River Cruises, a Journey to Remember

Aug 10, 2023

River Cruises genuinely create a Journey to Remember

As a seasoned travel agent with an adventurous spirit and over two decades of expertise in the industry, I am beyond thrilled to share my most unforgettable experiences aboard AmaWaterways’ river cruises. Having personally cruised on many of these breathtaking river journeys, I can attest to the unrivaled comfort, luxury, and excitement that awaits you. From the moment you step aboard their elegant ships, you’ll be whisked away on an extraordinary journey that weaves relaxation, indulgence, and captivating discoveries into one extraordinary tapestry. Join me as we delve into the exceptional ship amenities and accommodations that make AmaWaterways the epitome of river cruise experiences. There is a multitude of fabulous cruises celebrating and partaking in different events, such as the wine cruises with 60+ departures and culinary experiences; they have teamed with Ancestry for cruises to research your roots, Christmas Markets (my personal favorite), Tylip Time, which showcases Keukenhof in the spring with over 7 million tulips, they have music Centrix cruises, etc. The options are endless. Let’s have a conversation.

Luxurious Accommodations

Picture yourself in a realm of pure opulence, surrounded by breathtaking river vistas as you embark on your AmaWaterways adventure. Drawing from my firsthand experiences, I can confidently say that their staterooms and suites redefine luxury on the water. As a travel agent who has personally indulged in these lavish accommodations, let me share my genuine excitement about their comfort and elegance.

You DESERVE the BEST!

Personalized Service

AmaWaterways’ dedication to personalized service goes beyond extraordinary – it’s a heartfelt journey of hospitality. From the warm welcome by the crew to the attentive butler service for suite guests, every moment is infused with warmth, making you feel like royalty throughout your sojourn.

Thoughtful Details

Prepare to be enchanted by the carefully curated details that grace each stateroom. The cozy ambiance, well-designed layouts, and modern amenities create a sanctuary of tranquility and elegance, ensuring your river cruise becomes your to escape from the ordinary.

Insider’s Tips

As your seasoned travel agent and fellow river cruiser, I’ve experienced firsthand the hidden gems aboard these remarkable ships. Allow me to be your guiding compass, helping you navigate the many stateroom options and ensuring you find the perfect one that aligns with your dreams and desires.

Onboard Amenities

Hold onto your hats as we whisk you to an experience like no other. The onboard amenities offered by AmaWaterways have a magnetic charm that leaves you craving more.

Cultural Enrichment:

Immerse yourself in captivating conversations with local experts as they weave tales of ages past into the vibrant tapestry of the present. AmaWaterways’ unwavering commitment to cultural immersion will ignite your curiosity, enrich your heart and soul, and awaken a passion for exploration like never before.

Tailored Experiences

My journeys on these floating havens have taught me that each traveler is unique and every adventure should be crafted to reflect your heart’s desires. Together, we’ll handcraft an itinerary reflecting your passions and interests, making every experience a bespoke masterpiece.

Exclusive Offers

Unlock the door to hidden delights secured by my personal connections with AmaWaterways and the travel industry. I’m devoted to ensuring you enjoy exclusive perks and promotions, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to your AmaWaterways river cruise.

With boundless enthusiasm, a wealth of experience, and an adventurous spirit, I wholeheartedly recommend AmaWaterways for a river cruise voyage that will forever be etched in your heart. My journeys with them have ignited a genuine passion for their unparalleled service, luxurious accommodations, and enriching activities.

Join me as we embark on a river cruise adventure that will take you beyond the boundaries of imagination.

Together, we’ll discover a wealth of personalized experiences, handpick the perfect stateroom, and create unforgettable moments that will leave you yearning for more. AmaWaterways’ river cruises transcend the notion of ordinary vacations – they are captivating journeys that will awaken your senses, reignite your love for exploration, and revitalize your spirit. So, let’s set sail on a remarkable river experience with AmaWaterways, and together, we’ll create memories that will dance in your heart forever.

We would love to help you plan your next vacation. Our passion for travel is River Cruises.
Considering taking a cruise, here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

Top 5 Reasons you Deserve a Luxury Vacation

May 21, 2022

Here are just 5 of the top reasons you deserve a luxury vacation.

Have you been dreaming of the ultimate vacation with all services included which normally you would be not willing to pay for? Yes, this is the luxury vacation of your dreams. And if you are still unsure if you should book it or not, keep reading as we are sharing our top 5 reasons you deserve a luxury vacation! Don’t miss the link at the bottom that will help you have the perfect river cruise.

No Planning Needed

One of the main reasons why it is worth booking a luxury vacation is that there is a lot less planning needed. You can go directly to your favorite travel agent, give your dates and start packing. If you are pressured by time or planning a family trip with multiple members and you do not want the stress of researching and booking it all yourselves, it might be time to look at a luxury vacation, which has it all planned out and scheduled for you. Everything you need to do is show up and have the time of your life!

Unwind and De-stress

Unfortunately, stress has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. And the reality is that every now and then we need to stop for a moment and take a break! There is no better reason why you should book that luxury vacation than trying to unwind, relax and escape the daily routine. Imagine going on a luxury river cruise and sunbathing on the deck with a cocktail in your hand at 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, instead of joining a conference call. We cannot think of any other better reason to treat yourselves to a luxury vacation! Can you?

Create Memories with your Family

Regardless of if you have children or not, there is nothing better than taking a family holiday to a faraway destination. It might have been a while since you spent some quality time together with your closest ones. Well, let me tell you – one of the best ways to reconnect with one another is by booking that special luxury vacation! Especially for those of you who have small children – now is the time to devote more time and try new activities with them. Go on that trip without any limitations and just create memories, which you will cherish long after you have gone back home!

You are Celebrating

One of the top 5 reasons why you deserve a luxury vacation is an upcoming celebration. Maybe it is a wedding anniversary or your significant other’s birthday. Either way, this is a good time to treat yourselves to a special opulent holiday including additional services and packages that you were never allowed to spend money on before!

You Deserve to Splurge

Last but definitely not least stop looking for reasons why you should go on that luxury vacation. Remember you deserve it! You work hard every day and sometimes it just comes a time when you should focus on yourselves and finally treat yourselves! You Deserve to Splurge on that Luxury Vacation!

Our top 5 reasons why you deserve a luxury vacation should have been enough to convince you that it is time to pack your bags and just go!

You may be considering taking a cruise, here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience, you will want to contact Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

CRUISING THE RHINE AND MOSELLE

Aug 26, 2021

On October 26th I will be cruising the Rhine and Moselle rivers and would love to have everyone join me on this great cruise. Starting in Amsterdam, we will cruise down the scenic Rhine River and on to the Moselle, which has been called the most beautiful river in Europe.

AMSTERDAM

Welcome aboard The AMA Lucia, for the start of our cruise of The Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle.

Enjoy a stroll over many of the picturesque canals in Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and we will get to enjoy some of them on our canal cruise. View the narrow houses, built that way because of taxes. Be amazed how goods were transported to the upper floors. They say that necessity is the mother of invention and you can see it in action in the homes that line the canals.

After our introduction to Amsterdam, it’s time to set sail. What a great time to meet our fellow travelers and acquaint ourselves with The AMALucia, our luxury home for the next 7 days.

COLOGNE, GERMANY

We start our cruising on the Rhine by going to Cologne. This is the home of one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. One of the most interesting sites in the Cathedral is the display which houses the remains of the Three Wise Men. https://www.koelner-dom.de/.

Also on the tour is the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Most of the ports on this cruise feature wine, but here in Cologne beer is king. Why not make a quick stop at one of the many local pubs and sample the famous Kölsch beer. It’s only made in Cologne While you’re at it, you should sample the reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce.

While I appreciate a good glass of beer, what I love above all else is chocolate. I truly enjoyed visiting the chocolate museum in Cologne. Not only was I able to indulge there, but I was persuaded to bring home something for friends and family. Why not join me in my quest for the perfect piece of chocolate. https://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/en/

RÜDESHEIM

On our way to Rudesheim we will pass through the Rhine Gorge. Arguably this is one of the most scenic passages on the river. We will glide by some of the dozens of castles that line the banks and have the opportunity to take some truly spectacular photos from the sun deck. Once in Rudesheim, we have several choices of excursions.

Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting.

For a more active adventure, we can hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau.

Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you. What a delight this tour was. In this age of all digital, it was wonderful to see and hear these mechanical devices still working as they were intended. https://www.smmk.de/pages/de/willkommen.php

On the way back to the ship we can stop at one of the cafes in town. Here we can indulge in one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. It’s ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. YUM! A great end to another wonderful day on the river.

Enjoying the view

MAINZ – LAHNSTEIN

As we arrive in Mainz, we can join a walking tour of the many historic treasures. Included is one of Germany’s most important churches, St. Stephan’s Cathedral; home to the famous Chagall stained-glass windows. These magnificent windows were created by Chagall in hopes they would help heal the wounds left by WWII. As you gaze at them, you will see his deep commitment to that. This was the last commission of his life and his lifelong friend Charles Marq was tasked with finishing what he knew he couldn’t.

“For me a stained glass window is a transparent partition between my heart and the heart of the world”

Marc Chagall Quote

Another alternative is a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Here you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles.

For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. (See you back at the ship) Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.

MOSELLE VALLEY – COCHEM

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle.

We can join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. If you aren’t in the castle mood, let’s take a different adventure and tour one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills. We can sample Cochem’s famous mustard. For those of you wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem.

BERNKASTEL

Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting.

Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle.

LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS

All good things must come to an end so we now disembark the ship, bid farewell to our crew and prepare for our return flight home.

BUT WAIT! I’m taking the post-cruise extension that gives me two nights in Reims so that I can indulge my other passion (besides chocolate) – Champagne.

When we disembark in Luxemburg on our journey to Reims we will have a walking tour of Luxembourg and then visit The American Cemetery and Memorial, which is the final resting place of General George S. Patton. Once checked into the hotel in Reims, I think I will set out to explore this ancient city including the Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims, which has seen the coronation of many French Kings. https://www.cathedrale-reims.com/ So much history and beauty.

Today, it is on to driving the route of champagne. Along this route are some of the most famous names in champagne; Epernay, Veuve Clicquot and Moet et Chandon. All this and driving through a beautiful countryside.

After checking out of the hotel, on the way to Paris there is a final tour in Reims of WWI sites such as the Belleau Wood American World War Monument.

We are in a different world today that we were last year and for this reason it is more important than ever to depend on the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent. I am committed to making sure you have the most up-to-date information available to make your vacation what you have dreamed it to be. We have all waited to be able to travel and now is the time to savor the joy of travel with friends and family. To that end, I have created several articles with tips to help you with the decision-making process.

Here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. Contact me at Unique Journeys. I will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

Let’s Get Cruisin’

Egypt

Feb 22, 2021

LUXURY RIVER CRUISING COMES TO EGYPT

Luxury river cruising comes to Egypt beginning in September, 2021 . You will cruise the Nile River for an unforgettable vacation experience. It is the longest river in the world and many of the antiquities of the old world are located near it’s banks.

Cairo Skyline on your luxury nile river cruise

Enjoy Cairo from your deluxe hotel on the Nile River

BEGINNING THE EXPERIENCE

As a first class start to your adventure, you will be met at the airport by representatives of AMA Waterways and they will accompany you to your deluxe Four Seasons hotel. Everything has been arranged for your three-night stay.

What a first full day you will have!

First off is a visit to the famous Egyptian Museum, home to 120,000 artifacts on display. The Museum is home to the priceless treasures of Tutankhamen and Pharaonic art. If you have never seen a mummy, now’s your chance.

You will begin to understand what an amazing civilization the early Egyptians had and why their influence is seen to this day.

The great Egyptian Museum is part of the luxury river cruise experience in Egypt

Just one of the beautiful exhibits at the Egyptian Museum you will visit in Cairo

I bet viewing all these spectacular ancient artifacts has made you hungry. It’s a good thing lunch is next on the agenda. AMA Waterways has arranged for you to eat lunch at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant in Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Before you return to your hotel, you will visit the summit of the Citadel of Saladin’s courtyard and from here you will enjoy a breathtaking view across the city and the Pyramids of Giza. What a finish to your first full day in Cairo.

seeing ancient sites is part of a luxury cruise in Egypt

The Beautiful and historic Mosque of Muhammad

Discovering the Ancient Sites at Memphis

You will stand in awe of the Great Sphinx, carved from one solid piece of stone and be amazed by the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, which is the oldest pyramid on earth.

Once again AMA Waterways has arranged a lunch to remember; Mena House, a palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramid is just that place. A great lunch and a great view; the perfect end to your time in Cairo.

AMA DAHLIA-THE SHIP BUILT FOR LUXURY RIVER CRUISING IN EGYPT

The AMA Dahlia has been built specifically for luxury river cruising on the Nile. It will only hold 68 passengers, so you will be sure to get an in-depth vacation experience. AMA means love and you will experience it the moment you see the stunning AMA Dahlia.

The Beautiful AMADahlia made for sailing in Egypt

THE GUIDES

With this itinerary your guides are with you through the entire 7-day cruise and any extensions you have chosen. They are experts in all things Ancient Egypt and will give you wonderful insights into all the sites of the area.

A good guide can make the difference between just visiting a place and gaining an understanding of what it means to the history and culture of an area. AMA Waterways has mastered the art of providing the best and brightest guides to accomplish this.

ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER – THE NILE THAT IS

Today you head for Luxor to start your luxury AMA Nile River cruise. While your ship is docked in Luxor, you will have the opportunity to visit the Temple of Luxor. This temple took hundreds of years to complete. Here are many tombs cut into solid rock such as the Tomb of King Tutankamun, where his mummified remains are still on display.

Exclusive Access – A Hallmark of AMA Waterways

AMA has also secured exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari. This is just one example of what sets a cruise with AMA Waterways apart. Not many have this access and AMA Waterways includes it with your cruise AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.

Once you depart Luxor, you will experience all the magnificent sites the river has to offer. This truly is the cradle of civilization Everything created by this society seems to be gigantic, such as the Colossi of Memnon, the four statues of Ramses II, each measuring over 70’ high and the Great Sphinx. These are all truly awe inspiring.

Ramses II

THE EXPERIENCE CONTINUES-LUXURY ON THE RIVER TO LUXURY ON LAND

Your vacation doesn’t have to just be about a luxury river cruise. If you want to experience more from this part of the world, AMA Waterways has some exceptional pre and post-cruise options.

DUBAI-If you have always wanted to see Dubai, then this 3-night pre-cruise extension is for you. Once you land, you have a city tour and a desert safari with a bbq dinner. On your next day, you will visit Abu Dhabi.

JORDAN-This 4-night pre-cruise trip includes a city tour of Amman, a visit to Jerash, Madaba, Mt. Nebo and, last but not least, a visit to Petra, made famous in the moving Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. You saw it at the movies, now you can get up and personal.

Imagine the creators of this

ISRAEL-History comes alive here for Christians, Muslims and Jews. While you are here you can see Old Jaffa, Jerusalem; Bethlehem, with the Tomb of King David and the Walled City; tour the Machne Yahuda Market and the Israel Museum.

On your last day you are treated to an extraordinary visit to Masada and the Dead Sea, the lowest place on the earth. Bring your suit and give floating a try. After lunch, you will return to your hotel, awash in memories of this historic land.

Going to Israel is one of the options when on your luxury river cruise to Egypt

Once-in-a-lifetime moment in the Dead Sea

If you have always dreamed of a trip that takes you into the past while seeing the vibrant cities of today, then this is your chance to see it with AMA Waterways.

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. 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 Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

The Best Credit Cards When Traveling

Jan 31, 2021

Best Credit Cards

Check out the best credit cards to use when traveling. If you have already started planning some of your next international travels, you are definitely wondering what would be a good way to save some money.

Are you prepared?

Here are the best credit cards to use when traveling. From the no foreign transaction fees to accessing a huge range of luxurious travel benefits, a good credit card when traveling is a must-have. Keep reading as today we are sharing the 4 best credit cards when traveling!

Heading to Europe you might as well leave your Discover credit card at home. We are not aware of them accepting Discover at any location in Europe.

Be prepared when traveling….

Capital One Venture(One) Rewards Credit Card

Capital One offers two of the best credit cards for traveling – the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. The former is perfect if this would be one of your first travel credit cards and you do not want to spend any money on the annual fee. The latter, on the other hand, has an annual fee of $95, however, the benefits are endless. While both have no foreign transaction fees, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will also allow you to earn 2 miles on every dollar. Overall, the Capital One VentureOne is better for the more casual credit card spenders, while the Capital One Venture is perfect if you are planning on spending over $10,000 per year.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

With an annual fee of just $95 and absolutely no transaction fees, even when abroad the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the best credit cards when traveling. If you spent $4000 during the first 3 months, you will earn a total of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards, which account for around $750 in travel. One of the main benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the huge number of partners they have, which means that you would get a lot more flexibility with choosing how to redeem your credit.

The Platinum Card from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express is one of the more premium credit cards you can get, with an annual fee of $550. If you are frequent travelers taking multiple trips per month, though, this might be the best choice for you. One of the main perks of joining is the 75,000 Membership Rewards Points you will receive once you spend $5,000 during the first 6 months. Besides earning 5x points for any flights booked directly with an airline, you can also make good use of the $200 of Uber savings on both rides and eats in the USA. Enjoy a wide range of luxury travel benefits such as getting access to the exclusive American Express Global Lounge Collection when traveling with Delta.

Some things to Consider

One more thing to have in mind before heading on your next travel adventure, however, is that some countries would have particular requirements when it comes to paying for your expenses. While credit cards can be widely used and accepted in the USA, there are countries, such as Cuba and Ukraine where it is better to pay in cash or just a general debit card. It is also good to keep in mind that in some countries paying by card is not as common and you should always have some cash in the local currencies prepared. Last but not least, if you are planning your holiday to Europe, you should know that while American Express cards can be used, the number of merchants accepting them is very limited. Having a Visa or a Mastercard in Europe can save you a lot of trouble.

Are you planning on applying for a travel credit card and saving thousands every year or would you prefer to stick to the old-fashion way of paying – in cash or debit card? Which one of the above mentioned best credit cards for traveling would you choose?

TIPS:

Make sure you notify your credit card company ahead of your trip so that they don’t think your card is being used illegally.
You will want to make copies of the face of the card so when they contact the credit card company if it’s stolen, it makes it easier to replace. Keep those copies in a separate place with the copy of the passport.
Suggest you carry small denominations in currency. Most local purchases are small and don’t keep a lot of change.
Keep receipts on large purchases since sometimes it can be reimbursed at the airport on departure because of the VAT tax. (If you make a large purchase the sell most likely will give you a form to take for reimbursement. If not, ask if your purchase is eligible.)

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make a 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 assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.