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Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
Newtown, CT, USA
Business

Business Buzz: Expedia CruiseShipCenters

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Business name: Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Address: 67 Federal Road, Brookfield

Owners: Jim and Mary Villamana of Newtown

Business background: Jim: I had the opportunity throughout my career to travel to many parts of the world — China, Europe, South America, Mexico, and domestically, too. I’ve been fortunate to have experienced that. Mary was a stay-at-home mom during that time. Now that we are empty nesters, we wanted to spend more time traveling. This is the beginning of that chapter, and it is critical in this business that we get out and learn about the products. We chose Expedia for their position in the marketplace. They’re the world’s largest travel company, and it’s a household name. It was important for us to have that in this industry.

Mary: We opened in late November, just after Thanksgiving. We opened in Brookfield on Federal Road because it was a central location.

Business focus: Jim: We are not just cruises.

Mary: We book all kinds of travel, so we can help you with anything that is on your bucket list. Whether it’s an African safari or a villa in Italy or a rail tour — whatever interests you, we can do. We are a full-service travel agency. We have access to all kinds of suppliers, including over 20 preferred suppliers for cruise ships alone.

Important to know: Mary: There is no extra cost to use us. A lot of people have the misconception that if you use a travel agency you are going to pay more.

Jim: We can give you personalized service and are here for you every step of the way. If there is a problem or you have questions, you can call us from the beginning all the way through the end of the trip.

Near future promotions, events, seasonal specials: Mary: We have our Sea The World promotion going on through the end February. We are going to run six to seven promotions throughout the year, including a wine tasting with Viking River Cruises in April for the public... We are also currently seeking travel consultants to join our team. You don’t have to have previous travel agent experience, we will train you. We host Information Sessions every six weeks or so, and it’s an opportunity for people come in and learn what it takes to become a travel consultant.

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, from 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, from 10 am to 8 pm; Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday, from 10 am to 3 pm; and Sunday by appointment.

Website: [naviga:u]cruiseshipcenters.com/900221[/naviga:u]

Social Media: Facebook and Instagram @ecscbrookfield

Phone: 203-429-5589

E-mail: [naviga:u]mvillamana@cruiseshipcenters.com[/naviga:u]

Jim and Mary Villamana — a husband and wife team from Newtown — recently opened Connecticut’s first Expedia CruiseShipCenters, a full-service travel agency at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield that provides personalized services for anyone interested in booking trips and vacations. —Bee Photo, Silber
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