Contact a vacation planner
Meet Mark Faldmo Jr., Founder of Alaska Cruise Guru
As a third-generation travel professional, travel is truly in my blood. The roots of my passion for exploring the world stretch back long before I was born.
My family’s travel story began in 1957 when my grandfather, a construction worker, traveled to Hawaii to help build what is now BYU–Hawaii in Laie. My father still shares vivid memories of his sixth birthday, when the family set sail from San Francisco to Honolulu aboard the SS Lurline. That journey helped spark a love of travel that would eventually shape three generations of our family.
My grandmother initially had reservations about moving to Hawaii, but she quickly fell in love with the islands and was heartbroken when it was time to leave. As the family sailed out of Honolulu Harbor, a rainbow stretched across the sky. The captain told her, “If there is a rainbow, it means that you will return to Hawaii someday.” From that moment, she dreamed of going back.
In 1963, she got that opportunity when she organized a trip with neighbors to attend the opening of the Polynesian Cultural Center. The trip was such a success that other friends and neighbors began asking her to organize trips for them. What started with Hawaii grew through word of mouth into a successful tour company offering vacations around the world.
My father eventually took over the growing travel business and helped build it into one of the largest travel agencies in the western United States before it was eventually sold. But travel remained an important part of our family’s DNA, and over the years we continued establishing and operating travel companies.
I grew up in that world. From mowing lawns and sorting travel brochures to delivering airline tickets back when tickets were actually printed on paper, I’ve been involved in nearly every side of the family business. More importantly, I had the opportunity to travel extensively with my parents. Those experiences gave me an early appreciation for discovering new destinations and eventually helping others experience them for themselves.
Of all the destinations I’ve experienced, Alaska has become one of the places I am most passionate about sharing with travelers. I’ve cruised Alaska multiple times, including back-to-back voyages, and each trip has reinforced something I strongly believe: there isn’t just one way to experience Alaska.
The cruise line, ship, itinerary, glacier-viewing opportunities, ports, excursions, and time spent on land can dramatically change an Alaska vacation. A first-time visitor may want the classic Inside Passage experience, while another traveler may be looking for a smaller ship, more time in Alaska’s wilderness, a land-and-sea itinerary, or a completely different style of adventure.
That passion is why I created Alaska Cruise Guru.
My goal is to help travelers look beyond simply choosing an Alaska cruise and instead understand the differences that can make their trip exceptional. Alaska Cruise Guru combines firsthand experience, cruise knowledge, destination expertise, and personalized travel planning to help travelers find the Alaska experience that fits them.
While Alaska is an important part of my travel story today, my experience reaches far beyond it.
Hawaii and the Pacific Islands will always hold a special place in my heart because of my family’s history, and I’ve traveled extensively throughout Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, and many other parts of the world. I’ve explored the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, traveled through Norway and Scandinavia, navigated the Amazon River, and stood at Machu Picchu.
My travels have also taken me to Thailand, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands, where I sailed aboard the Aranui—a unique vessel that combines elements of a passenger ship and a working freighter. I’ve experienced river cruising, escorted tours, independent travel, resorts, and many different styles of ocean cruising.
Most importantly for Alaska Cruise Guru, I’ve taken more than 150 cruises, giving me firsthand experience with different cruise lines, ships, destinations, and styles of cruising. That experience helps me understand that the “best” cruise isn’t necessarily the same for every traveler. It’s about finding the experience that’s right for you.
My desire to help others experience the world eventually led me to found Blue Planet Vacations, the travel agency behind Alaska Cruise Guru. Our tagline, “Explore Your World,” captures what I believe travel should accomplish.
Travel creates lifelong memories. It brings families and friends together. It introduces us to different cultures, landscapes, and people. And sometimes, one extraordinary trip creates a passion for travel that continues for generations—just as that first journey to Hawaii did for my family.
With Alaska Cruise Guru, I want to bring that same philosophy to Alaska travel. Whether you’re planning your first Alaska cruise, returning to experience the state in a completely different way, or looking for an adventure that goes well beyond the traditional cruise, my goal is to help you understand your options and create an Alaska vacation you’ll remember for years to come.
I look forward to helping you discover Alaska and explore your world.
