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Frequently Asked questions
DeSalvio Travel
Not every cruise line offers the same type of experience. We look at the character of the line, its itineraries and its approach to hospitality alongside your own preferences.
The purpose is to match the traveler with the cruise line rather than assuming one line works for everyone.
We consider the cruise line, itinerary, pricing, cabin options, ship size and number of passengers, together with your preferences.
We focus on smaller-vessel cruising and do not book cruise lines with ships above 1,000 passengers because that does not fit the level of experience we want to provide our clients.
The right cabin depends on size, comfort, view and location on the ship.
We consider how the cabin is positioned in relation to the views during the journey and create options according to what matters most to the client.
The cruise industry uses these terms differently, so the labels alone are not enough to determine the experience.
For our own recommendations, ship size and passenger numbers are important considerations. We focus on smaller ships, with no more than 1,000 passengers, because we believe this is more consistent with the experience our clients are seeking.
Ocean cruises generally connect larger ports and destinations, while river cruises travel along inland waterways and can reach smaller towns and places that are not accessible to large ocean-going vessels.
The experience of seeing a destination from a river can therefore be quite different from visiting it by ocean ship.
Seasonality and water levels are important considerations, particularly as climate patterns change. We look at the time of year and the conditions that may affect a particular river itinerary.
It is also worth understanding how many ships may be operating in the same destinations and how shore excursions are organized. Where appropriate, we can arrange private tours and transfers rather than having clients travel with large groups.
We generally recommend booking around a year in advance. This gives you more time to consider the options, secure the cabin you want and develop a meaningful pre- or post-cruise extension.
Yes. Matching the itinerary to the traveler is one of the main reasons to use an advisor.
We consider the destinations, timing, cruise line, ship and your interests rather than treating the itinerary as an isolated product.
Yes. We have experience creating customized pre- and post-cruise stays and land arrangements around the cruise.
These extensions can be designed around your interests rather than simply adding a standard hotel stay before or after embarkation.
The response depends on what has happened, but having an advisor means there is someone who already knows your itinerary and can help coordinate the consequences.
Our full planning service includes 24/7 travel assistance.
Yes. We can look at the effect on the rest of the itinerary and help coordinate the necessary changes, such as flights, transfers, hotel arrivals or communication with local partners.
The advantage is that the flight is considered as part of the entire journey rather than as an isolated booking.
After booking, we make sure applicable Virtuoso amenities are applied, help filter excursion options according to your interests and assist with arrangements such as excursions and concierge services.
Where appropriate, we also provide additional service and amenities through our own program. The aim is to continue adding a personal layer to the cruise rather than considering our work finished once the cabin is booked.
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