River Cruises & Small Ship Ocean Cruises for 50+

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Tara Byrne, Travel Agent in Reading, MA

Tara Byrne

Reading, MA Travel Agent

Tara Byrne

Reading, MA · 2 Years of Experience

Travel by Tara B, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(6)
100% Recommended
I had the best time with a group of 12 family and friends in Europe thanks to Tara who planned our fantastic summer cruise vacation. We... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

On the River, At Sea, Ireland, Caribbean

Interests:

Christmas Markets, River Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Hosted Cruises, All Inclusive

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Tauck, Kensington, Seabourn, Avalon Waterways

About Me

Budapest, Hungary Christmas Markets!
Budapest, Hungary Christmas Markets!

Hi, I’m Tara, the founder of Travel by Tara B. I specialize in luxury river and small ship ocean cruises for empty nesters, retirees, and Gen X travelers who value comfort, culture, and ease. I take the time to truly get to know my clients so every journey reflects how they want to travel, not just where they want to go. I handle the details so you can simply enjoy a beautifully planned experience.

Luxury River Cruising

River cruising is at the heart of what I do and one of my favorite ways to explore Europe. There is nothing better than unpacking once and sailing directly into the center of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns. I have personally experienced river cruising, which gives me firsthand insight into the pace, the excursions, the onboard atmosphere, and what truly makes the experience special.

From the Christmas markets along the Danube and Rhine to tulip season in the Netherlands and wine focused itineraries in France, I help my clients choose the right river, cruise line, and sailing based on their interests and comfort level.

I partner with leading luxury and premium river cruise lines including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, Tauck, and Scenic. My strong relationships with these brands allow me to guide you confidently toward the experience that fits you best.

Luxury Small Ship Ocean Cruises

For travelers drawn to the sea, I design luxury small ship ocean cruises that offer a more refined and intimate alternative to large mainstream vessels. These sailings focus on destination rich itineraries, elevated dining, and personalized service in a relaxed environment.

I work with luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, Windstar, Crystal, and Azamara. From the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to Alaska and the South Pacific, I help you select the ship and itinerary that align with your travel style. Having experienced luxury cruising myself, I understand how important it is to match the right ship to the right traveler.

Hosted Group Cruises

In addition to private travel planning, I host select group cruises each year. These sailings are thoughtfully curated and personally hosted by me. Many of my clients enjoy the balance of community and independence, along with the added reassurance of having a trusted advisor involved throughout the journey.

A Personalized Planning Experience

The planning process is just as important as the trip itself. I believe in conversations, not transactions. I ask questions, listen carefully, and design each journey around your priorities.

From choosing the right cruise line and itinerary to coordinating flights, pre and post cruise stays, and special experiences along the way, I provide hands on guidance from our first call until you return home.

If you are an empty nester, retiree, or Gen X traveler looking for a refined and worry free way to explore the world, luxury river cruising, small ship ocean cruising, and hosted group sailings may be exactly what you have been looking for.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
6 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 6 reviews

Europe
Reviewed By Alex V - Reading, MA | Traveled to Europe
I had the best time with a group of 12 family and friends in Europe thanks to Tara who planned our fantastic summer cruise vacation. We visited Italy, Greece and Turkey. I made friends and have lots of awesome memories.
Tara Byrne responded
"Thank you Alex!! Glad you had such an amazing time! Let's start planning your next trip!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Amazing Group Vacation
Reviewed By Jeanette V - Reading, MA | Traveled to Greece | Europe
Having Tara assist in planning our group of 12 trip to Europe was the BEST decision ever! She was extremely attentive and responsive to all our needs before and during the trip; but, more importantly, she was able to turn all our wishes into reality. We had an incredible vacation filled with memories that will last a lifetime thanks Tara’s expertise. I am looking forward to engaging her again for future travel!
Tara Byrne responded
"Thanks Jeanette!! Loved working with all of you and planning all of your wonderful adventures!! Can't wait to see where your travels take you next!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Unforgettable Family Vacation to St. Lucia
Reviewed By Katie M - Reading, MA | Traveled to St Lucia | South Africa | Africa
We recently returned from the most unforgettable family vacation to St. Lucia, and it’s all thanks to Tara, our incredible travel agent. Planning a trip for a large extended family—ranging in age from 14 months to 78 years old, with different needs, schedules, and preferences—is no small task, but Tara handled it all with grace, patience, and exceptional professionalism. From the very beginning, Tara took the time to truly understand our needs, likes, dislikes, and must-haves. She found us the perfect resort that checked all the boxes for everyone in our group. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and she ensured every aspect of the trip ran smoothly. One of the standout touches was her “Know Before You Go” email—packed with helpful information, local tips, packing suggestions, travel requirements, and insider advice. It made us feel completely prepared and confident before we even left home. It was clear she put a lot of thought and care into making sure we had everything we needed. Most of all, Tara made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. Her communication was always prompt, clear, and thoughtful, and she was always available to answer questions or handle any last-minute changes. Thanks to Tara, we made memories that will last a lifetime. If you're planning a group vacation—or any vacation at all—I can’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Tara, for making our St. Lucia dream vacation a reality! Katie M and the entire Sullivan Family
Tara Byrne responded
"Katie - what an awesome group to plan a trip for!!! I am so glad that everyone had such a wonderful time - including such a special occasion for your Mom!! I look forward to planning many more trips for your family! Tara, Travel by Tara B"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Phenomenal trip to the South of France!!
Reviewed By Mary Ellen S. - Reading, MA | Traveled to Nice | France | Europe
Tara was wonderful in planning a phenomenal trip to the south of France. There were excellent accommodation just blocks from the beach, which served a delicious breakfast that started the day. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. During the private car tour of the region, I met wonderful people from all over the world and the tour guide had a lot of insider knowledge. The wonderful walking food tour of old town Nice was magnificent! The tour guide was an industry insider as well as a local. She gave us a fantastic guide to the local spots with a splash of must taste cuisine and wine! Overall Tara’s connections and choices made this a memorable experience. Thank you so much, Tara!
Tara Byrne responded
"Thanks Mary Ellen! I was glad I was able to make this solo adventure come alive for you! Can't wait to see where your journey takes you next! Travel by Tara B"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Stress-Free Family Travel: A Perfectly Planned Vac
Reviewed By KatieB - Reading, MA | Traveled to Punta Cana | Dominican Republic | Caribbean
We cannot say enough great things about Tara Byrne’s incredible service! She made planning our family vacation for two adults and two children completely stress-free. From our first conversation, she took the time to understand our unique needs, crafting a truly memorable trip. What stood out most was her ability to anticipate every detail before we even thought of it. She meticulously arranged flights, accommodations, and excursions, ensuring everything aligned with our preferences. Her communication was always clear and timely, so we never had to chase down information. Tara’s attention to detail was unmatched. She booked family-friendly accommodations, curated activities for all ages, and kept travel times convenient for our kids. She even suggested amazing kid-friendly excursions we wouldn’t have found on our own. The itinerary was flawless—balancing downtime with exciting adventures. Her expertise in logistics was invaluable. She ensured we had all necessary travel documents, p
Tara Byrne responded
"Thank you Katie!! I loved planning your family vacation and am thrilled that you and the kiddos had such a wonderful trip!! Tara - Travel by Tara B"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate

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

Unforgettable Family Vacation to St. Lucia!!
We recently returned from the most unforgettable family vacation to St. Lucia, all thanks to Tara, our incredible travel agent. Planning for a large extended family—ages 14 months to 78 years—was no small task, but Tara handled it with grace, patience, and professionalism. She took the time to understand our needs and found the perfect resort that worked for everyone. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and her “Know Before You Go” email—full of tips, packing suggestions, and insider advice—made us feel completely prepared. Most of all, Tara made the process stress-free and enjoyable. Her communication was prompt and thoughtful, and she was always available for questions or last-minute changes. Thanks to Tara, we made memories that will last a lifetime. If you're planning a group vacation—or any vacation at all—I can’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Tara, for making our St. Lucia dream vacation a reality!
Katie M., Reading, MA
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