.jpg)
Linda Speer
Cruises by Linda
"The biggest difference that I offer is that I freely offer a lifetime of knowledge with care and concern."
Regions of operation: Generalist
Countries of expertise: Worldwide
Special categories: Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, Expedition Cruises
What do you do that competing specialists can’t/won’t:
I am honest and discuss both advantages and disadvantages of all aspects of a trip, my assistants check monthly for rate reductions and new promotions that we can apply to existing trips. I am well versed in all Virtuoso cruise suppliers and present options that are frequently unknown to clients. The biggest difference that I offer is that I freely offer a lifetime of knowledge with care and concern. I consider all of the trips custom. Carefully choosing the right time to go, the best itinerary, the best ship, the best cabin and the best value.
What is one of your all-time favorite experiences you've been able to pull off for guests?
Frequently we have clients who wish to add pre/post private arrangements with a cruise. We have on-site operators who are trusted and vetted through Brownell and Virtuoso. recently we used an on-site in Australia to arrange a two-week custom tour tailored to their particular wishes, they were over the moon, it far exceeded their expectations.
Do you think the events of recent years have permanently changed the role of the specialist/agent? Any forever pivots that you've made?
The pandemic made trusted travel advisors much more important in particular to busy professionals who can not afford to spend large amounts of time researching complex trips with providers they may not be familiar with. Now with luxury cruise suppliers offering itineraries as far out as 2025 there are so many sailings with so many cruise lines that it can be overwhelming.