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Debra Rodriguez Encino, CA Luxury Travel Agent
Agency
Protravel International Encino
Destinations
France, Eastern Europe, Portugal, Spain, At Sea
SPECIALTIES
Luxury River Cruises , Small Ship Cruises, Private Shore Excursions, Arts & Culture, Groups
Certificates & Awards
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Master Cruise Counselor (MCC), Switzerland Specialist , Scotland Specialist, Mexico Specialist

Debra Rodriguez

Encino, California Travel Agent
Luxury River Cruising

Cruising is a very easy way to see and learn a lot. You do not have to deal with buses, trains, and airports and you usually travel while you are sleeping or having a nice dinner and being entertained. I especially suggest cruising for first-time visitors to a region because you get a great overview and then can return to places you want to spend more time on future trips.  

All ships are not created equal though. As someone who loves to cruise and is familiar with all the lines, I can ensure that you travel on a line that meets your needs in terms of level and style of service, cuisine, enrichment, and entertainment as well as budget. Even at similar price points and within the same line, ships can vary greatly.  

I also can make sure that your cabin is in a good location, and often take into consideration things most people would not think of. For example, you do not want to be near the room service station and hear staff going in and out all night, or above or below the disco. And if you tend to get seasick, I will make sure you are in an area of the ship where the movement is minimized.  

Most of my clients choose to do private excursions instead of group bus tours. Often, they travel with another couple which makes the cost of a private tour almost equivalent to a group excursion. The advantage of private tours is you can see more in a shorter time without feeling rushed or herded and you can do things not offered on group tours. Plus, group excursions usually hit the main attractions, which my clients often have already seen. 

River cruising is becoming increasingly popular. A big reason is that you move at a slower pace and visit small villages as well as major cities, giving you the chance to really get into the culture. River cruise pricing also tends to be more inclusive than ocean cruises. Most river cruise lines include a shore excursion in each port as well as beverages and tipping, while few ocean lines do. 

Just as with ocean cruising, it is important to pick the right line for your travel style. Some cater to younger couples, spending evenings in town so you can enjoy the nightlife; others have an active focus, with bikes and yoga instructors on board. 

In addition to helping match you with the line best for you, I also can usually get better prices than you would be able to get on your own. As a Virtuoso agent, on most lines, I can provide value-added inclusions, from excursions to shipboard credit. Plus, I often can get my clients upgrades when the ship is not full, either for a minimal cost or at no charge. And on some sailings, Virtuoso provides exclusive private tours that travelers couldn’t get on their own.  From river cruising to ocean and expedition cruising, I can help create the best cruise experience for you.

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Certificates & Awards

Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)
Master Cruise Counselor (MCC)
Switzerland Specialist
Scotland Specialist
Mexico Specialist