Posts from — November 2010

By The Cruise Web, Inc.

This month we’re channeling our inner explorers and looking at ways to re-discover our world. Fortunately for us, many cruise itineraries imitate the routes charted by some of history’s greatest explorers. So if you’re feeling adventurous, pull out your compass, gather your bearings and set out to recreate these famous explorations. Or just find a cruise that will do the hard part for you – leaving you with all of the fun and none of the scurvy.

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By Rosalind Smith, Business Development Manager.

My passion to explore cultures around the world began as a child when my parents took me to a series of outdoor summer cultural festivals in my hometown of Baltimore, MD. This was my introduction to a taste of the world and soon became a running checklist of countries and cultures to explore. I quickly became fascinated with the Far East and, like many Americans, my first exposure to Chinese culture was food, followed by art and jewelry. I soon developed a longing to see the culture first-hand and started planning my own trip. [Read more →]

By Frans Hansen, President, The Cruise Web.

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with my one year old niece and her slightly older brother.  After a while, I found my cheeks sore from smiling and laughing, watching them have fun. They weren’t playing video games or watching movies, or even playing with the latest or greatest toy. They were just exploring around and discovering wonder in the simplest things.

“The image in this picture book is just exquisite,” could have been what my little niece was thinking, “and the page feels so smooth when I run my hand across it and then back and forth twenty-two times.” “I must go show this to my cousins,” may have been her next thought as her tiny hands went to grab and rip the page, before Uncle Frans helped re-direct her attention to a floating bubble he just blew.  “Bubbaal” came from her smiling lips as she chased and circled the bubble with her head looking straight up, before the dizziness conquered her and her bottom hit the floor. [Read more →]

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, The Cruise Web attended Royal Caribbean’s Crown Awards Gala, a black-tie dinner to honor the top 16 agencies in the mid-Atlantic region. The Cruise Web received a beautiful invitation for several members of The Cruise Web Team, including Cruise Consultants, Managers and Client Services Staff. Royal Caribbean’s Business Development Manager for the region, Bob Rose, hosted the event and deserves special recognition for orchestrating this extravagant evening.

The evening began on the waterfront in Washington, DC where all attendees boarded The Odyssey, a local dinner cruise boat. The boat cruised up the Potomac River into Georgetown, passing all of Washington’s breathtaking monuments. Aboard The Odyssey, photographers snapped photos as everyone was seated for dining. Meanwhile, The Cruise Web’s Client Services Manager, Julie Atkins, created her own Hollywood red carpet and interviewed passengers on their formal attire, asking “Whom are you wearing this evening?” [Read more →]

One Cruise Web Sales Manager, Heather Wasson, was recently honored to be invited to the 2010 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference held in Orlando, Florida.  The festivities began with the Circle of Excellence black-tie gala. The Circle of Excellence gala was a time to recognize Ensemble’s Top 10 agencies, and  The Cruise Web was honored to receive the #1 “Top Sales” award! [Read more →]

On October 20, 2010, The Cruise Web sales team attended Holland America’s annual Moose Mobile training for a hands-on experience inside the cruise line’s motor coach. The Moose Mobile, which offers adventurous trips through Alaska in a luxurious and comfortable motor coach, spent the day parked outside The Cruise Web office. The team was educated on everything from the different Alaska cruises and cruise tours, to the best places to see wildlife and the peak of the fall colors. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Holland America Line.

Holland America Line is adding another famous partnership to its innovative culinary program as it enters into an exclusive agreement with the illustrious Le Cirque restaurant to offer “An Evening at Le Cirque” in the Pinnacle Grill aboard its fleet of 15 ships.

Holland America Line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin is working with Le Cirque’s Executive Chef Craig Hopson to re-create the legendary eatery’s whimsical ambiance and award-winning dining experience on board — from serving the cuisine on fanciful orange Le Cirque china to featuring the restaurant’s famous crème brûlée. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Princess Cruises.

Most relaxing Americans put a priority on having fun rather than sleeping while they are vacationing, according to a recent relaxation survey commissioned by Princess Cruises. With the busy holiday travel season upon us, many Americans may be looking for a little rest and relaxation in between, which, according to the survey findings, means different things to different people. [Read more →]

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises.

Three Star Michelin chef Heinz Beck, Master Chef Andre Soltner and colorful celebrity chef Jon Ashton are among the international culinary stars set for hands-on cooking classes and other savory presentations aboard Crystal Cruises’ 15th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery series in 2011.  Seven ultra-luxury cruises through South America, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera will spotlight the artistry, craftsmanship and practiced palettes of celebrated chefs, wine experts and mixologists.  The worldwide roster also includes Alexis Kahn, wine director at L’Ecôle French Culinary Institute, and 2010 Bartender of the Year/”Green Mixologist” H. Joseph Ehrmann of San Francisco’s Elixir, renowned for its organic, locally-sourced ingredients. [Read more →]