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Karen Malone
Karen Malone

Karen Malone

Victoria, MN Travel Agent

Travel Leaders

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

Worldwide Luxury Travel Expert

My interests are many but one of my first loves in traveling is cruising. I have been on more than 40 cruises all over the world including river cruising and trans-Atlantic crossing. I hold two certificates with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), both the Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) and the Master Cruise Counselor (MCC). I have also completed the Princess Cruise Line and Cunard Cruise Line specialist programs achieving the rank of Commodore in both. Cruise lines I have sailed on include: Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian, Regent, Orient, Viking River, Windstar Cruises, Majestic (American Queen). And on these lines I have enjoyed, the Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal, South America, Alaska, Mediterranean, Baltic, Amstel River and the mighty Mississippi to name a few. My interest in travel doesn’t stop there. I have traveled all over Europe and especially enjoyed rail travel from Paris to Venice. From Iceland to Italy and destinations in between, I can’t say there is a place I wouldn’t recommend! I have also traveled to all four major islands in Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Of all the beaches I have visited around the world I think Hawaii holds the prettiest. And of course, no passport is required! Another travel favorite would be Asia. My first trip to Singapore left me wanting more. I have since returned to Beijing and Hong Kong. Most recently I traveled to Bangkok and Chaing Mai. In Chaing Mai I had the opportunity to visit the elephant camp featured on Animal Planet and see the little elephant, Hang. She creates her own unguided art and has won international acclaim as an artist! For history, art, and value for your dollar, you can’t beat the Asian destinations. I entered this profession with a passion for travel and would enjoy being your personal travel fairy making your travel dreams come true!

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Australia
Italy
Hawaii
On the River, Rhine River
Ireland
On the River, Danube
French Polynesia, Tahiti
Hawaii, Oahu Island
Greece
Fiji
On the River, Moselle River
Hawaii, Maui Island
On the River
France
Germany
French Polynesia, Bora Bora
Hawaii, Kauai Island
England, London
Hawaii, Hawaii Island

Interests:

Escorted Tours
Family Vacations
Luxury Cruises
River Cruises
Arts & Culture
Beach Vacations
Luxury
Small Ship Cruises
Adult Only
Cruises
Celebration Travel
Christmas Markets
European Culture
Couples & Romance
Culinary & Foodie
Luxury Hotels

Suppliers:

Avalon Waterways
Delta Vacations
Globus
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Alexander & Roberts
AmaWaterways
Funjet Vacations
Monograms
Oceania Cruises
Viking
Classic Vacations
Holland America Line
Hurtigruten
Princess Cruises®
Celebrity Cruises
CIE Tours
Tauck
Travel Answers

My Travel Specialties

Back to All Specialties
Upscale Experiences on board a River Cruise

AmaMagna Passau, Germany AmaMagna

Upscale Experiences on board a River Cruise

<p>River cruising offers a unique and enjoyable way to explore different destinations, especially in Europe.</p>
<p><strong>These are some reasons you may want to consider a RIVER CRUISE:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Unique routes with breathtaking views you might not see on a traditional ocean cruise or land-based tour</li>
<li>River cruise ships are smaller and more intimate accommodating a two hundred or less</li>
<li>River cruises often dock right in the heart of cities and towns, giving you convenient access to top attractions and cultural sites</li>
<li>Cultural immersion unlike any other type of travel</li>
<li>All-Inclusive Experience: Almost all river cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, where your meals, accommodations, and selected excursions are included in the price. This simplifies your travel planning and budgeting, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about additional costs.</li>
<li>Explore multiple destinations in a single trip, each itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the region</li>
<li>Comfortable and well-appointed cabins, many have a with a scenic view from private balconies</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The Rivers I have sailed: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The <strong>Amstel River</strong> is located in the Netherlands is a smaller river known for its historic bridges and picturesque scenery.</li>
<li>The <strong>Rhine River</strong> is a major river in Europe that flows through several countries. While sailing you will see historic castles, vineyards and MORE</li>
<li>The <strong>Danube River</strong> is the second longest river in Europe that flows through several countries offering stunning landscapes and attractions.</li>
<li>The <strong>Moselle River</strong> is famous for its picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and medieval castles.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>My River Cruise Line Experience:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Viking River Cruises</strong> offers luxurious river cruises with comfortable accommodations and guided shore excursions.</li>
<li><strong>Avalon Waterways</strong> is known for their spacious cabins with innovative designs, including cabins with beds facing a 12-foot glass cabin French balcony.</li>
<li><strong>Emerald Waterways</strong> provides modern and stylish ships with comfortable amenities and inclusive shore excursions.</li>
<li>The AMA Magna pictured below is large enough to include a swimming pool with a swim-up bar.  She is the larges riverboat and can only fit through the locks on the Danube!</li>
</ul>
<p>River cruising combines the comforts of a floating hotel with the opportunity to explore diverse destinations, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a unique and immersive vacation experience. </p>

Other Specialties

Exploring Luxuries of Europe

Traveling through Europe can be complex but I am here to help. Together we will ...

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Unique Worldwide Experiences at Sea

Cruising is my passion. i have been on over 45 different cruises  all over the ...

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Cruise and Tour Specialist

My interests are many but one of my first loves in traveling is cruising. I have...

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Aloha Spirit

Hawaii … what’s not to love! I have personally had the opportunity to visit ...

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South Pacific Luxury Experiences

One of my favorite parts of the world is the South Pacific.. I have been to the...

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Reviews

46 Reviews
Karen has been very professional, helpful and eager to share information about all our vacation destinations. She makes sure all bases are covered and all travel documents are in order. She always answers all our questions and we seem to have a lot. I would encourage anyone to stop in and visit with her for any travel questions or ideas. Karen has helped us with Viking Cruises, Globus Bus tours and other trips.
WBSB - Europe
Our trip to SouthEast Asia was a beautiful and memorable experience due to the time and effort that went into the planning by Karen Malone. She was incredibly helpful. Her professionalism and expertise is unsurpassed! Also, she’s just such a wonderful lady as well!
CynRae - Southeast Asia ~ East and Southeast Asia
Very helpful, good attitude. She did a great job on our Alaska trip! I would <br/>not hesitate to use Karen again or refer a friend to her. We had a wonderful<br/>time with no worries, she had everything covered.
Jeanne - Fairbanks ~ Alaska ~ USA

Certifications & Awards

AMA Academy
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
NCL University - Master's Degree
NCL University - Master's Degree
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
TRACKS (Rocky Mountaineer Specialist)
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist

Additional Certifications

  • Master Cruise Counselor - CLIA
  • ACC Accredited Cruise Counselor
  • Hawaii Destination Specialist
  • SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate
  • MCC Master Cruise Counselor

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