Another Cruise Specialists hosted Grand World voyage has returned home with hundreds of happy passengers. We love hearing from both our guests and hosts throughout the journey as a reminder of why travel is such a transformational experience and nothing compares to a world cruise.
The 2015 Holland America Line Grand World Voyage departed Fort Lauderdale in January with our famous send off gala and guests spent the next few days at sea settling in to their rooms, meeting others and dreaming of sites yet unseen.
Not only did hosts Henk and Lucia Barnhorn provide a wealth of fun and information to guests, but every world cruise they have enjoyed has been aboard the msAmsterdam which means they know the staff, the ship and everything it offers intimately!
Henk and Lucia were busy making the journey perfect for all of our Cruise Specialists guests, so we caught up with them after the voyage to hear about some of the highlights and what you might expect next year.
There are simply too many stops and wonderful moments to capture in just one story, so we’ve picked out some of the top highlights from our hosts aboard the 2015 Holland America Line Grand World Voyage!
Celebrating China in Australia
Lanterns shaped like the terra cotta warriors were spread throughout Sydney in February as part of the Sydney Chinese New Year Celebration. These statues (which light up at night) were originally created for the 2008 Bejing Olympics. You just never know what you will get to experience on a world cruise and the merging of cultures all over!
Dining in Ephesus
It’s hard not to be awe struck wandering through these ancient ruins. But Cruise Specialists guests were treated to an extra special event one evening. Tables were set, food was prepared and an orchestra set up for an evening of inside the Library of Celsus. It had been 10 years since the last concert, so our team was happy to be there for this special night.
Elephants in Thailand
In Puket, Thailand the group embarked on elephant safari and adventure with scenic highlights. While this was a long tour at 7 hours, it was an amazing adventure that they would happily do again. Throughout the journey they saw many gilded temples, breathtaking views and historic statues, but the elephant camp may have stole the show.
Guests had an opportunity to interact with the baby elephants and watch as they were trained. Truly an unforgettable and unique experience!
Family in Bali
Henk and Lucia both agree that Bali is one of the most memorable ports they visit with each world cruise. For them Bali is special on many levels:
- This is where most of the crew is from so their families come to visit (they had over 1,000 people on board one day)
- A traditional Indonesian welcome in the Benoa port
- Overnight port stay provides extra time to experience the culture
- So many sights to see: Gitgit Falls, the Monkey Forest, Jitiluwih, Pura Taman Ayun temple complex
Dubai
Visited the Burj Khalifa tower with a group of about 30, which is the tallest building in the world. Went to the top.
Singapore
Another overnight stay occurred in Singapore giving guests ample time to explore this bustling city from high and low! In fact, one of their favorite tours was aboard the Singapore Flyer – the world’s largest Ferris Wheel {until it was surpassed in 2014 by one in Las Vegas}.
After seeing the city from on high, they explored the Gardens by the Bay, China Town art, the iconic Raffles Hotel and some even ventured to Universal Studios Asia on Sentosa Island! The options in every port are varied enough to engage any traveler!
Taj Mahal Overland Adventure
An extended port stay in Mumbia provides enough time for an extended trip to see the majestic Taj Mahal. A sunrise group trek to the monument provided some special moments for capturing the true beauty of the area before it was overrun with other delighted travelers.
The group also enjoyed a number of other tours to explore the red sand Agra Fort, the 16th century Humayans Tomb, the 320-acre Mughal garden and so much more. Ending each day with dramatic sunsets and beautiful accommodations.
On Line in the Vatican
Arriving at the Vatican Cathedral on Easter weekend, meant the group was joined by thousands of fellow travelers. In fact, they arrived just moments after the Pope had given a speech in the courtyard and learned that each Wednesday he speaks from one of the balconies for those who wish to see him.
While the lines were long, it’s no surprise the Cruise Specialists group found a way to make it enjoyable with games and sing a longs. In no time they were inside and for those on a first time visit to the area every minute on line was worth the views.
As usual we found many passengers asking to do our personalized tours over the large group one’s because our hosts are so knowledgeable and they all become such great friends over the 180 day journey. Make sure you ask about these so you don’t miss out!
