24 cruises • 23 ships • Cruising since 2001

There’s a Cruise for Almost Everyone. The Trick Is Finding the Right One.
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel—and one of my primary specialties as a travel advisor.
I’ve been cruising since 2001 and have sailed more than 20 different ships across multiple cruise lines. I’ve experienced everything from smaller, older ships to today’s newest mega-ships, along with premium cruising, family cruising, adults-focused cruising and river cruising.
That experience has taught me something important:
There isn’t one cruise line—or one ship—that’s right for everyone.
My job is to help you find the one that’s right for you.
More Than Choosing an Itinerary
It’s easy to start a cruise search by looking at where the ship goes and how much it costs.
But two cruises visiting similar ports can offer completely different vacations.
The cruise line, ship, stateroom, dining, entertainment, activities, atmosphere and what’s included in your fare all matter.
When I’m helping you compare cruises, we’ll look at things like:
- Which cruise line fits your travel style
- Ship size and onboard atmosphere
- Itinerary and time in port
- Stateroom category and location
- Dining options
- Entertainment and activities
- What’s included in the cruise fare
- Beverage and Wi-Fi packages
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels
- Transfers
- Shore excursions
- Travel protection
Sometimes the least expensive cruise really is the best choice.
Sometimes spending a little more gives you a vacation that’s a much better fit.
That’s where having someone who understands the differences can help.

I’ve Sailed the Ships
I don’t just sell cruises. I cruise.
Since my first sailing in 2001, I’ve completed 24 cruises aboard 23 different ships across a wide variety of cruise lines.
And most of that experience is recent.
I’ve sailed 15 times since 2022 alone, which means I’m continually experiencing today’s ships, onboard products and cruise trends firsthand.
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas — 2016
Harmony of the Seas — 2022
Utopia of the Seas — 2024
Oasis of the Seas — 2025
Star of the Seas — 2025
Explorer of the Seas — 2026
Royal Caribbean is one of the cruise lines I know especially well. I’ve experienced multiple ship classes, from Voyager Class through the newest Icon Class, giving me firsthand knowledge of just how different the experience can be from one Royal Caribbean ship to another.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Sky — 2001
Norwegian Majesty — 2007
Norwegian Prima — 2022
Norwegian Escape — 2023
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Dream — 2010
Carnival Sunshine — 2018 & 2020
Mardi Gras — 2022
Carnival Splendor — 2022
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Dream — 2019
Disney Wonder — 2023
Disney Treasure — 2024
Princess Cruises
Caribbean Princess — 2023
Enchanted Princess — 2024
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Equinox — 2023
Holland America Line
Westerdam — 2024
Virgin Voyages
Valiant Lady — 2024

What About River Cruising?
Cruising doesn’t always mean sailing on a large ocean-going ship.
River cruising offers a completely different experience, with smaller ships, destination-focused itineraries and the opportunity to travel through the heart of Europe while unpacking only once.
I’ve personally sailed the Danube with Viking aboard Viking Jarl, giving me firsthand experience with the pace and style of river cruising and how different it can be from an ocean cruise.
I’m continuing to expand my own river-cruise experience, but I can already tell you this:
If you’re used to ocean cruising, don’t expect river cruising to simply be a smaller version of the same thing.
It’s a different style of vacation.
For travelers who care more about the destinations, history and culture than water slides, Broadway-style shows and a long list of onboard activities, river cruising can be a wonderful way to experience Europe.

Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
This is one of my favorite conversations to have with clients.
Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Disney, Virgin Voyages and Carnival can all provide great vacations.
But they don’t provide the same vacation.
A family looking for nonstop activities has very different priorities from a couple celebrating an anniversary. Someone who loves great food may make a different choice than someone who wants Broadway-style entertainment. And a traveler who chooses a cruise primarily for the ports may need something completely different.
Rather than starting with “Which cruise line is best?”, I prefer to start with:
“What’s important to you on vacation?”
The answer to that question tells me much more.
Your Cruise Vacation Starts Before You Board
The cruise itself may be the centerpiece of your vacation, but it’s not always the entire trip.
I can also help with the details surrounding your sailing, including:
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels
- Airport and cruise-port transfers
- Shore excursions and tours
- Travel protection
- Other pre- and post-cruise arrangements
This becomes especially important when you’re cruising internationally.
For a European cruise, for example, I generally don’t want my clients thinking only about the day they board the ship. Arriving early can provide a cushion for international travel while also giving you the opportunity to experience your embarkation city.
That’s part of being your Cruise Concierge—looking beyond the reservation itself and considering the entire vacation.
Cruising With a Group?
Cruises can be one of the easiest ways for groups to travel together.
Family reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, friends’ trips and special-interest groups can spend time together without everyone having to do the same thing all day.
I can help coordinate the cruise arrangements, keep the group’s reservations organized and serve as a central point of contact throughout the planning process.
Everyone gets their own vacation.
You still get to enjoy it together.

Ready to Find Your Cruise?
Maybe you already know the exact ship and sailing you want.
Or maybe you’ve spent hours looking at Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and Celebrity and they are all starting to blur together.
You don’t need to figure it all out before contacting me.
Tell me who’s traveling, what kind of vacation you’re imagining and what’s important to you.
We’ll start there.
Let’s Find Your Cruise.
Book FORWARD to travel.
— Betsy Walker, VTA
Cruise Concierge | Modern Travel Professionals
