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Cliff Bainum / Need Help Planning a Family Cruise?
Cliff Bainum

Cliff Bainum

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 25+
29 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Need Help Planning a Family Cruise?

The Caribbean Awaits!
The Caribbean Awaits!

Planning a family cruise can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to match everyone’s interests, budget, and travel style. As a Cruise Specialists Consultant who has helped hundreds of families design memorable vacations, I can assure you: with the right guidance, the process becomes not only simple, but exciting.

Cruising remains one of the most effortless ways for families to travel together. You unpack once, explore multiple destinations, enjoy dining options that satisfy even the pickiest eaters, and choose from activities suited for every age group. Whether you're traveling with young children, teens, grandparents, or all of the above, the right itinerary and ship can make all the difference.

Caribbean: Sun, Fun, and Flexible Options

If your family is looking for classic warm-weather relaxation, the Caribbean remains a top choice. Ships sailing this region typically offer some of the most robust kids’ programs, along with beaches and cultural excursions that appeal to all generations. The convenience of multiple embarkation ports—Florida, Texas, New York, and beyond—also makes traveling with children or multigenerational groups easier.

Alaska: Adventure and Education Combined

For families who love wildlife, nature, and hands-on discovery, nothing compares to Alaska. Sailing through glacier-carved fjords, spotting whales, and visiting authentic frontier towns make this destination both enriching and unforgettable. Alaska is especially well-suited for multigenerational travel—plenty of soft-adventure excursions for the active members of your family, balanced with scenic cruising and cultural experiences everyone can enjoy together.

Europe: Culture, Cuisine, and Shared Discovery

Europe offers an entirely different type of family vacation—one where history, food, and culture come alive. Mediterranean voyages provide sunny ports with accessible sightseeing, while Northern Europe and the British Isles deliver castles, storybook towns, and dramatic landscapes. For families with teens or adult children, Europe’s depth and variety can create some of the most meaningful shared memories.

Why Work with a Cruise Consultant?With so many ships, cabin types, dining programs, kids’ clubs, and shore excursions to choose from, a knowledgeable advisor can ensure your family gets exactly what it needs. I help identify the best fit based on your preferences—whether that means adjoining cabins, accessible staterooms, flexible dining, or special celebrations onboard. I also monitor pricing, promotions, and availability so your vacation is optimized from start to finish.

Planning a family cruise shouldn’t be stressful. With expert support, it becomes the start of the adventure.

If you’re ready to design a memorable family vacation in the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, I’m here to assist you every step of the way. Contact me by phone or email—I’d be delighted to help you plan the perfect cruise.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Caribbean
  • Bahamas
  • Alaska
  • Mediterranean
  • Bermuda

Interests

  • Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises

Supplier

  • Royal Caribbean
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises®
  • MSC Cruises
  • National Geographic Expeditions

My Reviews

Rating: 5 29 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Very helpful cruise consultant

    Reviewed By Todd - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Cliff was on top of things from dealing with cruise line to reminding us is of trip requirements and deadlines. While we made many arrangements, tours, etc online, Cliff was a good sounding board.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    404 of 541 people found this review helpful
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  • Review of cruise

    Reviewed By Patrice - Fall City | Traveled to Canada
    Cliff answered all of our questions quickly and presented us with many options. He was helpful getting us through the process of shore excursions and cabin perks. Working with Cliff was easy.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    412 of 585 people found this review helpful
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  • Best Agent Ever!

    Reviewed By Kathy - Palm City | Traveled to Japan
    Cliff is very thorough and efficient. He finds the best deals out there! He follows up and answers emails and calls ASAP. WE will definitely use him in the future.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    370 of 535 people found this review helpful
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  • Crystal Symphony Alaska

    Reviewed By Julie - Miami Beach | Traveled to Alaska
    Cliff was very helpful and patient with all my questions and was able to get us a good deal.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    359 of 521 people found this review helpful
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  • Angel

    Reviewed By Oswald - Saint Cloud | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Cliff and Annie were top notch. Everything from start to finish perfect! I would highly recommend "Cruise Specialist". They and the people representing this company are a "class act".!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    349 of 562 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff

    Reviewed By Murray - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Caribbean
    Cliff and cruise specialists was great throughout booking the cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    501 of 875 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff is great

    Reviewed By Nolan - Pompano Beach | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Cliff is great to work with. He's thorough and responsive.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    228 of 378 people found this review helpful
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  • He is professional

    Reviewed By Damilia - Austin | Traveled to Hawaii
    He always is ready to listen and to do what it will take to make your travel experience the best that it can be. We normally work with a low travel budget, but that has never stop him from doing his very best.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    204 of 335 people found this review helpful
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  • Working wifh Cliff

    Reviewed By Katharine - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Europe
    Cliff was very professional and helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    265 of 488 people found this review helpful
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  • Regent cruise

    Reviewed By Rhonda - Las Vegas | Traveled to Alaska
    Excellent in all regards.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    156 of 299 people found this review helpful
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  • Agent Review

    Reviewed By Alger - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to South Pacific
    I have never met Cliff in person. We live in different parts of USA. He was recommended by a friend. We emailed or talked by phone. Cliff was very pleasant and professional. We have booked with him since.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    154 of 298 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise Specialists and Cliff

    Reviewed By Nanette - Scottsdale | Traveled to South America
    Very fast response to questions. Willing to investigate pricing on cruises and insurance. Appreciate the service.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    170 of 334 people found this review helpful
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  • Norwaycruise

    Reviewed By Cindy - Chattanooga, TN | Traveled to Europe
    Cliff picked up this reservation from a prior agent who left the company. It was thence handled without problems and he was solicitous of our satisfaction. We had no issues with the assistance he provided.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    141 of 276 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff guided us in the right direction

    Reviewed By Oldcee - Ridgefield, Wa | Traveled to Juneau | Alaska | USA
    Cliff helped us find the right cruise line for our preferences. We are into no dress codes and eating when the mood strikes us and Cliff suggested Norwegian. He helped with planning and answered all our questions cheerfully. We will go to him again for our next trip.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    32 of 59 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff found us a good deal on the trip we wanted.

    Reviewed By Sandy - Newport, OR | Traveled to Hawaii | USA
    Always like working with Cliff. He helped us on our last HAL World Voyage too.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    62 of 121 people found this review helpful
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  • Best there is

    Reviewed By Douglas - Breckenridge | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Always great travel agent
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    143 of 283 people found this review helpful
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  • First cruise using a travel agent

    Reviewed By Mike and Cindy - San Antonio, Texas | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
    Using CC was very easy and convenient. I liked the whole process from booking to payment to cruise execution.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    51 of 102 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff Bainum - Excellent Advisor

    Reviewed By Monika - Nokomis | Traveled to Danube
    Cliff responded to my emails and my calls quickly, answering my questions and connecting me to others when he did not have the answer. All my arrangements were made flawlessly. In that I live on a different coast, our times would not always match, but his responses were always within a couple of hours. He even got my Global Entry numbers tagged to Viking and all appropriate airlines without any problems. He was knowledgeable, making excellent suggestions,and easily available with a pleasant demeanor.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    155 of 312 people found this review helpful
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  • Seamless planning from start to finish

    Reviewed By Readysetgo - Ocean Isle Beach NC | Traveled to Caribbean Sea | At Sea | At Sea
    Cliff helped me in booking a last minute holiday cruise that was perfect for us. With his expert guidance we got a great itinerary on a beautiful ship at an excellent price. Right up until sailing he advised us and secured a lovely upgraded cabin at minimal additional expense. He also provided a hosted experience that included us in a welcome cocktail reception once on board the ship , as well as a free shore excursion. He is now handling three additional bookings for us spanning the globe from Japan to the Arctic Circle and back to the US via Bermuda. We have referred him to friends and family who have also booked an upcoming cruise with us in February of next year. Cliff is a real treasure.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    4 of 11 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Jan - Auburn, WA | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Cliff was very helpful and gave us good advice and answered our many questions! He’s very .knowledgeable. He was very pleasant to work with. He has a great sense of humor.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    19 of 43 people found this review helpful
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  • Antarctica cruise

    Reviewed By Melissa - Cocoa Beach, FL | Traveled to Antartica
    Excellent. He is very knowledgeable and helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    162 of 329 people found this review helpful
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  • Wonderful Holland/Belgium river cruise

    Reviewed By David A. - Easton, PA | Traveled to Holland | Netherlands | Europe
    Cliff helped us book our Holland/Belgium river cruise through Adventures by Disney. He was always quick to respond to questions we had. AND he made sure we didn't miss any payments! He's always willing to provide information and suggestions. Thanks for all your help Cliff!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    22 of 50 people found this review helpful
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  • Great service

    Reviewed By kenwine51 - Ocala, FL | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Cliff provided great service the entire way through the process. He has been so helpful in securing assistance for my wife's mobility issues that we are using Cliff again for future vacations.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    17 of 41 people found this review helpful
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  • Professional, thorough and extremely nice

    Reviewed By Jean - Las Vegas | Traveled to Europe
    Cliff is the consummate travel agent. He asked the right questions and made sure we would be met and housed appropriately. We've used Cliff in the past, and he has always provided me with the best of care and does those thousand and one things I would never remember to do.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    142 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • OUR FIRST ALASKA CRUISE!

    Reviewed By Pam and Michael G. - West Palm Beach, FL | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Cliff was very professional and personable. He helped us from start to finish planning this amazing cruise. He was always there to answer any question that came up!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    23 of 57 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel Consultant

    Reviewed By Ursula - Stillwater | Traveled to Caribbean
    Cliff does a great job of handling all our cruising needs.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    135 of 283 people found this review helpful
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  • Cliff Bainum

    Reviewed By Dirk - Layfayette | Traveled to Australia
    Cliff has always been very thorough with my cruising reservations and provides excellent suggestions on the best cruise line to recommend for the specific destination I want to see. When the reservations need to be revised for whatever reasons, he handles it with great care and expediency. Cruise Specialists provides some excellent credits to save money on the cruise and offers additional "gifts" to enhance the cruise experience. I would recommend Cliff to anyone who is planning a cruise and wants to work with a very experienced cruise specialist.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    140 of 296 people found this review helpful
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  • Fabulous!!!

    Reviewed By Lyse - Liberty | Traveled to Canada
    Cliff was responsive and knowledgeable about all of his cruises. Great to work with!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    145 of 311 people found this review helpful
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  • Seabourn Cruise

    Reviewed By Jody - Santa Ana | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Cliff is excellent to work with. Takes care of our every concern.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    180 of 630 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