Page 23 - Spring 2022 Seaviews

Hosted Cruises: Iour Hosted Voyages—exactly what they are and what they
f you’re new to Cruise Specialists, you may be curious about

offer. Think of a hosted cruise as two great vacations in one:
THE BEST OF In addition to visiting fascinating destinations, you travel with
like-minded travelers and a friendly, supportive host who
ensures smooth sailing from the beginning of your voyage to
the very end.

ALL WORLDS Cruise Specialists began including hosts on select Holland Cruise Specialists clients and hosts chatting together
America Line voyages in the 1980s to enhance our clients’
experiences. The concept proved to be a huge hit. Everyone
loved being part of a special community on board ship;
it made for a more intimate sailing experience, and many
ongoing friendships were formed. Having a “leader” was a
major plus too. These professional, travel-savvy hosts made
sure everyone had a good time, knew the ships, and were there
to troubleshoot if any hiccups occurred.

Building on the success of those early cruises, we’ve expanded
our Hosted Voyages program to include additional cruise
lines, hosts and amenities.
A Cruise Specialists hosted group on Viking
Today, we offer two types of Hosted Voyages: Cruise
Specialists Exclusive Hosted Voyages and Travel Leaders Whether it’s a two-week cruise in the Mediterranean or a
Hosted Voyages.
multi-month World Cruise, the benefits of taking a hosted
Cruise Specialists Hosted Voyages consist of several highly cruise are many. As Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultant
popular (and typically long-duration) cruises each year— LynnDee King says, “I strongly encourage many of my clients
such as World Cruises and Grand Voyages on Holland to seek out a hosted voyage, and with our agency specializing
America Line and Oceania Cruises. On these value-added in hosted voyages, I can easily match them with the right one.
sailings, you’ll enjoy exclusive advantages that may include On these voyages, there’s a hand-picked Voyage Host who
group pricing, onboard events, exclusive shore tour options cruises along with you and is there to serve as an extra resource
and special amenities such as shipboard credits. On a World and offer tips on what to do in port.” Our Cruise Consultant
Cruise, look forward to VIP perks that vary by voyage, but Teresa Skeim adds, “Hosts are knowledgeable of the itinerary
may include airport transportation or a pre-cruise hotel stay. highlights, well-regarded by the ship’s staff, and effortlessly
As for our hosts, many have been with us for decades so you create a sense of camaraderie among our group.”
can see why they don’t see this as a job, but rather a calling!
Following the pause in cruising, many travelers no doubt
Hosted Voyages with Travel Leaders (our parent company) appreciate the benefit of sailing with an experienced host.
number in the hundreds, across 11 cruise lines. In 2022- We’re happy to report that our hosts are already back out and
2023, you can choose from 578 hosted voyages showcasing cruising the world, experiencing new protocols on board and
30 countries and 47 ports of call. Participating cruise lines in various destinations. They have a good handle on what to
include AmaWaterways, Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, expect. That kind of guidance is worth its weight in gold.
Cunard, Explora Journeys, Oceania Cruises, Princess
Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, Seabourn, Silversea and
Windstar Cruises. TRAVELING SOLO? YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
A number of our clients are solo travelers—and on
In addition to a dedicated host (sometimes one of our own hosted voyages, they never feel alone or at a loss
Cruise Specialists hosts), these voyages typically offer a VIP for what to do next. Our welcoming hosts go out of
shore tour and a special amenity, which varies by cruise line. their way to make solo travelers—as well as first-time
We’ll be happy to provide specifics. cruisers—feel right at home.
Santorini, Greece

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