When is the best time to book a future vacation?
At least six to 18 months in advance for space and for the best price. For the ‘last minute’ specials the price may appear to drop but it will be from an inflated price. Plus, the air fare will be higher unless it’s included in the cruise price (Regents/Oceania). There are some incentives offered the last few months but the choices for which room type you want are limited. Especially if you desire a suite – these sell out quickly. Early booking is always a good idea!
How is a boutique type business different than a regular travel agency?
I specialize in ocean, river cruises, organized land tours and spend more time with my clients than most; and I’m picky about who my clients are since we’ll be working closely together. In the past, business has mainly been by word of mouth and client referral as I began early on with simply friends and family. Now, we’re into fourth generation referrals. There is no competition with ringing phones and harried agents dealing with multiple clients and if you can only visit with me at certain hours, I will set aside time for you.
Isn't it cheaper to book online? Do you offer any perks?It may initially appear to be less expensive online as they often list the lowest price of the season and the lowest inside cabin in their quoted price. But when the final tally appears with taxes and port fees added in – there is very little difference with online pricing and what I will quote you. Perks? If my host company (Nexion, LLC) offers incentives I’ll know before booking; it’s dependent on the specific line and sail date or tour company.
I also offer a personalized Travel Tips document (for certain cruise lines) which walks you through the weeks prior to your cruise as you prepare to leave home; important things you should do upon first boarding the ship, and a thorough packing list. This document is a result of many years of cruising; clients receive it after initial deposit along with a personalized folder to keep cruise documents organized. Some cruise lines send their own folders as well.
If you don't charge for your services - how do you get paid?
The cruise line or tour company has built in commission for each booking. Either they keep the commission (when you call/book online) or it goes to the booking agent (me) after your cruise/journey is over. There is no charge for my services; but there is a minimal cancellation fee if I have done the work for the booking and you end up canceling. Post Covid many agencies are now charging a fee to work with them as this industry was hit so hard. Bottom line is I have to trust the clients who come to me for help as much as they trust me to help them.
Do you handle flights, hotels, and transfers?
I do if they are purchased through the cruise line or are part of the package with a land tour. With cruises these will be slightly more expensive than booking online; but the advantage is that the supplier takes more responsibility and coordinates getting you from one place to the next. Most of the time transfers are included with air purchases. Some, especially those who are older or traveling solo – find the seamlessness worth the extra cost.
I’ve already booked my vacation - is it too late for Drouin Cruises to handle my booking?
It depends on the date of your booking. Several times clients have transferred their booking but it depended on the cruise line and time frame – it’s just a matter of faxing a form in which ‘releases’ the booking to Drouin Cruises, LLC. Some cruise lines have a 30 or 60-day window while other lines allow you to transfer to me before final payment is made. It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask and I’d be happy to make those inquiries on your behalf’. And if my host agency has any specials on your booking – we’ll make sure you get those if transferred to us.
What would be the advantage if I transferred my booking to you?After initial deposit – I keep my eye on your cruise and sail date and if a sale occurs and you qualify – I’ll re-book the cruise (if allowed) so that you can take advantage of the savings. There are many steps and a multitude of questions between the times you book and literally stepping on the ship or going on your trip.
Especially for those who have never cruised before; I help you understand cruise life and what to expect during your vacation. Because I book such a variety of lines… I may not know the particulars of the one you choose but I’ll learn with you. Sometimes the wait time for reaching an operator or help desk is 30 minutes to over an hour but it will be me on hold, not you. Mostly, I provide personal – unique customer service along the way. I guarantee you won’t find that online.
If I’m working with another agency – will you compete for my business?
No, I won’t. If you’re working with someone else – stay with them if you’re confident they’ll work hard for you. It takes hours to research, compare lines or packages, itineraries and prices, which also may include lengthy conversations with the suppliers even after booking occurs. I have high rate of returning clients who desire this unique kind of service and know I’ll have their back. Please, if you plan to use another agent or book online – be considerate of my time.
Do you need a budget range for my vacation?
Not necessarily, but if you would like me to work within a budget make it be for the cruise/package portion only. You can calculate the additional expenses for everything else (flights/ excursions/ alcohol/ spa services/etc.) Be realistic; some folks want champagne on a beer budget. Suites on smaller vessels, ‘all-inclusive’ and ships with fewer children on board…are all factors that increase cost.
If I book with Drouin Cruises, how will the charge show up on my credit card?
Whatever company we book you with will process your credit card; if it’s a Seabourn cruise your statement will read: Seabourn Cruise Line. Or if we put together an Australia/New Zealand package, it may read Kensington Tours. If it’s a river cruise- perhaps Tauck or AmaWaterways. The same is true with refunds you may receive – it will be from the supplier you book with.
Have cruise sales suffered due to Covid at sea or the trouble in Europe? The fall out from Covid hit this industry extremely hard. But starting in 2021 people have returned to travel and sales have greatly increased in my little corner of the world. Like certain companies – there are some I choose not to do business with. And there are some lines that I may or may not recommend depending on the client. And when something happens in Europe – it seems the security at the airports and tourist places are increased, which makes it (indirectly) a safer time to travel. Nothing – nowhere…can be 100% guaranteed unless you simply decide to stay home.
The worldwide Pandemic (March 2020 to current) appears to be in our rearview window and things improve each month as vaccine requirements for travel are slowly going away. It appears in 2024 most all vendors will have return to pre-Covid days. For those wanting to stay closer to home Tauck U.S. land tours and various river cruise lines have become very popular.
Why do you think cruising is a better idea than say, an exotic resort?Cruising covers many nautical miles and visits various ports without the hassle of multiple flights, checking in, unpacking, checking out, and finding transportation or reputable food venues, all to be repeated the next day.
With river or ocean cruising – you don’t worry about the cost of each meal or event onboard; food and entertainment are part of the total price (with the exception of speciality restaurants.) Cruising is an adventure on a floating resort – waking up to something new each morning. Your time on the ship can be peaceful and restful (or) filled to the brim with various activities keeping you busy nearly every hour of every day. Some worry they’ll be bored but after they cruise – they never think that again.
What if I don't like being stuck with thousands of people, away from land and on the open sea?
When someone comments “I just don’t like sailing on a large, crowded ship,” I reply “it’s because you haven’t been on the one that’s right for you.” Cruise lines range from unconventional to traditional, fun to fanciful, entertaining to sophisticated and leisurely to luxury. I’ve observed these differences over many years and will find one that is a near-to-perfect match for you. And for those who must see land at all times – the solution may be river cruising, a popular and fast-growing market. Or to have me work with Tauck or Kensington Tours for an excellent organized land tour.
I’m single – can I get a room by myself?
Yes, but because each cabin is based on double occupancy it will likely cost you much more. Some lines (Regent/Oceania/Azamara/AMA Waterways and Tauck) are beginning to offer SOLO SPECIALS. I’m happy to check into pricing for you. My advice? Bring a friend! One of the lines we recently cruised on had a social director just for solo cruisers. We were impressed with all the events the ship hosted to make sure those traveling alone had a great time. River cruising offers more opportunities for solo travelers (Tauck has a Category 1 cabin designed for solo travelers) as well as a few ocean cruise lines – I’ll be happy to investigate that for you.
What is the best ship that sails from Galveston?
The Harmony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) will arrive to our Texas port in November of 2023 and she is one of the best things that will happen to our Texas ports. I’ve heard a rumor that Schlitterbahn was involved in the creation of the children’s water area (Splashaway Bay) and the magnificent slides for teens/adults. We don’t book this line anymore but may consider family groups who book Star or Sea class suites on Oasis Class ships.
Where have you traveled in your lifetime?My first trip to Mexico was around the age of ten; between high school and college I did a summer mission trip to Guam and visited Japan along the way. When finishing up my masters degree at the University of Texas, I spent a month in Africa (Egypt and Kenya.) And since then I’ve been to several countries in Europe and many in Central America. My husband Rene’ and I honeymooned in Paris, France. I spoke at a conference in Hawaii and enjoyed visiting a few of the islands (O’ahu, Maui and Kauai)
Several cruises have been to the southern, western and eastern Caribbean islands as well as a few ports in Europe (Greece and Israel). The Mexican Riviera, Northwest coastal region, and Alaskan cruises were some of my favorite. I was surprised as how much I loved my first river cruise (Basel to Amsterdam) on AmaWaterways but nothing compared to the Blue Danube (Tauck) in 2022 that ended with the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Cruising around Australia and New Zealand, visiting Fiji and Bora Bora, and doing a South Africa Land Tour are bucket list items for my husband and me.
What was your all-time favorite ocean cruise?
Hands down – Alaska. In 2000 we were doing the Inside Passage cruise and I remember a particular day at sea. My husband and I were reading in the library settled in cozy leather chairs facing the panoramic glass windows when we looked up and saw a pair of humpback whales swimming by; it was surreal. There is something magnificent and awesome about that particular piece of God’s earth and wonderful that it’s part of the U.S.A. It is truly a sight worth seeing in one’s lifetime. We returned in the summer of 2019 with a group on Regent Seven Seas (all-inclusive including excursions) and added on a land tour with Salmon Berry – it was an amazing – incredible – best ever vacation!
