Mary Gillingham, DS

Interests & Specialties
Mary Gillingham has been with Central Travel for 14 years and has traveled extensively. She is a Destination Specialist for Hawaii and has visited the Islands several times. Mary is also an O'ahu Destination Master Specialist (ODS) and has been involved with the O'ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) since 2002. 

Mary is located in the Promenade Shops office on Monroe Street in Sylvania, OH and can be reached at 419 471-2800, 800 826-3930 or mary@centraltravel.com

Expert Bio
Mary holds a Destination Specialist designation (DS) for the Caribbean and has experienced the All Inclusive Vacations in Jamaica, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas, and the Bahamas. She has completed Disney's College of Knowledge program and loves to help families plan their “Magical Moments” at Disney.

Mary enjoys cruising and holds the Commodore status with Princess Cruise Lines and is a Royal Caribbean WOW expert. She has sailed on the Royal Caribbean ship Adventure of the Seas visiting the islands of Cozumel, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. She loves to sail with family and friends! She has also experienced traveling through Italy with Crystal Cruises. While sailing on the Crystal Symphony Mary visited Portofino, Monte Carlo, Livorno, and Sorrento. What a Great way to visit Italy! Pompei and the Isle of Capri were her favorites.

Mary also holds a Destination Specialist designation (DS) for Alaska and this is one of her favorite destinations. She loved the Denali adventure, white water rafting and the wild life tundra tour! Florida’s Universal Studios is another domestic destination Mary enjoys with family and friends. She has stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal.

Other domestic adventures include New York, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, The Grand Canyon, and Coco Beach. In Canada Toronto is a favorite and she has visited this fun city several times via rail. She has stayed at the Royal York and the Toronto Sheraton and can recommend the best shopping and dining the city has to offer!

My Recent Trips

While in Hawaii I have experienced the True meaning of the Aloha Spirit. I have experienced Dolphin Adventures at both Sea Life Park and in the Ocean with Wild Side. I have taken cooking lessons with some of the best chief’s in Hawaii. And of course there is always time for the peace of just relaxing on the beach at sunset watching the waves roll in and out.  A highlight for me is visiting the parks and seeing the natural beauty Hawaii has to offer. Of course a Helicopter ride is also fun and relaxing!

In my various Hawaii trips, I have first hand experience staying in the following resorts:
 

  I recently returned from a wonderful cruise on board the Crystal Symphony visiting the Italian Treasures!

When I think of Crystal Cruise lines I think of Service. The service was remarkable – the best I have ever experienced on a cruise.   From the time we stepped on board until we departed for home we were treated as if we were the most important people on board!

We visited Portofino, Monte Carlo, Livorno and the lovely town of Sorrento. I chose the tour the Excavations of Pompeii while in this port. This is a vast and active archaeological site. I would recommend that when your clients go to Pompeii to go with a guide. The local guide we had pointed out so many things that I would have missed had I just gone on my own. I really enjoyed this excursion. The fact that you are able to walk and see a city that is over 1,700 years old is amazing to me.

This is a perfect sailing for family groups.  I spoke with many people who were traveling with 10-15 family members.  There was eve  group on Monthers & Daughters - how perfect!

The Crystal Symphony is 16 years old, but is in great shape for her age. During her latest refit, Crystal Symphony underwent a $25 million makeover that included new pool deck furniture; a reworked Lido restaurant with service islands replacing the buffet; newly designed specialty restaurants; upgraded penthouse accommodations; a new Trident Lounge where the Neptune Pool was formerly located; an enormous Jacuzzi at the main pool; Swarovski Crystal chandeliers; and cashmere throws. The cabins were spacious and nicely decorated with neutral colors. This ship has only outside cabins which is the way cruising should be done!