We offer so much MORE than just cruises!

 

Cruise Planners specializes in cruises - especially river cruises - but we are full service travel advisors. It's our pleasure to help you plan that special trip, no matter what you have in mind!

Are you interested in going to Europe but have no idea where to start? We can customize a memorable vacation specific to your needs with flights, accommodation, trains, rental cars, private transfers and fun excursions. Tell us what you are thinking, and we can make it happen for you. All we need to know is when you want to travel, and we will take care of the rest!

Family travel or outdoor adventure? There are many magical National Parks across the States. We also recommend Alaska, Hawaii and Costa Rica. Wherever YOU'D like to visit, we can put together amazing adventures everyone will remember for a lifetime. Hiking, biking and kayaking are ideal ways to explore these stunning destinations.

We can also help if you are planning a honeymoon or destination wedding! We love planning trips for a milestone birthday or anniversary. Let us take the stress away from planning. We can put together an memorable experience that you have always dreamed about! CONTACT US for an incredible vacation and lasting memories.

Seven Reasons You Should USE a Travel Agent!

The first travel agency was founded in 1841. The growth of commercial aviation in the 1920s supported the growth of this industry. There are approximately 65,000 travel agents in the United States right now. Using a travel agent is more important than ever.

1. EXPERTISE
It is wise to use a financial planner to help with your investments and a real estate agent to assist in finding your next home. When it comes to booking a memorable vacation, you can simplify your life by working with a travel agent. As an expert in planning and logistics, they will do the research for you and give you all the important details for your trip, including required documents and COVID protocols. Plus, they can offer you valuable tips! 

2. DESTINATION KNOWLEDGE 

Travel agents love to travel themselves, so can give you great advice on your desired destination. They are constantly on the lookout for the latest travel information. They are passionate about making their clients travel dreams come true. They can get the answers to all your questions. Travel agents are privy to unique places to visit that you might not even be aware of! 

3. SAVE TIME
When working with an agent, you can save valuable time with the convenience of booking everything in one place. Your travel agent can do it all! They can book your flights, rental cars, excursions, travel insurance and much more! 

4. SAVE MONEY
People misunderstand what it costs to work with an agent! It costs NOTHING - you pay the same as you would if you were to book it yourself. Often your travel agent can actually save you money because they are aware of exclusive deals and current promotions that you may not know about. 

5. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 

A travel agent is there to answer any questions you might have, and they will "have your back" should any problems arise. With the challenges over the last couple of years, travel has become more and more complicated. Your vacation time is valuable to you, so why not work with someone who can simplify it for you? 

6. DECREASED STRESS 

You want to travel for relaxation and enrichment. Don't stress yourself out with all the last-minute searching. Working with a travel agent can make your trip hassle free and a memorable experience. 

7. RELATIONSHIPS 

Working with a travel agent means communicating with an actual person who has your best interests at heart. You are not speaking with a call center or a virtual bot. Travel agents work closely with their suppliers and can help you with things like special requests, room preferences and dietary needs.

Contact me to plan your next trip without the stress!

Ready to travel with your small dog?

 JACKSON GOES TO CAPE COD! No, this is not the title of a children's book. I'm excited to tell you about Jackson's first plane ride. We had a lovely time in this gorgeous area.

I went to Cape Cod for Thanksgiving to visit my son. He suggested I bring my beloved French Bulldog, Jackson. I was a bit dubious at first - but he was a surprisingly great traveler!

We flew on Delta Airlines, and they required a Health Certification from our vet to prove that Jackson was up-to-date on his shots. The veterinarian kindly gave me some "anxiety pills" and "motion sickness pills" that made a world of difference. Jackson was very calm and didn't make a sound! He happily snuggled in his carrier. We flew from Greensboro to LaGuardia airport, where Jackson loved the pet area. We then flew to Boston, and my son picked us up. 

If you haven't visited Cape Cod before, I would highly recommend it. We stayed in the Harwich Port area and visited nearby Chatham. Just look at the stunning views!

I had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. We took the dogs for walks on the beach. Jackson had a blast playing with his Frenchie "cousins"!

The town was all decked out for Christmas. We found lovely gifts at the local boutiques. There are several excellent restaurants in the area. We made the best of a rainy day by enjoying a movie at a cute little theater in Chatham.

If you are interested in visiting the Cape Cod area, I would be happy to tell you more. It's a delightful place to visit in all seasons.

Looking for a MAGICAL holiday gift?

If you are looking for an unique gift for a loved one - I've got you covered! The gift of travel makes lasting memories. Research has shown that an "experience" is what most people are dreaming about, not another sweater! A travel gift certificate comes in any amount and is always the right size.

The gift of travel can take so many different forms. The amount is applied to the cost of their trip. You give the gift certificate, and your loved one picks the destination. They can mingle with animals on an African safari. They could also explore Europe on a river cruise or a barge trip. These small ships are a delightful way to experience the local culture and cuisine.

I've also got you covered if you need a gift for the whole family. I would highly recommend a trip to Disney or an adventure vacation in Costa Rica. If they want relaxation, then a vacation in the Caribbean at a beautiful all-inclusive resort is the perfect gift.

If they would prefer something closer to home, there are so many amazing trips right here in the US. Some destinations are only a short drive away. Enjoy food and history with a weekend in Charleston, SC. Wine lovers would be thrilled to tour Sonoma and Napa Valley. Skiers dream about a trip to Colorado or Montana for fresh snow and long runs. Las Vegas truly has something for everyone.

Give them a travel gift certificate and let them decide where they want to go. I can even put the travel voucher in a special gift box. The gift of travel gives the recipient something to look forward to and is something they will always remember!

What a fabulous train trip I had!

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer! 

I had an amazing train trip through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Our trip began in Calgary. The train trip itself was so much fun. Our glass domed rail car had huge picture windows. It was perfect for taking photos and enjoying the incredible scenery. We enjoyed delicious meals in their elegant dining car (and unlimited adult beverages throughout our days on board!)

We also had days trips in a luxury motor coach to Banff and Lake Louise. This was a great way to enjoy stunning views you can't see from the train. I really loved the views in and around Banff.

A stop in Banff requires a visit to the iconic Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel. We enjoyed the afternoon tea in their beautiful dining room.

It was so much fun exploring the shops and restaurants in downtown Banff. There are scenic views in every direction. This photo was taken on the main street. 

We went from Banff to boating! Our itinerary included a boat trip on Lake Minnewanka. This is a gorgeous glacial lake in Alberta.

There are breathtaking lakes across Canada. We also stopped at Emerald Lake. Look at the photo to see why it has this name!

Then it was on to magnificent Lake Louise. We stayed at the Faimont Château Lake Louise. We loved this view from our hotel room!

Our trip ended with thee nights in gorgeous Vancouver, British Columbia. This photo was taken at Coal Harbour, which is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I am in Vancouver.

Contact me to book your seat on the Rocky Mountaineer. It is a wonderful way to explore Canada.

My amazing river cruise in beautiful PORTUGAL!

I just returned from an Emerald Waterways river cruise in Portugal, and I'm so excited to  share my experience!! Many people have asked me what it was like traveling at the present time with COVID-19 restrictions. 

Firstly, current regulations did require us to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. If you are traveling internationally, you will need to check with your travel advisor to determine the rules and regulations for the particular country you are visiting! Emerald Waterways also required us to be fully vaccinated.

Once we arrived in Porto, we were greeted by our travel director. We had our temperatures taken, and our luggage was thoroughly sanitized. Then, we were escorted onto the ship where we were greeted by the ship captain, the ship manager and the concierge manager. We were welcomed with a refreshing drink!

Once settled in, we began our magical cruise on the beautiful Douro River! I loved sitting outside at the front of the ship as we slowly meandered down the river. It was incredibly beautiful and just so peaceful! We floated by so many stunning views.

The food was divine, and the wines were fabulous! I always enjoy the regional food and wine that is provided on a river cruise, which really gives you a taste of that region. There were early morning exercise classes on the upper deck. I enjoyed a Yoga stretch class one morning and a Pilates class another day! They also have a small fitness room and a small pool to cool off in on the sundeck. You can even book hair and spa appointments if you like!

We enjoyed the daily included excursions. They offered a choice of a regular tour or a more active one. We toured a local winery. I took part in the hiking tour that was the more active option, and it was followed by everyone meeting for a Port wine tasting! The photo below was taken at the winery. 

Another trip highlight was exploring Salamanca when we crossed the border into Spain. We also had an interesting tour of the prehistoric Coa Valley Archaeological Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We appreciated a wonderful dinner at the Quinta Da Pacheca winery one evening, which is the location of this photo.

There was so much to do on board as well, including a cooking lesson from the chef, a cocktail making lesson and a tile painting class - just to name a few. In the evening, there was super fun entertainment. We enjoyed movies under the stars, a singer and even a disco night. My favorite activity on board was the BBQ lunch we had on the sun deck as we slowly cruised along the river.

Safety was of the utmost importance, and our temperature was taken every time we returned to the ship. They also provided us with PCR tests three days prior to our departure back home to the United States.

Contact us if you are interested in learning more about river cruising in Europe. I definitely would recommend this amazing way to explore and relax.

 

Six amazing destinations you can visit RIGHT now!

People are ready to travel again! This urge to explore is supported by increased vaccination rates and reduced travel restrictions. Travel over the Independence Holiday weekend in the United States was the second highest reported in history.  

It’s important to do your research because each country has different restrictions on attractions and events. Even if you are vaccinated, you won’t know who is vaccinated at your destination. The travel industry has increased their cleaning protocols.

Where do you want to go? This is easy for some travelers who need to rebook cancelled trips. Others are ready for a bucket list trip after living through the difficult pandemic. Some travelers might need some ideas for their next trip. 

Here are six places to consider for your next adventure.

1. Alaska 

Alaska is home to incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. There are many different ways you can experience Alaska by water and land. Cruises are resuming this summer, and you can book to travel now or next year. There are a lot of cruise options from the larger cruise ships to small and intimate vessels. I recommend adding a few days to explore in beautiful Denali National Park, before or after your cruise. For those who want an Alaskan land experience, you can choose from an escorted coach tour, a rail journey or even a small group hiking trip. I had a wonderful trip with my extended family a few years ago. It was a magical trip!

2. Hawaii 

When I think of Hawaii, I think about the incredible scenery and beautiful beaches. I love the amazing flowers and cool ocean breezes with low humidity. Each of the four main islands in Hawaii has its own unique identity. This gorgeous destination offers something for everyone with an array of water sports, golf, trails, biking and so much more!! I absolutely love Hawaii and hope to return there soon. 

3. Napa & Sonoma 

If you are a wine enthusiast, how about a trip to the beautiful wine country in California? I would highly recommend a road trip that includes a couple of nights in San Francisco and Monterey. We loved exploring beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. The food and wine was divine!

4. Canada 

The borders to Canada are finally reopening! Train trips through the Rocky Mountains are running again. I am doing this trip next month and can't wait to see the amazing scenery in places like Banff and Lake Louise once again. Have you been to Vancouver? The scenery is spectacular and there are lots of places to explore, like Whistler and Victoria on Vancouver Island. 

5. Grand Canyon 

I always tell my clients they should visit the Grand Canyon. This must-see destination is truly spectacular, and the pictures don't do it justice! There are several travel options. You can start with a couple of nights in Las Vegas. Some prefer a road trip. Another option is to fly into Phoenix, Arizona so you can spend a few days exploring Sedona and Flagstaff before traveling to the canyon.

6. Portugal 

River cruises are at resuming in Europe - yeah! I am so excited that I will be travelling to Portugal this month for a cruise on the Douro River. There are several different companies who offer these cruises, and this itinerary is extremely popular. If you are a wine lover like me, or just enjoy a relaxing cultural experience, this river cruise is for you.

To learn more about these six travel dentations, contact us for more information. We would be delighted to plan your next adventure.