THE MISSION OF CURRENT READS

OUR NORTH STAR

We started Current Reads Voyages to create welcoming, thoughtfully designed vacations where romance readers can connect, unwind, and celebrate the genre they love.

We strive to build a community that brings people together and takes our online connections offline and enriching these relationships with a safe, joyful third space in the form of fun, relaxing cruises.

MEET THE FOUNDERs

Hey, we're melissa & arielle!

We started as two book club friends who loved stories, community, and the occasional cruise. Now, we’re bringing that same joy to readers who want connection, adventure, and bookish fun!

about melissa

Our Travel Planning Princess

Melissa has spent over 10 years helping people plan unforgettable trips, and thanks to her, our book club cruise finally made it out of the group chat and into the real world.

She’s crafted memorable travel experiences, championed accessibility and inclusivity, and built a welcoming online community through Vegan Passholder (formerly VeganDisneyWorld), where she helps Orlando theme park visitors find delicious food that fits their dietary needs. Now she brings that same passion, care, and travel‑planning sparkle to Current Reads Voyages making every sailing feel thoughtful, inclusive, and full of joy.

Favorite Book(s): Phantasma, Lights Out, Kingdom of Ash, Zodiac Academy, Seven Days in June

Favorite Author(s): Kaylie Smith, Ruby Dixon, Carissa Broadbent, Nisha J. Tuli

Favorite Romance Sub-Genre(s): Romantasy, Contemporary

about arielle

The Event Goblin

Arielle has spent the last nine years bringing big, joyful ideas to life including five years in corporate employee recognition and engagement where she built programs, brands, and experiences from the ground up.

After a layoff reshaped her path, she poured that same creativity into launching The Celebration Edit Florida, designing celebrations that feel personal and elevated. Now she’s channeling her love of romance stories, community, and unforgettable experiences into shaping the magic behind Current Reads Voyages where her event‑goblin brain gets to dream bigger and create voyages readers can’t wait to come back to.

Favorite Book(s): Just for the Summer, Lights Out, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Wildfire, Babel

Favorite Author(s): Abby Jimenez, Gabriella Gamez, R.F. Kuang, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jennifer Echols

Favorite Romance Sub-Genre(s): Contemporary, Romantasy

current reads goals

What’s Next in Our Story

Build a year‑round lineup of chapter cruises with evolving themes and multiple sailings each year.

Host an annual romance convention at sea that feels intimate, relaxing, and connection‑forward.

Offer spaces for authors and industry professionals to recharge, collaborate, and fall in love with the genre again.

Create a thriving online community where any romance reader can join, connect, and feel welcome.

Offer spaces for authors and industry professionals to recharge, collaborate, and fall in love with the genre again.

Cultivate partnerships with indie bookstores and small merch makers to create a collaborative network that supports and uplifts the small businesses at the heart of the book community.

the vision

We envision a vibrant, global community of romance readers who come together through a collection of voyages—relaxing chapter cruises, intimate conventions, and future themed sailings—that offer genuine connection, meaningful experiences, and a refreshing alternative to overwhelming book events.

Our long‑term dream is to build voyages readers look forward to year after year, where authors, industry professionals, and fans alike can reconnect with their passions and rediscover the joy of reading and writing.