Meet CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison

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Meet CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison

We had a chat with Heidi Allison, travel industry veteran, avid traveler and serial entrepreneur with a flair for great ideas.

Heidi is co-founder of CruiseCompete, a platform that helps consumers connect with travel agents to get the best quote for their dream cruise.

QuirkyCruise: Tell us more about CruiseCompete.

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: CruiseCompete.com is a free and anonymous service that helps cruisers find the best prices for their cruise vacation.

Consumers simply submit a ship name and sail date with a few other pieces of relevant information. Then, more than 500 travel agencies vie to give you the lowest prices for dates, ports and ships you specify, whether you’re booking well in advance or at the last minute

Cruisers are notified by e-mail when new quotes are available, so you can view these quotes and contact the agencies directly to book your trips.

For people who need help choosing a cruise, a CruiseCompete member-agency offers Live Agent Help.

CruiseCompete LLC is an independent organization. We do not sell travel, and we’re not a travel agency or owned by a travel agency. We provide travel agents with a steady stream of easy-to-manage, highly qualified leads. Consumers do not pay anything to use CruiseCompete, while travel agencies pay us a fee based on the value of the travel they sell.

CruiseCompete helps cruisers find the best prices for their cruise vacation.

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QuirkyCruise: How exactly do I use the CruiseCompete platform?

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: Using CruiseCompete is quick and easy, and an excellent way to have independent travel agencies compete to offer you the best cruise deal.

Here are the steps, I’ll walk you through it:

1. Choose a cruise.

Use our Cruise Search, Virtual Cruise Advisor™, or browse by cruise line or Specials Category or use Live Agent Help.

2. Create an account.

Set-up a CruiseCompete account so you can request and receive quotes anonymously.

3. Request quotes.

Select the ship, sail date, passengers, and the number and type of cabins.

Here are the ships and lines to choose from, including many small-ship cruise lines with vessels under 300 passengers.

More than 500 travel agencies will immediately have everything they need to provide custom responses for your cruise.

4. Compare quotes.

When quotes are available, we will e-mail you a notification including a link to your account.

Keep in mind, there is no obligation to buy, and travel agents will not have your contact information unless you give it to them.

5. Contact agents.

You may contact travel agents by phone or e-mail for more information or to book your cruise.

VIDEO: Watch how CruiseCompete works HERE.

QuirkyCruise: Why use CruiseCompete and not book with a cruise line directly or with one trusted travel agent?

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: CruiseCompete is a platform that allows travelers to compare cruise prices and options from multiple cruise agencies and suppliers. It can be a valuable tool for many travelers. whether or not it’s the best choice for you depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Here are some great reasons to consider using Cruise Compete:

Price Comparison: CruiseCompete allows travelers to receive multiple quotes from different cruise agencies and suppliers, enabling them to compare prices and find the best deal. This can be particularly useful for budget-conscious travelers looking for the most cost-effective option.
Variety of Options: The CruiseCompete platform provides access to a wide range of cruise options, itineraries, and cruise lines. Travelers can explore a variety of choices in one place, potentially discovering cruise options they might not have considered otherwise.
Competition Benefits: When multiple cruise agencies compete for your business on CruiseCompete, you may receive additional perks, such as onboard credits, cabin upgrades, or other incentives that can enhance your cruise experience.
Time Savings: Rather than reaching out to multiple travel agents or cruise lines individually, CruiseCompete streamlines the process by allowing travelers to request quotes from several sources simultaneously, saving time and effort.
Access to Trusted & Experienced Travel Agents. Our experienced travel agent members provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring that you choose the right cruise for your needs and desires. Some agents have access to package deals that may include airfare, pre/post cruise accommodations and other elements. Finally, a trusted travel agent can act as your advocate and assist with problem resolution if issues arrive before or during your cruise.

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison and her husband Jeff. * Photo: Heidi Allison

QuirkyCruise: What do you appreciate about small-ship cruising?

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: I enjoy both small ship and larger ship cruises. When it comes to the smaller ones, I love the intimate and immersive travel experience small-ship cruises offer. Unlike larger cruise ships, small vessels provide a more personalized and authentic connection to the destinations visited.

With fewer passengers on board, it’s easier to forge meaningful interactions with fellow travelers and crew members, fostering a sense of community.

Further, small ships can access remote and less crowded ports, allowing me to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and enjoy a more tranquil and peaceful cruise experience.

Overall, small-ship cruising allows me to escape the crowds, embrace unique adventures, and savor the charm of each destination in a way that larger cruise ships simply cannot match.

CruiseCompete offers a good selection of small ships, river boats and expedition ships, listed HERE.

QuirkyCruise: What are your favorite kinds of small-ship cruises?

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many cruises, big and small, all over the world, with more than 60 cruise ship adventures under my belt, from Glacier Bay in Alaska to Antarctica, South America, the Far East and many more.

Of the various kinds of small ships, expedition cruises are my absolute passion. An explorer at heart, I crave uncharted territories and untouched corners of the world where few have ventured.

For instance, cruising in the beautiful highlands of Scotland where my father was born, or to small-ship cruise destinations like Norway and Alaska, to bask in the scenery and kayak through pristine fjords. I cherish priceless memories of sharing the beach with tame seals in the Galapagos Islands and snorkeling with sea turtles in the stunning waters of French Polynesia. Small-ship expedition cruising is about immersing yourself in the beauty and wonder of nature, and there’s something profoundly satisfying about that.

I also love ultra-luxury small-ship cruises as they ensure an intimate and tranquil atmosphere throughout the journey. It’s like having the entire ship as your own private oasis, and that level of exclusivity is something I greatly appreciate. From the spas to the dining venues, what truly distinguishes ultra-luxury small-ship cruises is the exceptional service. Crew members are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and ensuring that every moment of your voyage is flawlessly tailored to your preferences.

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison in the Galapagos Islands. * Photo: Heidi Allison

QuirkyCruise: What is your background in travel?

CruiseCompete Co-Founder Heidi Allison: I have worn many hats in the travel world, working in sales and marketing for American Express Group and Princess Cruises, and specializing in online marketing and e-commerce. I’ve been a consultant to the travel industry in various capacities and have also been involved in the start-up of numerous companies.

One of them is CruiseCompete, which I co-founded in 2003. I’m also editor-in-chief of our sister company, AllThingsCruise.com, where we review many of the cruises travelers can get quotes for on CruiseCompete. As a travel writer and editor, I belong to the Society of American Travel Writers, the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives, and the North American Travel Journalists Association.

Simply, my love of travel has made my career.