Princess Travel

Located on Seaview Avenue in Staten Island, Princess Travel has established itself as a notable travel agency with a history stretching back to 1976. This family-run business, founded by Salvatore Scannella, operates on a foundation of deep-seated passion for travel, particularly ocean liners, a passion that has evidently shaped its service culture. For prospective clients weighing their options between online booking engines and traditional agents, Princess Travel presents a compelling case for the latter, centered almost entirely on personalized service and expertise. However, a closer look reveals aspects that will appeal to certain types of travelers more than others.

The Core Strengths: Service and Specialization

The most consistent theme emerging from customer feedback is the exceptionally high level of personal care provided, often attributed directly to the owner, Sal Scannella, and his team. Clients repeatedly describe the planning process as stress-free, with agents who are patient, pleasant, and helpful. This is particularly evident in arranging complex trips, such as multi-generational family vacations. Testimonials highlight the agency's ability to coordinate for travelers of different ages, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This knack for managing intricate details makes them a strong choice for family vacation planning and group travel.

Another significant advantage is their pronounced expertise in cruises. The founder's history with the iconic "Italian Line" cruise ships seems to have embedded a deep knowledge of sea travel into the company's DNA. Multiple reviews praise the agency for planning perfect and wonderful cruise vacations. This specialization is further supported by their affiliation with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a key credential in the cruise industry. For travelers considering a voyage, leveraging this focused expertise could be far more beneficial than navigating the myriad options on a large booking website.

A Legacy of Trust and Experience

Princess Travel has been in operation for several decades, a longevity that speaks to its reliability and consistent performance. The business is not just a single entity but a team of experienced professionals, including Sal's son Gian and other agents with over 15 years of experience each. This collective experience is a valuable asset, providing clients with nuanced advice that an algorithm cannot. Long-term customers report using the agency for years and recommending it to family and friends, which is a powerful endorsement of their trustworthiness. They are also members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), reinforcing their commitment to professional standards. This long-standing reputation is a critical factor for travelers entrusting a significant investment into a vacation.

Points for Consideration

While the praise for Princess Travel is substantial, potential clients should consider a few points to ensure the agency is the right fit for their needs. The most significant area of potential confusion lies in their operating hours. The Google Business Profile often states "Open 24 hours," which can be misleading. In contrast, the agency's official website clearly lists standard business hours: 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays, with the office being closed on Sundays. This discrepancy is crucial. While they may offer after-hours support for traveling clients in emergencies, anyone expecting to walk into the office or get immediate planning assistance outside of the stated hours should verify availability directly by phone. This is a critical detail for those who might be drawn in by the promise of 24/7 service.

Furthermore, the agency’s business model is explicitly positioned against online travel giants. Their website states, "Shop around, get your best price, and call us last," with the promise to beat prices from sites like Expedia and Orbitz. This approach, combined with offering low deposits and other perks, is attractive. However, it places the initial research burden on the customer. Travelers who prefer a one-stop-shop where they can browse and compare prices instantly on a website might find this process less direct. Princess Travel does not feature an online booking engine, focusing instead on consultation-based service. This is a strength for those seeking guidance but a potential drawback for the DIY-inclined traveler who wants to book flights and hotels with a few clicks.

Is It the Right Agency for Every Traveler?

The agency appears to excel in specific niches: cruise deals, all-inclusive resorts (as evidenced by their Sandals Certified Specialists credential), and custom-planned family trips. A solo backpacker looking for the absolute cheapest hostel stays or a traveler seeking a bare-bones flight deal might find their services over-qualified for their needs. The value proposition of Princess Travel is not in being the fastest or most technologically advanced platform, but in providing human expertise and peace of mind. Their service is for the traveler who understands that the lowest price doesn't always equal the best value and who wants a professional to handle the logistics and potential pitfalls of international travel.

A Comprehensive Look at Services

Princess Travel identifies as a full-service travel agency. Their areas of expertise, as promoted and reviewed, include:

• Cruises: A clear specialty, from ocean liners to modern cruise ships.
• Vacation Packages: Particularly strong in planning for all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Caribbean.
• Custom Itineraries: As demonstrated by their success with complex family and group trips, they can build custom itineraries from the ground up.
• Destination Weddings & Honeymoons: Their expertise with resorts like Sandals makes them a logical choice for romantic getaways.
• Disney Vacations: A popular and often complex trip that benefits from an agent's knowledge.

Their approach is hands-on. Instead of leaving clients to fend for themselves after booking, the reviews suggest a continuous relationship where the agent is a reliable point of contact. This personal touch is the primary reason clients cite for returning and recommending their services, a factor that is often absent in the anonymous world of online booking.