Panache Cruises

Panache Cruises, a specialist agency in luxury and ultra-luxury cruises

Panache Cruises is a travel agency founded in 2020 by James Cole, a well-known figure in the cruise industry. The company presents itself as a global specialist in luxury and ultra-luxury cruises, with a focus on personalized service and creating tailor-made vacations. Its founding motto, "nothing is too much trouble," still guides its operations today.

The agency serves clients at different stages of their journey, from those exploring options to repeat members of the Founders program looking for their next cruise. Its offering includes expert advice, financial protection, and exclusive benefits.

Personalized advisory service

The Panache Cruises team is made up of the so-called "Cruise Connoisseurs," advisors with extensive travel experience and specialists in different destinations or types of cruise. According to the company, each advisor has an average of around ten years of experience, together totaling more than one hundred years in the industry.

Each client is assigned a single advisor, who gets to know their preferences and makes personalized recommendations. The service covers everything from the first contact to the return home, with the goal of ensuring a travel experience tailored to each person.

Founders loyalty program

Panache Cruises offers a rewards program called Founders, which provides exclusive benefits and discounts to those who book luxury cruises with the agency. Members earn points that can be redeemed as cash value for future bookings; according to the site, 10,000 points equal $100.

The program is structured in tiers ranging from Bronze to Platinum. Among the benefits mentioned are free giveaways as members move up tiers, invitations to cruises organized by the agency itself, exclusive email offers, VIP access to events and ship visits, and direct contact with the founder and management team. In addition, clients can earn extra points by referring friends.

The agency also organizes Founders cruises hosted by James Cole, which foster a sense of community among passengers, with shared activities such as meals, excursions, and evenings.

Financial protection and price guarantee

Panache Cruises is licensed to sell travel products in the United States and uses a trust account where client funds are deposited until the cruises are paid for. In the event of insolvency, according to the company, the amounts paid would be fully refunded.

The agency offers a 100% price guarantee, committing not to be beaten on price. It also states that clients can save up to $2,000 exclusively, in addition to obtaining onboard credits, free private tours, and other benefits.

Experience and industry collaborations

The Panache Cruises team takes familiarization trips on luxury and ultra-luxury cruises, both ocean and river and expedition, to gain first-hand knowledge of the products it offers. The agency collaborates with industry ambassadors, including Rich and Helen (known as Visit With Us), Gary Buchanan, Sue Stockdale, and Jenni Fielding (Cruise Mummy). These collaborations allow sharing experiences aboard ships such as Explora Journeys, Emerald Azzurra, Le Commandant Charcot, Silver Nova, Celebrity Edge, among others.

The company has received several recognitions, such as Best Small Company to Work For at the 2023 Best Workplaces in Travel Awards, Best Small Agency to Work For at the 2023 Agent Achievement Awards, and Best Online Agent at the 2023 Wave Awards. In addition, according to its site, it has a 5.0 out of 5.0 rating on Trustpilot.

Cruise lines and promotions

Panache Cruises works with a selection of luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines. The website mentions current promotions and a referral program with discounts. The catalog and offers may vary, so the information shown corresponds to the time of the analysis.