I first sailed on Seabourn Encore six years ago when the ship was new.  It was a great experience and I was happy to see that this all-suite, all-veranda ship is still in excellent condition today. Suites On our recent European sailing, we were in a V2 Veranda Suite on deck 8.  The suite was beautifully appointed with a queen-sized bed, stocked in-suite bar, large walk-in closet with robes and slippers, comfortable sitting area, spacious veranda, marble bath with separate tub and shower and exclusive Molton Brown bath products.  We were welcomed with a chilled bottle of champag ..read more

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth – Elegant, Relaxed and Stylish Having previously toured Cunard’s beautiful Queen Victoria, I was excited to have the opportunity to visit her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the ship departs for its Alaska itineraries. From the stunning Art Deco interiors, to the spacious staterooms and exceptional service, Queen Elizabeth offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an elegant, relaxed and stylish cruise experience. Public Spaces: The Queen Elizabeth‘s public spaces are some of the most beautiful and welcoming areas on ..read more

Back row-left to right- Joe Lucero, Susan Rios Front row- Left to right Merlynn Lucero, Cliff Bainum, Mark Protiva, Marie-Paule Emanuel Cruise Specialists staff recently had the pleasure of cruising on Oceania’s spectacular ship, Vista, roundtrip from Los Angeles and provided another insightful update including helpful tips and suggestions for guests considering sailing on Oceania Vista. “This ship is stunning! The details in every room are a surprise and delightful” commented Cruise Specialists Director of Sales, Susan Rios. Elegant, Spacious Accommodations Penthouse Suite Each and every stat ..read more

If you are curious about what to expect on a luxury expedition cruise, you are not alone! This niche is still a mystery to many experienced travelers. Offering more exploration options than a typical cruise yet providing all the amenities and services you appreciate on a typical luxury cruise; it falls somewhere between the lines of a spirit awakening exploration and a relaxing getaway. Cruise Specialists staff was invited to spend the day on board the exquisite Seabourn Venture, the first ultra-luxury expedition ship to join the Seabourn fleet. Pictured: Teresa Skeim, Gillian Clark, Kim Jacks ..read more

ahlan wa sahlan“Ahlan wa sahlan” or welcome is a phrase you will hear and use throughout your visit to Egypt. Hatshepsut Temple Known for ancient treasures and rich history, Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Annie Scrivanich recently returned from the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids Cruisetour on Viking Ra and has put together a helpful list of tips for those that wish to visit this fascinating region. Entry Visa Currently, US citizens can purchase a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival in Egypt for $25/US dollar cash. Be sure to review the current travel requirements at ..read more

Annie Scrivanich and Voyage Host, Tom Mullen Cruise Specialists’ very own Annie Scrivanich and Voyage Host, Tom Mullen just returned from Viking’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids cruise-tour aboard the 52-guest Viking Ra and couldn’t wait to share their experiences on board this destination specific ship. Viking Ra on the Nile River near the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo, Egypt. A Ship Fit for Egypt: Viking Ra Viking’s commitment to delivering an immersive experience in Egypt was evident before Annie and Tom even stepped aboard Viking Ra.  Upon arrival at the Cairo International ..read more

Cruise Specialists Vice President, Teresa Tennant, was invited to participate in the pre-inaugural sailing of the new Silversea Silver Nova.  The 728-guest all-suite, all-balcony ship is Silversea’s largest and most revolutionary.  Teresa shares her review below. The real “wow factor” for Silver Nova comes from the ship’s first-of-its-kind asymmetrical design and horizontal layout.  The smokestack has been moved from its traditional central location to the port side of the ship, opening up more space on the Pool Deck than any other luxury vessel.  The largest pool in Silve ..read more

Longtime Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts, Wendy and Steve Bodenheimer recently hosted 67 guests on a Distinctive Voyage aboard Holland America’s newest ship, Rotterdam in Northern Europe cruising roundtrip from Amsterdam to Eidfjord, Skjolden, Åndalsnes, Honningsvåg, Bergen and Sandnes in Norway and to Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom. Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts, Wendy and Steve Bodenheimer Wendy and Steve Bodenheimer are travel enthusiasts with years of experience traveling aboard ships and exploring the world’s ports. They create a warm atmosphere on board, escort shore excurs ..read more

At Cruise Specialists, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in river cruising, positioning us as your go-to resource when selecting the perfect river cruise line. Our seasoned team is intimately familiar with the unique offerings of various river cruise lines, allowing our river cruise experts to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your preferences, needs, and budget. Whether you’re seeking a culturally immersive journey along the meandering Danube River or a luxury retreat cruising the serene waters of the Seine River, Cruise Specialists is equipped to guide you toward the ..read more

March Recap Cruise Specialists hosts, Tom Mullen, Alex Tokar and Kirsten Ulmer, recount their experiences as they conclude the third month of the 2023 World Cruise on Zuiderdam, navigating around the continent of Africa. Learn more about their experienced thus far in the January recap and February recap.  Réunion Island The French-speaking Island, Réunion is located near the African Continent in the Indian Ocean and has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes it a favorite of visitors. Guests were shuttled into Saint-Denis along the new coastline road between La Possession and St. Denis. T ..read more