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Joe Lucero / Expedition Cruise Expert
Joe Lucero

Joe Lucero

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

Expedition Cruise Expert

Wildlife takes center stage on expedition cruises
Wildlife takes center stage on expedition cruises

After having recently experienced an expedition cruise with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic, I am eager to put my knowledge and insight to work for you.

Here are some details from my experience during the 5-day “Wild California Escape.” I am resident of the Bay Area, so while I’m certainly very familiar with this region, this expedition cruise allowed me to learn new things and see our world in a different way – beyond the hustle and bustle of life in the Bay Area. I truly think anyone who has a yearning for a more adventurous type of travel and in-depth information would highly value an expedition cruise.

The 5-day cruise began aboard the new National Geographic Venture, with a departure from San Francisco. We sailed along the California coast to Angel Island, a National Historic Landmark and the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay. Venture then sailed to Monterey Bay, an epicenter for biodiversity; then Vallejo, located at the southern tip of California wine country; and, finally a return to San Francisco.

One benefits of this expedition cruise included the small size of the ship (only 100 guests) — making it so easy to dock or tender in a multitude of places that a larger ocean-going ship could not reach. Bringing us closer to nature, instead of riding in a larger tender vessel (common with larger cruise ships), we used Zodiacs, the rubber boats with the wooden bottoms; it was easy to load on and off. I really enjoyed that aspect of the trip because it brought you closer to nature. During the evenings, there were Recaps after dinner — when the daily activities were discussed and plans were made for the following day. After 8:30 pm, the rest of the evening was spent on one’s own, as Venture sailed to the next destination.

Lindblad brings a team of experts to really enlighten its guests. They had a marine biologist, plus other naturalists so there was someone to talk about anything that took place.

Eco-Friendly

My cabin had a standard ocean view. The bathrooms were stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap and shower gels.

In the spirit of eco-friendliness, rather than having plastic water bottles on the vessel, metal ones were available for use throughout the voyage. The meals served aboard were fresh, local and sourced from suppliers who share Lindblad’s values of sustainability. Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, while dinner was a plated meal. 

Ports and Excursions

Port highlights included Monterey, with a trolley that is very quick and easy to use; and visiting the Culinary Institute of America, at Copia. Our group had two winery stops, participated in a cooking demonstration and enjoyed a lunch, with wine pairings, prepared at the Culinary Institute.

Setting Expectations

Passengers should be mobile and active. You’ll have to be able to keep up with the various activities going on. For instance, on Angel Island, they have any number of different levels of hikes. Even the non-strenuous ones were vigorous for some.Come in with a level of expectations. The kind of people who are on Lindblad are intelligent and curious, and want to be educated on different aspects of nature.

Contact me about expedition cruising!

Because of this experience, I feel especially suited to be able to answer questions you may have about expedition cruising. There are so many enriching and diverse destinations you can travel to on an expedition cruise – this close-to-home California example, or more far-flung such as the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, the Arctic, and a growing number of other places around the world.

Expedition cruising is a relatively newer concept for leisure travelers. I see many people who have never taken an ocean cruise before, but who have perhaps river cruised or taken exotic land tours showing an interest in it. The level of luxury with expedition cruising is also growing exponentially, with custom-built expedition cruise ships coming out from Viking Expedition and Seabourn. Silversea Cruises already has more than a decade of expedition cruising on its fleet of expedition ships and I have found this to be a very enriching experience for my clients.

I highly recommend taking a closer look at expedition cruising and finding the one that best suits your travel preferences and dream destinations.

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • California
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Antarctica
  • Alaska
  • South Pacific

Interests

  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises
  • Cruises

Supplier

  • Abercrombie & Kent
  • Silversea
  • Tauck

Certificates & Awards

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Reviews

Rating: 5 52 Reviews | 100% Recommended

  • Cruise from Rome

    Reviewed By Ho Wan - Seattle | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Joe was great to work with on this trip. Very organized and made sure we understood each step. Answered all my questions and concerns professionally. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an advisor.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    129 of 213 people found this review helpful
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  • Expert assistance

    Reviewed By Zena - Prescott | Traveled to Scandinavia
    oe was very professional and knowledgeable. He would follow up on each of my requests and everything happened as he predicted. He was very helpful in helping me rebook a better flight after the carrier cancelled my flight and offered me a totally unacceptable alternative to replace the flight they had abruptly and unexpected cancelled.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    118 of 202 people found this review helpful
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  • RAVES FOR JOE LUCERO

    Reviewed By Charlene - Albuquerque, NM | Traveled to Scandinavia
    We have worked with Joe Lucero for many years. We cannot overstate the value and help he has been to us, in researching, choosing, and booking many cruises of varying lengths. Joe has a vast knowledge of cruise lines, cruise ships, and cruise itineraries all of which he happily shares with us. He is ever diligent in responding to our every telephone call and email. He always deals with us in a timely, straightforward and honest fashion. I am convinced that the prices he quotes to us are the best that can be found. We give Joe Lucero our highest praise and would recommend him to anyone who is thinking of a cruise, and who wishes to receive the best service available.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    111 of 192 people found this review helpful
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  • AU & NZ Cruise

    Reviewed By Kaylin - San Diego | Traveled to Australia
    Joe was very helpfull in getting cruise, hotel and air arrangements in place
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    108 of 186 people found this review helpful
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  • Viking - South Pacific Sojourn

    Reviewed By Lesley - San Francisco, CA | Traveled to South Pacific
    Very good; Joe is always very professional, prompt and responsive, answers questions thoughtfully and does his best to get us what we want. We would highly recommend Joe to anyone!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    112 of 196 people found this review helpful
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  • Our first river cruise

    Reviewed By Saige - Dover, DE | Traveled to Danube
    Joe provided us with great guidance as we were rookie river cruises. All information was provided in a timely and complete manner
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    112 of 196 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe

    Reviewed By Imre - Wake Forest, NC | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Joe was helpful, informative and efficient.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    101 of 175 people found this review helpful
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  • Following the Vikings

    Reviewed By Gloria - Atlanta, GA | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    He was very helpful and answered all of my questions. He responded quickly to email and phone messages.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    110 of 194 people found this review helpful
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  • Grand Asia

    Reviewed By Genevieve - Austin | Traveled to Japan
    Professional, responsive, and competent.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    107 of 189 people found this review helpful
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  • spitzbergen

    Reviewed By Constance - Coral Gables | Traveled to Greece
    Joe Lucero has always done everything perfect for us. We have worked with him since 2012.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    101 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • It's a Pleasure to Book a Cruise Through Joe Lucero

    Reviewed By Leonard - Scottsdale, AZ | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Joe Lucero is practically always available by phone. If he's not in when I call, he returns my calls promptly or there is someone else present who can help me. He remembers who I am from year to year and usually remembers my travel preferences. He is very careful to make sure everything is booked to our specifications and that we understand the costs. He checks with us before making any alternative bookings. On our last cruise, he knew we were traveling in Spain before embarking on our cruise. He successfully got a message to us in Barcelona of a last minute change in the place to meet our cruise ship and asked us to let him know that we got his message in time. Joe is always enjoyable to talk to and I feel that he cares about our vacation and appreciates our return business.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    111 of 198 people found this review helpful
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  • Review of Travel Advisor

    Reviewed By Edgar - Pembroke Pines | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Joe is very knowledge about the cruise industry. He is always helpful and professional.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    103 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Great

    Reviewed By Judy - Cocoa Beach, FL | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Great He is always very helpful. Joe is careful to make sure everything is correct. He has a great personality.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    112 of 201 people found this review helpful
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  • Great service

    Reviewed By JW - Madison, WI | Traveled to World Cruise
    Joe is excellent to work with! Great customer service!!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    108 of 194 people found this review helpful
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  • Princess Hawaii Cruise

    Reviewed By Maria - Salt Lake City | Traveled to Hawaii
    Working with Joe was a pleasure. He attended to everything professionally and thoroughly.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    101 of 180 people found this review helpful
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  • How I felt working with joe l

    Reviewed By Loretta - Wilmington, DE | Traveled to Greece
    Confusing to say the least Unavailability by phone even when we had phone appointments several times
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 176 people found this review helpful
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  • Another great year

    Reviewed By Curtis - New York | Traveled to Europe
    We have been working with Joe for over 12 years and 30+ cruises and land journeys. He has been extremely responsive to my needs to connect multiple tours back to back... sometimes a difficult task however Joe has been successful. One of the many benefits working with Joe, has been his connections with the tour providers and sort out the details for me. All with a personal and responsive touch. We highly recommend Joe for your travel needs!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe Lucero

    Reviewed By Shauna - Moraga | Traveled to South Pacific
    Joe is very Professional and experience with the Cruise industry is very helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    106 of 192 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruises

    Reviewed By Ellen - Salt Lake City, UT | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Joe is very knowledgeable.  He is current with all ships and lines and knows the ins and outs of the Cruise Industry.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    110 of 200 people found this review helpful
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  • Go With Joe!!!

    Reviewed By Al - Denver, CO | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    Joe took care of any question or problem we had! He would always promptly return all of our phone calls.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    111 of 203 people found this review helpful
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  • A real cool advisor

    Reviewed By Joesph - Oxnard | Traveled to Mediterranean
    We have been working with Joe for 6 to 7 years, he has always been there to advise and to run inference with our cruise lines. He is very responsive and most of the time takes less than a day to respond to our queries. We are Regent snobs and it is always easier to deal with one knowledgeable individual than a host of Regent representatives. These are only some of the reasons Joe will always be our Advisor.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    108 of 198 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe

    Reviewed By Jeanette - Englewood, CO | Traveled to Mediterranean
    He is excellent: efficient, polite, sensitive to our preferences.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 180 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel Advisor

    Reviewed By Wendy - Ormond Beach | Traveled to Alaska
    He is a travel advisor with quick response and thorough follow through. Reliable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    113 of 208 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe Lucero

    Reviewed By Marsha - Atlanta | Traveled to Alaska
    Excellent . . . prompt, knowledgeable, responsive and takes ownership of any issues that develop along the way - very positive and easy to deal with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 176 people found this review helpful
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  • No big problems!

    Reviewed By Delmor - Long Beach, CA | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    The whole experience was maybe not as personalized as I might wish, but Joe did help make our recent cruise experience logistically smooth. We started off with Joe, thinking we’d do a river Cruise in Portugal - but he helped us get good rooms on the very different OCEAN cruise... which it turns out was a better fit for the 4 of us. His “welcome gift” was also very welcome!!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    106 of 195 people found this review helpful
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  • cruise consultant

    Reviewed By Sheryl - Scottsdale, AZ | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Joe is the best. We have worked with him for several years and we would use no one else.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    101 of 185 people found this review helpful
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  • voyage of vikings

    Reviewed By Angelina - Madison, WI | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    I knew what trip I wanted when I contacted the web page. Joe set me up with a great room and booked the trip for me. I had no problems and the trip was the best ever.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    103 of 189 people found this review helpful
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  • Great Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Owen - Spokane | Traveled to Europe
    have been a client of Joe Lucero for over 14 years. He has helped/organized over 30 cruises and land trips. Always great to work with Joe... He has been an excellent travel resource.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    108 of 200 people found this review helpful
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  • Professional

    Reviewed By Vesta - Mesquite | Traveled to Tahiti
    Joe took care of us from start to finish. The entire process could not have been more pleasant. We will use Joe again.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    101 of 186 people found this review helpful
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  • Trip went perfectly

    Reviewed By Lynda - Santa Ana | Traveled to Caribbean
    What an awesome trip. Joe took care of all the planning and accommodations, leaving us nothing to do but enjoy our vacation. Plus, we received a nice surprise our first night of the cruise. Thank You So Much
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent Experience

    Reviewed By Allen - Langhorne | Traveled to Canada
    I have worked with Joe on three different cruises. Each time he was responsive, answered our questions quickly. But most important, things went exactly like he said with no surprises. I will be using Joe in the future. You should too!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    110 of 206 people found this review helpful
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  • One week Carribean cruise

    Reviewed By Diana - Waunakee | Traveled to Alaska
    I have used Joe's services on many cruises and have always found him to be a valuable advisor and consultant. This cruise was no different when he booked three cabins and air for my family. As always he was very helpful and pleasant to deal with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 178 people found this review helpful
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  • Best Advisor

    Reviewed By Annette - Topeka, KS | Traveled to Europe
    Started working with Joe  over 11 years ago!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    100 of 186 people found this review helpful
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  • World Cruise #6

    Reviewed By Rodney - Minneapolis | Traveled to World Cruise
    Joe has always taken good care of my needs. He responds quickly to my phone calls.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    103 of 193 people found this review helpful
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  • Great

    Reviewed By Michelle - Austin | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Even though we lived 3 time zones apart I never was unable to contact or get a return call from Joe or one of hid associates. I would definitely use Joe again. He was a great resource for me concerning a great trip and cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise Specialist Is one company i highly recommend!

    Reviewed By Anna - East Hampton | Traveled to World Cruise
    Joe Lucero has us guided and giving us advise on numerous cruises we have taken. He is very knowledgeable, professional and wonderful to work with! He always gives us great advise about our travel, different cruiselines, visa requirements, hotelstays before and after the cruise and never stirred us wrong! He will send reminders whenever a deadline moves close to the date and he will tell you that he is always there for you!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    109 of 205 people found this review helpful
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  • Exactly as Promised

    Reviewed By Cara - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Europe
    Everything that Joe promised was delivered and we had a fantastic trip. We booked our next cruise while onboard and will be having that reservation transferred to Joe as well. In fact, I will be booking all future cruises through Joe.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 184 people found this review helpful
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  • Entering our 8th year with Joe

    Reviewed By Milissa - El Paso | Traveled to Japan
    Joe has been a pleasure to work with. He responds quickly to any inquiries and has always been patient enough to take the time to clarify conflicting information. Have recommended him to others and continue to work with him on future cruises.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    92 of 172 people found this review helpful
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  • Advisor Review

    Reviewed By Letha - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Joe was always prompt in responding to my questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 174 people found this review helpful
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  • Paradise Found

    Reviewed By Sheldon - Couer 'D Alene | Traveled to Tahiti
    With the addition of the Moana Program for our grandson the coordination of our activities with his presented us with opportunities for creativity. Joe rose to the challenge, was patient and understanding with us and put together the trip of a lifetime! Throughout the planning cycle Joe shared his personal experiences aboard the Paul Gauguin which aided in our preparations and shaped our expectations. Because of Joe this was truly the best cruise we have ever taken and will provide a lifetime of memories for our grandson.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    106 of 200 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe provided us with great guidance as we were rookie river cruises.

    Reviewed By Elizabeth-Lynn - Palm Desert | Traveled to Caribbean
    Joe is a professional who is very knowledgeable about the Travel Industry. He offers suggestions when needed and gives great service. All information was provided in a timely and complete manner.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • A great help

    Reviewed By Maureen - Bloomington, IN | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Great. He was very knowledgeable and patient. He made sure everything was in order. Also, he was concerned about saving me money.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    103 of 197 people found this review helpful
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  • Celebrity Solstice

    Reviewed By Errol - Pompano Beach, FL | Traveled to Alaska
    fine, very knowledgeable
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 181 people found this review helpful
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  • Not Joe's booking

    Reviewed By Jean - Lakewood | Traveled to World Cruise
    This booking was made by a previous TA. Joe did contact CUNARD to order a shower chair and distilled water. I found no fault with Joe's actions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellence

    Reviewed By Ann - Venice, FL | Traveled to South America
    It's always pleasant working with Joe, and he gets the details right.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    92 of 178 people found this review helpful
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  • Always Responsive

    Reviewed By Katherine - Chicago | Traveled to Europe
    Joe keeps us up to date and responds immediately when we have a question. What more could we ask for? Highly recommend.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 193 people found this review helpful
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  • Imperial China

    Reviewed By Ruth - Chevy Chase, MD | Traveled to Japan
    Joe’s professional experience as a travel agent made our booking and worries seamless. Any questions and concerns were responded back by Joe immediately with a positive response. My wife and I plan on booking any future ship travels with Joe.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 181 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaska

    Reviewed By Theophilus - Toronto, ON | Traveled to South America
    Attentive and responsive - enjoy working with Joe!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    110 of 217 people found this review helpful
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  • Thanks very much to Joe!

    Reviewed By Lynn - Cleburne | Traveled to Caribbean
    Excellent! I look forward to working with Joe again in planning for my next cruise travel adventure!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 188 people found this review helpful
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  • Joe and Tom Mullen to the Rescue!!

    Reviewed By Nancy - Ocala, FLA | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    You guys are great!! I’ve forwarded all emails to my mother (Tom – thanks for the pics and inventory!!)

    Thank you so much for all your help – you have no idea how much we appreciate it!

    Pat’s daughter Nancy…..
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    33 of 68 people found this review helpful
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  • Travel made easy

    Reviewed By Kincaid - Sarasota | Traveled to Europe
    We've used Joe's services for many years and he has never failed to please. Highly recommended !!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    91 of 184 people found this review helpful
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  • Advisor

    Reviewed By Walter - Ann Arbor, MI | Traveled to Australia
    Joe always responded quickly to my questions and concerns.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    83 of 186 people found this review helpful
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