Who is Cruise Specialists?
Cruise Specialists is a premier luxury cruise travel agency with over 35 years of expertise. We are part of the Travel Leaders Network and are recognized industry-wide for our focus on World Cruises, Grand Voyages, River Cruises, Expedition Cruises, and Luxury Ocean Voyages.
Why use Cruise Specialists or any travel advisor instead of booking directly with a cruise line?
When you book directly with a cruise line, you are limited to that one company’s offerings. At Cruise Specialists, we work with all major luxury and premium cruise lines — Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, Oceania, Holland America, Cunard, Celebrity, and more.
- We match you to the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary for your interests
- You get unbiased advice since we are not tied to a single brand
- We charge no fees — our services cost the same as booking direct
What extra benefits do Cruise Specialists provide?
- Exclusive Hosted Cruises: We host groups on World Cruises, Grand Voyages, and select sailings with onboard hosts who provide extra care and curated experiences.
- Special Amenities: Many of our clients receive extra perks such as shipboard credits, private events, or exclusive shore excursions.
- Personalized Service: Every client has a dedicated Cruise Consultant available by phone or email for planning and support.
Is it more expensive to book with Cruise Specialists?
No. Our pricing is the same as the cruise line’s direct rates, and often better because of our exclusive promotions. We add value with:
- Special group rates
- Private sale opportunities
- Added amenities at no extra cost
Which cruise types does Cruise Specialists specialize in?
- World Cruises – Complete circumnavigations and long voyages with full-service planning
- Luxury Ocean Cruises – Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Explora, and more.
- River Cruises – Rhine, Danube, Nile, Mekong, and beyond
- Expedition Cruises – Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic, Amazon, and remote destinations
- Hosted Grand Voyages – Unique, extended journeys with our expert hosts onboard
How do you get paid?
Our compensation comes directly from the cruise lines after you travel. This means our primary goal is to ensure you have an amazing vacation experience so you'll want to book with us again. Our advice is based on your best interests, not on a specific supplier.
Can you really get me a better deal?
Often, yes. While the base price of a cruise is often set by the cruise line, our value comes from our industry connections and expertise. We can find unadvertised deals, leverage group pricing, and bundle in exclusive perks (like onboard spending money) that add significant value to your vacation package. We also monitor for price drops after you book, which could result in a lower fare or an upgrade.
How does the booking process work?
- Consultation: We start with a free consultation via phone, email, or in-person to discuss your travel dreams, budget, and preferences.
- Research & Proposal: We use our expertise to research the best options and present you with a curated proposal of 2-3 top choices that fit your criteria.
- Booking: Once you’ve selected your perfect cruise, we handle the entire booking and deposit process.
- Confirmation & Preparation: We organize all your documents, provide pre-cruise tips, help with online check-in, and ensure you're fully prepared for your voyage.
What information do you need from me to start?
To give you the best recommendations, it’s helpful to know:
- Who is traveling (number of adults, children, and their ages)?
- What is your approximate budget?
- When and for how long would you like to travel?
- Where would you like to go (e.g., Caribbean, Alaska, Europe)?
- What is your travel style (e.g., relaxing, adventurous, family-focused, luxury)?
- Have you cruised before? If so, with which cruise lines?
I've already found a cruise I like online. Can you still help me?
Absolutely! Let us know the details of the cruise you've found. We can often match or beat the price and add extra amenities. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of our full service and support throughout your journey, which you wouldn't get by booking directly.
Do you just book the cruise, or can you help with flights, hotels, and tours?
We are a full-service travel agency. We can arrange every component of your trip to create a seamless, door-to-door vacation experience. This includes:
- Flights (often with better routing and prices)
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays
- Private or group shore excursions
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
Can you help with special requests or needs?
Yes. We can assist with all kinds of special arrangements, including celebrating a special occasion (anniversary, birthday), dietary restrictions, mobility requirements, booking adjoining cabins for families, and more. We communicate these needs directly to the cruise line to ensure they are handled properly.
What happens if I need to change or cancel my booking?
We are here to help. We will advise you of the cruise line's cancellation and change policies at the time of booking and will manage the entire process for you, saving you hours on the phone. We also strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.
What if something goes wrong while I'm on vacation?
You will have our direct contact information as well as 24/7 emergency support numbers for our travel partners. Instead of dealing with an anonymous call center, you have a dedicated specialist who knows you and your itinerary and can act quickly to resolve any issues. We are your advocate from start to finish.
What do customers say?
- “Our Cruise Specialists advisor made planning our 120-day World Cruise effortless. We would never book without them again.” – John & Mary, World Cruise Guests
- “They helped us compare Silversea and Regent and guided us to the perfect cruise.” – Elizabeth, Luxury Mediterranean Cruise
- “Booking through Cruise Specialists was the same cost as the cruise line, but we got shipboard credit and a personal advisor.” – Robert, Alaska Cruise
How do I get started?