"Aim for success not perfection... Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person." --- Dr. David Burns
The cruise industry continues to morph into new shapes to better fit the future. Holland America regularly wins awards for "best cruise value" from its legions of satisfied customers, having carved out a comfortable niche as a "premium" cruise line somewhere between "mainstream" like Carnival and "luxury" like Regent Seven Seas. As highly satisfied customers aged, HAL's client base became centered on senior citizens, and as people with the money, time and inclination to travel in pampered style, that has proven to be a solid base for their white gloved excellence in cruising.
Cadillac, however, a car maker that traditionally has appealed to a similar demographic, now blasts Led Zeppelin in their commercials to attract buyers, and Holland America, while definitely not becoming the "heavy metal" cruise line, is re-positioning itself to appeal to the baby boomers while still serving their traditional base. The service, comfortable accommodations, elegant public areas and gourmet dining remains top notch, but as new, larger ships replace older ones in the fleet, and ten year-old ships, which like all Holland America ships are quality-built and always immaculately maintained, are retro-fitted to include features like teen clubs and cooking demonstrations stations, Holland America is upping the ante in a play for baby boomers.
Choosing a cruise line that's right for you is only one element in finding a cruise. There are the choices of the specific ship within the cruise line, the type and position of the stateroom, the itinerary, and the relative value among possibilities, to name but a few. I will always do my best to fit you with the best possibility for you, not simply because I want you to be happy, but because satisfied customers buy again and also refer their friends. Cruise lines understand this, and that is why they, NOT YOU, pay my commission out of their lowest available price. They don't want to be inundated with self-service shoppers who choose the wrong cruise for the wrong reasons, because those are the most difficult people to please, and they stir discontent among others who are ready to enjoy a great cruise.
The cruise industry continues to morph into new shapes to better fit the future. Holland America regularly wins awards for "best cruise value" from its legions of satisfied customers, having carved out a comfortable niche as a "premium" cruise line somewhere between "mainstream" like Carnival and "luxury" like Regent Seven Seas. As highly satisfied customers aged, HAL's client base became centered on senior citizens, and as people with the money, time and inclination to travel in pampered style, that has proven to be a solid base for their white gloved excellence in cruising.
Cadillac, however, a car maker that traditionally has appealed to a similar demographic, now blasts Led Zeppelin in their commercials to attract buyers, and Holland America, while definitely not becoming the "heavy metal" cruise line, is re-positioning itself to appeal to the baby boomers while still serving their traditional base. The service, comfortable accommodations, elegant public areas and gourmet dining remains top notch, but as new, larger ships replace older ones in the fleet, and ten year-old ships, which like all Holland America ships are quality-built and always immaculately maintained, are retro-fitted to include features like teen clubs and cooking demonstrations stations, Holland America is upping the ante in a play for baby boomers.
Choosing a cruise line that's right for you is only one element in finding a cruise. There are the choices of the specific ship within the cruise line, the type and position of the stateroom, the itinerary, and the relative value among possibilities, to name but a few. I will always do my best to fit you with the best possibility for you, not simply because I want you to be happy, but because satisfied customers buy again and also refer their friends. Cruise lines understand this, and that is why they, NOT YOU, pay my commission out of their lowest available price. They don't want to be inundated with self-service shoppers who choose the wrong cruise for the wrong reasons, because those are the most difficult people to please, and they stir discontent among others who are ready to enjoy a great cruise.
