GERRY KOOLHOF

While researching  Riverboat Cruises a link to New WaveTravel's Gerry Koolhof caught my attention with all the positive comments about his outstanding service from satisfied clients. I emailed him and within minutes he called me, and we set up a time to meet. We discussed riverboat cruising, cruises in general,with which Gerry has an expertise and also discussed our desire to take the train through the Rocky Mountains. Gerry recommended The Rocky Mountaineer and we just returned from this trip. Magnificent experience from the service, food, organization, professionalism of  the train staff,baggage transfer,  Fairmont Hotel service, not to mention the vistas of the mountains aboard the train, the international travellers we met, the whole experience. Highly recommended especially the Gold Leaf service, which includes gourmet meals while aboard,excellent hotels, and all transfers including baggage picked up in your room and deposited to your next night's room waiting for you.
A few words about Gerry Koolhof. The testimonials about his service were right on! Gerry's enthusiasm for what he does, his experience having taken the trips he recommends,his attention to detail, keeping his associate agents up to speed on your plans. in the event he is away for a few days ensures any inquiries are dealt with, your likes/dislikes while travelling so that he can make appropriate recommendations are part of his initial meeting. He takes notes! Then again, chocolates in your room from Gerry to celebrate your arrival at your destination, champagne delivered to your room on your anniversary with his compliments, and how about a travel umbrella delivered with your tickets, in case "it might rain in Vancouver!"  This was our first time travelling with Gerry his service is over the top!
Eleanor & Barry W - Rocky Mountaineer

I discovered Gerry Koolhof through my very close friends who cruised frequently with Gerry.  The 1-800 number at New Wave Travel, along with the convenience of email, I found it as easy to use Gerry’s excellent services as if he were here in Huntington.  I warmed to him immediately thanks to his helpful and friendly manner, as well as his diligence and perfectionism.  I visited Toronto and met Gerry in person which was a treat as it’s always nice to put a face to the voice on the phone!

This year I decided to cruise as a true solo for the first time since my husband’s premature death in 2008.  Gerry made me aware of Silversea’s special promotion of a number of sailings that involved only a 25% single supplement.  I chose a another Caribbean cruise on the Silver Whisper and, as I love to feel the movement of the ocean, this time I chose a veranda suite as far forward as I could get on deck 8, just behind the bridge on deck 9, with no one above me.  Gerry acted upon my request immediately, getting back to me that very day to tell me he had secured the suite:  I loved it, and I loved that the cruise featured social hostesses to make introductions and act as companions to women without partners like me, along with gentlemen hosts to serve as companions and dance partners.  I also loved the size of the ship, which had a total of 375 wonderfully friendly passengers aboard as well as a pleasant and accommodating crew.

Gerry was so sure that I would feel this way that he sent me a card in advance of my arrival home saying that he hoped I had had a wonderful time, and that he had thought that I’d “fit right in on Silversea.”  A nice and typical touch on Gerry’s part, in my opinion, to be so thoughtful about his customers!  I look forward to booking my next cruise with Gerry who is now, not just my great travel agent, but my friend. 
Judith R - Huntington NY - Silversea Cruise Lines

We had an absolute wonderful time on the AMA Waterways ms Amadante trip down the Danube from Budapest to Prague.  This was our first riverboat cruise experience but it will not be our last.  We enjoyed the small intimate size of the boat and the numerous things that we could do on a daily basis.  We met a number of great passengers and we had lots in common.  Thanks Gerry for recommending AMA  Waterways.
Karen & John (Toronto) - AMA Waterways

My husband and I along with our friends from Boston cruised on the AMA Waterways Amandante this past spring. Our route was from Prague to Budapest.  Can I say we did not want to leave the ship upon arrival at final port because life was so easy and relaxing on the ship.  Accommodations and food were undeniably the best. We loved our large and luxurious suite with sliding doors that we could open to admire the coast when on sail. Cruise Director and Staff could not do enough to accommodate us. Local guides were very knowledgeable about each town and area we visited. I would like to point out that my friend who has a disability -the staff call them the gentle walkers- was given extra care and her own guide at each stop. In a nutshell, it was a perfect vacation. We are thinking about river cruising in Vietnam and Cambodia next year with AMA and Gerry Koolhof will certainly be our agent.
Francine & Robert (Toronto) - AMA Waterways

In addition to Gerry Koolhof’s personable nature and professional manner, we find the service and genuine interest that he provides his clientele is exceptional. Our inquiries are always addressed promptly. Gerry often provides additional information that, although not directly asked for, is much appreciated and of great help in planning the various logistics of our travels. He has an in-depth knowledge of the travel industry and its peculiarities, which is valuable. This enables him to address concerns and make important recommendations. We have gone to different travel agents throughout the past few years and find that Gerry’s experience and service far exceed the norm.
Karen & John - Holland America- Transatlantic - Celebrity – Caribbean - Crystal - Mediterranean

Last year, I was planning a monumental "Benchmark" Cruise -- an exact duplicate of a fabulous voyage I took some 25 years ago! Same ship, QE2, comparable itinerary, the Mediterranean, but totally different person. I wanted to compare the experience, first as a poor young beauty, now as a rich old hag. It was to be an ultra-lux voyage of discovery in search of some eternal truth. Gerry Koolhof, my trusted travel agent, took complete charge of the fantasy. He booked a pleasing first class cabin, secured posh dining in the Princess Grill, tried to save me a little money as a past passenger, and even arranged a welcoming bottle of champagne. Gerry is obsessively fussy about every detail, and relentlessly follows up on the little things, and there are a million little things when you travel. He really cares, and his dedication is genuine and comes straight from the heart. I would enthusiastically recommend him to help orchestrate your dreams. He helped make my trip decadent bliss.
Lynn Tribbling, #1 Coldwell Banker Realtor Toronto, high-maintenance world -traveler and satisfied Koolhof client.
Silver Sea / Regent Seven Seas / Cunard QE2 / Oceania

My husband and I decided to take a cruise to celebrate his 60th birthday. Gerry really listened to our requests and came up with a selection of cruises immediately and helped us choose one that was just perfect for our needs. The entire booking, paying and delivery of tickets were smooth. All paperwork was professionally assembled and there was not one thing to complain about either before, during or after our trip. Gerry called after we came home to ask if everything had gone as he had booked. I have never had a travel agent do that before. If we decide to take another cruise we will be calling Gerry Koolhof.
Dorothy & Kevin - Celebrity Caribbean

What can I say about your service in arranging our cruise holidays. You have always been right 'up front' with all the financial stuff [unlike some others we've come across] you are constantly keeping us 'in the loop' on cruise deals on the lines we like so it make it easy to choose and you always go looking to secure the very best price! What more could we ask! You are always courteous and professional in any discussions and generally your service is almost personalized in a unique way. Keep up the good work.
Charles Brooks & Aubrey Carew - Designers Choice Barbados
Seabourn Cruise Line – Europe - Silversea - Caribbean

We gave Gerry a real challenge. Trying to book 4 people, on a luxury cruise that left in less than 2 weeks. Not only did he do it, he made it seem easy, at least for us. I know that if it had not been for Gerry's hard work, careful planning an attention to detail, our trip would have been a disaster. He is great! "Thank You"
Mary-Jane & Mike
Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Seven Seas Voyager - Europe

Mary, Pierrette and I want to thank you, Gerry, for all your help in arranging such a marvelous holiday cruise to Alaska this spring. The entire trip exceeded our expectations. Much of the success was due to your knowledge and advice and the time you spent with us in discussing everything from the choice of cruise and airline to other smaller details, which add to a successful vacation. The Volendam is a beautiful and extremely clean ship. We were very satisfied with our cabin, especially with all of the closet space, the excellent meals and the many varied activities available every day. We are all anticipating our next cruise and look forward to your help again. I have already recommended you to several people who are interested in the Alaska cruise.
Katy - Holland America Line - ms Volendam -Alaska

Gerry’s superlative service enabled us to give our beloved mother/in-law the trip of a lifetime – a Mediterranean cruise. He spent a lot of time listening to us, asking questions and really getting to know our needs and preferences, and then suggested the cruise line that was right for us. As well as handling the routine booking details, he solved problems before we knew they existed (e.g. unsuitable flight arrangements), and made a number of suggestions that led us to enjoy our trip even more. Our holiday was a fabulous experience – we all had a wonderful time, and Gerry’s attention to detail and personal involvement were a major reason why. April 2007 Segment World Cruise.
Susan & Robert Allair - Silversea Cruise Line - Silver Shadow - Europe

Steve and I have cruised on many occasions and have dealt with several travel agents but no one is like Gerry. He is so personable, friendly, knowledgeable, caring, thoughtful and the most competent agent we have ever met. His attention to detail is beyond reproach. He thinks of everything. Gerry goes above and beyond to ensure the satisfaction and comfort of his customers. All calls are returned promptly, every question answered. It must have been a twist of fate that got us together as Steve and I were strolling down Yonge St. with our friend when we casually picked up a brochure from Rosedale and a month or so later called the number printed at the back and talked to Gerry. Thanks for everything Gerry, we are so appreciative of your dedication to superb customer service. And the fact you always call us to see how our trip was, is just so nice of you.
Steve and Louise Prevost - Celebrity Cruise Lines

From beginning to end the whole Trans Atlantic Cruise exceeded our expectations. Cunard Queen Mary 2 certainly is a magnificent ship; stateroom, room service, also dining room wait staff, and entertainment, on board activities were excellent including the weather. We would have no hesitation in recommending you as a Cruise and Vacation Specialist to family and friends, as your recommendation of the complete Cunard Package helped to make our journey less stressful. Sincerely, and "thanks for the memories"
Hugh & Tilda McCann - Cunard Line - Queen Mary 2 - Transatlantic

Thanks to Gerry, we had a fabulous Mediterranean honeymoon cruise! Where do I begin to tell you how wonderful he is? It started with our first meeting where he took the time to find out about us, our preferences and interests. He then made recommendations on the ships and itineraries that he thought we’d like the most. He took such great care of us and really customized the whole process. We decided on an itinerary that took us to ports we really wanted to explore in France, Italy, Turkey and Greece. We especially loved Greece and plan to go back there to explore further. As for the ship, the Princess couldn’t have been a better choice for us! The service, food, and activities were all outstanding. We absolutely loved every minute of our 12 day cruise and would do it again in a heartbeat! We’ve recommended Gerry to our friends and plan to ask him to organize all our cruises from now on. Thank you so much Gerry for helping us to create an exquisite honeymoon!
Mona & Steve - Princess Cruises - Grand Princess -Europe

Hilary and I just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed our recent cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to the Mediterranean (26 Days). With your assistance planning the cruise and your final personal touches to getting us on our way, it was a fun experience from from start to finish, and we look forward to working with you to plan our next adventure.
Hilary & Robert Bonnell - Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Liberty - Europe

It was always a dream of mine to go on a cruise with my family but I always felt that the kind of luxury I wanted was far beyond our reach. A chance visit to a nearby travel agency specializing in cruising found me meeting Gerry for the first time and he assured me that this experience was indeed something we could attain. Our tons of questions regarding what we wanted and needed in a holidays..a romantic vacation for my husband and I, a fun-filled adventure for my son and a holiday which took into consideration my sisters physical disabilitys..were all answered patiently and professionally over several weeks before we finally decided on an itinerary. Right down to the flight and hotel prior to the cruise and our return home, the end result was a truly magical experience not only my husband and I but also for our 13 year only son and my sister. Thank you Gerry for all your patience and help.
Shirley, Lavern, Benjamin & Linda - Royal Caribbean International - Explorer of the Seas - Caribbean

Just a note to thank you for arranging the wonderful Baltic St Petersburg cruise and Paris / London land tours for us with Royal Caribbean. We have enjoyed the services of many travel agents over the past 40 years but no one has been more professional or pleasant to work with than your self. Your patience, kindness and genuine interest in providing us with a marvelous, stress free trip were greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you again.
Sandra & Hal Toogood - Royal Caribbean International - Jewel of the Seas -Europe

Just a short note to thank you and New Wave Travel for all that you did to make our cruise a wonderful success. Without your help, we would not have been able to relax and enjoy our trip as much as we did. Your personal touches and thoughtfulness made all the difference in the world. We will certainly be recommending you and your company to our many friends and the new ones we met on our cruise. We will definitely be in contact with you for any travelling that we plan in the future. 

Oceania Cruise Lines has been one of the best experiences that I have encountered in my lifetime. They are very personable and seem to care about every detail while on board their ship. The crew on board were tremendous and made our trip excellent. I hope that anyone travelling with them can take home the great feelings that we have.
Carl Gordaneer and Arthur Barr - Oceania Cruise Lines

I have known Gerry Koolhof for over 30 years. From my first introduction to him until now I have seen him working in a number of different positions in the hotel, airline, travel and trip planning business. Gerry has always focused on client-service first. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Gerry's attention to detail, spirit of entrepreneurship, focus on value for the client will make my choice for my own travel planning. If you want a total focus on you as a client, on what you really need in the most cost-effective way, I would highly recommend Gerry to you with no reservations to make your trip the dream you always wanted.
Frank Lowery Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary