Your Cruise Adventure Specialist

Sheila Smith

Believe You Can Travel, byctravel.com

Port Miami Champagne before our Western Caribbean Cruise 2025

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Planning a cruise is more than picking a ship it’s about choosing the right floating city, the perfect itinerary, and the onboard experience that fits your style, your group, and your dreams. As a certified cruise travel specialist, I’ve helped families, couples, solo travelers, and large groups sail with confidence and joy.

I’ve personally cruised with my own family, coordinated group trips, planned adults-only escapes, and even organized fundraisers at sea. I’ve worked with nearly every major cruise line including:

Virgin Voyages Carnival Cruise Line Princess Cruises Celebrity

Royal Caribbean MSC Norwegian Disney Viking

…and I’m certified in and planning now with many more.

Each cruise line and each ship is different. Some are perfect for families with young children, others cater to adults-only luxury. Some offer top-tier accessibility features, and others shine with themed entertainment or culinary excellence. My job is to help you find the one that fits you.

Step 1: First Contact

Once you reach out, I’ll send you a personalized intake form. This helps me get to know your travel style, preferences, must-haves, and any special considerations whether that’s mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or a desire for quiet adult-only spaces.

Then we’ll hop on a phone or Zoom call to connect. I love this part... it’s where I get to know each sailor. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea-goer, we’ll talk about what lights you up: tropical ports, spa days, Broadway-style shows, or just watching the waves roll by.

Step 2: Crafting Your Cruise

After our chat, I’ll research and prepare three custom cruise quotes that match your vision and budget. I don’t do “cheap” I do best-fit within your budget. That means:

• For families, I look at kid-friendly ships, splash zones, character meet-and-greets, and flexible dining.

• For groups, I consider cabin layouts, meeting spaces, dining coordination, and group perks.

• For adult-only travelers, I highlight quiet decks, spa packages, and elevated dining.

• For those with accessible, dietary, or sensory needs, I dig into ship layouts, onboard services, and port accessibility.

• For fundraisers, I help 501(c)(3) organizations earn money through group bookings, onboard events, and custom branding.

  
  

  

• For specialty groups, I’ve planned:

  • Early Childhood Training at Sea

  • Singles Cruises

  • Gen X Getaways

  • Family Reunions

  • Women’s Retreats

  • Couples Getaways

  • Graduation Trips

  • Honeymoons

  • Weddings

  • And more!

Every quote reflects your priorities whether that’s a balcony cabin, a Caribbean itinerary, or a ship with zero kids and all the champagne.

Step 3: Review & Refine

You’ll look over the quotes and choose the one that feels right. Then we tweak it maybe we adjust the sailing date, upgrade the cabin, or add a pre-cruise hotel. Once it’s perfect, you approve the itinerary and place your deposit.

From there, the countdown begins.

Step 4: Cruise Prep

Once you’re booked, I start sending custom emails to get you cruise-ready. These include:

• What to pack (and what to leave home)

• How to check in online and download your cruise app

• Tips for embarkation day

• Excursion ideas for each port

• Dining and entertainment highlights

• How to navigate the ship like a pro

We’ll talk throughout the months leading up to your cruise. You’ll make payments through my app every few weeks, and I’ll keep you on track with reminders and updates.

Step 5: Dining, Excursions & More

I help you book specialty dining, spa treatments, excursions, and even off-ship fun if you’re extending your trip. I’ll guide you through:

• Family-friendly excursions with low walking and high fun

• Group coordination for shared meals, private tours, and onboard events

• Accessibility planning for shore excursions, cabin access, and onboard mobility

• Adult-only experiences like wine tastings, silent discos, and rooftop lounges

Step 6: Sail Time You’re Not Alone

While you’re cruising, I’m on call 24/7. If something goes wrong or you just need a tip on where to find the best coffee, I’m here. I’m your backup, your advocate, and your biggest cheerleader.

Cruising is about connection, adventure, and joy. My job is to handle the logistics so you can focus on the ocean breeze and the memories you’re making.

Final Thoughts

Norwegian Escape Eastern Caribbean with my family.

Working with me means having a cruise expert who knows the ships, the ports, and the people and who cares deeply about your experience. I bring the planning expertise, the certifications, and the heart.

You bring the dream.

Let’s chart your course.

Your cruise story starts here with byctravel.