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Gayle Takashima / Luxury Cruise and World Cruise Specialist
Gayle Takashima

Gayle Takashima

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 25+
59 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Luxury Cruise and World Cruise Specialist

Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan

With nearly three decades of experience in luxury travel, I pride myself on a commitment to excellence in all of my client relationships, and it shines through in the customer service awards I have received. As a top luxury cruise seller for Cruise Specialists, I understand all that is necessary to plan a trip that fits your desires. 

I am a leading expert on World Cruises and months-long Grand Voyages, along with other cruises and destinations, including European river cruises. I have personally cruised to more than 20 countries and a dozen Caribbean islands, have experienced luxury rail in Canada, and delved deep into Africa via safari.  

In addition to World Cruising, Asia and the Mediterranean, I am very familiar with the South Pacific and Alaska, including Alaska CruiseTours. I have also river cruised through Europe on the Rhine, into Paris and Normandy on the Seine, and also through The Netherlands and Belgium. River cruising is a wonderful and convenient way to experience the heart of Europe and experience the culture through the eyes of locals.

Not to overlook the shore experience, I have traveled aboard the Rocky Mountaineer railway in Canada, which is the perfect addition to an Alaska cruise. I also recently toured Kenya with Micato Safaris and experienced several luxury properties there. A safari is such an exceptional way to see some of the world’s most treasured wildlife and meet incredible local people, while staying in jaw-dropping accommodations.  

To better assist my clients in choosing the perfect cruise for them, I have personally sailed on these cruise lines:

  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Seabourn
  • Paul Gauguin Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Disney Cruise Line

I have also experienced river cruises on these lines:

  • AmaWaterways
  • Tauck

Due to these experiences, I can share anything you might be curious about, whether it’s the levels of service you will receive from the on board staff, to what you may want to consider when choosing the perfect stateroom or suite. 

I have also served as a Voyage Host, which has allowed me to personally experience the joy of travel alongside others, and share my knowledge of destinations and on-board happenings with guests. It’s one of the many reasons I encourage clients to sail on a hosted voyage. 

Finally, as a Cruise Consultant with Cruise Specialists, I have the support of an incredibly strong and experienced team that really helps me respond to any need you may have. We have decades of experience in working with detailed reservations, planning pre and post-cruise hotel stays, and much more.

There is nothing more gratifying than helping someone achieve their travel dreams, and that is why I’m so pleased to be able to dedicate each day to being a luxury travel advisor.   

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Worldwide
  • Europe
  • Scandinavia
  • South Africa
  • Greece

Interests

  • World Cruises
  • Luxury Cruises
  • River Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Safari

Supplier

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Paul Gauguin
  • Holland America Line
  • Oceania Cruises

Certificates & Awards

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Reviews

Rating: 5 59 Reviews | 100% Recommended
  • Excellent Service, Extremely Knowlegeable

    Reviewed By Rodney - Atlanta | Traveled to Alaska
    Always helpful and ready to solve any challenge.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    205 of 348 people found this review helpful
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  • Advisor review

    Reviewed By Joan - Vught | Traveled to World Cruise
    Just wonderful as always. Gayle is very efficient and takes care of all the details. Would be difficult for me to plan a trip without her help.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    184 of 321 people found this review helpful
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  • The Best Travel Advisor!

    Reviewed By John W. - Minneapolis | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle, though physically far distant from us, has become a good friend and I can’t envision consulting with anyone else when a cruising bug calls. She’s thorough about covering all bases for each trip we’ve considered. Really enjoy working with her.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    170 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • Best friend a trraveler could every have

    Reviewed By Gladis - Ocala | Traveled to South America
    Gayle went far beyond what one would expect of an agent, especially when it came to getting our Indian Visas! Remarkable person, we feel we've know her all out lives.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    176 of 315 people found this review helpful
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  • Trip to Scandinavia

    Reviewed By Gunther - El Segundo | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Gayle is a great trip consultant, she was very helpful in getting me all the information I needed. Thanks a lot!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    173 of 309 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaskan Cruise

    Reviewed By David - Boston | Traveled to Alaska
    Gayle is exceptionally good.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    165 of 296 people found this review helpful
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  • Working with Gayle

    Reviewed By Robert - Mount Vernon | Traveled to Iceland
    Gayle is such a kind, professional, and patient person. I appreciate our relationship so much. Gayle lets my husband and I book several trips that we are interested in taking so we have choices. That helps us capture promotions and make good decisions based on our health. Thank you, Gayle, for all your wonderful help!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    167 of 300 people found this review helpful
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  • Regent Cruise

    Reviewed By Stacey - Bloomington | Traveled to Europe
    She is knowledgeable and has good advise about trips and ships. She is highly organized and knows how to get the best deal. She is readily available - I have given her name to several cruise passengers on various trips we have taken.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    171 of 310 people found this review helpful
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  • Great experience

    Reviewed By Linda - Bellevue | Traveled to Danube
    Very informative!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    166 of 300 people found this review helpful
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  • Great Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Judy - Lakewood | Traveled to World Cruise
    From the beginning of the planning stage to the last minute details before leaving, Gayle was responsive to all our needs. She either answered or found answers to all our questions and made sure that everything was confirmed.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    167 of 305 people found this review helpful
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  • Silver Muse March cruise

    Reviewed By Robert - Prescott, AZ | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Handled all in an extremely efficient and friendly manner.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    160 of 293 people found this review helpful
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  • Opinion

    Reviewed By Leon - Fredericksburg | Traveled to Greece
    Very knowledgeable and helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    156 of 287 people found this review helpful
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  • September river cruise

    Reviewed By Elizabeth - Paramus | Traveled to Douro River
    She was easily available to answer any question and always returned my phone calls.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    158 of 291 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent Service!

    Reviewed By Jan - Radcliff | Traveled to Caribbean
    Very good Easy to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    145 of 267 people found this review helpful
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  • 14 Day Alaska voyage

    Reviewed By Charlene - Frederic | Traveled to Alaska
    Gayle is always professional and pleasant to work with
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    157 of 292 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Gina - San Diego | Traveled to World Cruise
    I first met Gayle in 2007 : Gayle Takashima has been my Travel Advisor since 2007 and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is always happy, takes all the time necessary to answer questions and make any and all necessary arrangements, and at the same time being very professional. Since I first started cruising with Holland America and, albeit from a distance, I have come to think of Gayle as a friend who I can always rely on to help with all my travel needs and special requests. Many Thanks Gayle - Gina
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    157 of 293 people found this review helpful
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  • Caribbean cruise with Celebrity

    Reviewed By Alan - Pompano Beach | Traveled to Mediterranean
    As always she has the best advice and keeps things easy
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    153 of 285 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Thomas B. - Nokomis | Traveled to World Cruise
    We have booked 12 cruises with Gayle. Her service is superb!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    165 of 309 people found this review helpful
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  • The BEST !

    Reviewed By Gene - Boulder, CO | Traveled to South America
    Gayle provides excellent customer service which we have come to expect. We let her know our thoughts and potential plans and leave it up to her to finalize. She is the BEST!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    154 of 288 people found this review helpful
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  • Tales of the South Pacific

    Reviewed By Josephine - Aurora, IL | Traveled to South Pacific
    Excellent. She took very good care of me and got us a great cabin. It was ideally located on a lower deck, near the elevators and one deck above the tenders and the exit. She worked hard behind the scenes to get us extra perks like beverage cards.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    150 of 280 people found this review helpful
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  • What’s this?

    Reviewed By Rick - Layfayette | Traveled to Caribbean
    Gayle is Best! We’ve recommended her to our friends, all of whom think Gayle I s great. Helpful, quick to respond and very knowledgeable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    153 of 286 people found this review helpful
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  • Viking river cruise

    Reviewed By Elizabeth - Boynton Beach | Traveled to Rhine River
    She is very diligent about returning phone calls within a day
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    146 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Perfect Trip

    Reviewed By Janet S. - Radcliff | Traveled to Antartica
    High attention to detail and very knowledgeable. I will absolutely use Gayle again
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    146 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Knowledgeable and Helpful

    Reviewed By Charles - Little Neck | Traveled to South Pacific
    Gayle is a joy to work with. She is patient and friendly. She has a lot of knowledge herself as well as colleagues to consult with. I met her (and her husband) when she was a host on a Paul Gauguin cruise. I started using her for trips after that cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    152 of 284 people found this review helpful
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  • good travel agent

    Reviewed By Jerry - Long Beach | Traveled to Douro River
    nice, friendly, effective
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    150 of 282 people found this review helpful
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  • Working with Gayle

    Reviewed By Fred - Coventary | Traveled to Tahiti
    Always a pleasure
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    153 of 289 people found this review helpful
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  • Our Superb Travel Advisor

    Reviewed By Loretta - Liberty | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gayle has helped us with nine cruises with Oceania Cruises. She is outstanding! Her suggestions, travel knowledge, perfect and prompt execution of all the many details of trip planning and sense of humor are very special. We do not want to plan a cruises without her!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    156 of 295 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle Takashima is a Gem!

    Reviewed By Margaret - Park City | Traveled to World Cruise
    We enjoy working with Gayle to help plan our cruises. She is competent, knowledgeable, kind, patient, reasonable, and understanding. Her advise has been extremely helpful in assisting us when making various decisions. The title says it all -- Gayle Takashima is a Gem!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    155 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • Mexico cruise

    Reviewed By Frankie - Spokane | Traveled to Mexico
    Gayle did a great job.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    144 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Around the Mediterranean and across the pond

    Reviewed By Josephine - Nordelta-Buenos Aire | Traveled to Mediterranean
    She did a great job getting a good fare and sweetened it with the best perks. She was easy to reach when I had questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    155 of 295 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Terry - Jupiter, FL | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    excellent, very helpful
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    155 of 295 people found this review helpful
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  • PANAMÁ CANAL CRUISE

    Reviewed By James N. - Ormond Beach | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Five star a real pro.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    146 of 277 people found this review helpful
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  • Lets go!

    Reviewed By Theodore - Wilmington | Traveled to Rhine River
    Fantastic to work with and always there for you
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    152 of 290 people found this review helpful
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  • CanadaNew England Cruise Silvllersea

    Reviewed By Joan - Scottsdale | Traveled to Canada
    Just wonderful. She is so very helpful and is on top of everything. And such a delight to work with. So pleasant and patient with some of my silly questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    153 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • Great vacation

    Reviewed By Thomas - Lake Stevens | Traveled to Mexico
    Working with Gail is always great. She will always look to get us the best rates. I will email her about specials I saw on our upcoming cruise and she will make sure we get those deals
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    146 of 280 people found this review helpful
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  • Best and most efficient agent ever!

    Reviewed By Patrick - Florence | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle is probably the most perfect Travel Agent I have ever had the opportunity to work with. She answers ever question promptly. Her ability to find and answer all inquires is fast and always complete. I can't imagine working with anyone else! She makes our cruise planning a pleasure.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    150 of 289 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Patricia - Aliso View | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Gayle was terrific to work with!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    145 of 280 people found this review helpful
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  • Voyage of the Mid Night Sun

    Reviewed By Rick - San Diego | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Once again, Gayle was great to work with. This trip was made complicated by some last minute medical issues and Gayle went out of her way to adjust our travel schedule. We are truly appreciative of her efforts.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    141 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Gina - Seattle | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    I first met Gayle in 2007 : Gayle Takashima has been my Travel Advisor since 2007 and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is always happy, takes all the time necessary to answer questions and make any and all necessary arrangements, and at the same time being very professional. Since I first started cruising with Holland America and, albeit from a distance, I have come to think of Gayle as a friend who I can always rely on to help with all my travel needs and special requests. Many Thanks Gayle - Gina
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    144 of 278 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Mary Beth - Lake Wales | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle is always helpful and gives good advice.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    143 of 277 people found this review helpful
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  • Best Agent

    Reviewed By Roger K. - Tiburon, CA | Traveled to New Zealand
    Wonderful as usual
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    141 of 273 people found this review helpful
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  • World Cruise

    Reviewed By Renee - Austin | Traveled to World Cruise
    Very easy to work with, has been my agent for years and knows my likes and dislikes. Highly recommend. Top notch.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    151 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • Wonderful Cruise

    Reviewed By Fred - Miami | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gayle is fantastic! She is so responsive, knowledgeable and personable; able to research and answer all questions when she isn’t sure about something.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    150 of 293 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruising Agent

    Reviewed By James - Miami Beach | Traveled to World Cruise
    When I was able to visit with Gayle, she was very helpful and answered all my questions. Enjoyed our conversations. She is very busy, so at times it was not as convenient to talk with her assistants. I guess the reason she is so busy is because she is good. I will definitely use her again. : )
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    157 of 307 people found this review helpful
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  • Regent Cruise

    Reviewed By Bill - Saint Petersburg | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Great service always available.....
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    138 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Best cruise deal of our lives!

    Reviewed By D&R - Seattle, WA | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
    Over the years Gayle has always been arranging the best deals for us. She listens to what we need / want and finds the best way to more-than satisfy us. We trust her for caring expertise in every way.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Gayle Takashima responded:
    Thank you so much! It is always a pleasure working with you as well.
    13 of 23 people found this review helpful
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  • It starts with Gayle!

    Reviewed By Janet - Pomona | Traveled to Greenland
    The fun of each cruise begins with the first call to Gayle! She is always a joy to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    149 of 295 people found this review helpful
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  • Seabourn Cruise Review

    Reviewed By Larry S. - New York | Traveled to Europe
    As usual the best. She is responsive Tony requests for reservations and always provides excellent service
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    137 of 272 people found this review helpful
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  • Review

    Reviewed By Loretta - Miami Beach | Traveled to World Cruise
    Very, very good.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    148 of 294 people found this review helpful
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  • Booking

    Reviewed By Roger - Moyock | Traveled to Australia
    Gayle was good, efficient, helped us get decent air. Oceania wanted us to take flights with 50 minute connection after 15 hour international flight. If we missed connection it would be impossible to get to ship and we would have missed first 4 days of trip. Had to pay extra but Gayle made changes happen.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    147 of 293 people found this review helpful
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  • A Trustworthy Friend

    Reviewed By Thomas - Ocala | Traveled to World Cruise
    We’ve been working with Gayle for many years for our personal tours, group tours, college reunions/ anniversaries, family vacations and many more. We have recommended her to our classmates, relatives and friends. She is a dedicated, knowledgeable, honest, efficient , courteous, flexible, reliable, dependable, up to date with travel issues, quick to respond to our concerns and very pleasant to talk to. We are very pleased for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    139 of 277 people found this review helpful
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  • A dream come true.

    Reviewed By Deni - Tulsa OK | Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia
    As always, Gail had everything perfectly take care of. She is a joy to deal with, keeping in mind my wants and needs and tailoring the trip expertly.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Gayle Takashima responded:
    Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure meeting you after all the years we have been working together. I am happy you had a wonderful trip.
    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruising the North Pacific

    Reviewed By mruckernw - Covington, WA. | Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia
    We have enjoyed working with Gayle since she started at Cruise Specialists.  She has always been helpful and efficient.  We tell her what cruise we would like and the cabin category and she takes care of the rest. Like having a friend in the business.  The most recent voyage to Japan by way of British Columbia, Alaska and Hawaii was no exception and we look forward to working with her for future cruises.  We have recommended her to several friends and family members in thee past and will continue to do so, 
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    Gayle Takashima responded:
    Thank you both so much! It has been my pleasure and honor working with you all the years as well.
    3 of 6 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise on October 13, 2018

    Reviewed By Donald - Bremerton | Traveled to World Cruise
    She was very competent and we want to thank her for the various gifts we received while on the ship.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    140 of 280 people found this review helpful
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  • Perfect Travel Planner

    Reviewed By Patrick S. - Bella Vista | Traveled to Mediterranean
    So relaxing to have GAYLE TAKASHIMA handle our travel arrangements. She is always available to contact with all questions or clarification of anything. We can’t imagine that we would ever need another agent!!! Highly recommend her.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    143 of 288 people found this review helpful
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  • Almost back to pre-covid. It was refreshing

    Reviewed By Connie - Shelby, NC | Traveled to Australia ~ Australia & New Zealand
    Gayle always does a great job with arrangements. She and I sometimes have a hard time connecting but always seem to figure it out eventually.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    43 of 97 people found this review helpful
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  • Once again, a great trip!!

    Reviewed By Rod - Duluth | Traveled to Europe
    Gayle is always helpful and keeps up with my weird travel itineraries. This trip involved 4 cruises and 3 train trips and everything went smoothly and without a hitch. The documents for the last cruise were issued long after my departure from the US and Gayle made sure all the documents I needed got to me in plenty of time. We have been working with Gayle for years and every experience has always been first-rate.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    140 of 292 people found this review helpful
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  • 10 stars

    Reviewed By Jean - Woodinville | Traveled to Japan
    It was a pleasure working with Gayle. She is very professional and well informed.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    133 of 280 people found this review helpful
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  • Not the itinerary that I book but was ok

    Reviewed By Judith - Frisco, TX | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    Good
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    40 of 108 people found this review helpful
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.

TRUSTED BY:
Conde Nast Traveler
Travel + Leisure
Wall Street Journal
CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
Forbes