Cruise planning with Carrie Hays

Choose the right cruise, not just a sailing

I help travelers compare the cruise line, ship, itinerary, cabin, fare, and arrival plan as one decision. That includes luxury ocean, river, expedition, yacht-style, premium, family, and group cruises.

Quick answer

The best cruise is the one that fits how you want the trip to feel. I compare service, ship size, dining, pace, ports, inclusions, cabin placement, and the total trip around the sailing. I do not charge any fees to my clients. No booking fees, no planning fees, for any travel.

Start a cruise requestBrowse the cruise guides

What I help you decide

Cruise styleLuxury ocean, yacht-style, river, expedition, premium, family, or group cruising.
Ship and cabinThe onboard atmosphere, cabin category, location, layout, and who needs to be near whom.
Itinerary and timingPort mix, sea days, embarkation city, season, excursion priorities, and travel time.
Total trip logisticsFlights, arrival buffer, hotel, transfers, luggage, final payment, and protection choices.

Where to start


Cruise types I plan

TypeOften fitsWhat we compare
Luxury oceanTravelers who value service, dining, space, and a quieter shipInclusions, suite, itinerary, ship personality, and total value
RiverTravelers who want destination access and a structured daily rhythmRiver, season, port timing, excursions, cabin position, and hotel extensions
ExpeditionTravelers prioritizing remote places and guided experiencesOperator, ship capability, activity level, season, and travel logistics
Yacht-style and small shipTravelers who dislike the idea of a large traditional cruiseShip scale, outdoor space, ports, marina access where offered, and onboard energy
Family and groupMixed ages or multiple households needing easy coordinationCabin setup, activities, dining, group terms, placement, and payment process

How the planning works

  1. You send the basics.
    Dates or date range, destination ideas, travelers, budget comfort, and what matters most.
  2. I narrow the field.
    I compare realistic sailings, explain trade-offs, and flag cabin or itinerary concerns.
  3. We choose the full trip.
    I confirm the sailing and help coordinate the hotel, transfers, and other bookable pieces.
  4. I keep watching.
    Before final payment, I monitor booked cruises for eligible price-drop opportunities.

Common questions

What does a cruise travel advisor help with?

I compare cruise line, ship, itinerary, cabin or suite, fare terms, inclusions, and the logistics around the sailing. I also help with pre-cruise hotels, transfers, and choices that are easy to miss when you look at a cruise as a single price.

Do you charge planning or booking fees?

I do not charge any fees to my clients. No booking fees, no planning fees, for any travel.

Can you help if I already found a cruise online?

Yes. Send me the cruise line, ship, itinerary, sailing date, cabin category, fare you found, and who is traveling. I can check whether it is a good fit, whether there is a better way to book it, and whether another line or sailing may be a better value.

Can you help with luxury cruise savings?

Yes. I work with all cruise lines, and depending on the sailing date and itinerary, I may have access to discounted group rates, onboard credit, and other advisor-accessible offers. I also monitor booked cruises for price drops before final payment.

Should I arrive before the cruise departs?

Yes, in most cases I recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. A longer buffer can make sense for international flights, seasonal weather, limited flight schedules, or an embarkation city worth exploring.

Tell me what you are considering

Send the sailing or destination, dates, travelers, cabin ideas, and the details that have to go right.

Start a travel request