Cruising Europe: A Taste of the Good Life
(27 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Kelli Benitez
Livermore, CA
Groups & Family Vacation & Cruise Specialist
My love for travel began more than 20 years ago on my first cruise, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since. From family adventures to exploring the natural beauty of America, I’ve always been captivated by the way travel brings people togeth...
My love for travel began more than 20 years ago on my first cruise, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since. From family adventures to exploring the natural beauty of America, I’ve always been captivated by the way travel brings people together and creates lifelong memories.
What started as planning a memorable family trip to Disney World turned into a passion for helping others experience travel in a meaningful way. That’s when I turned my love for travel into a career.
As a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Leisure Specialist, I specialize in creating personalized group travel experiences, from intimate gatherings to larger corporate retreats and special celebrations. Whether it’s planning a family reunion, crafting a custom European itinerary, or coordinating river or ocean cruises for specialty groups, my goal is to design journeys that reflect your unique vision. I work closely with you to bring your story to life.
With Destination Specialist Certificates for Hawaii, Alaska, and Italy, I enjoy helping clients discover the magic of Hawaii, rugged beauty of Alaska, and introducing them to the beauty of Europe through Italy.
I also offer expertise in cruising with top brands like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and AmaWaterways. Whether you’re exploring the Pacific, the Mediterranean, or the rivers of Europe, I’ll help you find the perfect cruise experience for your interests.
What drives me is the ability to turn travel dreams into reality—to create experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful. My goal is to craft journeys that spark wonder, enrich lives, and create memories that last long after you’ve returned home.
Let’s make your next adventure one to remember. Where will your next wonder be?
Can Be Reached At
1-925-997-8699
Beautiful Santorini & the love of my life!
Last July, I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, and what a journey it was—from Ravenna, Italy to the sun-kissed shores of Athens, Santorini, Montenegro, and Croatia. As a travel advisor, I always say there’s no better way to sample multiple countries in one trip than by cruise—but this one? It was personal.
It was unforgettable.Santorini stole my heart. Sailing into port with the cliffside villages perched high above the sea was breathtaking—truly like sailing into a dream. The iconic blue domes of Oia, the cobbled paths, the friendly locals, and the sunset… oh, that sunset. I stood there, wine in hand, watching the sky transform into hues of gold, pink, and lavender, and I knew this moment would live in my heart forever.
In Croatia, we kicked off our day like locals—swimming at a small beach, laughing in the sunshine, and walking back into town along a path lined with ancient architecture and a gleaming marina filled with luxury yachts. That afternoon, we celebrated my husband’s birthday at a charming wine bar. No itinerary, no rush—just incredible food, great wine, and time to soak in the beauty around us. It was one of those magical afternoons where you don’t just visit a place—you feel it.
Back onboard, Explorer of the Seas was the perfect size—big enough to offer plenty of dining and entertainment, but small enough to feel relaxed and never overwhelming. I tried Izumi for the first time, and let’s just say it won’t be the last. I’ll be seeking it out on every Royal Caribbean ship I sail on from now on—that good. And each morning, I’d find myself out on deck, coffee in hand, soaking in views that felt too perfect to be real.
If I could change one thing? I’d want travelers to know that Ravenna isn’t the easiest port to reach—it’s a good distance from Venice, and not the most convenient embarkation city. But once we were onboard and sailing, it was pure magic.
This trip was a teaser. It gave me a taste of places I now can’t wait to return to—especially Greece and Croatia. That’s the beauty of cruising: it lets you dip your toes into multiple cultures, cuisines, and landscapes in one seamless journey. And Europe? It reminded me that life doesn’t always have to move so fast. Over there, they savor food, laughter, sunsets, and time with loved ones in a way that’s beautifully contagious.
I can’t wait to go back—and I’d love to help you discover your own version of this dream trip.