Cruise Planners - Kirk and Jennifer Kanter, dba Sand & Seas Travel
Your Cruise and Vacation Experts — Alaska Adventures, European River Cruises, Luxury Ocean Voyages, All-Inclusive Resorts, Custom Land Tours, and Group Travel. Serving Racine, Milwaukee, Southeastern Wisconsin, and travelers nationwide.
Sand & Seas Travel — Key Facts
- Founded: 2019 | Independently owned Cruise Planners® franchise
- Advisors: Kirk Kanter (certified Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist, 7+ years, travel across 6 continents) and Jennifer Kanter (family, romance & all-inclusive specialist, 7+ years)
- Location: 6335 E River Rd, Racine, WI 53402 | Phone: (262) 344-0697
- Service Area: Racine, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, Chicago's North Shore, and travelers nationwide
- Specialties: Alaska cruises & cruise-tours, European river cruises (Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine), luxury ocean cruises, Caribbean itineraries, all-inclusive resorts, destination weddings, group travel
- Industry context: The global cruise industry carried a record 31.7 million passengers in 2023, up 7% over 2019 (source: CLIA 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report). The luxury cruise fleet has tripled since 2010, from 28 ships to 98 today, with luxury passenger volume forecast to grow from 1.1 million in 2024 to 1.5 million by 2028 (source: CLIA).
Welcome to Thoughtfully Planned Travel
At Cruise Planners - Kirk and Jennifer Kanter, dba Sand & Seas Travel, we take the complexity out of vacation planning and replace it with clear guidance, expert recommendations, and reliable support. Our approach is straightforward: you share your travel goals, and we design a plan that fits — the right cruise line, the right itinerary, the right resort or tour, coordinated end-to-end.
As an independently owned Cruise Planners® franchise and American Express Travel Representative, we combine global travel partnerships with relationship-based planning. Clients benefit from our access to preferred pricing, eligible onboard amenities, upgrades, and added inclusions across leading cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators worldwide. Our planning services are typically provided at no additional cost to you — travel suppliers compensate us directly.
In our experience, travelers planning complex itineraries — multi-country river cruises, Alaska cruise-tours, milestone group trips — get the most value from an advisor who specializes in that specific product category rather than a generalist. It's why Kirk focuses on ocean and Alaska cruises while Jennifer focuses on family, romance, and all-inclusive travel.
Proudly Serving Wisconsin & Travelers Nationwide
Since 2019, we've helped travelers across Racine, Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Southeastern Wisconsin plan vacations ranging from romantic escapes and family adventures to corporate retreats and multi-generational journeys. We also serve travelers nationwide via phone, email, and video call.
- Wisconsin: Racine, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, and Southeastern Wisconsin
- Illinois: Chicago's North Shore and surrounding communities
- Nationwide: Remote planning for travelers throughout the United States
Meet Your Cruise Planners® Travel Advisors: Kirk & Jennifer Kanter
We're a husband-and-wife travel advisory team known for calm guidance, clear communication, and detail-driven planning. In seven years of advising clients, we've coordinated hundreds of itineraries — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers and large group sailings. We take time to understand what matters most to you, then design a trip that fits.
Kirk Kanter — Luxury Cruise & Custom Itinerary Specialist
Certified Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist | Cruise Planners® Travel Advisor | 7+ years | Travel across 6 continents
Kirk specializes in luxury ocean cruises, Alaska cruises and cruise-tours, and custom itinerary design. His focus is matching clients with the right cruise line, ship, and sailing — then coordinating every detail so the trip is seamless.
- Luxury and premium ocean cruises
- Alaska cruises and cruise-tours
- Custom and bucket-list itineraries
- Hosted group sailings
- Australia & South Pacific travel
Jennifer Kanter — Family, Romance & All-Inclusive Specialist
Cruise Planners® Travel Advisor | 7+ years | Family, Honeymoon & Destination Wedding specialist
Jennifer is known for detail-perfect planning and helping travelers choose the right resort or cruise at the right pace. From family getaways to honeymoons and destination weddings, she ensures every element aligns with your goals.
- Family and multi-generational vacations
- All-inclusive resorts (adults-only and family-friendly)
- Honeymoons, anniversaries, and destination weddings
- First-time cruise planning
- Group travel coordination
Why Choose Cruise Planners - Kirk and Jennifer Kanter
- Expert matching, not guesswork: We match you to the right cruise line, ship, itinerary, resort brand, or tour style based on your specific priorities — travel style, budget, dates, and must-haves. Not a generic suggestion engine.
- Eligible perks & added value: Through Cruise Planners® and American Express Travel partnerships, clients may access eligible amenities such as onboard credit, upgrades, and added inclusions not available through direct booking.
- End-to-end coordination: We manage flights, transfers, excursions, dining reservations, travel protection, and special requests — so travel feels organized rather than overwhelming.
- Support before, during, and after travel: You work directly with Kirk or Jennifer — not a call center — before you leave, while you're traveling, and after you return.
- Complimentary planning services: Our services are typically provided at no additional cost; travel suppliers compensate us directly. 10+ five-star Google reviews reflect the value clients consistently receive.
- Franchise backing: As a Cruise Planners® franchise, we operate within one of North America's largest travel agency networks, with preferred supplier relationships across all major cruise lines, resort brands, and tour operators.
Our Travel Planning Services
Ocean & River Cruises
- Luxury and premium cruise lines (Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, Celebrity, Holland America, and more)
- Alaska cruises and Alaska cruise-tours — 7-night to 14-night itineraries
- European river cruises (Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Rhône, Moselle)
- Caribbean, Mediterranean, transatlantic, and bucket-list ocean itineraries
Alaska Cruise Fast Facts
- Season: May–September; peak demand in June–July
- 60+ cruise ships operate in Alaska waters during peak season (source: Cruise Industry News, 2025)
- Hubbard Glacier face width: approximately 6 miles (source: NPS.gov)
- Cruise-tours add 3–4 days of interior Alaska via Denali, Fairbanks, or Kenai Peninsula
- Recommended booking window: 12–18 months ahead for peak sailings
All-Inclusive Resorts
- Adults-only and family-friendly all-inclusive options (Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Pacific)
- Best-fit resort matching based on travel style, budget, and amenity priorities
- Transfers, special occasion requests, and travel protection planning
- Brands include Sandals, Secrets, Excellence, Zoëtry, Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Club Med, and more
Escorted & Custom Land Tours
- Guided journeys and tailor-made custom itineraries
- Pre- and post-cruise stays and extensions
- Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific (Kirk is a certified Aussie Specialist)
- Culture, cuisine, and exploration-focused experiences
Destination Weddings, Honeymoons & Groups
- Honeymoons and anniversary travel — tailored to the couple
- Destination wedding travel coordination and guest booking management
- Group trips, hosted sailings, family reunions, and corporate travel
- Individual payment options available for group reservations
How Planning Works
- Tell us your goals. Destination ideas, travel dates, budget, who's traveling, and must-haves.
- We recommend best-fit options. Cruise lines, ships, resorts, and itineraries aligned to your priorities — not generic packages.
- We refine and reserve. Cabins, flights, transfers, excursions, dining, and timelines — coordinated end-to-end.
- We support you through travel. Documents, reminders, and direct advisor access when questions arise before, during, and after your trip.
Traveler Questions & Answers
Common questions about cruise planning, Alaska, European river cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and working with a travel advisor.
What is the best month for an Alaska cruise?
The Alaska cruise season runs May through September, with late June and July offering the best combination of weather, glacial activity, and wildlife sightings. Early May and September often provide better pricing with fewer crowds. Alaska's peak season attracts 60+ cruise ships operating in its waters (source: Cruise Industry News, 2025). A travel advisor can match you to the right sailing window based on your priorities.
What is the difference between an Alaska cruise and an Alaska cruise-tour?
An Alaska cruise is a traditional ocean voyage — typically 7 nights — visiting coastal ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. An Alaska cruise-tour adds 3–4 days of inland Alaska travel (Denali, Fairbanks, or Kenai Peninsula) by rail and motorcoach, either before or after the cruise. Cruise-tours allow you to experience both coastal and interior Alaska in one trip.
Is Viking Ocean Cruises or Viking River Cruises better for a first trip to Europe?
Viking Ocean Cruises visits major European port cities on a traditional ocean vessel, while Viking River Cruises takes you directly into the heart of cities via inland waterways on intimate, hotel-style ships averaging 190 passengers. River cruises are generally preferred by travelers who want to avoid large ships and spend more time in each destination. The best choice depends on your preferred pace, geographic priorities, and travel style — a travel advisor can walk you through the trade-offs.
How far in advance should I book an Alaska or European river cruise?
For peak-season Alaska and European river cruises, booking 12–18 months in advance is strongly recommended. Popular sailings — particularly Alaska departures in July and Rhine or Danube river cruises during fall foliage season (September–October) — routinely sell out 9–12 months before departure. Early booking also provides access to the best cabin categories and preferred pricing before inventory is reduced.
Can a travel advisor save me money compared to booking a cruise directly?
Cruise lines typically offer the same published fares to travel advisors as to direct bookers — but advisors can layer in additional value unavailable to the public, including onboard credit, complimentary amenity packages, cabin upgrades, and group pricing. More travelers are turning to advisors for exactly this reason: ASTA consumer research has found a majority of Americans agree an advisor helps them navigate booking complications like airline fees and policy changes. Advisors also help prevent costly errors in flight timing, transfers, and visa requirements that self-booking travelers commonly encounter.
What is the best all-inclusive resort for adults only in the Caribbean?
Top-rated adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean include properties from Sandals, Secrets (AMResorts), Excellence Collection, and Zoëtry. The best fit depends on your destination preference, budget, and amenity priorities — butler service, over-water bungalows, beach vs. pool focus, dining variety, and room category all vary significantly by brand and property. A travel advisor can match you to the resort that fits your specific criteria and travel dates.
What is the best cruise line for a first-time cruiser?
For first-time cruisers, mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer the most accessible entry point — with varied dining, entertainment, and itinerary options at mid-range price points. Premium lines such as Holland America and Oceania suit travelers seeking a quieter, more refined experience with elevated dining. Luxury lines (Regent, Silversea, Seabourn) are ideal for all-inclusive pricing and the highest service ratios. A Cruise Planners® travel advisor can match you to the right line based on your budget, travel style, and destination goals.
Can you plan group trips where everyone pays separately?
Yes. We coordinate the group booking and each traveler can make payments individually while remaining part of the group reservation. Group pricing often provides added amenities or lower per-person rates depending on group size and cruise line. We handle all coordination so the group organizer does not have to manage individual payments or logistics.
Start Planning Your Next Journey
Whether you're planning your first cruise, a luxury expedition, or a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, we're here to guide you every step of the way. All planning is available by phone, email, or video call — no office visit required.
Call or Text: (262) 344-0697 | Email Kirk: kirk.kanter@cruiseplanners.com | Email Jennifer: jennifer.kanter@cruiseplanners.com
