Caribbean Cruise Specialist

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Maria (Ree) Lesher, Travel Agent in Portland, OR

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR Travel Agent
Super Agent

Maria (Ree) Lesher

Portland, OR · 2 Years of Experience

In Search of Elsewhere Travel, an independent agent with Cornerstone Collective dba Cornerstone Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(19)
100% Recommended
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Caribbean

Interests:

Beach Vacations, Cruises, Eco-Tourism, Groups, Bucket List

Suppliers:

Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises®, Viking, Royal Caribbean, Viator

About Me

Norwegian Gem as seen from Catalina Island, DR
Norwegian Gem as seen from Catalina Island, DR

The Caribbean has stolen my heart. I’ve traveled to more than 15 destinations throughout the region, including Cartagena, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience it. The Caribbean is especially wonderful by cruise — it’s relaxed, colorful, and full of variety, and it works beautifully whether you’re brand new to cruising or already hooked.

 

What I love most about cruising is that there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all experience. The cruise line, ship, itinerary — and even stateroom location — all matter far more than most people realize. The right combination should reflect how you actually like to travel. Some travelers want quiet sea days and scenic sailing, others want vibrant ports, great food, or adventurous excursions — and many want a little bit of everything.

 

My specialty is helping travelers sort through the options and land on a cruise that truly feels right for them.Cruise lines can be surprisingly hard to navigate, and that’s where I come in. From choosing the right stateroom to deciding on drink packages, dining options, and Wi-Fi, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure if you’re making the right choices. I help simplify all of that. We’ll talk through whether an interior room is perfectly fine for your travel style or if a balcony will truly enhance your experience. I’ll also help you decide when onboard packages make sense — and when they don’t — so your cruise feels thoughtfully planned, not overcomplicated. Dining looks different on every ship, and I help set clear expectations around what’s included and what’s optional.

 

I also love working with solo travelers. Several cruise lines now offer staterooms designed specifically for solo guests, which can make cruising on your own feel comfortable, social, and much more approachable. I help solo travelers choose ships and itineraries that feel welcoming and well suited to independent travel.

 

One place I often recommend on a Caribbean itinerary is the Panama Canal. It’s truly one of the most amazing places, and one I highly recommend experiencing by cruise. I’ve had the opportunity to transit the canal twice — once through the historic original locks and more recently through the new locks — and the original canal transit, in particular, is something I always encourage travelers to consider. It’s a fascinating journey that blends history, engineering, and unforgettable scenery, and it’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’re home.

 

I’m certified with Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Virgin Voyages, Viking and Carnival Cruise Line, and I use that knowledge to help clients understand the real differences between cruise brands — not just what looks good online. My focus is on making sure you’re getting the best overall value for the experience you want, with thoughtful guidance through inclusions, upgrades, and onboard options.

 

Cruising is also one of my favorite ways to travel as a group. It’s ideal for families, friends, and celebrations because you unpack once, there’s no cooking or cleaning, and everyone can enjoy the vacation their own way while still spending time together. There truly is something for everyone onboard.

 

Some of my favorite Caribbean moments include snorkeling in Aruba and unforgettable excursions like visiting a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Those firsthand experiences shape how I plan trips — thoughtfully, personally, and with attention to the details that make travel feel easy, enjoyable, and well worth it.

 

Whether you’re cruising solo, traveling with a partner, or planning a group celebration, I’m here to help you navigate the details, feel confident in your choices, and enjoy a Caribbean cruise that fits your style beautifully.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
19 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 19 reviews

A 100% positive experience !
Reviewed By Beja - Santa Monica/California | Traveled to Hungary | Europe
I had always organized my trips myself, but this year I was so overwhelmed by questions that I needed help. That's when I contacted Ree, who proved to be an excellent travel agent. My daughter and I were going to Hungary together, from where she later on was traveling to Croatia, then back to the U.S. Our journey was complicated because I needed a return ticket and my daughter needed multiple one-way tickets with seat reservations. She also needed a Flix- Bus ticket from Budapest to Split and I needed a rental car and a hotel reservation in Budapest. From the moment Ree took over the job everything seemed to work perfectly. Not only was she fast and efficient, she also took care of every details such as recommending us travel insurance, explaining the benefit of it. She has never left any of my questions unanswered and took the "or" out of the ordeal. She did her research and always came back with multiple options to choose from. When it was all done and settled , she sent us a link to "The Magic App" that had all our itinerary and documents in one place, that was so useful and easy to access. Ree was there for us all the way through our journey as she promised. She sent us a link to "Viator" where we could search for excursion activities including discount codes. I can not thank Ree enough for making our trip a 100% positive experience.
Maria (Ree) Lesher responded
"Thank you so much! This truly means a lot. I loved helping you with this trip, and I’m so glad everything came together smoothly. I’m thrilled the Magic App made things easier too. I’m always here when you’re ready for the next adventure! "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The long awaited trip back to Ireland
Reviewed By Tommy Tempranillo - Portland Or | Traveled to Ireland | Europe
I hadn't been back to Ireland over 40 years, after having been there 4 other occasions in the late 1970s and early 80s. I worked and lived there for over a year on one of those. Ree helped me immensely in my travel planning. She has a real professional, yet still casual way of helping you in every aspect of your plans. Thank you, Ree!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Girls just wanna have fun, and we DID!
Reviewed By Carolyn - Hillsboro, OR | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Planning is always easy with Ree! Once the trip was set we couldn’t wait to go. Sailed from New Orleans to Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye and Costa Maya. Ship Norwegian Escape. Many fun activities on board and great food and drink. Loved the shopping and our photo sessions!! Ree had an itinerary plan and listed our excursions together. She is very thorough with plans and easy with directions while off the ship. She is always available to answers your questions and make suggestions. I will book with her again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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So many fun adventures!
Reviewed By jan - Ralston ne | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
Ree is amazing! Lots of fun. Very well organized . I am definitely going on other trips with her!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The best trip!!
Reviewed By Erin - OR | Traveled to Costa Rica | Central America
We loved our experience in Costa Rica. Ree helped us so much. Even after we came back she responded quickly to our questions and continued to give us information. Thank you Ree
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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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

I had the most amazing experience...
I had the most amazing experience working with Ree with In Search of Elsewhere Travel. She is so knowledgeable and great with investigating. She helped plan two of my cruises recently. I gave her the parameters for my vacation , and she came back in just a few short days with great ideas, great itineraries, suggestions. She has vast knowledge of airlines, cruises and so much more. I am so glad I decided to use her and her expertise..
Toni S., Hillsboro, OR
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