For years, I celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I hope to continue.

I love the cozy feeling of being on a vessel that transports me, and a hundred or so others, along the main arteries of Europe during this festive time of year . I enjoy bundling up to stroll historic city streets among the Christmas markets and returning to the ship to sip on hot mulled cider or, when the mood strikes, Gluhwein.

After our Dream Cruise came to an end, I found myself wanting more time on the water and away from the tragedy that was impacting my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. So, I extended my vacation by two weeks to sail through the heart of Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest, with Avalon Waterways on Avalon Tranquility II. I’ve sailed with Avalon a few times now, and each time I find myself appreciating the thoughtful touches and comforts that make their cruises truly special. Here are some of the small details that always make a big difference for me.

Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways has announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Guests booking 2025’s Egypt’s Nile (May 14), France’s Provence region (Aug. 21), Portugal’s Douro (Nov. 14), and Colombia’s Magdalena River (Oct. 18) by December 31, 2024 can save up to 20% off cruise fares and enjoy AmaWaterways’ special AirPlus fixed rates on airfares. Read the rest of this entry »

As airfares continue to rise, travelers are seeking ways to maximize their experiences by extending their stays in their chosen destination. Award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways is catering to this trend with its 14-night “Grand River Cruises,” combining some of Europe’s most popular itineraries into a single voyage. The 2025 season sees three new combinations – Grand Seine & Bordeaux, Grand Seine & Rhône and Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals, adding to the existing Magnificent Europe and Grand Danube. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways, the first major river cruise line to navigate the Magdalena River in Colombia, shared its latest updates in preparation for the inaugural sailing of its first ship in Colombia, AmaMagdalena, set for 2025. The company is focused on enhancing the luxury cruising experience along this river, a new destination for river cruising, ensuring guests enjoy authentic and enriching connections to the region’s culture and heritage. Read the rest of this entry »

Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking lives and livelihoods. Many homes, restaurants, shops and even entire villages were swept away by torrential flooding and landslides. High winds took down trees that blocked roadways and destroyed houses. The death toll now stands at more than 230, with many more missing. Read the rest of this entry »

As the cruise market for Spanish-speaking travelers continues to grow, AmaWaterways adds more opportunities to meet the demand for these popular sailings. AmaWaterways, known for its Latin Touch cruises dedicated to Spanish-speaking travelers, is adding the popular Enticing Douro itinerary to its Latin Touch series for 2025. Departing on November 25, 2025, this eight-day luxury cruise aboard the 102-guest AmaDouro will journey from the pastel-colored city of Porto, all the way to picturesque port of Vega de Terrón, Spain before returning. Pricing starts at $3,283 per person, double. Guests can add a three-night pre-cruise Lisbon land option, inclusive of luxury accommodation, daily tours and daily breakfast, priced at $990 per person, double. Read the rest of this entry »

On the heels of a record-breaking year for Avalon Waterways in 2024, the river cruise company is poised to smash sales goals for 2025.

“We’re coming to the finish line of our strongest sales year ever. And I’m thrilled to share that 2025 is on another record pace and gaining. In recent weeks, 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50 percent year-over-year,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Leading the way are France and Portugal as well as off-season, ‘special interest’ cruises, including our exclusive series of ‘Active & Discovery’ itineraries.” Read the rest of this entry »

Europe’s Christmas markets are a beloved tradition, drawing in visitors from all corners of the world. These quaint, open-air markets are more than just shopping spots; they’re a festive celebration where you can pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like nutcrackers and handmade toys, all while sipping on mulled wine and savoring local delicacies. For those looking to experience these magical markets as they first come to life, before the crowds descend, AmaWaterways‘ Taste of Christmas cruises offer a tempting way to enjoy the holiday spirit on the water. Read the rest of this entry »

AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner – a lifelong advocate of river cruising and lauded industry innovator and known as the “Godfather of River Cruising” – began his deep connection with rivers growing up in Vienna, alongside the Danube. Read the rest of this entry »

River cruisers dock in a variety of locations. Some tie up within steps of the city centers; others not so much.  In 2019, I was on a Moselle cruise that I thought would dock in Trier. Turned out, we dropped anchor 12 miles away. Read the rest of this entry »

Getting to and from river (or barge) trips is one of the more challenging aspects of travel. First, we prefer air travel with the most convenient connections. Second, we prefer to travel in comfort. To that end, we’ve written often about how to get the best business class fares.

The major airline hubs where river cruises often begin or end – Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, Budapest – usually pose no problem, other than finding good-value airfares. Other destinations – Lyon, Arles, Bordeaux, Basel – pose challenges because they typically require connections through the major hubs. Read the rest of this entry »

Paris offers so many opportunities for river cruisers. You can hop on a barge and cruise the Oise (or the many other regional canals and rivers). You can cruise the Seine or make your way by fast train (about two hours from Paris) to Bordeaux or Lyon for river cruises through beautiful wine country on the Rhone, Garonne and Dordogne. You can even get to Amsterdam or Basel, both about three hours by fast train, for Rhine river cruises. Read the rest of this entry »

Can children go on a river cruise? It depends. CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line to allow children under the age of three without exceptions. Emerald, Riviera and Scenic require that kids be 12 or older. And one company bans kids altogether.

Since 2015, I have hosted nearly a dozen trips on hotel barges. These are narrow, custom-built vessels that putter along the French canals generally for six nights/seven days. Because the barges are confined to dimensions that will allow the transit of multiple locks, many measuring less than 20 feet wide, staterooms are smallish but adequate Read the rest of this entry »

This week on the Rhine River, while cruising on AmaWaterways’ AmaLucia, I chose to straddle a saddle on four excursions by bicycle. “It’s the best way to see a place,” our guide Monika said as we rolled through Strasbourg, one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities. More than a dozen of us chose to cycle into the city center for an invigorating three-hour tour.

From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, we’ll marvel at wildlife against a backdrop of spectacular panoramas. We’ll pitch camp in romantic lodges and sail on the beautiful African Queen. We’ll explore beautiful natural reserves and the secrets of Lake Kariba before taking in the grandeur of the “smoke that thunders,” Victoria Falls Read the rest of this entry »

Viking® today announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Hathor—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August 2024, the Viking Hathor will join the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary Read the rest of this entry »

Viking kicked off the start of its 2024 river season in Europe yesterday, as its Viking Longship fleet began sailing itineraries throughout the region. The company’s river fleet of sister ships sail a variety of itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle and Elbe rivers Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks to a long-time reader for this note regarding our pricing charts: The per-diem charts you provide are a great time saver when comparing which line to choose for a trip. There is just one thing to consider, however. An 8-day cruise is really 7 nights since you have to exit the ship early on the 8th day. It would be more fair to readers if you use the cost/night rather than per diem based on days since that changes the denominator. Keep up the good work, Al. Read the rest of this entry »