What better way to say “I love you,” for the holidays than to gift your loved ones—or yourself—with the luxurious experience of a lifetime.
Far from the crowded mega-ships, today’s luxury cruises offer intimate spaces, gourmet dining, and personalized excursions that turn your voyage into a tailor-made travel experience. Imagine gazing out at vast landscapes as you glide across the ocean in a floating boutique hotel, where every detail of your day is designed with care and sophistication.
Or waking up to the gentle rhythm of the sea—stepping onto your private balcony to watch the horizon glow with the coming sunrise—then spending the day immersed in unforgettable experiences crafted for culture, comfort, and indulgence.
These are the types of experiences curated for you by Cruise Planners, Chula Vista’s very own local travel planning duo. Dave Grepe and his wife Roxana Burns take all of the stress out of travel planning by crafting packages designed specifically with you in mind, determined to help you create the trip of your dreams.
Top Destinations for 2026
The ever-popular hot spot destinations for cruise travel are always a good choice for those looking for fun, versatile, entertaining travel. Trips to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean boast breathtaking views and offer a variety of ship experiences from parties and live entertainment to slower, more luxury-focused experiences.
If it’s a more off-the-beaten path approach that you’re after, though, distinctive options like an excursion across Southeast Asia, Japan, or New Zealand offer epic journeys into fine dining, cultural experiences, and access to destinations you may have never dreamed of visiting otherwise.
No matter where you decide to go, giving the gift of travel through Cruise Planners opens up opportunities for you and your loved ones to experience the time of your life with the relief of knowing that the preparation and planning is in good hands. Cruise planners handles all reservations, activities, and problem solving directly, meaning your only job is to bask in the anticipation of your upcoming trip and revel in the luxury of the experience once it arrives. No pre-packaged trips, unnecessary add-ons, or ill-fitted experiences, either. Dave listens to what you enjoy, what your budget is, and what you hope for…then curates the perfect experiences to match your desires.
Travel Slow with a River Cruise
Another way to lean into the decadence of a unique cruising experience is with a luxury river cruise. River cruises are offered in locations around the world on smaller, more intimate river boats designed for cruising into narrower areas—giving you access to a wider variety of scenic, cultural, and historic experiences.
Instead of rushing between airports or packing and unpacking every few days, you simply drift along iconic rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Ganges, or Amazon, and wake up each morning in a new storybook town or dream location. With fewer guests and personalized service, these cruises offer refined comfort with beautifully designed cabins that feel like you’re in a five-star boutique hotel. Each journey offers rich cultural immersion and thoughtfully organized experiences crafted to create lasting memories.
Quick Tips for Planning a Cruise:
- Plan ahead. Make sure to start your planning process at least 6 months to a year ahead of your trip. This will allow you to find the best value, make choices without pressure, and is also when you’ll find the most promotions and add-ons. If you are giving a cruise as a gift, this also allows the recipient to make sure they’re available.
- Give yourself time. It’s not always a luxury everyone has, but if you can—give yourself time on your vacation. While hopping from place to place in a whirlwind can be fun and exciting, there is nothing like a long meandering river cruise or a multi-day land travel add-on experience without the pressure of rushing through a new and vibrant city. Allow yourself the time to soak it all in—you won’t be sorry you did.
- Check the weather. There are definitely times of year that are better than others for enjoyable travel in certain parts of the world. Do you research. It's often right before or right after the peak season that makes for the best travel—less crowds while still enjoying milder weather.
If you have any questions along the way, Dave is just a call away to help you plan the immersive, elegant, personalized, and endlessly inspiring trip of your dreams!
Picture yourself sipping wine with a castle-topped backdrop, or drifting across rainforests while treated to a decadent multi-course meal.