Luxury Cruise Planning
Booking your cruise directly leaves a lot on the table.
Carrie Hays is a luxury travel advisor affiliated with LuxRally Travel, one of 63 Forbes-endorsed travel agencies in the world. She books cruises with preferred partner access that most travelers never see. And she doesn't charge you extra for it.
Contact MeAdvisor with LuxRally Travel — one of 63 Forbes-endorsed travel agencies in the world.
No planning fees. No markups. Perks you can't get booking direct.Most people book cruises the same way, leaving preferred perks on the table.
Booking directly through the cruise line or a major portal works. The ship departs. But there's a layer of access most travelers never see.
What most people don't know going in:
- Preferred travel agencies get onboard credits and perks that aren't available booking direct
- Shore excursions booked through the cruise line are usually more expensive than the same excursions booked independently
- Which ship, which class, and which itinerary actually matter for the experience you're after
- When to book early, when to wait, and which sailings have the best yield windows
The cruise line's goal is to fill the ship. My goal is to make sure you're on the right ship, in the right cabin, with the right perks.
Booking through me doesn't mean giving up control. It means you have someone with real pull on your side.
LuxRally Travel's Forbes-endorsed status unlocks preferred partner access with major cruise lines. That translates directly to your booking:
- Onboard credits that aren't available when you book direct
- Specific guidance on which ship class, itinerary, and cabin category is the right call
- Someone in your corner if anything changes before or during the cruise
- Shore excursion guidance — which ones are worth the cruise line price and which to book independently
I know the product. Which ships are worth the premium. Which itineraries to avoid in certain seasons. You get the booking and the knowledge.
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Forbes-endorsed travel agencies in the world. LuxRally Travel is one of them. That's the access Carrie brings to your booking.
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What working with me costs you. I get paid through vendor commissions. You pay the same as booking direct, often less.
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Person to call if something goes wrong. My personal cell. Not a 1-800 number.
Most major luxury and premium cruise lines.
If you have a line in mind, ask. If you're not sure which line fits what you want, that's what the consultation is for.
Don't see your line? Just ask.
The booking, the perks, and someone who actually knows the product.
Here's exactly what working with me includes, from the first call through disembarkation.
A Free Consultation Call
I learn what you want from the cruise: destination, style, budget, whether this is your first sailing or your tenth. I use that to recommend the right line, ship, and itinerary.
Specific Ship and Cabin Guidance
Not a list of cruises that match your dates. Which ship class, which itinerary, which cabin category — with context on why one is better for what you're after.
Full Booking Support
I handle the booking start to finish, including cabin selection and any pre-cruise arrangements. Air included if you need it.
Preferred Partner Perks
Onboard credits, priority boarding, and benefits that aren't available when you book direct or through a standard portal, depending on the line and sailing.
Shore Excursion Guidance
Which ports are worth a private excursion. Which cruise line excursions are actually good value. Where to skip the organized tour and just walk.
My Personal Cell
If something comes up before or during the cruise, you call me. Not a 1-800 number. Not a hold queue. The person who knows your booking.
Booking direct vs. booking through Me.
Same price. Very different experience.
| What you're looking for | Booking direct / portal | With Me |
|---|---|---|
| Onboard credits and preferred perks | Usually not available | ✓ Preferred partner access |
| Guidance on which ship is right for you | You figure it out | ✓ Part of the consultation |
| Cabin category advice | You're on your own | ✓ I tell you where the value is |
| Someone to call if something goes wrong | 1-800 number, hold queue | ✓ My personal cell |
| Shore excursion recommendations | Whatever the ship sells | ✓ Independent guidance by port |
| Cost to you | Same as booking direct | ✓ Same or less |
You might be thinking...
"I always book directly through the cruise line."
Most people do. Booking direct is fine. But you miss onboard credits and you lose the independent advocate. The cruise line works for the cruise line. I work for you. Those aren't the same thing, especially when something changes or goes wrong.
"A travel advisor costs more."
I don't charge you anything. My fee comes from vendor commissions. You pay the same price as booking direct. In many cases, you walk away with onboard credits or perks on top, so the net cost is typically lower.
"I already know what cruise I want."
That's actually the easiest call. If you've already picked the ship and sailing, I can often get you the same booking with better perks and a real person to call if things change. There's no reason not to use her at that point.
"I'm not sure a travel advisor is necessary for a cruise."
It's not necessary. You can book direct and have a fine cruise. The question is whether "fine" is what you're going for. Preferred perks, the right cabin, guidance on where to spend time at each port, and someone available if anything shifts — those details tend to matter by day three of the sailing.
The kind of advisor you actually want on a cruise.
Carrie Hays is a luxury travel advisor based in Lexington, Kentucky, affiliated with LuxRally Travel, one of 63 Forbes-endorsed travel agencies in the world.
Before travel advising, she spent years in federal government work logging 200+ travel days annually, completed a Master's in Health Administration, and holds a Green Belt in Six Sigma. The same rigor she applied to logistics and operations is what she brings to planning your cruise.
She knows the ships, the lines, the itineraries, and the booking windows. And every client gets her personal cell.
Straightforward answers.
Book your free 30-minute consultation.
Tell me what you're thinking and I'll take it from there. No commitment, no cost.
Contact MeNo planning fees. No obligation. I'll be in touch within 24 hours.
There's no reason to leave preferred perks on the table.
Reach out for a free consultation. Find out what your next cruise could actually include.
Contact Me for a Free ConsultationFree to you. Always. I get paid through vendor commissions.