Tag Archives: Holland America

‘Dancing with the Stars’ theme cruises come to Holland America

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’m the first to admit to having two left feet. But I keep telling myself that I’m gonna fix that and get some dance lessons.

Alan Whitt

I watch ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” television show and marvel at anyone who can get up there and strut their stuff before a live audience of millions.

But deep down I know that I can at least become competent on the dance slow.

Do you feel the same? Sure you do.

And Holland America is here to help you, partnering with one of America’s favorite shows with a series of special “Dancing with the Stars” cruises, as well as a dance program on every sailing aboard each of their 15 ships.

You’ll be able to learn the step for the Tango, Quickstep, Paso Doble and all there popular dances performed on the show … and compete at the same time.

The six theme cruises in 2013 and 2014 will feature many of the shows top performers such as dancers Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson, Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwinner … as well as unnamed celebrities.

Participants will also meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show, will highlight the voyage.

Here are the six “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruises on four ships with five distinct and different itineraries. Pick one or try them all:

  • February 16, 2013: A 7-Day Eastern Caribbean voyage on ms Eurodam
  • June 22, 2013: A 7-Day Canada & New England voyage on ms Veendam.
  • June 30, 2013: 7-Day Alaska cruise on ms Oosterdam.
  • July 7, 2013: 7-Day Alaska cruise on ms Oosterdam.
  • January 5, 2014: 7-Day cruise Eastern Caribbean on ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • January 12, 2014: 7-Day cruise Western Caribbean on ms Nieuw Amsterdam

And every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America fleet will feature a “Dancing with the Stars” program including dance lessons and an opportunity for guests to dance center stage in a dance-off performance – featuring the ships’ professional dancers and will be developed in collaboration with the show’s dancers and choreographers.

To book this cruise and any other vacation contact Allure Quest Travel Experience by phone at 615-818-8241 – or email at alan@allurequest.com.

Smooth transition: Iconic jazz cruise creates West Coast version

Posted on by alanwhitt

The “Greatest Party at Sea” is heading West.

Entertainment Cruise Productions, the largest private music ship charter company in the world, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of it perennially sold-out Smooth Jazz Cruises by adding a West Coast addition for the fall of 2013 out of San Diego.

Alan Whitt

If you’ve never heard of The Smooth Jazz Cruise … WAKE UP! It provides the best in jazz with spectacular artists in an environment perfectly suited for the occasion – smooth sailing on a luxurious cruise ship.

“As we enter the second decade of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, we want to keep things fresh for our loyal family of cruisers that comes back year after year,” says Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of St. Louis-based Entertainment Cruise Productions. “Thanks in part to their suggestions, we decided to spread the love by creating a sensational West Coast cruise.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise West – hosted by Brian Culbertson and Boney James – will set sail on the Holland America’s m/s Westerdam October 12-19, 2013 from San Diego and visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Baja Coast.  Joining Culbertson, and James will be David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Kenny Lattimore, Earl Klugh, Oleta Adams, Brian Simpson, DW3, comedian Alonzo Bodden and special guest Tower of Power.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2014 will cruise on the m/s Eurodam from Fort Lauderdale January 11-18 with stops in Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Maarten and Half Moon Cay.  The parade of performers will consist of Sanborn, Miller, Culbertson, James, Butler, Dulfer, Simpson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Sheila E, Keb Mo, Keiko Matsui, Maysa Leak, Mindi Abair, DW3, Bodden and special guest Jeffrey Osborne.

To book either of these cruises or any Entertainment Cruise Productions voyage, contact Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email Alan Whitt at alan@allurequest.com.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

No Soul Train, but jazz cruises will have plenty of soulful sounds

Posted on by alanwhitt

Now that you’ve missed your chance to sail on Soul Train Cruise 2013, it may be music to your ears to learn that Entertainment Cruise Productions’ jazz cruises are still available for next year.

Alan Whitt

Cabins on The Jazz Cruise 2013 and both sailings on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 are about 75 percent sold.

Balcony cabins and some suites remain for all cruises. The Jazz Cruise and the first week of he Smooth Jazz cruise have both outside and inside cabins remaining.

All three cruises will sail on Holland America’s Westerdam, the same ship that will host The Soul Train Cruise in February 2013.

The Jazz Cruise features legendary performers such as Kurt Elling, Arturo Sandoval, Ann Hampton Callaway, Phil Woods, Byron Stripling, Freddy Cole, Gary Burton, Eddie Palmieri and Roy Haynes.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise is particularly exciting with George Benson leading the way. He headlines a roster that includes David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Bob James, Angie Stone, along with Smooth Jazz Cruises regulars Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson and Candy Dulfer.

For three consecutive weeks ECP will take over Westerdam with an itinerary that begins in Ft. Lauderdale, with stops at Cozumel, Belize and Key West.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise goes back to back the weeks of January 13-20 and January 20-27, before The Jazz Cruise takes over January 27-February 3.

Then the ECP staff catches its collective breath for two weeks before the inaugural Soul Train Cruise sails on February 17 to Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – Holland America’s private island.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Soul Train Cruise 2013 is an official sellout; try again in 2014

Posted on by alanwhitt

It’s official! Soul Train Cruise 2013 is sold out.

It’s more than eight months away but Holland America’s 1,848-passenger Westerdam will be packed when it sets sail on a seven night cruise Feb. 17-23 out of Ft. Lauderdale.

Alan Whitt

That’s amazing.

This is the first Soul Train Cruise, and it was pretty obvious when this music was announced last fall that it would be an easy sell. However, it took just more than six months to sell every cabin … with a wait list now exceeding 100 cabins.

And if this cruise is as goos as advertised, it may be next to impossible to get on the next one in 2014.

Entertainment Cruise Productions, the creators of the Soul Train Cruise, has a stellar track record with live music cruises, and many passengers book next year’s while onboard.

If you missed out on this year, my suggestion is to be ready to book 2014 on February 23 … or the day it becomes available.

Those who weren’t able to book this cruise will miss an musical hall of fame caliber lineup that includes Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

Soul Train Cruise will make stops at Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – Holland America’s private island.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

All aboard! Soul Train Cruise 2013 early saver rate expires May 31

Posted on by alanwhitt

Tick … tick … tick.

Time is about to run out on the early saver rate for the few remaining cabins available for next year’s inaugural Soul Train Cruise.

Alan Whitt

In fact, there are no cabins available … only suites, and they aren’t cheap. But if you book ‘em by the end of business on Thursday you’ll save $200 per person – $400 per cabin.

All that’s left are two superior suites categories – going for $3,625 or $3,675 per person until Thursday … or $3,825 or $3,875 after.

In case you’ve been in a coma, Soul Train Cruise 2013 sets sail on Holland America’s Westerdam out of Ft. Lauderdale, February 24, 2013 on a seven-night voyage to Turks & Caicos,  St. Thomas, San Juan and Half Moon Cay – a private island.

Performers include Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can add comedian Alonzo Bodden for comic relief, and a host of surprises sure to bring back vivid memories from those Soul Train days.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and booking a variety of vacations.


Soul Train Cruise 2013 is almost a sellout; book now or forget it

Posted on by alanwhitt

I know people who are notorious procrastinators and it drives me crazy.

I could never figure out why people wait until the last minute to do anything. When you do that it reduces your margin for error significantly.

Alan Whitt

So I’m equally disturbed by those folks who have expressed an interest in Soul Train Cruise 2013 and sat around waiting to make a decision

Even when Entertainment Cruise Productions extended the early booking deadline and categories evaporated like steam from an iron, some folks still did nothing, and now may have priced themselves out of one of the signature music events of 2013.

There remains just three of the original 27 categories available, and none are cheap.

The high end penthouse suites were the first to go, followed by mid-priced oceanview cabins and then the interior cabins.

What’s left is one balcony category – for $3,025 per person – and two small suites for $3,625 and $3,675.

The Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for February 17-24 out of Ft. Lauderdale on Holland America’s Westerdam, with stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay (private island).

Performers include Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can add comedian Alonzo Bodden for comic relief, and a host of surprises sure to bring back vivid memories from those Soul Train days.

But chances are that if you don’t book now you’ll just have to read about it in my blog from the cruise.  Give me a call at 615-818-8241 … forever regret it.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

Back to the future! Soul Train Cruise early booking extended

Posted on by alanwhitt

UPDATE: I have a 53-year-old woman looking for a roommate for Soul Train Cruise 2013. If interested call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email alan@allurequest.com and we will attempt to get the women together to discuss compatibility.

The Soul Train folks know a good deal when they see one.

That’s why they’ve extended the Soul Train Cruise 2013 early booking period by a month. Today was the final day to book this soulful music cruise and get up to $200 off the cruise rate.

Alan Whitt

But I still wouldn’t wait too long  …. there remains only seven categories from the original 27 onboard Holland America’s Westerdam.

Those include two suites, two balcony, two oceanview and one interior cabin categories. Just want to sail on this fantastic music cruise?

The interior cabin (no window) goes for $2,150 per person based on double occupancy.

The most expensive is a small suite that goes for $3,675 per person.

In case you’ve been out of the loop, the Soul Train Cruise is scheduled for February 17-24 out of Ft. Lauderdale with stops at San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos and Half Moon Cay (private island).

Performers include Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or email alan@allurequest.com to book this cruise.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

My bags are packed and I’m ready to board the Soul Train Cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt

The Soouull Train! Here it comes rumbling down the track. Or in this case, sailing across the Caribbean Sea.

Alan Whitt

I’m talking about the inaugural Soul Train Cruise, scheduled for February 17-24, 2013 onboard Holland America’s Westerdam.

I’m having a ball with this amazing cruise and I can’t wait to set sail and bust a move down the Soul Train Line.

Yes, I’m going … and I’m dancing. These hips may not swivel like they used to, but I sold a cabin to myself anyway and I’m gonna shake it as best I can.

Unfortunately (or unfortunately) my 70s and 80s wardrobes are long gone

Wow, do I ever love this job!

Hey, I may be able to make more money doing other things, and I have. But this is passion … this is thrilling … this is fun.

In my former life as a journalist I made it to the top as a news editor for SportsCenter at ESPN – officially the Worldwide Leader in Sports. And I was paid handsomely for my skills.

But that’s nothing compared to my new life traveling, writing about it and sending people on amazing vacations like the Soul Train Cruise.

My new favorite question from people is … “You mean they pay you to do that.”

Yeah, they do.

And even if I wasn’t a travel specialist I would still sail on this amazing music cruise. I’m gonna be hanging with nearly 2,000 of my newest best friends. Everyone on that ship is there for the same reason – each has a passion for one of the greatest shows of all time.

Whether you’re a fan of any of the performers – Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders – you were likely a fan of longest-running syndicated show in television history.

Many of the dance regulars were stars themselves … and I’m hoping that some of them will join us on the ship.

There are obviously many who feel the same way. The cruise is selling as a brisk pace, and I’m expecting that many people will be shut out before long when that final cabin is booked. Unfortunately, there are many out there who won’t hear about it until it’s too late.

If you know of anyone in that category, do them a favor and let them know.

Consider it a public service.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

High rollers willing to shell out big bucks for Soul Train Cruise

Posted on by alanwhitt

I guess people who have money know a bargain when they see one and don’t like to procrastinate for fear of losing out.

That may explain why the $7,825 per person Penthouse Suites on next year’s Soul Train Cruise have sold out.

Alan Whitt

Don’t worry … if you want a suite you can fork over over as little as $3,625 each for a smaller suite, or $3,825 for a larger suite.

Seriously, each day more categories evaporate as people line up to save as much as $200 per person during the early booking period that ends on April 30.

There it is again … people who have money know how to save it.

Currently 10 of the 27 cabin categories have sold out.

In the last day alone three more oceanview categories have sold out, bringing to four the number that are gone.

At the moment – I said at the moment – the cheapest oceanview cabin is an obstructed view that sells for $2,325 per person. You can have an unobstructed oceanview for $2,475.

Four balcony categories remain available priced from $2,875 to $3,025.

All single person inside cabins are also gone, but all double inside cabin categories remain available – ranging from $2,125 to $2,175.

Unless you’ve resided in a cave in Afghanistan for the last several months, you probably know that the Soul Train cruise is scheduled for Feb. 17-24, 2013 on Holland America’s Westerdam out of Ft. Lauderdale, with stops at St. Thomas, San Juan, Turks & Caicos and the private island Half Moon Cay.

To regular cruisers these prices may seem a bit much. But for those in the know, the obvious selling point of this cruise is the musical lineup and a chance to celebrate an iconic television show with nearly 2,00o people with the same mindset.

The Hall of Fame-caliber lineup includes Patti Labell, Jeffrey Osborne, George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

You can’t book this cruise just anywhere, but you can through Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241, or email alan@allurequest.com for more information.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Soul Train Cruise early signing period draws to close April 30

Posted on by alanwhitt

Time is running out to get onboard The Soul Train Cruise at reduced rates.

Alan Whitt

Fans of the iconic television show have until April 30 to book “The Hippest Trip at Sea,” scheduled for February 17-24, 2013, and save up to $200 per person.

Prices start at $2,125 per person for an inside cabin, $2,225 for an outside cabin, $2,675 for a balcony or $3,575 for suite. Or get the absolute best … a penthouse suite for $7,825 per person. Prices include taxes, fees and gratuities.

Don’t miss an opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Patti Labelle, Jeffrey Osborne and other Hall of Fame-caliber talent.

Besides Labelle and Osborne, other musical talent includes George Duke, The O’Jays, Kool & The Gang, War, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding Sr. & The Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans and The Intruders.

Add comedian Alonzo Bodden and “you can bet your last money (that this cruise) is gonna to be stone gas, honey.”

The cruise, onboard Holland America’s Westerdam, makes stops at St. Thomas; Turks & Caicos; San Juan, PR; and the private island of Half Moon Cay.

The Soul Train Cruise is unique for more than the foot-stomping music. Westerdam is a relatively intimate, although large ship at 91,000 tons. With less than 2,000 passengers – all of them Soul Train fans – you’re assured that everyone onboard is there for the same reasons.

You can expect many of the familiar elements that made The Soul Train show appointment television back in the 1970s and ‘80s … including the Soul Train line and the psychedelic wardrobe of the day. And there will be a tribute to the late Don Cornelius and a few surprises as well.

But probably the best part is the ability to mingle with the performers throughout the week. You won’t see them just on nights they’re performing. You may see them in the dining rooms, at the spa or sitting next to you as others perform.

For more information or to book this cruise call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or 615-336-8580.