When we cruised with Norwegian Cruise Lines (“NCL”) our concierge Anabelle took our trip from a great vacation to perfection with her easy style, vast knowledge and experience.
I am neither rich, nor famous, but guiltily admit I do appreciate the occasional perk of first class travel and have discovered that I really love cruising in over-sized posh suites. Partly rationalized by our need for extra space due to our dive gear that would be unmanageable in an interior cabin, partly for the over-sized balcony that commands magnificent views of the exotic destinations we travel by, perhaps mostly for the truly priceless relaxation that envelops my very soul as I stare mesmerized by the languid azure waters as we glide through, and yes admittedly, for some of the very upscale and time saving perks that come with booking a suite like priority boarding. I know my vacation has begun as soon as I am greeted in a private serene room and welcomed with a chilled glass of 
champagne instead of standing in a line of other vacationers ready to get their vacation started. One of the other perks I really enjoy is breakfast served in an intimate restaurant instead of starting my day in a crowded buffet – for me it is just makes my day a little nicer. A little more like vacation. Yet, some perks offered by NCL seemed at odds with my traveling style – I am a planner. I plan everything when traveling for both business and pleasure. We have had days were each activity is planned to 15 minute intervals, charted in a table for easy reference, color coded and confirmed thrice. And, you wonder why I love being a travel agent?
I skeptically did wonder what in the world I would do with a concierge. I mean I had already booked all our excursions, show schedules were set by the ship – nope I figured there just wasn’t much benefit in having a personal concierge. But Annabelle changed my perception. She surprised and delighted by giving unexpected Proactive Exceptional Service. She tracked us down morning and night to find out what our plans for the day were, and then offered ways to make them better, easier. She rewarded us with constant advice that was not sought, but helpful and always made our time more enjoyable, our day a little more relaxed and generally ensured everything went better than planned. Many were simple surprises that came with such subtleties as reservations in the main dining room, at a table with a magnificent view that framed the sunset in all its glory. 
I felt sure we had been granted the best seat in the house, and because she thought of it. I truly did not expect much of the Proactive Exceptional Service she provided us with that week, but in the end I did realize the value she brought to the seven days we spent with her. By looking after us, our plans, and our vacation she brought value that I had not realized was possible before; I am grateful that she was part of our vacation.
What does all this means to you? If you are planning a trip first decide on the destination, duration and of course reasonable budget, but then make your final selection based not on flashy websites, or expensive brochures but on the service reputation of the hotels, cruise ships, tour operators and other professional hospitality staff. This is the choice that will have everything to do with the memories that you take home and keep you warm on long cold nights. Our goal at Midwest Travel Solutions is always to deliver, Exceptional Proactive Service, that will make planning your vacation, better than you thought possible!
TIP: IF THIS ALL SOUNDS GREAT, BUT YOU ARE THINKING YOU COULD NEVER AFFORD A SUITE – THINK AGAIN, I CAN FIND YOU A CRUISE IN A LAVISH SUITE FOR ABOUT THE SAME PRICE AS BALCONIES ON THE NEWEST SHIPS. Call me and let me help plan your first class vacation in a suite today!
