CHICAGO-BASED CRUISE TRAVEL ADVISOR

Cruise Travel Advisor: Ocean, River & Expedition Cruises Booked for You

Tell me where you want to sail. I'll find the right ship, the right cabin and the best value, then handle every detail from booking to bon voyage.

MEET YOUR ADVISOR

Meet your cruise travel advisor

I'm Jonna Robertson, a Chicago-based cruise travel advisor with Fora Travel. I plan and book ocean, river and expedition cruises for travelers across the U.S., from Alaska and Antarctica to Norway, Iceland and the rivers of Europe. As a Fora advisor I have Virtuoso access, which can add perks like onboard credit on select sailings, at no extra cost to you.

Before I became a travel advisor, I spent 25 years running special events for organizations like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Ravinia Festival. Cruise planning uses the same skills: timing, logistics and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

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Cruises I book

  • Expedition cruises: Antarctica, the Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland and Alaska, with lines like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant, Viking and Silversea Expeditions.
  • Small-ship and luxury ocean cruises: Silversea, Ponant, Paul Gauguin Cruises (Tahiti and French Polynesia), Crystal, Explora, Atlas, Emerald, Scenic, Viking and Azamara.
  • Yacht cruises: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Aman at Sea, Orient Express Corinthian
  • River cruises: Viking, Riverside, Uniworld, AMA and other river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and beyond.
  • Classic ocean cruises: Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Virgin Voyages, just to name a few.
  • Group and celebration cruises: meetings, incentive trips, family reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversaries and friend groups, with group rates where available.

Powered by: Fora · Virtuoso · CLIA

Why book your cruise with an advisor

  • You usually pay the same fare. Cruise lines pay advisors a commission, so booking with me typically costs the same as booking direct.
  • Extra perks on select sailings. Through Fora and Virtuoso, many sailings include amenities like onboard credit or a hosted shore event.
  • The right cabin, not just any cabin. I'll steer you away from cabins under the nightclub or above the anchor.
  • The trip around the cruise. I book pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers and extensions, so the whole trip fits together.
  • Someone in your corner. If a flight is cancelled or an itinerary changes, you call me, not a call center.
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How it works

  1. Tell me what you're dreaming of. Fill out my short trip inquiry form or book a free 15-minute call.
  2. I research and price your options. You get two or three cruises that fit your dates, budget and travel style, with honest pros and cons.
  3. You choose, I book. I hold your cabin, handle deposits and keep track of final payment dates.
  4. I handle the details. Flights, hotels, transfers, shore excursions and travel insurance options.
  5. You sail. I'm a message away before, during and after your trip.

What my cruise clients say

"Jonna is the best travel agent ever! She is so easy to communicate with, is knowledgeable and makes our travels easier."

"From the moment we started planning, you were on top of every detail—your attentiveness set us up for a wonderful start and, ultimately, an unforgettable trip. You’ve earned our complete trust, and we’re already looking forward to planning future travels with you."

"Not only did Jonna find me an incredible deal on my cruise, but she also worked to curate a fantastic itinerary filled with unique experiences for my land portions of my vacation as well. She helped make my trip truly memorable! If you're looking for a travel agent who genuinely cares and goes above and beyond, honestly, look no further than Jonna."

Wake from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean and seagulls.

Cruise FAQs

Do you charge a fee to book a cruise?

Most cruise bookings with Jonna Robertson at Coolcation Adventures have no booking fee, because the cruise line pays the advisor a commission. 

Is it cheaper to book a cruise directly with the cruise line?

Usually not. Cruise fares are generally the same whether you book direct or through a travel advisor. Booking through Coolcation Adventures, a Fora Travel and Virtuoso-affiliated agency, can add perks like onboard credit on select sailings.

What cruise lines do you book?

Jonna Robertson books most major ocean, river and expedition cruise lines, including Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Silversea, Ponant, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Crystal, Explora, Viking, Azamara, Windstar, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) and Aurora Expeditions. She is a specialist for Viking, Celebrity, Princess, NCL, Silversea, Ponant and Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Do you only book cold-weather cruises?

No! Coolcation Adventures specializes in expedition and cool-weather cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic and Northern Europe, and also books Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific and river cruises. Off-season in the Mediterranean is most definitely a "coolcation."

I don't live in Chicago. Can you still book my cruise?

Yes. Jonna Robertson is based in Chicago and plans cruises for travelers anywhere in the U.S. by phone, video call and email.

How far in advance should I book a cruise?

For Antarctica and other expedition cruises, book 12 to 18 months ahead, because small ships sell out early. For Alaska, 9 to 12 months ahead is ideal. Many other cruises can be booked 6 to 12 months out.

When is the best time to cruise to Alaska or Antarctica?

Alaska cruises run from May through September. Antarctica cruises run from November through March, during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Can you book flights, hotels and excursions around my cruise?

Yes. Jonna books pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers, shore excursions and land extensions, and can help with flights and travel insurance options.

Do you book group cruises?

Yes. Coolcation Adventures books group cruises for family reunions, milestone celebrations and friend groups, and coordinates cabins, dining and shore excursions for the whole group.

What happens if my cruise is changed or canceled?

Jonna works with the cruise line on your behalf to rebook, change your plans or request refunds or credits, so you don't have to sit on hold.

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My specialty: expedition and cool-weather cruises

Coolcation Adventures specializes in expedition and cool-weather cruises to Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic and Northern Europe. These sailings pair naturally with coolcations.

Cooler climates and shoulder seasons often mean:

  • more comfortable days on deck or on shore
  • fewer crowds
  • better wildlife activity
  • reduced environmental strain

Prefer somewhere warm? I also book Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific and river cruises.

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On expedition in Greenland!

How I plan your cruise

We'll talk through what you're hoping to experience, what you're comfortable with, and how much structure you want. From there, I find the cruise that fits, and plan the trip around it so it feels intentional, well-supported, and aligned with your values.

I focus on:

  • matching you to the right cruise line, ship, cabin and pace
  • evaluating cruise lines beyond their brochure language
  • setting realistic expectations
  • managing every detail, from door to door, to make it seamless for you

START PLANNING YOUR CRUISE

Tell me a little about the cruise you have in mind using my short trip inquiry form, and I'll get back to you with next steps. Prefer to talk first? Book a free 15-minute call or email me at jonna.robertson@fora.travel.