Featured Luxury Cruise Experts

Amy Kilbreath is a luxury travel advisor and Virtuoso® affiliate with more than 15 years of experience, 40+ countries explored, and 35+ cruises sailed. She is the founder of Port and Passport, where she works with well-traveled adults — many of them empty nesters — who want better trips without spending months comparing every ship, hotel, route, and itinerary. Amy specializes in luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruising, including Antarctica, Alaska, Europe, and the South Pacific, along with European land travel. Her perspective comes from firsthand experience: sailing the ships, walking the ports, and seeing where the reality differs from the marketing. A mom of five whose children have mostly flown the nest, Amy understands how travel changes when people have more freedom, fewer family logistics, and higher expectations for how they spend their time. Her clients often come to her after years of planning their own travel, when the research starts to feel more exhausting than exciting. Amy is known for practical, plain-spoken commentary on cruise strategy, travel timing, luxury travel trends, and the mistakes travelers make when booking on their own. She has been quoted in Travel + Leisure, Parade, 425 Magazine, and Virtuoso on topics including Antarctica ship capabilities, cruise embarkation mistakes, overnight port stays, solo travel for women over 50, Tahiti cruising, and private-island cruise experiences. She is based near Seattle and works with clients nationwide. Amy frequently comments on: • Luxury travel and cruise booking trends • Small-ship, river, and expedition cruising • Antarctica ships, ice class, and expedition access • Alaska cruise itineraries, Glacier Bay, port timing, and ship selection • Common cruise booking mistakes • Embarkation-day travel and cruise logistics • Overnight cruise ports and pre- and post-cruise stays • Solo travel for women over 50 • How Gen X and empty nesters are changing luxury travel • When a travel advisor can save time, prevent mistakes, or improve the trip • The differences between cruise lines that appear similar online

Vanessa Kromer is an award-winning luxury travel advisor, founder and Editor in Chief of Maison Voyage Magazine, podcast host, and luxury travel creator with more than 16 years of experience designing bespoke journeys for discerning travelers worldwide. As the founder of a seven-figure luxury travel business, she specializes in luxury hotels, Europe, Italy, France, luxury cruises, safari, and emerging high-end travel trends. Vanessa is recognized for her expertise in boutique and independently owned luxury hotels, destination strategy, premium air travel, luxury rail, expedition and ocean cruises, and personalized itinerary design. She works closely with luxury hospitality brands and tourism partners around the world while helping affluent travelers discover exceptional destinations beyond the obvious. In addition to advising hundreds of clients each year, Vanessa leads the editorial vision for Maison Voyage Magazine, where she writes about luxury hotels, destination trends, culinary travel, wellness escapes, and meaningful travel experiences. She also hosts the Maison Voyage Podcast, interviewing global travel experts, hotel leaders, and destination specialists. As both a travel advisor and media publisher, Vanessa offers a unique perspective on how luxury travel is evolving. She regularly comments on luxury travel trends, consumer behavior, hospitality, boutique hotels, cruises, destination strategy, travel planning, creator partnerships, women in business, entrepreneurship, and building a modern luxury travel brand. Her work has been featured in regional and national media, and she is frequently sought after for expert commentary on the future of luxury travel, premium hospitality, and the experiences today's affluent travelers value most. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, Vanessa continues to inspire travelers through editorial storytelling, strategic partnerships, and expertly designed journeys that celebrate authentic luxury and meaningful connection.

As a seasoned travel advisor, I have immersed myself in the world of travel, constantly seeking out the latest trends, hidden gems, and unique destinations to ensure that my clients' trips are nothing short of extraordinary.

Tim Protasio is a travel advisor and the owner of Tim Cruise Travel Agency, based in Naples, Florida. He specializes in cruise planning, helping clients book everything from quick Caribbean getaways to longer voyages and world cruises. With a strong focus on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Holland America, Tim works closely with clients to match them with the right ship, itinerary, and value—not just the lowest price. His approach is simple: make the process easy, avoid common mistakes, and often secure added perks like onboard credit or better cabin options. Serving clients in Naples, SWFL, and across the U.S., Tim focuses on group cruises, luxury sailings, and custom trips. Whether it’s a first cruise or a more complex itinerary, he provides hands-on guidance before, during, and after the trip.

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

I'm the owner of Cruises.To, a cruise port and travel information website built to help travelers better understand cruise destinations before they arrive. My work focuses on cruise ports, shore excursions, destination research, cruise planning, port logistics, and practical travel information for cruisers. Cruises.To covers thousands of cruise ports around the world, with guides designed to help travelers compare destinations, plan port days, understand transportation options, and choose excursions that fit their travel style,. I focus on making cruise port information easier to understand, especially for travelers who want practical details before booking or stepping off the ship. My expertise includes cruises, cruise destination research, port guide development, shore excursion planning, cruise itinerary content, traveler decision-making, and improving online travel resources for cruise passengers.

I am Lisa Salleron, an online pioneer in yacht charters and luxury maritime travel. Since 1998, I have spearheaded global operations from Mougins on the French Riviera as the founder and lead broker behind wiyachts.com, windwardyachts.com, and worldwideyachtbroker.com. Specializing in high-end crewed catamaran charters and global yacht brokerage, I provide expert commentary on luxury travel trends, yachting innovations, market economics, and female leadership in the maritime industry. Active member of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association).

Kayla is an American luxury travel designer based in Puglia, Italy, and the founder of Storia Travel Club. She relocated to southern Italy in 2024 and has built a travel business designing bespoke itineraries for discerning travelers with a particular focus on Italy and Europe. Her lived experience in Puglia gives her access to the kind of local detail that no guidebook captures: which masseria is worth the splurge and which is coasting on reputation, where to find the best bombette in the Valle d’Itria, and why the heel of Italy consistently surprises even seasoned travelers. She works with a select clientele, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, people seeking relocation to Italy, and those who expect their travel to be entirely handled by a professional. Her work has been featured on The Puglia Guys podcast, Condé Nast Traveler and her knowledge of the region, including its food culture, lesser-known geography, and the properties worth staying in, makes her a go-to source for editorial coverage on authentic luxury and slow travel in Italy.

George P. Biniaris is the Founder and Managing Broker of George Yachts Brokerage House, a boutique luxury crewed yacht charter and brokerage firm operating exclusively in Greek waters: the Ionian, Cyclades, Saronic and Dodecanese. He advises ultra-high-net-worth clients from the United States, United Kingdom and the Gulf on bespoke crewed charters, pairing deep local knowledge with a discreet, relationship-led approach to luxury travel. An IYBA member working on MYBA contracts, he holds maritime licenses for sail and motor yachts and a BSc in Shipping Management, and was featured in Forbes in May 2026 on how the wealthy are favouring experiences over assets. He publishes the Greek Charter Index, an annual data report on Greek charter pricing and demand. More at georgeyachts.com

I’ve spent over seven years at Yonder Travel Insurance mastering the 'fine print' so travelers don't have to. My expertise lies in deconstructing complex policy language into clear, actionable advice, whether I’m recommending the ideal plan for a unique itinerary or guiding a client through the intricacies of the claims process. By maintaining key partnerships with top insurance providers, I stay at the forefront of industry trends to provide unbiased, expert insights that help travelers maximize their benefits and navigate the unexpected with confidence. I use this experience to craft insightful responses on behalf of Yonder to further educate the public on travel insurance, which you can explore in my featured articles section.

Travel blogger and cruise specialist behind YourTravelReporter.nl, a fast-growing travel platform from the Netherlands. I focus on high-end travel experiences, including ocean and river cruises, boutique hotels, and unique destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. I’ve collaborated with leading cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Explora Journeys, and regularly share firsthand insights, expert tips, and in-depth destination guides. My content combines personal storytelling with practical advice, helping travelers make informed decisions and elevate their travel experiences. I’m especially interested in topics related to cruises, luxury travel, unique destinations, and travel tips based on real experiences. Website: https://www.yourtravelreporter.nl Instagram: @yourtravelreporter | @cruisereporter.nl

I am an online entrepreneur, author, and travel scholar specializing in high-end travel, cultural exploration, and local destination experiences. As the founder of Paradize.life, a travel website dedicated to collecting luxury destination knowledge, I am an expert in helping travelers find unique experiences, local secrets, and personalized itineraries across Europe, Asia, and beyond. My area of expertise is deep travel research and writing, where I track future trends, review top destinations, and create content to inform and motivate modern travelers. Although I have not visited each country personally, my strength is transforming in-depth research into clear, informative, and SEO-optimized content connecting travelers with luxury services, from private jet charters to luxury resorts and unique tours.

Christina Gales is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Christina Gales Travel, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in European itineraries, Caribbean escapes, elevated family travel, milestone celebrations, and luxury ocean and river cruises. A Fora and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor based outside Chicago, Christina has planned hundreds of trips across 20+ countries and serves over 100 clients nationwide. With extensive destination training across Europe, the Caribbean, Iceland, Hawaii, and Mexico—plus specialist certifications in luxury travel, cruise planning, and ecotourism—she brings both breadth and depth to every journey. Her preferred status with 8,500+ hotels, resorts, and cruise lines globally allows her to secure exclusive perks and VIP experiences for clients. As both a travel professional and mother of five, Christina is frequently sought after for her expertise in family travel strategy, multi-generational trip design, and making luxury travel approachable for real families. She speaks regularly on European travel planning, destination trends, the psychology of travel, and the shift toward meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences. Her itineraries favor local culture, boutique hospitality, and personalized experiences over mass-market tourism. Known for her warm, collaborative approach and concierge-level support, Christina helps travelers feel confident, connected, and inspired—from dream to departure to memories that last a lifetime

Sandals #1 US Travel Agency... Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rivage Travel Consulting & www.BestCaribbeanResorts.com is a boutique travel consultant group owned by husband and wife duo, Jonathan and Angela Patton. As Sandals specialists with over 15 years of expertise, we have personally visited every resort and booked over 2,000 client trips to Sandals, earning recognition as the 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency in the USA and ranking among the top seven travel advisors nationwide. Being in the top 1% of all US travel advisors, our Diamond Elite status with Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club means we have insider knowledge and experience when it comes Sandals & Beaches resorts. TRAVEL AWARDS & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Sandals Resorts Awards 2026 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2025 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – USA 2024 Top Sandals Travel Agency – South East 2024 Top Sandals Butler Elite Travel Agency 2024 Top Sandals Island Routes Agency - Worldwide 2024 Top 10 Independent Sandals Travel Agency – Worldwide 2024 Sandals Million Dollar Club 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Diamond Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite 2023 Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club

I’m a luxury travel advisor and the founder of Deliberate Detours, where I plan highly personalized trips with a particular focus on the Mediterranean, ski destinations, travel near water, boutique hotels, and yacht travel. I pivoted to travel after more than 25 years in healthcare marketing and PR, including leadership roles, so I tend to look at the travel industry through both a business and consumer lens. I’m fascinated by the ways people spend their time and money differently, and by the shift away from simply checking destinations off a list toward travel that feels more personal, restorative, and worth the effort. I can speak to luxury travel trends, changing traveler preferences, destination and hotel trends, Mediterranean and ski travel, experiential travel, yacht travel, and what affluent travelers are actually looking for from a travel advisor today. I’m also interested in the bigger conversation around career reinvention. I made a significant career pivot in my 40s, leaving a long corporate career to build a business in an entirely new industry. I have firsthand perspective on the practical, and sometimes messy, process of figuring out what you want your next chapter to look like and having the nerve to build it. I’m especially happy to contribute a candid, experience-based perspective rather than a generic “travel expert” take. I’m less interested in repeating what’s already being said about travel, and more interested in sharing what I’m actually seeing and hearing from travelers.

I am an innovator with a storm of disrupted ideas in the luxury travel industry. I have 15+ years of experience with UHNWI/F and I am truly passionated about Real Estate and UHNW travel experiences. Ncg Experience offers SY Assistance, Luxury Homes & Private Islands Rentals and unsurpassed experiences in the Dominican Republic, Italy, Mykonos, Ibiza, St Tropez, St Barths. “Sensational memories for life. Dreams are never big enough” AD X

With 25 years in the travel industry across Europe, I have recently started my own business as a travel consultant. Leveraging my experiences as a tour guide in France, Norway and the Benelux, as well as resort work in other countries, I now help plan itineraries for independent travelers to Europe,

Why do some travel experiences stay with us for the rest of our lives while others disappear before we've even unpacked? That question has shaped my career. As a Travel Sommelier and founder of Hidden Travel™, I explore what transforms an ordinary trip into an unforgettable experience. After years of firsthand exploration and an earlier career in alternative medicine working with elite athletes, executives, and performers, I came to see travel differently. The most memorable journeys aren't defined by a single landmark or luxury hotel—they're shaped by hundreds of intentional decisions working together. Today, I combine that systems-based perspective with years in the field to help travelers, destinations, and hospitality brands create experiences that are more meaningful, immersive, and memorable. My work spans editorial storytelling, destination ecosystems, custom travel design, and Ageless Explorer, a movement built on the belief that our greatest adventures shouldn't have an expiration date. Learn more at JenAhana.com or contact me directly at jen@jenahana.com for media opportunities and collaborations.