Cruise Specialist
Business Leader

Simon Matthews

Travel Associates Cruise Boutique
New Zealand,
0800 447 560Enquire now

Specialties

Cruise, Expedition Cruise, Luxury, River Cruise

Simon Matthews' passion for travel is driven by a belief that every journey should be extraordinary. With more than 16 years of experience in the travel industry and having explored over 60 countries around the world, Simon combines first-hand knowledge with a genuine passion for creating unforgettable experiences for his clients.

As a Cruise Specialist at Cruise Boutique by Travel Associates, Simon has built a reputation for designing one-of-a-kind journeys that go far beyond a standard holiday. His expertise spans ultra-luxury, ocean, river, expedition and family cruising, allowing him to curate seamless itineraries tailored to every traveller's interests and aspirations.

One of Simon's most memorable client experiences was creating a true bucket-list adventure that took his clients around the world over three months, combining multiple iconic river and ocean cruise experiences into one extraordinary itinerary.

For Simon, no two journeys should ever be the same. He approaches every itinerary as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime trip, taking the time to understand each client's travel style, interests and must-do experiences. From personalised recommendations to ongoing support throughout their travels, his attention to detail ensures every aspect of the journey is thoughtfully considered.

Some of Simon's favourite destinations include Japan, Porto, Barcelona and Mexico, where immersive cultural experiences, incredible cuisine and meaningful connections with local people have created lasting memories. One experience that remains particularly special is visiting Mont Saint-Michel in France. "Seeing the magnificent abbey emerge through the foggy tidal waters felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Walking the medieval streets and taking in the surrounding bay is a memory that has stayed with me ever since."

While Simon has travelled extensively, Africa and Patagonia remain at the top of his bucket list, with dreams of experiencing Africa's wildlife and Patagonia's dramatic mountains, glaciers and untouched landscapes.

His passion for travel stems from the opportunities it creates for discovery, connection and personal growth. "Travel is about so much more than visiting new places. It allows us to experience different cultures, meet new people and see the world from a broader perspective. Every journey has the power to change us and create lifelong memories."

Whether you're dreaming of an ultra-luxury cruise, a multi-destination adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime journey around the world, Simon will bring your travel dreams to life with expert knowledge, meticulous planning and exceptional service every step of the way.

For your next extraordinary escape, contact Simon and let him create a journey that's uniquely yours.

Experience

16 Years

Countries visited

59 Countries

Get to know me

What is your number one travel tip?

Create a list of your must-do iconic experiences before you travel. Planning ahead ensures you don't miss those unforgettable moments along the way – the world is a big place, and you don't want to come home wondering what you missed.

What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?

One of the most memorable experiences I've created was a true bucket-list journey around the world, combining some of the world's most iconic rivers and oceans over a three-month period. The itinerary seamlessly connected multiple cruise experiences, creating an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime adventure for my clients.

What is your favourite travel memory?

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel in France is a travel memory I'll never forget. Seeing the magnificent abbey rise dramatically from the foggy tidal waters felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Exploring the medieval streets and taking in the breathtaking views of the bay created a sense of wonder that has stayed with me ever since.

Why do you love travel?

I love travel because it creates opportunities for discovery, connection and lifelong memories. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people and seeing the world from a broader perspective is incredibly rewarding. For me, travel is about more than visiting new places – it's an experience that changes and grows you as a person.

Simon's Speciality Destinations

A World of Experience

Simon's client testimonial

Excellent service from Consultant Simon Matthews very professional and very helpful. I will certainly recommend him to my friends. All my dealings were with him via phone and email as I live three hours from his Office. Great to work with with excellent results thank you.

• Rose Anderson

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