By Alicia Wanek
Which of the following is true?
A. There’s no trip more relaxing than a cruise.
B. There’s no trip more active than a cruise.
C. There’s no trip more entertaining than a cruise.
D. All of the above
The answer is “D.” That’s because there are cruises to match everyone’s dream vacation, and TravelStore Master Travel Consultant Wendy Sandridge takes great pleasure in assisting her clients to find their perfect match. Whether your focus is to explore exotic destinations, indulge in a spa day, savor exquisite cuisine, engage in onboard or shore activities, or enjoy top-tier entertainers, there is a cruise designed for you.
When we had a discussion with Wendy, she expressed her enthusiasm about two specific groups she is personally leading on cruises in the upcoming months. In May, she will be heading to Alaska, followed by a journey along the Amalfi coast in the Mediterranean later this year with a group of 45 individuals. As the host, she will act as a liaison for the group throughout their journey and is even organizing a cocktail party onboard. She is dedicated to customizing her clients’ activities to their tastes while ensuring that the group has opportunities to connect.
Wendy’s Alaska adventure, taking place aboard the Mariner, part of the prestigious Regent Seven Seas fleet, is set to impress her clients. “I adore Regent because this represents ‘ultra all-inclusive’ travel,” states Wendy. Everything from excursions to beverages and even gratuities are included in the package. Her generous shipboard credit will be a significant advantage for everyone in her party, allowing them to enjoy special services onboard. These exclusive offerings are only accessible by booking through a travel advisor like Wendy, who has established relationships with cruise lines that are not available when booking independently. Even when she isn’t traveling alongside her clients, she closely monitors their journeys. A group traveling in the Baltic was thrilled to learn that she was able to secure triple upgrades at no extra charge! TravelStore’s unique cruise tracking tool enables her to stay updated on the latest promotions or added-value features for her clientele, and Wendy can also arrange shore excursions that the cruise line doesn’t offer. If desired, she can organize a private driver to meet you right upon disembarking at the port for a more tailored sightseeing experience.
Wendy’s second group is convening in Rome and will travel along the coast of Italy and Croatia with Sea Dream Yacht Club. With 112 passengers and 95 crew members, everyone is assured of receiving plenty of personal service. Each guest is given monogrammed pajamas, and they can even wear them when the crew sets up for them to sleep outside on the deck. The ship also features Thai massage therapists and a marina at the back with jet skis. Cruising opportunities along the coasts of Italy, France, or the Caribbean are available. Despite the size of the group, Wendy has effectively managed all pre- and post-travel arrangements, coordinating the travel for all 45 guests arriving in Rome from various cities, including those who wish to extend their stay with additional travel before returning home.
Wendy reminds us that cruising offers advantages that are unique to this holiday style. There are no trains, transfers, or travel hassles. The best part? You only need to unpack your bags once, yet you can visit multiple destinations. “Your cabin is your home away from home,” Wendy explains. “You always know what you’ll be returning to every single night.” Throughout the day, however, there’s always an abundance of activities to partake in—or not—on the ship, and all your meals and activities are pre-budgeted. And those activities are far from limited to shuffleboard! Onboard, you might find cooking classes, golfing, computer courses, spa treatments, bridge, distinguished speakers, nationally-acclaimed entertainers, and casinos.
After speaking with Wendy about all the opportunities available, it’s difficult not to let your imagination wander. Perhaps a family cruise with the grandparents on a grand ship; or a girlfriend’s getaway on a wine cruise sounds appealing; or maybe a romantic escape…
