Our 10 Best Europe River Cruise Blogs
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
I have written 75 blogs about Europe River Cruising—this will be number 76. I currently rank # 1 on Google in a search for “Europe River Cruise Blogs.” About 18 months ago, I wrote a blog about our 5 best Europe River Cruise Blogs.
It is time to update and provide you a better look at our best work. The goal is simple--to help you get a better understanding of a Europe river cruise vacation and experience.
To organize my thoughts, I thought I would first provide you a little background about how I write and research these blogs, and the goals of the blogs.
Next I will provide you my selection of the best blogs we have written. In my selection process, I decided not to include company specific blogs or food, service or cabin blogs—these are great for more detailed looks at a specific company or aspect of Europe river cruises but not the best overall works about Europe river cruising.
For each blog, I will provide a summary of the blog and then tell you why it matters—and provide a link to the actual blog.
Ready, to learn more?—let’s GO!
How I write and Organize Our River Cruise Blogs
Our blogs, by design, are much more detailed than most other blogs—usually 2000 words or more. There are two types of blogs we use to help you understand characteristics of Europe river cruises.
In the first type, we try to tell the story of each topic in a way you can see yourself there—can we capture the experience for you?
While some blogs easily fall into storytelling type of blog, others are designed as informational, data blogs. This is our second type of blog.
Both have immense value, in my opinion. Sometimes you just need the data in a form you can understand and make comparisons. But this alone is not enough—you need to know what you will experience on a Europe river cruise to get the full story. A key element of these blogs is a clear separation of facts (usually there is a source) and our opinion. When possible, we use many pictures in each blog to help enhance our descriptions.
As you can see from this blog, we break up our blogs into sub headings to make it easier to understand. Often, there is quite a bit of research that goes into the content—we try to sift through the overwhelming amount of information and advertising to paint an easily understandable summary of each topic. Most is first-hand information from our experiences, but some is news or research, or information facts (internet, blogs, books, travel publications, company brochures or other sources) you need to know to become a better traveler.
Our blogs have two goals—the most important is to inform you so you can decide if a Europe river cruise is right for you. The second, a bit more subtle, is to help you decide if we are the right folks to help plan your river cruise.
Our Top 10 Blogs
Our # 10 Blog—European River Cruise Ports
Melk Abbey on the Upper Danube River
Summary—this is a very good way to learn about what you can see at the various ports on a specific route. This a description about a section on our website under the River Cruises and it has great value for you in your search for accurate and useful travel information. It is called European River Cruise Ports and provides you an easy way to get specific information about the many ports you can see while on a river cruise in Europe. These are in a PDF PowerPoint format. They are organized by rivers or countries to make it easier to find a specific port you might be interested in.
Why it Matters—making the best use of your time while on vacation is a key to having an extraordinary trip. This is an unmatched resource—51 port guides to help you decide on what you want to see while in a particular port. The best part is you can order any port guide or all 51 from our website.
So, why should trust us to provide you a guide about European River Cruise Ports?
We have been on 18 European River Cruises; between the both of us we have been traveling to Europe for 49 years; and we both have been in the travel industry for 24+ years of experience and helped dozens of satisfied clients, so we do have some very good credentials to let you know what you will see in a specific port.
Our # 9 Blog—The Great Value of a European River Cruise
Tournon Castle at night on the Rhone River
Summary—value is not just the cost of a trip, it is what you get for your money. We have planned almost every type of vacation you might want to take. However, no matter how many we plan, we just keep realizing more and more the exceptional value you get when you take a river cruise, especially in Europe.
We try to travel to Europe 2-4 times a year, except maybe in 2020, (just like you, we are limited by travel costs and government restrictions) and have taken river cruise number 18 last year. I think that really makes our thoughts about river cruising even more important—we speak from experience. Our experience is that for most trips, it’s hard to beat the features of a river cruise, especially if you take a pre and post land option along with the cruise.
So, let’s explore the value of a Europe river cruise!
Why it Matters—learning about if the cost of a river cruise equates to a good value is important. For us, river cruising helps you escape the fast paced world we live in and have an experience you will always remember. There is a good balance of public and private space on the ship. You will usually be wined and dined in style. You will see sights you never knew existed. And most importantly, you will get a great glimpse of the culture of the area you are sailing through.
The Great Value of a Europe River Cruise
Our # 8 Blog—How to Get the Right Europe River Cruise for Your Next Vacation
Church in the Iron Gates Section of the Lower Danube River
Summary--Every time we plan a river cruise vacation, in some form or another, we have several steps we go through to get the right match for our clients. Our goal is to get our clients the best river cruise trip possible, based on what is most important to them.
In broad terms there are really 5 factors we consider. They are 1) the route (destination); 2) the desired activities during the cruise; 3) what do you want to see during the cruise? (We consider both while on the river and while in port); 4) time available for the vacation; and 5) what company do you want to sail with on your upcoming river cruise?
So, let’s explore these factors together to help you get the best possible river cruise for your next trip.
Why it Matters—after reading this blog, you should be able to objectively decide if the 5 factors we use are enough for you to get the right cruise for your vacation. We believe that better information + understanding the nuances of each company = a great travel experience.
Did we get it right and help you learn what to ask about during the planning process?
How to Get the Right Europe River Cruise for Your Next Vacation
Our # 7 Blog—River Cruise Advantages and Disadvantages
The AmaCerto in Port
Summary—I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value. But there is no vacation option that is right for all. Many who have never taken a European River Cruise, have no idea how much is included and the many benefits of this travel opportunity. While for most folks, river cruises are a great choice, for some this vacation just is not right for them
Why it Matters—a vacation needs to be tailored to the best interests of the person who wants to travel. For me, and most folks we work with, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. If you can afford this type of vacation, most will be thrilled beyond their wildest expectations.
River Cruise Advantages and Disadvantages
Our # 6 Blog--Are We River Cruise Experts and Specialists?
Hank and Anne at the Captain’s Table on an AmaWaterways Cruise
Summary--Almost every blog I write starts with the byline—Europe River Cruise Expert. Great sounding words, but are we really Europe river cruise experts?
According to the 2015 Census, there were 105,085 travel agents in the U.S. To evaluate what constitutes an expert in the travel industry, I believe there are 6 good measures that can provide a comprehensive and objective evaluation to determine if a travel advisor is truly an expert.
Here are the measurement factors: 1) experience; 2) certification; 3) knowledge of the industry; 4) first-hand knowledge of the industry; 5) professional organization membership and 6) can you trust them? You can use these 6 factors to determine the difference between travel advisors and help you decide—what makes us special about our knowledge of river cruises? How do we use that knowledge to help you get a better river cruise vacation experience?
So, let’s explore what makes a travel advisor a river cruise expert and try to answer the question—Are we Europe river cruise experts?
Why it Matters—it is easy to claim to be an expert, but what backs up that claim? The real important factor is can we use this expert knowledge and information to help you have a better river cruise experience.
After reading this blog, do you agree we have unique qualifications as Europe cruises advisors and can we help you?
Are We River Cruise Experts and Specialists ?
Our # 5 Blog—River Cruise Vibes 2
Budapest Parliament at night
Summary--I have wanted to write this blog for a long time.
Since 2009, I have studied Europe River cruising to try to learn all I could about the river cruise industry. A few industry experts have tried to make comprehensive comparisons of the different lines. Each has a slightly different approach.
We have taken a unique approach by creating a PowerPoint presentation. Our 86 slide 2019 Comparison Guide is very good but even that lacks one factor—the vibe of the line and its ships. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vibe as “the feeling that someone or something gives you.”
So, here goes—my evaluation of the vibe or feeling you will get on 8 river cruise lines.
Why it Matters—there is little information of the company vibes in one place together available to the consumer. Did we provide a good summary of each lines feelings? Will that help you decide on which line best fits your desired vacation experience?
Our # 4 Blog—Our 11 Step Europe River Cruise Planning Guide
AmaKristina Lounge decorated on a Christmas Markets Cruise.
Summary—Have you ever wonder what you should consider when planning a Europe River Cruise? I promise you, there is little clear cut information about what you should consider to get the best possible river cruise that is right for you. This is the process we use to ensure every facet of your upcoming river cruise will provide you the best possible vacation.
Why it matters—using a proven process helps us provide the best possible river cruise for our clients. We pride ourselves in making planning an art form—so let us provide you a step by step guide to ensure you will get the best possible river cruise for your vacation.
So how do we do it?—we ask a lot of questions by having you tell us what is important to you.
Our 11 Step Europe River Cruise Planning Guide
Our # 3 Blog—Why Buy a Europe River Cruise from Us?
Anne and Hank at a SunDowners Party on a Scenic River Cruise
Summary--There are about 75.000 to 100,000 professional travel agents in business in the United States. There are also the giants of the internet (Travelocity, Expedia, etc.) and wholesalers (Costco). You can also buy direct from many travel vendors. To be sure, you the consumer, have a lot of choices and ways to buy travel.
With the plethora of options, it got me to thinking—Why should you buy a river cruise or for that manner, any travel from us?—from Anne & Hank Schrader, of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC!
I will begin by answering this question by explaining what the Europe River Cruise Trends are and then talk about sellers of travel (travel agents and others).
For sellers of travel, my game plan here is to define our competition first, and then tell you who we are, what we stand for and who are customers are.
Finally, I will explain why you should buy a river cruise from us.
Why it Matters—you have lots of choices and deciding if we are the right folks to use is critical to your success. Europe river cruising is a wonderful vacation but is often sold by agents who just don’t know enough about the product to make a good vacation an exceptional one that exceeds your expectations. Did we convince you that we are the right folks to use to plan your Europe river cruise?
Why Buy a Europe River Cruise From Us?
Our # 2 Blog—What is the Best Europe River Cruise Route?
Europe Rivers Routes. Photo from AmaWaterways.
Summary--this blog covers the key rivers of Europe that are available to sail on for a vacation. The purpose of this blog is provide you a comprehensive guide of the available Europe River Cruise Routes, so you can decide on which route will be the best for your next Europe river cruise vacation.
Why it Matters—destinations are the real key to river cruising. River cruising is about the destinations, in my opinion, so the correct itinerary is critical to provide you the river cruise experience you desire for these special trips. We hope this quick summary will provide you a good overview of what is possible in Europe river cruising.
What is the Best Europe River Cruise Route ?
Our # 1 Blog—Our New 2018-19 Europe River Cruise Comparisons
The first slide of our 86 slide presentation
My Ratings of 8 River Cruise Lines
Summary--As many of you know, we have one of the best, in-depth, Europe River Cruise Comparisons available anywhere on our website. We have updated our 2016 version to provide even more accurate information on the ever changing Europe river cruise scene.
We want to emphasize all of these river cruise lines are good values and special trips. Many have won awards and there is really no official ranking system to provide you a valid comparison method.
To help overcome the lack of an official ranking system, we have found that The Berlitz River Cruising in Europe & the USA guide to be as fair an evaluation as presently available to the public. This book evaluates individual ships in its rating system instead of entire companies, so we have decided to compare the best rivership from each company to determine a ranking system as our method of comparison.
We have also provided our own personal rankings of each line with comments.
Why it Matters—this is an excellent summary—it ranks always on the first page of Google (this is earned—we have never paid to boast anything on the internet). Getting unbiased information about the various river cruise companies is difficult. There is no one company that is right for everyone. We believe we know enough to guide you to the right company that matches your travel style. Did we convince you?
READ OUR COMPLETE 86 SLIDE PRESENTATION
My Final Thoughts
It is my sincere hope you agree with us, that we have met our two goals—great useful, information and we are the right folks to help you plan your river cruise.
Now it’s your turn! What is your favorite river cruise blog? Please let us know! Also, don’t be shy, if we can do something better let us know your thoughts.
When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, especially a pricey Europe river cruise, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 49 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
