river cruises Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

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.

THE MAGIC AND WONDER OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS BY RIVER CRUISE

May 16, 2018

Do you Believe in Magic?

I believe in magic and you will too when you board your river cruise and see it decked out for the holidays. The magic and wonder of a Christmas Markets cruise in Europe is one way to re-capture the Christmas magical feelings of your youth and give it as a gift to your children. Take a river cruise to the Christmas Markets of Europe and you can introduce your children to cultures and traditions different than your own. You can expand their horizons and help them understand other societies. You can watch their eyes light up as you wander the various markets with their array of hand-crafted toys, ornaments and delectable treats. This is the true magic of Christmas.

Christmas is still very much a religious and family-oriented holiday in the countries you will visit. While shopping is a theme of your shore excursions, intertwined with every market are Christmas concerts at the beautiful churches and areas for the children to play and have fun.

You and your children will be exposed to traditions that have been handed down in families for hundreds of years and you will be learning about different cultures while you are having the time of your life.

Caroling

When you board your river cruise ship, you are surrounded by energetic crew members excited to help you enjoy and get the most out of your cruise, a ship that has been transformed into a Christmas fantasy, and the promise of a great experience in some of the most iconic European cities and towns. However, there is one element that is waiting for your special touch – the passengers get to decorate the tree.

WHAT’S A PICKLE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Another fun activity onboard the ship is the hunt for the pickle. The Legend of the Pickle is hundreds of years old in Germany and your family will learn the legend and will get a chance to “hunt for the pickle”. Will you be the one to find the pickle? Even if you aren’t, it’s a great family activity, that you can take home with you and start your own tradition.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE INTRIGING CITIES YOU CAN VISIT

Your floating hotel will enable you to see many of the cities you have always heard about at a magical time of year when they are decked out for the Holidays. Some of the greatest cities in Europe are on the rivers, such as Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Amsterdam and many others.

FEAR NOT FOODIES AND PICKY EATERS – YOU ALL CAN “HAVE IT YOUR WAY”

Breakfast and lunch can both be buffets or you can order off the menu. At lunch, you just want something quick so you can make that afternoon shore excursion? There is a shortened lunch menu in the lounge. Tired from all that shopping, exploring and absorbing history, how about a small assortment of sandwiches and desserts to keep your strength up until dinner. While you have been enjoying family time, your chef and his group of talented cooks has been creating food almost too good to eat. I managed and I’m sure you will too. Now, go rest up for dinner – where you have lots of menu choices.

While every city and town is celebrating Christmas, there will be regional specialties in each destination which are steeped in the history of the area. You and your family will learn the traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years and handed down from generation to generation. Take Regensburg for example. It is the oldest town on the Danube and home to one of the oldest sausage shops, Wurstkuchl. This is a must stop before you start to explore this town which has over 1,000 historic buildings.

DO YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH?

Along with the wonderful treats created onboard your ship, you will find great regional specialties in each city. Take Nuremberg for example. Along with one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, they are famous for their gingerbread. Smelling it is almost as much fun as tasting it, but not quite. And, you will get to taste it everywhere.

While in Vienna, you can taste Sacher Torte. While not a Christmas specialty, you can learn how it originated at the Sacher Hotel. Pull up a chair and you can enjoy it where it was first served. You should also order one of my favorites while there, hot chocolate MIT SCHLAG. This is one of my special treats. In German, Mit Schlag means with cream and in Austria, you get a lot of Schlag when you ask for it.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AND WONDER OF A CHRISTMAS CRUISE

If you want your family to experience the magic and wonder of a Christmas Market cruise this year, you need to call me. The earlier the better to insure your family get the perfect accommodations on your first choice of dates. Many times the early you book the better the price. The first step is up to you. I’ll await your phone call.

Balconies on Cruise Ships – Do you really need one?

Apr 10, 2013

In a recent article for USA Today Charisse Jones examines factors that go into whether or not you might want to get a balcony cabin for your next cruise.

Cruise ships are floating resorts, where passengers can get a massage, gamble through the night or check out a Vegas-style show without ever setting foot on land.

So with so much to do, do you really need a room with a balcony?

“I think it’s usually worth it,” says Mike Driscoll, editor of industry newsletter Cruise Week. “But that depends on the cruise itself, and why you’re going.”

Of course, seafarers have to figure out if a balcony is in the budget. But Driscoll says price may not be the deterrent it once was.

A few years ago, he says, “you’d be paying double to get a balcony.” Now, cabins with balconies on a standard, seven-day cruise generally cost $100 more than those with a window, and between $150 and $200 more than a stateroom inside the ship.

If you’re sailing in the Mediterranean or to another scenic destination, the view is definitely worth the money, Driscoll says.

“If you’re doing an Alaska cruise, it’s so nice out on the balcony, watching the glaciers,” he says. “You see all the people on their balconies watching the beauty go by.”

There are those vacationers who have little use for a private deck because they’re only in the cabin when it’s lights out. And a balcony may not matter much to them.

“They’ll be out in the casino and running about most of the time,” Driscoll says. “For them, it really isn’t as important.”

TRIP LENGTH A FACTOR

Marshall Jackson, a blogger for BoardingArea who lives in Atlanta, opts for a balcony depending on the length of the trip.

If it’s at least seven nights, he says, there’s more time to relax in your own outdoor space, particularly on days the ship is not in port.

But if the cruise lasts only three or four days, Jackson says, he rarely bothers to get one.

“(It) just seems like you spend so little time in your stateroom on shorter itineraries that a balcony is a waste of money,” he says.

Ellen Davis doesn’t go much for big cruise ships, preferring river cruises where balconies are the norm. And she’s not sure a balcony on a large cruise ship is worth the extra cash just to gaze out at an endless blue sea.

“Not that it’s lacking in its own beauty,” she says of the sea. “But it falls a little flat compared to watching castles float by on the Danube, or seeing children washing down their water buffalo on the Nile.”

Davis, who works in marketing and lives in Peachtree City, Ga., says, “I’d rather enjoy the ocean from the shore, watching the waves crashing, than pay extra on a big boat.”

THE BENEFITS

Others disagree and say that having more than a window to the sea has benefits beyond aesthetics.

Brian Matos, director of sales for a supply chain services company based in Frisco, Texas, is one, saying he enjoys having his own piece of the outdoors, away from the crowds.

“It really limits the claustrophobia that sometimes comes with small cabins on a cruise ship,” Matos says. “(It’s) great to be able to sit outside late at night with a glass of wine, looking at the sea and stars.”

William Rodgers, of Martinsburg, W.Va., couldn’t agree more.

“It’s usually said that the stateroom on a cruise matters little as one is never there,” he says. But he found out differently when he and his wife, Judy, decided to book a cabin with a balcony on a cruise to the western Caribbean, including Grand Cayman Island and Belize City.

“We spent more time in the stateroom than we ever expected,” Rodgers says.

While his wife slept in, Rodgers says, he would order from room service, then sit on the balcony “reading my book, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise.

“After we returned to the stateroom in the evening, my wife and I spent time together on the balcony. It was, in her words, a beautifully romantic moment each time we were there.”

Now they’re hooked, he says. “We will never cruise without a balcony again.”