Cruise Vacations — From Alaska to Europe & Beyond

Celebrity Beyond

Cruising has been part of my life since my parents started taking our family on cruises when I was young, and today it's one of my favorite types of travel to plan for my clients. I've experienced multiple cruise lines firsthand and continue to cruise because there's a big difference between reading about a ship or destination and actually experiencing it.

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that they're all basically the same. They're definitely not.

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises each offer something different. Even ships within the same cruise line can provide completely different experiences. Add in river cruising, and there's another style of cruising to consider.

That's why I don't start by asking, "What's the cheapest cruise?" I want to know how you like to travel.

Do you want lots happening onboard or a quieter atmosphere? Is food important? Entertainment? Are you traveling with children or adult family and friends? Is the destination the priority, or is the ship part of the vacation?

Those answers help me narrow down which cruise lines, ships and itineraries make sense for you.

ALASKA CRUISES & CRUISETOURS

Alaska is one destination where the itinerary can matter just as much as the ship. Glacier viewing, time in port, northbound versus southbound itineraries, cabin location and adding time on land can all change the experience.

I've traveled to Alaska multiple times and have hosted group travel there. I help clients compare Alaska cruise itineraries and cruise-and-land options, including Princess Alaska cruisetours and opportunities to experience destinations such as Denali before or after the cruise.

For someone considering Alaska for the first time, I'll help you understand the differences instead of expecting you to sort through a long list of ships, glaciers, ports and land options on your own.

EUROPE, MEDITERRANEAN & NORTHERN EUROPE CRUISES

Cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience Europe. Mediterranean cruises can combine destinations such as Spain, Italy, Greece and the Greek Islands, while Northern Europe itineraries can take you through Norway and the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, the British Isles and beyond.

Sometimes the cruise is only part of the trip. I enjoy planning pre- and post-cruise stays and helping clients turn a cruise into a larger European vacation. If you're flying all the way to Europe, spending a few extra days in Barcelona, Rome, London, Amsterdam or another embarkation or disembarkation city can make a lot of sense.

CARIBBEAN & WARM-WEATHER CRUISING

Sometimes you just want sunshine, warm water and a break from Wisconsin winter.

Caribbean cruises work well for couples, families, groups of friends and multigenerational travel because there are so many combinations of ships, itineraries and departure ports.

Matching the traveler to the right cruise matters. A family looking for nonstop activities may be happiest on a completely different ship than a couple looking for great food, a beautiful balcony and somewhere quiet to have a drink.

RIVER CRUISING

River cruising offers another way to experience Europe and other destinations, with smaller ships, fewer passengers and itineraries that put more emphasis on the places you're visiting.

For travelers who enjoy exploring but appreciate unpacking once, a river cruise can be a great alternative to moving from hotel to hotel. I can help compare river cruise lines, itineraries and inclusions, along with arranging travel before or after the cruise.

MORE THAN JUST BOOKING THE SHIP

Choosing the cruise is only one part of what I help with.

Cabin categories and location, beverage and Wi-Fi packages, dining, gratuities, travel protection, flights, transfers, hotels, shore excursions and pre- or post-cruise plans can all be part of the conversation.

I also work with cruise groups, from friends and family traveling together to larger hosted groups. Coordinating cabins, payments, dining and everyone's questions is much easier when one person is keeping track of the moving pieces.

Most importantly, I don't believe there's one "best" cruise line. There's only the cruise line, ship and itinerary that's best for YOU.

Whether you're considering your first cruise, planning Alaska, looking at a European river cruise, dreaming about the Mediterranean or simply trying to escape somewhere warm, I'll help you sort through the options and figure out which cruise fits the way you want to travel.