I am Cindi Sanden, and Awaken Travels is based in Soddy-Daisy, just north of Chattanooga. I plan ocean cruises, river cruises and expedition cruises. These are the questions I get asked most.
Why book a cruise with a travel agent?
I help you pick the right ship and cabin for how you travel, book your flights and a hotel the night before, and keep track of your payment dates. If something changes, you have one person to go to.
Ocean, river or expedition cruise?
Ocean ships have the most to do on board. River cruises are smaller, dock right in town, and a lot of them are in Europe. Expedition ships are small too and go to places like Alaska's smaller ports and Antarctica. I will tell you which one fits.
Where do cruises leave from if I live in Chattanooga?
Some people drive to New Orleans, Mobile or one of the Florida ports. For everything else you will fly, and I plan for you to arrive the day before the ship sails, so a late flight doesn't cost you the cruise.
When is the best time to cruise Alaska?
The season runs mid-May to mid-September. June and July are the warmest, with the longest days. May and September have fewer people.
Do you host cruises I can join?
Yes. Awaken Travels hosts small group cruises that anyone can join.
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Have you cruised yourself?
Yes. In 2026 I sailed Alaska's Inside Passage round trip from Seattle with my husband, my parents and my sister, and I have cruised to Mexico with my family too. I am also an Alaska Certified Expert (Gold).