The Savvy Traveller
Smarter Travel. Better Value. Seamless Experiences.
Expert cruise and vacation planning with insider knowledge, exclusive offers, and personalized service — so you travel with confidence.
About Me
Welcome! — I’m Robert Mackie, a travel advisor and franchise owner with Expedia Cruises. With over 30 years in the industry, I specialize in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, and custom travel, helping clients make smarter, more informed travel decisions.
My Story
Travel has been a part of my life and career for over 30 years.
I got my start in the industry in 1995 with Ships & Trips Vacation, where I spent two years learning the foundations of travel planning and customer service. From there, I moved to Toronto and joined Encore Cruises, where I spent the next 10 years working closely with all the major cruise lines in a sales role. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the cruise industry and how to match the right product to the right traveller.
My career then evolved into leadership roles with two of the most respected names in luxury cruising — Seabourn Cruise Line and Cunard Line — where I served as National Sales Manager. During that time, I worked with travel advisors across the country, helping them better understand and sell premium and luxury cruise experiences.
I later returned to the retail side of the business as a Sales Manager with an Expedia Cruises franchise in Ontario, bringing together both my supplier and frontline experience.
In April 2013, my wife and I took the next step and purchased our own Expedia Cruises franchise in Port Perry. Since then, we’ve continued to build a business focused on helping clients travel smarter — whether that’s a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or a custom itinerary.
Today, I continue to travel extensively and stay closely connected to the industry so I can offer practical, real-world advice — not just what looks good online, but what actually works.
This blog is an extension of that — a place to share insights, tips, and honest perspectives to help you make better travel decisions.