In today’s world of instant online access to unlimited information on travel options, you might be wondering: why should I plan my cruise vacation with a travel professional?

The answer is simple. At my agency, we take the time to get to know you, understanding your approach to travel, what you like to see and do, and in what style. Then we match these factors with your budget, your schedule, and our insider connections with the top cruise lines.

I can save you time and money. My extensive knowledge of each individual ship and cruise line allows me to cut through the clutter and zero in on the vacation you really want.

I also have access to discounted, limited-time offers and exclusive benefits from cruise lines that you cannot obtain on your own.

Our travel professionals are here to answer your questions and design a vacation perfect for you. No web site or cell phone app can do it our personalized way.

It’s our job and our passion to know all the cruise options inside and out, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Our expertise and resources give you our insider advice when planning your next vacation.

We can customize every aspect of your cruise to match your individual needs and desires.

We'll be there when you need us. Sometimes the perfectly planned dream vacation hits a snag, like a missed plane connection, a desk clerk who can’t find your shore excursion reservation, or a medical emergency.

When you book with me, I'm your advocate and problem-solver. All you have to do is make one simple phone call and I'll handle the rest.

I want you to enjoy your journey and to see the world on the right cruise line for you. I'm ready to begin, are you?

Let me tell you about some of my own journeys around the globe. I've loved every minute of many special cruises, including:

• A family reunion cruise on Royal Caribbean in the Mediterranean
• A square dance cruise group on Princess Cruises from California to Hawaii
• A duplicate bridge cruise group on Crystal Cruises
• Friends and family group to Alaska on Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
• Celebrity Cruises trip to the Galapagos for couples who wanted to check this destination off their bucket list
• A ladies' spa getaway on the Haven by Norwegian Cruise Lines
• A Princess cruise with a family reunion that did Egypt, the Holy Land and Eastern Mediterranean.

Oh, my, I must tell you about the river boat trips I've taken, too. I've explored China on Viking River Cruises, seen the glory of southern France on a Uniworld Boutique River boat, and discovered the Christmas Markets on AMA Waterways in Europe.

A river cruise in France to Normandy was such an historical and memorable voyage. The Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise was another wonderful way to see Europe. Cruising along the Volga River in Russia on a river boat offered a breathtaking view of the country.

The voyages in the USA I’ve experienced made me very proud of America. The Paddle Wheel boats on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers allowed me to see the “Heart of America” cruising down the river.

Then I was fascinated with small boat American Cruise Line taking me to Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, Nantucket, and more. I remember seeing my first “saw grass” on a small boat as I sailed the inland waterways of the southeast USA.

I love American cruises! While traveling along the Snake and Columbia River, I got to follow the historical locations of Lewis and Clark's expedition.

Don’t forget Disney trips! When I embarked on the Disney Cruis Line, Chip and Dale were there to greet me. I got tears in my eyes when Tinker Bell flew over and sprinkled her Fairy dust on us.

If you are a golf lover, take a golf cruise if you haven't already. I've taken some golf cruises, including one around Great Britain where we got to golf on the famous courses while in port. Cruisers could also attend a day of the British Open, as well.

Do all my travels sound exciting? I can plan similar ones just for you!

What They're Saying about Lona Lee Thull

November 1987- Present (27 + years) Top-performing Chief Executive Professional with significant history in the cruise travel industry. Chief strategist for developing methods that bring Friendly Cruises, Inc to high levels of success. Through use of savvy leadership skills, CEO, Lona Lee Thull, capitalizes on new growth opportunities in order to forge ahead to exceed goals. Since founding Friendly Cruises in 1987 Lona Lee Thull has been using her skilled professional talents and high-performance strengths to develop this cruise travel company into a successful entity while maintaining its quality reputation and continuing to offer meaningful benefits for long-term customers.