Frequently asked questions

Cruises are my specialty, but I also help plan all-inclusive resorts, beach vacations, Disney vacations, U.S. getaways, and vacations abroad. Whether you're imagining a relaxing escape or exploring somewhere new, I'll help you find options that fit your interests, budget, and travel needs.

In many cases, booking a cruise through a travel advisor costs no more than booking direct, because the cruise line pays the advisor's commission. Some services, such as airfare, carry a booking fee. I'll explain any planning, service, change, or cancellation fees before you commit to anything.

Yes, I can book flights for you, but airlines do not pay commissions on airfare, so a booking fee applies. I often recommend booking directly with the airline for easier management of changes or cancellations.

An interior stateroom has no window and is usually the lowest fare. An ocean view stateroom has a window. A balcony stateroom adds a private outdoor space. Suites offer more room and often added perks, which vary by cruise line and ship. Stateroom location matters too, so it helps to look at the deck plan before you choose.

Most cruise fares include your stateroom, meals in the main dining room and buffet, entertainment, and access to most onboard areas. Specialty restaurants, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, shore excursions, and flights are often extra. What is included varies by cruise line and fare type, so it's worth checking before you book.

A tender port is a stop where the ship anchors offshore and passengers travel to land on small boats called tenders, instead of walking off at a pier. Tendering can take extra time, and in rough seas it can be limited or cancelled, so it's worth allowing for when you plan your port day.

No. Share your interests, approximate dates, and budget, and we can start exploring options together.

Possibly! Contact me about pre- and post-cruise hotels, car rentals, and excursions, and I'll explain what I can assist with.

Absolutely. Please share them early so I can help research options and communicate requests. Specific accommodations and availability depend on the supplier.

I'll review your information and follow up to discuss your plans and any additional details I need.

I can help you review the travel protection options available for your booking. Coverage, exclusions, and eligibility depend on the policy. For specific coverage questions, we can refer to the insurer.

For a closed-loop cruise - one that starts and ends at the same U.S. port - U.S. citizens can generally board with an original or certified birth certificate plus government photo ID. A passport book is required for one-way sailings, any cruise starting or ending outside the U.S., and any trip where you fly to or from the ship. A passport is strongly recommended regardless, because a birth certificate will not get you on a flight home if there is an emergency abroad.

Typically around 90 days before sailing for a standard cruise, and earlier - often 120 days - for longer voyages, holiday sailings and suites. The exact date is set by the cruise line and confirmed when you book. Missing it usually means automatic cancellation and loss of the deposit.

Six to twelve months ahead suits most sailings and gives you the widest cabin choice. Book further out for Alaska, holiday weeks, school holidays, suites and Disney Cruise Line, which sells out earliest. Last-minute deals exist but the cabin selection is whatever is left.

Icon Class and Oasis Class are built around families - waterparks, dedicated kids' neighborhoods and enough onboard activity that sea days never drag. Freedom and Voyager Class offer most of the same features on a smaller, cheaper and easier-to-navigate ship. The right answer depends on the ages of your children and your budget, which is the conversation we would have together.

I work with clients across the United States. Planning is done by phone, email and text, so where you live makes little difference to the service - only to which departure ports are convenient for you.