What’s better than booking your first world cruise? Besides booking your second?
Having a team of experts by your side:
- ensuring you have all the documents you need
- allowing you to meet other guests before ever boarding
- sending amazing cruise hosts with you to continue the service on board
- managing your transportation in VIP style to beat lines
- welcoming you and answering any last minute questions
These are just a few of the reasons our world cruise guests rave about Cruise Specialists so much that other guests end up contacting us to make their next cruise just as wonderful!
Last week our dedicated team flew from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale to greet the 2017 Holland America Grand Voyage guests and celebrate with a fantastic gala dinner. Here’s a little behind the scenes of what happens at our big send offs.
At the hotel we had several hosts ( World Cruise Hosts: Tom Mullen, Henk & Lucia Barnhoorn; hosting on the Insignia: John & Jean Peterson) milling w/our guests along with our 4 cruise consultants and management to both welcome and assist our guests with a carefree start on their 111-Day World Cruise.
It was also a time for our guests to meet Cruise Specialists hosts that will be on board including Tom Mullen who is celebrating 20 years with us!! His enthusiasm, knowledge and great accent make him a magnet for new and long time cruisers alike!
Additionally, we’re excited to have hosts Henk and Lucia Barnhoorn on board once again. It’s wonderful to have a group so large that we want to have multiple hosts on board to meet all their needs from hosting evening drinks to leading exclusive tours.
Our long time intrepid trio is also joined by visiting cruise hosts John and Jean Peterson.
As guests checked in , they received their welcome packets including their choice of CS exclusive logo bags, vests and shore tour tickets. Many were delighted with a handwritten note from their cruise consultant wishing them all the best in 2017 and on this trip of a lifetime.
- Their luggage was sorted curbside and either sent directly to their cabin aboard the Amsterdam or taken to their hotel room.
- A complimentary shuttle was available for guests to do some last minute shopping at a neighboring mall.
The ease of being taken care of was apparent from the moment our guests arrived. Many were immediately reunited with friends from previous cruises and those new to the CS family felt warmly welcomed.
Raymond Phillips, Documentation Specialist, displays Cruise Specialists Logo amenities.
The early evening found us enjoying cocktails and dinner along with being honored by the presence of Orlando Ashford, President of Holland America Line and Gerald Bernhoft, Director of the Mariner Society.
Both gentlemen were recognized as dear friends by many of the attendees. Orlando was very open with our group saying that Holland is listening to the needs and wants of our guests and continuing to make changes every year. We couldn’t agree more and it’s part of why we continue our great 30-year relationship. Orlando and Gerald also expressed their excitement to be reunited with everyone when they sail on board the Amsterdam in late February.
It’s truly special for us to see clients we’ve known over 18 years, have sailed with on world and other cruises and be able to continue our relationship by seeing each other at our Bon Voyage event.
This year we had more new clients than ever before which made the environment even more exciting as they began chatting with our long time cruisers! The party & dinner had a mixture of excitement & comfort, making our newcomers feel welcome and a part of the family is a very important part of the event. 
The next morning all Cruise Specialists guests enjoyed exclusive transfer arrangements and luggage handling to the Amsterdam.
Departures from the hotel began at 9:30am with all guests bound for the Amsterdam by 10:45am. The ship looked beautiful as we entered the Port Everglades Terminal. Everyone was expedited through the security and embarkation procedures and enjoyed early boarding of the Amsterdam.
A feeling of excitement prevailed in the embarkation lobby as Captain Mercer and Henk Mensink, Hotel Manager greeted many of our guests. Once onboard lunch was enjoyed in the Lido as our guests cabins were readied for their arrival.
As we follow along on this adventure, we will be posting additional details and photos here on our blog. Please visit often and you can enjoy this adventure, too. Better yet, we hope you join us on a future World Cruise! Our team of experts is ready to assist with any questions you may have.
If you’re considering your own world cruise, our team is here to answer your questions and make it happen. (888) 993-1318
