Q Process + Collaboration

Our goal is simple: we want to help you make better travel decisions.

Whether you’re the do-it-yourself type or are looking for us to take the reins, when you collaborate with a travel advisor at Q Cruise + Travel, your trips will be tailored to your needs, interests and budget.

Are we the right fit?

One size does not fit all. We’re probably not the best fit for each other if:

• Your priority is finding the cheapest price possible
• You don’t mind spending hours scouring the internet reading the “recommendations” of people who don’t know you or your travel style
• You believe that cruise ships are all alike and can’t be convinced otherwise
• You are happy “winging it” when picking a hotel or tour

But we should talk if you:

• Prefer customized travel experiences based on your vacation desires and budget
• Value the input of professionals about the quality and personality of a cruise ship or hotel
• Don’t have the time or expertise to plan your own vacation
• Appreciate our exclusive Virtuoso access and amenities around the world
• Like having our personal guidance from beginning to your return home

Let us walk you through the Q Process:

Step 1: Cruise + Travel Diagnostic

We mean “talk” quite literally: we’ll ask for 20-40 minutes of your time for a conversation (by phone or “live” in our office) so we can get to know each other.  Our collaboration starts by talking about your travel desires, your interests and anything else that might help us find and then create your perfect vacation.

At the end of the conversation, we’ll check our understanding by repeating the key elements of your requests, so we’re all on the same page before we start our research.

Step 2: Research and Recommendations

In our research, we’ll combine what we’ve learned about you with our expertise, taking in consideration   seasonality, the match between your personality and that of the cruise line, ship, destination(s) or accommodations. We’ll look at pricing, availability and more.

When we talk again, we won’t overwhelm you with a huge list of options.  By then, we’ll have reviewed many options and removed those less suitable for you. We typically will discuss one or two recommendations and, with your feedback, put the basics of your trip in place or make further suggestions.

Want to use frequent flyer miles? Check availability before you make any commitments to other travel elements.

Step 3: Planning and Customizing your Vacation

Ready to move ahead?  We’ll collect additional information (personal data for all travelers, etc.), payment for deposits and applicable trip planning fees to book your vacation’s main elements, typically a cruise, hotel package or guided tour.

We’ll be guided by you when you’d like to move ahead with airfare.  Fares and availability can vary considerably, so we’ll only research airfare when you’re ready to purchase it. We’ll also ask you confirm in writing that the passenger information, dates and itineraries are correct before we purchase any tickets.

Next, we’ll fine-tune your vacation, by offering you the option to add hotels, special experiences and excursions, travel insurance, etc.

Step 4: Getting Ready for Departure

Of course, at any stage before, during and after your vacation, we’ll be there for you to answer your questions.

About four weeks before your vacation, we’ll review all elements of your vacation that we’ve arranged for you and then send you all required travel documents.  Going on a cruise? We’ll remind you to check in online if required.

Step 5: Your Vacation

We’ll check in with you a few days before departure to make sure you have everything you need, to answer any last minute questions and to wish you “bon voyage”. Should you need us while you’re traveling, we’ll be there for you, but otherwise our next communication will be a few days after your return.

Step 6: Where to Next?

When you’re settled back into your daily life, we’ll touch base with you to see how your experience was. Tell us about the things you liked a lot, and those that you liked less, if any.  That information is very helpful when we plan your next vacation. And while on that subject: where would you like to go next?

Collaboration and Communication

The Q team and you work towards the same goal: the best vacation, tailored to your needs.  The more both parties put into a collaboration, the more successful the outcome. The more input you give us, the better we can fine tune our recommendations and your travel plans.

We commit to communicating in clear, professional and timely fashion with you – and ask that you do the same.  Let us know how and when you prefer to communicate and we’ll try to plan accordingly.

Can’t get back to us after we’ve reached out to you?  No problem.  Everyone gets busy and we’ll gladly call you back again – but please realize that fares and availability can change rapidly until your reservation has been made and deposited, so delaying a response may increase your costs!

If you are not the sole decision maker and you don’t feel comfortable communicating everyone’s travel expectations, we’re happy to include your spouse or others in the collaboration process – but to be cognizant of everyone’s time, this should happen in one of our first conversations.

Similarly, please check for circumstances that might impact everyone’s ability to travel (days off, events to attend, availability of frequent flyer miles award space, etc.) before asking us to conduct research on your behalf.

And finally, should your plans change and you no longer wish to travel, we ask that you provide us the courtesy of letting us know.  Of course, if we’ve already booked travel for you, cancellation charges may apply, so contact us as soon as you can.