About Us


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.