Working with me · Cruises · Hotels · Deals · Insurance
Working with me
Do you charge a fee?
No. There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings: you pay the cruise line's or hotel's rate. Book with the Captain is paid by commission from the cruise line or hotel when you book, so planning help, comparing options and booking your cruise or hotel costs you nothing extra.
Does it cost more to book through an advisor?
Not for cruises and hotels. You pay the cruise line's or hotel's rate, with no Book with the Captain fees and no markup. Book with the Captain earns a commission from the supplier when you book, at no added cost to you.
What does 'independent travel advisor of Fora Travel' mean?
Book with the Captain is an independent travel advisor. Fora Travel, Inc. is the host travel agency Book with the Captain works with. Fora provides supplier partnerships and booking support, while Book with the Captain plans your trip and works with you directly. Book with the Captain is not Fora itself, and Book with the Captain doesn't use Fora's logo or speak for Fora.
How fast do you reply?
I reply within 1 business day. Send your dates, who's traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind through the free quote form, and I'll come back with questions or options. The more detail you share up front, such as budget range and departure port, the more useful that first reply will be.
How do I get started?
Fill out the free quote form on any page of this site. Tell us your travel dates, who's traveling and whether you want a cruise, a hotel stay or both. We'll reply within 1 business day. There's no obligation to book, and the quote form is the best way to reach me.
Do you work with travelers outside my area?
Yes. I help travelers worldwide by email and video call, so you don't need to live nearby. Everything from the first quote to final details can be handled remotely. Start with the free quote form, tell us where you're traveling from, and we'll plan around your home airport or departure port.
Cruises
What kinds of cruises do you plan?
I plan family cruises, first-time cruises, luxury and small-ship cruises, river cruises and expedition cruises. Tell us who's traveling, how long you want to be away and what matters most, such as kids' clubs, quiet ships or specific ports, and we'll suggest cruise lines and sailings that fit, then compare the options with you.
When should I book a cruise?
Earlier usually means more cabin choice, especially for holidays, school breaks and popular cabin types like balconies and suites. There's no single best day to book. Deals change often, so ask for a quote and I'll check what's available for your dates.
Can you help if I already found a cruise online?
Yes. Send me the sailing you found and I'll review it and look at comparable options for your dates. You'll still pay the cruise line's rate, with no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on the cruise. Use the quote form and include the ship and date.
Should I arrive the day before my cruise?
Arriving the day before is a common way to reduce the risk of missing embarkation because of flight delays or traffic. Ships generally won't wait for late passengers. I can book a pre-cruise hotel near your departure port, so you start the trip rested and close to the terminal on sailing day.
Hotels
Do you book pre-cruise hotels?
Yes. I book pre- and post-cruise hotel nights near departure ports, as well as stand-alone hotel and resort stays. There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on hotel bookings: you pay the hotel's rate. I compare available rates for your dates and share the options I find before you decide.
Do you book hotels without a cruise?
Yes. Stand-alone stays are welcome, including beach resorts, city hotels and family-friendly resorts. Tell us your dates, who's traveling and the kind of place you like, and we'll compare available rates. You pay the hotel's rate, with no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on the hotel booking itself.
Will I pay more for a hotel booked through you?
No. Hotel bookings carry no Book with the Captain fees and no markup, so you pay the hotel's rate. Book with the Captain may earn a commission from the hotel when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Deals
Do you publish cruise deals?
No. I don't publish deals, prices or promotions on this site. The Deals page lists cruises I can plan for you. Ask for a quote with your dates and who's traveling, and I'll check what's available for your dates.
Do deals have deadlines?
Deals change often, so ask for a quote and I'll check what's available for your dates. I'll confirm the cruise line's current terms before you book.
Is the advertised deal always the best option for me?
Not always. An offer may only apply to certain ships, cabin types or sailing dates, and a different sailing without a promotion can sometimes suit your trip better. I'll compare qualifying sailings with other options for your dates and explain the trade-offs, so you can choose what fits your plans and budget.
Insurance
Is travel insurance required?
No. Travel insurance is optional and isn't required to book any cruise, hotel, airfare or other service with Book with the Captain. If you're interested, you can tick the travel insurance box on the quote form. Plans are offered by Faye, and policies are underwritten by the insurer named in your plan documents.
Who answers questions about travel insurance coverage?
Faye does. Book with the Captain is a travel retailer, not a licensed insurance producer in most states, and can't answer technical questions about terms, benefits, exclusions or conditions. Please contact Faye for coverage and claims questions at foraadvisors@withfaye.com or 1-833-240-7056. Book with the Captain may be compensated if you buy a plan.
Is travel insurance available everywhere?
Not everywhere. Faye plans are not available to residents of PR, USVI, Guam, CNMI or American Samoa, and cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage isn't available to New York residents. For details on what a specific plan covers, contact Faye directly at foraadvisors@withfaye.com or 1-833-240-7056 before you buy.
Still have a question? Ask it in the free quote form, or browse cruises I can plan, port guides and the blog.