Need Assistance with Your Cruise Booking? Reach Out to These Travel Advisors

As travelers navigate a sea of confusing online options and limited AI-generated guidance, many are seeking the personal touch of travel advisors, leveraging their extensive knowledge and expertise for both land and sea vacations.

A recent survey by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) revealed a growing trend, with nearly half (49 percent) of respondents expressing a preference for travel advisors over the past year, prioritizing peace of mind and optimal value in their travel plans.

When exploring the expansive realm of cruising, which features countless cruise lines, sailing types, and diverse destinations, it can be overwhelming to sort through the options alone. The solution lies in partnering with a knowledgeable travel advisor who understands the cruise industry and can alleviate your stress and workload. After all, these are professionals dedicated to this field every day.

Top Travel Agents Specializing in Cruises

Whether you're interested in an arctic expedition cruise or a leisurely barge cruise in the South of France, these top travel advisors can connect you with the perfect cruise experience.

Ideal for planning your ocean cruise

Nadia Henry, Travel With Sparkle

Nadia Henry, the owner of Travel With Sparkle in West Orange, New Jersey, excels at orchestrating luxury group travel experiences, including unforgettable getaways at sea. She has coined the term ‘CCIG specialist,’ focusing on Caribbean trips, cruises, and international group travel. Keep Henry on your radar for group ocean cruises, especially if your team wants to travel alongside a travel advisor. Throughout the year, she organizes numerous group trips, ensuring her clients enjoy peace of mind with a hands-on approach from their trusted professional. Among her upcoming excursions is a 7-day luxury yacht cruise along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, from Split to Dubrovnik, aboard the 18-cabin MV Auriela yacht, owned by Katarina Cruise Line, set to depart on August 3, 2024.

George Aballi, Connection to Cruise

George Aballi, the owner of Connection to Cruise in Redlands, California, is a must-know for those seeking a more dynamic cruising experience. With over 20 years in the travel industry, Aballi has a wealth of expertise in matching travelers with reputable oceangoing brands like Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys, and Hurtigruten Expeditions. He also arranges river cruises with top names like AmaWaterways, American Queen Voyages, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking. Recently, Aballi has been crafting group cruise trips that integrate pickleball, a popular sport, into cruise itineraries both at sea and along Europe’s rivers.

Ideal for planning your luxury cruise

Joshua Bush, Avenue Two Travel

As the CEO of the luxury travel agency Avenue Two Travel in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and a member of the Dinogo Travel Advisor Council, Joshua Bush is a multifaceted expert in luxury travel, whether on land or at sea. A thought leader in the luxury travel industry, he frequently consults for prestigious organizations like Virtuoso, making him exceptionally equipped to assist travelers in discovering the ideal luxury cruise experience, while also guiding them to define what luxury means for their individual vacation needs. Additionally, as a passionate adventure traveler, Bush can help you infuse adventure into your journey.

Best suited for planning luxury expedition cruises

Judy Perl, Judy Perl Travel

Few names resonate with cruise travel like Judy Perl and her renowned travel agency, Judy Perl Travel. Perl, a member of the Dinogo Travel Advisor Council, has established strong connections with premier expedition cruise lines such as Ponant, Scenic Luxury Cruises, and Seabourn, which provide luxurious yacht-style adventures in various polar and tropical locales. With over 22 years of experience crafting bespoke cruise itineraries, she specializes in niche luxury experiences. If you're seeking a more exhilarating journey than typical ocean or river cruises, look no further than Perl for your next expedition cruise.

Ideal for planning river cruises

Suzy Schreiner, Azure Blue Vacations

Unsure where to start when choosing a river cruise? Whether you’re a seasoned river cruiser or a first-timer, having an expert like Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations in Bothell, Washington, can greatly simplify the process. As a top travel advisor, Schreiner not only knows how to secure the river cruise experience you desire, but she also offers valuable insights, tips, and advice on maximizing your onshore adventures.

Best for organizing a canal barge cruise

Ellen Sack, Barge Lady Cruises

When discussing canal barge cruising, one cannot overlook Ellen Sack, affectionately known as the Barge Lady and a true expert in European barge adventures. Sack and her family-operated travel company serve as brokers for canal barge cruises across Europe, helping travelers find the perfect sailing experience tailored to their preferences. Whether you're interested in chartering an entire barge or booking a single cabin on a classic vessel, canal barge cruises offer a different experience than river cruises, featuring shorter itineraries in more intimate settings that cater to groups of two to 20, as opposed to the larger river cruise ships that accommodate over 150 guests. For insights on navigating picturesque waterways like the Canal du Midi in southern France or the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands, Sack and the Barge Lady team are your go-to resources.

Best for curating special interest and bespoke cruises

Gloria Hobbins, Global Village Travels

If you see the world as your oyster while dreaming about your next cruise, consider Gloria Hobbins from Global Village Travels as the pearl helping to bring your vacation dreams to life. Hobbins stands out as an advisor because she doesn’t confine herself to just ocean, river, or small ship cruising—she is dedicated to crafting personalized cruise experiences that cater to your specific wishes. Whether you're interested in a Peruvian Amazon river cruise that immerses you in the area’s vibrant cultures or a multi-river adventure that combines Southeast Asia with luxury yacht sailing along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Hobbins can seamlessly connect the dots for your ultimate globetrotting journey.

Best for planning LGBTQ+ cruises

Michael Henderson, B.A.G. Travel

For LGBTQ+ travelers, including those of color and solo adventurers, Mike Henderson is an excellent travel advisor to guide you on your journey into the cruising world with fellow like-minded individuals. With over 20 years of experience organizing group travel for the LGBTQ+ community, he is the founder of B.A.G. Travel, an agency specializing in group trips tailored for solo LGBTQ+ travelers, emphasizing a social and welcoming atmosphere. Henderson designs trips around lively events in various destinations, such as Pride celebrations, New Year’s Eve festivities, and Oktoberfest, fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all travelers.

Best for planning family-friendly cruises

Darlene McClung, Frosch Vacations

When you need an advisor who truly understands the dynamics of family travel, look no further than Darlene McClung from Frosch Vacations. McClung possesses a wealth of knowledge in ocean, river, and small-ship cruising, along with extensive experience in organizing successful trips for families of all sizes. With her attentive, patient, and detail-oriented approach, McClung ensures that every aspect of your family’s dream vacation is meticulously planned and executed.

Michelle Allen, Travel Magic

Think of Michelle Allen, owner of Travel Magic in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, as the fairy godmother for your next family getaway. Specializing in everything Disney—from its famous theme parks to ocean cruises with Disney Cruise Lines, as well as European river cruises and land tours with Adventures by Disney—Allen is adept at planning multigenerational trips and bucket-list adventures that are highly sought after. Given the complexity of booking Disney vacations for large groups today, her expertise is an invaluable asset to your family's travel planning.