Your European Luxury River Cruise Expert

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Kira Gartner, Travel Agent in Philadelphia, PA

Kira Gartner

Philadelphia, PA Travel Agent

Kira Gartner

Philadelphia, PA · 19 Years of Experience

Blue Sky Destinations, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(33)
100% Recommended
Kira was so great to work with! This was my first time with a travel agent and as someone who is very controlling it was... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Italy, France, Galapagos Islands, Portugal, Caribbean

Interests:

Luxury, River Cruises, European Culture, Luxury Cruises, Food & Wine

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Silversea, Holland America Line, Globus, Celebrity Cruises

About Me

The Alexander Bridge in Paris
The Alexander Bridge in Paris

There is a reason that everyone is talking about river cruising!Traveling on these beautiful ships is one of the best ways to explore Europe, and experience the food and culture of those beautiful countries. On a river cruise you will experience unparalleled service as you travel in a floating boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling views of the fairy-tale countryside. It is an intimate and inspiring way to explore the world. Let me help you design your ideal river cruise journey! I have years of personal experience with river cruising, and will help you to find the best itinerary, ship and pre- and post-cruise for you and your loved ones.Reach out to my any time to start planning your luxury river experience.

Your European Luxury River Cruise Expert

There is a reason that everyone is talking about river cruising!

Traveling on these beautiful ships is one of the best ways to explore Europe, and experience the food and culture of those beautiful countries. On a river cruise you will experience unparalleled service as you travel in a floating boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling views of the fairy-tale countryside. It is an intimate and inspiring way to explore the world. 

Let me help you design your ideal river cruise journey! I have years of personal experience with river cruising, and will help you to find the best itinerary, ship and pre- and post-cruise for you and your loved ones.

Reach out to my any time to start planning your luxury river experience.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
33 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 33 reviews

Planned the perfect vacation for our family
Reviewed By Mikenna - Warren, Ohio | Traveled to Castaway Cay ~ Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Kira was so great to work with! This was my first time with a travel agent and as someone who is very controlling it was hard to imagine someone else planning our trip...That being said Kira took care of everything and made it easy for me because after talking to her for 5 minutes I knew I could trust her to plan a wonderful vacation
Kira Gartner responded
"Thank you Mikenna for your kind words. I had a wonderful time helping you plan your Disney cruise!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
16 of 26 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Complex Trip to Various European Locations
Reviewed By Hilly - Bryn Athyn | Traveled to Europe
Kira was exceptionally helpful. She went above and beyond to help us with our complicated itinerary, securing the cheapest flights at relatively short notice.
Way cheaper than we could find! She was unbelievably available when we found ourselves stranded after midnight at the airport (canceled flight). In the middle of the night, Kira was there for us, helping us sort flights for the next day, including our onward connections.
Kira Gartner responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad that I was able to help you plan this complicated trip for you and your family. And after that cancellation I'm glad I was able to assist you - I was so happy when you were rebooked and on your way! "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
11 of 17 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Fantastic trip to Spain - North, South and Central
Reviewed By KarenS - Philadelphia, PA | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Kira helped us set the itinerary, figure out all the travel connections and found great accommodations. We had 2 weeks and multiple priorities and it all came together beautifully. It was such a help- I can't say enough good about working with her!
Kira Gartner responded
"Thank you Karen! It was my pleasure to help you plan such a memorable trip."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
8 of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A family vacation of a lifetime.
Reviewed By Ronin - Ephrata, PA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
When planning a bucket list trip to Walt Disney World for a family of 11 you definitely need a travel agent. We selected Kira Gartner and what a fantastic decision. From the first phone call to the follow-up after our trip she was remarkable! Our family consists of ages 1 to 61 … and Kira made sure everyone was a priority. She helped us with resort accommodations, dining plans and reservations, park reservations that included Genie+, etc. She was very knowledgeable and detailed in her approach; however made certain we were not stressed but rather enthusiastic and excited for our vacation. We had a blast and I can assure you we made memories for a lifetime. Our grandchildren, our children and my husband and I loved every moment. I highly recommend Kira and will certainly call on her again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
An excellent time away!!
Reviewed By Karen - Lakeville, Ct | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Kira was right on top of everything. Emailed often with what
we should get in order. How to do it and where to do it. She was so helpful in every aspect of our trip. Which during Covid and different protocols it was great to have her knowledge and experience guiding us. Thanks soo much Kira!!!
Kira Gartner responded
"Thank you for letting me be a part of your vacation experience!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 7 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.
Certified Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
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.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.
Disney Vacation Specialist
Family Travel Specialist
Hawaii Destination Specialist
Active & Adventure Travel Specialist

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.

Client Testimonials

Magical Disney Trip
We just took the kids to Disney for a few days, and it was nothing short of magical. One thing that made the trip extremely enjoyable and easy was having a freaking amazing travel agent help us. Kira Gartner was our girl, and she was a DREAM to work with. Kira booked our hotel for us - and got us a MUCH better room for our family than what I had come up with. We ended up doing one of the “villas” at the Polynesian. Basically was the exact same price as a regular room, but had a small kitchenette and TWO bathrooms. It was amazing for our daughter Mila to be able to have a quiet place to nap and sleep, while Grey could play in the other room with us. Kira also helped up book our Fast Passes, dining reservations, and helped us plan out the parks so that we had a general idea of what the heck we were doing. We did the Dining Plan too, and she explained it to us, and told us where to use each credit. It was a massive help, and I cannot imagine planning Disney without her.
Annie Hauser
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