Meet Our Team
At Uncommon Cruises, we're blessed to have great Specialty Cruise Advisors, article authors, researchers, and discussion moderators whose collective energy and brain power keep us afloat. This unique blend of expertise means dependable and accurate information for you. So when you're ready to travel, it will lead to a seamless and unforgettable specialty cruise adventure. Let's introduce some of them…
Top▲Specialty Cruise Advisors
While many travel companies call their travel agents and consultants 'experts', few really are. At Uncommon Cruises, our Specialty Cruise Advisors are seasoned travel professionals with solid expertise in one or more areas of specialty cruises — like unique vessels, off-the-beaten-path destinations, unusual cruise themes, as well as the individual cruise lines that deliver these uncommon journeys.
When you see one of our cruise specialists featured in the left sidebar of a website page, you can be confident that he or she is uniquely qualified to provide insider information on what you're viewing. So, if you have questions, or are looking for hard-to-find information, click on the 'Contact Me' button to connect with that Specialty Cruise Advisor.
If you would like to become one of our Advisors, click here.
Join the UncommonCruises Team
A Message from our Managing Director
Jami Sales
Thank you so much for your willingness to explore new horizons with us.
I am just so excited about the launch of this our newest division. Even though a 'newborn', UncommonCruises.com comes from good stock — a well-established parent company which has delivered concierge-style service to intrepid travelers since 1987.
We can quietly yet proudly boast of the lowest attrition rate of any retail organization in the travel industry. And the secret is this: people simply love working with us.
Specialty Cruise Advisors
So, are you an experienced agent? You may already be an expert in one area of this market and have clients who have "been there and done that". Our resources and exclusive journeys can turbo charge your business. We offer full leisure travel hosting with leads that are literally dropped right into your lap. We also welcome inquires on being a co-host with your current business. And if you've completed any of the training modules offered by NCMA, we really should talk!
If not an established travel agent, are you a passionate traveler in love with specialty cruises? If so, we welcome your inquiry, too. We are recognized for our extensive training to help establish your professional skills so you can be a successful consultant in this lucrative market. We provide the systems and the structure to complement your enthusiasm and knowledge for any aspect of specialty cruises.
Either way, read our brochure and then send us some information about your interests to get the ball rolling! Just complete a bit of background info on this questionnaire and send it to us at hr@UncommonCruises.com We'd love to hear from you about your area of expertise or enthusiasm. We believe that when you do what you love, the money does follow!
Forum Moderators
The success of any forum is as much the result of good vigorous discussions and exchanges as it is the facilitators overseeing them. We would love to hear from you if you would like to join our tight-knit group of forum moderators. Tell us more about why you would like to join our talented volunteers. Email us at hr@UncommonCruises.com
Writers and Contributors
In spite of not being able to compensate any of our writers and contributors, we still receive exceptional articles on specialty cruises from people like you who simply are bursting to share their written thoughts with others. We can promise you this, though... you will enjoy a worldwide readership who will come to appreciate and thank you for your contributions. Go to our Article Submissions page for more details.
We look forward to talking to you!
Jami Sales
Managing Director
Jami.Sales@UncommonCruises.com
Meet our Specialty Cruise Advisors
Char & Don BergerWe are Pacific Northwest natives who after many years of enjoying our local Puget Sound by yacht and land have turned to sharing our love of travel with our clients. We have specialized in cruise and leisure travel since 2002. We have experienced over twelve cruises, including meandering through the incredible Yasawa Islands of Fiji… Char & Don Berger
Char & Don Berger, Specialty Cruise AdvisorsMy Specialties
We are Pacific Northwest natives who after many years of enjoying our local Puget Sound by yacht and land have turned to sharing our love of travel with our clients. We have specialized in cruise and leisure travel since 2002. We have experienced over twelve cruises, including meandering through the incredible Yasawa Islands of Fiji on Blue Lagoon Cruises. Sailing on a tall ship with Windjammer Barefoot Cruises was also an almost indescribable experience. Our cruising experience coupled with visits to many Caribbean Islands, Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific allow us to offer our clients many special insights gleaned from our own journeys that help make each of their vacations a trip of a lifetime. There is something quite special about secluded ports the big ships can't get to. It's magical sailing on smaller vessels in the balmy waters of the Caribbean and South Pacific. Glimpsing local life. Capturing the flavor of the islands. Feasting on local foods and shopping for local treasures. Our clients enjoy our contagious enthusiasm for the road less traveled because it translates into unique, personalized travel planning for them. Arranging excursions to see sights our clients have dreamed about for years is so rewarding. The journey of planning ideal vacations and creating itineraries that turn dreams into reality is truly gratifying. We enjoy our client's adventures and delight in planning each step of their trip. Some say planning each adventure is almost as much fun as the actual vacation! Char & Don Berger
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Few Testimonials About MeExcellent overall experience, documents well prepared. Char and Don organized such a special cruise and land tour vacation, really unique with lots of special activities. It was wonderful! I didn't use the website - just phoned or emailed Char (many times!)
Helpful and knowledgeable, Char was very worried about our group’s unavoidable cruise delay in Rome and tried her best to help by phoning all night overseas to help and arranging delayed transfers. She worked with all group members, was knowledgeable and helpful. Char was also thoughtful in every way, even with a gift!
Char has excellent knowledge and worked with me and to help us plan just the trip we wanted. Our documents were well prepared creating a great land vacation customized just for us.
Don’s helpfulness, accuracy and close communication resulted in a great vacation with excellent cabin locations.
Traveled with friends, all documents, trip itinerary and details were excellent. Char was very helpful in arranging a surprise vacation with friends:
Knowing that we were traveling in a group, Char wrote the cabin numbers of the rest of our group in our paperwork and even highlighted all of the cabins on the map. She gave us great advice and was always available to answer questions. This was our first cruise and we had a wonderful experience.
Don gave great information and recommendations including a great recommended packing list - awesome for a first time cruiser. His excellent arrangements, timely and accurate documents were extremely helpful and accommodating.
The most unusual trip [Upper Amazon River] we've ever been on....and IE was AWESOME! They really take good care of you! Anyway, we had a terrific time, really enjoyed the small group, the wildlife and "jungle" were absolutely unbelieveable, and the village visits were very interesting (gorgeous kids!).....the guides were beyond wonderful with their knowledge and great personalities. Thanks for helping us find this awesome trip!
A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
Catherine MacDonaldI'm a military brat who traveled the world with my parents. I enjoyed it so much, I followed in my father's footsteps and embarked on my own adventures as a military nurse. I have been fortunate to live in Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, and even the Mariana Islands (ask me if you're not sure where they are). I have toured and… Catherine MacDonald
Catherine MacDonald, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I'm a military brat who traveled the world with my parents. I enjoyed it so much, I followed in my father's footsteps and embarked on my own adventures as a military nurse. I have been fortunate to live in Japan, the Philippines, Hawaii, and even the Mariana Islands (ask me if you're not sure where they are). I have toured and cruised throughout Asia, many of the Pacific Islands, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. Having lived abroad for a third of my life, I can share local insights into many travel destinations. For example, did you know Okinawa, Japan has some of the world's most amazing scuba diving? Or that on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, there is a little Thai restaurant that locals flock to and most tourists miss? But big adventures are just as thrilling as little ones. China was an unforgettable experience. The serene beauty of a river trip in Guilin, the silent splendor of the Xian Terra Cotta Warriors, and of course, the thrill of climbing the majestic Great Wall. And I do mean climbing — there are sections that you ascend on your hands and knees! I can offer up-to-date information on many outstanding vacation values, cruise specials, bonus amenities, and related land arrangements. If you are looking for more than a vacation; if you are looking for a journey of a lifetime, a real vacation experience, contact me and I'll be delighted to assist with your specialty cruise planning. Catherine MacDonald
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
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Diane CoffmanI have always had what I call wanderlust and have yearned to travel the world! I have taken over 10 cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. I have done several interesting activities in the ports of call that I have visited and can offer insight based on my own exciting adventures abroad. I have been a vacation planning… Diane Coffman
Diane Coffman, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I have always had what I call wanderlust and have yearned to travel the world! I have taken over 10 cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. I have done several interesting activities in the ports of call that I have visited and can offer insight based on my own exciting adventures abroad. I have been a vacation planning specialist for 10 years and I know that we all work very hard for our precious vacation time, therefore I am very detail oriented and meticulous. I will work very hard to ensure that you have the vacation of your dreams! I am a graduate of the Certified Niche Cruise Specialist Program, I have completed extensive formal Disney training and I am a certified Beverly Clark Travel Specialist. Whether you are looking for spectacular adventure, a romantic honeymoon or getaway, family vacation or just a simple quiet retreat from the daily grind, call me and I will help you create memories that will last a lifetime! Diane Coffman
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
Judy RichmondAfter taking an early retirement from the corporate world, I began learning more about our world and sharing it with others through travel. I have been helping people fulfill their travel desires for over 20 years. I have traveled to many destinations personally and gone in spirit with my clients to hundreds of others. One of… Judy Richmond
Judy Richmond, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
After taking an early retirement from the corporate world, I began learning more about our world and sharing it with others through travel. I have been helping people fulfill their travel desires for over 20 years. I have traveled to many destinations personally and gone in spirit with my clients to hundreds of others. One of my favorite cruises was on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers on a paddle wheeler. Imaging sitting in a rocking chair, eating homemade cookies, and watching the scenery go by. Visiting small river towns and old-time Southern cities along the rivers takes one back to a gentler time; life was good. The pleasant pace of a paddle wheeler offers a welcome change from the fast pace of daily life today. Alaska is one of my favorite destinations. Having cruised there over 10 times and toured the interior several times, I am continually amazed at the spectacular and ever-changing scenery and wildlife. There is always something new to experience. This past winter I had the opportunity to visit Fairbanks during the season without sun. I went to watch a race. I met mushers, their dogs, and participants of the famous and grueling 1000 mile dog race. I was there on the front lines when it all began. It was far below zero, but the scenery was wonderful and the people very warm hearted. I am very committed to providing the best possible service to my clients; their continued, repeat business indicates that they recognize this and appreciate it. I focus on the myriad details that go into careful planning that makes vacations stress-free. I want my clients to just relax and enjoy their time away. With the addition of our new program, Uncommon Cruises, I look forward to continuing to provide my clients with the same research and planning, attention to detail, and a high level of service. Most importantly, I strive to take the guesswork out of planning and to do my best to assure that your vacation will be a rewarding life experience. Judy Richmond
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
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Show More Advisors | ||
Marisa Garber-BrownI took my first cruise at age 13 and have been hooked ever since. I love cruising so much I wanted to share my enthusiasms with others. I am lucky enough to have traveled extensively. I have traveled throughout the blue watered Caribbean and the historic Europe. I have visited Africa and Alaska and just last year I spent… Marisa Garber-Brown
Marisa Garber-Brown, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I took my first cruise at age 13 and have been hooked ever since. I love cruising so much I wanted to share my enthusiasms with others. I am lucky enough to have traveled extensively. I have traveled throughout the blue watered Caribbean and the historic Europe. I have visited Africa and Alaska and just last year I spent some time traveling the South Pacific. I can.t say enough good things about the stunning views in Australia or the picturesque Fiji. In addition to my first hand knowledge, I have completed many of the cruise line specialist programs. I would love to share my wisdom with you! I always dedicate myself to finding the voyage that best matches your needs and desires. Matching the clients desires to the on board experience and ambience of a ship are key to an incredible cruise vacation. Each ship and itinerary has a unique personality - casual elegance, family friendly fun, active adventure, or even sophisticated and scholarly. Service is very important to me with the planning process just the beginning of our relationship. Vacations should be memorable (after all you deserve the best!) and I will go above and beyond to make your experience a wonderful one! I.m here to help you make it happen! Marisa Garber-Brown
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
Marilyn ByfieldI feel very fortunate to make my home in one of the most scenic & vibrant port cities in the world . Vancouver. It's difficult trying to disguise my age if I have to share with you that I've been a travel agent since 1970! But what's important for you to know is I've focused almost exclusively on cruises for the past 30 years. …Marilyn Byfield
Marilyn Byfield, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I feel very fortunate to make my home in one of the most scenic & vibrant port cities in the world . Vancouver. It's difficult trying to disguise my age if I have to share with you that I've been a travel agent since 1970! But what's important for you to know is I've focused almost exclusively on cruises for the past 30 years. I think it's important to have had deep experience on 'big box' cruises to really understand the incredible benefits of small-ship cruising. I'll soon have nearly 50 cruises under my belt, and among them have been cruises with the mass-market cruise lines, the mega ships, luxury cruises, and many cruises on the smaller, more intimate vessels you'll find here on our website. These are my favorites! I have been very fortunate to have seen so many facets of our fabulous planet, both as a travel professional as well as in my role as World Chairman of the International Federation of Women's Travel Organizations (IFWTO). Advising on specialty cruises is my expertise, but my passion is Southern Africa. It's become my 'home away from home', having visited and traveled extensively in this incredible part of the world nine times in the last five years. And, of course, I can tell you all about little-known cruises that take you around 'the Fairest Cape'. What a perfect complement to a once-in-a-lifetime safari! All of this feeds my desire to go the extra mile for my clients so that their vacation is one of the most talked about experiences of their lives. Marilyn Byfield
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
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Barb StetzerAs a restless adolescent from the suburbs, my goal was to see far more of the world than just downtown Pittsburgh. Mind you, visiting the museum, the library, and going to the planetarium and the symphony all contributed to my growing wanderlust. But it was at the aviary, gazing at exotic birds from from far-flung corners of the planet… Barb Stetzer
Barb Stetzer, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
Hoping to become a flight attendant, it was a disappointment to be turned down because of height limitations imposed at that time. But being ‘grounded’ only served to make my feet itchier. I’ve combed the entire eastern seaboard from Nova Scotia down to Florida and traversed the continent for a stint in Southern California. My first trip overseas was to Central and Northern Europe – Austria, Hungary, Germany and Finland. But the travel bug was now firmly embedded in my system. This was soon followed by extensive touring with my husband through Italy, Germany and fascinating, fabulous China. Cruising through the Three Gorges on the Yangtze is for me a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But once small ship cruises take a hold, there is no turning back. The Caribbean on a windjammer, the up close and personal experience of the wildnerness and glaciers of Alaska, transiting the incredible Panama Canal and listening to the mystical murmur of the Lorelei on the Rhine. These are the kinds of experiences I strive to achieve for my clients, and I get as much pleasure out of planning travel adventures for them as I do traveling myself. Barb Stetzer
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
Debbie MarshallI was born under a lucky and wandering star. As a junior in high school, I was accepted into a work experience program at a travel agency in North Hollywood, CA and I’ve never looked back. Six continents, 75 countries, and over 50 cruises later, I’m hooked on travel. Both the experiencing and the planning bring heaps of… Debbie Marshall
Debbie Marshall, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I was born under a lucky and wandering star. As a junior in high school, I was accepted into a work experience program at a travel agency in North Hollywood, CA and I’ve never looked back. Six continents, 75 countries, and over 50 cruises later, I’m hooked on travel. Both the experiencing and the planning bring heaps of pleasure. Along the way, I discovered the joy of small ship cruises that visit the more intimate, lesser known ports of call. Like a cruise along the pristine Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Zodiac landings on humanity-free islands and beaches with true wildlife experts... for me, it doesn’t get any better than this. No disembarkation lines, no formal nights, no bingo. Just the stars, some scintillating food, amazingly well-traveled shipmates, and the time, space, and place to just be in the moment. My clients are diverse and each has their own motivations for cruising. One, a Chinese-American woman, wanted to return to her homeland with her Americanized teenagers to meet her biological father whom she had only met once as a young girl. Intrigued, I put a group together and we all had an incredible experience cruising the Yangtze on the Victoria Empress. It has been my great pleasure and privilege to have planned vacations for thousands of clients over the past 30+ years. Some to celebrate life’s milestones. Others to see the world and its wonders. Some cruise to re-kindle the romance in their lives. Whatever your reason, I look forward to planning your next vacation. Debbie Marshall
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
later; my normal hours are posted above. Or send me an
email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Few Testimonials About Me“Thank you for all of your hard work and attention to detail. It made our 35th anniversary an incredible experience.”
“Debbie views travel as more than a trip but an overall life experience. The experience starts well before the trip is booked; there is a great deal of planning involved. She has studied my family's 'travel personality' which has enabled her to suggest and coordinate trips that satisfy the cravings of each and every one of us. Traveling, especially internationally, can be frightening at times. We have visited many places where we were unable to communicate without assistance – but we have always felt assured that Debbie has made the proper accommodations to keep us safe. Debbie takes the stress out of traveling – we love traveling with her assistance and will continue to do so as long as we are able to.”
“Jim and I would like to extend to you our sincere thanks for all of your help in preparing our vacation. You put together our trip on very short notice and everything was perfect. All of the accommodations were excellent... Thank you also for your help and suggestions concerning my luggage. It did arrive a few hours after we had left but that was okay...at least we knew it wasn’t lost forever. Thank you again so very much!!!! .... We’ll be back....There is still a lot of world left to visit!”
“Thank you so much for suggesting a small ship for our trip to Alaska! We saw the true beauty of the glaciers and wildlife up close and with a naturalist who explained everything along the way. The rooms weren’t fancy, but we weren’t there for the rooms or the entertainment. We were there to see Alaska, and now couldn’t imagine having seen it any other way. Thank you for always being there to answer our questions and for your enthusiasm. I hope that you enjoy the salmon….”
"Debbie is my hero. She saved our vacation from ruin and made it the most memorable trip of our lives.“
A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
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Wayne HagadoneI began my travel adventures many years ago as a business owner living in Michigan. Those wonderful journeys of yesteryear inspired my decision to help others experience the sheer joy and exhilaration of travel and exploration, and over thirty years ago I changed careers with the acquisition of my first travel agency. I was… Wayne Hagadone
Wayne Hagadone, Specialty Cruise AdvisorMy Specialties
I began my travel adventures many years ago as a business owner living in Michigan. Those wonderful journeys of yesteryear inspired my decision to help others experience the sheer joy and exhilaration of travel and exploration, and over thirty years ago I changed careers with the acquisition of my first travel agency. I was always interested in discovering unusual and unique journeys and destinations for my clients, especially the more experienced travelers. This inevitably led to an increased interest in unusual cruises, particularly those on smaller vessels. I have certainly enjoyed many mainstream cruises, but over the last 10 years, I have been drawn to the more fulfilling experiences of a small ship cruise. The benefits of exploring out-of-the-way ports that the megaships don't go to (or can't get to) are incredibly satisfying and enriching. I have to confess that, for me, small ship cruising offers a much more memorable and enjoyable experience. Small ship cruises provide a more intimate undertaking, with lots more opportunities for close-up adventures. Instead of 2,000+ passengers, you can actually enjoy the fellowship that 100 other passengers provide. You visit smaller and, in my view, more interesting ports, including many on the world’s most famous rivers. And you witness nature and wildlife up close, learning tons more from onboard experts. I have been privileged and blessed to have visited much of our incredible planet, and have booked my clients to every continent. From this base of experience I offer a pledge of customized attention to each client. Wayne Hagadone
I'm sorry, but I'm not online at the moment. Please try me
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email in the meantime. I will open it just as soon as I'm
back at my desk. Thank you. A Message from our Director of Agent Support Jo Vagos
Our website can certainly tell you where a cruise goes, what the onboard amenities are, and what the price is. But what is that cruise experience really going to be like? I have some sobering news for you. The answers aren't on this website - or anywhere else on the Internet. The answers lie with our Specialty Cruise Advisors. They will tell you the truth about what you can expect. All the information in the world won't tell you what a particular cruise is really like. You need to speak to someone who's been there. Someone who knows the dependability of one cruise line over another. Someone with first-hand knowledge and expertise. You won't find this in any brochure, either. A conviction I hold close to my heart is that expertise lives not inside a company but inside an individual. It resides inside the brains and hearts of people who are passionate about their particular cruise niche. They have intimate knowledge of the destination you're intending to visit, the vessel you're planning to take, or the cruise theme you're considering experiencing. They have the inside scoop on the best possible price for your intended cruise, and other similar cruises. It costs you absolutely nothing more to receive this invaluable information; in fact, it could even save you money. And when it comes to customer service, each one of our experts delivers peerless travel planning with rock-solid reliability. I know that because I read all the letters from their satisfied clients. You simply cannot afford to make a cruise booking until you first speak with one of our Specialty Cruise Advisors. Jo Vagos |
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