Luxury Cruise & Yacht Cruise Specialist

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Lainey Melnick, ACC, Travel Agent in Austin, TX

Lainey Melnick, ACC

Austin, TX Travel Agent
Super Agent

Lainey Melnick, ACC

Austin, TX · 15 Years of Experience

Lainey Melnick, ACC & Associates - Dream Vacations, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(25)
100% Recommended
Lainey's response time to my inquiry and questions was prompt and efficient. She was helpful with travel requirements and requests. Her passion of travel extends to... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Virgin Islands, South Pacific, Maldives, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands

Interests:

Adult Only, Adventure, Animals & Wildlife, Bespoke Travel, Scuba

Suppliers:

Crystal, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking, Windstar Cruises

About Me

Luxury cruising offers one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, combining exceptional service, world-class dining, immersive destinations and the convenience of unpacking only once. Whether you're sailing aboard an elegant all-inclusive ship, an intimate yacht, or an expedition vessel exploring the world's most remote regions, I help match you with the cruise experience that's perfect for your travel style.As the owner of Dream Vacations – Lainey Melnick & Associates, I specialize in luxury ocean cruises, expedition voyages and small-ship cruising. I work with many of the world's premier cruise lines, helping clients compare ships, suites, itineraries, onboard experiences and included amenities to ensure they receive the best value for their investment.Luxury cruising is not one-size-fits-all. Some travelers seek the elegance of all-inclusive cruising with gourmet dining, premium beverages, gratuities and shore excursions included. Others prefer the intimacy of yacht-style cruising with fewer than 500 guests, while adventurous travelers are drawn to expedition voyages featuring Zodiac landings, expert naturalists and extraordinary wildlife encounters. My role is to help you navigate these choices and find the cruise line that best reflects your interests.I plan voyages throughout the world, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic, Iceland, Greenland, the Galápagos Islands, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, French Polynesia, the South Pacific, South America and Africa.Whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary, retirement, birthday or simply fulfilling a lifelong travel dream, I customize every itinerary to fit your goals. Beyond your cruise, my team coordinates international airfare, pre- and post-cruise hotels, private transfers, travel insurance, shore excursions and destination experiences to create a seamless vacation from beginning to end.Expedition cruising has become one of the fastest-growing segments of luxury travel, allowing guests to experience extraordinary places that larger ships simply cannot reach. From kayaking beside glaciers in Antarctica and spotting polar bears in the Arctic to exploring the Galápagos with expert naturalists or sailing Alaska's remote wilderness, expedition cruises offer unforgettable experiences while maintaining exceptional comfort aboard beautifully designed ships.Education has always been central to my business. Through my YouTube channel, Travel with Lainey, I've created more than 1,000 travel videos featuring ship tours, destination guides, cruise comparisons and practical travel advice, helping millions of travelers make informed decisions before they book.My agency has earned Million Dollar Agency recognition within Travel Leaders Network and consistently ranks among the organization's top-performing agencies. I was also honored with the Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Agent Innovation, reflecting my commitment to exceptional client service, continuing education and personalized travel planning.Whether you're planning your very first luxury cruise or your next once-in-a-lifetime expedition, I'll help you compare the options, navigate the details and create a seamless journey designed around your travel dreams.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
25 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 25 reviews

Lainey crafted the perfect trip for me
Reviewed By CarolK - Burnet, TX | Traveled to Alaska | USA
Lainey's response time to my inquiry and questions was prompt and efficient. She was helpful with travel requirements and requests. Her passion of travel extends to her clients, love that!
Lainey Melnick, ACC responded
"Thank you so much Carol and Stuart! I love putting together unique trips like your combination of Rocky Mountaineer and an Alaska cruise. I know you will love it!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Service That Goes Above and Beyond
Reviewed By DebbieG - Texas | Traveled to Spain | Europe
Planning a vacation or a cruise by oneself can be a somewhat daunting, fearful and stressful endeavor. So, I really wanted to reach out to you, and your group of experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and always helpful group of travel professionals to express my deepest gratitude for your service. Your travel associates go above and beyond to alleviate any worries I have on travel preparation. From the smallest detail to the most complex problem. Y'all really put my mind at ease. I would especially like to recognize you for helping to plan my upcoming cruise with Carnival. Jordan with helping me with last minute details on my upcoming Norwegian cruise. And finally Ken for easing my worries on my connection flight to Spain. It's refreshing and comfortable to know I have you in my corner. And I especially look forward to doing business with you in the future. Again Thank you.
Lainey Melnick, ACC responded
"Debbie, thank you so much for this wonderful review and for continuing to trust our team with your travels. Your loyalty means the world to us, and we’re grateful to have you in our corner—just as we’ll always be in yours!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A Dream Hot Springs retreat in Costa Rica
Reviewed By Hannah - Decatur, Texas | Traveled to Arenal | Costa Rica | Central America
We had an AMAZING time in Costa Rica.. everything was so smooth and perfect and I wanted to tell you how much we appreciated yall!
Lainey Melnick, ACC responded
"Thank you so much Hannah. It's such a pleasure working with you and your family. I'm so happy you enjoyed Tabacon, one of my most favorite resorts. I look foward to working with your family on your upcoming cruise."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Magical trip to London and Sorrento
Reviewed By TravelPuppy - Dallas, Texas | Traveled to Sorrento | Italy | Europe
I’m loving everything you planned! The Marylebone Hotel is the highlight so far. That place is off the charts wonderful. Their restaurant is arguably the best in the neighborhood. The extensive bar has everything from seats on a patio to sofas by a fireplace. The service was great and smack in the middle of a great neighborhood. I though I could spend the rest of my life in that bed. I love the Corallo! It’s such an old school throwback though totally recently renovated. My terrace has the most amazing view. Their restaurant staff is super helpful. My room is big and bright and the bed is great. The are many outdoor spaces and areas to lounge. Today is a lazy day reading on the terrace and going into Sorrento to explore. Thanks again!
Lainey Melnick, ACC responded
"Thank you so much. I love to hear that our clients are enjoying every piece of our plans. We work hard to match our clients with exactly what they want. Travel safe!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Our Tahiti Cruise and Over the Water Bungalows were Outstanding
Reviewed By Ken&TJ - San Antonio, Texas | Traveled to Tahiti | French Polynesia | South Pacific
The Tahiti Cruise and Land was amazing. The Over The Water Bungalows were Outstanding. You knocked it out of the park with that Reservation! Lainey You Are The Best! We have the utmost confidence in you. Te Moana was a great hotel and best kept secret. The Seats for our flights to Tahiti were perfect. Each and every request was met with immediate attention and response. The Over The Water Bungalow was a one of a kind lodging. We were very impressed with the Glass Flooring allowing the residents to see the fish swimming under their Room! Awesome was our personal response upon entering and seeing the room and its design. We definitely want to return for another visit to the Island of Moorea and the Hilton Over The Water Bungalows!
Lainey Melnick, ACC responded
"I’m so grateful to my team and partners who help me create these amazing memories for our clients. Thank you Cynthia Blaine for our incredible collaboration sending 102 Traveling Texans 50+ Page to French Polynesia and my team at Lainey Melnick & Associates - Dream Vacations, Te Moana Tahiti Resort, Tahiti Nui Travel, Oceania Cruises, Moorea Explorer and Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa plus Island Destinations, The Authority for Luxury Travel and Worldia."
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

The Luxury Alliance is a unique networking environment for a carefully selected group of luxury advisors that have common experience, skills and mindset. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and educational opportunities, these elite advisors are empowered to provide sophisticated, personalized experiences to luxury travelers.
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Hurtigruten Expeditions Certified Agent
Hurtigruten Expeditions Certified Agent
MSC Masters
MSC Masters
NCL University - PHD Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
PEARLS Travel Advisor Specialist
PEARLS Travel Advisor Specialist
Pleasant Premier Ambassador
Pleasant Premier Ambassador
Princess Commodore Certified
Princess Commodore Certified
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seacademy - Violet Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
UnCruise Certified Adventurist
UnCruise Certified Adventurist
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist
World Azamara Academy
World Azamara Academy
2025 World Travel Holdings Luminary Award
2024 Travel Weekly Silver Magellan
2024 TravelAge West Trendsetter Award
2023/2022 World Travel Holdings Top Producer-Air
2021 World Travel Holdings Game Changer Award

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

My Travels
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15 Years: 15 Awards

My Travel Stories

Bora Bora Luxury Resorts, St Regis Over the Water

Ia Orana! Follow Along for our pre-cruise resort stays at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in an over the water bungalow and Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort in a Hillside Villa plus hop to Taha'a for a stay at Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts a Relais & Châteaux property in our last over the water bungalow before flying back to Papeete Tahiti for our Paul G...
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Travel with Lainey in Tahiti on a 7-nt Society Isl

Ia Orana. Travel with Lainey in depth on a fabulous 7-night Society Islands Cruise on board Paul Gauguin Cruises round trip from Tahiti, part of the Ponant family, June 2024. Watch here: https://youtu.be/v_QdjxFwUOM Enjoy the exceptional service and delicious food, like amazing fois gras on tuna sashimi and poached egg with escargots and ...
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Client Testimonials

5 Stars - Janine Blakeborough recommends Lainey
ainey, you are so wonderful to work with. You were very responsive and helped us out when we got into a bind (and there were more than a few). We could always count on you to come to our aid and quickly. We just took a 3 week European vacation and if it weren't for you, we would not have had such a wonderful, smooth trip. Thank you for your patience and guidance through the process. We'll be back for sure!
Janine Blakeborough
5 Stars - Chad and Amanda Lamprecht recommend Lain
A pleasure to work with. She was there with an answer to any questions we had. We had a great first timers cruise and will be booking again soon.
Chad and Amanda Lamprecht
5 Stars - Jan Soltys recommends Lainey
Really knows cruising and travel!
Jan Soltys
5 Stars - Nikki Koll recommends Lainey
Awesome service!
Nikki Koll
5 Stars - Holly VanScoy recommends Lainey
Great job. Way to go-- best of the rest!
Holly VanScoy reco
5 Stars - Jessica Laderberg recommends Lainey
Lainey you are amazing!! I have used her for several vacations and have always been pleased! The communication and helpfulness is amazing! I seriously can't say enough good things! We just got back from Costa Rica and your recommendation of this location was perfect! I look forward to planning my next vacation with you!
Jessica Laderberg
5 Stars - Kelly McQueen Coulter Recommends Lainey
Lainey is incredibly thorough and pays great attention to detail. She managed my worries about travel beautifully with patience and care. She was responsive and kind-never annoyed with my many follow up questions. I highly recommend her services!
Kelly McQueen Coulter
5 Stars - Mela Sarajane Dailey Recommends Lainey
We have been blown away by the incredible vacation and customer service Lainey gave us. We are on a trip of a lifetime that would have been impossible without Lainey and Dream Vacations.
Mela Sarajane Dailey
5 Stars - Charlie the Traveler Recommends Lainey
Lainey is the real deal. She pays attention to detail and is careful to give customers exactly what they want. She is reliable and consistent.
Charles Takis Stathoulis
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