best travel agents for cruises

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

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Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

The Top Cruise Advisors

To find the ship and sailing right for you, go through a cruise specialist. Here's why—and who to call.

Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips

Ashton Palmer of Expedition Trips began as an expedition leader, guide, and naturalist. He specializes in small ship expedition cruises—companies like Aqua Expeditions, Ponant, Lindblad, Scenic, Aurora, and more. He has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon. His email: [email protected]

Tom Baker, Cruise Center

Tom Baker of Cruise Center specializes in large and ­medium-size ships from such lines as Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. He also has clout with river lines: AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Viking. But really there is nothing cruise-­related he can’t help with; he has sailed on more than 250 ships over the course of 50 years. His email: [email protected]

Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Mary Jean Tully of Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel has for decades now sent a great many clients to all the luxury cruise lines. Her contacts enable her to secure the best cabins for her customers, as well as a wide range of onboard credits—i.e., she can be your ticket to special treatment at sea. Because she is intermittently in Africa—her other passion, in addition to life on the high seas, is wildlife conservation—her deputy, Cheri Ozimac, will take excellent care of you. Mary Jean's email: [email protected]; Cheri Ozimac's email: [email protected]

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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Need Help Booking a Cruise? Call One of These Travel Advisors

Whether you’re thinking of booking a luxury, ocean, expedition, or river cruise, if you’re traveling solo or with a group, these are some of the best cruise specialist travel advisors in the business..

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Choosing, planning, and booking a cruise can be overwhelming. These pros can help.

Illustration by Shutterstock

Increasingly, amid a sea of confusing online search information and inadequate AI-generated advice , travelers are looking for a human touch when planning and booking their land- and water-based vacations and are turning to travel advisors for their in-depth knowledge and expertise.

A survey conducted by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) earlier this year found that travelers are more likely to use a travel advisor now than a year ago, with almost half (49 percent) of the respondents citing their desire to have peace of mind when planning their vacations and wanting to get the best value for their travel investment.

And when it comes to the vast world of cruising , where there are so many cruise lines and types of sailings to choose from, not to mention a whole world of destinations, it can be daunting and time-consuming to try to sift through all the options on your own. The key is finding a travel advisor who really knows and understands the cruise industry and who will ultimately relieve you of added stress and work. These are, after all, professionals, and this is what they do day in and day out.

The best travel agents who specialize in cruises

Whether you’re keen on an arctic expedition cruise or a laid-back barge cruise in the South of France, here are the best travel advisors who can match you to the cruise that’s right for you.

Best for planning an ocean cruise

Nadia Henry doesn’t only plan cruises for clients, she also often hosts groups on cruises as well.

Courtesy of Travel With Sparkle

Nadia Henry, Travel With Sparkle

Nadia Henry, owner of Travel With Sparkle in West Orange, New Jersey, is an expert when it comes to coordinating luxury group travel trips, including group getaways at sea. She’s even fashioned a title for herself as a ‘CCIG specialist,’ concentrating on the Caribbean, cruises, and international group travel. You’ll want to keep Henry on your travel advisor list when your group wants to set sail on an ocean cruise, and particularly if your crew is interested in personally traveling with a travel advisor. Henry hosts a number of group trips throughout the year, helping to ensure her travelers have the peace of mind they’re looking for through a hands-on experience with their trusted travel professional. Among her upcoming group cruise trips is a 7-day luxury yacht cruise exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast from Split to Dubrovnik aboard the 18-cabin MV Auriela yacht, owned by Katarina Cruise Line, that will depart on August 3, 2024.

George Aballi, Connection to Cruise

George Aballi, owner of Connection to Cruise in Redlands, California, should be on your radar when it comes to cruising, especially for travelers looking for a more active cruise experience. As a seasoned cruiser himself, Aballi has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry pairing travelers with a trusted roster of oceangoing brands that include Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Explora Journeys, and Hurtigruten Expeditions. Aballi also books river cruises for clients with brands like AmaWaterways, American Queen Voyages, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking. Lately, Aballi has been putting together group cruise trips that focus on pickleball and incorporating the widely popular sport into cruise itineraries both at sea and on Europe’s rivers.

Best for planning a luxury cruise

A self-proclaimed adventure travel enthusiast, Joshua Bush is as well versed in adrenaline as he is in luxury travel.

Courtesy of Avenue Two Travel

Joshua Bush, Avenue Two Travel

CEO of luxury travel agency Avenue Two Travel in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and member of the AFAR Travel Advisor Council , Joshua Bush is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to luxury travel both on land and at sea. He’s a thought-leader in the luxury travel space and a regular consultant for high-end organizations like Virtuoso, making Bush more than qualified to help travelers not only find the right luxury cruise experience, but help them understand what luxury means to them and their needs while on vacation. And as an added bonus, Bush is an avid adventure traveler and can also be of service in helping you add an adventure element to your trip.

Best for planning a luxury expedition cruise

Judy Perl, Judy Perl Travel

There likely isn’t a name more synonymous with cruise travel than Judy Perl and her eponymous travel company, Judy Perl Travel . Perl, who also serves on the AFAR Travel Advisor Council , and her travel company have long-standing relationships with top of the line expedition cruise companies, such as Ponant, Scenic Luxury Cruises, and Seabourn, which offer luxury yacht-style expeditions in a number of polar and tropical destinations. She has spent more than 22 years crafting cruise itineraries for travelers, specializing in niche, luxury experiences. If you’re looking for a sailing that is a bit more thrilling than what traditional ocean and river cruising may offer, look to Perl to book your next expedition cruise.

Best for planning a river cruise

Suzy Schreiner, Azure Blue Vacations

Don’t know where to begin when picking a river cruise ? Even if you’ve already experienced a river cruise or two, it’s helpful to have someone like Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations in Bothell, Washington, on your side to navigate such choice-filled territory. As a leading travel advisor in the industry, Schreiner not only knows how to book the kind of river cruise experience you want, but she also comes with a wealth of insight and information about river cruising for first timers, as well as travel tips, and how to get the most out of your experience onshore as well.

Best for planning a canal barge cruise

Ellen Sack, Barge Lady Cruises

It’s hard to talk about canal barge cruising without thinking of Ellen Sack, aka the Barge Lady and expert in the world of all things European barge cruising. Sack and her family-run travel company work as brokers for canal barge cruises in Europe, connecting travelers to the right sailing experience to suit their needs. From whole barge charters to booking an individual cabin on a classic barge, the world of canal barge cruises differs quite a bit from river cruises, offering slightly shorter itineraries in more intimate settings, accommodating anywhere between two and 20 people, compared to the upwards of 150 travelers that river cruise ships can host. You’ll find everything you need to know about sailing on waterways like the scenic Canal du Midi in the South of France or the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands with help from Sack and the rest of the Barge Lady crew.

Want to custom design a cruise to fit your unique interests? Call Gloria Hobbins of Global Village Travels.

Courtesy of Global Village Travels

Best for planning special interest and custom cruises

Gloria Hobbins, Global Village Travels

If you consider the world to be your oyster when daydreaming about your next cruise, think of Gloria Hobbins of Global Village Travels as the pearl at the heart of making your dream vacation plans come true. Hobbins is a unique kind of advisor in that she doesn’t limit herself to specializing only in ocean or river or small ship cruising—she’s ready to specially craft and curate a cruise to your needs and desires. Looking for a Peruvian Amazon river cruise that also takes you on a deep dive through the region to experience its rich and diverse cultures? How about a multi-river cruise journey that combines a sailing in Southeast Asia with a luxury yacht sailing along the Atlantic coast of West Africa that ventures into Senegal and Gambia? Hobbins can connect the dots for you on your globe-trotting trip of a lifetime.

Best for planning a LGBTQ+ cruise

Michael Henderson, B.A.G. Travel

For LGBTQ+ travelers, including travelers of color and those who are traveling solo, Mike Henderson is a great travel advisor to help you get started on your path to exploring the world of cruising with other like-minded travelers. He’s been organizing group travel for the LGBTQ+ community for more than 20 years and is the founder of B.A.G. Travel , a travel agency that specializes in curating group trips for solo LGBTQ+ travelers that puts a focus on creating a social and welcoming environment. Henderson crafts trips around social events in destinations all over the world, such as Pride festivals, New Year’s Eve, and Oktoberfest, in hopes of creating a safe, inclusive, and interactive environment for travelers.

Best for planning a family-friendly cruise

Darlene McClung, Frosch Vacations

When you need an advisor who understands the needs of not only group travel but specifically traveling as a family, Darlene McClung of Frosch Vacations has got you covered. McClung has a wide variety of expertise in ocean, river, and small-ship cruising, and extensive experience sending families of all shapes and sizes on successful trips around the world. Attentive, patient, and detail-oriented, no stone will be left unturned when it comes to planning the trip of a lifetime with your loved ones with McClung by your side.

Michelle Allen, Travel Magic

Consider Michelle Allen, owner of Travel Magic in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, the fairy godmother of your next family vacation. Allen is a specialist in all things Disney travel, from Disney’s iconic theme parks, to ocean cruises with Disney Cruise Lines, to European river cruises and land tours with Adventures by Disney . Multigenerational trips and bucket-list group adventures are some of the most in-demand types of trips Allen handles regularly. And with so many different layers to booking a trip with Disney these days for multiple people, Allen is a welcome addition to the planning team for your next family vacation.

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