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Steve Rice
Steve Rice

Steve Rice

San Antonio, TX Travel Agent

The Cruise Butler

42 Reviews
100% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

As owner of The Cruise Butler website, I’ve been in the travel business for almost 26 years, Plus, I worked in the hospitality and tourism business for 15 years before that.

In fact, I was even born into the cruise business. Both of my parents worked for the Cunard Line on the original Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.

Being in the travel business for so many years has allowed me to make personal contacts with many of the key decision-makers and owners of tour companies and cruise lines. My connections in the industry come in very handy when I need to help a client handle an unexpected issue.

If you visit the testimonials section of my website, you’ll see positive comments from the many clients we've assisted in the past.

Even though I arrange all kinds of travel, including all-inclusive land packages, I specialize in the river cruise, deluxe, and luxury cruise market.

From the many years I spent in upscale restaurants, I love fine foods and great wines. The cruises that I recommend satisfy my palate completely.

I have spent almost 26 years experiencing all the different cruise lines and a variety of destinations. What this means to you is that I can now provide first-hand feedback to guide you towards the perfect vacation.

I have also been on over 80 cruises to many destinations all over the world. People often ask me what my favorite destinations are. I would have to mention Tahiti, Alaska, Italy, and Germany as some of my all-time favorites. Exploring these fantastic destinations is so enriching and rewarding.

I love it when I visit somewhere special then get to come home and share my experience, tips, and suggestions with my clients. Because of what I learn from my travels, my customers can have a more memorable experience when they get to take their next trip.

Through the years I've taken specialist certification courses on many river cruises and upscale cruise lines. I have also attained certification as an Elite Cruise Counselor and as a Luxury Cruise Specialist. I'm especially proud to be 1 of only 700 Elite Cruise Counselors nationwide.

You can find a full list of all my experience, qualifications, and training on the qualifications tab of my website.

I am confident that all of my training, my years in the business, and my personal experience with different products and destinations will make me the travel expert you'll want in your corner when planning your dream vacation. I wish you happy travels and wonderful memories in your future.

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Quintana Roo, Cancun
Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya
Italy
Germany
Alaska, Denali National Park

Interests:

Cruises
River Cruises
Luxury Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
Culinary & Foodie

Suppliers:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Crystal
Azamara
Avalon Waterways

My Travel Specialties

Expert Recommendations for Luxury & River Cruises

Expert Recommendations for Luxury & River Cruises

As owner of The Cruise Butler website, I’ve been in the travel business for almost 26 years, Plus, I worked in the hos...

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Reviews

42 Reviews
We've been using Steve now for about 15 years. Each trip we take we notice all the little things that Steve does that make it so great. He knows just what cabin to put you in based on your route. If disputes ever arise on the ship. he's back in Texas calling in favors and making things right. He is incredibly knowledgeable and seems to have been everywhere we go at least once.
Thomas Family -
My husband and I have recommended Steve to many friends. We have never met him but feel like he's the best there is. I could share many stories but I think this one will make you understand why he is a cut above the rest. We had been on several cruises he arrranged with great results - then we decided to try the Oasis of the Seas - we were a little overwhelmed because of the size but a week before we sailed Steve sent us a long email with everything you could imagine to make us feel like we knew the ship. He told us where to go for lunch on embarkment day to avoid the crowds, he told us about all the nooks and crannes that we shouldn't miss on the Ship during the cruise and he gave us great advice on reserving shows on the Ship - It was just like he knew our questions and answered them before we could ask them. We had a great time! No hiccups with luggage or Sea Excursions, we were well prepared travelers!
Sherrie -
We have used Steve's services for several years. He is always knowledgeable about places we are planning to go and always has recommendations about where to stay/eat, what to do, and how to get there that are right on! He knows where to go in foreign places and the best times to visit local attractions. We can't say enough about the help and service he has provided over the past several years.
Bill & Karen -

Certifications & Awards

Additional Certifications

  • Elite Cruise Counselor
  • Luxury Cruise Specialist
  • River Cruise Specialists On All Lines
  • Circle Of Excellence Winner
  • Regent Seven Seas Specialist

My Places

Abercrombie & Kent
AmaWaterways Cruises
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Avalon Waterways
Azamara Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Crystal Cruise Line
Cunard Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
GLOBUS Tours
Holland America Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Riviera Travel
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Seabourn Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Windstar