Your Local Cruise Experts in Ames, IA

Three-panel Allied Travel image showing the planning, travel, and cruise experience for Cruises in Ames, IA, including a planning desk setup, travelers walking through an airport, and a cruise ship at sea

Planning a cruise should be simple.

If you’re in Ames, Allied Travel can help you compare cruise lines, choose the right ship and itinerary, and find the cabin that fits your needs.

We also take care of flights from DSM, hotels, transfers, and excursions — so every part of your trip is covered.

What we handle:

  • Selecting the cruise line, ship, and itinerary that best fits your travel style

  • Booking flights from Des Moines, plus hotels, transfers, and excursions

  • Sharing practical insight from Iowa travel specialists with real cruise experience

Easy, organized, and stress-free — so you can simply look forward to your vacation.

Let’s Start Planning Today

What’s Included in Our Cruise Planning Services

  • Choosing the Right Cruise Line & Ship

    Instead of comparing cruise options on your own, we walk you through the differences in cruise lines, ship styles, and onboard experiences.

    This makes it easier to choose the option that fits your travel style, destination goals, and budget.

  • Smart Cabin Selection

    Cabin categories can be confusing, so we help you understand the pros and cons of each — from interior rooms and balcony cabins to suites — and recommend the best fit based on comfort, location, and value.

  • Itinerary & Port Guidance

    Every cruise itinerary offers something different. We break down the highlights of each port, share recommended excursions, and help you choose routes that balance adventure and relaxation.

  • Before & After Travel Arrangements

    We coordinate DSM flights, hotels, transfers, and pre/post-cruise stays, making sure your entire trip — not just the cruise — runs smoothly.

  • Group & Celebration Travel

    For reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings at sea, we manage group cabins, dining, and excursions so everyone stays organized and stress-free.

Wherever you’re traveling from in Ames, Allied Travel is here to help you plan the perfect cruise.

Why It’s Smart to Plan Your Cruise Early

Popular cruises, ships, and cabin categories often sell out months in advance.

Planning early gives Ames travelers access to better prices, more itinerary choices, and the cabins that fill up fastest — like balconies, mid-ship rooms, and suites.

Couple planning a vacation on a laptop while reviewing cruise brochures at home, shown in a promotional image for Allied Travel’s Cruises in Ames, IA

When you start early, you also get first pick on excursions, dining times, and specialty experiences that book quickly. Everything becomes smoother, easier, and more predictable.

Early planning means fewer compromises — and a much better cruise.

Planning a Cruise and Not Sure Where to Start?

You’re not alone. Allied Travel can explain your options, guide you through the details, and make sure you feel prepared and comfortable with every decision.

READY TO BOOK THE PERFECT TRIP?

We never charge you a fee just to meet with us!

Meet With Us

Meet Kim White — Leisure Navigator

With over 15 years in the travel industry, including 10 years with Allied Travel, Kim White helps travelers in Ames and nearby communities feel more confident about the cruise they’re booking.

If you’re trying to compare ships, cabin types, or itineraries and want help making sense of it all, Kim helps you look at the details that matter so you can choose a cruise that fits your trip, your budget, and your expectations.

She also helps with the pieces around the cruise, like flights, hotel stays, transfers, and excursions, so everything feels more connected and easier to manage before you leave.

“Cruise planning is a lot less stressful when you know you’re choosing something that truly fits what you want.”
— Kim White

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Real Stories from Our Happy Travelers

“My husband and I were connected to Allied Travel through a friend and we could not have been happier we did. Outside of booking our own flight, they helped us find our hotels and activities while in Hawaii for our honeymoon. When one hotel put us in a different room than what we paid for, Allied Travel was on top of it and had the situation worked out within an hour…at 11 pm CST. Not being someone that enjoys trip planning, we will absolutely utilize their services for future trips!”

Andrea W. via Facebook

“Just returned from a trip to London & Paris that Allied Travel helped us plan. They arranged flights, hotels and train links. Their travel specialist was very accommodating and was happy to help us keep searching till we found the hotels we wanted. These ended up being nicer than we expected. This is the second time we have used Allied Travel to help us arrange a trip to Europe. We plan on using them again for future overseas trips.”

Mike F. via Google

“Our wedding was perfect! We had around 40 family and friends at our wedding in Cancun. That was a lot of coordinating! Thankfully Allied Travel took all of the stress and worry off of our plates! They really allowed us the opportunity to enjoy our wedding and our honeymoon at another resort! The hardest part will be deciding where we want to go next! Allied Travel will do all of our resort and vacation planning from here on out! Thank you again!! 5 Stars, A+, 10/10, truly the highest praised rating available!”

Brandon B. via Facebook

Cruise Planning FAQs for Ames, IA Travelers

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What cruise planning services does Allied Travel offer for Ames travelers?

Allied Travel helps Ames travelers plan cruise vacations from the initial research stage through final booking and travel preparation.

Cruise planning services may include:

  • Cruise line recommendations
  • Cabin selection assistance
  • Itinerary comparisons
  • Flight coordination
  • Shore excursion planning
  • Travel protection options

Having professional guidance can help simplify the planning process and make cruise options easier to compare.

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How does Allied Travel help Ames travelers choose the right cruise line and ship?

Allied Travel helps Ames travelers compare cruise lines and ships based on their vacation goals, travel style, and budget.

Factors often considered include:

  • Ship size
  • Onboard activities
  • Dining options
  • Entertainment offerings
  • Destination itineraries

This helps travelers choose a cruise experience that fits their expectations instead of selecting a sailing based solely on price.

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Can Allied Travel help Ames travelers choose the right cruise cabin?

Yes. Allied Travel helps Ames travelers understand the differences between cabin categories before booking.

Options may include:

  • Interior cabins
  • Ocean view cabins
  • Balcony cabins
  • Suite accommodations

Choosing the right cabin can affect comfort, views, location onboard, and overall vacation experience, making cabin selection an important part of cruise planning.

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Can Allied Travel coordinate flights from Des Moines International Airport for a cruise?

Yes. Many Ames travelers begin their cruise vacations by flying from Des Moines International Airport to their departure port.

Travel coordination may include:

  • Flight planning
  • Cruise embarkation scheduling
  • Pre-cruise hotel arrangements
  • Transportation recommendations

Coordinating flights and cruise schedules together can help reduce travel stress and improve overall trip organization.

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How far in advance should Ames travelers book a cruise?

Booking timelines vary, but many Ames travelers benefit from planning their cruise several months in advance.

Early booking may provide access to:

  • Preferred cabin selections
  • Better sailing availability
  • More itinerary choices
  • Promotional offers
  • Group booking opportunities

Planning ahead is especially important for holiday sailings, popular destinations, and cruises that coincide with school breaks or peak travel seasons.

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What cruise destinations are popular for Ames and Iowa travelers?

Allied Travel helps Ames travelers explore cruise destinations around the world, from tropical escapes to scenic cultural journeys.

Popular cruise destinations may include:

  • The Caribbean
  • Alaska
  • Europe
  • The Mediterranean
  • Hawaii
  • River cruise destinations

The right destination often depends on travel interests, preferred climate, budget, and the type of experiences travelers want during their vacation.

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Can Allied Travel help with shore excursions and port activities?

Yes. Allied Travel helps Ames travelers understand available shore excursions and activities offered at cruise destinations.

Excursion options may include:

  • Sightseeing tours
  • Cultural experiences
  • Wildlife encounters
  • Adventure activities
  • Beach excursions

Reviewing excursion opportunities before departure can help travelers make the most of their time in each port of call.

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Does Allied Travel help plan group cruises or celebration cruises?

Yes. Allied Travel helps Ames travelers coordinate group cruises for special occasions, family gatherings, and organized travel groups.

Group cruise planning may include:

  • Coordinating multiple cabins
  • Managing traveler information
  • Comparing sailing options
  • Organizing travel logistics
  • Assisting with group arrangements

Cruises are often a popular choice for milestone celebrations because they combine accommodations, dining, entertainment, and destinations into one vacation experience.

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Why should I use Allied Travel instead of booking a cruise online?

Many Ames travelers choose Allied Travel because cruise vacations often involve multiple decisions that go beyond selecting a sailing date.

Allied Travel can help travelers:

  • Compare cruise lines
  • Evaluate cabin options
  • Review itineraries
  • Coordinate flights
  • Understand travel requirements

Having a knowledgeable travel advisor can help travelers make informed decisions and avoid common planning mistakes.

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How do Ames travelers get started with cruise planning through Allied Travel?

Getting started is simple. Ames travelers can contact Allied Travel to discuss their cruise interests, travel dates, destination preferences, and budget.

The planning process often includes:

  • An initial consultation
  • Cruise line comparisons
  • Itinerary recommendations
  • Cabin selection guidance
  • Travel coordination

Whether planning a first cruise or a return voyage, Allied Travel helps travelers move from research to a well-organized cruise vacation.