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Meet Our Holland America Line Experts |
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Linda Prosk's Bio:
I started traveling with my family at a very young age. The love of travel this spawned brought me into an industry that I knew would foster that love. I've been in the industry now for over 35 years, and have traveled extensively throughout the world. I've been on well over 20 luxury cruises that span all the major cruise lines and destinations. I have particular expertise in Mexico and South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, Hawaii, the South Pacific and of course United States cruises. But for me, as for many cruise aficionados, the ship is the destination. And my most fabulous cruise experiences have been aboard Crystal Cruise line. Our cruise with them to the Panama Canal was unforgettable. The nightly entertainment was Broadway show caliber. And the Caesar_Ts Palace owned casino brought Vegas aboard ship. Another huge bonus for us was the fabulous alternative dining that was available for no extra charge; intimate fine dining restaurant feel, away from the bustle of the main dining room, with different ethnic options and extensive menus so in 12 days, between 2 restaurants, we never had the same meal twice (One tip though, make reservations in advance because the smaller restaurants fill up fast). For anyone seeking the ultimate in relaxation for their next trip, I will never be able to adequately describe my stay in the Maldives. It was what I imagine heaven on Earth would be; the smell of the island and air, the pristine beaches, the freshest foods, fruits and veggies, the most precious & considerate people attending to your every need. Our stay at Soneva Fushi Resort on Kunfunadhoo Island was indescribable. The entire island was your resort; seclusion, relaxation and total escape from the real world was your itinerary. The Six Senses Spa experience left me literally unable to move I was so relaxed! (I recommend you enter with an open mind and leave your inhibitions at the door to fully appreciate the massage experience.) Whether your goal is fun-filled days and nights or a total escape from the everyday, I can help you plan a cruise or vacation that will become a cherished memory for years to come!
Destination Expertise: Mexico and South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, Hawaii, the South Pacific, United States.
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Raye Mansour-Said's Bio:
I was born in Egypt and moved all over the world during my childhood. I believe this started a love for travel that continues to this day. I have been in the travel industry for over 25 years. During my tenure, I have earned the designation of MCC, or Master Cruise Consultant. I speak French, Arabic, Italian, and English fluently and my love for the romance languages allows me to speak Spanish and Portuguese a little bit. I have lived and worked in Japan, Australia and London, and have traveled extensively throughout the world including Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.
I have been on over 20 cruises so far, and my love for them will certainly get me on 20 more. My experience makes me well suited to match the right cruise line or vacation to each person's unique needs and wants.
Dubai was a recent destination of mine and is a growing point of interest among travelers. It's a shopping mecca, boasting the largest mall in the world including all the high end, designer boutiques you can think of and even an indoor ski resort! I particularly enjoyed the desert safari we took; it was like a roller coaster ride over the red sand dunes and ended with a lovely tented spot in the middle of the desert for evening cocktails & appetizers ("sundowners" & "bitings"), music and belly-dancing and an incredible view of the night sky & stars. I also highly recommend visiting the Sahary Gate Cultural Center where group excursions and video/discussions engage you in cultural traditions, from coffee drinking (sweetened with dates!), to customary dress, to the Souk or open air market where you will find everything from food to fantastic jewelry.
My trip to Nairobi, Africa impacted me in a way few vacations have. The genuinely kind, caring and helpful nature of the native people who came to my rescue a couple of times while I was there, touched me deeply. The Ngong House Lodge, with its rustic, tree house style rooms, completely open on one side to the night sky, and beautifully landscaped gardens, was amazing. I watched the most spectacular sunsets from my balcony and listened to lions roaring in the distance at night. I saw the rarely glimpsed top of Mt. Kilimanjaro by the light of the moon and rode a camel tour in Laikipia, where we stayed at the Loisaba Lodge, by far my favorite. One tip though: I recommend travelers to be in good health and be used to some form of camping or "roughing it". Interruptions in electricity are common and air conditioning comes in the form of ceiling fans. But the experience far outweighs the minor inconveniences!
Feel free to call or e-mail me anytime; I look forward to helping you plan the luxury cruise or vacation of your dreams.
Destination Expertise: Asia, Australia, Africa, South Pacific, Europe, South America
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