On The River Again With AmaWaterways

On The River Again With AmaWaterways

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

As I write this, I am on the AMASerena on the Rhine River. We are sailing on the Captivating Rhine Route from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland.

AmaSerena Pool top Deck in Cologne

Once again AmaWaterways continues to impress—the standards are very high, the food and wine are awesome, the ports and sights are great and the crew always makes you feel special.

It is cruise # 17 on AmaWaterways for us, so we have learned about this company from top to bottom and watched it grow and get better on each sailing since our first cruise in 2009. It just feels like home to us—inviting and we feel like special guests.

I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value. We have 8 guests sailing with us, 2 couples for the first time and 2 couples that are new to the AmaWaterways family. They all agree—it is a great value!

Since many often want to know the differences between cruising during the seasons, I thought I’d tell you about the differences between cruising on the Christmas Markets in December and the summer cruise we are on now, on the identical route.

So, let’s compare the two—Ready?—Let’s go!

The Differences in the Ports

The most striking difference is the crowds in the public squares.

During the Christmas Market season, the squares are full of small booths and festive people shopping, talking and enjoying food and drinking heated, spiced wine. They are bundled up, happy and it is an amazing atmosphere of lights, color and fun. It is often quite crowded.

In the summer, many squares seem almost empty compared to the crowded Christmas Markets, but the small restaurants often have outdoor tables loaded with people enjoying a drink or meal and people watching. The establishments extend out into the squares and have replaced some of the empty space.

Since sunset is after 9:30 PM (2130 hours) in the summer in June, it seems the days last forever and the weather is mild. On this trip in particular, the weather has been spectacular—temps in the 60’s-70’s in the day and only a small rain shower for about an hour or so.

The wonderful thing about visiting Europe is seeing the people in their outdoor living rooms—the public places of Europe where the gather to visit, eat and enjoy life.

Both seasons are great, but just have a different feel and vibe.

The Wellness Program

In the summer, the already excellent Wellness Program has more activities due to the better, milder weather and program upgrades.

We got an early look at the program in the winter with the onboard wellness host, Selena on the AmaKristina. It was very good—as I have earned a master’s Degree in Physical Fitness, I think I have the credentials to properly evaluate the program.

Let me be clear—it is robust, fun and I was taken back about how many different activities were offered—it by far is the best fitness program on the Europe rivers by any company!

Jane, Len and Marcelo getting ready for a bike tour.

They offer stretching, Yoga, resistance bands, core exercises, bike tours and jogging tours. All are professionally led—Marcello, from Portugal, was our onboard wellness host and he did an outstanding job!

Selena, now the overall director of the program, has created a wonderful addition to Europe river cruising—well done!

The Tours

The tours do not change much except during the Christmas Markets, there is more time to visit the markets and each cruise manager helps folks learn about where to go to get their special gift or decoration.

The tours are well planned and fun. As we have been on this route 4 times, we know about each offering and have either been to the place on the offered tour or have seen it on our own.

This is one way we add value to your cruise—we use our first hand experience to advise you of which tour at what pace would be best for you. On this summer trip alone, we have a very active couple who completed most of the active and wellness activities, to include the bike tours, others who enjoy the normal paced tours and one couple who like the gentle walkers tours. They have used our advice to enhance their onboard experience.

The range of tour activities and the pace of a tour just enhances the guest experience—again AmaWaterways is right on the mark!

Life Onboard

AmaSerena Lounge

It is amazing to me how consistent AmaWaterways is in delivering a great experience at a reasonable price. The meals and service is always good. Somehow the crew, who always work long hour away from their families, are pleasant, caring and really want you to have a great time. In 17 cruises, we think it gets better each time.

Anne with Jess at German food party while sailing—see the hard working crew in the background?

I wrote about high performing organizations in a past blog, and AmaWaterways is certainly high performing. Each person in the 47 person crew does their job professionally with a smile and tries to make you feel special.

My Ama Cruise App

A new feature on AmaWaterways is a mobile App that helps improve your travel experiences.

The App allows to know your full cruise itinerary, post pictures to an album, and has the Daily Cruiser, your detailed hour by hour schedule of each day.

If you post photos, you can send them to family and friends in an attractive email postcard. Friends can also follow your cruise progress on a live tracking map.

Rhine River Gorge Castle 2019–I can add this photo to my cruise App

Very good descriptions of each port of call on your itinerary is also available to you when using the App.

The App also keeps track of your past and future cruise memories all in one place.

While sending the notices to others requires a WiFi or internet connection, it still can be used offline to record pictures and read about the sights or your daily programs. When internet service becomes available, it will update when you open the App.

It first came out in early December of 2018 and is better now in June of 2019.

Great, innovative idea!

My Final Thoughts

What a great company!—no wonder I still rate them the number one company for Europe river cruises. They have earned this spot and still keep it!

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, 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 48 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

Our European River Cruises Guide

Our European River Cruises Guide

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Specialist

www.dreamdestinations.com

I write all the time about Europe river cruises and their value.  If you take one, you will experience adventure and discovery of some of the great destinations of Europe.  The rivers were the roads of the past—an easy way to transport goods and trade with others—long before roads were built.  Because rivers were so important to humans, amazing sights, crops (especially vineyards) and towns developed around these vital transportation systems.

So, what do people want to know about European River Cruises?

I think they want to know:

1)  Why should they take a European River Cruise?

2) How does a Europe river cruise compare to an Ocean Cruise?

3) What are the best routes to go on?

4)  What European cruise line should they use for their vacation?

So, let’s get our answers to these questions—Ready?  Let’s go!

Why Take a European River Cruise?

Hard to Match any more excellent sights than the Rhine River Gorge Castles on the Rhine—it never gets old!

A river cruise is, in our opinion, the best way to experience Europe--there is just so much to see!  The ships are small and comfortable, and the crew and staff are friendly.  Most river cruise lines have good food and wine.  Unlike ocean cruises, there is a clear upfront price that includes most of the expenses of the trip--food, wine & beer, excursions, accommodations, snacks, destination talks, free Wi-Fi, and usually local entertainment.  There are no inside cabins--all have a view.  With all that is included, it is a good value for the money!

Here is a list of my favorite reasons you should take a European river cruise:

• A very spacious river cruise ship that has no more than 197 guests.

• Pack and unpack only once during your 7 or more day cruise.

• Sumptuous accommodations with every conceivable cabin amenity.

• Incredible gourmet cuisine, much of which is prepared when you order it.

• Complimentary wines, beers, sodas and bottled water.

• Many have complimentary small-group sightseeing excursions in every port.

• Some ships have a gym, sauna, massage, hairdresser, pool, free internet and free use of bicycles.

• Daily free onboard evening entertainment (usually a piano player, sometimes local groups that come on board).

• Complimentary in-cabin Internet, entertainment systems and free movies.

• Dock right in the center of most towns and it takes only one minute to get on/off the ship.

• Ability to see more of a region and experience the local culture in-depth.

• A resort-casual onboard atmosphere – leave the formal wear at home.

• All staterooms have a river view.

I think these are all great reasons to take a European river cruise!

How Does a Europe River Cruise Compare to an Ocean Cruise?

Seabourn Quest in port—great luxury ship

Maybe the best way to compare is to look at the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation for your vacation.  Here is our list:

Ocean Cruise Advantages

• Less Cost to get on ship than river cruise on some lines

• More Ship On-Board Experiences

• Multiple Dining Options

• Includes room, food entertainment & visits to ports on itinerary

Ocean Cruise Disadvantages

• Usually Extra Costs during cruise

• Size—too many people?

• Larger Distances between Ports

• Shore Excursions cost extra

• Could experience rough sailing conditions

A much smaller luxury rivership—holds 156 passengers—what a size difference between this vessel and an ocean cruise ship!

River Cruise Advantages

• Smaller, more contact with crew every day

• A lot more chance to visit historic centers with minimum hassles—see more in less time

• Mostly All inclusive—food, wine/beer, shore tours all included

• Always something to see

River Cruise Disadvantages

• Usually higher price than ocean cruise

• Limited entertainment—no casino or big shows

• People with mobility issues may have limits to participate in all activities

• Could have high water/low water conditions which may restrict ability of rivership to navigate a river

We hope this gives you a good idea of the key differences between an ocean cruise on a larger ship and a river cruise on a smaller ship.

What Are the Best Routes to Go On for a European River Cruise?

Europe Rivers—you get to sail through countries instead of to a country on a big ocean cruise ship. Map courtesy of AmaWaterways

Perhaps the best answer we could provide is to let you know about our blog and website page about the routes available for you to sail on.

Here is a short write up about the blog I wrote about Europe river cruise routes:

Summary--We are often ask “Which river should we sail on for my first Europe river cruise?”  My short answer is take multiple trips--I would sail on all of them!  However, the problem is that most of us don’t have unlimited time and money to sail them all.

So to solve this dilemma, here is our guide to the European River routes.  I will describe the river, point out a couple of highlights and why you might consider sailing on this river.  The routes may be very short or may cover larger distances.  While there are some variations, many lines essentially cruise the same route on the most popular European rivers.

Since most folks want to know what the best starting rivers are if they have never taken a European River cruise, by far the two most popular rivers are the Rhine and the Upper Danube, so let’s explore them first together.  Then will examine the remaining Europe Rivers you might want to consider for your vacation.

Ready?—Let’s cruise together!

Why it Matters?—river cruising is about the destinations and what you will get to see and experience on your European river cruise.  The wrong destination, or wrong theme can make the trip less valuable, or may even ruin your vacation.

What European Cruise Line Should They Use for Their Vacation?

Two great riverships rafted together—the AmaDolce of AmaWaterways and Uniworld’s River Royale—which is better for your vacation?

I have written three great, detailed blogs about European cruise lines.  They should allow you to match the right vendor to you travel style and desired level of travel service and amenities.  Here is a summary of the three blogs and links, so you can learn more about this topic.

What is the Best River Cruise Company?

Summary--Perhaps the most often asked question from our clients about Europe river cruising is “What is the best Europe River Cruise Line?  It is almost always followed by: Why is it the best?

So, I googled best Europe river cruise company and got some really interesting results.  The results were all over the place—incomplete lists, reader polls, cruise critic best list(s), and two good river cruise authorities who have some well-reasoned lists.

Why such varied results?  I just don’t think you can create a best list without categories.  My preferred method is to compare all-inclusive river cruise lines together and then compare lines that may require extra costs.  I also think you have to look for how objective these lists are—the source, their qualifications to review river cruise lines and their reasons to rank one line over another.

Another key factor, in my opinion, is that all river cruises are good vacations and how valid is a best company list?—Does it have any real meaning?

Here is a key fact to support that argument—all of the 8 major lines I cover have good accommodations, free Wi-Fi, wine & beer with lunch and dinner, limited entertainment and tours included in their base fare.  At the very least, all river cruise companies are on par with premium ocean cruise companies and with a few exceptions include more than the ocean cruise lines.  

And, when you read my top 10 list below, you will see each of the 8 major lines I cover has at least one win somewhere on my lists.

Why it Matters—we all want the best trip possible and these comparisons and descriptions help you match your personal travel style to the European river cruise line that best matches your budget and desired level of comfort, while traveling in Europe to the many destinations available for your vacation.

River Cruise Vibes

Summary--I have wanted to write this blog for a long time.

Since 2009, I have studied Europe River cruising to try and 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?

Europe River Cruise Comparisons

When you are comparing European river cruise lines, it becomes rather complicated, as the details about one company compared to another really make the difference.  To help solve this problem, we have created a great, detailed comparison to help you match your travel style to the available options.

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.

So, let’s explore these ranking together, or if you like, just go directly to our full PDF presentation at this link:

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?

My Final Thoughts

Wow—sure is a lot of information here!  This is a one stop resource to help you completely understand European river cruises.  We hope we did our job and answered all your questions.

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts.  We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe.  We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you.  We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, 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 45 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

Experience Cruising to Colorful Cities--Our Visual Guide

Experience Cruising to Colorful Europe Cities—Our Visual Guide

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, European Destination & River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

While a lot of folks who travel think about important landmark sites to visit in the various ports, many do not realize that a world of colorful cities are easily accessible by cruise ships and even riverships. 

So, I thought I might let you see some of the wonderful, colorful places we have been able to visit by either a cruise ship or rivership.

Ready?—let’s explore together!

Portofino, Italy

We got to visit this great little town while on a SilverSea luxury cruise in the Western Mediterranean cruise in 2015.  I can’t tell how much we enjoyed this quaint little city.  After a short tender ride (a small boat to get from our larger ship to the port), we got to this interesting town. 

The harbor of Portofino

Color pops against the green trees in Portofino

First we went on a special wine tasting, held at a cliff top castle.

Our Wine Tasting Tour in Portofino

Two great wines Pinogino and our personal favorite Vermentino

Later, we wandered the town and ended our visit eating some awesome prawns.  We still rave about this visit and will return.  Here are a few photos of this adventure:

One of the colorful narrow alleys of Portofino

Prawns in Portofino—Are you hungry? They tasted as good as they looked!!

Old Town Stockholm

This is a gem of a place that we got to visit on our Princess Royal Princess cruise in the Baltic in 2014.  The Gamla Stan, the historic old town, is full of color, has great little shops and the royal palace and parliament buildings all concentrated in an easily walkable area.  

Old Town Stockholm

To get there, we had to take a ship tour, as the port is too far from the docking area, but as we often do, we broke off from the tour and wandered on our own.  Here are some of our photos of this charming place:

Stortorget Square in Old Town Stockholm

Old Phone Booth in the Old Town of Stockholm

Old Town Stockholm Door—sure looks like a face to me!

Positano, Italy

On our Celebrity Equinox cruise in 2013, we took a shore excursion along the Amalfi coast to Positano and Pompeii.  The single lane road down the Amalfi coast on our small tour bus was dramatic and a little nerve racking but well worth the ride. 

A cliff side villa on the Amalfi Coast

The Dramatic Amalfi Coastline—look closely and you can see the cliff side road

Positano, on a sharp cliff inlet, is a wonderful place to visit.  It is a pedestrian only and there are only two real activities here—shopping and visiting the beach but it would be hard to find a more charming place to spend a couple of days.  This is a place to slow down and enjoy the best things in life.  Here are 3 pictures for you to see why we want to go back and stay instead of visit for a few hours. 

The steep, colorful buildings of Positano

Positano, Italy

Positano Shops

Two Greek Isles—Santorini and Mykonos

There is something about color that pops out on these two islands—the contrast of the white buildings, (often with blue domes), with colorful pastel buildings randomly popping up or stark white building suddenly adored with colorful plants is unique in our experiences. 

Santorini with its 1000 foot cliff and the town of Fira clinging to the steep walls, seems to make the color even seem more magical.  We have been to Santorini 2 times and are ready to go back—it’s that good!  If the color of the town isn’t good enough, adding a sunset with your favorite beverage, makes it even better—it is hard for me to think of a place with a more dramatic sunset in the world.  Please see if these pictures make you agree:

Fira, Santorini

Maybe the best sunset in the world—this is the view from Santorini!

Mykonos is completely different—mostly white buildings, set in a maze like series of streets that were built to confuse pirates, is a delight to wander.  It is the stairways, doors and plants that make it so colorful.  Check out these photos:

White Buildings with dramatic splashes of color in Mykonos.

Great color contrast with the white washed buildings

Lisbon, and Pena Palace, Portugal

On our voyages of the wine traders cruise on the Azamara Quest in 2013, we got to visit the Alfama district of Lisbon and Pena Palace.  The Alfama is the old sailors’ quarter of Lisbon and its tangled streets have many colorful buildings and exquisite blue tile work displays on some buildings.  Here are some photos:

Lisbon, Portugal

Stunning Blue Tiles in the old section of Lisbon, Portugal

Close up look at the amazing tile work in Lisbon, Portugal

We also took a short trip to Sintra by taxi—it is some of the best money we have ever spent.  By using the taxi instead of the train as was our original plan, we got to see the town, the Royal National Palace and Pena Palace.  Our driver was fabulous—we basically rented him for most of the day. 

The fantasy Pena Palace is the most unique palace we have ever visited—colorful, full of towers, domes, with almost a Disney like creation feel and the rooms look like someone still lives there.  See if these pictures make you agree with my description of the Palace:

Pena Palace

Fantasy Land—Pena Palace

One of the colorful rooms inside Pena Palace

Invergordon, Scotland

We visited Invergordon on an Azamara Journey cruise in 2017.  One port was the small village of Invergordon.  With a population of around 4,000 would not make anyone’s list of colorful towns for its buildings alone.  However, this big cruise liner port and Highlands village splash with color due to its famous mural trail of 11 large wall paintings depicting past and present life in the Highlands.  Take a look at some here (we have 9 of the 11 murals):

#1 of 9 Invergordon Wall Murals—Parade Time—this remembers the Royal Marines who were stationed here for many years.

Wildlife Mural of the Highlands, Invergordon, Scotland

Fire! Fire! Firefighters in Action, , remembering when the Royal Hotel burned down in Invergordon, Scotland

Volunteer Special some of the rescue scenes and the Tugboat Mural, Invergordon, Scotland

The loch mural

Invergordon Distillery Pipe Band

Invergordon Highland Gathering—some of the sports competitions and cultural events of a typical gathering of the clans!

Sports played in the last 100 years in Invergordon

Scenes of the past from Saltburns—a sister town very near Invergordon

Strasbourg, France

River cruising can provide some unique opportunities to visit some really colorful places.  On our AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine Christmas Market cruise in December 2016, we got a chance to visit this capital city of Alsace for the third time.  This place is so good we stopped here for a day pre cruise and it is just amazing!

 Our first visit was during Bastille Day (July 14th) many years ago—the French Independence Day.  The combination of half-timber buildings among its many canals in the La Petite France area is both colorful and dramatic.  See if you agree:

Strasbourg, France

Christmas decorations in Strasbourg, France

A picture of the wonderful canals taken by Anne of Strasbourg France in 1989

Riquewihr

Another Alsatian town that splashes color is Riquewihr.  Located on the Alsace wine road route, some have called this the most beautiful town in France.  With a backdrop of the nearby Vosages Mountains and surrounded by vineyards, this old walled city looks like it is still in the 1500’s, with its cobbled streets and colorful half- timbered buildings.

A small population of about 1200 folks, great wines (especially Rieslings), excellent food and a tower and defensive walls—someone was thinking about a lot of things Hank really likes about visiting Europe!  Check these pictures out to see if you agree with me:

Christmas decorations in Riquewihr, France

Endless color in Riquewihr, France

Brilliant, vivid blue colored building in Riquewhir

Red and green half timbered building in Riquewihr

Windows all dressed up for Christmas in Riquewihr, France

My Final Thoughts

In short, colorful places await you in Europe—please visit one of these great towns or villages!

We hope these words inspire you to become one of our clients or continue our travel relationship with us and learn to appreciate our world more.  Cruising by ocean ship or on a river cruise is a great way to see great colorful sites. 

When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, 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.

We want to help you achieve your travel dreams—remember if you want to Visit Dream Destinations—please contact Hank (713-397-0188) or email him at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com to get started or just tell us about your travel dreams.  We are here to help you:  Savor life . . . make memories . . . Visit Dream Destinations!  Your journey begins here!

Hank Schrader of Dream Destinations

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 45 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