to World Cruise
    Gillian is very knowledgeable, professional and personable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    172 of 332 people found this review helpful
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  • Great experience!

    Reviewed By James - Hilton Head Island, SC | Traveled to Rhine River
    So grateful to Gillian for taking such good care of us as we prepared to travel, and even as we traveled! She was always available to answer my many questions, and was kind and professional. Great experience working with Gillian and Cruise Specialists for the first time!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    173 of 334 people found this review helpful
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  • Goes that one step further

    Reviewed By Julia - Cutler Bay | Traveled to World Cruise
    Gilian goes that extra mile to ensure your trip goes well. She will stay after hours to complete your booking if its last minute and you need her help. She even stayed to help my friend that uses another agent just to help out as a favor. You will find her very helpful and efficient.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    172 of 332 people found this review helpful
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  • Our Grand Voyage

    Reviewed By Joe and Sandy - Summerfield, Florida | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    Gillian provided exceptional service and care in getting us on our world cruise. She provided relevant insight into the many processes required to make our voyage possible. Gillian was a much needed, calming voice of reason as world events caused last-minute changes to our itinerary and visa requirements. She patiently explained all of the benefits Cruise Specialists and Holland America were to provide, and ensured we were comfortable with our choices. We are very thankful that Gillian was there each step of the way to ensure the best possible experience.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    57 of 104 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Sharron - Niles | Traveled to Alaska
    Gillian did an excellent job in putting together a family cruise for us to Alaska. Her suggested cabins worked out perfectly.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    178 of 346 people found this review helpful
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  • Trip arrangements

    Reviewed By Pamela - Lone Tree | Traveled to South America
    Fine. No problems to speak of.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    174 of 338 people found this review helpful
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  • We do appreciate your help

    Reviewed By Lisa - Sun Lakes | Traveled to Antartica
    We appreciate Gillian's help as she plans your adventures with style. She is the best travel consultant.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    161 of 313 people found this review helpful
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  • Rome to Barcelona

    Reviewed By William - Bridgewater | Traveled to Mediterranean
    We have work with Gillian Clark for several cruises. She has always work diligently to prepare us for and provide for us the best cruise experience possible. Our cruise on the RSSC Explorer from Rome to Barcelona was the latest example of her excellent performance. She ensured that we were given the lowest price available and all the onboard credits and benefits we were entitled to. We had an extremely enjoyable cruise on the beautiful ship! While onboard, we booked another cruise and are looking forward to it. We are confident Fillian will help make it a great experience as well.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    174 of 339 people found this review helpful
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  • Southern caribbean Cruise on Zuiderdam

    Reviewed By Chris - Siloam Springs | Traveled to Caribbean
    Gillian was very helpful and responsive to my requests.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    170 of 334 people found this review helpful
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  • Super Duper Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Timothy - Biloxi, MS | Traveled to Antartica
    Fantastic. Very professional and courteous.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    174 of 342 people found this review helpful
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  • Great European cruise

    Reviewed By Lois - Memphis, TN | Traveled to Europe
    Gillian takes good care of us. The ship was excellent, the itinerary varied and enjoyable, our room met our needs beautifully, and the food on the ship was very good. Great cruise, nice ports of call, beautiful ship.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    177 of 350 people found this review helpful
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  • Working with Gillian

    Reviewed By Gene - Annapolis, MD | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Great to work with. Always going the extra mile and always very positive.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    166 of 330 people found this review helpful
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  • Silversea Cruise

    Reviewed By Frances - Carmel By The Sea, CA | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Excellent. She is knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive. We are very happy with our experience and will work with her again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    170 of 338 people found this review helpful
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  • Trip of a lifetime

    Reviewed By Jae B - Round Rock, TX | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    I will continue to work with Gillian as well as referring her to my friends. Gillian is always prompt with my inquiries, offered us with pertinent information throughout our cruise. I appreciated her small touches like birthday cards and little notes while we were on the cruise. Very thoughtful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Gillian Clark responded:
    Jae - my pleasure!! With very kind thoughts - Gillian
    53 of 106 people found this review helpful
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  • World Cruise

    Reviewed By Betsy - Clearwater, Florida | Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia
    Always friendly and helpful. Tried very hard to get us the best deal possible. Highly recommend and I do all the time.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Gillian Clark responded:
    Thank you Betsy! My pleasure!!
    51 of 103 people found this review helpful
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  • Gillian to the rescue in our time of need

    Reviewed By Denise - West Hills, Texas | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    We are unpacking . Hurray!

    I’ll keep you informed. Next battle is to recover all the shore excursions we had reserved and paid for, before and during trip. They all have been cancelled. The lead host/guide Tom for Cruise Specialist is going to go to HAL shore excursion desk when it reopens (during our dinner hour) and fight that battle for us. Good people @ Cruise Specialist, use them in your travels. Gillian was our life saver this week. Thank you for offers of help also.
    Stay healthy .

    A Happy Ending to this Drama Production!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 192 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise to Alaska

    Reviewed By Bruce - Miami | Traveled to Alaska
    It was easy to work together with Gillian Clark. She was very helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    164 of 330 people found this review helpful
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  • Great cruise - excellent advice from Gillian

    Reviewed By Klaus - Huntington Beach | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gillian was terrific throughout the entire booking process. She kept us up to date for changes from Holland America and CSI, and gave excellent advice when we upgraded our stateroom. Her recommendation was spot on - the stateroom was quiet and convenient to every section of the Koningsdam.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    172 of 347 people found this review helpful
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.

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