Choosing a cruise can get complicated surprisingly fast.
Once you move beyond simply picking a destination and start comparing ships, cruise lines, itineraries, cabin categories, inclusions, expedition styles, pre- and post-cruise logistics, and wildly different price points, it can be hard to tell which option is actually the best fit.
That’s where I come in.
Through my travel agency, Novel World Travel, I help travelers sort through the options and plan cruises that make sense for the way they actually want to travel.
I specialize in cruises where the details really matter
I’m especially interested in helping clients plan:
- Expedition cruises to places like Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, the Galápagos, Alaska, and other remote destinations
- Luxury and small-ship cruises
- River cruises in Europe, Asia, and North America
- Cruises for travelers who care as much about what happens off the ship as what happens onboard
- Complex cruise trips that include pre- or post-cruise travel
- Family and multigenerational cruises where everyone has different priorities
These are often significant trips, both financially and personally. I don’t believe they should be chosen based on a ranking from the internet or whichever cruise line happens to be running the best promotion that week.
What I actually help you figure out
My job isn’t simply to make the reservation. I help you answer the questions that determine whether you’ll actually love the trip, like:
- Which cruise line fits your travel style?
- Is a true expedition ship right for you, or would you be happier with more luxury onboard?
- How much does ship size matter?
- Which itinerary gives you the experience you’re really looking for?
- Is a particular cabin category worth the upgrade?
- What’s included, and what will cost extra?
- How active or physically demanding will the trip be?
- Should you add time before or after the cruise?
- Are there logistics or risks you haven’t considered yet?
Sometimes two cruises can look nearly identical on paper and offer completely different experiences.
That’s why I spend so much time learning the differences.
This is personalized planning, not a call center
When you work with me, you never have to wait on hold, and you’re not being passed from one customer-service representative to another. I get to know how you like to travel, what matters to you, what you’re excited about, and what would make you miserable. Then I use that information to help narrow down the options and design the larger trip around your cruise when needed.
I also stay involved after the reservation is made, so you have someone who knows your trip if questions or problems come up along the way.
Who I’m a good fit for
We’ll probably work well together if you:
- Want expert guidance rather than simply the lowest price
- Are planning a meaningful or higher-investment trip
- Want help comparing options instead of spending weeks researching them yourself
- Care about experiences, destinations, wildlife, culture, food, or adventure
- Appreciate having one person overseeing the bigger picture
- Want a trip that feels like it was chosen for you, not pulled from a generic list
If your main goal is to find someone who can beat a price you’re seeing at Costco, I’m probably not the right fit.
If you want help making sure you choose the right cruise in the first place, I very well might be.
How it works
Start by telling me a little about the trip you’re considering. (You don’t need to know exactly which ship or cruise line you want. In fact, it’s often better if you don’t.)
Just tell me where you’re thinking about going, when you want to travel, who is coming, what kind of experience you’re hoping for, and your approximate budget.
From there, we can determine whether Novel World Travel is the right fit to help plan it.
Ready to start?
If you’re considering an expedition, luxury, river, or small-ship cruise and would like professional help sorting through the options, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about.