Cruise and Tour Specialist

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Karen Malone, Travel Agent in Chaska, MN

Karen Malone

Chaska, MN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Karen Malone

Chaska, MN · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(46)
100% Recommended
Karen has been very professional, helpful and eager to share information about all our vacation destinations. She makes sure all bases are covered and all travel... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

At Sea, Hawaii, Caribbean, Europe, South America

Interests:

Luxury Cruises, Luxury, Cruises, Family Vacations, Couples & Romance

Suppliers:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises

About Me

My interests are many but one of my first loves in traveling is cruising. I have been on more than 40 cruises all over the world including river cruising and trans-Atlantic crossing. I hold two certificates with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), both the Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and the Master Cruise Counselor (MCC). I have also completed the Princess Cruise Line and Cunard Cruise Line specialist programs achieving the rank of Commodore in both. Cruise lines I have sailed on include: Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian, Regent, Orient, Viking River, Windstar Cruises, Majestic (American Queen). And on these lines I have enjoyed, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic, Amstel River and the mighty Mississippi to name a few. My interest in travel doesn’t stop there. I have traveled all over Europe and especially enjoyed rail travel from Paris to Venice. From Iceland to Italy and destinations in between, I can’t say there is a place I wouldn’t recommend! I have also traveled to all four major islands in Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Of all the beaches I have visited around the world I think Hawaii holds the prettiest. And of course, no passport is required! Another travel favorite would be Asia. My first trip to Singapore left me wanting more. I have since returned to Beijing and Hong Kong. Most recently I traveled to Bangkok and Chaing Mai. In Chaing Mai I had the opportunity to visit the elephant camp featured on Animal Planet and see the little elephant, Hang. She creates her own unguided art and has won international acclaim as an artist! For history, art, and value for your dollar, you can’t beat the Asian destinations. I entered this profession with a passion for travel and would enjoy being your personal travel fairy making your travel dreams come true!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
46 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.
Search reviews:

Showing 46 reviews

Retired and Traveling!
Reviewed By WBSB - Woodbury MN | Traveled to Europe
Karen has been very professional, helpful and eager to share information about all our vacation destinations. She makes sure all bases are covered and all travel documents are in order. She always answers all our questions and we seem to have a lot. I would encourage anyone to stop in and visit with her for any travel questions or ideas. Karen has helped us with Viking Cruises, Globus Bus tours and other trips.
Karen Malone responded
"Thank you for your kind words Wayne. It is always my pleasure to work with you and your family. I encourage you to continue to ask questions. This helps me make sure your trip is exactly what you anticipated Karen."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
81 of 138 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A trip we will NEVER forget!
Reviewed By CynRae - Mendota Heights, MN | Traveled to Southeast Asia ~ East and Southeast Asia
Our trip to SouthEast Asia was a beautiful and memorable experience due to the time and effort that went into the planning by Karen Malone. She was incredibly helpful. Her professionalism and expertise is unsurpassed! Also, she’s just such a wonderful lady as well!
Karen Malone responded
"I'm so glad you had such a great time Connie. I will keep my eye out for Moon Palace specials."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
51 of 79 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Alaska
Reviewed By Jeanne - IGH, MN | Traveled to Fairbanks ~ Alaska ~ USA
Very helpful, good attitude. She did a great job on our Alaska trip! I would
not hesitate to use Karen again or refer a friend to her. We had a wonderful
time with no worries, she had everything covered.
Karen Malone responded
"Thanks for the kind words Jeanne. It was my pleasure to serve you and i'm so happy this was a great experience for you two. Karen"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
77 of 133 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
First trip to Europe
Reviewed By John + Rose - La Quinta California | Traveled to Germany ~ Europe
Karen did a great job helping us through our first time in Europe. We were so amazed how everything went so smoothly. She answered all our questions while booking, made sure all of our wants were met. It allowed us to focus on the experience! Thank you.
Karen Malone responded
"Thank you for those kind words John. I always try to remember my first experiences in Europe to help the new comers have a smooth trip. I'm so glad this worked out for you."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
70 of 120 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
More than I had expected
Reviewed By NA - South St Paul | Traveled to Pasadena ~ California ~ USA
She was very professional, and easy to talk to and gave us all the information we needed. When we had questions about our itinerery, she looked into it and got back to us right away. We would defiinetly go to her again when we travel
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
72 of 125 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several key components including: Sales and Service, Cruise Sales, Destination and Lifestyle Knowledge,  Programs and Preferred Supplier Knowledge. This is a two year study program.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
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
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Master Cruise Counselor - CLIA
SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate

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 Travel Stories

Penguin conference call

An Epic Expedition to Antarctica

A cruise to Antarctica, one of the last unspoiled, remote regions of the world, is a voyage that most would love to experience.  The Silversea Silver Explorer is a cruise ship that will take you on this magical 18 day journey with your complete safety and comfort in mind.  The ship accommodates less than 150 passengers – this number nearly match...
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Christmas Market in Bavaria

FOOD & DRINK IN BAVARIA

Bavaria is a large state in Germany which incorporates several of Germany’s largest cities, Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg.  Bavarian history goes back a long time – almost 1,000 years, and Bavarians are proud of their history and keep traditions alive through music, costumes, food and drink. When folks think of Bavaria, the first thing ...
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Magnificent Denali

Denali Flightseeing Experience

Denali National Park is a vast wilderness area in Alaska.  This six million acre park encompasses mountain ranges, lush valleys cut by rushing rivers, tundra, dense forests, and glaciers.  Its most stunning feature is the highest mountain in the United States – Denali – with a summit elevation of  20,310 feet.  Because of the extreme height of t...
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When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Fortunately, the answer to this question is “Anytime!”  Sunshine abounds year round, and though the summers are hot, you can cool off by visiting one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches,  “Barceloneta Beach in particular is one of the most popular with its signature “chiringuitos” -- beachfront huts selling fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.  Of ...
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ULTIMATE SEAGOING ADVENTURE ON A TALL SHIP

Although small in comparison with most cruise ships (less than 250 passengers on board), these ships offer the height of luxury for their lucky passengers. You will be sailing on a working sailing ship yet with all the amenities of a much larger ship.  Pools, entertainment, shore excursions, and gourmet dining are all at your fingertips.  ...
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