FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
Our specialties are bespoke luxury journeys to Europe and the tropics and only the finest cruises. All of our trips are personally curated to your specifications. We handle everything so that all you have to do is look forward to a journey of a lifetime. Learn more about: Our Services Our Specialties.
WHY SHOULD I USE A TRAVEL AGENT?
We are experts. When you work with us, we design a custom luxury journey just for you.
We are your editors. We sift through the countless options and give you curated choices based on our experience and your personal desires.
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We provide the highest level of personal service. We have access to upgrades, exclusive amenities and private experiences worldwide that are not available to the public.
We care and will help you before, during and after your trip should any issues arise.
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We save you time and stress. We help you avoid common mistakes when planning your own travel.
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A recent survey by the American Society of Travel Agents found that consumers who used a travel agent reported being more satisfied with the overall quality of their vacations than those who hadn't.
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WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY CRUISE WITH YOU?
We are experts on the differences between the finest cruise lines in the world, their services, amenities, and itineraries. We have special relationships with the luxury cruise lines and access to upgraded amenities, private experiences and exclusive perks.
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We provide the highest level of service and take care of everything—all you have to do is look forward to your vacation.
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We find the right cruise line and sailing for you. We assist with finding the best activities and experiences for you whether it be private tours or exclusive access.
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We handle your airfare, transportation (to and from the airport and ship) and accommodations before and after your cruise. Sometimes the best option for our clients is reserving these items through the cruise line, but sometimes it's not. We provide you with the best options to choose from and reserve what is right for you.
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We also track all dates and deadlines, so that you don't have to. We handle the details on your behalf (final payments, dining and shore excursion reservations, and more).
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If you have questions or concerns, we contact the cruise line on your behalf (and wait on hold!) to get all your questions answered, so that you don't have to.
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WHY SHOULD YOU RESERVE MY HOTEL?
Whether you like design hotels, luxury resorts or boutique properties, we are knowledgeable about and have relationships with the finest hotels and resorts in the world.
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You are our valued client who we know and care about.
We take the time to get to know your preferences, and we get you what you want.
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We are your editors. We sift through the options and give you the best choices, customized to your personal desires.
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We have access to special rates, upgrades and perks at the finest resorts and hotels worldwide (like breakfast, resort credits, spa credits, early check-in, late check-out, etc.) that are not available when you reserve on your own.
We have connections and relationships all over the world. As a result, we are better positioned to get you what you want than if you book it yourself online.
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We are experts—you benefit from our wealth of knowledge.
CAN'T I BOOK IT MYSELF ONLINE?
Sometimes. But, we have access to exclusive amenities and private experiences all over the world that are not available to you online.
We know how to read the fine print. We know the difference between what is and isn't a good value (we do this every day).
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We know which vendors are reputable, and which aren't.
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We design bespoke vacations every day and know how to get the details right. If you reserve on your own, you are responsible for getting all the details exactly correct.
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We are your advocates and provide the highest level of service. We are here for you before, during and after your trip—unlike when you reserve online.
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We get to know you personally. You have one contact who works with you on all the details of your trip. You are not a mere credit card number like you are when you reserve online.
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When we design your trip, it is a luxury journey customized to your personal desires.
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CAN YOU GET ME THE BEST DEAL? / CAN YOU GET ME A LOWER PRICE?
If there is a legitimate sale, we can almost always get that deal for you. But if it is not a good value or a reputable vendor, we protect you and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision.
We also have access to upgrades and exclusive amenities that are not available when you reserve on your own. These perks can be complimentary breakfast, resort credits, spa credits or access to early check-in and late check-out. We can often get you a better value than you can if you reserve on your own.​
WHY DO I NEED A TRAVEL AGENT WHEN I ALREADY KNOW WHAT I WANT?
Well, the plan you made could be perfect for you, or it could be a big disappointment. Our job is to make sure you don't waste your money on a trip you won't love. With just a few short questions, we use our expertise and knowledge to plan the trip of your dreams.
HOW DO YOUÂ GET COMPENSATED?
We charge a design fee to customize your bespoke journey. The fee varies depending on what you are seeking. (A quick spa weekend will be a lower fee than a Grand European Tour.)
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We offer a complimentary consultation in order to get to know you and what you are dreaming about. After that, we provide you with a quote for the design fee. If you accept, we create your own custom vacation.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Our office is in sunny Oakland, California. We meet with clients over the phone, via videoconference, and in person by appointment—whatever works for you. A lot of our communication occurs by email, phone and text. Contact us.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact us at any time. No question is too big or too small.