Saturday, March 29th 2025
A huge thank you to Debbie for helping us plan a fantastic family vacation to Cancun. We’ve worked with Debbie for many years and she’s attentive and resourceful. It’s always a pleasure working with her!
–Annie Y.
Saturday, January 18th 2025
We stayed at the Valentin and it was a beautiful resort. I highly suggest the beachfront rooms as they are close to the pool and outdoor pool and of course, the beach. The grounds of this resort are pristine. All of our restaurant experiences were good! We can always count on a good resort when we book our trips with Debbie. She is so awesome!!! 
We stayed at the Valentin and it was a beautiful resort. I highly suggest the beachfront rooms as they are close to the pool and outdoor pool and of course, the beach. The grounds of this resort are pristine. All of our restaurant experiences were… 
Saturday, November 2nd 2024
Enchanted "Princess " was a delightful cruise. The food was exceptional and the service was great. We met so many nice people and will keep intouch with a few.
Tuesday, September 10th 2024
Using Danielle to help plan our family vacation was a game-changer! As an oldest daughter, most of the planning responsibilities typically fall to me, but Danielle made my job so much easier. She gave great recommendations, provided accurate pricing, communicated with and booked our resort and transfer, and answered a year's worth of emails promptly, professionally, and kindly. When we travel internationally again, we will always use The Destinations Group! Using Danielle to help plan our family vacation was a game-changer! As an oldest daughter, most of the planning responsibilities typically fall to me, but Danielle made my job so much easier. She gave great recommendations, provided accurate pricing,… –Autumn V.
Tuesday, August 20th 2024
We had a wonderful trip! The tour company Debbie chose was great and the tour guide excellent. We had never taken a trip with a tour company nor traveled overseas. Debbie guided us through each step and answered our many questions with patience which made the trip preparations so easy. We had a wonderful trip! The tour company Debbie chose was great and the tour guide excellent. We had never taken a trip with a tour company nor traveled overseas. Debbie guided us through each step and answered our many questions with patience which… –Sandra W.
Monday, August 19th 2024
Always available.
–Diane F.
Monday, August 19th 2024
Outstanding for wife and self and she made it great for everyone !
–Bryan P.
Monday, August 12th 2024
We booked with y’all for our Ireland - Iceland cruise and can’t wait for Summer 2025! We are so grateful to Danielle for finding us an amazing trip option within our budget and date constraints. She worked with us on and off for 7 months until we were ready to book and never once pressured us. We deeply appreciate that kind of service and business integrity. We booked with y’all for our Ireland - Iceland cruise and can’t wait for Summer 2025! We are so grateful to Danielle for finding us an amazing trip option within our budget and date constraints. She worked with us on and off for 7 months until we…
Monday, July 29th 2024
In addition to everything going beautifully on our trip, we had excellent advice from Cookie on aspects of the cruise that we would not have discovered on our own. We are very grateful that she "had our backs!"
–Maryanne H.
Friday, July 5th 2024
Can't say enough about the service and care we were given by Debbie Berger! This was a bucket list vacation for us - Alaska cruise and land tour and it did not disappoint. We rarely travel so we bombarded Debbie constantly with questions and concerns. She was always willing to help us and answered all our questions quickly and completely. She provided great advice,tips and got us amazing deals on the cruise and excursions as well. We were extremely pleased with Debbie and Cruise Planners. All our future vacations will be booked with Debbie! Debbie even went out of her way to handle deliver our luggage tags to us - that is unbelievable customer service!! Can't say enough about the service and care we were given by Debbie Berger! This was a bucket list vacation for us - Alaska cruise and land tour and it did not disappoint. We rarely travel so we bombarded Debbie constantly with questions and concerns. … –Constance S.
Friday, May 10th 2024
We had a wonderful experience planning and booking our vacation. Everything was straightforward and all of our flights, connections, tours, and accommodations were great. Thanks for making this a memorable trip for us!
–Katherine F.
Thursday, January 25th 2024
Working with Debbie was a joy from the start. She helped us figure out what we didn't know, what we needed to know, and how to make the most of our trip. We had a weather delay and Debbie made sure to update our transfer and made sure we were set up with the best service once at the resort! We had a blast and can't wait for our next trip. Working with Debbie was a joy from the start. She helped us figure out what we didn't know, what we needed to know, and how to make the most of our trip. We had a weather delay and Debbie made sure to update our transfer and made sure we were set up with… –Erica S.
Friday, January 5th 2024
Debbie Berger is the best! She was prompt and thorough in the planning stages. She handled all our details for the resort and transfers. We really appreciate her professional manner and kindness when working with us.
–Diane F.
Saturday, November 25th 2023
We enjoyed our trip and appreciate all you help with making the arrangements for us.
–Janet G.
Friday, September 15th 2023
I am so thankful for Debbie Berger, our travel agent with The Destinations Group. We knew we wanted to go to Ireland but the time and energy to plan a trip such as this was a bit daunting. Debbie handled everthing for us and we could not be more pleased.
We had an amazing time visiting Ireland! The CIE Tours travel group was so much fun and our travel guide was very knowledgeable about all of Ireland and the places we visited. Everthing was planned perfectly, we were always on time, and the bus ride and accomodations were very comforatble. Using CIE Tours took away all the stress of planning when and where to go and making sure we knew how to get there.
We are alredy looking forward to our next trip. :) I am so thankful for Debbie Berger, our travel agent with The Destinations Group. We knew we wanted to go to Ireland but the time and energy to plan a trip such as this was a bit daunting. Debbie handled everthing for us and we could not be more… –Lori K.
Monday, September 11th 2023
Cookie Bowler has been my travel agent for 10+ years. She is knowledgeable & professional. Cookie is up to date with the constantly changing travel industry rules. I would never use anyone else for my travel needs.
–Mary T.
Thursday, September 7th 2023
Enjoyed the cruise -- service and food were great. Relaxation a welcomed gift that we took advantage of. Glad we were able to skirt the hurricane!!
Thursday, July 13th 2023
Our vacation was great!! Thank you so much for all you did. Really appreciate you and will definitely reach out again for our next trip and be sure to refer you to all of our family and friends. You are amazing.
Thursday, May 11th 2023
I have had the GREAT pleasure of working with Debbie Berger in the past, she has planned multiple trips for me and I always know I will be taken care of and she will go above and beyond.
I’m also currently working with Danielle Hendrickson on a trip and she is incredibly attentive and patient with me. She has given me a lot of options and information as I figure out what will work best. Cannot recommend these ladies enough! I have had the GREAT pleasure of working with Debbie Berger in the past, she has planned multiple trips for me and I always know I will be taken care of and she will go above and beyond.
I’m also currently working with Danielle Hendrickson on a trip… –LACEY B.
Monday, April 24th 2023
Just wanted to tell you THANK YOU for all the work you did to arrange for our Viking Rhine River cruise. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We enjoyed it immensely. The hotel in Lucerne you recommended was perfect. And the hotel in Amsterdam was great as well. Thank you again. Just wanted to tell you THANK YOU for all the work you did to arrange for our Viking Rhine River cruise. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We enjoyed it immensely. The hotel in Lucerne you recommended was perfect. And the hotel in Amsterdam was great as well. Thank… –Mary B.
Friday, February 17th 2023
Destination Wedding: Hi Debbie, thank you SO much again for everything. I quite literally wouldn't have been able to do all of this without you. You are the best!!
–Alexis W.
Tuesday, August 23rd 2022
Honeymoon was wonderful! everything was perfect! Thank u so much!
–Lina L.
Wednesday, July 20th 2022
Debbie Berger at CruisePlanners is truly the best! I have recommended her to so many friends and family. She is on top of your trip and ensures that everything is in place to have a seamless vacation.
Tuesday, August 17th 2021
I’ve always booked my trips with Debbie Berger. She has been awesome, and I will continue to use her in the future for all trips!
Friday, May 28th 2021
Hi Debbie!! Thank you so much for all that you did!!! We had an amazing time and we are so excited to go back!
–Chelsea M.
Thursday, May 27th 2021
Thank you for all your help, Debbie!! You have been invaluable!!
Monday, May 17th 2021
We had an amazing time in St. Lucia! THANK YOU so much for all of your help throughout the process. My groom filled me in on everything that happened with the honeymoon thanks to Covid, with having to change locations and juggle so many issues. You are amazing for helping every step of the way! We had an amazing time in St. Lucia! THANK YOU so much for all of your help throughout the process. My groom filled me in on everything that happened with the honeymoon thanks to Covid, with having to change locations and juggle so many issues. You are…
Monday, May 10th 2021
You are awesome Debbie!!! Thank you so much for your patience and for dealing with my indecision!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Kacie
Tuesday, April 9th 2019
Their experience, suggestions and recommendations are always appreciated and makes the cruise and excursions a better adventure!
–Philip B.
Friday, July 27th 2018
Tom was so helpful in planning our Alaskan cruise. He did all the work and recommended some really nice tours. It was a great trip! We were just disappointed in the food on the Island Princess. Other than that, the crew and accommodations were good.
–Dawn C.
Tuesday, July 24th 2018
Cruise Planning: Tom did an excellent job working with me planning a cruise for 7 people in 2 families. We provided him with the limited time from this summer which we could cruise (which he determined 7-15 was our best option). He then put holds on cabins twice for us as the two families were in and out on going. Finally we decided to go and he found that two of the rooms were cheaper using the discount from our previous cruise and the third was less expensive using the casino discount. So he saved us a ton of many there.
Then for excursions -we do these on our own - we asked him for advice on a couple options. First we had a day pass to Hilton Rose Hall thru our friends work (apparently it is $69 thru Carnival, and would recommend that to folk that like a relaxing good time with activities for the kids). But we had no transportation. I had done research and found you could get things from $80 to $200 for 7 people depending on the negotiation. Tom recommended Joe Cool Taxi and I was impressed with them and at a good price.
For Grand Cayman, we wanted to swim with the stingrays. We chose the stingray and Rum Beach excursion thru Carnival. It was 4.5 hours and the best value. The stingray time was awesome, but like the reviews indicate, the water at Rum Beach is horrible (looks like they are trying to kill off the seaweed in the area which made the water a muddy brown). But it was a great place to relax with food and drink options (although on the pricey side).
In Cozumel, I waited too long and Mr. Sanchos filled up. So I asked Tom for advice and he gave me a site that you could see a number of resorts with discounts. I decided on Allegro. At first I was disappointed with the desk service (took 30 min to check in unlike Mr. Sanchos where the slide your credit card and you are on your way), then they did not have umbrella tables to sit out for food/drinks, but then they did not have the personal wait staff that Mr. Sanchos had. So you had to get up and go to the bar (for shame). But it caused me to get up and see the beauty of the amenities. The swim up bar was on a big pool that they were doing yoga and other classes in. There were spanish classes going on. There was beach volleyball going on. And the water at the beach was very clean (far better than Mr. Sanchos). So by the end of the stay, I had changed my mind and liked Allegro better.
As for the Breeze, Carnival is down in room steward service in my mind. Our wait staff in the Blush dining room did a great job, but they were over-worked with a large group next to our group of 7. This was a major distraction for them. The theater and comedy were very good. I like the shorter/tech heavy shows.
We did 'behind the fun' on the ship too. That was awesome. We toured the galley and met the pastry chef (who sent two plates of cookies to our room) and we met the fruit carver that used to be a furniture carver (who carved a swan out of soap which was provided to each member of the tour). We then went on a tour of the logistics center along I-95 on deck 0. Next up was the engine control room where one of the engineers spent a lot of time with us (this was my person favorite). We then toured the staff galley and the crew bar where Michael from excursions talked to us for a long time answering all our questions about life on board. From here we went to the laundry services which was very eye opening (you will re-use your towel after going thru the portion of the tour and seeing how hard that small staff works). Next up was the bridge where we had a Q&A with the captain along with pictures. We ended the tour portion by going back stage of the Ovation theater. It was between 3.5 and 4 hours that was very fascinating.
And now for the cruise director. We were on the Carnival Magic last year with Dr. E and could not imagine having a better cruise director. But Schwartz blew our mind. He was everywhere. He even encourages you to chat with him on he Carnival Hub App which I did. I explained our 15 yr old boy is a theater tech kid and he arranged for us to take part in a VIP tour on the stage of the Ovation theater with Charles the stage manager. Schwartz just was everywhere and very energetic. He really made the cruise pop.
Overall, we had a great time and any issues brought up here were just things that kept it from being perfect but did not dominate our thoughts. Cruise Planning: Tom did an excellent job working with me planning a cruise for 7 people in 2 families. We provided him with the limited time from this summer which we could cruise (which he determined 7-15 was our best option). He then put holds on… –James H.
Tuesday, July 24th 2018
Cruise Planning: Tom did an excellent job working with me planning a cruise for 7 people in 2 families. We provided him with the limited time from this summer which we could cruise (which he determined 7-15 was our best option). He then put holds on cabins twice for us as the two families were in and out on going. Finally we decided to go and he found that two of the rooms were cheaper using the discount from our previous cruise and the third was less expensive using the casino discount. So he saved us a ton of many there.
Then for excursions -we do these on our own - we asked him for advice on a couple options. First we had a day pass to Hilton Rose Hall thru our friends work (apparently it is $69 thru Carnival, and would recommend that to folk that like a relaxing good time with activities for the kids). But we had no transportation. I had done research and found you could get things from $80 to $200 for 7 people depending on the negotiation. Tom recommended Joe Cool Taxi and I was impressed with them and at a good price.
For Grand Cayman, we wanted to swim with the stingrays. We chose the stingray and Rum Beach excursion thru Carnival. It was 4.5 hours and the best value. The stingray time was awesome, but like the reviews indicate, the water at Rum Beach is horrible (looks like they are trying to kill off the seaweed in the area which made the water a muddy brown). But it was a great place to relax with food and drink options (although on the pricey side).
In Cozumel, I waited too long and Mr. Sanchos filled up. So I asked Tom for advice and he gave me a site that you could see a number of resorts with discounts. I decided on Allegro. At first I was disappointed with the desk service (took 30 min to check in unlike Mr. Sanchos where the slide your credit card and you are on your way), then they did not have umbrella tables to sit out for food/drinks, but then they did not have the personal wait staff that Mr. Sanchos had. So you had to get up and go to the bar (for shame). But it caused me to get up and see the beauty of the amenities. The swim up bar was on a big pool that they were doing yoga and other classes in. There were spanish classes going on. There was beach volleyball going on. And the water at the beach was very clean (far better than Mr. Sanchos). So by the end of the stay, I had changed my mind and liked Allegro better.
As for the Breeze, Carnival is down in room steward service in my mind. Our wait staff in the Blush dining room did a great job, but they were over-worked with a large group next to our group of 7. This was a major distraction for them. The theater and comedy were very good. I like the shorter/tech heavy shows.
We did 'behind the fun' on the ship too. That was awesome. We toured the galley and met the pastry chef (who sent two plates of cookies to our room) and we met the fruit carver that used to be a furniture carver (who carved a swan out of soap which was provided to each member of the tour). We then went on a tour of the logistics center along I-95 on deck 0. Next up was the engine control room where one of the engineers spent a lot of time with us (this was my person favorite). We then toured the staff galley and the crew bar where Michael from excursions talked to us for a long time answering all our questions about life on board. From here we went to the laundry services which was very eye opening (you will re-use your towel after going thru the portion of the tour and seeing how hard that small staff works). Next up was the bridge where we had a Q&A with the captain along with pictures. We ended the tour portion by going back stage of the Ovation theater. It was between 3.5 and 4 hours that was very fascinating.
And now for the cruise director. We were on the Carnival Magic last year with Dr. E and could not imagine having a better cruise director. But Schwartz blew our mind. He was everywhere. He even encourages you to chat with him on he Carnival Hub App which I did. I explained our 15 yr old boy is a theater tech kid and he arranged for us to take part in a VIP tour on the stage of the Ovation theater with Charles the stage manager. Schwartz just was everywhere and very energetic. He really made the cruise pop.
Overall, we had a great time and any issues brought up here were just things that kept it from being perfect but did not dominate our thoughts. Cruise Planning: Tom did an excellent job working with me planning a cruise for 7 people in 2 families. We provided him with the limited time from this summer which we could cruise (which he determined 7-15 was our best option). He then put holds on… –James H.
Wednesday, July 5th 2017
Debbie did an exceptional job! My two friends, their daughters and I planned a girls trip cruise with Debbie. She made sure our cabins were together, communicated all pertinent information and helped us with our excursions. One of the excursions we wanted to take was completely booked until Debbie made a call and got us in - it was our favorite excursion of the trip - Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya - I highly recommend it!!! Thanks Debbie for making this a memorable trip!!! Debbie did an exceptional job! My two friends, their daughters and I planned a girls trip cruise with Debbie. She made sure our cabins were together, communicated all pertinent information and helped us with our excursions. One of the excursions we… –Bev P.
Thursday, May 25th 2017
Excellent trip. Viking staff are top-notch -- they took care of us every step of the way. The ambience on board theMagni was excellent, as was the food. Our only complaint about the ship is that whenever we were in port, we would return to our cabin to a very unpleasant odor -- like sewage backing up. Program director Gary and hotel director Ralph made everything run beautifully. Included shores excursions were all very good, with good local guides. Of the optional excursions that we purchased, we were disappointed only with Munich -- a long drive for a boring day.
Our post-cruise strip to Prague was great. Viking got us there by a very comfortable bus trip.
We stayed at a lovely hotel, the Corinthia. Viking has permanent stafff at the hotel. Our room keys were ready as soon as we arrived. Our only complaint about the hotel is that the A/C on the floors were the Viking rooms are located did not work -- several of us moved to rooms on the upper floors --not as update as the Viking rooms but OK. The included city tour was very comprehensive and well done. Transfer to the airport at the end of our stay was also flawless, with a Viking rep staying with us to check-in.
All in all, we giveViking very high marks! Excellent trip. Viking staff are top-notch -- they took care of us every step of the way. The ambience on board theMagni was excellent, as was the food. Our only complaint about the ship is that whenever we were in port, we would return to our cabin to… –Georgeann B.
Wednesday, November 2nd 2016
Thank you so much for helping my husband and I finally take that Eastern Caribbean Cruise we had on our bucket list! Not only did you help us find the right cruise you worked with us to integrate some of our other travel awards to save money. I have never before had the privilege of working with a travel planner who was so responsive and knowledgeable. You took care of the details so we could focus on just relaxing. Thank you, thank you, thank you... Thank you so much for helping my husband and I finally take that Eastern Caribbean Cruise we had on our bucket list! Not only did you help us find the right cruise you worked with us to integrate some of our other travel awards to save money. I have…
Monday, August 22nd 2016
This was our first trip to Alaska. Never been on a cruise. We were fortunate to have met Tom. He took care of all the details for us-flights, cruise ship room, shuttles and excursion suggestions. He was always available to answer any of our questions. The Land and Cruise were both with Princess Cruises. Evrything was very well organized and we never had a glitch in anything. Thanks so much to Tom! This was our first trip to Alaska. Never been on a cruise. We were fortunate to have met Tom. He took care of all the details for us-flights, cruise ship room, shuttles and excursion suggestions. He was always available to answer any of our questions.… –Marcia D.
Thursday, July 14th 2016
Angela,
This was an amazing trip and Ireland will be forever in my heart! Dianna, Murphy TX
Thursday, July 14th 2016
Thank you Angela so much for showing us your homeland. I know I left my internal clock in Ireland as well as a piece of my heart. Look forward to a sharing get-together when you get back. Paula C Plano, TX
Thursday, July 14th 2016
Kudos to the safety and organization we found during our May CIE trip to Ireland. Our driver/guide Austin McArdle and our group leader Angela Kelso were outstanding in both expertise and humor. Going above and beyond in touring, Austin made a special heritage stop for me in Malahide for a photo. In addition to seeing the beauty of the countryside, I enjoyed learning about the history and culture through the obvious national pride of the the Irish people. After seeing the lush East coast, we were treated to the Southern and Western coasts. Truly the FUN, the walking, the climbing, the FRIENDS we found along the way and the photos we took are TRULY MEMORABLE. Mary L Plano, Tx Kudos to the safety and organization we found during our May CIE trip to Ireland. Our driver/guide Austin McArdle and our group leader Angela Kelso were outstanding in both expertise and humor. Going above and beyond in touring, Austin made a special… –Mary L.
