Cruise planning by former ship crew

Cruise like you know
someone on the inside

Because now you do. Mar spent five years running operations aboard Celebrity, Norwegian, and MSC — she knows what's worth your money, what isn't, and how to dodge the mistakes most first-timers never see coming. Tell us where you want to go. We'll find your cruise, book it, and handle every detail from the airport to the open sea.

Completely free to you Same price as booking direct Every major cruise line Planned by former ship crew
Let's plan your cruise
Four quick questions — no obligation.
Where would you like to cruise?
Who's traveling?
When are you hoping to go?
Roughly what's your budget for the cruise itself?

Per couple, cruise fare only — just so we can match you to the right options.

Where should we send your options?

We'll call to start planning your trip. No spam, ever.

You're all set.

Mar or a member of the team will reach out shortly to start planning. Keep an eye on your phone and inbox.

The fleet

Every major cruise line, under one roof

Royal Caribbean to Regent — whatever you're dreaming of, we book it.

The difference

We worked behind the scenes on cruise ships — now we plan yours

For five years, Mar managed shore excursions and operations aboard Celebrity, Norwegian, and MSC. That's the side of cruising passengers never see: how the ports really run, which excursions are worth every dollar and which are tourist traps, when to book, where to be, and the dozens of small decisions that separate a smooth trip from a stressful one.

Most agents read the same brochures you can. We know the operation from the inside — and since coming ashore, we've sailed as guests ourselves, so we see it from both sides of the gangway. When we recommend a cabin, a line, or a shore day, it comes from experience, not a sales sheet.

iWhat's actually worth it— and what to skip
iiCostly mistakes— the ones even experienced cruisers miss
iiiThe details that matter— the right cabins, decks, and ports
Luxury cruise deck overlooking the ocean
Why book with us

Expert planning that costs you nothing

Free to you

Our planning, advice, and booking are completely free — the cruise line pays us, not you. And you'll never pay more for it: you get the same fares you'd find booking online yourself, with no markups and no hidden fees. Just an insider in your corner, at zero extra cost.

Effortless

There are hundreds of ships, sailings, and cabin categories. You don't have to wade through a single one. Tell us what you're after; we handle the research, the comparisons, and the booking — and answer every question along the way.

Door to deck

Mar is also a licensed pilot, so we understand the whole journey — flights, transfers, when to fly in, how it all connects. We get you from your front door to the gangway without a hitch, and home again just as smoothly.

Where we'll take you

Cruises we know inside and out

We've worked, sailed, and planned across the world's most popular cruising regions. A few we know especially well:

Caribbean
Caribbean

Caribbean

Turquoise water, easy island-hopping, and the sailings we've run more than any other. The perfect first cruise — or your reliable yearly escape.

Alaska
Alaska

Alaska

Glaciers, whales, and dramatic coastline. We know which side of the ship to book and which excursions are genuinely once-in-a-lifetime.

Mediterranean and Europe
Mediterranean & Europe

Mediterranean & Europe

Ancient ports, world-class food, and a new country every morning. We'll match you to the itinerary that fits the trip you actually want.

Asia and beyond
Asia & beyond

Asia & beyond

From Japan to repositioning voyages across the globe — Mar has sailed routes most agents have only read about.

And everywhere in between — wherever you want to sail, we can plan it.

How it works

Planning your cruise is the easy part

i

Book your planning call

Pick a time and tell us what you're dreaming of. No pressure, no obligation.

ii

We find and book it

We match you to the right ship, cabin, and itinerary — then handle the booking start to finish.

iii

We prep you for departure

Flights, timing, boarding, what to pack, what to expect. Everything sorted before you go.

iv

We're with you at sea

A question or hiccup mid-trip? Reach us by phone, text, or WhatsApp. We've got you the whole way.

Mar, founder of Way to Vacay, in Rome
Meet your expert

Five years at sea. A lifetime of know-how.

Mar spent five years aboard Celebrity, Norwegian, and MSC, working in shore excursions and operations — eventually as a manager. It's a depth of behind-the-scenes cruise knowledge very few people in Canada can claim. Since coming ashore, she's become an avid cruiser herself and built Way to Vacay to give travelers the insider guidance she once delivered from the other side of the gangway.

She's also a licensed pilot — which is exactly why the logistics never trip up her clients. Mar and her team have sailed and planned across the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond, and bring every bit of it to each trip they plan.

"I've seen cruising from every angle — crew, operations, and guest. I plan every trip the way I'd plan my own."

See for yourself

Inside the Way to Vacay difference

Guest reviews

Travelers who'll never book a cruise any other way

★★★★★

"Mar found us a cabin we'd never have picked ourselves — and it made the entire trip. We won't book a cruise without her again."

DDavidVancouver
★★★★★

"First-time cruisers and totally overwhelmed. Mar handled everything — flights, timing, the lot. We just showed up and had the best week of our lives."

SJThe JohnsonsCalgary
★★★★★

"You can tell she's actually worked on these ships. The little tips made all the difference. Worth it — and it didn't cost us a thing."

EMEmily & MarkEdmonton

⚑ Placeholder reviews — replace with real ones before launch.

2010
Planning travel since
5 yrs
Working onboard
300+ ⚑
Voyages planned
Every
Major cruise line
Good to know

Questions, answered

Does this cost me anything?
No — and it never costs you more, either. Cruise lines pay us a commission, so our planning and booking are completely free to you. You'll pay the same fare you'd find booking online yourself: no markups, no hidden fees, no premium for the white-glove service. And because we know where to look, sometimes we'll find you an even better rate.
I've never cruised before. Can you help?
That's exactly who we love working with. We'll walk you through all of it — choosing the right ship, when to fly in, how boarding works, what to pack — so your first cruise feels effortless.
Which cruise lines do you work with?
All the major ones — Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, and more — right up to luxury lines like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent.
Do you book flights and transfers too?
We do. Mar's a pilot, so getting the timing and logistics right is second nature. We make sure your whole journey connects — door to deck and back.
What if I need help during my cruise?
Reach us by phone, text, or WhatsApp anytime during your trip. And for large groups or special occasions like weddings, Mar can even sail with you.
How far ahead should I book?
The earlier the better for the best cabins and fares — but we work with every timeline. Even last-minute, we'll find you something great.
Your cruise is waiting

Let's plan something unforgettable

Tell us where you want to go. We'll handle the rest — start to finish, completely free.

Plan My Cruise
Start planning
Four quick questions — no obligation.
Where would you like to cruise?
Who's traveling?
When are you hoping to go?
Roughly what's your budget for the cruise itself?

Per couple, cruise fare only — just so we can match you to the right options.

Where should we send your options?

We'll call to start planning your trip. No spam, ever.

You're all set.

Mar or a member of the team will reach out shortly to start planning. Keep an eye on your phone and inbox.