Travel Agent FAQ — Cruise & Vacation Planning Questions | Travel with Wunderlust

Question 1

What is a cruise + land combo package?

Accepted Answer

A cruise + land combo blends the best of both worlds — you spend part of your vacation on a cruise ship exploring multiple destinations, and the rest on land at a resort, theme park, or city hotel. It's one seamless trip with everything coordinated for you, so you get twice the adventure without the stress of planning two separate vacations.

Question 2

Which cruise lines do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I'm a certified specialist with a wide range of cruise lines to fit every type of traveler. For ocean cruises: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line, and Disney Cruise Line. For river and specialty cruises: AmaWaterways and American Cruise Lines. I match you with the right line based on your travel style, group, and destination — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Question 3

What's included in a cruise package?

Accepted Answer

Your cruise fare typically covers your stateroom, all onboard meals at main dining venues, entertainment, and access to pools and amenities. Specialty dining, drinks packages, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are usually add-ons. I'll walk you through exactly what's included in your specific package so there are no surprises.

Question 4

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

For most Caribbean cruises departing from and returning to a U.S. port, a passport card or enhanced driver's license may suffice — but a valid U.S. passport book is always the safest option and required for international flights. I strongly recommend having a passport for any cruise, especially combo packages that include international land stays.

Question 5

Which cruise line is best for families with kids?

Accepted Answer

For family trips, I primarily recommend Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line. Carnival is a fantastic value-driven option with great kids' programming. Royal Caribbean's ships — especially Oasis and Wonder of the Seas — have waterparks, rock climbing, and dedicated kids' clubs for every age. Disney Cruise Line is in a class of its own for families who love the Disney magic, with character experiences, age-specific clubs, and family-friendly entertainment throughout.

Question 6

Which cruise lines do you recommend for adults and couples?

Accepted Answer

For adults-only or couples' trips, I typically book Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. Virgin Voyages is fully adults-only with an all-inclusive dining model and a vibrant nightlife scene. Princess Cruises offers a more refined, romantic atmosphere with beautiful itineraries. Holland America is excellent for a premium, relaxed experience — especially for Alaska and longer voyages. Norwegian is also a great adult option depending on the ship; some ships have The Haven (a ship-within-a-ship luxury enclave) that's ideal for adults.

Question 7

What about Norwegian Cruise Line — is it good for families or adults?

Accepted Answer

Norwegian is versatile — it really depends on the ship. Some ships in the fleet are better suited for adults, particularly those with The Haven suites and more sophisticated entertainment. Others are very family-friendly with waterslides and kids' clubs. When you reach out, I'll steer you toward the right Norwegian ship for your group's age range and travel style.

Question 8

Do you book Disney Cruise Line?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Disney Cruise Line is one of my preferred partners and a wonderful option for families. Disney ships offer character meet-and-greets, Broadway-caliber shows, age-specific kids' clubs (from toddlers through teens), and adults-only areas and dining too. They sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. I can pair a Disney cruise with a Walt Disney World stay for the ultimate combo vacation.

Question 9

What hotel brands do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I primarily book Hilton properties — Hilton is my go-to hotel partner and the brand I work with most. I also book Hyatt and Marriott. Across all three brands, I book properties that include breakfast as part of the stay — that's a standard I hold for nearly all hotel bookings (about 99% of the hotels I book include breakfast). It's one less thing to worry about on vacation.

Question 10

Do the hotels in your packages include breakfast?

Accepted Answer

Yes — almost always. Breakfast-included properties are a priority when I'm selecting hotels for your package. It's a small detail that makes a big difference, especially when you're heading out for a full day of sightseeing or a port excursion. I'll always confirm what's included when I send your quote.

Question 11

Do you book theme park packages?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I'm a certified Disney travel agent and Universal Orlando specialist. I can build cruise + park combo packages — like a Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise paired with Universal Orlando, or a Disney Cruise Line sailing combined with Walt Disney World. These combos are some of the most popular packages I put together for families.

Question 12

What destinations do your packages cover?

Accepted Answer

My current packages include: San Francisco + Alaska cruise, Universal Orlando + Bahamas cruise, New Jersey + Rome transatlantic cruise, and Puerto Rico cruise & island escape. I'm always adding new itineraries — reach out if you have a dream destination in mind and I'll see what I can build.

Question 13

Can I customize a package for a destination not listed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The listed packages are my most popular combinations, but every trip I plan is custom. If you have a specific destination, ship, or experience in mind — whether it's the Mediterranean, Alaska, or a Disney cruise — just reach out and I'll put something together.

Question 14

What's the best time of year to cruise the Caribbean?

Accepted Answer

The Caribbean is a year-round destination, but the sweet spot is December through April when weather is driest and temperatures are ideal. Hurricane season runs June through November — sailings still happen, but I'll advise on flexible booking options during that window.

Question 15

Which cities are included in land excursion packages?

Accepted Answer

I offer curated land excursions in major cruise port cities across North America, Europe, Asia & Oceania, and Mexico & the Caribbean.

Question 16

How much do your packages cost?

Accepted Answer

Packages start at $4,500 per couple, depending on the destination, ship, cabin category, and time of year. Prices fluctuate with availability, so the earlier you book, the better the rate.

Question 17

What's the deposit to hold a booking?

Accepted Answer

Deposits vary by cruise line and package, but typically range from $100–$500 per person to secure your cabin. The balance is usually due 90 days before sailing. I'll give you the exact deposit amount and payment schedule when I send your quote.

Question 18

Do you charge a planning fee?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation is completely free — it's just a friendly 30-minute chat to get to know each other and talk through your dream vacation. After my call, if you'd like me to build your full custom itinerary and quote, a $125 non-refundable planning deposit is collected. This covers the time I spend researching, building, and coordinating your trip — and the great news is it's credited toward your trip when you book!

Question 19

Is travel insurance included?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is priced separately and not bundled into your package — but here's the thing: I quote it for every single client, no exceptions. Why? Because one unexpected illness, a family emergency, or a hurricane reroute can cost you thousands of dollars with zero recourse if you're not covered. Travel insurance through Travel Insured International protects your entire investment — trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, evacuation, baggage loss, and more. It's one of the smartest additions to any vacation, and the cost is a fraction of what you stand to lose without it. When I send your quote, your travel insurance options will be right there alongside it — because I'd rather you have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Question 20

Are payment plans available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there are two ways to manage your payments: financing through Uplift/Flexpay (upon approval, bundled pricing and payment plans are available), or interest-free installment payments toward your balance at any time before final payment is due.

Question 21

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to fill out the quote request form on my Contact page. Tell me your travel dates, group size, and any destinations or experiences on your wish list. I'll respond within 24 hours with a custom itinerary and pricing.

Question 22

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For the best cabin selection and pricing, I recommend booking 6–12 months in advance — especially for peak travel periods like summer, spring break, and the holidays. That said, last-minute deals do come up, so don't hesitate to reach out even if your trip is a few months away.

Question 23

Can I make changes after booking?

Accepted Answer

Minor changes like adding a dining package or shore excursion are usually easy to accommodate. Cabin changes and date changes depend on availability and the cruise line's policies. I'll always check what's possible and advise on any fees before making changes.

Question 24

What happens if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policies vary by cruise line and how close to departure you cancel. Most have a sliding scale — the closer to sailing, the higher the penalty. This is exactly why I recommend travel insurance. I'll explain the cancellation terms for your specific booking before you commit.

Question 25

Do you plan group trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Group bookings (typically 8+ cabins) can unlock special perks like onboard credits, private group events, and dedicated group coordinator support. Whether it's a family reunion, girls' trip, or corporate retreat, I love putting group sailings together.

Question 26

Are your packages family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. For families, I primarily book Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line — all three have outstanding kids' programming, family dining, and activities for every age. I'll match you with the right ship based on your kids' ages and what your family loves to do.

Question 27

Can you plan an adults-only trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it's one of my specialties. For couples and adults-only groups, I typically recommend Virgin Voyages (fully adults-only), Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. Norwegian is also a strong option depending on the ship. I'll find the right fit based on your vibe — whether that's romantic and relaxed or lively and social.

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