Travel Inspiration

What Are the Benefits of Booking with a Cruise Travel Advisor?

Advisor - Shella Zelenz

Travel Advisor

Shella Zelenz

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Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Cruises are having a moment. From small, intimate river cruises to well-established cruise lines (such as Celebrity Cruises, Disney and Virgin Voyages), there's a water-based vacation for every travel style. But booking a cruise vacation can be tricky. Compared to a resort or hotel booking, there are more moving parts and logistics, which is why it pays to enlist the help of a cruise travel advisor. Read on to learn how a Fora Advisor (like me!) can level-up your cruise vacation.

Ready to travel? Connect with me to plan and book your cruise vacation today.

A cruise specialist helps determine the best cruise for you

Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Because there are numerous cruise lines to choose from and each has its own style, it's a good idea to research which ship is right for you. That's where I come in — I have partnerships and industry intel to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean or a more intimate Norwegian cruise line, I can help pair you with the perfect cruise line (and even the specific cruise ship) for you and your group.

A cruise travel advisor helps you choose the perfect itinerary

Ketchikan, Alaska

Just as there are numerous cruise lines, each ship has different itineraries. Connect with me to learn about everything from my favorite Alaskan cruises to the perfect Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Plus, I can answer questions about far-flung expeditions like the Galapagos.

Cruise travel advisors navigate pricing for you

Pricing for cruises is notoriously difficult to navigate. Most cruises are all-inclusive, but these inclusions can vary between cruise lines. On a Virgin Voyages cruise ship, for example, all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, gratuities, entertainment, Wi-Fi and even group workouts are included in the upfront cost.

Princess Cruises, in contrast, offers distinct packages, each one including different amenities. Higher-tiered packages unlock extras like fitness classes, unlimited juice bar access and “premium” dining options. I can help research which packages offer the best price for your specific preferences.

Cruise specialists help you choose the best cabin

Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Then there are cabins to think about, too. Although you can typically view the cruise ship’s layout beforehand, it’s difficult to know which category to choose — and not all cabins are created equally. Choosing the wrong type of cabin can impact your cruising experience, so make sure you know what you're getting by consulting an expert who know which cabins to avoid.

Cruise travel advisors help you make the most of shore excursions

Lisbon, Portugal, a common port of call

One of the best parts of cruising is getting to visit ports around the world. Shore excursions can add a whole other level to your cruise, and a cruise specialist can help you make the most of these land-based adventures. First-time travelers, and even returning cruisers, can struggle with knowing how to explore a port and which excursions to book. Having someone walk you through a destination will help you budget your time and prioritize what to see in each destination.

Cruise travel advisors take the stress out of travel planning

Enlisting the help of a cruise travel advisor will ease the stress of research and planning a voyage. Let an advisor like me do the heavy lifting so you can spend time prepping for your trip (instead of worrying about it). From cabins, excursions and even meal times (some ships require meal reservations), having a direct line of contact with the cruise ship will only enhance your cruising experience. Since you won’t be considered a number amid the masses, you will more likely be treated as a VIP. Plus, cruise travel advisors receive access to exclusive deals before anyone else, and we pass them along to you, of course.

Ready to travel? Connect with me to plan and book your cruise vacation today.

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