Fast approaching the most magical decade in travel!
I’ve been fortunate to work in travel for over 9 years now, 8 of those as a cruise expert, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love chatting with customers to discover exactly what their next holiday dream is – whether it’s their favourite ship on a 5-night Christmas Markets itinerary or a big celebration like a honeymoon or a retirement treat. The best part of my job is finding the perfect cruise line, ship, and destination for each individual customer. Everyone is different, and cruises aren’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s a joy to explore the options and create the perfect match.
Aside from yapping all day about beautiful cruises and incredible holidays, another thing I love about my job is, of course, the opportunities to travel. I’ve always had a passion for learning about different cultures and trying new foods from around the world, as well as experiencing unique activities in each destination. I’ve swam with whale sharks in Mexico, released baby turtles in Bali, and even swam with pigs in the Bahamas! All of these experiences mean I come home with a deeper understanding of each destination, which helps me find cruises that truly exceed my customers’ expectations. I feel like my own travel list keeps getting longer rather than shorter, and in this job, I'm constantly discovering new places to add. I've always wanted to see Vietnam and Cambodia, so maybe an Asian cruise is next for me.
Ally Nixon - Cruise Expert
Experience Highlights
Destinations
It’s hard to choose a favourite destination, as I’ve been lucky enough to visit so many amazing places. New York and Miami both hold fantastic memories for me – I love the hustle and bustle of a big city with so many sights to tick off the bucket list. Highlights include taking a helicopter ride over Manhattan and enjoying a mojito in Little Havana. I think a 3-night stay in either NYC or Miami is a perfect add-on to a cruise holiday: it lets you experience the city’s energy before relaxing for a week on a cruise to the Bahamas!
Although I love long-haul trips, I had an incredible time last summer cruising the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Croatia and Greece. Waking up and opening my balcony door while sailing through the Bay of Kotor was absolutely breathtaking – I’ll always remember that scenery from the comfort of my own cabin with a coffee in hand, something you simply can’t experience on a land-based holiday. From making friends with the cats in Montenegro to enjoying a Greek salad in Corfu after a swim in the Adriatic, I can definitely see why we’re always asked about the Eastern Med!
Cruise Lines & Ships
One of my favourite things about travelling is enjoying good food and cocktails. Many cruise lines tick that box… but I can’t see past Virgin Voyages. I love that every restaurant onboard is included in your cruise fare, so you can enjoy speciality dining every night – and the food is just incredible. My favourite is the Mexican restaurant, Pink Agave. If you go, you absolutely have to try the rib-eye steak and a Coconut Agua Fresca.
I also love that Virgin is adults-only, with a very laid-back atmosphere during the day that ramps up to a party vibe at night. I’m all for the Scarlet Night and We Fancy themed evenings, but if that’s not your style, there are plenty of other options, like listening to a singer and guitarist in Sip, the champagne lounge, or enjoying a low-key night with a board game at the Social Club Diner.
My favourite spot onboard to watch the sunset is “The Dock,” right at the aft of the ship. It offers the most gorgeous views and serves a meze-style menu throughout the day.
What our clients say about Ally
Great Customer Service
I have been on many cruises over the years, but had never contacted CruiseKings before. I had seen a cruise I liked and decided to get a quote. By good fortune, I was connected to Ally, who was fantastic – friendly, knowledgeable, and very patient with all of my questions. I booked and soon recommended Ally to friends who have now also booked the same cruise with her. Great customer service.
Carol B – Client
So Helpful!
Our Cruise Expert, Ally, was so helpful and patient. We were booking for three families, so it was not straightforward, but Ally managed all our queries and requests. I had phoned other travel agents, but none gave the knowledgeable support Ally did. If she said she would phone back, she always did so on time!
Shenagh – Client
My 1st Ever Cruise
This is the first time I have booked a cruise holiday, and my Cruise Expert, Ally, was fantastic! Very professional and knowledgeable, which made my booking experience straightforward. Ally is very friendly and enthusiastic, and her knowledge of the cruise was amazing. I would strongly recommend Ally and CruiseKings to anyone looking to book a cruise. I have been so impressed with the service provided that I have recommended the cruise I’ve booked to my friends and called Ally today for another quote, which I also booked. Thank you very much for the friendly, knowledgeable, and professional service provided! We are really excited and looking forward to our first cruise!
Michael – Client
Thank You, Ally!
Ally, my Cruise Expert, knows exactly what I like and does everything she can to make sure it happens. I’ve booked our last four cruises with her, and I have just booked up for 2026 with her as well.
Karen – Client
Speak to a Cruise Expert
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