Cruises
Explore the world in comfort and luxury
When booking a cruise, especially for the first time, it’s essential to consider all options instead of immediately booking through a cruise line website or discount vendor.
Booking a cruise can be complex, with many questions arising for which you may not have immediate answers.
This is where I can help! I can help you with the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.
My cruise certifications
* Highest level of certification available
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Cruise lines and ships
Choosing the right cruise line and the right ship is a very important decision. Dining and entertainment choices can vary a lot and it can impact the enjoyment of your vacation if you are on a ship that doesn’t align with your travel expectations and style.
Itineraries
You can pretty much cruise ANYWHERE in the world. This can be overwhelming in terms of choices available. I can help you choose an itinerary that visits the places you most want to see, at a pace that you are comfortable with, since cruise lines now offer overnight stays in some ports and some may spend more days at sea.
Pricing
Cruise fares can sometimes be hard to understand and compare. Not all cruise lines are as transparent as others, and sometimes the very attractive fare listed online may not include the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.
What’s included
All cruise lines have different approaches to what is included in the fare and what is “extra”. Some cruise lines are truly all-inclusive including flights and transfers to/from the airport! At the most basic level, fares usually include accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — but for some cruises drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other things are extra. I can help you understand what your cruise fare ACTUALLY gets you.
Cabins
Cruise ships come in all sizes, from mega liners through to small expedition-style ships, to river cruises. Each boat and cruise line is unique in the types of cabins that will be on offer. Choosing the right cabin and cabin category is important. For example, understanding the deck plans means knowing where the most quiet areas of the ship are, which are nearest to dining, etc.
Payment
With cruises, you usually do not pay for the whole thing upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date.I can ensure you don’t miss any due dates and set up a payment plan / schedule that works for you.
Group Trips
Looking to book a group trip? I can help with negotiating group rates and bonuses and communicate with the group about the trip, including answering questions for first-time cruisers that might need a bit more help understanding what to expect.
Perks
My certifications and affiliation with Virtuoso means that I can sometimes throw in perks, such as priority boarding, onboard and or excursion credits, and more.
Bottom line
Booking a cruise can be a complex task. I will guide you through choosing your cabin (and dining times if appropriate), helping you manage your deposits and final payment, and guide you about options for shore excursions, onboard dining, entertainment and other amenities on whichever ship you choose.
Highlighting Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages
Although I can work with almost all of the cruise lines around the world, and have formal certifications with the cruise lines listed above, I’d like to highlight these cruise lines in particular:
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises gives you immersive and culturally enriching river and ocean voyages with finely curated itineraries, elegant ships, and exceptional service – providing discerning travelers with a truly luxurious exploration of destinations worldwide.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers a modern and luxurious adult-only cruise experience with innovative amenities, inclusive dining, and vibrant entertainment, promising a unique and unforgettable journey at sea.
