For many travelers, the idea of booking a cruise still carries a faint air of mystery, as if it requires insider knowledge or a tolerance for logistical chaos. Michael Beaver, General Manager of Expedia Cruises’ Glenview office, would like to gently correct that impression. “It’s actually really easy,” he says. “Give us a call, and we’ll help you through the entire process.”
Expedia Cruises operates as the concierge arm of the larger Expedia Group, which means travelers get the power of a global travel brand with the intimacy of a neighborhood agency. Beaver describes it as a hybrid model: the scale of a major platform paired with the personal attention of someone who knows your name, preferences, and whether you’re more likely to spend your vacation in a spa robe or on a golf course.
“We ask a couple of questions, get to know your personality, and go from there,” he says. “Not every cruise line is for everybody, but there is a cruise line for everybody.” With access to more than 40 cruise lines—from contemporary favorites like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to ultra luxury brands such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Explora Journeys—agents can match travelers to the right ship, itinerary and onboard experience.
For North Shore couples dreaming of a warm weather escape, Beaver points to the ease of flying from Chicago to major cruise ports in Florida, as well as Los Angeles and San Diego. Three‑ to five‑day sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexican Riviera make for quick, sun‑drenched getaways that require little more than a carry‑on and a willingness to trade winter boots for sandals.
But the real magic, Beaver says, is in the tailoring. For spa‑loving travelers, he often recommends luxury lines like Explora Journeys or Silversea, where thermal areas, salt rooms, saunas, and wellness programming create a floating sanctuary. “If you want to sit and relax all week, we can make that happen,” he says. “If you want yoga, healthy cuisine, or specific dietary accommodations, we’ll make sure the ship knows before you even board.”
Golfers, meanwhile, have an entirely different world available to them. Beaver highlights Azamara’s partnership with PerryGolf, which offers sailings built around world‑class courses in Scotland, Japan, Australia and beyond.
“They take care of everything,” he says. “Your equipment, transportation, green fees, even clubhouse drinks.” And if only one person in the couple or group golfs, they ensure only the golfer pays those add-ons.
Beyond the curated experiences, the value proposition is surprisingly straightforward. Thanks to Expedia’s partnerships, agents often have access to exclusive inventory, added perks and group rates that can include beverage packages, Wi‑Fi or onboard credit. And in most cases, it costs travelers nothing extra to book through an agent.
“There’s no downside,” Beaver says. “You get one point of contact, and we handle the hold times.”
In other words, the only thing travelers need to do is decide what kind of vacation they want. Expedia Cruises will take it from there. More at: expediacruises.com/NorthShore.
“Not every cruise line is for everybody, but there is a cruise line for everybody.”