Hello 👋 We're William & Shelley.

Meet the River Cruise Experts

Real Travelers. Real Experience. Genuine Guidance.

We’re William and Shelley Robison — the husband-and-wife team behind River Cruise Experts and the owners of Sun Sand Sea Travel, a boutique travel agency that has specialized in small-ship cruising for more than two decades.

Shelley has been in the travel industry for 26 years, helping clients explore the world through carefully crafted, personalized experiences. Her deep knowledge spans luxury and small ocean cruises to unique cultural itineraries, where service and storytelling matter more than trends or crowds.

William joined her full-time about four years ago, after a successful career in business and real estate management. With a lifelong love of travel and a growing passion for river cruising, he now focuses exclusively on helping travelers choose the right river cruise brand and itinerary—the one that truly fits their style, pace, and interests.

In March 2025, we attended the annual River Cruise Expo, where we stepped aboard 14 different river ships, met with representatives from every major cruise line, and experienced firsthand what sets each brand apart. That trip reinforced what we already knew: while most travelers recognize one or two well-known names, there are more than ten exceptional river cruise lines, each offering its own unique personality, onboard style, and guest experience. Knowing those differences—personally—is what allows us to guide our clients to the best match.

Between us, we’ve traveled to all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries, often by river or small ship. We’re also empty nesters with three grown children—two now married—and a shared belief that travel is one of life’s greatest teachers.

Unlike many agencies that focus on social media or advertising, our time is spent where it matters most—working directly with our clients and deepening our product knowledge. You won’t find us filming reels or chasing trends. You’ll find us visiting ships, attending briefings, comparing itineraries, and staying up-to-date with the ever-changing details that can make or break a trip.

We do this full time because we love it—and because we believe every client deserves more than an online booking form. Our goal is to provide honest, firsthand guidance so you can travel with confidence, knowing your cruise has been tailored to you. If you’re ready to explore the world by river, we’d love to help you find your perfect fit.