Honest answers to the questions travelers ask most.

There are two main revenue streams for travel advisors: professional planning fees and commission. I charge planning fees because my time, my knowledge, and my skill set are valuable. Many hotels and other travel suppliers pay me commission as a reward for becoming an expert in their brand and bringing them qualified clients. See the Services page for more information.

Absolutely. Through my status as a preferred partner with the most special hotels in the world, I am able to offer my clients added value and preferred rates at thousands of hotels around the globe. I often hear from clients, "I didn't want to bother you for a quick hotel booking." It is my pleasure to manage your travel reservations wherever or for how long you are away from home.

April through October are the standard sailing months. Late April to early June and September to mid-October are my favorites: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful light. The Christmas Markets sailings (late November through Christmas week) are a bucket-list experience for many of my clients, and Tulip Time in Holland sells out a year ahead.

On the luxury lines, yes. Meals, fine wines and beverages with lunch and dinner, most or all shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are included. The exact inclusions vary by line, which is one of the most important details I help clients evaluate. The all-in price often makes a luxury river cruise less expensive per day than a comparable hotel-and-restaurant land journey.

Most ports offer a choice of three to five excursions, typically a gentle walking tour, an active option (cycling or hiking), and a special-interest tour (food, wine, art, or history). You can also opt out and explore independently when the ship is in port.

On most European rivers, a French balcony gives you the visual experience without the cost premium of a step-out balcony. The exception is the Middle Rhine Gorge day on Rhine itineraries. Almost everyone is on deck or on their balcony for that stretch. I will guide you to the right cabin category based on your itinerary and your priorities for the trip.

It can be genuinely rough, and it can also be glassy, which crews call the Drake Lake. Modern expedition ships have excellent stabilizers, the crossing takes about two days each way, and medication works well for most people. If the idea troubles you, fly-cruise itineraries charter you over the passage in two hours instead. I book those often.

On the lines I recommend: all Zodiac landings and excursions, expedition team and lectures, parka and boot loan, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Several include gateway flights, charter flights, hotel nights, and emergency medical evacuation coverage. The inclusion structure varies more than in any other category of cruising, and comparing it honestly is one of the most valuable things I do for you.

Twelve to eighteen months for Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Northwest Passage. These ships are small, the seasons are short, and the best suites and single occupancy options go first. Galápagos and Norway can often be booked inside a year, though the preferred departures still move quickly.

That is the whole question. HX for science and value, Atlas for intimate yacht-style comfort, Swan Hellenic for cultural depth and fair solo pricing, Seabourn for luxury cruisers making their first expedition, Silversea for reach and butler-service polish. I match you to the ship and departure whose atmosphere fits how you actually want to travel.

Less than you think. Most lines provide the expedition parka and loan waterproof boots. You bring waterproof trousers, layers, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, which matters enormously on ice. I send every client a destination-specific packing list before departure.