top of page
About Ship Happens Travel

About Ship Happens Travel

Meet Your Cruise Experts – Two Generations of Florida Natives Who Get It

We're a cruise-focused travel agency run by two generations of Florida natives who love life at sea. While we’re officially registered as an LLC in Florida, our roots go deeper. We're travelers first. What started as a shared passion has grown into a full-service business helping others make the most of their vacations.

​

We specialize in cruises and all-inclusive getaways for people across the U.S. and beyond. Whether you're setting sail for the first time or already hold elite status, our goal is simple: take the stress out of planning so you can start enjoying the journey from the very first step.

​

We're real people who care about the details most others overlook. That’s where unforgettable experiences begin.

What We Do: More Than Bookings. We Curate Experiences.

At Ship Happens Travel, we’re not just order-takers or faceless booking engines. We act as your personal travel concierge, guiding you through every step of the planning process—from your first question to your post-cruise follow-up.

 

We Propose & Personalize

No cookie-cutter packages here. We listen to your preferences, goals, and budget, then craft tailored trip proposals with direct booking links. Whether you’re a first-timer nervous about embarkation day or a seasoned cruiser hunting for the perfect itinerary, we deliver options that actually fit your life.

 

We Secure & Streamline

We handle all the moving parts—traveler details, payments, documentation, insurance—through secure systems so you can focus on the fun stuff. One less thing to worry about.

 

We Support & Follow Up

Our job doesn’t end when you book. We keep you informed with helpful reminders before you leave (60-day countdown series), check in while you’re onboard, and follow up afterward to make sure everything exceeded expectations. Your success is our success.

 

We Specialize in What Matters Most to You

 
  • First-Time Cruisers:
    Our Cruise 101 program is your complete confidence-builder. We walk you through a 6-module curriculum covering everything from packing essentials and what to expect at embarkation to onboard dining, entertainment, and excursion planning. You’ll get video walkthroughs, interactive checklists, a pre-cruise confidence call with a real advisor, and direct text access for any last-minute questions. No detail is too small—we want you sailing with excitement, not anxiety.
  • Military & First Responders:
    15% membership discount, flexible policies, and specialized support because we honor your service.
  • Group Travel:
    Planning a family reunion, celebration, or group getaway? We coordinate logistics, payments, perks, and group communications so everyone stays organized and excited.
  • Port Canaveral Drive-to-Cruise Travelers:
    We know the parking, the traffic, the best hotels, and the insider hacks. We’ve got concierge packages that take the stress out of embarkation day.
Why People Prefer Us

Why Book With Ship Happens Travel? The Real Advantages

 

  • Your Price, More Perks
    You’ll pay the same rate as booking direct—we earn our commission from the cruise line, not from you. But thanks to our partnerships and insider connections, we often score you extras: onboard credit, cabin upgrades, exclusive gifts, and perks you won’t find anywhere else
​
  • Personalized Support From Real People
    No hold music. No chatbots. No call centers. You get direct access to a travel advisor who knows you, your preferences, and what matters most to your trip. Text, email, or phone—we’re here when you need us.
​
  • Start-to-Finish Service
    We handle research, proposals, bookings, payments, documentation, and pre-cruise preparation. You focus on packing and getting excited.

​

  • Licensed, Insured & Experienced
    We’re certified travel advisors who comply with Florida’s Seller of Travel laws. Our years of experience help us avoid common pitfalls and ensure smooth sailing every time.

​

  • Trips That Match Your Style
    We don’t just suggest a cruise. We help you choose the right ship, itinerary, cabin location, dining preferences, and shore excursions based on your unique goals and budget.

​

  • Real Results From Real People
    We deliver personalized service, rapid response times, and genuine care. Every booking, every follow-up, every detail matters to us.

Join Our Membership Clubs – Exclusive Perks Await

 

Captain’s Circle Club ($299/year | Military: $254/year)

96-hour early access to exclusive deals, $75 onboard credit per cruise, 24/7 personal cruise concierge, booking perks for up to 5 cabins, two private consultations per year, access to premium content and exclusive events, advanced planning tools, upgrade negotiation, and the highest referral rewards.

 

VIP Cruise Club ($199/year | Military: $169/year)

$50 onboard credit per cruise, 72-hour early access to exclusive deals, direct text line for urgent questions, family and friends perks (up to 3 cabins), annual giveaway entry, and priority support.

 

Loyalty Cruise Club ($99/year | Military: $84/year)

Early access to deals, exclusive promotions, direct text support, and a clear upgrade path to VIP status.

 

All memberships include our referral program:

Earn $50 onboard credit when you refer a friend—your friend gets $50 too!

Group Cruise Planning – We Handle the Details So You Don’t

 

Planning a group trip for 8+ cabins? We’ve got it covered.

  • Help choosing the right cruise for your group’s vibe and budget

  • Coordination with the cruise line on your behalf

  • Guest communications and personalized reminders

  • Payment tracking, insurance assistance, and cabin upgrades

  • Consistent support and clear answers at every step

 

You’ll have a dedicated group planning specialist who keeps everyone organized, answers questions quickly, and ensures your group has an unforgettable experience together.

Meet Our Team

Josh P. Hilt.png

Joshua Hilt – Founder & Agency Administrator

Joshua brings two generations of Florida family heritage and deep Port Canaveral expertise to every booking. As a certified travel advisor and cruise specialist, he's dedicated to making your vacation planning seamless, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, Joshua ensures every detail is handled with care.

📧 josh@shiphappenstravel.com
📞 +1 (321) 641-4335

Steve Tsevo.png

Steve Tsevo – Technical Development Lead

Steve powers the technology behind Ship Happens Travel, ensuring our booking systems, automation, and digital tools work flawlessly. His expertise keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, so you experience seamless service from first click to final boarding pass. Steve's commitment to innovation helps us deliver the best possible client experience.

📧 steve@shiphappenstravel.com
📞 +1 (321) 280-3023

Christy Brooks.png

Christy Brooks – Sales & Client Experience Specialist

Christy is passionate about matching travelers with their perfect cruise experience. With a warm, personalized approach, she guides clients through every step—from initial questions to post-cruise follow-up. Her attention to detail and genuine care ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your entire journey.

📧 christy@shiphappenstravel.com
📞 +1 (321) 800-9504

Real People. Expert Help. No Guesswork.

With Ship Happens Travel, you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed. You’ll get the tools, tips, and one-on-one support you need to book with confidence and sail with peace of mind.

 

Ready to start your cruise adventure?

Let’s make this happen. âš“

Careers

Get in touch so we can start working together.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Youtube
bottom of page