I have been asked why I spend so much time on my Facebook groups. It’s kind of a complicated answer…

When I went on my first cruise I spent hours researching everything. The internet didn’t have much to offer. Facebook didn’t have groups. I drove my travel agent crazy. (She’s now my associate!)

I bought books, joined Cruise Critic, and built a 2” binder of information. We were empty-nesters. I had time and I was excited. I only had nine months to learn everything! 😂😂😂

After a dozen years and about 20 cruises we retired and I wanted to become a cruise travel agent. I trained with a major company who has about 30 online websites under their umbrella. Including all of the major ones you see on the web. It was an online, working-from-home, call center job. I enjoyed it in the beginning and quickly became one of their top new travel agents and then Covid hit.


After the cruise lines started back up, I wasn’t sure what to do. I was frustrated. My call center type of position limited me. I couldn’t personally spend time with clients who booked online.

In my training class of 50 students I was the only one who had actually been on a cruise. My trainer had only cruised once! During my interaction with the major cruise line agents, I quickly discovered something. Many of them had very little onboard cruise experience!

I knew there were many first time cruisers who had booked online with our websites. When they had issues or questions about their bookings they got whoever answered the call. They didn’t have a personal cruise advisor. No one guided them through the in’s and out’s of going on their first cruise.

I have heard and read so many stories from first time cruisers. They said they didn’t know basic things like the dining room meals were included. They thought boarding the ship was going to be like checking into a hotel. They didn’t realize they couldn’t be late or they had to arrange parking for their vehicles. Many didn’t understand how important it was to have the right documents for boarding. Some questioned why you can’t just add another person to your cabin even though you have a couch. So many things…

I decided once again I want to pursue my dream of being a cruise travel agent. I want to have a personal connection to my clients. I want to be an advisor who would be there to answer questions for my clients. I want flexibility and not have to work around a specific schedule. I want to give my clients my cell phone number to use 24/7.

In 2021 I decided to become an associate with my first travel agent and with Cruise Planners. It’s a highly reputable company with so many resources to help me and my clients.

My goal is to provide an unforgettable cruise experience, especially for those new to the world of cruising.

I have my own Facebook group just for first time cruisers.

In my group I can give correct advice and answer questions.
I may even help someone book a cruise!
Come join us!