How this One Thing Changed the Way I Cruise

Cruises are hands-down my favorite way to vacation. There’s just something magical about visiting multiple destinations while still enjoying the convenience of returning to the same ship for delicious dinners, dazzling shows, and the ultimate in relaxation on sea days. It’s a tradition my family has cherished for over 15 years.

But if I’m being honest, the planning and booking process? Not my favorite. It can feel like a lot, especially for first-timers or those new to Carnival Cruises (which was me—I’m a theme park mom through and through). At first, I thought booking a cruise was as easy as picking a ship, choosing a room, and calling it a day. Spoiler alert: it’s not quite that simple.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll need to decide:

Whether to upgrade your dining package or book specialty restaurants.
Flexible vs. fixed dining times (and figuring out what “flexible dining” actually means).
Which shore excursions are worth it.
The best cabin location (trust me, where you stay on the ship matters—rocky seas are no joke!).
Show reservations (yes, some performances fill up!).
Drink and internet package options.
Navigating the Carnival Hub app.

Add it all up, and it can feel like a part-time job on top of everything else you’re juggling, you know family, a real job, all the fun things that come with life.

Enter the Travel Agent ?

A few years ago, I decided to give a travel agent a try. To my surprise (I will be honest, I was shocked), agents offer their services at no additional charge, which is a game-changer. (Though I’ve heard some agents charge fees, my experiences have been fee-free!)

At first, I wasn’t sold. My initial attempt to find an agent via Google only led to basic quotes and lackluster service. But after my friend (you know, the kind that will talk your ear off) raved about her agent (calling it “life-changing”), I decided to give it another go. I checked out their reviews and reached out. Let me tell you, and I hate to admit it, but she was right, it was a total game-changer.

A Wow-Worthy Experience

I submitted an inquiry, and I don’t know if it was even an hour before someone reached out to me. They asked all these great questions that I would have never thought about when planning a cruise; they wanted to know my family’s preferences and what we wanted out of our Carnival Cruise. It felt like chatting with an old friend who genuinely cared about helping us plan the best vacation ever.

We ended up booking a cruise on the stunning Carnival Jubilee; that ship had everything. It was just so fun. Fantastic dining options, entertainment for all ages, and an awesome kids’ club my kids adored, and fun cocktail bars for the grown ups.

Stress-Free Planning

You know how they say the best part of the trip is the anticipation. I never got that because I was always so stressed out trying to make sure everything was right for my family to enjoy the trip. I was doing all the planning and thus all the stress.

So this time, the fact that our agent didn’t just book the trip—they helped plan the entire experience. It was the BEST feeling in the world as a mom. I mean, they created a personalized itinerary that covered sea days, port stops, dining reservations, and showtimes. They also gave us invaluable tips for getting the most out of the ship and excursions. I was not joking when I kept saying to my agent, “So all this planning is FREE?”

Instead of stressing about the plans, I got to look up the fun things, like checking out the fun excursions we are going on and what shows are on the ship. I feel like a broken record, but it was the BEST, by the way the company name is Best Day Ever Vacations, they are incredible reach out to them.

Big Savings

The icing on the cake? A few months after my booking, my agent noticed a sale and found us an upgraded cabin for less than what I originally paid. This kind of service sealed the deal—I’m now a lifelong client.

Should You Use a Travel Agent for Carnival Cruises?

In a word: YES. The right agent can save you time, money, and stress. I’ve already recommended my agent (Best Day Ever Vacations) to so many people because it is just such a game-changer. And no, I’m not paid to share this—I just love helping families make their vacations as amazing as ours.

If you’re planning a Carnival Cruise, do yourself a favor and give a travel agent a try. It’ll make your vacation planning as smooth as those sunny sea days. ?