Luxury Expedition Cruise Specialist

Patagonia -- Photo taken by Pam MacIntyre

Luxury Travel Advisor | Expedition & Transformative Journeys

Where luxury means seamless, comfortable, and deeply immersive experiences, not just opulence.

With 27 years in the travel industry, I help travelers experience the world in meaningful, authentic ways. I specialize in expedition cruising, drawing on my own adventures and my work guiding travelers to incredible destinations worldwide. One of the most extraordinary trips I’ve personally taken was a 19-day National Geographic Lindblad Expedition to Patagonia—sailing through dramatic fjords, hiking iconic trails, and witnessing glaciers calving into turquoise waters. For the first five days, we saw no signs of civilization beyond our own shipmates, a feeling of remoteness I’d never experienced before—and I loved it! From Zodiac excursions to quiet moments on deck, I watched Andean condors soaring overhead, penguins along the shorelines, and Southern elephant seals lounging on beaches, all against Patagonia’s stunning, windswept scenery.

Patagonia reinforced why expedition travel is so unique: each day unfolds differently, shaped by the landscape, wildlife, and ever-changing conditions. One day might bring wildlife sightings along a remote calm shoreline, the next a gentle hike near ancient glaciers, and another simply the quiet stillness of the vast scenery. Some days may include a more active option alongside a less active alternative, so travelers can choose what works best for them. A basic level of mobility helps ensure you can comfortably get in and out of the Zodiac boats and fully enjoy the journey — I even have a video showing exactly how the process works, so you can see for yourself how easy and safe it is. Many travelers pace themselves at a comfortable level, making these trips accessible for the average guest, whose age is typically 55 to 80. Having also experienced safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara—two of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations—I found Patagonia inspires a similar sense of awe, though in a completely different way.

Exploring Patagonia deepened my appreciation for expedition cruising. While each destination is unique, the spirit of these journeys is always the same: curiosity, flexibility, and the thrill of never quite knowing what each day will bring. This perspective allows me to guide travelers in selecting destinations, timing, and operators that best match their interests and travel style.

Not every operator delivers the same level of expertise, itineraries, or onboard experience. Some operators are newer, while trusted companies such as National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and HX (formerly part of Hurtigruten) bring decades of experience, purpose-built ships designed for challenging ice regions, and highly knowledgeable naturalists—often joined by professional photographers or instructors. Experienced operators also know how to adjust itineraries around unpredictable weather, with Plan A, B, or C ready to ensure the best possible experience. For many travelers, an expedition cruise to any given destination is a once-in-a-lifetime journey—choosing the right operator from the start is crucial, and that’s where I come in.

On my Lindblad Expedition voyage, I was amazed at how many repeat travelers there were—guests celebrating their 3rd, 8th, even 15th expedition with the company. Clearly, they’re doing something right. Having experienced their approach myself, I can help you understand the differences among operators so you can select the journey that’s perfectly suited to your style and interests.

While Patagonia is a destination I know intimately, my expertise spans expedition cruising worldwide, including the Galápagos Islands, the Arctic and Antarctic, Norwegian fjords, remote South Pacific islands, and wildlife-rich Alaska. I can guide travelers on when to go, what wildlife or experiences they’re hoping to see, and how to balance adventure with comfort throughout the journey.  

After decades in travel, I still believe the most meaningful trips connect us deeply with the places we visit. Expedition cruising does exactly that—and having personally experienced these journeys gives me insight to help you decide if an expedition is right for you.

One piece of advice I offer: I didn’t fully appreciate how much there is to know until I went on a Nat Geo Lindblad Expedition myself. From packing tips to daily expectations and the small details that make the journey seamless, guidance from someone who’s personally experienced a long expedition cruise can make your journey smoother, more comfortable, and far more rewarding. I’m passionate about helping travelers have that kind of immersive experience—and I’d be thrilled to guide you through your own expedition adventure.

With the right preparation, each expedition you take can become a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. That’s where I step in—helping you manage the details so every journey is effortless, engaging, and truly extraordinary.