Lisa E. Safran M.C.C.
Sarasota, Florida Travel Agent
iplan4u.net Dba My Cruise Doctor, a Internova Travel Group Network affiliate agency
Email Me
Ocean-Yacht-River Cruise Expert For Over 35 Years
Welcome to MY CRUISE DOCTOR - LUXURY WITHOUT LIMITS!
My smile is my logo, my personality my business card, & the way we make people feel about the experience we have planned for them is our trademark!
As a classically trained sales, marketing, & management consulting professional, I have been specializing in designing memorable events & great escapes at sea for over 35 years. They say if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life.
After a 20 year career in the high powered medical device industry, I took my 1st cruise 39 years ago & was HOOKED! A cruise holiday is the perfect prescription to leave the every day stresses of life behind.
I took my Bachelors Degree in Business/Marketing & talked my way into the sales department of SITMAR CRUISES as a District Sales Manager in CA.
I turned my passion into a profession by starting my own licensed, bonded, certified, & insured, CRUISE ONLY travel agency, in Sarasota FL over 23 years ago.
I have advanced education from the University of Miami as one of the Nation's FIRST Master Cruise Counselors (MCC), & am often quoted in many trade industry articles.
"The world is a book & those who do not travel read only one page" St. Augustine. I have sailed on over 185 voyages, to 78 countries, on 5 continents including my 106 day CRYSTAL SERENITY WORLD CRUISE in 2006.
"An investment in travel is an investment in yourself" Matthew Karsten.
"Oh the places you'll go" Dr. Seuss.
I have fulfilled much of my bucket list destinations: AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, ISRAEL, EGYPT, EASTER ISLAND, THE GALAPAGOS, PITCAIRN ISLANDS, AFRICA, SOUTH PACIFIC, ASIA, EASTERN & WESTERN EUROPE. The list is endless.
I don't wait for the perfect moment but take that moment & make it GREAT!
So whether it's a milestone occasion, a meeting or incentive, a theme event that informs & inspires, or a fundraising opportunity for me to give back; I can create that celebration that will be remembered for many years to come more effectively, efficiently, with sensational creativity 24 hours a day 7 days a week when YOU are available; a PRICELESS VALUE for sure!
BON VOYAGE!
We Are Globally Marketed & Locally Operated
Santorini Greece where the movie Sisterhood of the
No one is a stranger to me except the person I have yet to meet!
I undwind the MASSIVE amount of internet information to tailor YOU, the guest, to just the perfect holiday on either cruise ship, yacht, or river boat. An average time is NOT in our vocabulary.
I know enough Spanish to get me & my guests through any Latin based country!
I personally escort 3 - 4 group departures a year just to keep my sea legs flexible!
The many reviews & referrals I receive are a testament to the customer focused attention I deliver 24/7.
I turn EVERY problem/issue into the ultimate opportunity. I am ALWAYS there for my guests who end up becoming like our family.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
CLIA Master Cruise Counselor MCC
Crystal Cruises Academy
Royal Caribbean University of WOW
Conde Nast Traveler Institute Cruise Specialist
Azamara World Academy Globetrotter 2015
Best planner ever!
Reviewed By Josh from the Mitten - Burtchville, MI | Traveled to Caribbean
I have been using Lisa to book my cruises for over a decade. She is professional, timely and friendly to a fault. What separates her from the industry is she actually cares about her clients and wants them to have a great time first and foremost. She is a truly beautiful human being.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
19 of 32 people found this review helpful
On Top of All Details
Reviewed By B. Hamilton - Hallandale Beach, FL | Traveled to
Lisa makes taking a cruise super easy and stress free. She planned a great River Cruise for us in Paris for both of our 50th Birthdays. The cruise was great and all details were handled easily and stress free by Lisa which made it fun for us. She even worked with us on using some of our points and frequent flyer miles for the flights. It was a great experience and we will use Lisa again on our next cruise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
42 of 81 people found this review helpful
First but not last Cruise arranged by Lisa
Reviewed By GMcP - Sarasota, FL | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Lisa is a top notch resource for planning travel. She does the right thing for her customers and navigated through the many options to arrange a great cruise itinerary but also great excursions with top notch guides.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Lisa E. Safran M.C.C. responded:
Dear Glenn, Debbie, Ed, & Nella, It was our shear pleasure to ~navigate~ through the planning process on this recent memorable vacation holiday @ sea! Many thanks for your kind words. We look forward to your next BON VOYAGE!
Dear Glenn, Debbie, Ed, & Nella, It was our shear pleasure to ~navigate~ through the planning process on this recent memorable vacation holiday @ sea! Many thanks for your kind words. We look forward to your next BON VOYAGE!
22 of 42 people found this review helpful
Fabulous travel agent
Reviewed By Pam - Los Angeles | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Lisa is personable, thorough, and takes care of every detail for you, making the travel experience seamless and virtually stress free!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
17 of 33 people found this review helpful
A trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Shirley and Dan H. - Orange County CA | Traveled to
Lisa helped us plan our Alaskan cruise. It was a trip of a lifetime! Her vast knowledge of the cruise lines as well as the destination helped us immensely. She is our go to person for any cruise plans we make.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
40 of 79 people found this review helpful
Lisa is the "best" in the travel business
Reviewed By Greg B - Huntington Beach California. | Traveled to
Lisa Safran is the ultimate travel consultant. When it comes to determination and focus, Lisa is the person you need. I have seen first hand how she gets things done. Intense attention to detail and always placing the client's needs first. As a bonus, Lisa's has a unique, bubbling enthusiasm and love for life. She is a genuine, warm and giving person. I could not recommend her more highly
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
33 of 69 people found this review helpful
Reliable and Honest
Reviewed By Mary L - Huntington Beach, CA | Traveled to
Lisa has the highest level of integrity. You don't have to worry about whether you are getting a good deal or not. You know that she will work hard to put the trip of your dreams together at a fair price. She knows more about the cruise industry than anyone I've met. Great person to work with and became a life long friend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
34 of 71 people found this review helpful
Awesome Cruise and Experience
Reviewed By Joe and Sue - Ft Lauderdale, FL | Traveled to
Lisa and Joanne are absolutely AWESOME! We just came back from a 7 day cruise on the Allure of the Seas and they took care of EVERYTHING! What was even better was the friendship they built with us by CONSTANTLY checking in to see if we needed anything or even just to wish us a good trip and welcome us home! You totally can tell they care about you which is very rare these days. Don't EVER book a cruise without them!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
29 of 62 people found this review helpful
Celebrity Solstice 7 Days Round Trip Seattle
Reviewed By Ramon & Gail C - Huntington Beach, CA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We had a wonderful time on our trip! You made everything so special for us. You are so special for all the surprises you gave us. We sure enjoyed our room. It was the bomb. Thank you for all you did to make it special. Have a great week.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 61 people found this review helpful
A world of knowledge with a caring spirit
Reviewed By kbreno - Reno NV | Traveled to
We have known Lisa for over 30 years and she has NEVER let us down! She has planned our special holidays almost every year since 1991 and always ensured we had a memorable vacation. She understands my need for new places and my husband's limited mobility and always manages to satisfy us both. Her wealth of experience helps her meet the needs of all her clients - families, first-time cruisers, seasoned travelers and adventure vacationers alike! Let her help you find what you are looking for on your special vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
33 of 71 people found this review helpful
Memorable Thanksgiving RCCL Harmony of the Seas
Reviewed By Allen K - Boca Raton, FL | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Great to hear from you. I expect that you’ve probably been on at least another dozen voyages since last Thanksgiving. What an exciting life you lead!In my opinion, you have all the ingredients necessary to expand your business further i.e.:
a. a unique depth of knowledge
b. a personal perspective from your vast first-hand experience
c. a dynamic, highly engaging personality
d. an ability to communicate in-depth effectively
e. an exciting, relevant and nicely designed website
f. the intelligence to treat clients as friends
g. the skills to efficiently put your life’s calling to work on behalf of your
clients
h. the desire satisfy and expand your extensive client base
i. the readiness to put the above together to work even harder on your
behalf.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 69 people found this review helpful
True professional
Reviewed By Katherine T - Arizona | Traveled to
We have been on 5 cruises planned and implemented by Lisa, and all I can say is she is the best.
We always feel like VIP's!!!!
Lisa knows the cruise world better than anyone; as soon as you meet her you know she is the best in the business.
I wouldn't trust anyone else with my cruise travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
29 of 65 people found this review helpful
Our DREAM Honeymoon thanks to Lisa S.
Reviewed By Skygirljack-EWR737Cpt.Allen - Linden, NJ | Traveled to
I had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing, knowleable woman on a flight I was working one day as one of my first class passengers. Funny how I truly believe you meet people for a reason. Lisa not only was my most pleasant passenger of the day, we bonded immediately. Come to find out I was in the process of trying to book my dream Honeymoon on the luxurious, Crystal Cruise Serenity, which was sold out. Once I found out Lisa was "The Cruise Doctor", we exchanged numbers, and within 3 weeks, after searching on a daily basis, Lisa was able to confirm not only a cabin, but my Verandah Cabin I was dreaming of for our honeymoon. She did EVERYTHING for us, to make it the most memorable Trans Atlantic sailing for our Honeymoon dream really come true. Lisa goes above and beyond, for every one of her clients. She loves her job, and works magic with every ones different needs and expectations. Not only is do I call Lisa, "My Cruise Doctor", she has now become a forever friend, whom I look forward to planning many more new adventures in the future. Let Lisa make your next Cruise one you will NEVER forget! Thank you Lisa, for everything you have done for us, and making sure we had the BEST HONEYMOON EVER!! ????
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 64 people found this review helpful
Lisa knows how cruise lines work, so she can work for you!
Reviewed By Bruce K - Hot Springs Village, Ar | Traveled to
Please note that Lisa is an energetic person whose enthusiasm for her products is contagious. She is a superb networker! Her business and personal manners would make any employer proud. I would and have recommended Lisa's services to friends as well as acquaintances. To me this is the highest compliment
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 64 people found this review helpful
Great anniversary experience
Reviewed By John & Jen - Gilbert, AZ | Traveled to
Dear Lisa,
I wanted to take a couple minutes to express my great satisfaction and thanks for the recent cruise you arranged for my wife and me.
Being our twentieth anniversary, I very much wanted to do something special. Unfortunately, like so many others these days, money was tight and the future a bit uncertain. Nevertheless, I trusted that you would be able to arrange something that fit our budget. You came through and to our great satisfaction, everything ran without a hitch.
We were both very happy with your recommendation of Royal Caribbean. It was the perfect fit.
Being in sales, I know that if you do not follow through with every detail when putting together a contract, there's a very good chance that something will go wrong. On the contrary, when you know the process, the product and professionally execute your side of the procedure things go off without a hitch. In other words, without expert effort things rarely work as hoped.
To put it lightly, we had a wonderful time and am strongly encouraging all our friends and family to work with you as soon as possible. Your intimate knowledge of the details associated with the various cruise lines and even the lay out of the cabins worked to our benefit. As I previously stated, we trusted your experience and it paid off.
Once again, thank you for all your efforts, they made all the difference!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
25 of 58 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Family Vacation
Reviewed By Marian B. - Coto de Caza, CA | Traveled to
Lisa went above and beyond to make sure that we (my husband and two boys, ages 11 and 9) had a fantastic European vacation which included ports in Spain, Italy and France. She took care of every detail in regards to our cruise. She coordinated shore excursion on our behalf with the most fabulous local tour guide. In seven short days, we were able to see and explore what it would take most people at least fourteen days to accomplish. She is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and organized. Thank you for creating a wonderful vacation that we will remember for a lifetime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 65 people found this review helpful
Ultimate Cruise Doctor
Reviewed By Scot & Sandy V - Illinois | Traveled to
Lisa is the one and only Cruise Doctor you'll need! She's a wonderful resource from start to finish when planning your cruise. Lisa is one of the most energetic people I've met and is always working for her clients. We're so fortunate to have met and worked with Lisa. Bon Voyage
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 71 people found this review helpful
Best cruise planner I have ever done business with!
Reviewed By Josh and Laura S - Arizona | Traveled to
Lisa Safran has planned several cruises for my wife and me. She always gets us the best price for our cruise as well as bonuses on board. Not only is she a wonderful travel agent, but she truly cares about her clients. She has become a dear friend to our family and I give her my highest recommendation to anyone looking to enjoy a cruise. She truly is a remarkable woman. Do yourself a favor and call her with all your cruising needs, she WILL make it a trip of a lifetime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 71 people found this review helpful
A star in the business of selling travel!
Reviewed By Scott K. - Vista, CA | Traveled to
Lisa combines extraordinary energy and enthusiasm with a love and knowledge of the travel industry that is exceptionally rare. A star in the business of selling travel!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
35 of 80 people found this review helpful
Lisa was a top performer!
Reviewed By Peter H. - Long Valley, NJ | Traveled to
Lisa was a top performing rep with Medtronic when we first worked together. She went on to build her planning and travel business through hard work, dedication to customer satisfaction, and attention to details. I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone that is interested in hosting an important event, or considering travel
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
23 of 57 people found this review helpful
Simply SEAMLESS
Reviewed By Raine - San Juan Capistrano, CA | Traveled to
The Cruise Doctor, Lisa Safran, has done it again! Tell her your wishes and she will turn it into a vacation adventure at sea; in this case a Viking River Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest. She listened to our desires for a vacation holiday and in return we got what we asked for: VALUE, DATES we were available and the ACCOMMODATIONS we wanted. Client focused, service oriented and paying close attention to details, Lisa made this experience SIMPLY SEAMLESS. She even booked our hotel in London for the additional 2 days we spent after the river cruise was over. For the ultimate cruising experience book with the best, the Cruise Doctor, Lisa Safran, and be another satisfied client that will do it again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
32 of 77 people found this review helpful
The best cruise travel agent that exists!
Reviewed By Arlene and Bob - Laguna Niguel, CA | Traveled to
I am writing this reference for travel agent, Lisa Safran, My Cruise Doctor, because of the extraordinary experience that my travel friends, my husband and I had with Lisa, as she, from start to finish (and then some) handled the planning and implementation of our South American Celebrity cruise and pre-cruise excursion which took place February 27- March 18, 2013.
My husband and I are very experienced travelers and cruisers. We have taken a total of 18 cruises on different cruise lines as well as many other international tours. Hands down, Lisa is the BEST, MOST THOROUGH, DETAILED, CARING travel agent that we have EVER worked with. Listed below are just some of the things that Lisa did for us that were above and beyond “the call of duty” for a travel agent:
• Lisa came to my home and spent 2.5 hours just getting to know the four of us, which would help her book just the right cruise for us.
• Once booked, Lisa came to our home and spent another 2 hours reviewing Celebrity
excursions vs. private excursions and helped us select just the right excursions for all of us. The private excursions that she planned for us were outstanding and flawless.
• I am handicapped and Lisa “bent over backwards” to help me get a handicapped room and work with Celebrity to make sure that the tours that we were taking were “doable” for me.
• When we arrived on the ship, Lisa had sent us wonderful amenities which we so
appreciated.
• We had some unusual difficulties on the trip with Celebrity. Upon our return, Lisa followed through with Celebrity to make sure that we were compensated for our inconveniences we had on the trip. She did not have to make any efforts at all on our behalf, following the cruise, but she did and was successful in getting us compensated for those inconveniences.
I HIGHLY recommend Lisa Safran to anyone who is planning a trip, and especially a cruise. She exemplifies the phrase “GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.”
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
27 of 67 people found this review helpful
Super Itinerary and customer service
Reviewed By Best ever - Sarastoa, FLorida | Traveled to
Lisa is a detailed oriented individual who has an unending supply of energy and tenacity. She works until the project is finished and all problems resolved. You can be sure that anything she provides for you is well orchestrated and well organized, for planning a vacation or adventure Lisa is the one for you. Her judgement is uncompromised and her loyalty is top notch.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
21 of 57 people found this review helpful
Awesome Cruise Doctor
Reviewed By Joe and Sue - Ft Lauderdale | Traveled to
Lisa and Joanne are absolutely AWESOME! We just came back from a 7 day cruise on the Allure of the Seas and they took care of EVERYTHING! What was even better was the friendship they built with us by CONSTANTLY checking in to see if we needed anything or even just to wish us a good trip and welcome us home! You totally can tell they care about you which is very rare these days. Don't EVER book a cruise without them!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
25 of 68 people found this review helpful
Experience and attention to detail!
Reviewed By Rich C. - Palm Beach, FL | Traveled to
Lisa has been handling my family's cruise experiences for over a decade. She is an expert in her craft and has the experience and extreme attention to detail to plan very large corporate or family gatherings and reunions. Her extensive experience and connections allow her to save you a lot over trying to do it yourself - I've been in that camp in the past as well.
As a demanding executive myself, it speaks volumes that I keep using Lisa again and again. Her entire organization, headed up by her operations specialist Joanne is top notch. They've become a part of my extended family.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
31 of 81 people found this review helpful
The Cruise Doctor prescribes the best cruise customized for you!
Reviewed By ALH - Phoenix, AZ | Traveled to
Nobody knows customizing "Cruising Memorable Memories at Sea" better than Lisa!!! She comes with over 35+ years of personal cruising experiences, as well as, a professionally successful sales track record. She is extremely dedicated to her passion which encompasses her detailed organizational skills, outgoing customer relationships, tenacious work ethics, and contagious zest for life! I would highly recommend Lisa to anyone who wants to experience the perfect cruise experience of a lifetime.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
34 of 87 people found this review helpful
Thank you for a wonderful trip
Reviewed By David Y - University Park, PA | Traveled to
I can't tell you how appreciative Marla and I are for all you did to make our trip a reality and in particular, the wonderful time we had the past two weeks cruising on the Azamara and vacationing in the Mediterranean. If it were not for you, this trip would not have happened. We really enjoyed Venice, Italy, Southern France, and the last couple days in Barcelona. The private tours you arranged were fantastic and the tour guides themsevles were exceptional. I also want to express my gratitude for helping with flight accommodations on Lufthansa. It was great to see the Cruise Doctor in action, thanks again for a memorable vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
28 of 76 people found this review helpful