Your Local Experts in Stress-Free Cruise Planning

Travel planning and cruising collage for Allied Travel, a Johnston-based agency serving Grimes, IA and Central Iowa — helping travelers plan unforgettable cruises in Grimes, IA

Cruising should be exciting, not overwhelming.

If you live in Grimes, you don’t have to figure it out alone — the local travel experts at Allied Travel are here to help.

We help you compare cruise lines, choose the right ship and itinerary, pick the best sailing window and cabin, and arrange the extras—flights, pre/post-stay hotels, transfers, and shore excursions.

We make planning your perfect cruise simple. You tell us where you’d love to go and what kind of experience you want — we’ll take care of the rest.

Here’s what we’ll handle for you:

  • Finding the right cruise line and itinerary that fit your travel style and budget

  • Booking flights from Des Moines and setting up hotels, transfers, and excursions

  • Sharing insider tips from real Iowa travel specialists who’ve been there themselves

We keep it friendly, personal, and pressure-free — so you can look forward to your trip, not stress over the details.

What’s Included in Our Cruise Planning Services

  • Choosing the Right Cruise Line & Ship

    Not all cruise lines offer the same vibe — and that’s part of the fun. Our Iowa-based advisors help you compare cruise lines and ships to match your travel style, budget, and dream destinations.

    Whether you want a family-friendly voyage, a luxury experience, or an adults-only escape, we’ll make sure you’re on the right ship from the start.

  • Smart Cabin Selection

    A good cabin can make your cruise unforgettable.We’ll help you find one that balances comfort, location, and value — whether it’s an affordable interior room, a mid-ship balcony with ocean views, or a suite for special occasions.

    No guessing, no stress — just clear guidance from experts who’ve cruised these ships themselves.

  • Itinerary & Port Guidance

    Every itinerary offers something different. We’ll walk you through the highlights of each port, share our favorite excursions, and help you find the right balance between adventure and relaxation.

    You’ll know what to expect long before you board, so you can make the most of every stop.

  • Extras Before or After Sailing

    Want to fly out a day early or unwind after you dock? We’ll arrange flights from Des Moines International Airport, coordinate hotels, transfers, and any pre- or post-cruise stays — all customized around your schedule and budget.

    Everything fits together seamlessly, so your trip starts and ends smoothly.

  • Group & Celebration Travel

    Cruises are perfect for milestones — birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, or even weddings at sea. Our team specializes in group coordination, from managing guest lists and cabins to arranging group dining and shore events.

    You focus on celebrating; we handle the details.

Ready to start planning your cruise? Talk with a local Grimes cruise specialist today — we’ll help you compare options, find the best value, and set sail with confidence.

Why It’s Smart to Plan Your Cruise Early

The best cruises don’t wait long — top cabins and routes often sell out months ahead.

Smiling couple planning cruises in Grimes, IA on a laptop at home, with coffee and luggage nearby — Allied Travel, a Johnston-based agency serving Central Iowa

By planning early, Grimes travelers get better prices, more options, and a smoother trip.

Start early, relax sooner, and enjoy the excitement of knowing your next adventure is already set to sail.

Planning a Cruise and Not Sure Where to Start?

No worries — Allied Travel has you covered. Our local team makes cruise planning simple, personal, and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cruises for Grimes & Central Iowa Travelers

If you’re dreaming about your next cruise, start planning early. Popular routes like Alaska and the Caribbean often sell out 6–12 months in advance.

Many of our clients from Grimes and Central Iowa book early to get the best cabins, pricing, and flight options from Des Moines — and to enjoy a more relaxed planning process.

Absolutely! From our Johnston office, we help travelers across Iowa handle every detail — from flights out of Des Moines International Airport to pre-cruise hotels and post-cruise stays.

You can start your vacation early and unwind after it ends, with everything arranged seamlessly.

No, we never charge a fee just to meet with you! Our consultations are always free and pressure-free.

You’ll pay the same or even less than booking direct — and you’ll have a real travel advisor in Johnston looking out for every detail.

It depends on what you’re after.

Families from Iowa often love Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line, while couples looking for something quieter may prefer Celebrity, Viking, or Holland America.

Our team has sailed with most major lines, so we’ll help match you with the perfect fit.

Definitely. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, a reunion, or a wedding at sea, we make group cruising easy.

From coordinating cabins and group dining to onboard celebrations, our advisors handle it all — so your trip feels like a getaway, not a spreadsheet.

Most of our clients fly from Des Moines to ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, or Seattle.

We’ll help plan your flights, transfers, and hotel stays so getting from Grimes or anywhere in Central Iowa to your cruise ship is simple and stress-free.

Yes — cruises often include your lodging, dining, and entertainment all in one price.

With our help finding promotions and upgrades, Iowa travelers often get more value from a cruise than from a traditional land vacation.

Ocean cruises cover large regions like the Caribbean, Europe, or Alaska, while river cruises offer a more intimate experience through cities like Budapest or Amsterdam.

We’ll help you decide which suits your travel goals — whether you want adventure or culture, or a bit of both.

Of course! That’s one of the best parts of working with a full-service agency.

We can pre-book shore excursions, private tours, or land extensions after your cruise. Whether you’re into wine tastings, beach days, or exploring historic cities, we’ll tailor it to you.

When you book through Allied Travel, you get real people who care about your trip — not a call center.

Our Johnston-based team proudly serves travelers from Grimes and all across Central Iowa.

If plans change or something unexpected comes up, we handle it for you quickly and personally. That’s the peace of mind no website can match.

READY TO BOOK THE PERFECT TRIP?

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

Meet With Us

“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

“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