Sixty nine Travel Agents from all over U.S.A. was invited to sail on the m.s Veendam from Vancouver,B.C. to Victoria, and Astoria.Disembark in San Diego.This was the best Cruise Fam offered by any cruise line,really reasonable priced which included two top notch Hotels overnight stay in Seattle and Vancouver,B.C. Amtrak Cascade Train from Seattle to Vancouver and five night cruise on the ship.Sept.25-Oct.02,2009
It was first hand learning experience on board with two days of Seminars: Mr. Dave Fields,Coordinator and Mr. Rene H, Spatz,Sales Developement Manager was the principal representatives of Holland America. Invited travel partners: Tourism British Columbia,Anchortage & seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau.Amtrak and CLIA.
I flew up to Seattle on Friday morning with a one night stay at the Renaisance Seattle Hotel- a nice downtown location with a pool on the top floor overlooking the City. Hosted a fantastic dinner Buffet:Rack of Lamb,Cooked in front of you Crab Cakes Cakes.Fresh Salmon,etc. Next morning a beautiful scenic Coastal train ride on Amktrak Cascade-4 hours to Vancouver. Box breakfast was served. Narrow gauge train that was build in Spain,comfortable beige leather and very clean bathroom facilities.Also Business class csection is available at the back end of the Bistro car.
We stay overnight at the Pan Pacific Hotel,home of Canada Place-lower floor-Cruise Terminal. The new Fairmont waterfront is right across the street. A surprise dinner location was hosted by Tourism Vancouver inside the Vancouver Aquarium catered dinner with unlimited cocktails and wines with fishs swimming around you.. Another truly undersea experience was watching the 3D10 special effects and then was treated to a private night show by their residence Dolphins.
After Breakfast(Canadian bacon and eggs) at the Hotel,we boarded ms. Veendam for a tour of the ship and the Travel Agents Sailaway Cocktail Party-I think we had one too many including yours truly-thanks to couple young ladies!
Next morning-we were in Victoria-capitol of British of Columbia .Visited the Royal B.C. Museum and the world famous Butchard Gardens(we had the most wonderful Afternoon Tea better than Sheraton Palace Hotel or the Peninsula Hotel of Hong Kong.
The highlights of the Fam trip for me was meeting and listening to all our Hosts and presenters first handed about new destinations/point of interests and having the knowledge to promote Holland America Line from being on site.
Holland America Line is best suited for anyone who likes refine taste and not overly stuffy. Excellent values for the bucks and always ecellent service from its staff.
I am greatly appreciative to Holland America's Mr.Dave Fields,Mr.ReneSpatz,Mr. Jordan Marona and Ms. Velma Chen for this educational fam trip.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
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Sounds like a great fam, sorry I missed it! Think about creating packages on Pacific coastal or Alaska cruises where you can package in Amtrak and/or land arrangements.
ReplyDeleteVelma