Cruising Company Etc.

Cruising Company Etc. is a long-established travel agency located at 13108 Thomas Rd NW in Gig Harbor, Washington. Operating since 1995, this agency presents a very specific profile to potential clients, one that combines deep specialization with a minimal digital footprint. For travelers considering their services, understanding this duality is key to determining if they are the right fit for planning and booking your next trip. The business positions itself primarily as a specialist in cruises and tours, a focus that is evident from its very name and reinforced by its professional affiliations and the limited, yet positive, feedback available.

Service Specialization and Expertise

The core strength of Cruising Company Etc. lies in its declared expertise in the cruise market. The name itself is a clear indicator, and the single online review explicitly mentions receiving "Good cruise info." This suggests a repository of specialized knowledge that can be invaluable for both first-time and experienced cruisers. Engaging with a specialized travel agent for booking a cruise often provides benefits that are not available through direct online booking. These advantages can include insights into different cruise lines, cabin selection advice, understanding of complex itineraries, and potentially securing better value through agency-exclusive promotions or onboard credits. The agency's website confirms partnerships with major players in the industry, including Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity cruises, indicating broad experience across various price points and travel styles.

Beyond ocean liners, the company also emphasizes its capabilities in arranging river cruises and escorted land tours. By mentioning partnerships with respected operators like Tauck and Globus, Cruising Company Etc. demonstrates that its services are not limited to sea travel. This makes them a viable option for clients interested in structured vacation packages across Europe, North America, and other global destinations. This diversification is a significant positive, suggesting they can handle more complex travel arrangements that may begin or end with a cruise component. For travelers looking for comprehensive customized travel planning, this blend of cruise and tour expertise is a notable asset. Their professional credentials, including affiliations with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), further cement their legitimacy and adherence to industry standards, offering a layer of assurance to prospective customers.

The Customer Experience: Pros and Cons

When evaluating this agency, potential clients will immediately notice a stark contrast between its decades of operational history and its nearly non-existent online presence. This presents both the primary appeal and the most significant drawback of choosing to work with them.

Positive Attributes

• Longevity and Experience: Having been in business for over 25 years, the agency possesses a level of experience that newer or online-only companies cannot claim. This history implies a deep understanding of the travel industry's complexities, from visa requirements for international travel to the subtle differences between cruise ships in the same fleet.
• Personalized Service: As a local, non-franchise entity, clients can expect a high degree of personal attention. You are not just a confirmation number; you are a client with a dedicated travel advisor who can manage your booking from start to finish. This is particularly beneficial when unforeseen issues arise before or during a trip.
• Specialized Knowledge: As previously mentioned, their focus on cruises and established tour operators means they can provide nuanced advice that is difficult to find through an algorithm. This is ideal for planning significant trips like honeymoon packages or complex family vacations where the details truly matter.
• Physical Accessibility: The business notes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, an important and practical detail for ensuring all potential clients can visit their office for a consultation.

Areas for Consideration

• Lack of Online Reviews: The most glaring issue is the profound lack of public feedback. The agency has a single 5-star review on its Google profile, which is now several years old. There are no reviews on other major platforms like Yelp, and while the Better Business Bureau gives them an A+ rating, this is based on a lack of complaints rather than positive testimonials. For a modern consumer who relies on social proof to make decisions, this near-total absence of feedback creates uncertainty. It forces a potential client to rely solely on a direct consultation to gauge the quality of service.
• Dated Digital Presence: The company's website is functional but visibly outdated. It serves as a digital brochure but lacks the modern tools, detailed itineraries, and dynamic content that clients have come to expect. This can be perceived as a lack of investment in the client-facing side of the business and may not inspire confidence in tech-savvy travelers. There is also no discernible social media activity, cutting off a common channel for engagement and updates.
• Potential for a Narrow Focus: While they offer tours, their branding is heavily skewed towards cruises. A traveler looking to book a multi-country, independent backpacking trip or seeking expertise in boutique hotels or off-the-beaten-path destinations might find the agency's primary focus less aligned with their needs. Their expertise seems to be in pre-packaged and structured travel, such as cruises and all-inclusive resorts, rather than fully independent travel arrangements.

Conclusion: Who Is This Agency For?

Cruising Company Etc. represents a traditional model of a travel agency. It is best suited for a specific type of traveler: one who values deep, specialized knowledge in cruises and established tours and prefers a direct, personal relationship with their travel agent. This client is likely not swayed by a flashy website and prioritizes experience and one-on-one consultation over the anonymity of a large booking platform. If you are planning a significant cruise vacation and want an expert to handle the details, their long history and industry affiliations suggest they are a competent and knowledgeable choice.

Conversely, this agency is likely not the best fit for the digitally-native traveler who wants to see numerous recent reviews, interact on social media, and use modern online planning tools. The lack of a substantial online footprint requires a leap of faith that some customers may not be willing to take. Potential clients must be prepared to engage directly, via phone at (253) 891-1138 or by visiting their Gig Harbor office, to truly understand the value and service they provide. It is a classic trade-off: the potential for personalized, expert service versus the transparency and validation offered by a strong online reputation.