Cruise Specialists Offers Exclusive Shore Tours for World Cruise Guests

The possibilities for pampering and adventure are endless for the hundreds of cruisers booked through Cruise Specialists on the 2008 Holland America Line World Cruise. For the second year in a row, Cruise Specialists has created an exclusive shore excursion program for clients sailing on the upcoming ms Amsterdam world cruise.

“These exceptional tours are expertly crafted by professionals who have been to these unique areas and help provide Cruise Specialists customers with an extraordinary experience that is a cut above that offered to the masses,” explained Greg Nacco, Director of Cruise Specialists. “Our tours give customers the opportunity to get away from the crowds and see the real culture and sights that they've read about.”

During the Palaces of India overland tour, Cruise Specialists guests will be welcomed by a special Baradari dinner show and will stay at two former Maharaja palaces featured in the book “1,000 Places to See Before you Die”. In Hong Kong, they can shop at one of the world’s largest shopping malls, relax at a luxurious first class spa, and stay at the renowned Shangri-La Hotel. A Scottish Heritage at Larnach Castle tour allows guests a unique opportunity to view a traditional “Haggis Ceremony” and explore New Zealand’s only castle, located in Dunedin against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Travelers can participate in over 40 customized outings throughout the world cruise including six special overland tours to select destinations. The tours cover a range of activity levels, offering more strenuous pursuits for adventure seekers such as climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or playing elephant polo in India, as well as easy activity tours consisting of train rides, river cruises and sightseeing by private car.

“We really listened to what our customers wanted in the tours when developing our offerings this year – including requests to experience the regions’ most luxurious and sought-after hotel properties and build in more time for shopping,” said Nacco. “We will continue to expand our exclusive shore excursion program through valuable feedback and input from our guests.”

The Cruise Specialists shore excursion department creates customized tours for a variety of group sailings throughout the year. Each tour is escorted and monitored by knowledgeable Cruise Specialists hosts who sail alongside the passengers in the group. A new feature on the Cruise Specialists Web site called “Where is Heather” allows guests to test their geography skills for a chance to win shipboard credits by guessing what exotic locale Heather (the Shore Excursion Manager) is pictured touring each week. For more information on any future sailings and shore excursions offered by Cruise Specialists, visit www.CruiseSpecialists.com or call 800-544-2469.

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About Cruise Specialists:

Cruise Specialists is an upscale cruise and tour agency that offers personalized service, experienced and knowledgeable agents, and great values on luxury travel. Recognized as a top travel specialist from Condé Nast Traveler magazine for seven consecutive years and an A-list travel agent from Travel + Leisure magazine for the past two years, Cruise Specialists has been booking clients on world cruises, family reunion cruises, affinity group cruises, honeymoons and tours since the company’s inception in 1987.