How I Match My Clients to the Perfect Cruise

21 Jul

Written By Lorraine McCowatt

(And Why It Isn't Always the Cruise They Ask For)

"We want to go to the Med."

It's one of the most common enquiries I receive.

At first glance, that sounds straightforward. Find a Med cruise, compare a few prices, and make a booking.

But that's not how I work.

The destination is only one piece of the puzzle. The real question is: what kind of holiday do you want?

Because two couples can ask for exactly the same cruise, and I may recommend two completely different cruise lines.

It Starts With You, Not the Ship

When you contact me, I'm not looking for the quickest cruise to quote.

I'm trying to understand you.

That's why my enquiry form asks lots of questions, and why I'll often follow up with a chat before I start researching.

I want to know things like:

Have you cruised before?
What have you loved (or disliked) about previous holidays?
Are you celebrating something special?
Do you enjoy dressing for dinner or would you rather keep things relaxed?
Is exceptional food important to you?
Do you love sea days, or would you rather explore somewhere new every day?
Do you enjoy organised excursions, or do you prefer to wander independently?
Is the ship itself part of the holiday, or simply a way of getting from one destination to another?

These answers tell me far more than your destination ever could.

The Same Destination, Completely Different Holiday

Let's go back to the Med.

One couple might dream of quiet mornings on their balcony, gourmet dining, enriching lectures and attentive, personalised service aboard a smaller luxury ship.

Another might be travelling with several generations of family, looking for Broadway-style entertainment, plenty of activities and lots of choice for everyone.

Both are heading to the Med.

Both will discover gorgeous little villages & lovely sandy beaches.

But they'll have completely different holiday experiences.

That's why choosing the right cruise line matters just as much as choosing the right destination.

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Sometimes it's the little things that transform a good holiday into an unforgettable one.

Perhaps you'd prefer a smaller ship that can visit ports larger ships simply can't reach.

Maybe you'd appreciate more time in port, with overnight stays that let you experience a destination after the day visitors have gone home.

Or perhaps you'd enjoy having drinks, gratuities, speciality dining and excursions included, so you're not constantly reaching for your wallet once you're on board.

These are the details I think about while I'm researching your holiday.

I Don't Recommend Every Cruise Line

People are sometimes surprised when I tell them I don't sell every cruise.

That's because I'd rather specialise in the cruise lines I genuinely know and trust.

Over the years, I've visited and sailed on more than 30 ships across a wide range of premium and luxury cruise lines. I've walked around the suites, sampled the restaurants, explored the public spaces and spoken with the crew.

That first-hand knowledge helps me make recommendations based on real experience, not just a brochure or website description.

Sometimes My Best Advice Is "Don't Book That One"

This probably sounds like an odd thing for a cruise specialist to say.

But sometimes the cruise you've found online simply isn't the best fit.

It might look like a fantastic deal, but perhaps the itinerary is too rushed, the ship is much larger than you imagined, or there are hidden extras that make it less appealing once you're on board.

I'd much rather explain why another option will give you a better overall experience than simply book the first cruise you found.

Why Working With a Cruise Specialist Makes a Difference

Booking a cruise today has never been easier.

Choosing the right cruise has never been harder.

There are hundreds of itineraries, dozens of cruise lines, countless cabin categories and endless promotions. It can quickly become overwhelming.

My role isn't just to find you a cruise.

It's to help you book the right cruise.

One that suits your style of travel, your expectations and your budget.

One that leaves you saying, "That was exactly what we were looking for."

Let's Find Your Perfect Cruise

Whether you're planning your first luxury cruise, looking for a small ship adventure, dreaming of a river cruise, or ticking off a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list journey, I'd love to help.

We'll start with a conversation.

Because the perfect cruise doesn't begin with a destination.

It begins with you.

If you would like tailored recommendations or personal assistance in choosing the right luxury cruise, I’d be delighted to help.

CONTACT ME NOW