Expedition Cruise Expert (Galapagos & Polar)

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Gunes Hopson, Travel Agent in Glen Allen, VA

Gunes Hopson

Glen Allen, VA Travel Agent
Super Agent

Gunes Hopson

Glen Allen, VA · 7 Years of Experience

Fotogenic, LLC DBA Luxe Travel by Gunes, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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5.0
(59)
100% Recommended
Gunes got us an incredible concierge level deal from a cruise company Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska

Interests:

Expedition Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Animals & Wildlife, Bucket List

Suppliers:

Silversea, HX, Atlas Ocean Voyages, National Geographic Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises

About Me

Amazing views in Antarctica
Amazing views in Antarctica

Did you know that the most popular expedition cruises explore Antarctica, the Arctic (Svalbard & Greenland), and the Galapagos Islands? But, there are many other destinations, too, such as Alaska and Australia's Kimberley Coast.

What makes an expedition cruise different from a regular ocean cruise? Ocean cruises typically feature large ships, bustling ports, and a focus on entertainment and relaxation. Expedition cruises, on the other hand, utilize smaller vessels to reach remote locations, emphasizing exploration, education, and close encounters with nature.

For most expedition cruises, you should plan well in advance. Since ships are small, they sell out fast. Most people who go on expedition cruises tend to be active. You don't have to be an athlete, but be prepared for days filled with adventure! Rest assured, you can be as active as you desire, choosing the level of adventure that suits you best.

Many expedition cruise lines offer a huge amount of value, as fares are all-inclusive (meals, shore excursions, transportation, etc.). There are lots of luxury options in this space, with some ships even offering butler service.

Interested in Antarctica? If you're short on time, you can fly there and then board your luxurious vessel. Silversea offers a fantastic door-to-door journey.

If you're looking for a life-changing experience, then an expedition cruise would be perfect for you. Many of the destinations are so pristine that you feel like you are on another planet! Activities like zodiac boat excursions, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling allow you to witness breathtaking landscapes and encounter incredible animals in their natural habitats, such as polar bears, penguins, seals, and whales.

Expedition cruises feature expert guides, including naturalists, historians, scientists, and photographers, who provide insightful commentary and lectures on the regions you visit. You can participate in hands-on learning opportunities, workshops, and discussions that deepen your understanding of local ecosystems, wildlife, geology, and culture. Onboard science centers on some ships allow guests to assist with scientific research, further enriching the educational aspect of the journey.

In essence, an expedition cruise is more than just a vacation; it's a transformative journey of discovery that blends adventure, education, and exploration in some of the most spectacular corners of the world.

Want to learn more? I'd be happy to chat with you about all the options (there are so many!). Contact me today!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
59 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 59 reviews

The best bang per port
Reviewed By Ozzie - Midlothian, VA | Traveled to Canary Islands ~ Africa
Gunes got us an incredible concierge level deal from a cruise company
Gunes Hopson responded
"Always happy to find my clients great value for their vacations, especially when it comes to luxury travel!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
53 of 64 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Highly Recommend A Travel Expert Like Gunes!
Reviewed By RachelGB - Richmond, Virginia | Traveled to Virginia ~ USA
Gunes is so great at what she does and I'm so appreciative of her help with our family weekend getaway to a resort in Middleburg. In particular, she was great about sorting out what kinds of plans we should make for meals and activities for our 4-year old, sleeping arrangements for the baby, and was full of useful recommendations. We spent LESS working with her than we would have if we'd booked on our own at Salamander.
Gunes Hopson responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words! I love Salamander Resort and am so glad your family was able to enjoy your stay there."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
45 of 49 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Luxury Disney World Vacation!
Reviewed By Jana - Richmond, VA | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Amazing! Gunes was with us every step of the way, from brainstorming, to planning, to the day of and throughout our trip. She has so much helpful knowledge that she is willing to share to give us the best experience based on our personal wants and within our budgets. I was most impressed with her getting us a great package for a new Disney resort that was of utmost luxury, while staying within budget. Gunes was able to recommend flights, hotels and dates, but also gave us multiple options to choose what works best for us. She also gave us park recs and restaurant recs, and helped us make reservations as needed. She was essential in giving us a trip that we will remember fondly forever and a trip that for the first time was stress free for me because I knew she had it all handled!
Gunes Hopson responded
"I am so very happy that I was able to provide you with a stress-free vacation experience! My goal is to always take care of the details so that you can relax. "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
47 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
COVID traveling, and dreaming about future travels
Reviewed By Christine I. - Richmond, VA | Traveled to Virginia Beach ~ Virginia ~ USA
Gunes provided the most professional and informative experience for us! She had answers to issues related to our travels BEFORE I even knew to ask the questions. She was always available...before, during, and after our trips....and made sure all of our needs were met. Outstanding service!
Gunes Hopson responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to serve you, and I look forward to planning many more vacations for your family."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
48 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Family trip to WDW
Reviewed By Diana - Kernersville, NC | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Gunes was extremely helpful every step of the way. I knew that she had every detail taken care of both before and during the trip, and it made everything so stress-free! Even with a last-minute date change, she took care of it all quickly and efficiently. I will definitely use her services again for future trips.
Gunes Hopson responded
"Thank you for your kind words! It was my pleasure to plan all the details for your Disney vacation. I love it when my clients have stress-free trips! I cannot wait to help you plan your next family vacation."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
48 of 56 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 Luxury Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Luxury/Experiential Customer, Destination Knowledge, Luxury Travel Experiences, Luxury Programs, Luxury/Experiential Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. 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.
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification

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.
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