Laura Skates, VTA
Woodstock, Georgia Travel Agent
All Travel, an independent agent with All Travel Company, GA, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
Email Me
Family Cruise Expert
Beautiful Day in Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line)
It no secret, that I LOVE cruising as a family and as a couple. Not only are cruises filled with activities for every member of the family, but they also allow you to travel with world and only unpack your bag once!
Having traveled or booked cruisers on Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Windstar, MSC, and Carnival and I have found that there is a cruise line for every traveler and itinerary. The cruise industry is back and booming and ready to welcome you aboard.
What are my favorite aspects of cruising you ask? Here are my Top 5!
1. Something for Everyone
One of the hardest aspects of planning a family vacation is deciding what everyone is going to do. Cruising makes this easy. Most cruise lines have special areas and activities for the kids to enjoy, while adults can relax and unwind in their own spaces. There are so many different activities going on, that everyone is able to find something. I never find anyone bored during a family cruise (even those teenagers).
2. You Get a Vacation!
No cooking and no cleaning!!! With all meals covered and wonderful stateroom hosts coming in to make beds and turn then down in the evening, this is one vacation where you don't have to lift a finger. We have even had servers cut up food for our littlest so we could actually relax during our meal. Many cruise lines also offer laundry services for an extra fee, so that when you return home you don't have laundry to worry about either.
3. Food! Food! Food!
If there is one aspect of vacation that the cruise industry is mastering, it is dining. So many options, even your pickiest eater will find something to enjoy. With most food included in your cruise fare, this is also a great time to try something new...escargot anyone?!?
4. Getting a taste of new adventures
Cruising is a great way to experience a taste of a new destination. Thinking about visiting the Mediterranean, but not sure where to begin? check out a Mediterranean cruise. Get a taste of several destinations and then plan that in depth discovery after. Cruising is also a great way to visit several destinations in one trip, without having to repack between cities.
5. Entertainment
Cruise lines are known for top notch entertainment on board. From original Broadway style shows, hilarious comedians, spectacular musicians, and phenomenal dancers, you will be blown away. On top of that, the entertainment staff will keep the boredom at bay with plenty of fun opportunities during the day. Our favorite personal favorite: Trivia!!!
Now is a great time to get "aboard" and experience all that cruising has to offer. Let's start planning where the sea will take you next.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Disney College of Knowledge
Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure
Princess Academy Commodore
Related Travel Stories
Most Fabulous Vacation of a Lifetime!
Reviewed By Rhonda - Woodstock, GA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Laura was amazing to work with in planning this trip to Alaska/Canada/Northern California. She carefully considered our unique desires in each step of planning. She offered guidance in choosing the right cruise line, land excursions, and travel options to fit our needs. Every detail, from booking airfare, accommodations, tours, transfers, etc.., was thoroughly taken care of to alleviate any stressors on us. Even when Covid-related hiccups occurred, she was quick to regroup, replan, rearrange without us skipping a beat. While prepping for our trip, she sent timely reminders to keep us on track in submitting our travel documents. This trip had perfectly coordinated moving parts: plane, train, ship, motorcoach, rental car, even a helicopter, ATV and dog sled, thanks to Laura! We stayed at top-rated accommodations: hotel, lodge, rustic cabin, bed/breakfast and had the most scenic view from our private balcony on the cruise. I highly recommend Laura for all of your travel needs!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Single momma vacationing with ease
Reviewed By Jodi - Columbus, Ohio | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
I am currently working with Laura for an upcoming cruise. And although this cruise has been rescheduled twice (once bc of Covid shutdowns and then once again for a personal medical injury) she has made the planning process easy and has really helped me explore my options. Not only that... I found Laura because she and her family were on the Disney Dream with me for my first cruise. I was not prepared and my TA gave me very little information. The Skates family showed me the ropes and gave me tons of helpful tips and tricks.... so I knew I wanted to work with her when I started planning this next trip!!!! You can trust her... not only does she know what she is doing... she has been able to connect with me In "Mommy mode" to plan ahead for things to make traveling alone with a little one fun rather than stressful!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Family Trip
Reviewed By Cruise - Dalton, Ga | Traveled to Skagway ~ Alaska ~ USA
Laura was AMAZING! She handled every detail of my trip efficiently and promptly!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Legit The Best Trip Ever!
Reviewed By Kate - Dacula, Georgia | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Laura Skates is an amazing professional who is extremely knowledgeable about her field. She guided us through beautifully, answered any and all questions; even the ones that I knew were very basic. It was an absolute joy to work with her, and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking to plan a trip anywhere! I asked for Ms. Skates to plan our first Disney trip ever, and it was magical for my child and for myself. I thought when you are raising a child that you are in touch with your inner child. I did not realize that wasn’t the case for me until I saw Eeyore, and immediately had tears because seeing Eeyore connected me to my inner child I hadn’t felt in decades. There is something for every soul at Disney World, and if you have Ms. Skates plan your trip, you’re set! She chose restaurants for us we may never have chosen, that we loved! The events, the flow of where to go and when, was stellar! It was like we were always in the right place at the right time because of her planning.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Jamaicamazing!
Reviewed By Nate and Kelly - Bethlehem, GA | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Very happy with the service, communication, planning, and results after working with Laura on our first Caribbean vacation. I asked Laura to plan the perfect relaxation focused Caribbean getaway for my wife and me. We have never done any all inclusive before and didn't know if that was a good idea or not, had never been to the Caribbean before, and didn't know the details of customs, passports, transfers, rental cars, etc. Laura handled it all beautifully. She provided several options with pros and cons of each and guided us through the decision making process. She booked everything (even things we had no idea we needed)! I am not sure we would have survived with out Club Mobay! Laura arranged for private drivers from the airport to our resort and back and made sure we had all the paperwork needed for a simple and seamless experience. Azul Beach Resort in Negril was exactly what we needed. We had 5 days of pure relaxation, great drinks, good food, and amazing views.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Incredible Disney Cruise
Reviewed By Cherie - West Lafayette, Ohio | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I cannot express enough how amazing Laura was in helping us plan our Disney Cruise to Alaska! She went over and above in helping us navigate through cancelations due to the pandemic, a health emergency, as well as keeping us on track every step of the of the way. I highly recommend Laura to help you with your vacation planning.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amazing Trip
Reviewed By s.green - Chatsworth, GA | Traveled to Niagara Falls ~ New York ~ USA
Laura was prompt and very patient, helpful! We probably exchanged 50 emails (my fault ...lol) before I made my mind up where I was going. Never one time did she seen aggravated by it. She done everything from our flight to stay and even tours. I would definitely recommend her, and I will be using her again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Disney Cruise
Reviewed By Nanu - Dalton Ga | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
AWESOME!! She is very knowledgeable and goes the extra mile to make your trip GREAT!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Dream Family Vacation
Reviewed By Amy - Ringgold, Ga. | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Laura planned every single aspect of our trip. All flight, transfers, excursions- everything. Also, we had to navigate thru CoVid restrictions and she patiently helped every one of us. We had different age groups and she was very helpful with planning realistically traveling with children, adults and seniors.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Loved our trip!
Reviewed By Mark - Sugar Hill, GA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Laura is great! Always responsive to questions we have with quick and accurate answers and always gives us great advice. Would recommend her in a heartbeat!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Disney Trip Ever!
Reviewed By Niki - Sugar Hill, GA | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Laura is super helpful with helping us plan our many trips to Disney World. She is very knowledgeable and looks out for good deals and upgrades at Disney Resorts, and helps us make sure we have all that we need to make our stay very special!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Working with Laura was awesome!
Reviewed By Adi, Smith - Denver, CO | Traveled to Vienna ~ Austria ~ Europe
We started working with Laura after being referred to her by a friend. She helped us get everything set up for our trip from the flights, hotel and even excursions! The hotel she got us was incredible! It was right next to Schonbrunn (the Versailles of Austria) and super close to the underground station to get into the city center! When our flight got cancelled, Laura went above and beyond in making sure we were rebooked onto a new flight and make sure that we were up-to-date on any of the changes!
I 100% recommend Laura to anybody looking to book a trip and will definitely use her again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
The trip of a lifetime made so special by Laura.
Reviewed By “Calvin” - Dalton, GA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Laura was the best Travel Agent ever. She kept us on track and informed of all events. Will definitely recommend her to my friends and family for any future travel whether by land or sea, she is the best.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Great Disney experience!
Reviewed By Carl - Woodstock, GA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Laura did such a great job setting up our vacation to Disney that we were overly prepared! Her advice helped us beat the crowds. She just the right day to go to which park. She was right on the money. My family will definitely be using Laura again for our next vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
#1 Travel Agent , provided best experience ever!!
Reviewed By The General. - Dalton, GA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Best Travel experience ever. Laura covered all aspects of the trip without a hiccup. Outstanding service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Disney made easy!
Reviewed By Tiffany - Almo, Kentucky | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Working with Laura was wonderful! She was friendly and professional in our interactions. She made herself available when we had questions or concerns and went above and beyond in the information and resources she provided. She was very knowledgeable about our destination and all aspects of our trip. This made planning so much easier and took away a lot of stress. We enjoyed working with Laura and recommend her services!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Perfect for helping to plan our vacation!
Reviewed By Cherie - West Lafayette, Ohio | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Laura has been a tremendous blessing in helping us plan our Disney Alaskan Cruise! She has taken the time to answer each of my many questions and addressed our concerns about traveling again. I am very thankful to be working with such a kind and knowledgeable travel agent, and would strongly recommend Laura for your travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Disney Cruise
Reviewed By Jan - Dalton, GA 30720 | Traveled to Caribbean
She is the best!! Laura anticipates your every want and need and has them scheduled before you ask for them. A very organized and multi-tasking person that is amazing to work with. You will get Concierge 1st Class Service from Laura.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Worry free Disney trip
Reviewed By Thankful - Marietta, GA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Laura planned our trip to Disney for my husband and me and two other couples. She stayed on top of everything and got us exactly what we wanted. She took the hassle , that so many times comes with planning a big trip, out of it. It was very easy to work with her. Thanks
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful