Question 1

Do travel agents charge fees?

Accepted Answer

No — Stacey at Castle Dreams Travel does not charge any additional planning or service fees when you book through her. Quotes, itinerary planning, booking, and support before and during your trip are all free to you. The price you pay is for the vacation itself, never for her services.

Question 2

How do travel agents get paid if they don't charge fees?

Accepted Answer

Travel suppliers — hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators — pay the agent a commission directly. That commission is built into the published price whether you use an agent or not, which is how Stacey Vacations can plan and book your entire trip without charging you anything.

Question 3

Do I pay more if I book through a travel agent?

Accepted Answer

No. Booking through Stacey Vacations costs the same as booking the identical trip yourself, because supplier commissions are already included in published prices. Stacey also often has access to exclusive deals and perks — upgrades, special amenities, and discounted rates — that aren't available to the general public.

Question 4

Is it free to get a quote from Stacey Vacations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stacey charges nothing at any stage — requesting a quote, comparing options, booking, or getting help while you travel. In her own words: "I do not charge any fees. When you book through me, my services are free to you."

Question 5

When do I pay for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Most trips are held with a deposit when you book, with the balance due before you travel — the exact schedule depends on the supplier, cruise line, or resort. Stacey lays out the payment schedule up front and reminds you before the final payment is due, and her planning help is always free.

Question 6

Is a Disney travel agent free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a Disney travel agent like Stacey at Castle Dreams Travel is free to use. Disney pays the agent's commission, and that commission is included in package pricing whether you book with an agent or on your own, so her Disney planning expertise costs you nothing extra.

Question 7

What Disney destinations can a travel agent book?

Accepted Answer

Stacey Vacations books the full Disney portfolio: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Aulani in Hawaii, and Disneyland Paris. She also books Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood, so one planner can handle a combined Disney-and-Universal parks trip from start to finish.

Question 8

Why use a travel agent for Disney World?

Accepted Answer

Because firsthand park knowledge changes the trip. Stacey lives in Florida and is in the Disney and Universal parks weekly or bi-weekly, so her recommendations on resorts, dining, and activities come from current, in-park experience — not a brochure — and her planning help is free.

Question 9

Disneyland or Disney World — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

Disney World in Florida is far larger — four theme parks, two water parks, and dozens of resorts, built for a week-long destination trip. Disneyland in California packs two parks into a compact, walkable footprint, ideal for a long weekend. Stacey plans both, is in the parks weekly, and matches the trip to your family — with no planning fee.

Question 10

When is the best time to go to Disney World?

Accepted Answer

The lowest-crowd windows at Disney World are late January through mid-February, and parts of September and early December, when the weather is mild too. Stacey is in the parks weekly, watches the crowd calendars and park hours, and books your trip into the best window for your dates — free of charge.

Question 11

Do you need park reservations for Disney World?

Accepted Answer

For most standard theme-park tickets, Disney World no longer requires a separate park reservation, though a few ticket types and dates still do. Stacey is in the parks weekly, confirms exactly what your dates and tickets require, and handles it for you — with no planning fee.

Question 12

How far in advance should you book a Disney World trip?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better — booking well ahead locks in your resort and lets Stacey grab the hard-to-get dining and experiences the moment their booking windows open. She tracks those dates for you and books them as they release, with no planning fee.

Question 13

Disney Cruise or Royal Caribbean — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Disney Cruise Line is unmatched for Disney theming, character experiences, and family service, and it's included in Stacey's no-fee planning; Royal Caribbean offers bigger ships with more thrill attractions, often at a lower fare. For Disney-loving families the choice is usually Disney, and Stacey will match either to your trip, free of charge.

Question 14

Is a Disney cruise worth it?

Accepted Answer

For families who love Disney, yes — Disney Cruise Line includes rotational dining, Broadway-caliber shows, character experiences, and its own island, Castaway Cay, with no extra charge for kids' clubs or most activities. Stacey will tell you honestly whether it fits your budget and book it with no planning fee.

Question 15

Where do Disney cruises go?

Accepted Answer

Disney Cruise Line sails the Caribbean and Bahamas — including its private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — plus Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and more, from several U.S. ports. Stacey matches the ship, itinerary, and dates to your family, free of charge.

Question 16

Is a Disney cruise good for adults or just kids?

Accepted Answer

Both — alongside the kids' clubs and character experiences, Disney ships have adults-only pools, lounges, restaurants, and spa areas. Couples and adult groups sail Disney too. Stacey matches the ship and staterooms to who's traveling, with no planning fee.

Question 17

Why use a travel agent for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

A cruise travel agent turns a confusing booking process into one conversation. Give Stacey at Castle Dreams Travel your dates and budget, and she presents the available options across lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, MSC, Celebrity, Cunard, Viking, and Disney Cruise Line — then handles every detail through sail day.

Question 18

Can a travel agent plan back-to-back cruises?

Accepted Answer

Yes — back-to-back cruise logistics are something Stacey Vacations handles. One client gave Stacey only his dates and budget, got every available option, and stepped "seamlessly" off one ship and onto the next exactly as she had explained, per his on-site review (Garry M.).

Question 19

Does Stacey Vacations book river cruises?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stacey Vacations books river cruises with Viking, Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Ponant, Tauck, American Queen, and Abercrombie & Kent, as well as expedition cruises. She matches the line, river, and sailing date to your travel style and budget — with no planning fees.

Question 20

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

For most round-trip ("closed-loop") cruises from a U.S. port, you can sail with a birth certificate and government photo ID — but a passport is strongly recommended, and is required if you fly home from a foreign port or need to leave the trip early. Stacey confirms the exact documents for your sailing and shares her Passport & Travel Documents guide.

Question 21

How much does a cruise cost?

Accepted Answer

Cruise fares vary enormously by line, ship, cabin type, length, and season, so there's no single price — an inside cabin on a short sailing is a different world from a suite on a luxury line. Tell Stacey your budget and who's traveling and she'll build real options and a custom quote, always free.

Question 22

What's included in a cruise fare?

Accepted Answer

A cruise fare typically covers your cabin, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, and most onboard activities. Specialty restaurants, drinks packages, wifi, excursions, and gratuities are usually extra and vary by line. Stacey confirms exactly what's included on your sailing and what's worth adding, free of charge.

Question 23

Which cruise line is best for first-time cruisers?

Accepted Answer

The best first cruise depends on who's traveling — lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are approachable and fun for families, while Celebrity, Princess, or Virgin Voyages suit couples wanting something more refined or grown-up. Stacey matches the line, ship, and itinerary to you so your first cruise is the right one, with no planning fee.

Question 24

What should I pack for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the usual, bring any formal-night outfits your ship calls for, a day bag for port stops, motion-sickness remedies, and a printed copy of your documents. Stacey tells you the dress code and port details for your specific sailing so you pack right, free of charge.

Question 25

Is Carnival or Royal Caribbean better?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your trip. Carnival is known for fun, value, and shorter, budget-friendly sailings; Royal Caribbean leans bigger and newer, with more onboard attractions. Both are great for families and first-timers. Tell Stacey your dates, budget, and who's traveling, and she'll match the line and ship — with no planning fee.

Question 26

Which Carnival cruise ship is best?

Accepted Answer

Carnival's newest Excel-class ships — like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee — have the most dining, entertainment, and features, while older ships offer great value on shorter sailings. The best ship depends on your home port, dates, and budget, which Stacey matches for you at no planning fee.

Question 27

Is Carnival good for first-time cruisers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Carnival is one of the easiest lines for first-timers: approachable, fun, and good value, with lots of short three- and four-night sailings to try. Stacey will walk you through the ship, cabin choice, and what's included, and book it all with no planning fee.

Question 28

What's included on a Carnival cruise?

Accepted Answer

A Carnival fare covers your cabin, main dining and buffet meals, most onboard activities, and entertainment. Specialty dining, drink packages, wifi, excursions, and gratuities are extra. Stacey confirms what's included on your sailing and what's worth adding, free of charge.

Question 29

Where do Carnival cruises go?

Accepted Answer

Carnival sails mostly to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Alaska, from a wide range of U.S. home ports — which makes it easy to find a cruise you can drive to. Stacey matches the home port, itinerary, and dates to you, with no planning fee.

Question 30

Royal Caribbean or Norwegian — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Royal Caribbean is known for huge, feature-packed ships and private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay; Norwegian is known for 'Freestyle Cruising' with flexible dining and no fixed schedule. Both suit families and couples. Stacey matches the line, ship, and itinerary to how you like to travel, free of charge.

Question 31

Which Royal Caribbean ship is best?

Accepted Answer

Royal Caribbean's Oasis- and Icon-class ships are the largest and most feature-packed, with everything from water slides to Broadway shows, while smaller ships reach more unique itineraries. The best one depends on your ports, dates, and who's traveling, which Stacey matches at no planning fee.

Question 32

Is Royal Caribbean good for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Royal Caribbean is one of the top lines for families, with water parks, rock climbing, kids' and teens' clubs, and its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Stacey books the right ship and connecting cabins for your group and handles the whole trip with no planning fee.

Question 33

What's included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Accepted Answer

Your Royal Caribbean fare covers the cabin, main dining and buffet, most onboard activities, and entertainment. Specialty restaurants, drink and wifi packages, excursions, and gratuities cost extra. Stacey confirms exactly what's included and what's worth adding, free of charge.

Question 34

What is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Accepted Answer

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, with a water park, pools, beaches, and a zip line included on many sailings that stop there. Stacey books the itineraries that visit it and tells you what's included versus extra, with no planning fee.

Question 35

What makes Norwegian Cruise Line different?

Accepted Answer

Norwegian is known for 'Freestyle Cruising' — no fixed dining times or assigned seating, a wide range of restaurants, and a relaxed, flexible vibe. It suits travelers who don't want a rigid schedule. Stacey matches the ship and itinerary to your style and books it all with no planning fee.

Question 36

Is Norwegian Cruise Line good for families or adults?

Accepted Answer

Both — Norwegian ships have kids' and teens' clubs and family cabins, plus adults-only areas like Vibe Beach Club and the private, suite-only Haven. Whether you want a family sailing or a grown-up getaway, Stacey matches the ship and cabin to your group, free of charge.

Question 37

What is The Haven on Norwegian?

Accepted Answer

The Haven is Norwegian's exclusive, suite-only enclave — a private area with its own pool, lounge, restaurant, and concierge service, a ship-within-a-ship for travelers who want more space and service. Stacey books The Haven or a standard cabin to fit your trip and budget, free of charge.

Question 38

What's included on a Norwegian cruise?

Accepted Answer

A Norwegian fare covers your stateroom, main dining and buffet, and entertainment, with Freestyle flexibility on when and where you eat. Specialty dining, drink and wifi packages, excursions, and gratuities are extra, though Norwegian often runs 'Free at Sea' promotions. Stacey confirms what applies to your sailing, free of charge.

Question 39

What is Princess Cruises known for?

Accepted Answer

Princess is known for destination-focused cruising — especially Alaska, where it has its own wilderness lodges and rail tours — along with its MedallionClass app that speeds up boarding and onboard service. It suits travelers who care more about the ports than big onboard thrills. Stacey plans it all with no planning fee.

Question 40

Is Princess good for an Alaska cruise?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Princess is one of the most established Alaska cruise lines, with cruisetours that pair the sailing with its own wilderness lodges and the rail journey toward Denali. Stacey matches the sailing, cabin, and land portion to what you want to see, free of charge.

Question 41

Who are Princess cruises best for?

Accepted Answer

Princess tends to suit couples and travelers who want a comfortable, destination-rich cruise over a waterslides-and-go-karts experience — think Alaska, Europe, and longer itineraries. Stacey will tell you honestly whether Princess fits your trip and match the ship and sailing, with no planning fee.

Question 42

What is Princess MedallionClass?

Accepted Answer

MedallionClass is Princess's wearable device and app that speeds up boarding, unlocks your cabin, lets you order food and drinks to wherever you are on the ship, and helps you find your travel party. Stacey sets you up for it and books the sailing, with no planning fee.

Question 43

Where does Princess cruise?

Accepted Answer

Princess is especially known for Alaska, with its own lodges and rail tours, and also sails the Caribbean, Europe, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and longer world voyages. Stacey matches the region, ship, and sailing to your trip, free of charge.

Question 44

Is Virgin Voyages adults-only?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Virgin Voyages is adults-only, for sailors 18 and over, so it's a grown-up cruise with no kids aboard, known for a stylish, boutique-hotel feel. As a Virgin Voyages First Mate, Stacey books the ship, cabin, and sailing for you with no planning fee.

Question 45

What's included on a Virgin Voyages cruise?

Accepted Answer

Virgin Voyages builds in a lot that other lines charge for — gratuities, wifi, still and sparkling water, many dining venues, group fitness classes, and essential drinks are included in the fare. Stacey confirms exactly what's included on your sailing before you book, free of charge.

Question 46

Who is Virgin Voyages best for?

Accepted Answer

Virgin Voyages suits adults who want a stylish, social, grown-up cruise without kids or a big-ship theme-park feel — strong on dining, wellness, and design. Stacey will tell you whether it fits your travel style and book it with no planning fee.

Question 47

Where does Virgin Voyages sail?

Accepted Answer

Virgin Voyages sails the Caribbean and the Bahamas from U.S. ports, plus Mediterranean and European itineraries in season, including its own Bahamas beach club. Stacey matches the sailing and cabin to your dates, and books it as a Virgin Voyages First Mate with no planning fee.

Question 48

Is Virgin Voyages worth it?

Accepted Answer

For adults who want a stylish, inclusive, grown-up cruise, many sailors find the value strong once you count the gratuities, wifi, essential drinks, dining, and fitness that are built into the fare. Stacey will tell you honestly whether it fits your trip and book it, free of charge.

Question 49

What's the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?

Accepted Answer

River cruises sail smaller ships along inland rivers like the Danube, Rhine, or Nile, docking in the heart of each town with everything close by; ocean cruises are larger ships crossing open water between ports. River cruises are more intimate and destination-focused. Stacey books both and matches the right one to your trip, free of charge.

Question 50

Is a river cruise worth it?

Accepted Answer

For travelers who want to see Europe — or the Nile — up close without unpacking every day, yes. River cruises dock in the center of each town, and fares usually include excursions, meals, and often drinks. Stacey matches the river, line, and sailing date to your budget with no planning fee.

Question 51

What's included on a river cruise?

Accepted Answer

Most river cruises are nearly all-inclusive: your cabin, all meals, guided shore excursions in each port, and often beer and wine with meals are built into the fare. Lines like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon vary in the details, which Stacey confirms for you before booking, free of charge.

Question 52

Which river cruise lines are best?

Accepted Answer

Viking is the best-known for Europe's rivers, with AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck, and Uniworld each offering a distinct style and level of luxury. Stacey matches the line, river, and sailing date to your travel style and budget, with no planning fee.

Question 53

Where do river cruises go?

Accepted Answer

Europe's Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Seine, and Douro are the classics, along with the Nile in Egypt and rivers in Southeast Asia and beyond. Stacey matches the river and itinerary to the places you most want to see, free of charge.

Question 54

What is an expedition cruise?

Accepted Answer

An expedition cruise uses a smaller, specially built ship to reach remote places like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, or Alaska's wild coast, with naturalist guides, Zodiac landings, and a focus on wildlife and adventure over big-ship amenities. Stacey matches the ship and region to your bucket list, with no planning fee.

Question 55

How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?

Accepted Answer

Antarctica expeditions vary widely by ship, cabin, length, and whether you cross the Drake Passage by sea or fly over it, so there's no single price. Tell Stacey your travel style and dates and she'll build options and a custom quote — her planning is always free.

Question 56

When is the best time for an Antarctica expedition?

Accepted Answer

Antarctica's expedition season runs November through March, the Southern Hemisphere summer. Early season brings pristine snow and penguins pairing up; late season is best for whales and penguin chicks. Stacey matches the sailing month to what you most want to see, with no planning fee.

Question 57

Where do expedition cruises go?

Accepted Answer

Expedition cruises reach the places big ships can't — Antarctica, the Arctic and Svalbard, the Galápagos, Alaska's wild coast, and remote island groups — with small ships and naturalist guides. Stacey matches the region, ship, and season to your bucket list, with no planning fee.

Question 58

Is an expedition cruise right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you care more about wildlife, landscapes, and getting off the ship on Zodiac landings than about big-ship pools and shows, an expedition cruise is a great fit. Stacey will talk through the experience and match the right ship and region to you, free of charge.

Question 59

What is a Christmas market river cruise?

Accepted Answer

It's a river cruise — usually along the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, or Rhône — timed for the holidays so you can stroll a different European Christmas market in each town, with mulled wine, handcrafts, and lights, then sleep aboard the ship. Stacey books the line, river, and sailing date, with no planning fee.

Question 60

When do European Christmas market cruises sail?

Accepted Answer

Christmas market cruises run from roughly mid-November through late December, while the markets are open. The most popular dates sell out early, so it's a trip Stacey books well ahead. She matches the river, ship, and departure to your dates, free of charge.

Question 61

Which rivers have the best Christmas markets?

Accepted Answer

The Danube (Vienna, Budapest, Regensburg), the Rhine (Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg), and the Moselle are the classic Christmas-market rivers, each lined with historic market towns. Stacey matches the river and itinerary to the markets you most want to see, with no planning fee.

Question 62

What's included on a Christmas market cruise?

Accepted Answer

Like other river cruises, Christmas market sailings are nearly all-inclusive — your cabin, all meals, guided tours in each market town, and often beer and wine with meals are built in. Stacey confirms exactly what's included on your sailing before you book, free of charge.

Question 63

Is a Christmas market cruise worth it?

Accepted Answer

For travelers who love the holidays, it's a magical way to see several famous European Christmas markets without changing hotels, with the ship as your cozy base. Stacey matches the river, ship, and dates to the markets you most want, with no planning fee.

Question 64

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most beach vacations, yes — one upfront price covers your room, meals, drinks, and most activities, so there are no surprise bills and the trip is easy to budget. The value comes from matching the right resort to how you actually travel, which is exactly what Stacey does, with no planning fee.

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