New Expedia cruise, travel agency opens in Boca

There’s even a porthole in the wall at the new Expedia CruiseShipCenters location in the Shoppes of Blue Lake in Boca Raton.

But this isn’t just a travel agency for cruisers. Jose Arosemena opened the office on May 17 and wants his agency to be the go-to place for anyone planning a trip.

“We want to help navigate so many options,” he said. “It’s very complex and 80 percent of cruisers book through a travel agent. We also guide first-time cruisers and give our customers tips they may not take into account like the disembarking process.”

His vacation specialists can make arrangements for the big ships to smaller luxury ships with gourmet food and more personalized services. River cruises through Europe and especially Asia are hot right now, and destinations range from the Caribbean and Alaska to safaris, he said.