Meet Samantha Robichaud

Disney dreamer turned cruise-ship queen.

Travel advisor, radio host, Virgin Voyages obsessive and founder of Fabulous Adventures Travel Company. I’m the friend who’s already been, here with honest opinions, insider tips and the hidden gems worth finding.

Samantha Robichaud smiling in a flowing red gown, holding a glass of champagne in a glittering mirrored room

Over 50Virgin Voyages sailings and counting
4 yearsA Top 10 Virgin Voyages First Mate
2 showsTalk Travel with Samantha & Talk Virgin to Me
Every weekendOn air on Real Radio 104.1 & NewsRadio WFLA Orlando

My story

From the stage to the ship.

Hi! I’m Samantha. Travel has always been more than a job to me: it genuinely excites me every single day, and I truly believe it should feel fun from the moment you start planning, not just once you finally get there. The road here wasn’t exactly a straight line, so here’s the scenic route.

Samantha Robichaud smiling at Disneyland Paris in a teal Let's travel T-shirt — Still a Disney dreamer: Disneyland Paris.

The Yasaka Pagoda above a quiet lantern-lit street in Kyoto at dusk — Kyoto’s Yasaka Pagoda at dusk.

Chapter one

Performing & Japan

Before travel was my job, performing was. I played Maria in West Side Story, performed in Europe and spent time performing at Tokyo Disneyland, visiting Disney parks around the world along the way. It shaped everything I love now: entertainment, storytelling and creating experiences people remember. Read the full story.

I also lived in Japan for about a year and a half, and yes, I climbed Mount Fuji. My best advice (and the mistakes I don’t want you to make) is in my first trip to Japan guide.

On deck with Virgin Voyages, my happy place.

Samantha Robichaud crouching front and center with the Fabulous Adventures Travel Company team, everyone holding glass awards in front of the company backdrop — Awards night with the Fabulous Adventures team.

Chapter two

Fabulous Adventures & Virgin Voyages

I built Fabulous Adventures Travel Company from the ground up, and these days I’m best known for my love of Virgin Voyages. My best friend and colleague Kelly Roma and I have been named Top 10 Virgin Voyages First Mates four years in a row. (First Mate is Virgin’s name for its travel advisors.)

After over 50 sailings, I’m the person people ask for insider tips, hidden gems on board and how to get the most out of a voyage. New to Virgin? Start with my first-timers guide. We even run our own group cruise, Girls Gone Cruisin’, and it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.

Samantha Robichaud smiling in glasses in her podcast studio, with a blue neon sign behind her — On air in the studio.

Samantha Robichaud and Kelly Roma on stage in party dresses, holding red Virgin Voyages awards and each showing four fingers — Four years as Top 10 First Mates, with Kelly Roma.

Chapter three

Radio & podcasts

Hosting a travel show is honestly a dream come true. Talk Travel with Samantha airs every weekend on Orlando radio and on demand as a podcast and on YouTube: cruise tips, destination ideas, travel news and behind-the-scenes stories that make travel feel approachable, exciting and real. Watch & listen to the episodes.

With Kelly, I also co-host Talk Virgin to Me, our podcast all about Virgin Voyages.

How I travel

Fair warning: I have opinions.

The quickest way to know if we’d travel well together. The long versions live in my travel guides.

I like a little adventure.

Jet skis, sailing, a private boat: if it’s on the water and has a motor, I’m in. Basic is not my thing. Croatia by yacht →

Give me a beach and a cocktail.

Warm-weather girl, picky about water: if I can’t see my toenails, it’s not clear enough. Bimini has the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Pick your island →

Alaska proved me wrong.

Almost 20 years ago I was sure I’d hate it. Dog sledding on a glacier in Juneau is still one of my favorite travel experiences, and the best splurge I’ve made. My Alaska guide →

Something new in every port.

Kelly and I have a pact: we try something new at every stop. That’s how the best stories happen. Watch a port day →

Short and free beats long and herded.

I’d rather do a four-hour adventure than a full day following a flag. Give me the freedom to wander. Why I skip group tours →

Competitive? Just a little.

I lost an America’s Cup yacht race in St. Maarten on the very last second. Still salty. Would 100% do it again. Watch the race recap →

Snapshots

Out in the world

Real trips, real photos. More on Instagram @samanthastravels and Facebook.

Samantha Robichaud smiling with a Special Guest pass at Universal Epic Universe, with TV cameras behind her — Special guest at Epic Universe.

Samantha Robichaud in pink sunglasses taking a sunny selfie with a smiling girl beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris — Under the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Samantha Robichaud in a white sun hat laughing in a big hug with a friend in a turquoise pool lined with palm trees — Pool day, the best kind of day.

Samantha Robichaud striking a winner's pose on the top step of the podium in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, while a friend bows on the second step — First place in Athens. Competitive? Just a little.

Samantha Robichaud and a friend relaxing in red rope hammocks on a Virgin Voyages balcony, with the port below — Hammock time on a Virgin balcony.

Samantha Robichaud and a friend toasting with drinks on a rooftop terrace in Athens, with the Acropolis on the hill behind them — Rooftop toast, Acropolis behind us.

Let’s talk travel

So happy you’re here.

My favorite part of all of this is simple: helping people make memories they’ll never forget. Whether you’re after inspiration or ready to plan your next trip, I’d love to help.

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