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Karen McKinstry / Exploring the World Through Expedition Cruises
Karen McKinstry

Karen McKinstry

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 19
15 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Exploring the World Through Expedition Cruises

HX Expeditions Zodiac Tour
HX Expeditions Zodiac Tour

As a Cruise Consultant, I have the privilege of helping clients choose travel experiences that not only delight them but also expand their horizons. Over the years, my passion has led me to specialize in expedition cruising—a truly transformative way to see the world.

Expedition cruises are unlike traditional ocean or river sailings. They are designed for curious travelers who want to go beyond postcard-perfect views and immerse themselves in some of the most remote and pristine corners of the world. Think Antarctica’s icy landscapes, the Galápagos Islands’ rare wildlife, or the Norwegian Arctic under the glow of the Northern Lights. Every day brings opportunities to step ashore where few have ever set foot, led by expert naturalists, marine biologists, and historians.

My focus is to match each client with the expedition cruise line, ship, and itinerary that aligns with their personal interests and comfort level. Expedition cruising ranges from rugged and adventurous to ultra-luxury, so it’s important to choose the right style of ship and voyage. Whether you want a Zodiac ride past glaciers, encounters with penguins and polar bears, or an in-depth cultural journey along the Amazon, I help ensure that the experience is seamless from start to finish.

Because these itineraries often take you to the ends of the Earth, planning them requires a thoughtful, detailed approach. I provide that extra layer of expertise and advocacy—answering your questions, coordinating logistics, and preparing you for what to expect. I love hearing back from clients who return with stories of life-changing moments: watching a whale breach beside their Zodiac or hiking across volcanic terrain in complete silence.

Why Book with Cruise Specialists? As part of Cruise Specialists, I can offer exclusive benefits, insider access, and personal support that you simply won’t find when booking on your own. Expedition cruising is an investment in memories, and I’m here to make sure it exceeds your expectations every step of the way.

If you’re ready to embark on an adventure that blends discovery, learning, and luxury, I’d be delighted to help you plan your expedition cruise.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Galapagos Islands
  • Iceland
  • Glacier National Park

Interests

  • Expedition Cruises

Supplier

  • National Geographic Expeditions
  • Silversea
  • Seabourn
  • Viking
  • HX

My Reviews

Rating: 5 15 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Antarctica cruise

    Reviewed By Pat - Dallas, TX | Traveled to Antarctica
    Karen guided us through every step of planning the 22 day cruise (including 4 days cruise the Antarctica Peninsula)
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    20 of 37 people found this review helpful
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  • Great advisor

    Reviewed By Ruth and Rob - Dover, DE | Traveled to Scandinavia | Europe
    Karen kept us informed every step of the booking
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    21 of 40 people found this review helpful
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  • Great

    Reviewed By Winnie - Bethpage, TN | Traveled to Caribbean
    Handled this cruise and 2 in the future
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    17 of 34 people found this review helpful
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  • Karen McKinstry

    Reviewed By Bonnie - Ft Myers, FL | Traveled to Mediterranean | At Sea | At Sea
    Karen is very professional & personable & a total delight to work with. She went above & beyond to help us plan our cruise. She made herself available as much as possible to answer cruise questions from start to finish. I would recommend Karen highly to any person or group working to plan a memorable cruise. Karen is deserving a of a 5 star rating for her competency, customer service and attitude in delivering a quality, exceptional cruise experience. I would be very happy to recommend Karen to anyone who wishes to plan a cruise & will personally ask for her on future cruises.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    18 of 36 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel agent

    Reviewed By Deb - Larkspur, CA | Traveled to Mexico
    Karen was exquisite to work with! Knowledgeable about the ship, details, and getting things done her input and direction made our event wonderful. Her easy going personality and ‘can-do’ attitude were exceptional. I highly recommend her as an agent. Thank you Karen! Well done!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    17 of 35 people found this review helpful
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  • Wow!

    Reviewed By Bob - Aurora, CO | Traveled to Panama Canal | Panama | Central America
    This is our first time working with Karen. She anticipates every need and request. It was a pleasure to work with her. And she made some arrangements that were a pleasant surprise, e.g. a wheel chair upon arriving at Denver International Airport. Thanks so much Karen!!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    25 of 51 people found this review helpful
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  • Superior agent

    Reviewed By Jack and Gloria - Denver, CO | Traveled to Caribbean
    Answered our questions quickly, accurately, professionally and our Welcome package was all inclusive. She can manage our next cruise any day.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    19 of 40 people found this review helpful
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  • On the ball!

    Reviewed By Therese - Venice, FL | Traveled to Japan | East and Southeast Asia
    Karen is a great Cruise Advisor! She knows both sides of the business and is able to quickly analyze each situation and make sound recommendations! She maintains a calm, professional and personable manner. During a medical incident involving one of my colleagues, Karen took charge and ensured she got the proper medical attention, as well as helped in initiating a medical return home. After a rough night, it was a relief to know she was on it and the f/up call she provided me was reassuring. She truly cares about each of her travelers and goes the extra mile to ensure they enjoy their cruise experience!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    17 of 36 people found this review helpful
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  • Awesome advisor!

    Reviewed By Carol - Costa Mesa, CA | Traveled to Tahiti | French Polynesia | South Pacific
    Karen helped us every step of the way. I cant believe there are no fees for booking with her and Cruise Specialists
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 34 people found this review helpful
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  • Ama wine cruise on Danube

    Reviewed By JD - Durham, NC | Traveled to Danube | On the River | At Sea
    Karen was great to work with. Very responsive to any questions we had a proactive in checking on fare changes and any updates from the cruise line. She was very helpful in helping us choose both a cruise line and itinerary for our first European wine river cruise. I would highly recommend Karen and will work with her again on a future cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 36 people found this review helpful
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  • Great service!

    Reviewed By Blue - Carmel, CA | Traveled to Greece | Europe
    Karen was easy to work with and responsive to our needs. We'll be booking our next cruise with her. and the one after that, and the one after that...
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 36 people found this review helpful
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  • Way to go Karen!

    Reviewed By Madeline - Austin, TX | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
    Karen was very helpful before and during the cruise. She was kind, patient and always there when a problem needed to be solved. She certainly put our minds to rest once she became our Cruise Specialists contact.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    20 of 45 people found this review helpful
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  • Karen is Fantastic!

    Reviewed By Lisa - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to World Cruise | Other
    Personable, professional and fun, Karen was of great assistance to us in all phases of planning our cruise. All questions via email were answered quite promptly. Would highly recommend Karen as a cruise advisor to anyone planning a trip aboard Holland America Line.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 37 people found this review helpful
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  • Karen is super!

    Reviewed By Cooper - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Rhine River | On the River | At Sea
    Karen was exceptional in assisting us with planning this vacation. She was attentive to detail and able to answer all of the questions we had and point us in exactly the right directions we wanted. I would highly recommend her to anybody!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    18 of 43 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska cruise

    Reviewed By Ian and Karen - Vancouver, BC | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Great! She was super responsive as we were planning, and helped us know what to expect, down to the littlest detail. Very few of our big group had ever been on a cruise before, so we needed her!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 39 people found this review helpful
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.

TRUSTED BY:
Conde Nast Traveler
Travel + Leisure
Wall Street Journal
CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
Forbes