Holland America Line (HAL)

Sitka, Alaska. Photo Credit: Dawn Shuler/Pixabay

About Holland America Line (HAL)

• Began Passenger & Shipping Line as Netherlands-American Steamship Company (1873)
• In 1895, Offered 1st Cruise Vacation Sailing
• Established Schools in Indonesia & Philippines to Train Future Employees
• Headquartered in Seattle, WA
• Owns Little San Salvador Island (aka: Half Moon Cay) in The Bahamas
• Owns Westmark Hotel Chain Operating in Alaska & Yukon
• Sails: Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Oceania & South Pacific, Panama Canal, Scandinavia & Northern Europe, South America, The Orient, Transatlantic, and USA
• Subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (1989)
• Supported Allied Troops in 2 World Wars
• Visits over 400 Ports Worldwide

Halong Bay, Vietnam. Photo Credit: Suyeon Kim/Pixabay

Holland America Line (HAL) Clientele

• 1- 128 Day Sailing
• 3:1 Ratio (Crew:Guest)
• Affluent Adults
• Around the World Voyages
• Art & Artifacts
• Average Age 50+
• Enjoys Complimentary Room Service
• Enjoy Enrichment Programs
• Musical Performances
• Refined Atmosphere
• Minimal Children Onboard
• Prefers Small (1,432 Guests) - Mid Size (2,668) Ships
• Seeks Unique Itinerary

Cook Island. Photo Credit: Julius Silver/Pixabay

Good to Know

• ​Headquartered in Rotterdam​, operating between Holland​, Dutch East Indies​ and to the Americas later became known as Holland America Line​ (1898).
• Only cruise line to offer land tours in the Yukon Territory (Canada).
• Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) offers aqua park, beach, birdwatching, luxury cabanas and villas.
• Offers a daily Catholic mass service.
• First night of sailing offers menu for sailing duration across venues.
• Abundance of fresh flowers onboard.
• The signature blue and white is Delft china.
• Rug carpets not only note the day but direction.
• Partnered with BBC Earth.
• Extension cords permitted but without surge protector.
• Best to take both American and European plug adaptors.
• Orange Club Package ($) offers complimentary dedicated concierge desk, skip the line priority and stateroom upgrade.
• Main dining room serves afternoon tea and finger foods daily.
• Offers specialty events: mixology classes, tequila and wine tastings.
• Excursions fill quickly so book as soon as possible.
• WiFi costs extra.
• Club HAL is for youths ranging from 3 - 17.
• Payment in full is required within 90 days of sailing.
• Gratuities is roughly $15 - $17 daily and per person.
• Dietary restrictions or food allergies are required 3 weeks prior to embarkation.
• Specialty restaurant reservations are on a first come bases.
• Blue bands tend to preform nightly.
• Guests may choose either assigned dinner or open seating times.
• Evening dress code is resort casual or dressy.
• Excursions must be canceled within 3 days of embarkation for a refund.
• Their "New York" terminal is in Hoboken, NJ along the opposite side of the Hudson River from New York City, NY.
• World Voyage sailings around the world, usually ranging from January - May.

Glasgow, Scotland. Photo Credit: Michał/Pixabay

We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.

By the way, our signature collection of Hosted Sailing provides our Clients:

• Welcome Reception - A great sip and mingle event
• Private Car & Driver - Enjoy a in depth sightseeing with your own personal guide
• Shore Excursions - Enjoy our speciality planned excursion
• Shipboard Credit

Our Hosted Sailings are available with select cruise lines, dates may vary.

Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Holland America Line (HAL) next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions.  

Mazatlan, Mexico. Photo Credit: dtamez/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.    

Fred Olsen

Southampton Port, Hampshire, England. Photo Credit: Roman Grac/Pixabay

About Fred Olsen

• British Operated Cruise Line
• Fleet of 5 Small Ships
• Headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk (United Kingdom)
• Norwegian Family Owned (since 1848)
• Purchased Norwegian Crown from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) (2006)
• Purchased Amsterdam & Rotterdam from Holland America (HAL) (2020)
• Sails Adriatic, Africa, Baltic, Canada, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America & United States

Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Photo Credit: Siggy Nowak/Pixabay

Fred Olsen Clientele

• Affordability
• Art & Lecturer Interest
• Average Age Onboard 60+
• "British Cottage House/Manor" Atmosphere
• Caters to Middle Class
• Cozy not Flashy Ships
• Enjoys Bingo & Trivia Games
• Europe Waterways
• Intimate Onboard Experience
• Multigenerational Groups
• Retired
• Seek British Flair Onboard
• Seek 4 - 78 Night Sailings
• Small Ports
• Small - Mid Size Ship Sailings
• Themed Itinerary

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland. Photo Credit: Doris Pecka/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Onboard currency is the British pound (GBP).
• Serves at least one traditional British dish per meal.
• "Mystery Cruise" is popular amongst select guests. Only embarkation, number of nights and packing suggestions is known to the traveler, everything else remains unknown.
• Offers formal nights.
• Strict dress code onboard.
• Fixed dining times.
• Coffee and tea is complimentary in the buffet restaurant.
• Daily drink package tends to be restrictive with cocktails.
• Offers a dedicated table in the buffet restaurant area for the solo traveler.
• Games, craft classes ($) and watercolor classes ($) offered.
• Childcare programs during peak season available for ages 5 - 11.
• Smoking is banned in staterooms. 
• Complimentary room service with limited menu available.
• Cabaret style entertainment opposed to broadway productions.
• Additional fee cruise line offers shuttle service in port usually to the beach or town.
• Buffet service is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Any purchased duty free alcohol is collected upon boarding and returned at disembarkation.
• Tends to lack in entertainment, service and value for cost.
• Premium afternoon tea ($) is white glove service with finger foods.
• WiFi is costly.
• Never sails with more than 1,000 guests onboard.
• "Enjoyment Promise" if not completely satisfied within 48 hours of sailing, Guest Services will coordinate your return home and issue a refund.

River Mersey, Liverpool, North West England. Photo Credit: Tim/Pixabay

We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.

Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Fred Olsen next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions. 

Madeira, Portugal. Photo Credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.     

Explora Journeys

Shetland Islands (Scotland). Photo Credit: Aline Dassel/Pixabay

About Explora Journeys

• All Inclusive Sailings
• Apart of MSC Group
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
• Luxury Cruise Line & Ships
• Sailing Itinerary: Africa & Arabian Peninsula, Alaska & Pacific Northwest, Asia, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean & Southern Europe, Mexico & Central America, Northern Europe & British Isles and Western & Central Europe  
• Ships Built in Italy

Hamburg, Germany. Photo Credit: Karsten Bergmann/Pixabay

Explora Journeys Clientele

• Affluent Traveler(s)
• Ages 6+ Months & Older
• Enjoy Amman’s & Belmond’s Hotel Brands
• Boutique Hotel Vibe Seekers
• 6 Star Hotel Stay
• Nearly 1:1 Service Ratio
• Stay Longer, Leave Later & Travel Deeper Cruise Experiences
• Superyacht Experience

kaka Falls State Park, Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island). Photo Credit: xiSerge/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Host no formal nights onboard.
• Premium beverages are complimentary.
• No formal dress code but attire recommended is elegant resort casual.
• Open dining seating with the exception to Anthology and Marble & Co Grill, reservations required.
• Suite voltage onboard is 110V/220V.
• Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
• Casino offers games and machines.
• Onboard currency is Euro.
• No buffet dining onboard.
• Travel at or during the sailing at 23 weeks gestational is not recommended.
• Do not offer production broadway style entertainment shows. Rather cabaret type performances.
• Onboard medical services are fee based.
• Ocean Residences is the largest room category with amenities.
• Iron press service is available for a fee.
• Single use plastic is not stocked onboard or during shore excursions.
• Aims to expand its fleet to six ships by 2028.
• Has no interior staterooms.
• Ingredients are locally sourced.
• Stateroom amenities include an Dyson hair dryer, espresso machine, mini bar, plush bathrobes, tea kettle, walk in closet just to mention a few.
• Offers Chef’s Kitchen with cooking classes and private dining.
• Family friendly connecting suites available.
• Ships are equipped with the latest in environmental supporting and marine technologies.

Mumbai, India. Photo Credit: Simon/Pixabay

We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.

By the way, our signature collection of Hosted Sailing provides our Clients:

• Welcome Reception - A great sip and mingle event
• Private Car & Driver - Enjoy a in depth sightseeing with your own personal guide
• Shore Excursions - Enjoy our speciality planned excursion
• Shipboard Credit

Our Hosted Sailings are available with select cruise lines, dates may vary.

Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Explora Journeys next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions. 

Lisbon, Portugal. Photo Credit: Andrzej/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.    

Emerald Cruises

Budapest, Hungary Photo Credit:  Irén Nemess/Pixabay

About Emerald Cruises

• 2022 Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick Awarded: Best New Luxury Ship & Best New River Ship
• Premium River Cruise Line
• Has 9 River Ships & 2 Ocean Yachts
• Operates Charters in Croatia, Nile & Russia 
• Part of the Scenic Group of Cruise Brands (2014)
• River Sailings: Danube, Douro, Main, Mekong, Moselle, Rhine & Rhone
• Yacht Voyages: Caribbean & Central America and Mediterranean & Adriatic Sea

Mekong River, Asia. Photo Credit: Marcel Dominic/Pixabay

Emerald Cruises Clientele

• Active Traveler
• Average Age 50+
• Children Ages 12+ Welcome Onboard River Sailings
• Four Star Travelers
• Majority from Australia, North America or United Kingdom (UK)
• Prefer No Dress Code Atmosphere
• Theme Sailing Seekers
• Upscale Seekers

Porto, Portugal. Photo Credit: Nuno Lopes/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Offers complimentary beer, soft drinks and wine accompany lunch and dinner meals.
• Includes an excursion nearly every day in the morning. You may opt to purchase an additional afternoon discover more excursion. Typically cost between 30EUR - 50EUR.
• River ships range between 84 -180 guest onboard. Varies by ship.
• Only top suites offers room service.
• Lacks evening entertainment onboard.
• Provides 1.5 mL water bottle daily in staterooms.
• Rate usually includes gratuities, transfers and WiFi.
• With prearrangements, visitors to join you onboard. All visitors onboard are required to pay for drinks and food consumed.
• Complimentary bicycle use available at ports.
• Dining times are Breakfast 7AM - 9AM, Lunch 12PM - 2PM & Dinner 7PM - 9PM.
• The Captains Welcome & Farewell Dinners guests tend to be dressiest.
• Known to incorporate support with local initiatives and amongst communities in select destinations.
• Offers coffee and tea 24/7.
• Onboard and land excursions, English is spoken.
• Iron Service is available for a fee.
• Evening entertainment usually includes Disco Dance Party, Live Piano and/or Violist and Trivia.
• Disembarking for excursions, crew distribute water bottles to remain hydrated.
• Offers open seating dining.
• At least one "EmeraldPLUS" excursion is included offering a local cultural experience.
• Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style.
• Onboard activities tend to reflect the destination visited.
• Galley Tour is complimentary.
• During peak summer months it's common during river sailings that ships tie up to one another, which may require boarding another vessel for port access. Not wheelchair accessible. 

Moselle River. Photo Credit: Hans/Pixabay

We're always happy to work with you to extend your experience on a pre and/or post cruise stay, as well.

Now, for the Do-It-Yourself Travelers, you may book your Emerald Cruises next sailing directly on our website, Louvet Travel. Receiving all the personalized care that our valued Clients experience! Truly your one source for all your questions.  

Marigot Bay, St Lucia. Photo Credit: Viola/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.