Independent travel agent · Bristol

I'll plan it. You enjoy it.

Your holiday, your way. I'm Andrew Potter, and I'll take care of the rest. Whether it's a cruise, a week in the sun, a city break or a trip of a lifetime, I find the right holiday for you, compare the prices, and handle the booking from start to finish.

Cruise lines I book · tap for a quick guide
MSC

Modern, stylish and great value

Big, modern ships with an Italian feel, lots of entertainment and some of the best prices at sea. Their Yacht Club is a private "ship within a ship" with its own pool, restaurant and butler service.

Best for
Families, first-time cruisers and anyone after value
Ships to look at
MSC World Europa, MSC Virtuosa
Where they're sailing in 2027–28
  • From Southampton, summer 2027: MSC Meraviglia sails to the Norwegian fjords and Northern Europe
  • Summer 2028: Meraviglia returns to Southampton, adding France, Spain, Portugal, the Canaries and Morocco
  • Winter 2027–28: MSC Preziosa offers short breaks from Southampton to France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
  • Something different: a football-themed British Isles cruise in June 2028, with matches shown on board

And many more. I work with around 100 travel suppliers, so I can also book luxury, expedition and river cruises, including Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara, Holland America, Celestyal, Disney, Hurtigruten, HX expeditions, AmaWaterways, Uniworld and Riviera Travel. If you have a cruise line in mind, just ask.

Highlights are based on what the cruise lines had announced by November 2026, and itineraries can change. A quick guide to help you choose. Every cruise line is different, so ask me and I'll match you to the right ship, cabin and itinerary.

What I book

Every kind of holiday, planned for you

Cruise

Ocean & river cruises

Mediterranean, Caribbean, Norwegian fjords and beyond. I'll match you to the right line and cabin, and explain what's included and what isn't.

What to pack
  • Passport and your cruise boarding documents
  • Printed luggage tags from the cruise line
  • A smarter outfit or two for dressy evenings
  • Swimwear, cover-up and sandals for the pool deck
  • A light jacket for evenings on deck
  • Sea-sickness tablets or bands, just in case
  • A small day bag and some local cash for port days
  • A non-surge extension lead (many ships ban surge-protected ones)
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
Sun

Beach & all-inclusive

Package holidays with flights and transfers, including adults-only and premium all-inclusive resorts in the Canaries, Spain, Greece, Egypt and further afield.

What to pack
  • Passport and travel insurance details
  • GHIC card for EU destinations
  • High-factor suncream and after-sun
  • Sunglasses, hat and a refillable water bottle
  • Swimwear, light clothes and flip-flops
  • European plug adaptor
  • Any medication in your hand luggage
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
Groups

Group & club trips

Friends, families, clubs and societies. I plan the trip, quote it clearly and keep track of everyone's bookings, free of charge.

What to pack
  • Everyone's booking references, shared in the group chat
  • A list of names, room numbers and phone numbers
  • Bright luggage tags so the group's bags are easy to spot
  • A shared kitty or payment app for meals and drinks
  • Matching outfits or T-shirts if it's a celebration
  • Copies of passports, kept separately from the originals
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
Long-haul

Far-flung & once in a lifetime

Florida, the Maldives, Mauritius and beyond. Flights, hotels and transfers put together properly, with the time differences and paperwork checked.

What to pack
  • Passport with plenty of validity left
  • ESTA for the USA, or any visa your destination needs
  • Travel insurance with good medical cover
  • Ask your GP or a travel clinic about jabs well before you go
  • The right plug adaptors for your destination
  • Comfortable flight clothes, neck pillow and flight socks
  • Insect repellent and high-factor suncream
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
Tours

Escorted tours & river cruises

Guided tours and river cruises where the travel, hotels and sightseeing are arranged for you, ideal if you'd rather not plan every day yourself.

What to pack
  • Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
  • Layers and a light waterproof
  • A small daypack for sightseeing
  • Smart-casual clothes for dinners
  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Some local cash for tips and small purchases
  • Your tour documents and joining instructions
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
Short

City breaks & multi-centre

Long weekends in Europe, or two or three destinations joined up in one trip with the flights and hotels worked out for you.

What to pack
  • Hand-luggage bag within your airline's size limits
  • Liquids packed to your airport's current rules
  • Comfortable shoes for exploring the city
  • Boarding passes and tickets saved on your phone
  • A bank card with no foreign transaction fees
  • Power bank and plug adaptor
  • Check passport, visa and entry rules on GOV.UK foreign travel advice
How it works

Your booking, port by port

  1. Day 1 · Embark

    Tell me what you're after

    Dates, budget, who's travelling, and anything you've already seen and liked. A rough idea is fine.

  2. Day 2 · At sea

    I do the research

    I compare lines, ships, hotels and prices, and check what's included, so you don't have to.

  3. Day 3 · First port

    You get a clear written quote

    A two-page summary with the holiday, flights, total price, price per person and deposit, plus links to reviews.

  4. Day 4 · Disembark

    I book it and stay with you

    I handle the booking, payments and any changes, and I'm a message away before, during and after you travel.

Top 30 beach escapes · A–Z

Where will the sun take you?

Tap a destination for the holidaymakers' guide, then ask me for a quote.

Celebrity Apex at sea
Lounge with sea views on board a Celebrity ship
The Grand Plaza bar and piano on a Celebrity ship
Rooftop Garden deck on a Celebrity ship
Why book with me

The personal service of an independent, with the protection of a big agency

ABTA protected

I'm affiliated with InteleTravel UK (ABTA P7384), so your booking has the same financial protection as with a high-street agent. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.

No booking fee

Quotes and advice are free. I'm paid by the cruise lines and holiday companies, not by you.

Trained on the products

I've completed supplier training with the major cruise lines and tour operators, including Gold tier on Virgin Voyages' First Mates programme, and I attend ship visits.

One person, start to finish

You deal with me, not a call centre. The person who quotes your holiday is the person who books it.

My travel story

Travel isn't just my job. It's what I love.

I started AP Travel Consultant in summer 2025, and I've loved every minute of it. After around 20 years as a business analyst, comparing options and getting the detail right, I now put that same care into finding people the right holiday.

Since I started, I've thrown myself into learning. I've been on board ships like MSC Virtuosa and Royal Caribbean on ship visits, completed training with Celebrity, MSC and Trafalgar, and reached Gold on Virgin Voyages' First Mates programme. I still get excited walking up a gangway for the first time.

I travel as much as I can myself, from the Greek islands to the French Riviera, and I listen closely when clients come home. When a hotel gets glowing feedback, I recommend it with confidence. When something isn't right, I make sure the next person knows.

  • Since 2025Booking holidays for clients
  • GoldVirgin Voyages First Mates
  • Ship visitsMSC Virtuosa & Royal Caribbean
  • Trained withCelebrity, MSC & Trafalgar

Tailored for you, expert advice, exclusive perks and peace of mind. That's what every booking comes with.

Andrew Potter relaxing in a hotel pool on holiday
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost more than booking direct?

No. I'm paid commission by the cruise lines and holiday companies, so you don't pay me a fee. Prices are usually the same as booking direct, and sometimes I can find extra value through trade offers and perks.

Am I financially protected?

Yes. I'm affiliated with InteleTravel UK, an ABTA member (P7384). Package holidays that include flights are ATOL protected. I'll confirm exactly which protection applies to your booking before you pay.

How do deposits and payments work?

It depends on the holiday company. Most take a deposit to secure the booking, with the balance due some weeks before you travel. Your quote shows the total, the price per person and the deposit, so there are no surprises.

Can you book a holiday I've already found?

Often, yes. Send me the link and I'll check whether I can book it, and whether there's a better option or price for you.

Do you only book cruises?

No. Cruises are a big part of what I do, but I book beach holidays, city breaks, long-haul trips, escorted tours, group trips and more.

What happens if something goes wrong while I'm away?

You've got me. I'm a WhatsApp message away before, during and after your holiday, and I'll deal with the holiday company on your behalf.

How quickly will I hear back?

Usually within a day. If you're in a hurry, WhatsApp is the quickest way to reach me.

Free quote

Start planning your holiday

Use my enquiry form or get in touch directly. I usually reply within a day.

Phone / WhatsApp07900 008679
Instagram & Facebook@aptravelconsultantFollow for my latest offers and deals
Andrew Potter of AP Travel Consultant on a beach at sunset, with his contact details
What clients say
Andy helped us choose the right holiday, with guidance and support when we needed it. He took care of everything.
Shaun W.
An amazing holiday to Gran Canaria, all thanks to Andy. Everything was perfect, from the beautiful hotel to the trips out. Top-notch service from start to finish!
George D.
I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Excellent at organising trips and holidays.
Clive M.

All three recommend AP Travel Consultant on Facebook.

Enquiry form

Tell me about your holiday

Fill in my short enquiry form with your dates, who's travelling, your budget and what you have in mind. It takes a couple of minutes, and I'll come back to you with ideas and a free quote.

Open the enquiry form

Or share the link: tinyurl.com/AskAPNow. See how I use your details in my privacy notice.

Packing checklists

Your top 25 before you go

Pick your type of holiday and tick things off as you pack. Your ticks stay on this device, or download all five to print and share.

Download printable checklists (PDF)
0 of 25 packed
Privacy notice

Who I am. AP Travel Consultant is run by Andrew Potter, a sole trader based in Bristol and affiliated with InteleTravel UK. I'm responsible for the personal details you share with me. Contact: aptravelconsultant@yahoo.com or 07900 008679.

What I collect. The details you give me when you get in touch or book: names, contact details, travel dates, preferences and budget. For a booking, I may also need passport details, dates of birth, and any special requests or assistance needs.

Why I use it. To answer your enquiry, prepare quotes, make and manage your booking, and keep you updated about your trip. I'll only send you offers if you've asked me to, and you can stop them at any time.

Who I share it with. Only those who need it to arrange your holiday: InteleTravel UK, and the cruise lines, airlines, hotels and holiday companies involved in your booking. Some of these may be outside the UK. Enquiries sent through my online form are stored by Google, and messages sent by WhatsApp are handled by WhatsApp.

How long I keep it. Enquiry details for up to two years if you don't book. Booking records for as long as the law and my accounting requirements say I must.

Your rights. You can ask to see, correct or delete your details, or object to how I use them, by contacting me. If you're unhappy with how I've handled your information, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.

This website. The site doesn't use tracking cookies. If you use the packing checklists, your ticks are saved only in your own browser.

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