History
Making your dreams come true, since 1947.
Holland Cruise Staff, a family owned business originally established in 1947 in the aviation management business offered, air charters, sales and flight training. This Midwest business was created in conjunction with Holland Truck Station and Restaurant, servicing travelers arriving from U.S. Highways 45 & 50. Gaining attention as one of the “state of the art” truck stops in the publication of the “Pure Oil” magazine. Holland’s later became affiliated with “Union 76” and expanded their restaurant business.
After 50 years of flying in the “blue skies”, Holland Flying Service ventured into the “blue seas” by creating a “Cruise Only” travel agency. Retired Naval Aviator Bill Holland brought his new bride, Martha, from San Francisco to this rural Illinois town. To alleviate any desire of homesickness, Bill assured his wife summers in Europe. Although a great navigator in the air, Bill’s direction quickly changed after few trips to the hospital’s maternity ward. Bill decided Martha should learn to land the plane in the event of an emergency since the family traveled often on their planes.
Several flight lessons, Martha had to learn to recover the plane in the event of a stall, which was enacted after the instructor stopped the engine. After moments of panic, she realized flying was not for her. She knew the only way to end this Holland family tradition was to find an excuse. With no time to spare and only a small family, Martha soon announced to Bill another child would arrive and her flying career must be put on hold until after their child arrived home. She repeated scenario this several times. After her 7th child, Bill thought she should not resume flying and concentrate on their kids. Besides, the children were all learning to fly. 30 years later, Martha did make it to Europe.
Four of the Holland siblings continued the family tradition. The boys chose commercial aviation, under the watchful eye an F.A.A. Safety Inspector, who just happens to be their sister! The Holland aviators are now into their fourth generation. Shortly after the debut of the “Love Boat” another Holland sibling decided our skies had enough Holland pilots! Michael Holland embarked on career at sea with a major cruise lines.
The "Staff" in our company showcase our travel experts to include former cruise ship officers and staff. Combining 25+ years of international cruise ship work experience includes Chief Purser, Cruise Staff, and Maitre'd. This privileged situation enabled our sales staff to become highly trained as experts and grow strongly along continued expansion of cruise travel. Quickly reaching record sales, this family business soon became recognized and awarded by major cruise lines as a “top account”, joining the top 50 or 100 travel agencies in North America highest sales volume with select cruise lines.
Holland Cruise Staff opened branch office to develop group business and offer specialized travel. The travel division “Elite Destinations” was launched to offer luxury travel to discerning clientele. This “Niche” travel division offers Luxury Cruises, Villas, Yachts Charters, European Waterway Barge Charters, International Concierge Service, Food and Wine Tours, complimented by our ability of customize your trip. Villa rental specialties include some of the finer homes in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Earlier years, our only concentration was to rent our own townhouse villa in Puerto Vallarta. Local homeowners requested we promote their properties by offering their fully staffed homes to be available, upon request, to select clients. Our clients also enjoy the complimentary services of our Concierge in Puerto Vallarta.
Let us show you our world by embarking on your dream vacation!
