Karen Malone
Karen Malone
Cruise and Tour Specialist
My interests are many but one of my first loves in traveling is cruising. I have been on more than 40 cruises all over the world including river cruising and trans-Atlantic crossing. I hold two certificates with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), both the Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and the Master Cruise Counselor (MCC). I have also completed the Princess Cruise Line and Cunard Cruise Line specialist programs achieving the rank of Commodore in both. Cruise lines I have sailed on include: Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian, Regent, Orient, Viking River, Windstar Cruises, Majestic (American Queen). And on these lines I have enjoyed, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic, Amstel River and the mighty Mississippi to name a few. My interest in travel doesn’t stop there. I have traveled all over Europe and especially enjoyed rail travel from Paris to Venice. From Iceland to Italy and destinations in between, I can’t say there is a place I wouldn’t recommend! I have also traveled to all four major islands in Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Of all the beaches I have visited around the world I think Hawaii holds the prettiest. And of course, no passport is required! Another travel favorite would be Asia. My first trip to Singapore left me wanting more. I have since returned to Beijing and Hong Kong. Most recently I traveled to Bangkok and Chaing Mai. In Chaing Mai I had the opportunity to visit the elephant camp featured on Animal Planet and see the little elephant, Hang. She creates her own unguided art and has won international acclaim as an artist! For history, art, and value for your dollar, you can’t beat the Asian destinations. I entered this profession with a passion for travel and would enjoy being your personal travel fairy making your travel dreams come true!
My Areas of Expertise
Related Travel Stories
An Epic Expedition to Antarctica
A cruise to Antarctica, one of the last unspoiled, remote regions of the world, is a voyage that most would love to experience. The Silversea Silver Explorer is a cruise ship that will take you on this magical 18 day journey with your complete safety and comfort in mind. The ship ... Read more from my An Epic Expedition to Antarctica story.
FOOD & DRINK IN BAVARIA
Bavaria is a large state in Germany which incorporates several of Germany’s largest cities, Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg. Bavarian history goes back a long time – almost 1,000 years, and Bavarians are proud of their history and keep traditions alive through music, costumes, food and drink.
When folks think of Bavaria, the ... Read more from my FOOD & DRINK IN BAVARIA story.
Denali Flightseeing Experience
Denali National Park is a vast wilderness area in Alaska. This six million acre park encompasses mountain ranges, lush valleys cut by rushing rivers, tundra, dense forests, and glaciers. Its most stunning feature is the highest mountain in the United States – Denali – with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet. ... Read more from my Denali Flightseeing Experience story.
When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Fortunately, the answer to this question is “Anytime!” Sunshine abounds year round, and though the summers are hot, you can cool off by visiting one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches, “Barceloneta Beach in particular is one of the most popular with its signature “chiringuitos” -- beachfront huts selling fresh seafood and refreshing ... Read more from my When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona story.
ULTIMATE SEAGOING ADVENTURE ON A TALL SHIP
Although small in comparison with most cruise ships (less than 250 passengers on board), these ships offer the height of luxury for their lucky passengers. You will be sailing on a working sailing ship yet with all the amenities of a much larger ship. Pools, entertainment, shore excursions, and gourmet dining ... Read more from my ULTIMATE SEAGOING ADVENTURE ON A TALL SHIP story.
My Regent Seven Seas Experience
I have been able to sail on Regent Seven Seas several times and it has continued to delight and surprise me every single time. I love the fact that everything is included so up front you know the total cost of the trip. Unlike other mass market cruise lines you are never surprised ... Read more from my My Regent Seven Seas Experience story.
Inside Scoop on the Hemingway House
While exploring Cuba I had the opportunity to tour the Hemingway House. The Hemingway House in Cuba is located in a small, modest suburb of Havana named San Francisco de Paula it’s approximately 9 miles from the capital city. Ernest Hemingway purchased the Hemingway House in 1940. The house sits on ... Read more from my Inside Scoop on the Hemingway House story.
Finding the Pandas
During my stay in Beijing i did the typical tourist tours to the Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, and the Houtongs. But I had a free day and wanted to go to the Beijing zoo and see the pandas there. Being a Jersey girl born and bred, I heard that you could ... Read more from my Finding the Pandas story.
Retired and Traveling!
Thank you for your kind words Wayne. It is always my pleasure to work with you and your family. I encourage you to continue to ask questions. This helps me make sure your trip is exactly what you anticipated Karen.
A trip we will NEVER forget!
I'm so glad you had such a great time Connie. I will keep my eye out for Moon Palace specials.
First trip to Europe
Thank you for those kind words John. I always try to remember my first experiences in Europe to help the new comers have a smooth trip. I'm so glad this worked out for you.
Alaska
not hesitate to use Karen again or refer a friend to her. We had a wonderful
time with no worries, she had everything covered.
Thanks for the kind words Jeanne. It was my pleasure to serve you and i'm so happy this was a great experience for you two. Karen
Fabulous trip
Thank you so much Marsha for those kinds words! It was my pleasure to help you plan the trip to beautiful Alaska, one of my top ten destinations. I look forward to working with you in the future wherever your travels take you. Karen
More than I had expected
A true travel partner when trips get changed
Charles and Trudy, It has truly been my pleasure helping with you plan and manage your trips. I try to give you the best service and my knowledge especially in times such as these. Thank you for those kind words and your continued support. Karen
good trip
Thank you r the review it was my pleasure helping you have a successful cruise vacation.
Traveling around the New Jersey seashore
Your review makes me smile. And I am hapy you can see the services I can provide for you. Once this all gets back to some form of normal i look forward to helping you make more great memories.
Hawaiian vacation - with an accident
Catherine It was my pleasure helping you through that trying time. I'm so sorry it happened but very glad I could be of assistance. I hope Ken is on the mend and you will be able to travel again in the future. Thank you for the lovely review, Karen
The best history lesson
Thank you for the kind words Sue, it is always my pleasure helping you plan your next adventure. Karen
All my cruises
Carol, Thank you so much for those kind words. I know how disappointed you were to have to cancel that transatlantic cruise on the Crown Princess. But you and I are working through this together the new sailing on the Sky Princess and are hopeful you will get to sail the Atlantic again. Thank you, Karen
This was the BEST trip of our lives!
It was my pleasure to help your family have an amazing time in Walt Disney World. I look forward to your next adventure. Regards, Karen
First European experience - Italy!
Kate I'm so glad I was able to make your European trip as hassle free as possible. It was my pleasure helping your family to make lasting memories of their adventure together. Thank you so much for those kind words, Karen
Oh yeah! Best trip so far!!
The best trip was Mekong River Cruise
Thank you for those kind words. I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe. When this is all over we can begin to plan but for now dreaming will have to do! Karen
Cruise was a wonderful memory maker
Thank you for the review Roxie. It was my pleasure helping your family make those memories. Karen
Fantastic Mediterranean Cruise!
It was my pleasure to help you and your family have a memorable experience. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thank you for the review! Karen
15 days in Greece
Thank you so much for your kind words Ron. I'm glad you appreciated my non-suggestion for your free afternoon. Some of my most memorable experiences are just doing nothing and enjoying where you are l I'm glad I could help make that happen!
Royal Clipper is awesome
Thanks Rich for the kind words. I look forward to helping you with your next great adventure on Star Clippers. Karen
Riverboat trip to remember forever!
Great working with Karen
Thanks for the kind words John. It was my pleasure working with your family for that amazing wedding in St Thomas.
Finally made it!
it was my pleasure helping you and Gloria FINALLY getting to that warm weather in Palm Springs! I'm glad we were able to make it happen. thank you for those kind words Karen
The best is yet to come! (Postponed Covid 19)
Thank you so much for your kind words, I truly appreciate your friendship and business. Karen
The Birthday Cruise
First time using Karen.
Doesn’t matter if it’s connecting flights and ground transportation in Europe to a last minute vacation to Costa Rica, Karen has always come through.
Thank you for those kind words Dan. I will always try and do my best for your family.
Trip of a lifetime
South America, Caribbean, South Pacific, Alaska. Doesn't matter, because they were all perfectly planned and were never any problems or glitches. She always answere any questions we had.
Dear Jean and Don it is always my pleasure to help such nice folks as you. Thank you for the kind words and here's hoping there is another trip in your future. Karen
Best of Britain was Awesome!
Alaska Cruise
Thank you for those kind words, Julie. It was my pleasure to assist you with your Alaskan adventure. I look forward to helping you in the future to create some more lasting memories. Karen
Efficient and knowledgeable agent
Thank you for your kind words, it is always my pleasure helping you find the best vacation !
A trip we won't ever forget!
Travels to paradise
Your description of the helicopter ride makes me smile. Hawaii is an amazing place. it was my pleasure to help you achieve the trip of your dreams! Aloha! Karen
Aloha has a whole new meaning now! ??
Thank you for the kind words. it was my pleasure to help you make this the dream trip to Hawaii. Karen
Wonderful Family Cruise
Thank you Maureen for your kind words., With all the new protocols for cruising during a pandemic I'm glad we were able to make this trip come true for you and your family. Karen
Karen Malone made our spring break terrific
thank you for your review i really appreciated it! Karen
Great trip!
Our favorite trip was a tour to Nicaragua by bus. An experience of a lifetime seeing the lava from the top of a volcano.
Karen does a great job. I would recommend her to everyone!
Thanks for the kind words Jane. I love working with your family too! I'm so glad you had a great time in Costa Rica. It's one of my favorite destinations as well.
The Alaskan Cruise/ Land tour was excellent !
Thank you so much Dan, for your kind words. i hope to be of assistance in your future travels, where ever the roads may take you Karen
Trip was 11 days of excellence.
See the World
Now that we have some time to travel, my wife and I have greatly enjoyed working with Karen. Once we have decided on a destination, Karen is a wizard at finding the best prices, the most discounts, and the most convenient airline connections. Need a guide to tour Pompeii? Not a problem. Stay an extra day in Athens? Not a problem. Find a connecting flight out of Sorrento? Not a problem. Karen is very knowledgeable, always friendly, always eager to help. She knows what she's doing!
Five stars, at least!
Thank you so much Ron for the kind words. And i must say you and your friends are a dream to work with, i have fun planning your trips, as you always go to the neatest places.
Wonderful experience and beautiful Royalton
Thanks so much for kind words. I really enjoy working with you and look forward to your next adventure
Many Cruises
Thank you so much for your kind words. I enjoy helping you travel the world for the past almost 20 years!
Cruise of a lifetime
I truly enjoy working with you and Don, an none of your questions are stupid! It is far better to ask before traveling than to not ask and be surprised while on your trip. Always ask, that's what I'm here for!
January vacation
Thank you so much Krista for your kind words. It was my pleasure helping you realize a destination wedding on a ship. Your group was a delight to work with and i appreciate your confidence in me.
Baltic Cruise
She treats her customers well. She worked with a group of 3 couples who had different beginning plans of the trip and coordinated them together so they were able to meet and continue on into the cruise with each other
She has been very persistent when working with airlines and cruise ships in getting the right information, connections, flights and bookings.
She will always take the time to go over any material you would like to review. After everything is set and before your trip starts, she will review the whole travel set up.
By far she is better than any travel agent I've used before