Luxury cruise ship sailing on open ocean
Travel planning services

Cruise Planning, Done Right

With hundreds of ships, dozens of cruise lines, and thousands of itineraries to choose from, finding the right sailing is overwhelming. I cut through the noise — and get you perks you can't book on your own.

Why book a cruise through a travel advisor?

No extra cost to you

Booking direct with a cruise line gets you a cabin. Booking through me gets you a cabin plus onboard credits, priority boarding, specialty dining reservations, and insider knowledge about which ships, cabins, and itineraries are actually worth it. My fee is covered by the cruise lines I work with — so you pay the same price and get significantly more.

What kind of cruise are you dreaming of?

Ocean Cruises

From Caribbean island-hopping to Mediterranean coastlines, transatlantic crossings to Alaska glaciers — I'll match you with the right ship, itinerary, and cabin category for your travel style and budget.

CaribbeanMediterraneanAlaskaTransatlantic

River Cruises

Europe's rivers are best experienced from the water. I specialize in European river cruising with lines like Riviera Travel, Viking, and AmaWaterways — intimate ships, included excursions, and destinations you can't reach by sea.

DanubeRhineDouroSeine

Expedition Cruises

Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, Patagonia — expedition cruising takes you to the places most travelers never reach. I've researched the operators, the ships, and the itineraries so you don't have to.

AntarcticaGalápagosArcticPatagonia

Luxury & Ultra-Luxury

Lines like Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Explora Journeys offer an entirely different experience — smaller ships, butler service, all-inclusive pricing, and destinations that larger ships can't reach.

SeabournSilverseaRegentExplora

What I bring to your cruise booking

Onboard Credits & Perks

Through my partnerships with cruise lines, I can often secure onboard spending credits, specialty dining packages, and other amenities that aren't available when booking direct.

Cabin Category Expertise

Not all cabins are created equal. I know which ships have the best balcony views, which inside cabins are actually worth it, and which categories to avoid — so you don't learn the hard way.

Itinerary Matching

The right itinerary depends on your travel style, time of year, and what you want to experience. I'll help you choose between similar sailings based on real knowledge, not just what's on the brochure.

Pre & Post Cruise Planning

The cruise is just part of the trip. I can handle flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, port excursions, and post-cruise extensions so the whole journey is seamless.

Currently featured cruise offers

I regularly share cruise promotions, limited-time offers, and early booking deals on the Travel Notes blog. Check there for the latest sailings worth knowing about.

Free cruise planning resources

Not sure where to start? Download these guides to help you think through the decision before we talk.

Free Download

Cruise Matchmaker Guide

Not all cruise lines are created equal. This guide walks you through the key questions to match your travel style to the right cruise experience — from mainstream to ultra-luxury to expedition.

Free Download

Cruise Myths Cheat Sheet

Think cruises are just for retirees? That the food is bad or the ships are overcrowded? This cheat sheet debunks the five most common cruise myths — and might just change your mind.

Turquoise ocean water

Ready to find your perfect sailing?

Tell me where you want to go, when you want to travel, and what matters most to you — and I'll take it from there.

Travel With Mel

Travel Advisor · Realtor · Broker

Expert trip planning and real estate guidance — with a personal touch and no extra cost to you.

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© 2026 Melissa Trinkl PLLC. All rights reserved.

Licensed Realtor/Broker — NC, SC, AZ · FORA-Certified Travel Advisor

Fora Travel, Inc. is registered with the following state licenses: California - Seller of Travel Registration No. 2151995-50; Florida - Seller of Travel Registration No. ST43973; Washington - Seller of Travel Unified Business ID (UBI) # 605329242; British Columbia - CPBC License No. 88694; Ontario - TICO Registration No. 50027942.