About Us

How did you first become interested in the Cruise Industry?

I first became interested in cruising when I watched the "Love Boat" on TV in the 70's. When I was 14, my mother took me on a 2 night cruise out of New York City and I was officially hooked! I just knew my future career had to involve travel, and hopefully cruising. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Niagara University with a BS in Travel and Tourism. In 1993 I started working as a cruise agent in Orlando, FL and then relocated back to NY and shortly after. From 1996-2011, I called Atlanta home and made many wonderful personal and professional connections. I currently reside in the Buffalo area and look forward to helping new clients escape winter. I've been an Accredited Cruise Specialist since 1997, and in 2010 earned Master Cruise Counsellor certification. I look forward to many more exciting years!

How many cruises have you taken?

I've cruised 38 times and have inspected 9 additional ships. I have also toured and stayed at all inclusive resorts.

What do you like most about cruising?

It is a combination of factors which makes me a huge fan of cruising. I love being at sea and traveling to exotic ports of call. As a busy mom, I appreciate the opportunity to relax and have someone else do the cooking. Cruising is a great way to travel as an extended family. Also, I love the ammenities that the new ships offer such as great workout facilities, supper clubs, and enhanced children's programs.

Please list your areas of expertise.

Since I've been involved in the Cruise Industry since 1993, I have a lot of experience dealing with families, couples, corporate clients, seniors, and those seeking a luxury cruise or more exotic locations. I have extensive group experience also.

Please list all cruise ships you've been on.

I've sailed on the following Carnival ships: Holiday, Fantasy, Fascination, Imagination, Victory, Elation, Paradise, Sensation, Spirit, Glory, Liberty, Miracle, and Dream. In addition, I've cruised on the Norwegian Epic, Dream and Sun, the Star and Ruby Princess, Holland America's Oosterdam and Zuiderdam, Celebrity's Silhouette, Century and Mercury, and the Disney Wonder. In 2006, I sailed aboard the Costa Mediterranea and Costa Magica. I've experienced the Royal Caribbean's "Voyager Class" and "Freedom Class" by sailing aboard the Navigator of the Seas and the Freedom on the Seas. I was recently "wowed" by the Allure of the Seas. I've cruised on the following ships that are no longer in service: Galileo, Oceanic, Atlantic, Regent Rainbow, Tropicale and the Song of America.

Please list all of the desinations you have visited by land or sea.

I have cruised to Freeport, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Castaway Cay, Bermuda, St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, Grand Turk, St. John, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Ocho Rios, Costa Maya, Calica, Roatan, Belize, Key West, and the Dominican Republic, Barcelona, Cannes, Monaco, Florence, Pisa, and Rome. I've done an Alaska Land Tour which included Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Alyeska. I have also experienced Sandal's resort in Nassau. Other trips have included Taiwan, Poland, and Latvia.

What is your favorite cruise desination and why?

My favorite cruise destination used to be Bermuda. I loved the pink sand beaches and turquoise waters. Also, I like that the ship spent a few days there so we could truly explore the island. A lot of people forget about Bermuda as it's seasonal and not in the Caribbean. I also enjoyed the new port of Grand Turk. My new favorite cruise destination is Europe! A cruise allows you to experience several cities with only having to pack and unpack once. Also, it's a better deal when compared to a land based vacation due to the strong Euro.

What is your favorite cruise line and why?

I like different cruise lines for various reasons. I like Carnival for fun, value, and families. They've improved so much over the years. For a more sophisticated experience, I'm a big fan of Princess and Celebrity. Princess has one of the best restaurants at sea, Sabatini's. Also, their new ships are quite innovative. I had a great time aboard the Costa Magica. I loved the Mediterranean food and lively entertainment at night. Royal Caribbean has all the "bells and whistles" at sea! In November 2011, I fell in love with the Celebrity Silhouette. It was the perfect combination of relaxation and fun.

What is your best cruise memory and why?

I have so many great cruise memories which revolve around traveling with those I love. I really enjoyed our honeymoon cruise to Bermuda. I've introduced my kids to cruising and we have fond memories of taking the Grandmas with us too! In 2007, I had the opportunity to escort a fantastic group, Four Seasons, aboard the Carnival Liberty. In recent years, I've participated in 2 "music charter" cruises. Also, I've experienced a lot of fun at sea with my associates.

Please tell me a little about yourself, your family, and your interests.

My hobbies include travel, fine dining, reading, working out, and socializing with friends and family.

I am fortunate to love what I do for a living. Also, I enjoy working from home and have flexible hours. It's not unusual to catch me at my desk in the evening or on the weekends. I like to get to really know my clients so I can find the cruise that best suits their needs.

Kim Weakland

(800) 715-9966

E-Mail icruise@bellsouth.net