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Viking Certified Expert

I completed the Viking Fundamentals, Rivers, Oceans, and Expeditions courses, earning my Viking Certified Expert designation.

One thing I really appreciate about Viking is that there is not just one way to travel with them. Their offerings include river cruises, ocean voyages, and expedition cruises, so the experience can look completely different depending on where you want to go and how you want to explore.

Their river cruises are especially appealing for travelers who want to be right in the middle of the destinations they are visiting. Instead of sailing into a large cruise port and traveling into the city, many river itineraries bring you directly into historic cities and towns throughout Europe and beyond. It is a very destination-focused way to travel, with the convenience of unpacking once while visiting multiple places.

Viking Ocean offers that same destination-focused approach on a larger scale. Their ocean ships are designed for adults and are much smaller than the mega-ships many travelers picture when they think of cruising. Viking focuses much more on the places you are visiting, cultural experiences, enrichment, and time ashore than things like water slides, casinos, or huge onboard attractions.

And then there is Viking Expeditions, which takes that style of travel into places like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Great Lakes. These voyages combine exploration with onboard experts, scientific learning, and opportunities to experience destinations that are very different from a traditional cruise vacation.

Who do I recommend Viking for?

I especially like Viking for travelers who are curious about the places they are visiting and want the destination to be a major part of their vacation.

It can be a great fit for couples, history lovers, travelers interested in culture and learning, adults who prefer a quieter ship experience, and travelers who like having many of the details of their trip already included rather than constantly adding extras along the way.

I also think Viking is worth considering for someone who says, “I don't think I'm a cruise person.” Viking feels very different from the huge resort-style ships people often associate with cruising. There are no casinos, no children under 18, and the focus is much more on exploring the world than filling the ship with attractions.

Completing Viking's training across river, ocean, and expedition cruising has given me a much better understanding of how these experiences differ, which itineraries make sense for different travelers, and what someone should consider before choosing one style over another.

Cunard Commodore

As a Cunard Commodore, I have completed specialized training focused on Cunard’s ships, accommodations, destinations, onboard experiences, and the different ways to travel with this iconic cruise line.

Cunard is one of those brands that offers something genuinely different. There is a sense of tradition and occasion to sailing with them that you simply do not find everywhere else. Think Afternoon Tea, beautiful ballrooms, Gala Evenings, live music, enrichment speakers, attentive White Star Service, and ships that still celebrate the romance of traveling by sea.

And then there is Queen Mary 2.

For someone who has dreamed of crossing the Atlantic by ship, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing between New York and Southampton is an experience all its own. Queen Mary 2 is not simply another cruise ship  she is an ocean liner designed for long-distance ocean travel, and the days at sea are part of the experience rather than something you are trying to fill between ports.

Cunard also goes far beyond Transatlantic Crossings. Their four Queens sail itineraries around the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and New England, longer voyages, and incredible World Voyages.

Who do I recommend Cunard for?

I especially like Cunard for travelers who appreciate the journey just as much as the destination.

It can be a wonderful fit for couples, history lovers, travelers who enjoy dressing up occasionally, people who love enrichment and learning while they travel, and anyone looking for a more classic and refined cruise experience.

I also think Cunard is worth considering for travelers who have already taken several cruises and are looking for something that feels different. You can attend an interesting lecture, enjoy Afternoon Tea, listen to live music, dress up for a Gala Evening, or simply find a beautiful place to watch the ocean go by.

Being a Cunard Commodore gives me a deeper understanding of the differences between their ships, staterooms and Grill Suites, itineraries, and onboard experience. Cunard is not about trying to pack every possible attraction onto a ship. For the right traveler, the ship, the traditions, and the actual experience of traveling across the ocean are part of the destination.

Seabourn Platinum-level travel advisor

As a Seabourn Platinum-level travel advisor, I have completed advanced training focused on Seabourn’s ultra-luxury cruise experience, including their ships, suites, destinations, onboard experience, dining, inclusions, and expedition options.

Seabourn is very different from a traditional large cruise ship. Their ships are smaller, all-suite, and designed to feel much more intimate. The experience is centered around personalized service, beautiful accommodations, exceptional dining, and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Many of the things that are add-ons on other cruise lines are also included with Seabourn, including premium spirits and wines.

One of the things I especially like about Seabourn is that luxury does not have to mean staying in the same familiar ports. Their smaller ships can visit destinations and hideaways that larger ships may not be able to reach, and they also offer true expedition travel aboard purpose-built expedition ships for destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

I think Seabourn is a great fit for travelers who want a more intimate and elevated cruise experience without the crowds and constant activity of a large ship. It is especially well suited for couples, milestone vacations, experienced travelers, luxury travelers, and anyone who places a high value on service, food, beautiful accommodations, and destination-focused itineraries.

It is also a great option for someone who wants adventure without giving up comfort. Seabourn’s expedition voyages allow travelers to explore remote destinations by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot while still returning to an ultra-luxury ship at the end of the day.