Each year, avid cruisers from across the country eagerly anticipate the day in January when their Holland America world cruise adventure begins in Ft. Lauderdale. Many of the travelers are experiencing the thrill of spending several months cruising and visiting intriguing destinations for the first time, while others return year after year to the Holland America world cruise to embark on a classic and treasured trip that is part of their annual traditions. While many senior “snowbirds” in the country venture to warmer climates for the winter such as Florida or Arizona, these savvy cruisers opt to spend their 112 day winter break exploring new cities, embracing different cultures and enjoying ship life.
Cruise Specialists provides their guests with a magical send-off to their journey by hosting a glamorous Bon Voyage gala and hotel overnight in Ft. Lauderdale the night before the elegant flagship ms Amsterdam sets sail. The gala is a special evening of celebration and reunion as first time world cruisers are welcomed into the group by the Cruise Specialists team, while veteran cruisers are giddy with excitement as they meet up with old friends and travel companions.
Throughout the 2012 Holland America world cruise, Cruise Specialists guests will enjoy the company and guidance of the company’s two venerable world cruise escorts, Tom Mullen and Ellen Bethel. Tom has been escorting the Holland America world cruise for 15 years with over 31 total years at sea, and Ellen for 9 years, and both bring an insider’s knowledge and perspective on traveling the world by sea. In addition to Cruise Specialists’ extras on this sailing such as onboard escorts and commemorative gifts, guests are invited to attend Cruise Specialists hosted cocktail parties, chat times and several complimentary group shore excursions during their voyage.
The 2012 Holland America world cruise itinerary covers major ports in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and Europe before returning to Ft. Lauderdale where it all began. Travelers will visit iconic cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; Bombay, India; Naples, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain, as well as venture into more exotic lesser-known places such as the Falkland Islands; the Antarctic Sound; the Chilean Fjords; Pago Pago, American Samoa; Komodo Island, Indonesia; and Colombo, Sri Lanka. When a cruiser’s feet hits the land, they’ll want to take advantage of some of the special shore excursion options available only through Cruise Specialists.
As the ship sails between each of these remarkable ports, vacationers will have plenty of time to enjoy a combination of active and relaxing days on the ms Amsterdam. The ship boasts a culinary art center, Greenhouse spa and salon, Queen’s show lounge, a fitness center, and a number of formal and casual restaurants and bars. Whether a person wants to take a yoga class, watch a cooking demonstration, listen to a renowned guest lecturer, or simply read a good book in the library or check their email in the café, they’ll have plenty to do before they arrive at their next destination.
All-in-all the 2012 Holland America grand world voyage will be a journey of a lifetime for both seasoned travelers, and those new to a seasonal circumnavigation.
