At Click&Go Holidays, we are proud to be recognised as Ireland’s Leading Cruise Specialists, helping you find the right cruise holiday through expert advice, first-hand experience and personalised service.  

As part of our Team Spotlight series, we are introducing the people behind the bookings, the cruise experts who help consumers navigate the world of cruising every day. From first-time cruisers to experienced travellers searching for their next unforgettable sailing, our team brings real experience and genuine passion to every conversation.  

In this edition, we are speaking with Will Walsh, who has more than 25 years experience in the travel industry and has been part of the Click&Go Holidays team since 2014. With extensive cruise knowledge across multiple cruise lines and destinations, Will works closely with customers to help match them with the right cruise experience for their holiday style.  

In this Team Spotlight:

About Will 

Over the years, Will has built a strong understanding of cruise holidays, worldwide destinations and the onboard experiences that make every sailing unique. Outside of travel, he enjoys dining experiences, spending time with family and exploring new destinations. 

Having travelled on a wide range of cruise ships and itineraries, Will brings valuable first-hand experience to customers planning both their first cruise and repeat cruise holidays.  

What Customers Say About Will  

At Click&Go Holidays, we are proud to be rated excellent on Trustpilot, with thousands of customers reviews recognising the service and expertise provided by our team.  

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Favourite Cruise Experience 

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady 

One of Will’s standout cruise experiences was sailing onboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in the Mediterranean.  

“All Cruises have a different feel and experience so it can be hard to pick which the best one is. That said, there have been some standouts that come to mind. Last year I went on a Mediterranean cruise onboard Scarlet Lady. Virgin Voyages offer a different cruise experience, but in terms of entertainment, food and overall vibes on the ship it really stood out.” 

According to Will, the itinerary itself also played a major role in the experience, particularly a visit to La Coruna in Spain.  

“The destinations were amazing too, including the hidden gem of La Coruna in Spain where we were lucky enough to experience their medieval fair.” 

Virgin Voyages continues to grow in popularity among customers looking for a more contemporary cruise experience with stylish dining venues, entertainment-led spaces, and a different onboard atmosphere compared to the more traditional cruise lines.  

MSC World Europa  

Another ship that left a strong impression on Will was MSC World Europa from MSC Cruises.  

“My other favourite ship is MSC World Europa. There are so many facilities onboard, and it really gave me the WOW factor. I tend to veer towards bigger ships because they have so many options in terms of speciality dining, entertainment spaces and fun things to do. Everything feels very modern and there is always something happening onboard. Whether you want to relax, enjoy the entertainment, spend time around the ship or try different dining experiences, there is so much choice throughout the cruise.” 

Ships such as MSC World Europa continue to attract significant interest from customers looking for modern ships with extensive entertainment, dining and family facilities.  

Favourite Cruise Destinations 

While the Caribbean remains one of Will’s favourite cruise regions, he also highlights the continued popularity of Mediterranean cruises.  

“In terms of destinations, the Caribbean is always very special, but we also have so much on our doorstep with Mediterranean Cruises.” 

Will also believes one of the biggest strengths of cruising is the variety available across different cruise lines and ships.  

“Royal Caribbean creates incredible spaces onboard and are always coming up with new ideas to wow guests.” 

According to Will, cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Virgin Voyages continue to evolve the onboard experience, giving customers more choice than ever before. 

What Will Loves Most about Cruise Holidays  

For Will, one of the biggest appeals of cruising is the simplicity and convenience of the overall experience.  

“My favourite thing is leaving your bags in the room, going to get a drink as the ship sets sail, and knowing the hardest decisions you are going to make are which venue to go to next, whether to go to the show before or after dinner, or whether to explore the destination or stay onboard and enjoy the facilities. It really allows you to switch off.” 

Cruise Holidays allow customers to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of repeated packing, airport transfers or hotel check-ins. Everything from accommodation and entertainment to dining and transport between destinations is all conveniently located onboard. 

Will’s Top Tips for First Time Cruisers 

Choose the Right Cruise Line and Ship

Will recommends spending time understanding what type of cruise experience best suits your needs before booking.  

“Every ship and cruise line offers something different, and there will definitely be something to meet your needs.” 

At Click&Go Holidays, the cruise team helps customers compare ships, destinations and cruise lines every day, helping simplify what can sometimes can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process for first-time cruisers.  

“The best thing to do is contact your cruise specialist in Click&Go Holidays. We are all cruise addicts, so we can give you a first-hand breakdown of what each cruise can offer and help tailor your holiday to you.” 

Book Speciality Dining Experiences

For customers who enjoy food and dining experiences, Will recommends considering speciality restaurants onboard. 

“If you are a foodie then definitely book the speciality restaurants. They are a real step up and treat in terms of dining experience for a relatively small supplement.” 

Many modern cruise ships now offer everything from premium steakhouse dining and sushi restaurants to immersive chef experiences.  

Consider a Drinks Package 

Will also recommends considering a drinks package for customers who plan to enjoy cocktails, wine or premium beverages during their cruise holiday.  

“If you enjoy a few drinks on holidays, definitely add a drinks package. It is lovely being able to relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about a large bar bill at the end of the cruise.” 

Pack Smart on Embarkation Day 

A simple but important tip from Will is to keep your swimwear, medication and any important essentials in your carry-on bag during embarkation day.  

“Take your swimwear in your carry-on bag if you want to jump straight into the pool or enjoy the facilities when you first board. Your luggage may not arrive at your cabin until later that day.” 

What makes Cruises Different from other Holidays 

According to Will, cruise holidays offer a very different experience compared to more traditional holidays because everything is conveniently located within one environment.  

“It allows you to see so much without all the hassle of endless packing, unpacking, checking-in and checking out. You simply get onboard and start enjoying yourself.” 

“You also save all the hassle of trying to figure out where to eat and drink because everything onboard is to such high standards. Everything is under one roof – bars, shopping, restaurants, shows. It’s endless.” 

This combination of convenience, entertainment and destination variety continues to make cruise holidays increasingly popular with Irish holidaymakers. 

Life as a Cruise Specialist at Click&Go Holidays

Building Relationships with Customers 

One of the aspects Will enjoys most about his role is working closely with customers throughout the booking process.  

“I love the connection with customers. Every conversation is different and you get to share in the excitement as they plan their next trip. Alot of customers can feel overwhelmed at the beginning because there are so many cruise lines, ships and destinations to choose from, so it is really rewarding being able to help guide them through that process and help them find the right cruise for them. I also love when customers come back after their first cruise completely hooked and already looking to plan the next one.” 

Helping customers find the right ship, itinerary, and cruise line for their holiday style is one of the most rewarding parts of the role, particularly when customers return from their holiday already planning their next cruise experience.

First-Hand Cruise Experience 

Will also highlights the importance of first-hand travel experience within the cruise team at Click&Go Holidays. 

“One of the real privileges of my role is getting the opportunity to experience so much travel through familiarisation trips. They are a fantastic way to ensure we know what we are talking about when helping customers.” 

Experiencing cruise ships and destinations first-hand allows the team to provide practical insight and informed recommendations based on real experience. 

Helping First Time Cruisers 

According to Will, helping first-time cruisers feel confident about booking a cruise is another particularly rewarding aspect of the role.  

“I love helping people find the right fit for them. There are so many options out there that it can feel overwhelming when trying to book on your own.” 

One of Will’s favourite moments is hearing back from customers after their first cruise holiday.  

“I love when a first-time cruiser gets in touch after their trip and they are completely hooked, ready to book their next cruise.” 

What’s Next on Will’s Cruise Bucket List?

While Will has experienced a wide range of cruise destinations, there are still several itineraries high on his travel bucket list.

“There is still so much on the bucket list. I would love to do an Asian cruise. I love travelling in Asia, and I love cruising, so being able to cover a lot of ground with all the comfort of cruising would be amazing. I would also really love to see the Northern Lights, so a Nordic cruise is definitely high on the list. Alaska is another destination I would love to experience, someday, but honestly any cruise and I am a happy boy.”

An Asian Cruise remains a major interest due to the opportunity to combine multiple destinations with the convenience of cruising, while Nordic itineraries and Northern Lights cruises are also experiences, he hopes to enjoy in the future. Alaska is another destination that continues to stand out as a future cruise goal.

Ready to Plan your Cruise Holiday with Will?

Whether you are considering your very first cruise or planning your next sailing, the team at Click&Go Holidays is here to help.

As Ireland’s leading Cruise Specialists, our team combines first-hand experience with expert advice to help customers find the right ship, itinerary and cruise line for their holiday.

To Speak directly with Will Walsh, you can email him on willw@clickandgo.com or call him and speak to him today on 01-5397796.