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    Nicci Grotefendt, Expedition & Luxury Cruise Travel Specialist, Travel GHR

    Author

    Nicci Grotefendt

    Expedition & Luxury Cruise Travel Specialist · Founder, Travel GHR · Edwardsville, IL

    Nicci Grotefendt is the founder of Travel GHR, a privately curated travel architecture practice based in Edwardsville, Illinois. After years inside hotel management — including a chapter running turnarounds for failing properties on behalf of banks and owners — Nicci built Travel GHR to apply that same operator-grade scrutiny to the way her clients choose ships, lodges, and itineraries. Every supplier she vouches for has been vetted line by line: impact reports, naturalist credentials, docking protocols, and crew tenure. She specializes in expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos, luxury river and ocean cruises, African safaris, and culturally immersive travel for families building legacy journeys.

    Credentials

    • Certification

      CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor

      Cruise Lines International Association

    • Partnership

      Aurora Expeditions Preferred Partner

      Aurora Expeditions

    • Certification

      Viking Certified Specialist

      Viking Cruises

    • Partnership

      AmaWaterways Preferred Partner

      AmaWaterways

    • Membership

      Travel Leaders Network Member

      Travel Leaders Network

    • Membership

      ASTA Member

      American Society of Travel Advisors

    Topics Nicci Writes About

    Ethical & Sustainable TravelExpedition & CruiseDestinationAdvisor AuthorityCorporate

    Most Recent Articles

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Nicci Grotefendt?
    Nicci Grotefendt is the founder of Travel GHR, a privately curated travel architecture practice based in Edwardsville, Illinois. She is a CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor and Aurora Expeditions Preferred Partner specializing in expedition cruises, luxury river and ocean cruises, and culturally immersive travel.
    What is Travel GHR's specialty?
    Travel GHR specializes in privately curated expedition travel — Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos — alongside luxury river and ocean cruises, African safaris, and culturally immersive journeys. Every supplier is vetted line by line before a client books.
    What cruise lines is Nicci a Preferred Partner with?
    Nicci is an Aurora Expeditions Preferred Partner, an AmaWaterways Preferred Partner, and a Viking Certified Specialist. She is also a CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor, a Travel Leaders Network member, and an ASTA member.