Intimate Ocean Experiences

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Nora Blum, Travel Agent in Minneapolis, MN

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN Travel Agent
Super Agent

Nora Blum

Minneapolis, MN · 25+ Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
5.0
(88)
100% Recommended
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangements for over 10 years and she is absolutely THE BEST! I can always count on Nora... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Greece, South America

Interests:

Luxury Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Expedition Cruises, Culinary & Foodie, Sustainable Travel

Suppliers:

Atlas Ocean Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Paul Gauguin, Ponant

About Me

Pontant
Pontant

Luxury Yacht & Small Ship Cruise Specialist

Experience cruising reimagined aboard intimate luxury yachts and ultra-premium small ships. I specialize in the world's most exclusive cruise lines—where personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and transformative itineraries replace crowds and convention. These aren't cruises; they're floating five-star resorts accessing ports mega-ships can't reach.

Luxury Yacht Cruising

True yacht cruising offers unparalleled intimacy and sophistication. With guest capacities under 300, these vessels deliver yacht club ambiance, Michelin-quality dining, and nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratios.

Featured Luxury Yacht Collections:

  • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Marina-style luxury with signature Ritz-Carlton service and all-suite accommodations
  • Emerald Azzura: Contemporary yacht cruising with innovative design and immersive itineraries
  • SeaDream Yacht Club: Intimate 112-guest yachts offering the ultimate casual elegance and water sports marinas
  • Paul Gauguin Cruises: The South Pacific specialist with a 332-guest yacht designed exclusively for Tahiti, French Polynesia, and Fiji shallow-water navigation

Luxury Small Ship Cruises

For travelers seeking all-inclusive luxury with more extensive itineraries, these premium cruise lines deliver exceptional value and unforgettable experiences.

Premier Small Ship Cruise Lines:

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises: The ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience with complimentary shore excursions, beverages, and specialty dining
  • Silversea Cruises: Expedition and classic voyages with butler service in every suite and destination-immersive programmingPonant: French luxury expedition cruising with sophisticated style, zodiac excursions, and access to polar regions, tropical paradises, and remote coastlines
  • Explora Journeys: MSC's new luxury brand offering Ocean State living with extended stays and overnight port experiences
  • Atlas Ocean Voyages: Yacht-style expedition cruising to remote destinations with adventure and wellness focus

Why Luxury Small Ship Cruising?

  • Exclusive Access: Dock in boutique ports and harbors inaccessible to large cruise ships
  • Personalized Service: Crew members remember your name, preferences, and favorite cocktail
  • Intimate Atmosphere: 100-750 guests maximum versus 3,000+ on traditional cruises
  • Elevated Cuisine: Multiple gourmet restaurants, often with Michelin-starred chef partnerships
  • Included Amenities: Most offer all-inclusive packages with premium beverages, gratuities, WiFi, and curated shore excursions
  • Unique Itineraries: Greek Isles yacht cruising, Mediterranean small ship voyages, Caribbean luxury yacht charters, Northern Europe expeditions

Cruise Styles I Specialize In

  • Mediterranean Luxury Cruises: Explore hidden coves on the Amalfi Coast, Croatian islands, and French Riviera
  • Caribbean & South Pacific
  • Yacht Experiences: Intimate island-hopping in St. Barths, Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and secluded beaches
  • Expedition Luxury Cruises: Antarctica expeditions, Galápagos yacht cruises, Arctic adventures, and Kimberley Coast exploration with expert naturalists and zodiac landings
  • French Polynesia Cruises: Paul Gauguin's signature Tahiti and South Pacific itineraries with authentic Polynesian cultural experiences
  • Polar Expeditions: Ponant's luxury icebreaker experiences to Antarctica, Arctic Norway, and Greenland
  • Cultural Immersion Voyages: Extended port stays, overnight experiences, and destination-focused programming
  • Wellness & Spa Cruises: Onboard spas, wellness programming, and restorative sea days

The Luxury Small Ship Difference

These vessels reimagine cruising for sophisticated travelers who value quality over quantity. Imagine waking to Santorini's caldera views from your private veranda, enjoying breakfast prepared to order, then exploring ancient ruins with an expert archaeologist—all while your yacht awaits in the harbor below. Or picture yourself navigating through Antarctic ice fields in a luxury expedition ship, zodiac cruising among penguins, then returning to French champagne and gourmet cuisine.

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, seeking a restorative escape, or simply craving travel without compromise, luxury yacht cruising offers experiences that linger long after disembarkation.

Perfect For:

  • Couples seeking romantic getaways and honeymoon cruises
  • Discerning travelers transitioning from river cruising
  • Groups and family celebrations wanting semi-private experiences
  • Adventure seekers who want expedition experiences without sacrificing luxury
  • Travelers who've "done" traditional cruising and want something extraordinary

Let me match you with the perfect luxury yacht or small ship experience—where every detail exceeds expectations and every port reveals something remarkable. 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
88 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 88 reviews

NORA IS THE BEST!!
Reviewed By Kimberly - New Brighton, MN | Traveled to Mexico
Nora has been helping me with my travel arrangements for over 10 years and she is absolutely THE BEST! I can always count on Nora to find the perfect destination with great accommodations - and at a price I can afford. Nora is so helpful and knowledgeable - she definitely knows Mexico and the Caribbean - my favorite places to visit! She always goes above and beyond to make sure everything goes well. And, she also asks for feedback after the trip to make sure everything went as planned. I know people who try to plan their own international trips on the internet, but are very disappointed with how it turns out. I don't have to worry about being disappointed...because Nora helps arrange my trips. She's awesome!!
Nora Blum responded
"Thank you for your kind words. It certainly does help that I've been to many of your favorite places, and I do try to make sure everything goes well on all of our trips."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
117 of 203 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Fabulous 15th Anniversary Trip!
Reviewed By Merkster - Lakeville, MN. | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
My husband and I knew we wanted to take a trip of a lifetime for our 15th wedding anniversary and for the first time decided to seek the help of a travel agent. Nora had come recommended and we are so glad we sought her guidance and expertise!

Nora was extremely helpful and knowledgeable during all phases of planning. She was patient when I couldn't make up my mind on hotels and locations and was a steady and calm force offering thoughtful feedback and pro/con arguments for various choices we had to make. She encouraged us to stick with our original Costa Rica plan when we considered alternative destinations, and I'm so glad she offered her genuine advice. She knew what we were looking for in this vacation and made the best recommendation for us.
She also offered sage advice to not fill up our vacation with excess excursions but enjoy the luxurious amenities of our hotels. All along I felt she was trying to provide us exactly the kind of trip we desired and that's what we got! :)
Nora Blum responded
"I'm thrilled your anniversary trip to Costa Rica was so fantastic and I look forward to working with you again on the next one."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
78 of 129 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Family Trip
Reviewed By Susan - Macon Missouri | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
We have worked with Ms. Blum since 2008 . Ms. Blum has helped arrange four trips . Ms. Blum responds to our emails within 24 hours. She has our travel information organized and easy to understand and follow.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
48 of 77 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream vacation to Hawaii
Reviewed By Randy - Mendota Heights, MN | Traveled to Honolulu, Oahu ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Our experience with Nora was great! My wife and I finally were able to have our dream vacation to Hawaii. Nora's experience and attention to details made our trip worry free and very enjoyable. Nora's knowledge of the islands made our decision to visit Honolulu, Kauai, & Maui something we will never forget.! I would highly recommend Nora for anyone planning their vacation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
46 of 75 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
A new adventure in scotland
Reviewed By On the go - Houlton | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
Always excellent, plans trips according to her knowledge of site and knowledge of my likes and style
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
55 of 94 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Exceeded my hopes and expectations
Hi Nora, The trip was perfect. Exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. We had 2 beautiful days in Machu Picchu...pictures and descriptions simply do not fully capture how amazing it all is. We're still mulling over our next trip, but since this trip was so flawlessly planned...I will be calling you when we decide. Can't thank you enough for setting up such an awesome trip for us! Kelly
Kelly H., MN
Always planning a new adventure
Nora, your expertise and diligence has made it possible for your clients to explore the world, knowing that every aspect of their journey has been reviewed and detailed. I sincerely appreciate every ocean voyage and land excursion, together with the journeys that we have coordinated throughout every continent.. The trips have been fulfilling my gallavanting dreams.... Knowledge brings understanding....and I have learned ''volumes"....
Renee B., Richfield, Minnesota
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