OUR MISSION

Cruise Differently® produces special events that put YOU at the center of your themed vacation! We elevate the cruise experience to appeal to YOUR passions and interests. Our signature annual events can allow YOU to make new friends and deepen relationships, expand your knowledge, and develop your interests.

OUR TEAM

Cruise Differently™ is the leading producer of affinity group cruises, special events, and themed vacations for a variety of niche markets. We elevate the cruise experience to appeal to our guests' passions and interests. We develop annual events that allow participants to make new friends and develop relationships, expand their knowledge, and deepen connections to their interests.

Cruise Differently™ events are much more than a typical cruise vacation. We combine all the elements of today’s modern floating resorts with unique one-of-a-kind experiences created exclusively for our guests. We pride ourselves on creating experiences that go beyond fulfilling your needs; we aim to surpass your highest expectations and create vacation memories you won’t find anywhere else.

Cruise Differently™ combines the best of the cruise environment with our exclusive, private-access activities. Whether we’re designing a fan experience, a music cruise, a food or beverage sampling, a hobby immersion, or a learning environment, we add our theme events on top of hand-picked upscale land and sea vacation packages. Not surprisingly, this results in memories and raving guests.

Owner & Chief Visionary

Dr. Jason Coleman, CTC

With over 26 years of experience, Jason is one of the most qualified and certified travel professionals in the industry today. Starting his career organizing large conferences for a Washington, DC association, he transitioned to working with leisure clients and cruise groups in 2006. The American Society of Travel Advisors recognized him for his industry leadership, and he has received numerous awards and recognitions from travel industry magazines. In 2011, The New York Times featured Jason and his cruise experience on the front page of the Sunday travel section.

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Director of Group Cruises & Land Tours

Lynn Beltran, CTC

Independently operating as Custom Vacations and Cruise Planners, Lynn brings extensive experience from working in Princess Cruises’ reservations and groups department. Her clients include luxury and world cruisers as well as music and niche market groups. Lynn’s background in cruise groups gives her a leg up compared to other travel agents and travel management companies. She draws on her experience as a certified paralegal and skilled researcher to identify unique experiences to recommend to her clients. Her problem-solving and solutions orientation helps her groups maximize opportunities at sea and on land.

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Hostess & Hospitality Manager

Patricia Tripp, CTC, CMP

Tripp grew up in the travel and events business, mentored by her parents who both worked in different segments of the travel and tourism industry. Tripp herself worked in hotels, earning the coveted Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation before transitioning into sales with Princess Cruises. Her career with the cruise line spans more than 30 years, where she was responsible for building and managing relationships with hundreds of travel agencies, helping them develop and grow their group and individual business.

Director of Entertainment & Strategic Partnerships

Susan Bernhardt

As an entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in business and marketing, Susan is also an award-winning producer who has spent the past two decades leading numerous acclaimed projects across various media platforms. Beyond her work in entertainment, Susan is highly sought after for her expertise in event planning. She leads prestigious industry events, including the globally recognized Indie Series Awards, and orchestrates red carpets for major premieres and openings. Susan’s passion for travel perfectly complements her work in live events, enabling her to bring a unique perspective to every project she is involved in.