Pat Byrne

Expert Bio

    I have been in the travel industry since 1990 after changing careers from a college administrator.   It was finally time to do what I had studied in school and loved since the early 1980’s.  I am a Virtuoso accredited agent providing clients with exclusive upgrades and amenities with Virtuoso preferred resorts, hotels and cruise lines and a Crystal Cruise LBD Specialist.  In addition, I hold certifications from Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cayman Islands, Pleasant Holidays and am a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.  
    To ensure that my clients receive the most up to date information and knowledge I regularly attend trade shows and personally inspect cruise ships, hotels and destinations. 
    My favorite destinations are Alaska and Italy.  My family loves Alaska, the ultimate outdoor destination; the fishing, rafting, and beauty are unmatched.  When cruising through the inside passage the beauty of witnessing the sun gliding across the water at 1:00am changing the sky into a golden painted twilight before rising to full daylight a half hour later is breathtaking.

Recent Trips

Italian Riviera Cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony: 

    Upon arriving in Rome we checked into lovely Regina Baglioni Hotel on the Via Venetto.  We spent our time in Rome going to museums, eating at sidewalk cafes.  The highlight was a private car tour at night.  The city is so alive and the local people love showing you their city.  We witnessed a wedding proposal at Trevi Fountain and then happily snapped their picture for them.  The view from atop the seven hills at night was beautiful.  
    After leaving Rome we traveled by car to the port to board our ship the Crystal Symphony.  She is the perfect size for visiting the ports of Italy.  Our veranda stateroom was spacious, the service, cuisine and entertainment was outstanding.     
    Our first port of call was Portofino, Italy – this is how you image a Mediterranean town; colorful homes with shutters, small fishing boats, a main square with an outdoor café for that refreshing glass of wine and a gelato.  That night it was off to Monte Carlo for a view of the jet set and the world famous Monte Carlo Casino.  We later cruised to Florence where we toured the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia to view Michelangelo’s the David and of course shop for leather goods. 
    Later it was off to Sorrento and the ruins of Pompeii.  It has hard to image that so much is still visible in Pompeii.  The frescos are still visible on the walls, the tile work on the floors, the actual streets you walk the original stone.  Later, we took in the shopping (inlaid wood products) and nightlife of Sorrento.  The following morning it was off to the Isle of Capri by hydrofoil.  If you are looking for leather sandals, then look no further with hundreds of pairs to choose from.  After a relaxing day at sea to enjoy the ship and spa it was time to come home.  
    Italy is such a wonderful place with friendly people I hope to return very soon!