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Rene Spatz
Rene Spatz

Rene Spatz

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 17
43 Reviews | 100% Recommended

World Cruise, Luxury Cruise & Expedition Expert

I am a luxury travel expert who specializes in World Cruising and luxury cruising on both small and larger ships. I also sell river cruises and expedition cruises, and I cherish using my in-depth cruise industry background to match my clients with the right cruise every time. For travelers who are just starting to think about a World Cruise, I have in-depth knowledge of all the major cruise lines that offer World Cruises, and I provide information about the ships and itineraries that you will not find online. It’s important to work with an expert for your World Cruise planning since it is such an investment of time and money, and my goal is to help you make the most of it all. Having previously worked for an expedition cruise line, it provided me with an in-depth understanding of this exciting mode of travel that most other cruise consultants do not have.

My Travel Specialties

Luxury Travel & World Cruise Expert

I have happy memories of Venice!
I have been a cruise travel professional for more than 15 years and have worked in a wide range of roles in the business, including sales at a major cruise line. Prior to the cruise business I spent many years in… Read more from my Luxury Travel & World Cruise Expert bio.

World Cruise Expert

Breathtaking Moorea!
A World Cruise is a thrilling experience that is best planned by someone in that particular niche due to many factors, including the length of the cruise, the travel requirements of some destinations being visited, the unique on-board activities that you… Read more from my World Cruise Expert bio.

Oceania Cruises ~ Vista

Whether you have sailed before or this is your first cruise, Oceania is an excellent option to consider.  On-board their ships, you’ll enjoy a casual country club atmosphere with  complimentary dining venues, port-intense itineraries, and attentive service.  Oceania’s outstanding culinary experiences… Read more from my Oceania Cruises ~ Vista bio.

Expedition Cruise Expert

Antarctica
One of the more exciting trends we are seeing in cruising is the expansion of expedition cruising. This concept puts you on a small ship and takes you to the remote corners of the world with naturalists and cultural experts to… Read more from my Expedition Cruise Expert bio.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Beyond Pool
Celebrity continues to evolve and improve upon an already excellent cruise experience.  My guests who sail on their ships rave about the quality of the cuisine, array of dining venues and exceptional service. Their entertainment is outstanding, varied, and delivers a… Read more from my Celebrity Cruises bio.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • World Cruise
  • Caribbean
  • Europe
  • Worldwide
  • Australia
  • Alaska
  • France
  • South Pacific
  • Trans-Atlantic
  • United Kingdom

Interests

  • Cruises
  • Expedition Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises
  • World Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • River Cruises

Suppliers

  • Atlas Ocean Voyages
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Silversea
  • Holland America Line
  • Hurtigruten
  • Seabourn
  • Princess Cruises®
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line

Certificates & Awards

Certified ASTA Travel Agent
Viking Certified Expert: River, Ocean & Expedition
Holland America Academy Gold
Ama Waterways
Silversea Academy
Regent Seven Seas

My Travel Stories

Pool Area
Celebrity Cruise Line
Monte Carlo: In-City Port Location
Silversea Luxury Cruise Line

Expedition Ship Inspection

Lindblad Venture  I recently toured the Lindblad Venture, an expedition vessel carrying 102 guests.  The ship is very comfortable and well-appointed for expedition style cruising.  The focus is on destination experiences with a knowledgeable team to explore the highlights each day.  Whether it be lectures, nature walks, remote beach landings or zodiac... Read more from my Expedition Ship Inspection story.

My Reviews

Rating: 4.8 43 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Just as Represented

    Reviewed By Ted - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Hawaii ~ USA
    Communications great. Booked Air flight round trip along with Hawaii Cruise all better than expected. Agent very professional cabin booked was with obscure view and was worried. Worked out wonderful and saved a $1,000. To boot!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    201 of 303 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene Spatz

    Reviewed By Joshua - Spokane, Washington | Traveled to Panama Canal ~ Panama ~ Central America
    when booking he always makes sure you have everything covered and lets you know of any future reductions. He is always looking out for your best options
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    143 of 211 people found this review helpful
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  • Grand South America

    Reviewed By Muriel - Scarsdale | Traveled to South America
    Hi Everything was great and I loved this trip
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    90 of 163 people found this review helpful
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  • Great consultant

    Reviewed By Laurence - Carmel, CA | Traveled to South America
    He is always there to help us work thru the details of our travels.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    83 of 155 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Jane - New York, NY | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    He was absolutely phenomenal to deal with, always there with answers when I needed them and made things as seamless as possible
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    87 of 164 people found this review helpful
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  • South-East Asia Cruise

    Reviewed By Garey - Birmingham, AL | Traveled to Asia
    The entire process of booking a cruise with Rene was excellent and is always enjoyable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    79 of 150 people found this review helpful
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  • Canary Island Cruise

    Reviewed By Patty - Green Bay, Wisconsin | Traveled to Europe
    Rene is a wonderful resource for all of the many trips he has planned for us. He has a great network of people he can ask if we have questions about a specific cruise line, a ship, a port and even an excursion. And of course which cabin to have on any ship. He always responds to us right away and if for some reason he’s not available there is always somebody in his office who does.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    78 of 148 people found this review helpful
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  • HAL World Cruise

    Reviewed By Jo Ann - Chicago | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    Rene is an excellent professional travel agent who knows his product and an excellent listener. I recommend him frequently to my friends.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    76 of 144 people found this review helpful
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  • advisor review

    Reviewed By Jeppe - Brenham, TX | Traveled to Scandinavia ~ Europe
    super, as always.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    84 of 160 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene is great!

    Reviewed By Dolores - Victoria, BC Canada | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
    Rene did an outstanding job of giving us information and following thru with all the necessary documents, answering our questions and in general making us feel assured. We also very much appreciated Cruise specialists gift for on board credit. We used it towards our tip for the crew.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    77 of 148 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruising

    Reviewed By Caribbean - Dallas | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
    Great, great, great.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    76 of 148 people found this review helpful
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  • Rotterdam Cruise

    Reviewed By Denise - Memphis, TN | Traveled to Europe
    Efficient, knowledgeable
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    80 of 156 people found this review helpful
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  • Experienced

    Reviewed By Darrell - Richmond Hill | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    experience matters when setting up a cruise in particular and Rene clearly demonstrates it.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    83 of 163 people found this review helpful
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  • Iberia Cruise

    Reviewed By Oliver - Cypress, TX | Traveled to Europe
    We've booked several cruises with Rene and would never do anything else. Not only does he see to it that our cruise is always properly arranged, he'll do a little extra to make it special. A few years ago we asked him to make cruise arrangements for our entire family to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Although the ten of us were in different cities, everything was done perfectly. Our recent cruise was again, special. Thank you !
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    78 of 153 people found this review helpful
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  • Saavy responsive Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Loni - Denver | Traveled to Europe
    I've found Rene to be an excellent travel agent. He's quite knowledgeable, personable, and responsive. He's helped me book 2 cruises plus provided information on other trips, travel insurance, and alternate shore excursions. I would highly recommend working with Rene.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    73 of 143 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent!

    Reviewed By Lela - Coral Gables, Florida | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic ~ Other
    He really followed-up to make sure everything was smooth sailing
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    72 of 142 people found this review helpful
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  • Recommend you work with Rene

    Reviewed By J. Kurt - Venice, FL | Traveled to Panama Canal ~ Panama ~ Central America
    He was great as always. He was on top of every question that we asked. I couldn't think of any thing that he need to improve.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    79 of 156 people found this review helpful
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  • Queen Victoria Cruise

    Reviewed By Renee - St. Petersburg | Traveled to Europe
    Excellent & very efficient. He always returned our calls and answered our questions. He met all of our needs.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    76 of 151 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska

    Reviewed By Phillip - San Diego, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    He is very professional and competent. Helped me with my trip from start to finish. Usually had to leave a message, but he always got back to me in a timely manner. Very easy to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank you
    79 of 157 people found this review helpful
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  • Our Mediterranean cruise was nice.

    Reviewed By Haven’t got one - Edgewater FL | Traveled to Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
    Rene is wonderful to work they. He shared important information to make our trips enjoyable, follows up when he says, helps with problems that occurred during and after.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    7 of 14 people found this review helpful
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  • Great Travel Agent & Great Cruise!

    Reviewed By Hailey - Minneapolis, MN | Traveled to Europe
    Rene, as always is extremely helpful and responsive to any and all concerns regarding travel. The cruise itself was amazing. Greenland and Iceland were incredible. The food and service onboard was outstanding once again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    75 of 150 people found this review helpful
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  • Helpful and professional planning

    Reviewed By Eckhard - Georgetown | Traveled to Iceland ~ Europe
    He was helpful and was able to answer all of our questions in a prompt and professional manner. He made helpful suggestions and was knowledgeable of cruise and area visited. We would definitely use him again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    79 of 158 people found this review helpful
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  • Yes, work with Rene

    Reviewed By Kelvin - Cupertino CA | Traveled to Australia ~ Australia & New Zealand
    Great. Very Responsive
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    75 of 150 people found this review helpful
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  • It was a trip for the record books.

    Reviewed By Rita - Melbourne, FL | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    Rene was the best agent we've ever used and look forward to working with him again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    42 of 85 people found this review helpful
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  • Holland America Cruises

    Reviewed By Pedro - Orinda, CA | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
    Rene and his staff were very efficient ! Great service !
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    74 of 149 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene + World Cruise Reservations

    Reviewed By Lavinia - Chicago | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    very good and easy to reach
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    73 of 147 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene is the Best

    Reviewed By Jodie - Jodie | Traveled to Scandinavia ~ Europe
    He has been taking care of us for years and has always carefully and thoughtfully worked in our best interests. A few dollars may at times be saved at other discount agencies but the SERVICE and AMENITIES we receive from Cruise Specialists FAR outweigh what is provided by others.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    79 of 159 people found this review helpful
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  • Our recent trip to the Norway's Fjords

    Reviewed By Ilhan - Napa CA | Traveled to Scandinavia ~ Europe
    He was very helpful. Our dinner time at the Explorer of the Seas with our friends was coordinated very professionally by him. The transfer from Airport to ship was arranged very well.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    74 of 151 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene Spatz of Cruise Specialists is GREAT!

    Reviewed By Arthur - San Jose, California | Traveled to Tahiti ~ French Polynesia ~ South Pacific
    Rene Spatz of Cruise Specialists in a GREAT HELP! He is always responsive to my inquiries, keeps me posted on due dates for submitting payments and info, and has helped me solve problems on a timely basis several times. I'm grateful to have him as my cruise consultant.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    75 of 153 people found this review helpful
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  • A good and trusted Cruise Advisor

    Reviewed By H. Kevin - Bridgewater | Traveled to New Zealand ~ Australia & New Zealand
    Through the years, he has patiently answered my sometimes naïve questions and helped my gain my desired cruise experience. I've tried to refer my friends to him.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    75 of 154 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska Cruise

    Reviewed By Jaye - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    Helpful, responsive and pleasant to deal with
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    72 of 149 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene Spatz

    Reviewed By Nadyne - Vernon Rockville | Traveled to Canada
    Excellent. He's knowledgeable and very helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    77 of 160 people found this review helpful
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  • Fantastic

    Reviewed By Terrell - Layfayette | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
    He did such a great job handling all aspects of our trip, from booking to airline issues (airlines fault) to even some great extras to make a cruise that much better!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    70 of 147 people found this review helpful
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  • Yes, I have…...........

    Reviewed By Trans-Atlantic - Renton, WA | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic ~ Other
    It is a pleasure to work with him on most of our CUNARD travel. He understands everything is special and have our wishes.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    72 of 151 people found this review helpful
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  • Review on Rene

    Reviewed By Johan - Layfayette | Traveled to Danube ~ On the River ~ At Sea
    Working with Rene was great. He provided all the information upfront to allow us to book the riverboat cruise. I must admit that I was a little apprehensive about the expense of the cruise. But he was 100% right on. The cruise was fabulous, a very memorable experience. So much so that we are considering another cruise in the near future. Once we had booked the cruise,he and his staff followed up with all the information and cruise documents in a timely manner. We now consider Cruise Specialists and Rene as our go to person for any cruises.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    79 of 166 people found this review helpful
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  • Seabourn Fall Foliage Cruise

    Reviewed By Christine - Prescott, AZ | Traveled to Canada
    He is always a pleasure to work with. We have worked with him several times. He recommends the things we are interested in and helps us make decisions
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    73 of 155 people found this review helpful
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  • Easy

    Reviewed By Gordon - Tillamook, Oregon | Traveled to Australia ~ Australia & New Zealand
    Rene has arranged many trips for us and in two words: easy & competent
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    83 of 176 people found this review helpful
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  • A real pro!

    Reviewed By Yitzhak - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
    Always on the ball! He's been our cruise advisor for years and I can rely on him for good advice and rapid response.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    198 of 419 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise Advisor

    Reviewed By Geertje - Madison, Wisconsin | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
    I have worked with him on numerous cruises. He is friendly, helpful and accurate. I would definitely recommend him!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    69 of 172 people found this review helpful
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  • Rene, cruise consultant

    Reviewed By Zebed - White Plains | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    it's a joy to work with Rene. He is prompt, thorough, dependable in handling all the details, and is always helpful
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    81 of 216 people found this review helpful
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  • Efficient and Knowledgeable

    Reviewed By David - Stockton | Traveled to Africa
    Rene quickly and efficiently crafted the perfect trip for me!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    74 of 239 people found this review helpful
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  • Great to work with Rene at Cruise Specialists

    Reviewed By Uli - Erie | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    It was great working with a knowledgeable agent on this cruise. i've worked directly with cruise lines in the past, and you don't get the same level of feedback and insight with them.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    76 of 257 people found this review helpful
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  • We love working with Rene!

    Reviewed By Isaac - Point Pleasant Boro | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
    We have had Rene help us with multiple cruises and have referred him to several friends. We trust his experience and advice. He is thorough, responsive, and most importantly has helped us when we run into trouble. this is especially important when we are abroad. He is terrific!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Rene Spatz responded:
    Thank You
    76 of 284 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