(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Leslie Nelson

Overland Park, KS
Luxury and Ultra Luxury Travel Agent Specialist

With a wealth of experience spanning the entire spectrum of travel, I now specialize in curating the ultimate luxury and ultra-luxury experiences. Need a private jet, a lavish villa, or a majestic yacht? Consider it done.

Just retired after...
Learn more about me.

Small Ship Luxury Cruising Travel Agent Expert

Luxury small ship-Regent
Luxury small ship-Regent

A luxury small ship cruise offers an unparalleled blend of personalized service, access to exclusive destinations, and all-inclusive comfort. If you’re looking to explore the world in style while enjoying tailored experiences and impeccable service, a small ship cruise is the perfect choice. Here’s why it’s the ideal way to see the world.


Intimate and Personalized Service


Small ships, typically carrying between 50 and 500 guests, offer a more intimate and personalized travel experience compared to larger cruise liners. With fewer passengers, the crew can focus on catering to your every need, from customized shore excursions to accommodating specific dietary preferences. You’ll enjoy a boutique hotel-like atmosphere, where you’ll be treated like a VIP from the moment you board.


Exclusive Destinations


Unlike larger ships, small luxury vessels can access hidden gems and less-traveled destinations, from remote islands to secluded harbors. Whether it’s the historic cities of the Mediterranean, the pristine beaches of the South Pacific, or the wildlife-rich waters of the Galápagos, a small ship cruise can take you where larger ships can’t. You’ll explore remote locations and experience authentic local cultures in ways that aren’t possible on traditional cruises.


All-Inclusive Luxury


Luxury small ship cruises offer an all-inclusive experience, meaning you can relax without worrying about extra costs. Your meals, drinks, excursions, and even gratuities are included, allowing you to indulge in world-class cuisine, premium wines, and unforgettable activities. Whether you’re enjoying a private dinner on deck or an exclusive excursion, every aspect of your journey is designed for maximum comfort and ease.


World-Class Accommodations


Accommodations on small luxury ships are spacious and elegant, often featuring private balconies, fine linens, and luxurious bathrooms. Many ships offer suites with butler service, ensuring personalized attention throughout your voyage. Onboard, you’ll find refined spaces like lounges, bars, pools, and spas designed to enhance your relaxation.


Unique Shore Excursions


Small ship cruises offer more intimate shore excursions, with opportunities to experience destinations in-depth. From private tours of iconic landmarks to outdoor adventures in remote regions, these tailored experiences provide a deeper connection to the places you visit. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or observing wildlife in natural habitats, small ship cruises create unforgettable memories.


Sustainability and Responsible Travel


Many luxury small ship cruises prioritize sustainability, using eco-friendly technologies and partnering with local communities to minimize their environmental impact. Traveling aboard a smaller vessel means you can explore fragile ecosystems and remote areas with a lighter footprint.


Why Book with Me?


As a luxury travel expert, I specialize in creating customized small ship cruise experiences that cater to your interests. I work closely with top luxury cruise lines to offer tailored itineraries, exclusive perks, and seamless planning. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing through the Mediterranean, the Alaskan wilderness, or tropical islands, I’ll ensure your journey is perfectly crafted from start to finish.With my guidance, you’ll enjoy priority bookings, personalized shore excursions, and access to special amenities, all designed to create a luxury cruise experience that exceeds your expectations. A small ship cruise offers the most exclusive and enriching way to explore the world - let me help you make it the trip of a lifetime. 

My Travel Albums

Italy
View of the Spanish Steps from our room

My Reviews

Custom tour takes all the hassle out of traveling
Leslie helped me craft a personal tour in Costa Rica, with excellent accommodations, activities and transport. Her advice was invaluable in helping me decide how and where to spend my time, and her travel partners in the US and on the ground provided fantastic and seamless service.
By  Margaret M  from  Portland Oregon USA
Traveled to  Costa Rica | Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
cancum trip
she is the best and has friendly communication and knows how to interact
By  benesasar  from  cancum
Traveled to  Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Helped during a storm!
I was on a trip a friend booked and unable to get back home due to a blizzard. I knew Leslie and called her- she was able to help me quickly secure a hotel near my airport and get me situated for another night!
By  Sullivanaxid  from  Overland Park, KS
Traveled to  New York (La Guardia) | New York | USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Our Italian trip of a lifetime!
Leslie was awesome and we put her through a lot. She planned a custom trip to Italy (Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri,Amalfi,Positano & Rome) for our family group of 11 and it was spot on! She booked all hotels, tours and transportation and it all went smoothly. We were all very happy with the outcome. She provided a lot of expertise and made key recommendations on hotel locations and tours that made our trip run smoothly. She was always available and I felt very confident in her guidance and advice. She's now planning our next family trip to Greece!
By  dd311  from  Delray Beach, FL
Traveled to  Italy | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Tropical north Queesland, a dream destination
We wanted to get to Queensland before the Olympics makes it too crowded. Leslie knows the area and helped arrange a tour of the "best of the best" hotels in northeastern Australia. Can't say enough about how great this trip was.
By  Reef, rainforest and Outback travelers  from  Los Angeles, CA
Traveled to  Australia & New Zealand
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Caribbean
  • Mediterranean
  • Aegean Sea
  • Norwegian Sea
  • Tasman Sea

Travel Specialist:

  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises
  • All Inclusive
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • Couples & Romance

Top Travel Partners:

  • Silversea
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Explora Journeys
  • Crystal
  • Seabourn

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTC
  • Certified Travel Counselor, CTC
  • Silversea Ultra-Luxury Specialist
  • Aussie Specialist
  • New Zealand Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

© 2025 Travel Leaders Group