LuxuryCruiseTalk.com Message Board

You probably rely on your financial advisor when it comes to decisions that affect your bottom line, but who do you call upon when you wish to book your dream cruise? Unlike some land-based vacations, selecting the right cruise ship and cabin location takes the assistance of someone who truly specializes in the line. It’s not enough to seek out a travel agent. When you want to set sail, you’re better off finding an agent specializing in the cruise line(s) you’re interested in. He or she has sailed on the ships you’re interested in, has visited the ports of call, and—even more importantly—has collected feedback from hundreds of clients. That base of knowledge is powerful and it should work to your advantage when you book your next vacation.

I've always been a proponent of researching and booking vacations on my own, but that method is not very sound when it comes to cruising. There are too many variables involved. Researching a ship can be a daunting task and deciding on a cabin location, especially on a larger ship, can be an exercise in frustration. Instead, find an expert to rely on.

Recently, I was on assignment for a magazine and met Ngaire Keene of Brown & Keene Travel in Dallas. (Her first name is pronounced Ny-Ree.) Her company specializes in high-end cruise vacations with special emphasis on Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Oceania. She’s also a great resource for African safaris (she’s inspected 48 different camps herself), trips to India, and excursions to her homeland of New Zealand. (Photo of Ngaire Keene courtesy of Brown & Keene Travel.)

Ngaire is a top cruise planner and she goes on about 10 escorted trips per year during which she plans cocktail parties and other special events for her clients. They’re especially enthusiastic about these get-togethers because most have already “met” each other on line at Ngaire’s LuxuryCruiseTalk.com message board. This is the place to go to discuss these cruise lines, ask questions, and offer advice. You’ll get the real story on itineraries, stateroom categories, pre- and post-hotel options, shore excursions and private guides, and more. The information you glean from the forum is especially useful since it comes from unbiased sources. “You hear from real people,” says Ngaire, “not a travel agent looking in a book or an article where the author was paid to write the story, but from real people who have just physically been there.”

The board is addictive and people get to know each other quickly. In fact, many longtime members have met and cruised together on several occasions. The board is moderated by Karen S. and she and other active members are very welcoming and answer as many questions as they can. It’s a great way to learn more about Regent, Silversea, and Oceania.

And, if you’re looking for a professional, ultra-knowledgeable travel agent, consider Brown and Keene Travel. Contact Ngaire for Regent Seven Seas information. For details about Silversea and Oceania, contact Linda Litteken, Susan Walsh, or Julie Harris at (800) 856-1155 or visit their website at http://www.brownandkeenetravel.com.