Less stress. More sunsets. That’s my job.
I’m Michele “Shel” Santiago — a certified cruise and travel advisor who plans cruises, island escapes, and multi-destination journeys for travellers who’d rather enjoy the trip than manage it. Certified with Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Princess, and Celebrity.
Anyone can call themselves a travel agent. These are earned certifications from the cruise lines themselves — verified training on their ships, cabins, and onboard experience.
The top certification tier of Royal Caribbean University. Held since October 2025.
Certified in Virgin's adults-only fleet, itineraries, and onboard experience.
A senior certification tier in Princess Cruises' advisor program.
Certified through Celebrity Cruises' advisor training program.
Independent travel advisor affiliated with Cornerstone Collective Travel.
Each line sails differently. Start with the one you’re curious about — or tell me how you like to travel and I’ll match you.
Big ships, endless onboard options, and the most popular first cruise in America. Certified Master of Adventure.
Adults-only, no buffets, no photo lines, tips included. A completely different feel from traditional cruising. Gold First Mate certified.
Classic cruising done well — Alaska, Europe, and longer voyages with a calmer pace. Princess Commodore certified.
Premium ships with a design-forward feel and strong dining. Celebrity Learning Scholar certified.
I’m a cruise and travel advisor certified with four cruise lines, and an independent affiliate of Cornerstone Collective Travel. I plan cruises, Caribbean escapes, and multi-destination journeys — and I plan them the way I’d plan my own.
Most of my clients come to me for their first cruise. There’s a lot to get wrong: the ship, the cabin, the itinerary, the packages that are worth it and the ones that aren’t. My job is to get those decisions right the first time, then handle every deadline and detail so the trip stays something you look forward to.
And when something goes sideways at 6am in a port you’ve never been to — you call me, not a queue.
I’m based in Waupun, Wisconsin and work with travellers across Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, Madison, and throughout the United States. Most planning happens by phone, email, or video — so where you are is never the issue.
My planning is paid by the cruise line or supplier, not added to your fare. You get an expert for the same price as booking yourself.
Your pace, your priorities, your budget. Not whatever the algorithm is pushing this week.
Onboard credit, group space, and package promotions that shift constantly. I track them so you don't have to.
Delays, changes, surprises. One number, one person who already knows your trip.
Tell me what you’re dreaming about. Every inquiry comes straight to me.
The honest answer, including when it isn’t.
No. My planning services are paid by the cruise line or supplier as a commission on the booking, not added to your fare. You pay the same as booking direct and get an advisor who knows the ships and tracks your deadlines.
Four: Royal Caribbean, where I hold the top Master of Adventure certification from Royal Caribbean University; Virgin Voyages, where I’m a Gold First Mate; Princess Cruises, where I hold Commodore certification; and Celebrity Cruises, as a Celebrity Learning Scholar.
No. Cruises are my specialty, but I also plan Caribbean escapes, European travel, and multi-destination journeys that combine several places into one trip.
That’s most of my clients. First-time cruisers are who I plan for most often. We start with how you like to travel, and I’ll tell you honestly whether cruising fits and which ship suits you if it does.
I’m based in Waupun, Wisconsin, and I work with travellers throughout Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, Madison, and across the United States. Almost all planning happens by phone, email, or video, so your location is never a barrier. If you’re local and would rather talk in person, that’s easy to arrange.
Fill out the inquiry form and tell me who’s travelling and roughly when. I’ll come back with options that actually fit. There’s no cost or obligation to start the conversation.
For popular sailings such as Alaska in summer, school holidays, or a brand-new ship, twelve to eighteen months ahead gives the best cabin choice. Shorter Caribbean sailings can be booked closer in. Booking early usually means better cabin selection more than a lower fare.
Tell me where you’re dreaming of going. I’ll handle the rest.
Michele “Shel” Santiago · Cruise & Travel Advisor · info@journeysbyshel.com · 608-617-0657
Based in Waupun, Wisconsin — serving Dodge & Fond du Lac counties, Madison, and travellers nationwide.
