Cruise Specialists Cites Its Own Commitment to the Highest Levels of Guest Service as a Top Factor for Attracting New and Repeat Guests
Seattle, Washington (November 24, 2014)—Today, Cruise Specialists, North America’s leading World Cruise travel agency, is showcasing just how popular the upcoming 2015 World Cruise season will be. The Seattle-based agency reports a stunning 20% increase in its year-over-year World Cruise passengers. These travelers will be sailing aboard eight of the world’s most desirable premium and luxury cruise ships, departing throughout January 2015 – while exploring some of the most iconic and most difficult to reach destinations around the globe.
“With more than half of our guests joining us for repeat World Cruises, it speaks volumes not only about the appeal of a World Cruise, but also what we, as a cruise consulting agency, provide for our valued clients,” said Annie Scrivanich, Senior Vice President, Cruise Specialists. “As our new tagline suggests, we have built our reputation on the very highest levels of service – Enriching Your Life Through Travel – and in this case, one-of-a-kind World Cruise experiences.”
“Compared to 2014, more Cruise Specialists World Cruise passengers in 2015 will be aboard Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam, Princess Cruises’ Pacific Princess, and Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. Also, the number of Cruise Specialists guests sailing on Cunard’s Queen Victoria is greater than in 2013 – the last time that ship offered a World Cruise,” added Scrivanich. “Additionally, Oceania Cruises launched its first World Cruise aboard Insignia for 2015 – a 180-day masterpiece including 90 ports and 44 countries – and we are very pleased by the new opportunities this voyage presents for our most adventurous clients.”
Cruise Specialists differentiates itself from other major cruise agencies thanks to numerous white-glove services it provides in-house:
- The Industry’s Most Experienced Voyage Hosts – Tom Mullen is one of three Voyage Hosts who will accompany Cruise Specialists guests on the 114-day Holland America Line Grand World Voyage. This will be his 18th World Cruise as a Cruise Specialists Voyage Host. Mullen was hand-picked for this role by the company’s founder, Janet Lanterman. Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts ensure each guest feels welcome; host clients on Cruise Specialists shore excursions; assist with any special requests; and in general, serve as a personal resource for Cruise Specialists clients during the entirety of their vacations.
- In-House Shore Excursion Department – Cruise Specialists provides special tour opportunities for all of its World Cruise guests. For example, on the Holland America Line 2015 Grand World Voyage, Cruise Specialists guests may select an exclusive overland adventure to the Taj Mahal, including luxury accommodations and meals. Guests on this – or any Cruise Specialists-arranged vacation – may also rely on their cruise consultant and the Shore Excursion Department to arrange an unlimited number of personalized tour options. The Shore Excursion Department is led by Bill Bengtson, who has worked in the travel industry for 26 years.
- In-House Voyage and Event Planner – Holly Fraser, an industry veteran of 19 years, oversees the selection and training of all Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts; arranges for special World Cruise Bon Voyage galas; and coordinates special services, arrival transportation, and group onboard programming – including special parties, dinners and luncheons, meeting functions, and specialized gifts per voyage. Fraser has personally sailed on two full World Cruises as a cruise line Social Hostess.
- The “Cruise Specialists Advantage” – World Cruise clients benefit from the highest levels of service from Cruise Specialists’ experienced Cruise Counselors and Voyage Hosts. Based on the voyage selected, clients may also enjoy complimentary onboard parties and exclusive shoreside events; along with complimentary shore tour dollars and surprise gifts – all with no service fees.
“Helping our guests select the right cruise line, itinerary and stateroom are of paramount importance, considering the cruise ship they select will be their home for over 100 days. But that’s just the start of the specialized attention our clients receive,” said Scrivanich. “The additional personalized services we provide – from hosted shore tours to our Voyage Hosts, who are constantly on the lookout for the well-being of our guests – help ensure that each and every client has a seamless, unforgettable experience from start to finish. With the number of solo clients on World Cruises already surpassing 20 percent, it confirms that our hosts and the overall ambience we provide fosters a sense of security and lends itself to making new friendships.”
Over 27 years, Cruise Specialists has assisted more than 8,000 guests in fulfilling their dreams of circumnavigating the globe. For more information about how Cruise Specialists can help create a personalized vacation experience, call 888-681-7408, visit www.cruisespecialists.com, or email [email protected].
