(15 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Sherry Magness

South Lebanon, OH
Making Memories with Family and Friends

Planning a vacation can be time consuming and stressful. I offer free personalized vacation planning  to meet your vacation needs and take the stress out of planning. I feel it is important to listen to what you want from your vacation and allow y...
Learn more about me.

Cruise Travel Agent Expert

Cruising is a popular and versatile form of travel that offers the convenience of visiting multiple destinations while enjoying the amenities of a floating resort. Here’s an overview of the different aspects of cruising:1. Types of CruisesOcean Cruises: These are the most common type of cruises, typically on large ships, offering a variety of itineraries around the world. Popular destinations include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and Northern Europe.River Cruises: Smaller ships navigate rivers, offering a more intimate experience and access to inland cities and towns. Popular river cruise routes include the Danube, Rhine, and the Mississippi.Expedition Cruises: These are adventure-oriented, often going to remote locations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, or the Arctic. The focus is on exploring wildlife and natural wonders.Themed Cruises: Some cruises are tailored around specific interests like food and wine, wellness, music, or specific TV shows (e.g., Star Trek or Disney cruises).Luxury Cruises: High-end cruise lines provide an ultra-luxurious experience with gourmet dining, spacious suites, and personalized service.2. Onboard ExperienceDining: Cruise ships are known for offering a variety of dining options, from buffet-style eateries to fine dining restaurants. Many cruises have specialty restaurants that offer cuisines from around the world.Entertainment: Large ships often have Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, live music, movie theaters, and casinos. There are also plenty of activities like trivia, karaoke, dance classes, and themed parties.Wellness & Recreation: Ships often feature pools, gyms, spas, and outdoor sports facilities. Some ships even have rock climbing walls, surf simulators, ice skating rinks, and more.Accommodations: Cabins range from interior (no windows) to ocean-view rooms, balcony staterooms, and luxury suites. Some suites come with personalized butler service or private decks.3. DestinationsCruises sail all around the world, with some of the most popular destinations including:Caribbean: Great for warm-weather escapes with stops at tropical islands like St. Maarten, Jamaica, and Cozumel.Mediterranean: A cultural experience through historic cities like Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and islands like Santorini and Mykonos.Alaska: Stunning landscapes with opportunities for glacier viewing, whale watching, and wildlife spotting.Northern Europe: Routes through the Norwegian fjords, Baltic capitals, and Iceland.4. CostsCruise pricing typically includes your cabin, meals in the main dining rooms, entertainment, and many onboard activities. However, additional costs can include:Excursions: Shore excursions (tours, activities at ports) usually cost extra.Alcohol and Specialty Drinks: Many cruises offer drink packages that cover alcohol and specialty beverages.Gratuities: Automatic gratuities are often added to your bill.Specialty Dining and Activities: Some high-end restaurants, spa treatments, and special onboard experiences come with an extra charge.5. Planning TipsBooking Early: Cruises tend to be cheaper if booked well in advance. Early booking also gives you better cabin choices.Choosing the Right Cabin: Interior cabins are most affordable, but if you prefer natural light or ocean views, consider a balcony room. If motion sickness is a concern, cabins in the middle of the ship on lower decks are more stable.Time of Year: The best time to cruise varies by destination. For example, Caribbean cruises are popular year-round, but the Alaska cruise season runs mainly from May to September.Shore Excursions: Plan these in advance to avoid last-minute bookings. Shore excursions offer experiences like sightseeing tours, snorkeling, cultural activities, and more.6. Health & SafetyMost cruise lines have implemented health protocols due to recent global health concerns. This includes enhanced cleaning, health screenings, and vaccination or testing requirements for passengers.7. Popular Cruise LinesRoyal Caribbean: Known for its large ships, family-friendly activities, and innovative onboard features.Carnival: Often seen as a budget-friendly option with a lively, fun atmosphere.Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers freestyle cruising, which allows for more flexibility in dining and activities.Celebrity Cruises: Known for modern luxury, high-end dining, and a more relaxed atmosphere.Disney Cruise Line: Perfect for families with kids, offering Disney-themed entertainment and characters onboard.Cruising offers a unique and hassle-free way to see the world while enjoying the comforts of a resort at sea. Whether you're interested in a luxurious getaway, an adventure-packed trip, or a family vacation, there’s a cruise for nearly every type of traveler!

My Reviews

Travel Agent For Life
It is a joy to work with Sherry. She not only guides us to locations we would have never found on our own, but also pays very close attention to every detail. She stays in contact with us throughout the trip to make sure we are well taken care of. We have a travel agent for life!
By  Sarah B  from  Dayton, Ohio
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Great Girls Trip
Sherry was easy to work with and understood exactly what we wanted. We had to make some changes and Sherry was right there to help us. Partly, it was a great trip bc Sherry made it worryfree.
By  Reviewed by HS Friends  from  Fate, TX
Traveled to  Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
First Disney Family Trip
Sherry was an excellent vacation planner for our family. She made our first trip to Disney with the children a huge success. It went very smooth and we avoided lines because of her careful planning of attractions, etc that she provided to us. I was able to leave Ohio knowing that I feel secure in our daily plans for each park day , where to eat, and what shows to see. This is because of Sherry's expertise and knowledge that she provided and documented for me prior to the trip. When she contacted me during our trip, I had a Park question for her. She responded with a lengthy and in depth response to my question in a timely manner. I was impressed with how quickly and efficient she responded to me and she answered our question above and beyond what we asked. I would highly recommend Sherry to any of my friends or family members that plan to visit Disney.
By  Jul  from  Mason, Ohio
Traveled to  Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Sherry Magness is Top Notch
Sherry has now assisted our very large (and slightly high maintenance - haha!) crew with two Thanksgiving week cruises (2022 and 2023). She is very knowledgeable and will drop anything to assist when needed.
By  Carrie  from  Mason, Ohio
Traveled to  Bahamas ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Amazing Adults Only Trip
Sherry was very attentive to all of our questions and emails and answered everything promptly. I love that she took the time to send us a note right before our trip to make sure that we understand everything about getting around the airport and finding our transportation to the airport.
By  Travis  from  Columbus, Ohio
Traveled to  Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
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
  • Alaska
  • British Columbia

Travel Specialist:

  • Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Hosted Cruises
  • Grand Voyages
  • Luxury Cruises

Certifications/Awards:

  • TLN Leisure Travel Certified
  • Princess Commodore
  • Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure
  • Disney College of Knowledge Graduate
  • Alaska Certified

Industry Affiliations:

©  Travel Leaders Group