Is river cruising the best way to explore Europe? We think so.  Nothing quite compares to the convenience of unpacking once for a trip through multiple countries. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider taking a river cruise on your next vacation.

Rhine Valley from Uniworld

1. Destinations –visit some of the world’s greatest cities. Many cities and towns in Europe were built alongside rivers…Paris, Vienna, Budapest just to name a few.

On my recent trip to Europe to attend the Christening festivities for Avalon Waterways

Panorama

brand-new Avalon Panorama I had the opportunity to visit some distinct and interesting cities. The Rhine River is most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks. Aboard Avalon Waterways you sail through cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Basel. Today I want to share with you two other cities that I enjoyed.

HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS * HOT NEWS

ms Rotterdam

May 24, 2011 – Cruise Specialists continues to keep our finger on the pulse and bring you the most current and exciting news in the cruise industry.

We are pleased to announce a move that’s a first for Holland America Line.   Ms Rotterdam will deploy from Europe year-round starting in September, 2012, on a series of extended sailings round-trip from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The home port of Rotterdam was selected because of the company’s deep historical connection to the city as well its easily accessible location in Northwest Europe.

In April 2011 I sailed aboard AMA Waterways on a Europe river cruise. My guest and I arrived

Kelli with VP Gary Murphy

early at the airport in San Francisco for our afternoon flight to Amsterdam.  The lines for check-in were wrapped around as if we were waiting for a ride at Disneyland! That’s why it’s always good to give yourself lots of time at the airport.

Uniworld Antoinette christening

Tom Baumann, President of Cruise Specialists, recently attended the christening of Uniworld’s new 164-passenger S.S. Antoinette pierside in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

“The Antoinette is absolutely without a doubt the most incredible ship ever built for river cruising,” described Baumann.  “If you are looking for an upscale river cruise and truly a ‘boutique’ experience, then you must try a Uniworld cruise.  Not only is the ship absolutely incredible, but the service and food was fantastic!  There is an infinity pool, a gym, spa treatment rooms, a movie theater, two lounges, two restaurants, a 24 hour specialty coffee and tea bar and more.”

In October 2010 I had the pleasure of travelling with AMA Waterways from Nuremberg

Amadagio in Budapest

to Budapest aboard the elegant Amadagio. This luxury river cruise product was wonderful from start to finish.

The staterooms were modern and luxurious with large marble bathrooms and huge glass showers – the shower heads had six different spray levels. My stateroom had large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a French Balcony that opens up for fresh air. The largest suite aboard the Amadagio is 230 sq. ft. featuring a French balcony, large tub and separate shower.

AMALYRA River Vessel

Last month I travelled from Prague to Budapest aboard AMA WATERWAYS AmaLyra river cruise. From start to finish this river cruise was terrific. We were even lucky enough to experience some of the famed Christmas Markets along our route!

Our Cabin, number 327, was a B Category with a comfortable 170 sq ft. The marble-appointed bathroom and large shower with three shower heads and six settings was very impressive. The complimentary in-room internet was much appreciated when the signal was strong. After a

I’ve arrived back home from our first-ever Cruise Specialists President’s Cruise. We sailed aboard Holland America Line’s ms Prinsendam from London to Rome for fifteen fabulous days. It was such a special treat to spend so much wonderful time with our clients.

We arrived in Amsterdam July 29th to board the brand-new ms Avalon Luminary for my very first River Cruise. This was a great experience and a wonderful way to cruise along the Rhine River – with so much history and countryside to see.  Most of the towns and villages we toured were hundreds or thousands of years old. 

In July I had the pleasure of sailing aboard the all-new Seabourn Sojourn. Wow is all I can say – the ship is absolutely wonderful! It is amazing to me that this was only the third sailing for the Sojourn as the crew worked together like a well-oiled machine. The entire staff called you by name and they would bend over backwards to get you anything you needed.  The wait staff easily remembered your preferences, for example if you ordered a drink while out by the pool; later in the lounges they would ask if you would like the same.  Everyone had smiles on their faces at all times and looked to really enjoy what they were doing.