As long as she can remember, Maria DiSanti has felt happiest with sand between her toes and sunshine on her face. She simply adores time spent at the ocean, with family and friends. The gentle sway of boats and cruise ships, the laughter of travelers, and the call of distant horizons has always felt like home. Her love affair with cruising began over 30 years ago. Travel wasn’t just a hobby it was a calling. When she said her wedding vows in Barbados, it was the sea that bore witness to her love. Not just for her husband, but for the adventure itself.
Maria’s passion for travel eventually steered her toward a professional path in the industry. A decade ago, she took a leap of faith by joining a Cruise Planners franchise as an associate. She quickly branched out on her own, fueled by a dream to create meaningful, bucket list experiences for others. It was a bold move, but one she has never regretted.
The pandemic struck like a tidal wave, challenging the travel industry in unprecedented ways. As cancellations poured in and uncertainty gripped the globe, many advisors stepped back. Maria remained steady, answering every call, navigating policy changes and travel restrictions, and guiding her clients with confidence. When other travel websites fell short and call centers were empty, Maria was still hustling. Her clients discovered something the internet could never offer: genuine, live support. From that storm, her reputation only grew stronger.
While her roots lie in cruising, Maria’s portfolio has since expanded to encompass land-based adventures across the globe. Whether it’s a family reunion in the Caribbean, a romantic escape to Hawaii, or a milestone graduation trip through Europe, she approaches every itinerary with the care and detail she devotes to her own travels.
One standout experience involved a custom “Amazing Race” style excursion in St. Maarten. Teams of travelers explored the city by following clues through markets, sampling local spices, and created memories through laughter and shared discovery. When they called her afterward, Maria could practically feel their smiles through the phone.
Personalization is her hallmark. From private cooking classes in Florence, where clients shopped with chefs at open-air markets and dined on handmade ravioli, to immersive family experiences in Puerto Vallarta, every trip reflects her dedication to authenticity. For her own son, a landlocked Midwesterner who dreamed of surfing, Maria arranged a private lesson in Los Cabos. It was an experience he’ll never forget, and a reminder of why she does what she does.
Maria believes in balancing exploration with comfort. "Cruises," she says, "Are perfect for immersive adventure by day, luxury by night." Whether her clients crave Alaskan glaciers or Spanish tapas, she ensures each trip and excursion is vetted, reputable, and unforgettable. For those wary of travel logistics, she handles every detail, providing step-by-step itineraries, virtual tours, and endless reassurance.
Technology only enhances her capabilities. With Cruise Planners’ dynamic tools, she can pull real-time pricing, create interactive itineraries, and provide customized quotes. She constantly updates her knowledge through webinars, supplier briefings, and live events. For Maria, education is a compass she follows faithfully.
Not every trip is simple. Some require intricate coordination, usually due to varying preferences and ages of the travelers, and tight timelines. Her secret weapon is being a good listener. Maria starts with a skeleton itinerary, then works with her clients to flush out a journey that satisfies each traveler involved. It’s a gift few possess, and one she has honed over the years.
When clients say, "We don’t have a budget,” Maria smiles knowingly. “Everyone has a budget,” she says. “They just don't know it yet.” Through honest conversations and creative solutions, she helps people realize their travel dreams without compromising their finances. "Don’t wait for retirement to see the world. Money will return,” she often tells her clients, “Time will not.”
Her greatest reward is the trust she’s earned. First-time clients become lifelong travelers. Doubters become believers. Many come for the deals, but stay for the relationship. “Online is for looking,” she says. “I’m for booking.” With no fees, insider perks, and access to exclusive experiences, Maria provides not just value, but a true partnership.
Now, with two associates under her wing, Maria has stepped into a mentorship role. She remembers those early days of learning the ropes and now offers the same guidance to others, building a business rooted in passion, resilience, and heartfelt service.
Looking back, Maria marvels at her journey, from a cruise-loving newlywed to a respected travel professional shaping the adventures of countless others.
For Maria, travel is a gateway to connection and transformation. With every journey she plans, she not only discovers new places but also uncovers deeper parts of herself, and the rich, expansive landscape of human experience.
"The world is vast, and while I may not be an expert on every destination, I’ll research it, tap into my trusted network, and present tailored options. Every traveler deserves a trip that is uniquely theirs."