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IMAGINE A TULIP TIME CRUISE WITH AMA

Nov 4, 2020

Imagine this: A tulip time cruise with AMA after a long winter, and the other events we have been subjected to. What a great way to celebrate Spring. River cruise ships are sailing now in Europe. When Americans are permitted to travel, there will be a tremendous pent up demand. If you want the best choice of dates and itineraries, now is the time to make your plans. In that vein, what could be better than imagining a Tulip Time Cruise with AMA Waterways. This is the perfect way to usher in spring. Your stop in Amsterdam will include a complimentary shore excursion to the famous Keukenhof Gardens where you can marvel at the acres and acres of beautiful flowers in bloom at the same time.

The garden is only open in the spring, so your river cruise is the perfect chance to experience the brief but spectacular season.

Take a walk and discover nature

Famous Keukenhof Gardens on Tulip Time Cruise

A wonderful view anywhere you look

While Amsterdam is synonymous with tulips, there is a great deal more to see and explore. Amsterdam is home to many sites no matter what your interests are. It is also an easy city to navigate with it’s many canals, bikes or even walking..

HISTORY IS YOUR PASSION?

Dark Times:

Schedule a visit to the Anne Frank House. Here you will see where the Frank family hid from the Nazis for years before being sent to concentration camps. The house is empty now, at the request of Mr. Frank He was the only survivor of the camps. Pictures and exhibits tell the story of a family trying to survive a terrible time. It is a truly moving experience as you imagine how they were able to live undetected for so long, and imagining if you and your family could have done the same.

Be Aware:

This is a very popular place to visit, so if you want to see it when you are in Amsterdam, so you should let our office assist you in making advance reservations, Also, because this house is just as it was when the Frank family was there, it is not handicap accessible and the stairs are narrow and steep. If you want to visit and just see the first floor, which has an informative video and houses the gift shop, you would be free to do so, but you will have to purchase a ticket.

Better Days:

While there are other reminders of a harsh past, there are also many reminders of the storied history of The Netherlands. There are uplifting sites which show the ingenuity and perseverance of the Dutch people. They have managed to reclaim land from the sea, dominate trade and create world-class artists.

If you are fascinated with the sea and trade, why not visit the Nederland Scheepvaart Museum. This wonderful museum recounts Holland’s history of trade and the ships that made them masters of the sea. While there you can see the East Indiaman, a reproduction of the original ship.

Think of this:

Their Nieuwe Kirk (Church) is from the 15^th Century. That’s their “new” church. It’s located in Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace. If you want to see an even older church, just visit Oude Kirk, which was consecrated in 1306.

ART ABOUNDS IN AMSTERDAM

The newly renovated Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are within walking distance of each other and you could easily spend an entire day visiting them.

If you’ve heard of the great painting The Night Watch, this is your opportunity to see it in person. A picture doesn’t even do it justice. What an amazing piece of art! As I stood in front of it, I was in awe of the genius it took to imagine and create a piece of this magnitude. The Rijksmuseum is filled with many major works of art, a nice restaurant and a gift shop where you might find just the right gift for the art lover on your gift list.

A chance on your Tulip Time Cruise to see the famous painting The Night Watch

The larger than life painting “The Night Watch”

Heading over to the Van Gogh Museum, you will be surrounded by the works of Vincent, from his self portraits to his famous Sunflowers painting. See his progression as an artist and his hope to inspire generations of artists even after his death.

Did You Know? There are actually five versions of the Sunflower paintings. You can learn all about it when you visit the museum.

Just a short canal ride away is the home Rembrandt lived in from 1639 until 1659. Along with an annex, built in 1998, it has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. If you are there at just the right time, you can see a demonstration of printing just the way it would have been done when Rembrandt was alive.

Take a canal ride to Rembrandt’s House

It looks as if he just left

Your time in Amsterdam has been wonderful; enjoying the vibrancy of the city and the people who call it home; the great museums and the wealth of history.

TIME TO SET SAIL ON YOUR TULIP TIME CRUISE:

Your AMA Waterways ship is waiting for you to board so you can set sail for the rest of your cruise to Holland and Belgium. Settle in and get comfortable on your luxury hotel on the water. While seeing Amsterdam has been wonderful it’s now time to relax and meet your fellow passengers over a great meal. Now you can look forward to the interesting ports you are about to explore.

Middleburg is your first stop after cruising the Delta

As with all the ports you will visit, here you have a choice of several shore excursions, such as exploring this medieval city. At one time it was the second largest trading port for the Dutch East India Company A visit to the Delta Works will introduce you to the ingenuity of the Dutch and how they have been able to reclaim so much land from the sea. For the energetic, there is the option of a bike ride. While the country is flat, you must mind the winds.

Sailing on to Belgium

While docked in Ghent you will have several choices of interesting excursions. You can opt for a walking tour with free time. Why not have one of those great Belgian waffles that are so famous? There is also full day tour of both Ghent and Bruges which includes a tour of the Church of our Lady, home to Michelangelo’s magnificent Madonna and Child.

A highlight at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges

If you love chocolate, and who doesn’t, this visit with a master chocolatier is just the ticket. He will share secrets of making Belgium chocolate YUM!

In Antwerp there are tours for every interest; including a walking tour of the city or perhaps a tour to the former home of Rubens, the famous 17th-century painter.

After a fortifying lunch onboard, you have choices in the afternoon as well. If you didn’t overdose on chocolate the day before, you can take an excursion highlighting chocolate, beer and waffles. At least you can indulge, knowing that when it comes to your river cruise, someone else is driving.

Amsterdam isn’t your only chance to see tulips on this Tulip Time Cruise; you now have a chance to visit Floralia, where in the spring you have a chance to see one million bulbs, all planted by hand. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

Our Tulip Time Cruise is winding down as we sail into Rotterdam,

The city is also know as “The Gateway to Europe” and is our last stop before returning to Amsterdam.

For you history buffs, you can visit the place where the Pilgrims set off for the New World to start the long journey to a new life. You can ponder whether they had any idea of the hardships they would endure to secure their future. Perhaps you will find some of the answers on your visit to Delfshaven where it all started.

Another choice is to visit Delft, where the famous pottery is produced. I’m sure they have a great gift shop you can take advantage of to get a head start on your gift giving.

The afternoon takes us to Kinderdijk, famous for having the largest concentration of windmills in the country. What a wonderful way to end this fascinating and leisurely journey. Tomorrow we are back to Amsterdam to make preparations for our return to the real world.

Kinderjdik Windmills on your tulip time cruise

What a wonderful sight and so essentially Dutch

As you can see, there are many choices on how you will spend your time on your Tulip Time Cruise; so your chances of being bored are practically non-existent. Whether you choose the various shore excursions or go out on your own, you will have an exception cruise experience.

While imagining a Tulip Time cruise with AMA was the foremost reason for wanting to take this cruise, you will find that it will give you much more than experiencing the beautiful flower of the Netherlands.

On this cruise you will gain insight into a region that produced some of the greatest artists the world has known; a country though small in size dominated world trade; a country that has fought and continues to fight the sea to protect their land, a populace who in their small way sought to defeat the Nazis and has created a society that is tolerant of different lifestyles and cultures; something we can all aspire to.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Contact me and together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make the perfect choice, here is a must read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience you will want to contact expert Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assistance you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at my co-branded website with AMA Waterways regarding the classic river cruise experience.

AVOIDING RIVER CRUISE BOOKING MISTAKES

Oct 14, 2020

Avoiding river cruise booking mistakes sounds complicated, but with the help of an experienced travel counselor to help make decisions, will not be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Every trip is different, but this should help you get started on having a truly remarkable river cruise experience.

Avoiding River Cruise Booking Mistakes will guarantee a better river cruise experience

Docking in the city center

Ignoring the Destinations

If you have been on one of the larger ocean cruise ships, you know that there are so many venues on the ship, that going ashore sometimes seems unnecessary. On a river cruise ship, the destinations are the main focus. River ships don’t have casinos and grand stage shows. They focus on the towns and cities that have grown up on the river with their history, regional cuisines and culture. They dock mostly in the heart of the town, so you are only a gangplank away from seeing the sites.

Therefore to ensure you’ll enjoy the stops, take some time to read through the itineraries offered. Then select one that lines up with your interests and hobbies. Whether you want to take a themed cruise such as wine, golf, history and art, there is a cruise out just made for you.

Even though there are plenty of things to see and do, just relaxing on the ship can be one of the highlights of your trip. You will not be bored, but can pick and choose activities and leisure time.

Skipping an Extension

Many river cruises start and end at spectacular cities, such as Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam or Paris. To make the most of your trip to Europe, consider arriving a few days early to the port city where your cruise begins — or stay longer at the place where your trip ends. This will give you some unstructured time to explore on your own.

All river cruise companies offer pre- or post-trips that you can easily connect to your cruise (many of these also include transfers to the ship). You can also arrange an extended stay on your own before sailing.

An added bonus: If you arrive a day or two early, you’ll have a built-in safeguard. If your initial flight to Europe is delayed and you arrive late, you won’t miss the cruise departure.

Avoid Over Packing and Packing the Wrong Gear

To pack the perfect suitcase, start by checking the average temperature for the places where you’ll travel. On many cruises, you’ll need a sweater or light jacket even during the summer months, as an evening breeze could create a chill on the boat.

River cruises are mostly casual with only one night that might require you to dress up and that’s the last night with the Captain’s farewell.

Keep in mind that all river cruise ships also have laundries so you can have a clean change of clothes overnight and this will save room in your suitcase for items you will surely bring home.

Since you’re likely to get in thousands of steps during the excursions, bring comfortable shoes that you can wear all day. Also pack a raincoat and compact umbrella so unexpected rain showers don’t catch you off guard.

As you fill up your suitcase, remind yourself that your cabin will likely be smaller than what you’d find on an ocean cruise ship. The less you bring, the less you’ll have to unpack in your space. Picking a main color will also help, since you can mix and match outfits.

To make the most of your clothing, think in layers: You might be able to dress up an outfit with a simple scarf or coat.

Power adapters are a necessity in the electronic age and you can easily find them at most stores such as Target, Walmart and Best Buy. Some even have multiple ports so that you can charge more than one device at a time. Extra batteries are also a great idea. Even if you don’t need them, I bet someone on the cruise will and you can save the day.

Not Double-checking Documents

To travel outside the United States you must have a valid passport. Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six (6) months from the day you depart their country. Also, passports must be in good condition with no rips, tears or other issues. Make copies of your passport and keep them in separate places while you travel, so that if your passport is lost or stolen, it can be easily replaced. You should also leave a copy at home with a relative or friend.

You’ll want to make sure you have all your cruise documents in place before heading out. If you have booked your travel with a travel agent, they will have gone over them, but it never hurts to check them yourself.

Bring your driver’s license if you plan to rent a car during part of your time in Europe. Also take medical insurance cards, a copy of your prescriptions and a list of the medicines you’re taking.

A good idea is to print out an extra copy of your itinerary to leave at home so that if someone needs to contact you, they will have the information to do so. River cruise lines typically print a list of contact points with the documents you receive.

Erring On the Season

The peak cruising season for European rivers generally runs from April through October, but there are cruises on the Danube and Rhine through December for the Christmas Market cruise season.

The shoulder season months can give you the best bargains, but the weather can also be chilly. If you’re cruising Europe in April and May or October and November, make sure you pack plenty of warm layers and a rain jacket. Outdoor activities might be less fun than museum visits, so if you’re set on biking your way along the Rhine, take your cruise in the summer when you are more likely to have better weather.

Water levels can also fluctuate depending on the time of year. If you’re concerned about high water levels which can make it difficult for boats to pass through certain areas, avoid cruising in the springtime. Very low levels can happen in the heat of the summer, in August or September.

Planning for Quiet Days

As noted, river cruise ships dock for the most part in the center of the town or city you will be visiting. This gives you an opportunity to explore on your own. You can take part in a walking tour and then stay in town if you wish to do a little exploring on your own.

Also, most ships have shore excursions of varying activity levels, so you might choose a “gentle walker” shore excursion for the morning and maybe a more active one in the afternoon.

Most ships also carry bicycles so that you can ride around the area if you like. They also have bike tours led by members of the crew if you want company.

If you choose to stay one the ship, there is a library with books and games and you can relax in the lounge or the sun deck. If the weather is warm enough you can also take a dip in the pool or sit in the whirlpool. All the comforts of home.

Overlooking the Fine Print

Just like other cruises, you’ll want to read through the details before booking a river cruise.

While most cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, it’s best to find out exactly what is covered — and what is not — in these deals.

Check to see if shore excursions, dinners and drinks, such as wine and beer are included, or if they come a la carte.

To properly plan your trip and budget, look carefully at all costs listed. Make sure the cruise offers features that appeal to you and sights you are longing to see.

After doing your homework, you’ll be ready for one of the most engaging ways to tour Europe.

INSURANCE

One of the biggest river cruise booking mistakes, and potentially the most costly is not taking out insurance on your trip. There are several ways to protect your trip; the cruise lines have insurance plans that cover all elements you have booked with them. However, if you book a pre-cruise hotel, your own air, etc. those would not be covered.

If you choose a third-party insurance, your pricing will depend on several factors, your age, the cost of your trip and the state you live in. Your travel agent will be able to research this and give you a price.

In these uncertain times it isn’t prudent to not have insurance to protect this major investment.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Contact me at Unique Journeys so you can start planning to give you the vacation you deserve.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE A RIVER CRUISE?

Dec 11, 2019

DO YOU NEED A REASON TO CONSIDER TAKING A RIVER CRUISE? You’re in luck because I can supply you with some of the top reasons a river cruise makes sense for you, your family and friends.

1. ALLERGIC TO CROWDS?

If you have taken a cruise on an ocean cruise line, you have an idea of what a crowd is like. Most ocean-going ships today hold several thousand people. Not so with river cruises. The ships are designed to fit through the locks of Europe and consequently are much smaller and more intimate. This lends itself to an overall quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Many travelers use this as an opportunity to get to know their fellow explorers and make new friends.

Taking a river cruise is an opportunity to experience wonderful regional specialities

Great German beer and pretzels

2. LET’S TRY REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dining on a River Cruise is one of the highlights of your trip. Instead of mass produced food, there is often a five-star chef onboard preparing local cuisine with the freshest ingredients, which he has shopped for while in port. Imagine apple strudel in Austria, sausages, beer and pretzels while sailing through Germany and the great pastries of France. Along with the great regional cuisine, you will also be treated to the wines of the regions you are sailing through.

3. HOW ABOUT MORE TIME TO EXPLORE!

Sailing along a river has many benefits. The ride is often smoother, and there is always land in sight. Since distances are shorter, you spend more time exploring the towns and cities on your journey.

Along with the fact that you spend less time cruising, you also dock in most instances in the heart of the city, meaning you can start exploring just by going down the gangplank. Many of these towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you will be see not only beautiful sites, but historically significant ones as well. There are always complimentary shore excursions provided with local guides, and in some ports you have the option to take longer trips further from the ship for a fee.

4. GREAT NEW SHIPS

River cruising is the fastest growing segment of the cruise market and all the major cruise lines are launching new and innovative ships every year. This is great for you as a traveler, since you have so many choices of cruise lines, dates and itineraries. AMA Waterways has launched the largest river cruise ship in the AMA Magna. Even though it is wider and longer, than most other ships, it still only accommodates 196 passengers. You can check out all the ships with AMA Waterways here: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys

5. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELER? TRY A RIVER CRUISE

Since most of the river ships carry under 200 passengers, you won’t feel left out if you are travelling alone. Dining is open seating and you are sure to be welcomed to join your fellow passengers for a meal. The lounge is also a great way to meet people. It is always open with people relaxing and enjoying the view out the large windows. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join in the conversations.

6. WHAT DO WINE, FLOWERS AND CHRISTMAS HAVE IN COMMON?

YOU GUESSED IT – THERE’S A CRUISE FOR THAT

You like wine, but have never experienced where the grapes are grown, the process of turning those grapes into the wine you enjoy. Now is your chance to see the whole process. There are wine-themed cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhone and even the Douro in Spain.

Flowers make everybody happy and you can’t get happier than the cruises through Holland during tulip time. Tulips as far as the eye can see, plus a day spent at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where the tulips are spread over 70 acres. A feast for the eyes. As a bonus, you can indulge in some authentic beers, great cheeses and chocolates. You will also be mesmerized by the iconic windmills that have helped The Netherlands stay above water for centuries.

MAGICAL – that is the word to describe the Christmas Market cruises. The cities and towns on the Danube and Rhine rivers put on their shows at this time of year. You will be immersed in the rich culture and traditions and see families celebrating this holiday as they have done for generations. You can be part of this as you stroll through the booths, drinking Gluhwein and eating treats such as pretzels, sausages and gingerbread.

Enjoy time with friends on a Christmas Market river cruise

Enjoy your time on a river cruise ship

8. YOU ENJOY THE TIME ON THE SHIP

Unlike large ocean-going vessels, a river cruise ship travels at a slower pace and is never out of sight of land. This means you will always have great scenery to admire. Whether it’s a hillside filled with grape vines, the many castles which were built along the great rivers of Europe or the charming towns you will pass, you will always have photo opportunities and conversation starters. At various points along the way, your hotel manager will inform you of sights and history of the places you are gliding by.

9. DO YOU HAVE FAMILY/FRIENDS? YOU HAVE A GROUP

What can be better than enjoying a fabulous cruise? Enjoying it with your friends and family! Since the ships are smaller, you can create a group with fewer cabins.

Do you knit? Play Bridge? belong to a garden group? Get onboard and enjoy your cruise and your passions at the same time.

Now is the time to book your cruise so that you can get the best price and the cabin categories of your choice. River cruises are the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, so you need to secure your spot now. Call Unique Journeys and let’s get cruisin’

A London & Paris Tour for the Chocolate Lover

Oct 5, 2015

Make Your Chocolate Dreams Come True

As a chocolate lover you will really enjoy this reason for visiting London and Paris with a tour that visits local patisseries and chocolate shops in the 2 capital cities. Every October, London’s Chocolate Week and the Salon du Chocolat in Paris have become the must-attend events for Europe’s chocoholics with an array of workshops, receptions and tasting experiences and a gathering of Europe’s finest chocolatiers

This sweet 6 night confection can run at any time of the year but you might want to time it to coincide with the London Chocolate Festival from 4th – 6th December 2015. They stage a second Festival 25th – 27th March 2016 which can also include a side trip to York for their Chocolate Festival. The Salon du Chocolat in Paris runs at the end of October 2016. Highlights include:

A Chocolate Walk in London, visiting the capital’s best chocolatiers.
An afternoon hands-on Chocolate Workshop with one of London’s best chocolatiers
A Eurostar train ride to Paris
A Chocolate Walk in Paris, visiting the capital’s best chocolatiers and patisseries
A Day at the 2016 Salon du Chocolat including demonstrations and talks about chocolate

Paris and London are sweet to begin with – let’s sweeten the pot by adding in chocolate tasting. Now is the time to call or email Unique Journeys and start dreaming in chocolate.

314/644-8691
nancy@unique-journeys.com