Luxury Cruise Travel Specialist

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Karl Kuenzel, Travel Agent in Houston, TX

Karl Kuenzel

Houston, TX Travel Agent
Super Agent

Karl Kuenzel

Houston, TX · 9 Years of Experience

Enticing Excursions LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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5.0
(24)
96% Recommended
Karl is super smart, super organised and super experienced. He is also dedicated to making sure his clients get the best treatment possible while traveling. Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

At Sea, Italy, Ecuador, Norway, Malta

Interests:

Luxury Cruises, World Cruises, Groups, Religious, Escorted Tours

Suppliers:

Oceania Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Tauck, AmaWaterways

About Me

Cruising in Glacier Bay Alaska
Cruising in Glacier Bay Alaska

I am a trusted travel advisor, independent and certified, who helps individuals and groups of mature adults experience the beauty and wonder of the world. 

My goal is to have you take the right cruise on the most appropriate cruise line on the proper ship to the best destination to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience that your will be telling others about for years to come. 

Now there are all kinds of cruises to many different destinations. It is kind of like buses. There are school buses, city buses, cross-state buses, and deluxe coaches. Each varies in degrees of comfort and the options offered. All are designed to get from point A to point B. School buses are designed to get from a student’s home to the school and back, usually with three students in a seat. City buses and cross-state buses are designed to get from one part of the city to another or from one state to another. On these the seats are somewhat better than the school buses offer. The deluxe coaches have nice, comfortable, padded seats. Often there is an attendant who can serve hot or cold beverages as well as snacks and sandwiches. Each type of bus offers a different experience. 

Now maybe you have cruised before. Maybe you like the cruise line and have a favorite ship. Maybe you always cruise to the same destination year after year after year. There is more out there to experience and enjoy. Each cruise line is different. Each cruise ship is different. Each itinerary is different. Each port is different. I can help you see as much of the world as you want to see while you still can. 

When you contact me, you will be setting up an appointment for an initial brief “get acquainted” meeting in which we will discuss your travel dreams and desires and decide whether or not we want to work together. If we are going to work together, I will send you a copy of my Customer Services Agreement. After that I will analyze and research your trip based on the information that you have provided me. Then, I will send you a few recommendations and arrange to discuss these with you. I seek to get you the most value for your money. No doubt, you have worked just as hard for your money as I have. That is why I look for the best value for you. Quality is also important. 

While I can book almost any cruise on almost any cruise line, primarily the people with whom I work are retired or near retirement age; not encumbered with work requirements or vacation restrictions. I specialize in Premium, Deluxe, and Luxury Ocean Cruises.  Yes, I am a trained and certified cruise specialist. 

My clients usually tend to fly business class as opposed to coach. They are looking for value rather than just another cheap get away. My customers benefit from my research and planning so that they can have an enjoyable, memorable vacation without the hassle. 

I parlay my experience and expertise gained from 40+ years of living and traveling abroad to provide my customers with more than just a cheap, cookie-cutter cruise on a mass-market cruise line. I represent my customer with the supplier and take care of their travel needs.  

Normally, I do not book LAST MINUTE DEALS with first-time customers. I am happy to do this with my regular customers.  Likewise, I only book hotels, air, and car rentals as part of a package with people who are booking a cruise with me.

What sets me apart from other travel agents is my experience and expertise that I can provide for you. I have been cruising for over 25 years. I have been around the world more than twice -- once on a world cruise and the other times on segments on various cruise lines and ships. I know ships, ports, and itineraries. I specialize in Premium, Deluxe, and Luxury Ocean Cruises, although I can book almost any cruise for you or for your group.

As part of my service to my guests often I can offer some awesome additional perks over and above what the cruise line may be offering, typically in the form of an on-board credit, as a thank you gift from me.  

Not everyone is going to enjoy every cruise. Not everyone is going to be happy with every cruise ship. However, there is a cruise ship and a cruise that is right for everyone. I will help you book the proper cruise and ship for you. I am able to provide better service and more personal attention than the on-line travel agents can. If price is more important to you than service, you probably will be better off booking with someone else. 

If you want a cruise you can remember for years to come, the most value for your money, and personal service let’s talk. I’d be happy to set an appointment with you to answer any of your questions regarding the cruise and our services.I work regular business hours Monday through Friday and other times by appointment. Please make an appointment so that we can talk. 

https://calendly.com/karl-kuenzel

or leave me a message at [email protected] or

1-346-446-2923 on WhatsApp 

and I will get back to you.  

I look forward to working with you.

Experienced and Knowledgeable Luxury World Cruiser

What sets me apart from other travel agents is my experience and expertise that I can provide for you. I have been cruising for over 25 years. I have been around the world more than twice -- once on a world cruise and the other times on segments on various cruise lines and ships. I know ships, ports, and itineraries. I specialize in Premium to Luxury Ocean Cruises, although I can book almost any cruise for you or for your group. Primarily I work with Oceania, Holland America, and Celebrity. I seek to get you the most value for your money.

If you are looking for VALUE and EXPERIENCE, a memorable cruise, then please make an appointment so that we can talk. calendly.com/karl-kuenzel

I may not be the cheapest, but I am the best. Let's talk.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
24 reviews
96% 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 24 reviews

Dedicated Professional
Reviewed By Heather G - Cuenca, Ecuador | Traveled to Ecuador ~ South America
Karl is super smart, super organised and super experienced. He is also dedicated to making sure his clients get the best treatment possible while traveling.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Our Cruise Was an Enjoyable, Memorable Experience!
Reviewed By EdwinK - Sun City, Texas | Traveled to Chilean Fjords ~ Chile ~ South America
Karl listened when I explained what kind of vacation we wanted to have. He thoroughly researched and presented us with a couple of options. We selected the one we wanted and Karl did the rest -- planning, organizing, and arranging everything for our cruise as well as our pre- and post- cruise stays. He is great! He did everything for us. Karl has traveled in South America and previously took the same cruise we did. Our vacation was well worth the the cost! Much better than I could have done on my own. I am already talking with him about our next trip.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Are We Glad We Booked Our CruiseTour with Karl
Reviewed By PK - Taylor, TX | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I was talking with a coworker last week. We both went on a cruisetour in Alaska this summer. I booked through Karl. My coworker booked with one of those online travel sites. My coworker traveled on one of those big ships with waterslides. They spent a few hours in a couple of ports in the Inside Passage, arrived in Seward, got on a bus, spent a night in Anchorage, got back on the bus the next day and rode up to Fairbanks. They spent two nights in Fairbanks and then flew back home. Karl told me that my family could take one of those less expensive cruisetours so that we could say that we had visited Alaska. Or, we could let him arrange a tour for us. We got to meet with native Alaskans, learn about the Athabascan people including their traditions, dances, and totem poles; learn about the Gold Rush and rode the Great Pass train; saw glaciers, whales, eagles, moose, and bears; stayed two nights at Mt. McKinley and two nights at Denali; saw a Gold Dredge, and learned culture in Fairbanks.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Alluring vacation
Reviewed By Lee - Houston TX | Traveled to Caribbean
Karl was up-to-date on everything, including Covid regulations and accessible options for our cruise on Allure of the Seas. He secured an early boarding time for us and assisted us in booking shore excursions. The trip was very relaxing and I didn't have to worry about a thing as he coordinated all the details with me. He was aware of our needs for assistance and booked an accessible balcony for us. That room had better facilities than any I've seen. Thanks for your help, Karl, in planning this vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Enchanting cruise on Enchanted Princess
Reviewed By Lee - Houston Tx | Traveled to Caribbean
Karl carefully researched and provided the most appropriate options for my cruising experience. I'm older, don't like a lot of noisy "music", like to eat, etc. So he interviewed me and used that information to plan my trip , calculating costs and interests and matching that with the cruises available as well as my budget. It was a late season cruise - no hurricanes - and we had smooth sailing all the way. Enchanted Princess was lovely and we were welcomed in all the ports that she visited. Karl advised me about Covid restrictions for each location - much easier when coming on a cruise ship than when you fly into one of these islands! He checked with me regularly to make sure everything was on schedule, my flights and hotels were appropriately booked, and that I was content with the choices I had made. He followed up with me after the cruise to make sure all had gone as planned and offered his services for my next cruise. I will be delighted to use him again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 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.
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.
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.
Certified Travel Advisor - The Travel Institute
Certified Cruise Counselor - CLIA
Verified Travel Advisor - ASTA
Certified Alaska Specialist
Certified Celebrity Expert

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

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Visiting the Home of My Ancestors

One of the highlights of my travels has been visiting the home of my ancestors in Germany -- some came from the north (near Berlin) others came from the south (near Munchen/Munich). What a thrill to get off the ship in the port of Rostock and travel about 145 miles to reach the capital of Germany. From here I was able to visit some of the...
Read more

Client Testimonials

Cruising in the Aftermath of a Pandemic
Karl is great at handling all these challenges to your travel plans.
Karen K Georgetown, TX
The Best Thing I Ever Did Was Take A World Cruise
The best thing I ever did was take a world cruise. Visiting all those countries. Seeing all those ports. Talking with the local people and experiencing the things of their every day lives is beyond words to describe these. Yes, it is a big chunk of time, and it does cost more than a shorter cruise, but it was well worth it, and I am hoping to do so again. You meet new people, who become your friends. You see the exotic -- kamoto dragons, the haka dance and the traditions of the Maori people, the tallest buildings in the world, whales, and canals. This is a once in a life-time experience that I will always treasure and never get tired of talking about. What about you? Let Karl arrange your world tour for you as he did for me.
Orly, T, Mukwonago, WI
Fears Gone Cruising Is The Best!
I did not want to go on our first cruise. I tried to get Mr. Mills to book an all-inclusive resort instead, but we had a special deal for Royal Caribbean. I was so nervous, and was sure I was going to be miserably anxious and overwhelmed the entire time. I came out of that experience not only happy we went, but absolutely in love with cruising. In my opinion, it is the best vacation someone with an anxiety condition can take, because there’s so much preparation that is done to make sure you have a good time.
Haley M, Miami, FL
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