Mary Stephens
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Luxury Cruises
Alaska is full of adventure and beauty!
I started Christopher Travel because I wanted to help people see the world in ways they never thought possible. In my many years as a traveler I have found the most enjoyable and effective way to see the world is through small ship luxury cruising. These ships offer passengers both luxury and adventure.
While I plan cruises on all the major lines to every corner of the globe my expertise really shines with smaller luxury lines that visit more remote ports. I like to help my clients find the best itineraries for their interests and then help them plan each port day to the fullest so they depart for their trip relaxed and confident.
In particular I really enjoy planning cruises to French Polynesia. For those who love a vacation that includes both active adventure and luxurious relaxation no destination offers as much as the islands of Tahiti. You can swim with sharks in the morning and relax with a fruity cocktail at sunset. You can hike, sail, dive, climb, snorkel, glide, dance, and everything in between. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands or visit the historic World War II sights I can plan an adventure that appeals to your interests.
I also love to plan Alaska cruises. Living here I have unique insights into the destination and expertise gleaned through daily experience. I can help you navigate your days in port and ensure you have both an enjoyable cruise on board and a once in a lifetime adventure in port.
Alaska and Tahiti are two of my favorites, but no matter where you want to travel I can help you cruise the world in a way that reflects your interests and style. I will guide you through each port no matter how remote and help you see and do more on your vacation.
From Google Reviews
"Mary arranged a stay in Taiwan for my husband, my son and his wife. We gave her very little time to make the arrangements, but they were brilliant anyway. She found us a "typical Taiwanese" resort where we were the only non-Chinese and was exactly what we were looking for....We truly experienced a real Taiwanese vacation! And the one time we had a question, we texted Mary from across the world and she immediately got back to us. It might have been the middle of the night. "
"Had a wonderful experience with Christopher Travel. They planned our trip to Costa Rica and made sure we had everything to enter this country with Covid restrictions and that we understood what needed to be handled.....Would definitely use them again!"
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Related Travel Stories
Cruising in Bad Weather
It's September in Alaska. One of my favorite times of year around here. There is an impending sense of urgency to nature. The leaves start to turn. The arctic squirrels feverishly run about preparing for winter. The sky is often a cacophony of birds migrating south to escape the soon to arrive ... Read more from my Cruising in Bad Weather story.
When to Book Alaska
Shakespeare once wrote, “In delay there lies no plenty.” He was, of course, talking about love, but he may as well have been talking about planning a summer trip to Alaska. Christopher Travel recommends clients begin their Alaska summer vacation planning one year in advance. There are many reasons for this.
Alaska’s summer is ... Read more from my When to Book Alaska story.
Denali National Park with Dogs!
Most people visiting Denali National Park are there for a day or two and they take the National Park bus into the park take some beautiful pictures and move on to their next destination. When you are travelling to Denali National Park with dogs though this itinerary is not possible, but ... Read more from my Denali National Park with Dogs! story.
A Cabin in the Borreal Forest of Alaska
When we moved to Alaska we had to quarantine for two weeks. As we were driving through Canada into Alaska the area around the border is very remote. I found a lovely little cabin for rent and we geared up for two weeks in the forest.
It was the most relaxing two ... Read more from my A Cabin in the Borreal Forest of Alaska story.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is the gateway to exploring the far northern stretches of the North American continent. Although the second largest city in Alaska, Fairbanks is never the less a small town with a friendly atmosphere.
There is no shortage of things to do in Fairbanks. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to ... Read more from my Fairbanks, Alaska story.
Barcelona: Tibidabo
To continue with different options for a pre or post cruise stay in Barcelona I want to talk about Tibidabo. Tibidabo is one of my favorite places to visit in Barcelona. High on a hill overlooking the entire city there is a one of the most beautiful Basilicas and a small amusement ... Read more from my Barcelona: Tibidabo story.
Barcelona Gothic Quarter
I've spent a lot of time in Barcelona. To be honest it's not a place that ever particularly called to me, but as circumstances happen I have found myself here quite a bit and have fallen unequivocally in love with the city. I am here for a month right now. I've also done ... Read more from my Barcelona Gothic Quarter story.
Martinique
Of all the Caribbean islands Martinique is one of my favorites. It's wild and untamed which means it's not for everyone, but if you love to hike and enjoy the outdoors this is the island for you! There are hidden beaches and secret coves all linked by extensive trail systems. And ... Read more from my Martinique story.
Great American Road Trip
We just returned from several weeks out west on a family road trip followed by a family reunion cruise to Alaska. Starting in LA with a trip to Disneyland we drove across the desert to Las Vegas, up through Utah stopping to hike in the St. George and Salt Lake areas. We crossed over ... Read more from my Great American Road Trip story.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a cultural kaleidoscope filled with exciting things to see and do for every type of traveller. We had a great time wandering from the wide variety of market in Mong Kok-- flowers, birds, jade, food, electronics etc. Beyond the iconic experiences of the Victoria Peak Tram and the Star ... Read more from my Hong Kong story.
Russia
In June 2018 our entire extended family travelled to Russia to celebrate my son's wedding in Moscow where his fiancée grew up. Not only did we get to experience a truly beautiful and special wedding, but we got all sorts of insider tips and tours of Moscow and the surrounding region from ... Read more from my Russia story.
2 Weeks in Europe
Amazing Trip to Yellowstone!
Would not have been possible without her help!
I will use your services again for the family's next trip
Amazing family adventure!
Dream Honeymoon
First luxury cruise but not our last.
Grand Canyon family fun!
Amazing trip
Great Destination Wedding Accommodations
Helpful Alaska Advise
The Consummate Travel Agent
Mary was especially amazing when we had to cancel our first trip with her during Covid in 2020 when we had to cancel our wedding and the honeymoon we planned with her. She took the lead on getting our refunds from multiple resorts, worked with us on cancelling our other activities, and honestly could not have been better support during that chaotic time. Also shout out to her husband for helping us on plane refunds and tickets!
When we finally did end up taking our honeymoon 2 years later, Mary was exceptional at choosing some of the most amazing places for us and did a remarkable job at working with our budget to get a perfect mix of luxury and more affordable options during our trip.
Thank you so much Mary!