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Ellen Odd
Ellen Odd

Ellen Odd

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

Expert Cruise Advice

I am a highly experienced Cruise Consultant at Cruise Specialists, bringing over 35 years of expertise in the travel business. I have extensive knowledge of the destinations around the world and a deep passion for creating memorable cruise experiences. As a dedicated Cruise Consultant, I take a personalized approach to finding the perfect sailing for each customer. I like to ask detailed questions and actively listen to understand my clients’ travel preferences, desired activities, and the purpose of their journey. By considering clients' specific requirements and time frame, I can meticulously curate cruise options that align with their expectations. Additionally, I stay up to date with the latest group offerings and specials provided by Cruise Specialists, ensuring that clients have access to the best value. Please reach out if you have any questions or need any help researching and planning your next cruise.

My Travel Specialties

Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity Compass River Boat/Ship
Celebrity Cruises is Coming to Europe’s Rivers – My Take on What Makes This So Exciting I’ve been helping travelers discover the joy of river cruising for years, and I can honestly say that 2027 is going to be one of the… Read more from my Celebrity River Cruises bio.

The Magic of River Cruising

See Europe from a Different Point of View. Hello! It's Ellen Odd from Cruise Specialists. So many travelers dream of a grand European tour, but they often get bogged down by the logistics: packing and unpacking, catching trains, and navigating busy highways.… Read more from my The Magic of River Cruising bio.

Small-Ship Cruising

I've learned that the "perfect" cruise looks different for everyone. But when clients tell me they want to truly experience a destination without the crowds, my answer is almost always the same: let's talk about small ship cruising. So, what’s the big… Read more from my Small-Ship Cruising bio.

2027 World Cruises Await!

Let's Make Your 2027 World Cruise Dream a Reality!  Hi, I'm Ellen Odd. For over 35 years, I've had the absolute joy of helping travelers plan the biggest trip of their lives: a world cruise. And let me tell you, the options… Read more from my 2027 World Cruises Await! bio.

Luxury & World Cruise Specialist

I am a highly experienced Cruise Consultant at Cruise Specialists, bringing over 35 years of expertise in the travel business. I have extensive knowledge of the destinations around the world and a deep passion for creating memorable cruise experiences. I work with… Read more from my Luxury & World Cruise Specialist bio.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • World Cruise
  • Caribbean
  • Europe
  • Netherlands
  • Antarctica
  • South Pacific
  • Greece
  • Alaska
  • Italy

Interests

  • River Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • World Cruises
  • Cruises

Suppliers

  • AmaWaterways
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Seabourn
  • Cunard®
  • Princess Cruises®
  • Silversea
  • Viking
  • Avalon Waterways
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Windstar Cruises
  • Paul Gauguin
  • Explora Journeys
  • HX

My Travel Stories

Orca's on my Oceania Alaska cruise!
Silversea's Silver Cloud
Ellen's Favorite Cruise Ships

Melodies of the Danube with AmaWaterways

Sailing the Danube River aboard AmaStella was a dream come true — fairytale villages, baroque abbeys, Christmas markets, and unforgettable art and architecture. I was inspired by my AmaWaterways river cruise aboard the elegant AmaStella, and it was an unforgettable journey. In Budapest, I joined a special architecture tour highlighting the Hungarian Secessionist style, Hungary’s unique take... Read more from my Melodies of the Danube with AmaWaterways story.

The Joy of Solo Cruising

For many years, cruising was thought of as something you did as a couple or with a group. That’s because most cruise fares are traditionally priced on the basis of two people sharing a cabin. If you were traveling alone, you often had to pay a “single supplement,” which made the... Read more from my The Joy of Solo Cruising story.

My Reviews

Rating: 4.8 30 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Cruise Review

    Reviewed By Andrew - Boise, ID | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
    Fantastic is the best way to describe Ellen.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    218 of 336 people found this review helpful
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  • Holland America

    Reviewed By Thom - Pensacola, FLA | Traveled to Asia
    Excellent. She responds promptly.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    185 of 321 people found this review helpful
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  • Princess Cruises

    Reviewed By Mary Pat - Tampa, Florida | Traveled to Hawaii Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
    Efficient in making arrangements on the ship and in San Francisco. Took into account our preferences on prior travel arrangements. Good to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    172 of 305 people found this review helpful
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  • South-East Asia

    Reviewed By Cindy - The Villages, FLA | Traveled to Asia
    The entire process of booking a cruise with Ellen was excellent and is always enjoyable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    153 of 281 people found this review helpful
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  • Panama Canal

    Reviewed By Michael - Green Bay, WI | Traveled to Panama Canal ~ Panama ~ Central America
    She has always handled the logistics flawlessly, and we have without exception loved the cruises that she booked for us. Her advice during the planning process is so gentle that one sometimes has the impression that she isn't even offering any, but after the cruise is over we've realized that we ended up with a perfect experience.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    137 of 259 people found this review helpful
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  • Viking River Cruise

    Reviewed By Mary - Memphis, TN | Traveled to Danube ~ On the River ~ At Sea
    We love Ellen! She has helped us on many cruises and three more are already scheduled for the next 2 years. We have referred her to our friends and will continue to do so. We trust her judgment and experience and she has helped us in a variety of great ways as we make decisions about our travel plans. Thank you!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    134 of 255 people found this review helpful
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  • It was all that we had hoped for! THANK YOU ELLEN

    Reviewed By Dwayne - No Town, OK | Traveled to Quebec City | Quebec | Canada
    Ellen knew details that helped us and sought answers she didn't know. We will always use her for our future cruises. BTW, Ellen start looking into the Holland 18 day to Alaska for September 2026. We'll be talking!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Will do! Thank you, Dwayne!
    36 of 63 people found this review helpful
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  • Awesome 32 day South Pacific Cruise on Princess

    Reviewed By bcrv - Yuma, AZ | Traveled to South Pacific
    Ellen is an excellent TA, she has a great attention to detail and is always very responsive. She also keeps an eye out for lower prices or better perks and we appreciate that.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you Belinda!
    37 of 69 people found this review helpful
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  • S. America

    Reviewed By Louise - Round Rock, TX | Traveled to South America
    Hi Everything was great and I loved this trip
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    127 of 249 people found this review helpful
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  • wonderful cruise to Alaska

    Reviewed By AgentFan123 - Sunnyside, WA | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Ellen was very helpful in getting us on the kind of cruise we wanted. If she wasn't available when we called, she always called back in a timely manner. Her explanations about the cruise gave us good information. Her scheduling of the two excursions we took were exactly what we wanted. Our verandah room was perfect. We appreciated the $100 onboard credit from Cruise Specialists and the surprise onboard $25 shopping gift! Ellen suggested we sign up for the evening dinning room at a table of six. We did that one evening and decided we much preferred doing the evening buffet in the Lido Market so we could eat with a variety of people. We are both extroverts and enjoy meeting new people so that suited us best. Ellen would not have known that about us.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    19 of 35 people found this review helpful
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  • First time solo traveler

    Reviewed By Chas - CARMEL. Ca | Traveled to Hawaii | USA
    Ellen helped me with planning my first cruise since the passing of my husband. She was very sensitive to my concerns as well as suggesting options that would make me more comfortable travelling alone. As a result I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. 
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Louise for taking the time to review my service. It has truly been a pleasure working with you and I am so glad you had an enjoyable cruise vacation.
    38 of 75 people found this review helpful
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  • Love cruising

    Reviewed By Nina Pearcy - Chehalis, Washington | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    I have recommended Ellen to family and friends several times, she is FANTASTIC.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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  • Totally Amazing and Surprising

    Reviewed By NA - Sunnyside, Washington | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Fantastic on all levels! Ellen Odd was so informative, warm, and fun!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    23 of 46 people found this review helpful
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  • HAL cruise

    Reviewed By Nina - Chehalis, Wash. | Traveled to Baja ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
    Ellen is always so helpful and has helped me a lot over the years.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Nina! I'm so happy to work with you!
    67 of 135 people found this review helpful
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  • Holiday Cruise

    Reviewed By Carol - Indio, CA | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
    Ellen was helpful and responded to emails. She tried to help get a lower fee with Holland America.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    128 of 258 people found this review helpful
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  • Finding the best cruise for us

    Reviewed By PhilM - Seattle | Traveled to Alaska | USA
    Ellen has helped us with two cruises, a river cruise in Europe and an ocean cruise in the US. She helped us to filter through all of the options to quickly come up with several comparable cruises that fit our needs, then quickly completed the booking and obtained and completed our travel insurance purchase. Between the booking and the cruise, Ellen kept us up to date on requirements from the cruise line and getting our documents in order.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you so much Phil! Great to work with you too!!!
    16 of 35 people found this review helpful
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  • We love the cruise!

    Reviewed By Demanding Client - Estes Park, Colorado | Traveled to Anchorage | Alaska | USA
    Ellen was amazing. I had no idea when we booked the cruise six months ago how much follow-up she would provide. She was a huge part of our wonderfully positive experience.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    26 of 55 people found this review helpful
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  • HAL cruise

    Reviewed By Ellen Odd - Chehalis, Washington | Traveled to Cabo San Lucas | Baja California Sur | Mexico
    I have worked with Ellen for about 30 years and have followed her when she changes offices, she is wonderful, caring and gives us excellent service. She is #1 in my opinion.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you so much, Nina!
    34 of 71 people found this review helpful
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  • Ellen is wonderful!

    Reviewed By Jeff - Aurora, CO | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
    Ellen booked our river cruise to Europe. She was very helpful as it was our first river cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    128 of 259 people found this review helpful
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  • Fantastic trip, fantastic service!

    Reviewed By SeattleLisa - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Hakodate | Japan | East and Southeast Asia
    Ellen Odd is a super-responsive travel agent. I booked a 19 night cruise on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth from Yokihama, Japan to Seattle and we communicated over many months. She never failed to respond to my emailed questions promptly, and completely explained all the details. All her communications were excellent! I have already recommended her to several friends.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Lisa!
    19 of 42 people found this review helpful
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  • Holland America Caribbean

    Reviewed By Charlie - Calgary, Alberta | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
    Ellen and her staff were very efficient ! Great service !
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    136 of 276 people found this review helpful
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  • My birthday present to me!

    Reviewed By No nickname - Parkland Florida | Traveled to Boston | Massachusetts | USA
    I had a good time! Could have been better if I had been more aware of the size of the ship, the amount of people aboard & all the children! Most people’s attire was less than casual! To be perfectly honest, I was shocked! The ships crew were attentive, friendly & respectful! Every night for dinner, my girlfriend and I dressed nicely-not over the top but certainly nicer than old shorts & sloppy tee shirts! The servers remarked how pleasant it was to see us dressed nicely & neatly! The food was very good! The excursions were interesting & informative! Huge disappointment with the St John excursion! Not much to see & experience! Would have been much happier with Providence! The explanations about the excursions were not entirely true! They were very flowery in order to sell the tour but were not entirely honest! In spite of the above, I enjoyed myself but would rethink taking another cruise!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    16 of 38 people found this review helpful
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  • Prinsendam Cruise

    Reviewed By Tim - Denver | Traveled to South America
    Always working on your behalf -- would not consider anyone else. Confident in accepting her advice.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    135 of 276 people found this review helpful
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  • Spectacular Alaska journey.

    Reviewed By Alaska Hiker - Shoreline, WA USA | Traveled to Juneau | Alaska | USA
    Booked trip with Ellen around February. All documents and notifications received promptly. All correspondence handles very efficiently.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Steve!
    24 of 56 people found this review helpful
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  • Oceania

    Reviewed By Pat - Sacramento, CA | Traveled to Europe
    No problems. She is capable and articulate.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    134 of 277 people found this review helpful
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  • Great Trip

    Reviewed By John - Indian Wells, CA | Traveled to Scandinavia ~ Europe
    Great. Got back to me with answers very quickly. Enjoyed all the perks from Ellen and a Cruise Specialists while on the cruise. Thank you
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    123 of 255 people found this review helpful
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  • Great trip!

    Reviewed By Travel2025 - Coweta, Oklahoma | Traveled to Quebec City | Quebec | Canada
    We had a great time with longtime friends. No problems with the trip. Agent was very thorough in providing plenty of information.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Tammy!
    22 of 55 people found this review helpful
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  • 2nd time with this itinerary

    Reviewed By Kent - Oxford md | Traveled to Budapest ~ Hungary ~ Europe
    Great. Very responsive
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Ellen Odd responded:
    Thank you, Kent. It is a pleasure working with you.
    59 of 132 people found this review helpful
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  • Western Caribbean & Cuba

    Reviewed By George - Beverly Hills | Traveled to Caribbean
    Great. She pulled my records up so only had to tell her which trip I was interested in. She asked necessary questions and things done in short order to our satisfaction
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    124 of 266 people found this review helpful
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  • Grand Cruise

    Reviewed By Henry - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to South America
    She was excellent; very friendly, professional and knowledgeable! Highly recommend
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    152 of 330 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