As you know by now, I often write about and sing the praises of Europe River Cruises.  I would like to think most of us agree that this is one of the best, if not the best way, you can experience the interior of Europe. 

But you may not be sure if you should try and plan it yourself or use a travel advisor like us.  I think this is a legitimate question—What is best for you?  After thinking about this for a bit, I think I have come up with 8 good reasons you should us, Dream Destinations, to take your Europe River Cruise.

The key to this, is always, will you be better off using us?—or stated another way, Why will Dream Destinations make my trip and Europe experience better than trying to do it ourselves?

So, here are eight good reasons you should travel with Dream Destinations on a river cruise—trust me, this is the best thing you can do if you want an exceptional European river cruise vacation and experience.  Please read on and let me prove it to you!

An Exceptional Resource—Our Europe River Cruise Section of Our Website

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

Do you want the Best Europe River Cruise Resource available for you on the World Wide Web?—then visit our river cruise section of our website! 

A very bold statement, to say the least, but for me it is true—we have more information about Europe River Cruising assembled in an easily organized manner to answer almost any aspect of your questions about Europe River Cruising.  I study Europe river cruising daily, have visited dozens of websites, read everything I can about Europe river cruising, and, in my humble opinion, we have the best information, organized in an easy manner, for you to understand and learn more about Europe river cruising.  Some websites come close, but still do not provide as extensive coverage as we do.

So, let me defend my thoughts—Are we an Exceptional Resource and the Best Europe River Cruise Resource on the World Wide Web?

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, a specialist is “someone who has a lot of experience, knowledge, or skill in a particular subject.”

While I think we have exceptional experience, knowledge and skill in Europe river cruises, to properly evaluate what constitutes an expert and specialist in the travel industry, I believe there are 6 good measures that can provide a comprehensive and objective evaluation to determine if a travel advisor is truly an expert and specialist.  Here are the measurement factors:  1) experience; 2) certification; 3) knowledge of the industry; 4) first-hand knowledge of the industry; 5) professional organization membership and 6) can you trust them?

We can use these 6 factors to determine the difference between travel advisors and help you decide—what makes us special about our knowledge of river cruises and how do we use that knowledge to help you get a better river cruise vacation experience.

So, let’s explore what makes a travel advisor a river cruise expert and try to answer the question—Are we Europe river cruise experts and specialists?

Why Buy a Europe River Cruise from Us?

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

There are about 75.000 to 100,000 professional travel agents in business in the United States.  There are also the giants of the internet (Travelocity, Expedia, etc.) and wholesalers (Costco).  You can also buy direct from many travel vendors.  To be sure, you the consumer, have a lot of choices and ways to buy travel.

With the plethora of options, it got me to thinking—Why should you buy a river cruise or for that manner, any travel from us?—from Anne & Hank Schrader, of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC!

Luxury Europe River Cruising

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

This is an important look at luxury Europe river cruising.  It is an update of a blog I first wrote in November of 2016.  My central theme of this blog is the answer to the question “What is luxury in Europe River Cruising?

A couple of years ago, the Editor-in-Chief of Travel Age West Magazine, a publication for travel professionals, posed this question to his readers and asked for comments from the field.  He basically challenged us to explain how we explain “luxury” river cruising to clients.  He also asked if we have any amenities that we feel are mandatory to classify a river cruise line as “luxury”. 

Before we begin, it is important to decide what luxury is.  The American Heritage Dictionary defines luxury as: “1) Something that is not essential but is conductive to pleasure and comfort. 2) Something that is expensive or hard to obtain. 3) Sumptuous living or surroundings.” 

But, as my lovely wife Anne points out, we all have different ideas of what luxury is.

I’m sure long time readers of this blog know Anne and I are up for this challenge, so here goes—let’s explore Europe Luxury River Cruising together!

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.

River Cruise Vibes—What It’s Really Like on 8 River Cruise Lines!

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

I am amazed at how much the Europe river cruise industry has changed when I originally wrote only a little less than 2 years ago.  Since 2009, I have studied Europe River cruising to 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.”  Basically, for this blog, it is the atmosphere, the conditions, the emotional connection you can expect on each line if you were to cruise on that line.

So, here goes—my evaluation of the vibe or feeling you will get on these 8 river cruise lines.

I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value. River cruising is really about the destinations you can visit and experience and, you get to take these trips in a luxury floating hotel with amazing food and wine, especially if you chose AmaWaterways.

So, I thought I might share with you 15 astounding significant sights we have seen on a River Cruise while we were sailing with AmaWaterways or as part of their offerings for pre and post cruises. With the exception of the Seine cruise, we have seen the 14 other sights while on various AmaWaterways cruises—those of you who know us well, will recognize we have led to anniversary trips to Normandy (the 70th in 2014 and the 75th in 2019), so while it wasn’t visited as part of an AmaWaterways excursion, we know what the tour will be like for you on this cruise.

So, let me defend my thoughts—what are the 15 Astounding Significant Sights we have seen with AmaWaterways (our favorite Europe River Cruise Line) and why are they significant?

The Best Europe Cities to Visit Before and After Your Europe River Cruise

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value.  One aspect that is often very confusing for many, is how best to extend their trip and visit some of Europe’s great cities.  This blog covers the key extension cities on the Rhine and Upper Danube.

Almost all major cruise lines offer extensions and they can be a great value in simplifying your trip planning but are they always the best choice for you? 

I know you would like a definitive answer but my response is it depends on several factors.  To me these factors are 1) what is included? (to include the quality of the tours and guides), 2) transportation to the desired place, 3) security and ease of mind (how well do you handle unfamiliar places) and 4) cost—is the price worth what is included in the cruise line’s package? 

I should also mention that each cruise lines has different offerings, so it really is impossible in this short blog to adequately cover exactly what they offer.  To help remedy this, my approach will be to tell you about the key cities, perhaps some pitfalls to really see the sights on your own, and then you can use the 4 factors I provide you to see if it is a good value for you.

We will start north to south in Europe. So, let me defend my thoughts—use the cruise line packages, do it yourself or better yet let us plan it for you.

Best Europe River Routes—The Upper Danube, The Most Popular Europe River Cruise Route

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

This blog is designed to provide you comprehensive information about sailing on a rivership on the Upper Danube—the most popular river cruise route in Europe. We are providing you a chance to experience this wonderful trip by using some of the many photos we have taken during our 5 trips on this route.

So, let’s visit this magical river together and learn all about its’ wonderful sights and ports!

What is the Best Europe River Cruise Route?

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

The purpose of this blog is provide you a comprehensive guide of the available Europe River Cruise Routes, so you can decide on which route will be the best for your next Europe river cruise vacation.

Europe has the distinction of the continent with the largest number of navigable rivers compared to other regions of the world.  They are often devoid of major obstacles such as waterfalls and rapids, and are usually wide and deep enough to allow steady passage of people and material on all types of sailing vessels.  Combine the easy navigation with captivating sights such as castles, vineyards, capital cities and small, quaint villages and it is easy to see why folks would want to sail these amazing rivers!

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 a guide to the European River routes most available to you.  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 river

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!

2019 Spring Europe River Cruises—It’s Tulip Time!

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

I think the most overlooked Europe River cruises are spring time cruises at the beginning of the river cruise season.

There some very unique opportunities to see sights in Europe many do not get to see or only are available in the spring and that is the focus of this blog—the unique spring time cruises—it does not cover the early season cruises on the more popular river cruise routes.

So, let’s learn together about these cruises by getting a short overview of the major sights in these low country cruises and then learn a little more about the exact offering of each of the major 8 river cruise lines that market to the US

I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value.  But there is no vacation option that is right for all.  Many who have never taken a European River Cruise, have no idea how much is included and the many benefits of this travel opportunity.

So, let me defend my thoughts—is a European River cruise the right option for you?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of sailing on a rivership?

Ready?—let’s go find out together!

The Great Value of a Europe River Cruise

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

We have planned almost every type of vacation you might want to take.  However, no matter how many we plan, we just keep realizing more and more the exceptional value you get when you take a river cruise, especially in Europe.  

We travel to Europe 2-4 times a year (just like you, we are limited by travel costs) and are taking river cruise number 18 later this year, and I think that really makes our thoughts about river cruising even more important—we speak from experience.  Our experience is that for most trips, it’s hard to beat the features of a river cruise, especially if you take a pre and post land option along with the cruise. 

So, let’s explore the value of a Europe river cruise!

The best European river cruise—how do I find it and know it is the best? Is there be a simple way to determine what European river cruise is the best? 

What Are the Top Google Searches for Europe River Cruises?

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

Today, we all do searches for information on the web.  By far, Google is the number one search engine in use today.  Basically, Google uses keywords to find the information you are looking for from other sources—websites, blogs and other items posted to the world-wide web.  While the goal of most is to be on page one of Google, the basic question is—is the information accurate and useful to the user just because it is on page one of Google?

So, I thought I would go into a minefield and tell you about what folks are looking for on the web about Europe River Cruises.  Why is it a minefield—it is often hard to tell how accurate the information is about Europe River Cruises and the vendors and writers often sing the praises of Europe River Cruising, without adequately defending their views. 

Let’s go together, with open eyes and see how we would answer these most searched topics—not only will we answer the question but tell you where we rank on Google—but please remember, just because it is popular, it doesn’t mean it is the best available information.

Also, you may Google these topics and get slightly different results, so we must consider this a snapshot at best for 1 and 2 May 2019.

Our Planning Guide for Your Europe River Cruise from 2 Europe River Cruise Experts

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

And Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Professional & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

Have you ever wonder what you should consider when planning a Europe River Cruise?  I promise you, there is little clear cut information what you should consider to get the best possible river cruise that is right for you.

I tried a Google search but the results were not what I was looking for—some offered tips, some results went to destinations or rivers, then maybe companies.

We pride ourselves in making planning an art form—so let us provide you a step by step guide to ensure you will get the best possible river cruise for your vacation. 

Or, better yet let us plan it for you—we are the experts to advise you of the right match for your trip.  So how do we do it—we ask a lot of questions by having you tell us what is important to you.

Ready for our guide—let’s plan a Europe river cruise together!

This blog answers the 25 most ask questions by our river cruise clients.

It includes links to several in-depth answers from our other blogs in addition to pictures to help you better understand Europe River Cruises options.

I have written 47 blogs about Europe River Cruising—this will be number 48.  So, after some refection, I thought I’d provide you what I consider the 5 Best Europe River Cruise Blogs we have written and see if you agree with me that there is value for you to read these blogs, with the goal of helping you to get a better understand of a Europe river cruise vacation and experience.

To organize my thoughts, I thought I would first provide you a little background about how I write and research these blogs, and the goals of the blogs.

I also want tell you about other blogs/websites/books that might prove valuable in your search for accurate information about Europe river cruises.

Next I will provide you my selection of the best blogs we have written.  In my selection process, I decided not to include company specific blogs or food, service or cabin blogs—these are great for more detailed looks at a specific company or aspect of Europe river cruises but not the best overall works about Europe river cruising.  For each blog, I will provide a summary of the blog and then tell you why it matters—and provide a link to the actual blog.

Ready, to learn more?—let’s GO!

Want a Million Dollar Trip for $15,000 or less?—Try a Europe River Cruise!

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

www.dreamdestinations.com

I write all the time about Europe river cruising and its value.  While some would say it is not the best luxury travel option money can buy, I disagree.

So, let me defend my thoughts—is it really a million dollar trip for less?

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.

Just back from the Danube

A Question and Answer Session with one of our Europe River Cruise Clients

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

Answers and pictures from Marc Erlandson, one of our Great Clients

www.dreamdestinations.com

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.

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?