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Caribbean Cruise Specialist
Maria (Ree) Lesher
Portland, OR Travel Agent· 2 Years of Experience
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
CaribbeanInterests:
Beach Vacations, Cruises, Eco-Tourism, Groups, Bucket ListSuppliers:
Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises®, Viking, Royal Caribbean, ViatorAbout Me
The Caribbean has stolen my heart. I’ve traveled to more than 15 destinations throughout the region, including Cartagena, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to experience it. The Caribbean is especially wonderful by cruise — it’s relaxed, colorful, and full of variety, and it works beautifully whether you’re brand new to cruising or already hooked.
What I love most about cruising is that there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all experience. The cruise line, ship, itinerary — and even stateroom location — all matter far more than most people realize. The right combination should reflect how you actually like to travel. Some travelers want quiet sea days and scenic sailing, others want vibrant ports, great food, or adventurous excursions — and many want a little bit of everything.
My specialty is helping travelers sort through the options and land on a cruise that truly feels right for them.Cruise lines can be surprisingly hard to navigate, and that’s where I come in. From choosing the right stateroom to deciding on drink packages, dining options, and Wi-Fi, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure if you’re making the right choices. I help simplify all of that. We’ll talk through whether an interior room is perfectly fine for your travel style or if a balcony will truly enhance your experience. I’ll also help you decide when onboard packages make sense — and when they don’t — so your cruise feels thoughtfully planned, not overcomplicated. Dining looks different on every ship, and I help set clear expectations around what’s included and what’s optional.
I also love working with solo travelers. Several cruise lines now offer staterooms designed specifically for solo guests, which can make cruising on your own feel comfortable, social, and much more approachable. I help solo travelers choose ships and itineraries that feel welcoming and well suited to independent travel.
One place I often recommend on a Caribbean itinerary is the Panama Canal. It’s truly one of the most amazing places, and one I highly recommend experiencing by cruise. I’ve had the opportunity to transit the canal twice — once through the historic original locks and more recently through the new locks — and the original canal transit, in particular, is something I always encourage travelers to consider. It’s a fascinating journey that blends history, engineering, and unforgettable scenery, and it’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’re home.
I’m certified with Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Virgin Voyages, Viking and Carnival Cruise Line, and I use that knowledge to help clients understand the real differences between cruise brands — not just what looks good online. My focus is on making sure you’re getting the best overall value for the experience you want, with thoughtful guidance through inclusions, upgrades, and onboard options.
Cruising is also one of my favorite ways to travel as a group. It’s ideal for families, friends, and celebrations because you unpack once, there’s no cooking or cleaning, and everyone can enjoy the vacation their own way while still spending time together. There truly is something for everyone onboard.
Some of my favorite Caribbean moments include snorkeling in Aruba and unforgettable excursions like visiting a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Those firsthand experiences shape how I plan trips — thoughtfully, personally, and with attention to the details that make travel feel easy, enjoyable, and well worth it.
Whether you’re cruising solo, traveling with a partner, or planning a group celebration, I’m here to help you navigate the details, feel confident in your choices, and enjoy a Caribbean cruise that fits your style beautifully.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
CaribbeanInterests:
Beach Vacations, Cruises, Eco-Tourism, Groups, Bucket ListSuppliers:
Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises®, Viking, Royal Caribbean, ViatorREVIEWS
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