From Crew to Cruise Specialist: Insider Secrets to Designing Your Perfect Holiday at Sea
Baltic Sea, Caribbean & Mexico from Miami, Alaska
If there is one type of holiday that feels most like “home” to me, it is a cruise. In my early twenties I worked in the dining room on board Celebrity Cruises, spending months at sea, waking up to new horizons and welcoming guests from all over the world. Life on board taught me that cruising is so much more than ships and itineraries: it is the rhythm of sea days and port days, the familiar faces in the dining room, the excitement of a new skyline on the horizon and those quiet moments on deck when the sun sinks into the ocean. Today, as a dedicated Cruise Specialist and personal Travel Counsellor, I use that first hand experience to design cruise holidays that feel effortless, personal and truly memorable. In this blog, I will share how my years at sea shaped the way I plan cruises, the destinations that stole my heart and how I help you find the ship, itinerary and cabin that feel just right for you.
If there is one type of holiday that feels most like “home” to me, it is a cruise.
In my early twenties, I worked in the dining room on board Celebrity Cruises, spending months at sea, waking up to new horizons and meeting guests from all over the world. Those years shaped the way I see travel and are the reason I am so passionate about creating cruise holidays that feel personal, seamless and truly special.
Life on board: my insider view
Working on board showed me how a brilliant waiter or sommelier can turn dinner
into the highlight of your day, how guests quickly find a natural rhythm of sea
days and port days, and how a ship becomes a floating boutique resort with
favourite restaurants, lounges and quiet corners.
Because I lived and worked at sea, I also know the small details that matter: quieter cabin locations, the best spots for sail away, when to be on deck for unforgettable sail-ins and sail-outs, and how to plan your days so you never feel rushed. This is the insight I bring to every cruise I design.
Cruise destinations that stole my heart
Baltic Sea
Elegant, historic cities, cobbled streets and grand squares. Ideal if you love
architecture, art and history, exploring on foot and visiting multiple
countries in one trip without ever unpacking more than once.
Caribbean & Mexico from Miami
Turquoise waters, white sand beaches and an instant “holiday” mood. Perfect for
relaxed, sun-drenched days, water sports, vibrant local culture, and
lively evenings on board.
Hawaii
Volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests and golden beaches with a rich local
culture. A great choice if you want a balance of scenery, culture and
relaxation, with longer sailings and a slower pace of life.
Alaska: my all-time favourite
Towering glaciers, misty fjords, snow-capped peaks and character-filled little
ports. The shore excursions are unforgettable, and the contrast between the
wild scenery and the warmth on board creates a deeply emotional experience. If
I could recommend just one destination again, and again, it would be Alaska.
Why book your cruise with a dedicated Cruise Specialist?
Because I have lived life on board, I know that the right cruise is about more
than a brochure or deck plan. I help you choose:
- The
right ship for your style
Relaxed and intimate or lively and entertainment-focused, I match you with a ship that feels like “you”. - Cabins
that really suit you
From quieter locations for light sleepers to when a balcony is worth it (especially in scenic regions like Alaska), I use first-hand experience to guide you. - Itineraries
that flow
The balance of sea days and port days, late nights in key cities and how the journey will feel day-by-day.
I also help you turn your cruise into a full holiday, with pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers and experiences tailored around your voyage. Whether you are a couple, family, solo traveller, or marking a special occasion, I shape every detail around what matters most to you.
Most importantly, I am there from our first conversation to the moment you return home, so you always have a real person to turn to, not a call centre.
If you are curious about cruising or ready to start planning your next voyage, I would love to share more of my insider tips and help you design a holiday at sea you will remember for years. Contact me today to start planning your dream cruise, from your first sail away to your final sunset at sea.