The Aliso Viejo Chamber’s November Member of the Month nomination goes to Cruise Planners (ReadytoVacay.com)! In light of the award, we reached out to Co-Owner Mark McCready to discuss the business’s background and specialties, which he runs alongside his wife.
At Cruise Planners, travel isn’t just a service – it’s a deep passion held by Mark and his wife that serves their customers well time and time again. Thanks to their extensive travel across the globe, the duo’s destination knowledge is unmatched. With the realization that travel was central to their lives, they started Cruise Planners to offer group travel for both personal and corporate clients. Their team specializes in custom-built tours, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises for family reunions, wedding parties, sales meetings, and more.
Learn more about how Cruise Planners started, where it is now, and what their recent nomination means to their team:
Mark, how long have you been working in the cruise planning industry?
I purchased my agency about two years ago as a second career. My background is in automotive and e-commerce, having recently been a VP of Market Planning for a firm up in El Segundo. After a serious illness, I decided to change things up and work in a field I’m passionate about. Being a travel agent might be new to me, but being a traveler isn’t. My wife and I have spent the last 20 years traveling the world, and have taken countless cruises and trips.
Tell us about your client experience.
I like to ask plenty of questions during my initial interview. I feel it’s important to know who the vacation is for (child, grand parent, etc.). It really helps in crafting the right experience. I also ask about previous vacations and what they liked and didn’t like about them so I know what type of activities to include. Of course, budget is important, and so is timing.
This is where my experience as a traveler kicks in. Going someplace at the right time of year can make the experience more enjoyable and less expensive. There are certain ways to make the most of a vacation experience – and I help my customers figure out how to make it as memorable as can be.
What quick tips do you have for Aliso families planning a cruise?
As far as cruises go, people either love them or loathe them. There’s typically no in between. I recommend going on a short, easy one to see if cruising is for you.
Royal Caribbean has a ship sailing from the Port of L.A. year round now that runs three, four, and seven-day itineraries to Mexico. This is a great way to experience a cruise that fits the whole family – kids, parents, and even grandparents. Cruising is also great for groups, so I often see customers invite friends and family to make the experience one for the books.
What do you enjoy about working within the Aliso Viejo community?
The people in Aliso Viejo are very genuine, and have a real passion for their community. They want their local businesses to succeed and to keep this neighborhood as one of the best places to live in California.
How do you and Cruise Planners get involved with the local community?
I serve on the board of directors for our Aliso Viejo Kiwanis Club. The club’s mission is to serve in ways that change children’s lives. We have many fundraisers in order to raise money to help local organizations like the Boys and Girls club.
How has being an Aliso Viejo Chamber member helped your business?
I’ve met many new business owners while attending the Aliso Viejo Chamber’s events. You need to actively participate to get the benefits of membership. The other members may be future clients, but if they know you – they can recommend you to their friends and family. They are also successful business owners who are more than happy to help you in any way. There’s really a wealth of knowledge at your disposal if needed, and that’s the point of being in a chamber – to expand and grow your business.
Congratulations again to Mark McCready and Cruise Planners for the November Member of the Month nomination! Visit the Cruise Planners website and Mark’s profile to browse his services and plan out your unbeatable vacation experience.
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We hope that you will join us as we work together to promote and serve our community. There are so many benefits for members!