Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Mompoint
Hi Maurice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Happy Holidays Travel is a family-owned business that opened its doors in 1982 with a vision to bring unique and memorable travel experiences to our clients. In 1996, we found our niche in organizing Quinceañera cruises. This decision was pivotal for our business—it gave us a clear identity in a competitive industry where having a niche is essential for longevity.
Beatriz, who founded the company, worked alongside Maurice for over 25 years to build this legacy. While she stepped back four years ago, her dedication and values continue to shape our approach. Quinceañera cruises remain our specialty, but our success in this area has allowed us to expand into high school graduation cruises, destination weddings, and other celebratory event cruises. Today, we’re proud to offer a range of customized travel experiences, each crafted with the same commitment to quality and joy that has defined us from the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth in a small business? That’s almost unheard of! There are always highs and lows, and the true test is how well you navigate the difficult times. One of our biggest challenges was during COVID. Specializing in cruises was incredibly tough when the pandemic hit—our core business of organizing large family groups and events came to a complete halt for nearly three years. We faced immense uncertainty about when or even if things would return to normal. But like any resilient business, we focused on adapting, staying connected with our clients, and preparing for the eventual comeback. It’s been a long road, but those struggles strengthened our resolve and deepened our commitment to providing memorable experiences.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Happy Holidays Travel, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for young Hispanic girls celebrating their Quinceañera—their 15th birthday. Each year, we host over 200 girls and their families on a seven-day cruise where 20–25 girls celebrate this significant milestone together. Our program includes three main events: a welcome party, a formal debutante ball, and a themed farewell party, each carefully crafted to make the week special.
What makes us most proud is our ability to become part of each family’s celebration. While we have a structured program, we work to ensure each girl’s happiness throughout the week, embracing her individuality. With 200 girls and 200 unique preferences, we strive to make every moment memorable and meaningful. This commitment to personalizing each experience is what truly sets us apart. It’s more than an event; it’s about creating family memories and sharing in one of the most cherished moments of their lives.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk is part of every decision, big or small. In our experience, it’s essential to take calculated risks to grow. Developing our Quinceañera cruise program involved significant trial and error—we added events, removed others, and adapted to what resonated most with our clients. Every decision came with its own set of challenges, but without taking those steps, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Pricing:
- starts at $1300 per person. Each family member pays their own trip.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hhtcruises.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhtcruises/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyHolidaysTravel/
