Personal Travel Managers Reconnect with Nature on Canada-Alaska Famils
Featured photo: Executive General Manager – Michael Gazal
Eight personal travel managers (PTMs) were among those to participate in a recent series of seven-night self-famils to Canada and Alaska with Holland America Line.
The famils resulted from a promotion run by Holland America several months ago and were enthusiastically taken up by the PTMs: for some, it was their first visit to the perennially popular destination, while for others it was an opportunity to become reacquainted with an old favourite.
The Holland America famil was PTM Kathy Millett ’s first time in Alaska – destinations like Glacier Bay did not disappoint
TravelManagers’ Kathy Millett describes a helicopter flight to the glaciers as an exceptional highlight to her time in Alaska
Among the first-timers was Kathy Millett, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Claremont, WA, who says she had not previously experienced the destination or the Holland America product but was happy to sample life aboard the MS Koningsdam.
“Aside from getting to know the destination, I really appreciated getting to experience the realities and restrictions of post-pandemic travel, such as testing requirements, visas and being prepared for travel delays.”
“I was impressed by how efficiently everything ran,” she adds. “The staff were wonderful and both Canada and Alaska exceeded my expectations with their stunning scenery. Travelling by cruise ship allowed me the slower pace needed to fully absorb local life.”
Millett’s TravelManagers colleagues sailed aboard the MS Zuiderdam, following the same itinerary which departed from Vancouver and sailing via the famous Inside Passage as far north as Glacier Bay before returning.
“The natural beauty of Alaska and the timeless experience on board the MS Zuiderdam are essential bucket list experiences,” reports Laurin Taggart, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Forster, NSW. “At every turn you had to pinch yourself – the pictures just do not do it justice. We were lucky to see brown bears, humpback whales and bald eagles, not to mention those incredible fjords and glaciers. You really feel like you are at the top of the earth.”
Fellow PTM Karen Doyle was grateful for the insider knowledge of the cruise experience which she gained from the famil, including onboard experiences and the various excursions available during time ashore.
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TravelManagers’ Laurin Taggert farewelling one of
the locals on her final day in stunning Vancouver
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- The elegant setting of Holland America’s MS Zuiderdam was PTM Laurin Taggert’s home for a week during her Canada Alaska famil
“There were so many highlights: a lovely, comfortable ship, staying in a lovely balcony cabin, excellent food and entertainment, fabulous scenery and shore excursions. I particularly loved Glacier Bay, the animals, and the White Pass train journey up into the mountains.”
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TravelManagers’ Sarah Knoll was amazed by epic views from
every corner of the ship during her Holland America famil
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PTM Sarah Knoll enjoying a warming cup of Dutch Pea Soup at the
bow of the MS Zuiderdam in Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay was a highlight of PTM Sarah Knoll’s week-long Canada/Alaska cruise
Sarah Knoll, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Mount Evelyn, VIC, says she was surprised by how much she loved the cruise holiday experience, finding it much more fun than she expected.
“A cruise holiday is so easy compared to other styles of travel, and I would have no hesitation in recommending Holland America Line to my clients as I know they will have a wonderful experience and be well looked after. The crew are incredibly friendly, funny and attentive, the ship was lovely, and the itinerary was great.”
For PTM Adela Backhouse, representative for Coorparoo, QLD, the famil was her first cruise holiday in twelve years.
“I was surprised by how many families were on board,” she reports. “Apart from the destination being absolutely amazing, it has really changed my mind about cruising: I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity.”
