Sinead Lonergan
My expertise
I'm based in
Westmeath
By land or by sea, your perfect holiday starts here
Hello, I am Sinéad, your personal Travel Counsellor and Cruise Specialist, based in the Midlands and looking after clients across Ireland and beyond.
Cruising has been at the heart of my career for more than 25 years. Before becoming a Travel Counsellor, I spent 10 years working on board Royal Caribbean International ships at managerial level. I have now been running my own travel business with Travel Counsellors for over 11 years.
This experience gives me a genuine understanding of the cruise world, both behind the scenes and from the guest’s perspective. I know that there is no one cruise line, ship or itinerary that will suit everyone. My role is to listen, understand what is important to you and match you with the cruise that best suits your needs, interests and budget.
I work with cruise lines across the world and specialise in premium and luxury cruising, expedition voyages, solo cruising, family cruises and first time cruise holidays. Whether you are looking for a refined small ship experience, an adventure to one of the world’s most remote destinations, a fun filled family holiday or your very first sailing, I will guide you through every decision.
Choosing the right ship is just as important as choosing the destination. I will help you select the most suitable itinerary, cruise line, ship and cabin, while explaining what is included and what to expect on board. I can also arrange your flights, hotels, transfers, private tours and pre or post cruise stays, creating one seamless holiday from beginning to end.
For first time cruisers in particular, the amount of choice can feel overwhelming. I make the process straightforward, share honest and impartial advice and ensure you feel fully prepared before you travel. For experienced cruisers, I can introduce you to new cruise lines, ships and destinations that offer something different.
I regularly experience ships and cruise lines first hand, allowing me to provide current, practical advice based on genuine knowledge. With price parity across the cruise lines I work with, you receive the same great value alongside my personal service, experience and continued support.
While cruising is my greatest area of expertise, I also specialise in Lapland holidays, once in a lifetime trips and honeymoons, and I can arrange every aspect of foreign travel, from short breaks to complex tailor made itineraries.
I take the time to get to know you and what your perfect holiday looks like. I work around my clients, including evenings and weekends, and I am here to support you before, during and after you travel. You will also have the reassurance of Travel Counsellors 24 hour Duty Office support while you are away.
Whether you are dreaming of your first cruise or searching for your next extraordinary voyage, I would be delighted to help you navigate the world of travel.
Five Star Ocean Luxury with Food at its Heart
My honest, firsthand look Oceania Vista, where exceptional food meets five star ocean luxury
15 Sept 2026 7 min read
EXPLORA III: Where Luxury meets the Ocean
What if your next holiday could offer all the style, service and space of a five star resort, while taking you somewhere new each day ? EXPLORA III offers a completely different approach to ocean travel, created for those who appreicate the finer details and want to experience the world without compromising on comfort or luxury.
12 Sept 2026 9 min read
A 5 Star Family Stay at Nana Golden Beach
Over the Bank Holiday weekend I swapped everyday life for four nights of 5 star family luxury at Nana Golden Beach in Crete, and it quickly became one of the most impressive all inclusive resorts I have experienced.
18 Jun 2026 5 min read
Why book your Cruise with a Cruise Specialist ?
Cruising is one of the most exciting ways to see the world, but it is also one of the easiest holidays to get wrong if you are not guided properly. That is where a dedicated Cruise Specialist makes all the difference. With 10 years of experience working onboard Royal Caribbean ships in managerial roles, I bring genuine insider knowledge of how life at sea really works and what truly matters to gue
17 Feb 2026 5 min read
Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets
There is something truly magical about seeing Europe's Christmas Markets by River
17 Dec 2025 5 min read
48 Hours in Memphis
48 Hours in Memphis If you are planning a trip through the Southern States of the USA, Memphis makes a brilliant stop – whether as a stand-alone city break or as an add-on to a wider itinerary. Rich in music, history, and soul food, it’s a city that manages to feel both gritty and glamorous, modern yet deeply connected to its past. When people hear “Memphis,” most immediately associate it with E
25 Aug 2025 4 min read
My Music City Adventure
Nashville Getaway, A Music City Adventure Nashville, Tennessee, the beating heart of America’s music scene and a city that has been on my radar for a long time. On my recent trip, I discovered why it’s one of the most talked-about destinations in the Southern States. With an afternoon departure from Dublin (no red-eye airport chaos!), an 8-hour direct flight lands you right into Nashville in th
25 Aug 2025 4 min read
Explora I: A Journey Like No Other
Every now and then, a travel experience comes along that completely resets the bar. My recent time on board Explora I with Explora Journeys did just that. From the moment I stepped onto this elegant ship in Bari, I knew I was about to experience something entirely different. Not a cruise, but a journey. One that invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and truly connect with the ocean. This i
14 Jul 2025 3 min read
Little Girl, Big Adventure , Last minute Lanzarote Escape
A Little Girl, a Big Adventure: Our Last-Minute Lanzarote Escape By Lucy (age 10) Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t even see coming… This Bank Holiday, it was just me and Mum ~ a surprise adventure to Lanzarote! We booked it really last minute, and I couldn’t believe it when we pulled up to Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada. I loved the entrance and everything sparkled, from the mar
05 Jun 2025 2 min read
First Look: Norwegian Aqua – A New Wave of Cruising
One of the greatest joys of being a Cruise Specialist with Travel Counsellors is stepping aboard a brand-new ship and experiencing the innovation and excitement before it sets sail on its full commercial journey. In March 2025, I had the pleasure of joining a 4-day inaugural preview sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest vessel – Norwegian Aqua – and it truly exceeded all expectations. From th
03 Jun 2025 3 min read
Choosing the MSC Experience that's right for you ..
Choosing Your MSC Cruises Experience: Fantastica, Aurea, or Yacht Club? When planning a cruise with MSC, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which experience to choose. Each tier offers a unique blend of inclusions and comforts, so it really depends on your travel style. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide: Fantastica – Best for families and value-conscious travellers • F
26 May 2025 2 min read
Cruising into the Future ~ MSC World Europa
Cruising into the Future: My Familiarisation Trip on MSC World Europa In September 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to sail aboard MSC World Europa as part of a travel advisor familiarisation trip, and from the moment I stepped on board, I was absolutely blown away. As MSC Cruises first World-class ship, MSC World Europa is a bold leap into the future of cruising. She’s ultra-modern, eco-con
26 May 2025 3 min read
Icon of the Seas , through the eyes of a 9 year old ..
When Mam & Dad told me we were going on a Cruise around the Caribbean on the biggest cruise ship in the world I was obviously very very very excited. I’ve been very lucky to have been on cruise holidays before- so the question then is, If the biggest cruise ship in the world means it’s going to be the best cruise ship in the world too ?? It’s hard to describe how big the Icon is - but it is 2.5
19 Nov 2024 3 min read
An Ultra-Luxury Silversea Experience
Ultra-luxury cruises are one of the best ways to experience the world travelling in absolute comfort and style. Offering exceptional service and attention to detail, from fine dining to a high ratio of crew to guests, ultra-luxury cruise ships go all out to ensure that everything is taken care of from start to finish, and everything in between. Smaller in size than mainstream cruise liners, not o
01 Aug 2024 4 min read
River Cruising
River Cruising- River vs. Ocean What is a River Cruise? A holiday voyage on a river. The definition can also extend to more than rivers, however. Any inland water body, so lakes count too. Some of the more scenic river cruises may also briefly venture into open waters, where the river empties to the sea. The most noticeably difference between river and ocean cruising is the size of the vessel. R
15 Mar 2024 2 min read
Secrets Moxché
Secrets Moxche, Cancun Secrets Moxche, located in Playa del Carmen first opened its doors in April 2022 and has fast become one of the most sought-after resorts in Cancun. I felt extremely fortunate to have spent a week there in September on my first every Gold Travel Counsellors Trip. Located 5 miles north of downtown Playa del Carmen and 30 miles south of Cancun’s International Airport, it wi
09 Oct 2023 4 min read
The City Climb at the Edge, Hudson Yards , New York City
The City Climb at The Edge, Hudson Yards, New York City! I’ve always said it’s not possible to be bored in NYC – it certainly is the city that never sleeps and there is literally something for everybody there. For the adventurous brigade and thrill seekers among you – check out the City Climb at The Edge in the Hudson Yards area. Opened in 2019, it really offers a level of adventure, without th
19 Jan 2023 4 min read
November in New York.
November in New York The only thing cold about New York in November is the weather!! The atmosphere of course is always pretty electric, and the Thanksgiving buzz is really getting in full flight and the appearance of the Christmas decorations adds a further level of excitement to any visit at this time of year. Ireland is good at Christmas displays - but the tree at The Rockefeller Centre, th
24 Nov 2022 4 min read
Lucy's Search for Santa
AN ACTUAL TRIP OF A LIFETIME: How many times have we been planning a trip abroad to some place exotic and classified it in advance of being a trip of lifetime (probably as the basis for justifying the cost), only to return and start dreaming of a return trip?? Well!! Canterbury’s “Search for Santa” expedition to Lapland is a true once in a lifetime experience that should be enjoyed if the oppo
23 Jan 2022 3 min read
My First Cruise Post CoVid was EPIC .. Norwegian Epic
As a Cruise specialist, I was delighted to be invited by Norwegian Epic, to experience their Inaugural return to sea sailing on board Norwegian Epic. The sailing was in and out of Barcelona visiting Sardinia. This was my first overseas trip in 19 months and the fact that it was a Cruise and involved me crossing a gangway, had me very excited. That coupled with the fact that whilst I sell Norwegia
27 Oct 2021 5 min read
Discover the Galapagos with Celebrity Cruises
Named one of the Best New Cruise Ships & Itineraries in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2020, the state-of-the-art Celebrity Flora® is the first ship of its kind to have been designed and built specifically with the thrilling destination of the Galapagos islands in mind. Sailing these spectacular islands all year round, Flora® offers a choice of seven-night Inner Loop and Outer
18 May 2021 4 min read
Embrace nature in Grenada
After months of being cooped up inside, we’re all looking forward to getting out and exploring. Spending time in a natural environment is proven to enhance our mood and mental wellbeing, and where better to get in touch with nature than in an island paradise such as Grenada where you can lose yourself in a tropical landscape of majestic waterfalls and lush forests. The Waterfalls Straight from
17 May 2021 4 min read
Discover the Galapagos with Celebrity Cruises
Named one of the Best New Cruise Ships & Itineraries in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2020, the state-of-the-art Celebrity Flora® is the first ship of its kind to have been designed and built specifically with the thrilling destination of the Galapagos islands in mind. Sailing these spectacular islands all year round, Flora® offers a choice of seven-night Inner Loop and Outer Lo
17 May 2021 4 min read
6 of the Best Beaches in Australia
Dreaming of a getaway where sparkling oceans, sun-drenched coastlines and hours of blissful relaxation await? Then look no further than, Australia – a country that is essentially one beautiful coastline – and laze away your holiday on some of their most beautiful beaches. Bondi Beach, New South Wales Australia’s beach culture starts at Bondi. Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand welcomes locals
15 May 2021 4 min read
Lavish Pool Suites
Pool Suites are increasingly popular. Alongside the space and privacy that inevitably comes with a higher room category, having your own pool feels like the indulgence we all need at the moment. They’re the solution if you’re looking to keep your children entertained whilst giving you plenty of distance from other guests. Crete You’ll find no better choice of rooms with pools than throughout Gree
15 May 2021 4 min read
Which Caribbean Island is right for you ?
After spending 10 years sailing around the Caribbean , you would think I would have visited them all! Not a chance. With more than 7,000 islands scattered across an area reaching from the east coast of Florida to the northern tip of South America, this gorgeous archipelago is perfect for any holiday. I have chosen our favourite destinations around the Caribbean, whether you’re travelling with yo
14 May 2021 4 min read
Tenerife for me when the World starts to spin again
Tenerife for me when the world starts to spin again Following on from my last blog , I waned to delve deeper into my top 5 destinations and if I could travel anywhere right now it would be to Tenerife with my husband and daughter . We enjoyed 3 family holidays together in Tenerife and I would love to be holding 3 boarding passes for TFS Airport right now. This Canary Island boasts huge beach
06 May 2021 3 min read
How my passion for travel was my exhilarating education of life
The other day, I walked past some landscape paintings in my home and felt an urge to admire them. It made me think of my late aunty Lily from Ardee who painted them. We used to call her the family photographer, as she was the only one of us with a camera in the 80s. She was a retired matron, and we shared a bond through our love of beautiful landscapes. While working on a cruise ship for ten years
28 Apr 2021 4 min read
This past year in Travel
The past year, the travel industry has really been hit badly and I for one have had a pretty intense 12 months. Initially, my priority was getting my clients home and pushing departure dates for those due to travel in March in April out by a couple of months. However, as the year moved on and the severity of the pandemic became more apparent, the bookings that were for March/April and all subse
16 Mar 2021 4 min read
North to Alaska
Alaska is most famous for its miles and miles of untouched wilderness. Several of its famous sites are accessible only by boat or plane. So how do you experience this pristine wilderness with creature comforts??… On a Cruise Ship of course. An Alaska cruise is a trip that everyone should take at least once in their lives. I have been so fortunate to have taken this trip many times. The phenomena
26 Feb 2020 6 min read
Celebrity EDGE
Celebrity, the luxury brand of the Royal Caribbean line, launched their newest luxury cruise ship, Celebrity EDGE 6-months ago and it recently departed from Southampton on its inaugural European sailing, following a spectacular 2-day premiere event. The launch of the Celebrity EDGE cruise-ship has been heralded by Celebrity over the past few years as bringing cruising to the next level and I was l
07 Jun 2019 4 min read
December in New York City
It’s a reasonably long flight for a short stay but well worth it! It’s being a few a years since we visited together, but each time we go, you can’t help but falling a little more in love with the atmosphere of the whole place. It’s simply Impossible to be bored in New York. New York is an amazing place to visit during the holiday season. The festive window display tradition dates way back to
06 Feb 2019 5 min read
River Cruising - U by Uniworld
I was very much impressed with my first ever River Cruise & River Cruising in general. U by Uniworld are looking to capture the younger market with these River Cruises, River Cruises for Millennials. When I first arrived on board the A, I was obsessed with the décor. The design is modern, fun and the lighting is amazing. An Instagram heaven!! River Cruising is a simple way to see multiple cit
24 Sept 2018 4 min read
5 Star Family Resort
Martinhal in Portugal, a contemporary family resort. Situated in Sagres, Portugal, part of the Algarve which you probably haven’t been to before. It sits almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, roughly an hour’s drive from Faro Airport. It’s at the edge of a national park and has a rugged open feeling and the sorts of winds and waves that attract surfers and sailors from all around t
05 Oct 2017 4 min read
A Standing Ovation!
I did not have to be asked twice when I was invited to the launch and inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean's 3rd Quantum class ship “Ovation of the Seas” in Southampton earlier this year. Ovation is almost identical to her two sister ships – the Anthem & the Quantum - and the only Royal Caribbean class I had not experienced. So, I was particularly excited to see her. Safe to say, I was not dis
13 Nov 2016 4 min read
Idyllic Iceland
Iceland - particularly the Blue Lagoon has always been on my bucket list and this October I finally scratched that off! My sister and I took a three day trip to Reykjavik. We were able to have a well-rounded, full trip to Iceland in the span of just three days because the flight was less than two hours from the Dublin. I got to Reykjavik faster than I could have reached Cork. Reykjavik itself is a
13 Nov 2016 3 min read
Lanzarote
Taking our first family holiday with a 6 month old was always going to be a different experience. We travelled to the Sands Beach Resort. The resort was a 40 minute transfer from Arrecife Airport and situated in Costa Teguise which is a quieter and more family orientated area than the bustling Puerto del Carmen. It was just what we were looking for from a family holiday. I contacted the hotel p
03 Sept 2015 3 min read
Weekend in Paris
Our first Wedding Anniversary took us to the romantic city of Paris, where else? A 40 minute RERB train ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare du Nord station where we took a short taxi ride to Hotel Opera Cadet. We could also have got the Metro to within 100 metres of this hotel. This 4 star boutique hotel is located on a quiet pedestrian street and has excellent access to all major att
01 Sept 2015 3 min read
Caribbean Escape
This holiday started in the beautiful B Ocean Hotel on North Beach Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale (soon after renamed Sonesta Fort Lauderdale). We chose this modern multi-story hotel which fronts onto the beach and offers spectacular views of the early morning sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean… a sight we are certainly not used to! We really hit the jackpot with our corner room on the 4th floor – fr
01 Sept 2015 4 min read
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