Good Neighbor Podcast: Orange County

How Expedia Cruises Delivers Low Prices And High-Touch Service In Norwalk

• Rachel Fyffe & Alfonso Aduna

Share episode

Planning a cruise should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We sit down with Alfonso Aduna of Expedia Cruises in Norwalk to unpack how a local storefront combines Expedia’s massive buying power with the calm certainty of face-to-face service. From unbeatable cruise pricing to rapid help when flights get canceled, Alfonso shows why a real person in your corner can turn a stressful booking into an easy, joy-filled trip.

Alfonso’s journey from wealth management to travel planning reframes the goal of saving: money matters, but memories matter more. He explains how his team pre-purchases 50,000 cruise rooms across major lines to unlock lower fares, upgrades, and group amenities you rarely see when booking direct. We dive into common myths about travel advisors, the real cost of DIY mistakes, and the quiet perks that make a big difference, like choosing the right ship class for families, timing shoulder-season deals, and securing onboard credits that stretch your budget.

Community sits at the heart of this conversation. Alfonso shares how families and groups fuel referrals when service is personal and fast, why his Norwalk storefront features a coffee bar, a wine bar, and ship videos to help guests compare options, and how quick texts and local support become a safety net when plans shift. We close with practical takeaways on saving money without sacrificing experience, plus details on their January 29 kickoff event with major deals at 12840 Rosecrans Avenue. Subscribe for more local business stories, share with a friend who loves to cruise, and leave a review to help neighbors discover their next great getaway.

SPEAKER_00:

This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, Rachel Fife.

SPEAKER_02:

Well, welcome to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Now, are you looking to plan a cruise? Well, we have the resource right here for you. Today I have the pleasure of introducing your good neighbor, Alfonso Aduna, with Expedia Cruises. Alfonso, how's it going?

SPEAKER_01:

Pretty good, Rachel. Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_02:

Well, we're really excited to learn about your business. So tell us all about Expedia Cruises.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, so we're Expedia Cruises in Norwalk, located right here off the I-5 on Rose Grands, right between LA and Orange County. We are the high-touch side of the Expedia brand. So we combine the massive power of Expedia, which gives us unbeatable pricing on cruises, resorts, and tours, but with that personalized face-to-face service. And we are your local experts that you can visit in person, not just the website.

SPEAKER_02:

That's great. Now, how did you get into this business?

SPEAKER_01:

So my background is in finance and I own a wealth management firm called Aduna Capital. I spent years helping people build wealth, but I realize that wealth is meaningless unless you're traveling. Traveling is just, it's one of those things that you get to enjoy with your friends and family.

SPEAKER_02:

So what do you think are maybe some myths or misconceptions in your industry?

SPEAKER_01:

So the biggest myth is that it costs extra to use a consultant. Um, this is actually false. We found better pricing and um than going direct because we pre-purchased thousands of rooms. But I think the most important thing actually is the support. Because if you book online and your flight gets canceled or your cruise gets canceled, you're stuck on hold for hours, right? But if you're dealing with a travel consultant that you know and is your friend, we're your safety net. We can answer your call right away or a quick text and we can help fix everything while you're just relaxing on that beach.

SPEAKER_02:

That's wonderful. Now we know marketing is really the heart of every business. So how are you finding your customers?

SPEAKER_01:

Honestly, it's just families and groups, right? Um, it's that referrals from your neighbor, referrals from friends. And when you provide high quality service, um, you're gonna get those referrals. That's great.

SPEAKER_02:

Now, have you ever thought about doing your own podcast?

SPEAKER_01:

You know, I it's one of those things that I've always wanted to be on. Um, and thank you for that opportunity. But no, I I think it's just, you know, I love what I do, it just like you love what you do, and we're both good at something, right?

SPEAKER_02:

Yeah, great. Now, outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?

SPEAKER_01:

So I like to spend time with my family. I have a three-year-old actually here with me in the office. Um, he's my love and joy. I also have an 11-year-old, and I just like going to the parks, doing things that are local, like movies at the parks.

SPEAKER_02:

That's great. That's great. Alfonso, now please tell our listeners one thing they should remember about Expedia cruises.

SPEAKER_01:

So we pre-purchase 50,000 rooms a year across all the major cruise lines. Um, so that means that we have these lower rates. We're also the highest-rated travel center on Google in LA and Orange County. So that means that you're getting the best customer service, you're getting the best, you know, in ever in case you ever needed to reach us.

SPEAKER_02:

Wonderful. Well, how can our listeners learn more about Expedia cruises?

SPEAKER_01:

Have them come by to 12840 Rose Grands Avenue right here in Norwalk. Um, we have a coffee bar, a wine bar, a huge entertainment center that where they can watch all the major cruise lines. And we actually have an event starting on January 29th. It's our kickoff event for the year with all the major deals.

SPEAKER_02:

That sounds great. Well, Alfonso, I really appreciate you being on the show, and we wish you and your business the very, very best moving forward.

SPEAKER_01:

Thank you, Rachel. Have a good one.

SPEAKER_00:

Thank you for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast. To nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show, go to gnporangecounty.com. That's gnporangecounty.com or call 714 941 862.