Experience Beyond
Business Spotlight: Travel Cruise Desk
Written by Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer | Photos by Carly Carpenter
Explore the world and EXPERIENCE BEYOND™. Create a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience with Travel & Cruise Desk, Lake Oswego’s luxury travel service. Operating world-wide, Travel & Cruise Desk is able to provide any destination or travel experience imaginable. A network of trusted travel partners, both domestic and foreign, stand ready to assist along the way to ensure an EXPERIENCE that goes BEYOND™. Beyond all expectations. Beyond all dreams.
With the many booking choices available, why choose Travel & Cruise Desk? Longevity in the community. Experienced staff amongst the top in the industry. Attention to detail. In 1965, Julie Shipley established Julie’s Travel Desk, now Travel & Cruise Desk, an ideal business for Julie to employ her gifts of creativity, attention to detail, and desire to help others. Sandi Hanna, Julie’s daughter, joined Julie’s Team in 1972 and over the last forty years has played a major role in the development of the agency’s luxury travel services. Taking over the business in 2019, Jamie Anderson became a 3rd generation owner and subsequently changed the agency name to Travel & Cruise Desk, with the desire to reflect a more contemporary, luxury and upscale brand.
“We focus on once-in-a-lifetime style trips and want our client’s experience to go beyond their expectations,” as Jamie explains the EXPERIENCE BEYOND™ tagline. “But it also points to the fact that our staff is amongst the most experienced in the industry. I’m a lucky guy to have such a great team,” he acknowledges. “They really are amazing. Just take a look at the reviews they have online.” A journey with Travel & Cruise Desk begins with the Concierge who introduces clients to the agency, connects them with an Advisor and sees that they are taken care of throughout the booking process. Advisors collaborate with the client to “Inspire, Create and Enhance” every detail of the trip and develop an itinerary designed to surpass all expectations. Once on the journey, clients are never “alone.” Travel & Cruise Desk is there every step of the way. They are the client’s advocate and guide.
In the spirit of “giving back,” Travel & Cruise Desk donates 10 percent of all professional planning fees to Travel Elevates, a charity that leverages global travel partnerships and connects travelers to projects that will empower local communities around the world through education and economic growth. Additionally, Travel & Cruise Desk hosts an annual Trunk Show which showcases various partners, such as ocean cruise lines, river cruise lines, tour operators and package vacation suppliers. Free and open to the community, existing and potential clients can visit the office and talk directly with the partners about travel experiences and dream destinations. The event also serves as a fundraising platform for Hunger Fighters, a local nonprofit food pantry; attendees are encouraged (though not obligated) to make a donation.
To find out more about planning a trip that’s an EXPERIENCE BEYOND™ visit Travel & Cruise Desk or view their beautifully designed website travelcruisedesk.com. After all, who can resist a trip that exceeds all expectations?
