We can all agree that one of the least exciting parts of planning a trip, second to paying your cruise fare, is packing. The great news, though, is that someone always seems to have advice for how to make packing easier.

Ralph writes many articles on packing tips. In his article, Ralph provides a lot of great insight how and what to pack. But his advice doesn’t always work for me – convertible pants that zip off into shorts? No, thank you. But Ralph does this so that he can pack for a week in just a carry on. For those who mind hauling the extra luggage, that could be a good idea. I don’t mind bringing a checked bag, rolling carry on, and backpack (I know, it’s a lot!) Read the rest of this entry »

This is an update to an article I wrote a few years ago about the value of travel agents (or advisors). When I first wrote this article in 2019 I stated that “I was confused about why people used travel agents. Why have someone else do something that you can do yourself?” Fast forward five years, and I’ve become a travel agent myself.

A lot of people ask the same question I asked, though. Why use a travel advisor? The answer is simple – while it’s true that you can handle the logistics yourself, a travel advisor provides expertise, added value, and personalized service that can enhance your entire travel experience. Read the rest of this entry »

Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers, Lahnstein offers a gateway to captivating historical sites and natural beauty. In Lahnstein, you’ll have to opportunity to visit a towering fortress, take a scenic bike rides, or hike through lush landscapes. Here’s a closer look at these excursion options.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the town and the rivers below, Burg Lahneck is a stunning medieval castle with a history dating back to the 13th century. Your guided tour through its ancient halls reveals tales of knights, nobility, and the castle’s strategic importance during various European conflicts. Read the rest of this entry »

Ludwigshafen is your starting point for a range of excursions – whether you’re drawn to the medieval charm of Heidelberg, the opulence of Schwetzingen Palace, or the peaceful trails along the Neckar River. Read the rest of this entry »

Breisach is your starting point for a variety of excursions that cater to different interests, whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, or the great outdoors.

Picture this, cruising through the Rhine Gorge, taking in the scenic views of historic castles and the Lorelei Rock. As you reach the end of the gorge, you arrive in the picturesque town of Rüdesheim, which we love for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the river.

AmaWaterways offers a variety of excursions to help you explore Rüdesheim, whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely experience or something more active.

Last week, AmaWaterways sent us a press release on their newest Nile River ship, AmaLilia. I was going to post the release with some photos for you all to read, but when I got to looking at pictures of the ship, I knew that you all needed to see more than just a few of them. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways has opened reservations for the 2026 season on all its cruise products and pre- and post-cruise land packages: Europe, Egypt, Asia, Colombia, Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises.

With the launch of nine new river ships over the next three years, and more than 40 different itineraries on four continents, early travel planners can choose from a variety of possibilities and lock in great savings opportunities and dates. Read the rest of this entry »

Living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity poses significant challenges. Individuals affected by the autoimmune disorder often find it difficult to enjoy travel due to fear of gluten exposure and other potentially serious health implications. The collaboration between AmaWaterways and Celiac Cruise has already delivered amazing European itineraries and adventures, offering dedicated 100-percent gluten-free ships and experiences for guests sailing the Danube and Seine rivers. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways announced two new river ships launching in 2026: AmaKaia will AmaDara on the Mekong River and AmaSofia will sail Europe’s Rhine and Danube Rivers Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways’ Military Savings offers active and retired service members a $250 savings on river cruises in Europe, Asia, Egypt or Colombia. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways shared the way it commits to sustainability by sharing a short video showcasing current initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics, minimize food waste and contribute positively to the preservation of our planet’s precious water resources Read the rest of this entry »

It’s no secret that we love to keep moving when we travel. From bicycling-themed cruises to excursions that get our heart rate going, we think the best way to see the world is by getting our bodies moving. It turns out that many of you value active experiences when you travel as well. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our three favorite river cruise lines for active travelers: AmaWaterways, Avalon and Emerald. Let’s find out which one is right for you Read the rest of this entry »

Last year, I wrote this note to AmaWaterways during a time that I was feeling grateful. As I embark on a new chapter, and another set of change, I am feeling grateful once more. So, I thought I’d share this note again. You see, Ama gave me my first introduction to river cruising way back in 2009, but that’s just the beginning. Since then, I’ve had many unforgettable journeys with Ama – and they deserve a big thank you Read the rest of this entry »

Wave season may have come and gone, but the world of river cruising still offers plenty of savings to sail into. Let’s explore some of today’s top river cruise deals to make your dream voyage a reality Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to Dubai, where tradition meets innovation, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Join AmaWaterways on a journey to this dynamic city, before or after your Secrets Of Egypt & The Nile river cruise Read the rest of this entry »

Douro River Cruise Prices is part of a continuing series of comparison charts and articles featuring European River Cruises offered by world class river cruise lines. Our goal is to provide a True Per Diem for each cruise, or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare Read the rest of this entry »

The Danube River Cruise Pricing Charts are part of a continuing series of comparison charts and articles featuring European River Cruises offered by world class river cruise lines. Our goal is to provide a True Per Diem for each cruise, or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare Read the rest of this entry »

Seine River Cruise Prices is part of a continuing series of comparison charts and articles featuring European River Cruises offered by world class river cruise lines. Our goal is to provide a True Per Diem for each cruise, or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare. Read the rest of this entry »

Recently, three prominent river cruise companies have unveiled their latest offerings. Uniworld’s Biggest Flash Sale takes center stage, promising unmatched savings on all-inclusive luxury river cruises—an exclusive event marking the leap year with special discounts. Then, Riviera unveils its newest fleet additions, vowing to redefine the cruising experience with innovative features and spacious accommodations. And lastly, Riverside invites travelers to spectate on a captivating French odyssey Read the rest of this entry »