River Cruise Comparisons
Hank Schrader
What is the Best Europe River Cruise Company?

What is the Best Europe River Cruise Company?

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

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 factor a best list without categories.  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 on 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 list.

So, let’s examine my 10 best list and let me defend my selections.

What is the Best Europe River Cruise Company?
River Cruise Advice
Hank Schrader
How to Get the Right European River Cruise for ...

Every time we plan a river cruise vacation, in some form or another, we have several steps we go through to get the right match for our clients.  Our goal is to get our clients the best river cruise trip possible, based on what is most important to them.

In broad terms there are really 5 factors we consider.  So, let’s explore these factors together to help you get the best possible river cruise for your next trip.

How to Get the Right European River Cruise for Your Next Vacation

River Cruise Reviews

Cruising the AmaKristina in December 2018

Cruising the AmaKristina in December 2018

Cruising the AmaKristina in December 2018

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

As I began to write this, I’m on the AmaKristina on the Rhine.  It is our first trip on this river ship, but it already feels like home—we have sailed on 16 Europe river cruises and this is our 15th cruise with AmaWaterways (we are leading a small group on this same route this summer on the AmaSerna—there is still limited space available if you would like to join us—give me a call).

Much has changed since 2009 in river cruising—when we first started river cruising in Europe—and almost all is for the better.

This was a themed cruise—a Christmas Markets along the Rhine.  It is the most festive season in Europe and that is saying a lot, since Europeans walk and enjoy their cities almost every day of their lives and most everyone has visited these special stalls and enjoyed shopping, and eating Christmas delights and imbibe in the hot Gleuwein.

So, I thought I’d write about AmaWaterways and the Rhine River—one of the two most popular routes for river cruisers in Europe.

You Should Become Part of the AmaWaterways Family

You Should Become Part of the AmaWaterways Family

I was at a meeting the other day, and one of my best friends and a very good client, remarked he had just received the new River Banks Magazine from AmaWaterways and saw his cruise director featured in the magazine.  He told me, “I’m glad I am part of the AmaWaterways family.”

This is not an unusual reaction or statement! Let’s explore why this special company makes folks feel part of the family—how can they create an experience so special folks want to be known as members of the family?

 
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