Michael Bitsas

Oak Brook, IL
Cruise Travel Agent Specialist

 Cruising offers a unique and convenient way to explore the world, combining travel, leisure, and adventure into one seamless experience. Whether you’re setting sail through the tropical Caribbean, exploring Europe’s historical ports, or witnessin...
Learn more about me.

Cruise Travel Agent Specialist

 Cruising offers a unique and convenient way to explore the world, combining travel, leisure, and adventure into one seamless experience. Whether you’re setting sail through the tropical Caribbean, exploring Europe’s historical ports, or witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, cruises cater to a variety of travel preferences.Types of Cruises Ocean Cruises: These voyages take place on large ships across seas and oceans, visiting major port cities and island destinations. Popular routes include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska. 


Top Cruise DestinationsCaribbean: This classic cruising region offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical islands such as St. Maarten, Cozumel, and Jamaica. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, water sports, and vibrant local cultures.Mediterranean: A cruise in this region allows you to explore historical cities like Rome, Athens, Venice, and Barcelona. You’ll encounter diverse cultures, ancient ruins, and coastal beauty.Alaska: Alaska cruises offer a breathtaking mix of wildlife, glaciers, and rugged landscapes. Passengers can enjoy excursions like whale-watching, hiking, and visiting quaint towns like Juneau.Northern Europe: Sail through the Norwegian fjords, or visit cities like St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. These cruises often combine cultural exploration with stunning natural scenery.South Pacific: A cruise through the South Pacific includes tropical paradises like Tahiti, Fiji, and Bora Bora, offering island hopping, snorkeling, and immersion in Polynesian culture.Antarctica: Expedition cruises to Antarctica are for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with opportunities to observe penguins, icebergs, and explore the pristine wilderness.Dining: Most cruises offer several dining options, including buffet-style meals, specialty restaurants, and fine dining. Some luxury cruises feature menus curated by celebrity chefs.Entertainment: Expect live performances, including Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and musical performances. Some ships also have outdoor movie theaters, nightclubs, and themed events.Recreation: Modern ships are equipped with swimming pools, gyms, rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses, and even surf simulators or water parks. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are known for their innovative onboard attractions.Spa and Wellness: Relax with a variety of spa treatments, from massages to facials. Many ships also feature thermal suites and offer yoga or fitness classes.Kids' and Teens' Clubs: Family-friendly cruises provide designated spaces for children and teens, with age-appropriate activities, from video games to arts and crafts.Choosing the Right Cruise LineRoyal Caribbean International: Known for its large, activity-filled ships, Royal Caribbean caters to families and couples. Ships feature unique attractions like rock climbing walls and zip lines.Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival offers affordable cruises with a fun, laid-back atmosphere, ideal for families and friends looking for entertainment and casual dining.Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian is known for its "Freestyle Cruising" philosophy, allowing passengers to dine without set schedules. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility.Celebrity Cruises: A more upscale option, Celebrity focuses on fine dining, modern decor, and service. It’s suited for couples and those looking for a refined experience.Princess Cruises: Princess offers a well-balanced experience with a focus on service and well-planned itineraries, making it popular among couples and older travelers.Disney Cruise Line: Best for families, Disney Cruises combine magical entertainment, including character meet-and-greets, with family-friendly activities and adult-only spaces.Viking Cruises: Viking specializes in both river and ocean cruises, known for its cultural enrichment and smaller, more intimate ships. It’s ideal for mature travelers interested in history and culture.Shore Excursions One of the highlights of cruising is the opportunity to explore multiple destinations during a single trip. Shore excursions are activities offered at each port of call and range from city tours to adventurous outings. Popular options include:Snorkeling or diving in tropical waters Guided historical tours in cities like Rome or Athens Wildlife safaris or glacier hikes in Alaska Wine-tasting in the Mediterranean Cultural experiences in places like Havana or St. Petersburg Most cruise lines offer these excursions as part of a package, or you can book independent tours for a more personalized experience.Conclusion Cruising is a versatile travel option, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you want to relax by the pool, explore ancient ruins, or seek adventure in remote corners of the world, cruises combine convenience, luxury, and adventure in one unforgettable journey. From family vacations to luxury escapes, cruising remains one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to travel.  4o

My Reviews

He went above and beyond
I usually plan all of our trips myself but seeing as this trip involved multiple destinations and multiple countries, I thought it would be better to get help with such a complicated itinerary.

Michael took the time to really understand what we wanted out of trip and put to together a trip that was customized to our tastes. He is so well traveled that he even made recommendations about activities and locations that we didn't even know about!

He presented the perfect trip and what is even better he did within the tight budget that we had. He was patient and understanding as we requested changes.

I can not recommend Michael enough as he was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. He worked hard to give us our ideal vacation.
By  jewel  from  Chicago, Illinois
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
Thank you!!!!

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
smoothed thing out for me.
He was genuinely concerned with my situation which was precarious and he came through for me
By  mike  from  Berwyn, Illinois
Traveled to  Greece ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
Mike was a pleasure to help. I was able to make his arrangements easily.

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Cruise Booking Made Easy
Athanasios was very thorough in locating possible cruises for my friend and I. After discussing possible itineraries, we narrowed it down to three for him to research. Once we decided on a Caribbean cruise, he was helpful in booking reservations and recommending excursions.
By  Hairy Gary  from  Atlanta, GA
Traveled to  Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
Very easy customers to please.

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Baltic adventure
We traveled to five countries at a reasonable cost. We enjoyed transportation by boat, bus and train. We enjoyed excellent accommodations and sight seeing.
By  Deidre  from  Spokane Washington
Traveled to  Estonia ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
One of the best trips I've ever arranged.

Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • Mediterranean
  • Baltic Sea
  • Aegean Sea
  • Caribbean Sea
  • Black Sea

Travel Specialist:

  • Cruises
  • Grand Voyages
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises
  • All Inclusive

Certifications/Awards:

  • TWA Travel Academy Valedictorian
  • United Airlines Training Valedictorian (Apollo)
  • TWA Rate Desk Training (Sabre, Worldspan)

Languages I Speak:

  • English
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • French
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Signed English
  • Spanish

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group