About Us

In 2017, serendipity brought Maureen and Connie together when they struck up a conversation while waiting in line for a cruise. Maureen, whose child felt isolated and burdened by the need for a strict gluten-free diet, had been dreaming of a travel experience that wouldn’t center on fears of contamination or special requests. Connie, an expert travel specialist, immediately recognized the power of Maureen’s idea and how she could transform their vision into reality for countless gluten-free travelers. Together, they laid the foundation for Celiac Cruise, envisioning voyages that would celebrate safe, gluten-free living without sacrificing adventure. Their first sailing in January of 2020—once just a spark of their vision—rapidly grew into a thriving international community of travelers. By partnering with Royal Caribbean International, Oceania Cruises, and AmaWaterways, Connie and Maureen meticulously orchestrated every detail—from onboard dining to community events—to restore a sense of normalcy for each guest. As a result, guests no longer have to worry about hidden gluten or limited meal options and can finally focus on reconnecting with family and loved ones and the destination itself. Under Maureen and Connie’s dedicated leadership, Celiac Cruise has welcomed thousands of families impacted by celiac disease on each departure, transforming the way the world views gluten-free travel. Each trip stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment: no one should feel different or burdened simply because of dietary restrictions. Instead, Celiac Cruise enables families to rediscover the pure joy of travel—together and worry-free.

Maureen Basye, MS

Maureen is a native Floridian who became a Virginian by way of the University of Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She later pursued advanced studies at Syracuse University, earning a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Early in her career, Maureen worked in a hospital setting, helping adults and children overcome challenges related to speech, swallowing, and feeding. She went on to establish a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy practice specializing in autism and feeding disorders.

After several members of her immediate family were diagnosed with celiac disease, Maureen experienced firsthand the difficulties of traveling while requiring a strictly gluten-free, cross-contact-free environment. Determined to make travel safer and more accessible—not only for her own family but for the broader community—she transitioned from Speech Pathologist to Celiac Travel Consultant.

Today, Maureen combines her clinical expertise with her passion for travel to help families living with celiac disease explore the world confidently, free from concerns about food safety and quality. She has spent countless hours aboard ships of all sizes, collaborating with Food & Beverage teams to ensure a safe, delicious, and memorable experience for Celiac Cruise guests.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Maureen serves on the board of the Boston Children’s Hospital Celiac Program and actively volunteers on Capitol Hill, advocating for legislation to support individuals impacted by celiac disease. Her dedication to raising awareness, advancing research, and driving policy change reflects her commitment to creating a safer, healthier future for those managing celiac disease, including her own family.

Maureen resides in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, Geoff, and their three children: Patrick, Peter, and Margaret. 

Connie Saunders, CEO
Total Travel and Events, Inc.

Connie Saunders is the Founder and CEO of Total Travel and Events, Inc. (Total Travel), consistently ranked as one of the top-producing travel agencies in the nation, with a stellar reputation for specializing in group travel and personalized vacations. Originally from Asheville, NC, Connie holds a BS in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems, from Western Carolina University, which has provided her with a strong foundation for managing the operations and growth of Total Travel. With a passion for travel and a dedicated team, she is deeply committed to customer service, integrity, and follow-through—the core principles behind the agency’s success.

Total Travel handles all travel booking services for Celiac Cruise guests, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience from start to finish. With each booking, the team strives to create a nurturing environment where guests can fully relax and focus on making lasting memories, knowing their health and safety are top priorities. While Total Travel offers a wide range of travel services, Celiac Cruise holds a special place in Connie’s heart, as it gives her and the whole Total Travel team, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with Celiac Disease.