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Cruise Elf
Your Cruise Booking Expert
Our Story
How it all started
It all began in early 2024 with Yaya, a passionate traveler and former cruise ship crew member, who saw a need for personalized cruise consultation for both English-speaking and Chinese-speaking travelers. Drawing from her extensive experience—having traveled to 81 countries and visited Antarctica seven times—she founded Cruise Elf with the goal of making dream cruises a reality.
How We Get Here
Since then, Cruise Elf has grown into a close-knit team of five talented women, including one amazing female dog, Luna, who provides endless joy and support. Together, we've sent over 3408 passengers on unforgettable journeys, and the best part? Zero complaints! Our dedication to exceptional service and personalized attention has earned us a loyal following of satisfied clients.
Team & Brand Expansion: CruiseElf Expeditions
Cruise Elf is excited to introduce CruiseElf Expeditions, expanding our brand to offer even more specialized adventure cruises. With a growing team of five passionate women and one amazing dog, Luna, we’ve helped over 3408 passengers with zero complaints. Now, by partnering with more expedition cruise lines, we’re able to offer expert advice on unique, off-the-beaten-path journeys, bringing personalized, unforgettable experiences to every client.
Our Certificates
 From Viking CruisesAs an Expedtions Certified Expert |  From Holland America Line |  From Disney Cruise Line |
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 From Viking Cruises |  From Princess Cruises |  From Silversea Cruises |
 From the state of AlaskaAs an Alaska Expert |  From National Geographic-LindbladAs an Expedtions Certified Expert |  From Norwegian Cruise Line |
 From Celebrity Cruises |  From Seabourn |
Milestones for Cruise Elf
​——Why We Stand Out
Our advisors are not only seasoned seafarers with years of cruise experience—they personally embark on the ships, experience the cabins, dining, and activities firsthand, and evaluate every detail. This hands-on approach ensures our guests receive authentic, insightful feedback, so every recommendation is based on real experience, not just theory.
Nov 2024 | Cruise to the Caribbean
Yaya and Mia conducted an official ship inspection & cruise sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas from Galveston, Texas to West Caribbean.
January 2025 | Cruise to the Caribbean
Invited to sail aboard Disney Cruise Line – Disney Magic to West Caribbean.
April 2025 | Meet with the CEO of Nat Geo Lindblad
Yaya was honored to be invited by the CEO of National Geographic Cruises to a very small, private dinner in Dallas, attended by NG’s CEO, VP, Guest Services Director, and Regional Director. A valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the brand—and a moment of pride to be a trusted National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.
May 2025 | Group Cruise to Alaska
Yaya led a group of 21 guests aboard Holland America Line’s Noordam, successfully completing an Alaska cruise.
June 2025 | Cruise to the Arctic – Svalbard
We were invited by Oceanwide Expeditions to sail aboard Hondius, evaluating Arctic expedition operations and landing experiences.
August 2025 | Cruise to Japan
Team member Nana conducted an official ship inspection & cruise sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas from Shanghai, China to Japan.
August 2025 | Cruise to East Greenland
Yaya and her guest Xiqiu were invited by Quark Expeditions to sail aboard Ocean Explorer, experiencing one of the world’s most remote expedition itineraries.
September 2025 | Cruise to Galápagos
Yaya and Maya were Invited aboard National Geographic Endeavour II for a 10-day Galápagos expedition.
November 2025 | Captain's Circle Celebration
Awarded the "Circle of Excellence of 2025" by Nexion travel group, we were invited to the Azamara Quest to join the Nexion Group Captain’s Circle Celebration, sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.
November 2025 | Business breakfast with Amawaterways
While onboard Azamara Quest, Yaya had a successful business conversation with the founder and brand ambassador of Amawaterways --Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst.
December 2025 | Ship Inspection
Nat Geo Lindblad Resolution
Yaya and Aubrey were invited to visit National Geographic Lindblad Resolution, including in-depth conversations with Captain Martin Graser.
December 2025 | Ship Inspection
Quark Expeditions Ultramarine
Yaya and Aubrey were invited to visit Quark Ultramarine - toured the ship and had a deeper understanding of Quark's expedition spirit.
December 2025 | Ship Inspection
Seabourn Venture
Yaya and Aubrey were invited to visit Seabourn Venture - toured the whole ship and inspected all the stateroom types. Gained a lot of professional and insider knowledge of Seabourn's Expedition ships Venture and Pursuit.
December 2025 | Group Cruise to Antarctica
Yaya and Aubrey led a group of 29 guests aboard National Geographic Endurance on an Antarctic expedition. On this 10 day journey, we participated many expeditions and created lifetime memories.
Beyond Travel:
Cruise Elf’s Commitment to Giving Back
2024
Supporting Animal Welfare in St. Croix
In our founding year, Cruise Elf made its first charitable contribution by donating $1,000 to the Virgin Islands Animal Rescue Center in St. Croix. This nonprofit organization plays a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. As a travel company connected to the Caribbean, we felt a deep responsibility to support the well-being of the communities and creatures that make these destinations so special.
2025
Earthquake Relief Through the United Nations
In response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Cruise Elf donated $500 to the United Nations to support emergency relief efforts. We believe in standing with global communities during times of crisis, and this contribution reflects our commitment to offering help where it's most urgently needed.
2025
Giving Back to Our Texas Community
As a proud Texas-based business, we are deeply committed to supporting our local community. In 2025, Cruise Elf donated $1,000 to sponsor the annual Clay Shoot fundraiser benefiting River Legacy Park & Nature Center in Arlington. This beloved local nonprofit provides environmental education and preserves green spaces for future generations to enjoy.
Meet our Team!
Yaya
​Founder
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Based in Texas, USA
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Founder of Cruise Elf
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6 years working onboard cruises, ex–assistant shore excursions manager.
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PADI Rescue Diver, nature and diving enthusiast
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Visited 81 countries and all seven continents
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Been to Antarctica seven times, Arctic twice, Alaska more than 30 times.
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Turns travel experience into dream trips for clients
Maya
General Sales Manager
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Based in Zhengzhou, China
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Sales Manager at Cruise Elf with strong sales and team leadership experience
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Former cruise ship art gallery manager with onboard experience.
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Avid backpacker, traveled across Asia, the Americas, and Europe
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Expert in cruise products and customizing itineraries
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Professional, friendly, and passionate about travel
Nana
Creative Director
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Based in Chongqing, China
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Marketing Supervisor at Cruise Elf, handling visual and content promotion
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Passionate about travel and photography, capturing journey highlights
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Skilled in design software with strong visual and content planning skills
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Dedicated to showcasing the charm of cruising through creative expression
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Brings professionalism, personality, and warmth to brand communication
Mia
​Cruise Consultant & Legal Support
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Based in Delaware, serving the eastern U.S.
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Cruise consultant and legal advisor at Cruise Elf since 2024
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Background in criminal justice with professional legal expertise
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Passionate about cruising, with hands-on inspection experience
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Enjoys travel, CrossFit, hiking, food—especially hot pot
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Offers personalized cruise planning and expert advice
Aubrey Long
Expedition Cruise Consultant
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Based in Chengdu, China – fluent in English (TEM-8 Certified)
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3 years of onboard sales experience with Royal Caribbean International
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Sailed to Antarctica with National Geographic Expeditions
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Experienced in expedition-style cruising and active shore excursions
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Certified in Wilderness First Aid & High-Altitude Climbing Assistance
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Detail-oriented and client-focused, specializing in tailored cruise experiences
Luna
Team Dog
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Luna, our team dog, rescued by Yaya in Oklahoma
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A Great Pyrenees & Anatolian Shepherd mix
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The team's favorite—brings joy, comfort, and lots of laughs
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Stars in entertaining videos and offers emotional support
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Loves to explore, just like the rest of the Cruise Elf crew