Business Details
Your Chicago Cruise and Vacation Experts
Cruise Holidays - Your Group Cruise Experts, or Q for short, is a team of professional travel advisors located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Specializing in ocean and river cruises, we provide expertise and service unmatched by online agencies or general travel agencies. Our team has personally experienced dozens of cruise lines and ships, exploring hundreds of destinations across all seven continents. As members of the Virtuoso luxury travel network, we offer exceptional value and access to exclusive experiences. Our commitment to personalized service ensures that every vacation is tailored to individual client needs, whether it's a luxury cruise, a family-friendly getaway, or a land-based expedition.With certifications from the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and partnerships with top cruise lines, we combine extensive experience with industry-leading resources. Our dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in our personalized approach, from the initial consultation to the return home. We pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences. Our membership in the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) further underscores our commitment to professionalism and excellence in the travel industry.
Services
Ocean Cruises
River Cruises
Tailored Vacations
Virtuoso Voyages
Luxury Hotel Bookings
Highlights and features
- We are Virtuoso-certified luxury travel specialists with exclusive access to premium benefits.
- Our advisors have firsthand experience with dozens of cruise lines and global destinations.
- We offer personalized service tailored to individual travel preferences and needs.
- We provide exclusive Virtuoso amenities at over 1,800 top-tier hotels worldwide.
- Our team includes CLIA-certified cruise experts with decades of combined experience.
Associations and certifications
- Virtuoso
- Cruise Line International Association (CLIA)
- American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
What people say
Unmatched cruise expertise
Personalized itineraries
Exclusive Virtuoso amenities
Knowledgeable advisors
Stress-free planning
Services
Ocean Cruises
Cruise Holidays - Your Group Cruise Experts specializes in ocean cruise planning, offering access to luxury lines like Cunard and premium contemporary options. Our advisors help clients choose the perfect ship and itinerary based on personal preferences, from family-friendly vessels to adults-only luxury experiences. With Virtuoso Voyages benefits, clients receive exclusive amenities and personalized onboard services.
River Cruises
Our river cruise expertise covers European waterways, Asian rivers, and specialty itineraries. We match clients with the ideal river cruise line and ship style, from intimate boutique vessels to modern fleet options. Our planning services include pre- and post-cruise land extensions, ensuring comprehensive travel experiences that combine cultural exploration with comfortable river travel.
Tailored Vacations
Beyond cruises, we create personalized land-based vacations worldwide. Our Virtuoso network provides access to exclusive hotel benefits, private tours, and unique cultural experiences. Whether planning a multi-generational family trip, a romantic honeymoon, or an adventure expedition, our advisors craft itineraries that reflect individual client preferences and travel goals.
Virtuoso Voyages
As a Virtuoso member, we offer exclusive sailings with enhanced onboard benefits. Clients receive dedicated hosts, private shore excursions, and personalized experience credits. Our advisors specialize in matching travelers with Virtuoso Voyages itineraries that provide unique access to destinations and amenities unavailable through standard booking channels.
Hotel Bookings
Through our Virtuoso membership, we provide access to over 1,800 premium hotels worldwide. Clients enjoy exclusive benefits including room upgrades, breakfast amenities, and unique local experiences. Our booking services ensure travelers receive maximum value and personalized attention at top-tier properties in destinations ranging from major cities to remote luxury retreats.
People
Rob Clabbers
Founder + President
Rob established Cruise Holidays - Your Group Cruise Experts's reputation as Chicago's premier cruise specialists. With decades of industry experience, he leads a team committed to personalized luxury travel. His vision combines firsthand destination knowledge with strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional client experiences.
Kevin M. Grubb
Ocean + River Cruise Travel Advisor
A five-time Virtuoso Cruise Icon award winner, Kevin has over 16 years of expertise in luxury cruise planning. He specializes in maximizing client benefits through Virtuoso Voyages programs and maintains strong relationships with premium cruise lines like Cunard Line.
David Lauwers
Luxury Cruise + Expedition Travel Advisor
David combines extensive cruise line knowledge with expedition travel expertise. He specializes in creating unique itineraries that blend luxury cruising with adventurous destinations, from polar expeditions to cultural river cruises across six continents.
Karen Stang Hanley
Independent Luxury Travel Advisor
Karen offers personalized luxury travel solutions with a focus on high-end cruise experiences and bespoke land vacations. Her independent advisory approach allows for customized service while leveraging Q's extensive industry partnerships and exclusive benefits.
Josh Pelkey
Independent Cruise + Expedition Travel Advisor
Josh specializes in expedition cruises and unique adventure travel itineraries. His expertise covers polar regions, wildlife safaris, and remote destination planning, combining practical logistics with exceptional client service for unforgettable travel experiences.
Questions
What cruise lines do you specialize in?
We work with all major cruise lines including Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and specialty river cruise operators. Our Virtuoso partnerships provide exclusive access to premium lines and benefits.
Can you help plan non-cruise vacations?
Yes, our Virtuoso membership enables us to plan luxury land vacations, safaris, and multi-destination trips with exclusive hotel benefits and personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences.
What are Virtuoso Voyages benefits?
Virtuoso Voyages offer exclusive amenities like onboard credits, private shore excursions, dedicated hosts, and unique local experiences available only through Virtuoso-certified advisors like our team.
Do you offer hotel booking services?
Yes, we provide access to over 1,800 Virtuoso Preferred Hotels worldwide with exclusive benefits including room upgrades, breakfast amenities, and unique local experiences unavailable through standard booking channels.
How do you personalize travel experiences?
We combine your travel preferences with our destination expertise to create customized itineraries. This includes private transfers, curated excursions, and strategic combinations of cruise and land experiences tailored to your specific interests.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Chicago, we serve clients nationwide and internationally. Our primary local service area includes Chicagoland communities, with clients from Wisconsin, other U.S. states, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
