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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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.

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 »

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 »

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 »