There are journeys that simply fill a passport, and there are journeys that change the way we see the world.
A voyage through Alaska, especially in August, is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you return home. Towering glaciers drift beside the ship, whales rise from the water without warning, and majestic wildlife move freely across dreamlike landscapes.
For luxury travel advisor Mark McCready, helping travelers experience Alaska at its most awe-inspiring has become a passion. Through Cruise Planners, Mark offers curated journeys designed not simply as vacations, but as transformative explorations tailored to each discerning traveler’s style.
His own foray into the travel industry was shaped by reinvention. After working for an e-commerce business for 20 years, Mark was diagnosed with cancer. Following his recovery, he wanted a change.
“My wife and I have always been big travelers, so that seemed like a good place to start. I had always used a travel agent. Mine was a Cruise Planner franchise owner and she convinced me that I would be great at this because I could bring my knowledge of travel to the business.”
Now, five years in, that personal turning point continues to guide the way Mark approaches every itinerary he creates.
“My goal is to help people find and plan the right vacation,” says Mark. “Sometimes that is booking everything, and sometimes it is booking one thing. Advice is always free.”
This level of customized service has earned Mark a devoted following among travelers.
“It is the process, the knowledge, and the availability,” he explains. “It is about asking the right questions at the beginning of the planning process so we can narrow down all the possibilities and find the right fit. It is about knowing the area where they are going. Then it’s about being there for questions and other issues that might arise. I like being hands on, and don’t push people off to assistants after they have booked. I’m the owner, and available 24/7. I work virtually, so my doors don’t close for the night or weekend.”
Nowhere is that firsthand insight more valuable than in Alaska during August, the peak season for wildlife encounters and glacier viewing.
“Many people think Alaska is a one-time trip. What you may not realize is that there is so much to Alaska that you don’t see from the cruise ports. It is vast beyond comprehension. Because of the always changing weather, your subsequent visits to Alaska will not look like your first. I have clients that now make yearly trips there.”
In late summer, Alaska is nothing short of spectacular. Voyagers may spot humpback whales feeding in icy waters, bald eagles soaring above pine-covered cliffs, or, if they’re lucky, one of the legendary “big five” moving across the vast expanse.
“Bears, caribou, wolves, moose and Dall sheep are considered ‘the big five’ for wildlife viewing in Alaska and are on everyone’s list,” Mark says. “The summer months may be the best time to view the wildlife, but there are treasures waiting for you in the off season as well, such as the northern lights.”
As more clients seek meaningful, experience-driven vacations, Mark’s business has continued to flourish, surpassing $1 million in travel sales last year alone. But it has never been just about numbers, it’s about journeys that spark wonder, create lasting memories, and give guests a first-row seat to the world around them.
This August, Alaska calls with untamed beauty and unparalleled adventure. For travelers ready to answer, Mark offers not just expertise, but a trusted guide through the extraordinary.