River Cruise Expert

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Dan Meister, CMP, Travel Agent in Boca Raton, FL

Dan Meister, CMP

Boca Raton, FL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Dan Meister, CMP

Boca Raton, FL · 25+ Years of Experience

Meister Meeting Services, Inc., an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(76)
99% Recommended
My (now) husband and I booked an Alaskan cruise with Dan in the summer/fall of 2014. He did such an amazing job that we decided... Read More >
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Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Europe, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium

Interests:

Christmas Markets, Food & Wine, River Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Groups

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking

About Me

River Cruise Ship
River Cruise Ship

We love traveling, discussing and helping clients book the perfect River Cruise. 

River cruising is the ultimate and luxury way to see "Land by Water" and enjoy an up close and personal experience.   We can guide you to the best ships, season, rivers and directions based on your dates and interests.  

If you are already an ocean cruiser, check out our 15 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers will Love River Cruising:

 

"15 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers will Love River Cruising"

Hello fellow ocean cruisers. Is cruising your passion and your favorite vacation style? Have you already explored the vast ocean cruises and are now itching for something fresh, unique, and yet equally captivating? Here's a thought - let's switch currents and embark on a River Cruise while still unpacking just once!No, it's not lesser, just different.

Imagine an intimate luxury barge with a 5-star hotel on top loaded with local food, beverages, and culinary delights navigating through serene river paths at a leisurely pace. This is experiential travel tailored for those seeking intimate encounters with remarkable destinations. So, are you ready for this rich tapestry of new sceneries and splendid culture?

Sit tight and take a full breath as we steer you through our top 15 reasons why Ocean Cruisers will love River Cruising.

1) No waves: No seasickness and No Motion of the Ocean

2) Much smaller and Intimate Ships: Most river cruise ships are long and narrow with 4 or less decks as they need to navigate under the same bridges and through the same locks. Most ships accommodate 146 -200 guests plus staff compared to mass-market mega ocean cruise ships holding 4,000 and more guests and staff.

3) Inclusive Pricing: Accommodations, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty coffees, bottled water, onboard entertainment and cultural activities along with happy hours, and wine and beer with meals are included in your cruise fare.

4) No Formal Nights or Reserved Seating: Dining is relaxed with casual dress and atmosphere onboard, more like a country club experience.

5) Up Close and Personal: Dock in heart of towns and villages and step into local culture with authentic experiences.

6) No Crowds, No Lines and No Waiting: You'll enjoy freedom of movement when and where you want.

7) Focused on Adults: While children ages 12 and over are welcome on most ships, programing and activities are focused on adults. Some cruise lines do offer special sailings with a family theme in the summer, but most cruise cabins only accommodate 2 guests.

8) Local Beer and Wine included with all Meals: Some cruise lines offer beverage packages onboard, but alcoholic beverages are nominally priced and you're welcome to bring onboard your own beverages to be enjoyed in your cabin. Many ships also host Bon- Voyage and Farewell hosted cocktail parties included in your cruise fare.

9) New Ports of Call: – Most ports you’ll visit can only be seen from river cruise ships as there is no way to reach these river cruise ports on mega ocean cruise ships.

10) Castle Views: You’ll see an abundance of medieval castles on Danube and Rhine River cruises, and many are open for visitors.

11) No Need to Rush Back: Often during your cruise your ship will overnight at the city docks or have late afternoon or evening departures so can fully enjoy your time and local nightlife in port.

12) Taste the difference: Smaller 4- and 5-star ships and guest numbers mean chefs can get creative with more emphasis on local recipes, ingredients, fresh fruit and cooking styles for exceptional culinary experiences. Enjoy local wines, beers, cheeses and fruits onboard. No mass produced and basic buffets.

13) Bicycles onboard: Many cruise lines and ships carry bikes onboard so guests can enjoy biking through vineyards and along the historic towns and village riverbanks with views of castles and landmark structures (check your ship and cruise line in advance to see if they do carry bikes).

14) Themed Cruises: Popular themes include wine, beer, history, religion, heritage, Christmas markets, famous writers and authors.

15) Variety of River Cruise Destinations: River cruising has really grown in popularity with itineraries now available throughout Europe, USA, Asia and Egypt and even the Amazon...If a river runs through it then you can usually find a river cruise ship.

Best way to book a River Cruise: Like ocean cruising there are so many choices in itineraries, seasons, cruise lines, ships and cabins that is best to work with an experienced Travel Agent specializing in River Cruises so they can educate and guide you to the best options that meets your goals, desires and budget.

 

 

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
76 reviews
99% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 76 reviews

Arguably the Catalyst for My Wedding
Reviewed By Christine - Boynton Beach, FL | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
My (now) husband and I booked an Alaskan cruise with Dan in the summer/fall of 2014. He did such an amazing job that we decided to make that trip our honeymoon, and planned the wedding around that cruise! No question was too trivial, no detail left to chance. Dan thoroughly communicates with his customers, and his follow through is excellent. I have, and continue to, recommend Dan without reservation.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
25 of 39 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Cruise Time
Reviewed By Marc - Nashville, TN | Traveled to Caribbean
outstanding is the simplest term to use!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
22 of 34 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
First class experience from beginning to end
Reviewed By Chad - Denver, Colorado | Traveled to New Orleans ~ Louisiana ~ USA
My experience with Dan was nothing short of first rate. He understood exactly the type of experience we were looking for and then delivered a property that even exceeded our expectations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
25 of 40 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Mother/Daughter Cherished Memories!
Reviewed By Katie - Delray Beach, Florida | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Very professional and knowledgeable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
29 of 48 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Dave - Delray Beach, FL | Traveled to Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
Dan was very thorough, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He has great follow up and constantly communicated with us to make sure we were all set for our trip as well as followed up afterwards.
Dan Meister, CMP responded
"Thank you for nice comments and hope you can join some of our fun group trips in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
22 of 36 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
Avalon Waterways Specialist
AMA Waterways Expert

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

Testimonials
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    My Travel Stories

    Welcome to the magic of European Christmas Markets

    Welcome to the Magic of European Christmas Market

    ??? Welcome to the Magic of European Christmas Market Cruises! Imagine sailing along Europe’s most iconic rivers, surrounded by twinkling holiday lights, the enticing aroma of mulled wine, and towns straight from a storybook. A European Christmas Market Cruise is an unforgettable way to explore multiple festive markets in...
    Read more

    River Cruising is Amazing

    "Top 10 Reasons for European River Cruising"

    Feeling the pull for a new adventure? Want to combine the best of travel, comfort, and diverse cultural experiences? A European river cruise might just be the perfect choice. It offers a unique vantage point to explore Europe, teeming with history, cuisine, themes and vibrant festivals. River Cruising has become increasin...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Amsterdam Tulips
    This was our first time using Top Group Travel and I must say that Dan and his team exceeded every expectation. We took a trip to Paris and Amsterdam with my Mom to see the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. Dan designed, customized and coordinated our itinerary perfectly including our high speed rail from Paris to Amsterdam.. From start to finish the communication and service level was outstanding and he even met with us in person to review everything and make sure we were ready to travel smoothly.. I HIGHLY recommend using Top Group Travel for their travel expertise and customer care and we will be using them in the future. “Thank you Dan the Man.”
    Gary N, Boca Raton, FL
    Aloha from Hawaii
    Aloha, Top Group Travel! Thank you to our travel advisor, Dan Meister for his wonderful guidance in regards to our Hawaii vacation. Very knowledgeable, detailed and professional about Hawaii. We had a great time with many wonderful experiences and will Top Group Travel again for any future travel. Highly recommend his services! Mahalo!
    Johnny O, San Jose, CA
    Amazing Italy Vacation
    We had a terrific time in Italy. Thank you for all of your help. The tour director was amazing. He was a wealth of knowledge and taught us a lot about Italy. The tour itself was extremely organized. We went from one thing to the next like magic. It was perfect. I liked this tour because we had organized tours planned and we had time to explore on our own. We met a lot of nice people and leaned a lot about Italy.
    Holly S - Boynton Beach, FL
    Ireland Dream Vacation
    We can’t thank you enough for meeting with us on such short notice at Panera that Sunday morning to talk to us about your Ireland tours! Answering all our question, as newbies in the traveling world!, with such excitement for us and not getting upset as we all interrupted each other. However, I believe Marie and I were sold on doing a tour once we heard you explain all our luggage would be carried the tour company and not by us!! It just took one stare to each other to know we were sold! It was so much more than what we expected and could have hoped for. We will definitely call you when we are ready to travel again.
    Debbie, S. Rochester, NY
    Hawaii - Retirement Trip
    Hi Dan, This has been the best vacation ever. Thank you so much for putting us with Globus. Our tour guide was great and helped us out so much. We did get to go zip lining (and I survived). We met some great people who we are going to keep in touch with. I also want to compliment you! We never had a problem. Your suggestion to prepay gratuities made things so easy. We had so much information about everything from you then other people had. Their travel agents never told them anything about things like that. A couple had to call home for someone to send a pic of their Covid vaccine cards because they didn’t know that they needed them. You are the best! Thank you.
    Beverly P, Delray Beach, FL
    10-Star Ireland Vacation
    I would like to thank Dan Meister for putting together one of my most memorable family vacations. Our trip to Ireland went perfectly because of his hard work and dedication, and that is difficult to do with a very LOUD family of 16! From his prompt email reminders with our itinerary already set to the complimentary backpacks filled with maps, suggestions, guides, and traveling reminders, he took away all the stress and did a fantastic job. If I could give him 10 stars, I would!
    Sarha M, Coconut Creek, FL
    California and Hawaii Fabulous Trip
    Thank You Day. You planned a fabulous trip to California and Hawaii and all went smoothly. Can’t thank you enough and will call soon for our next adventure
    Wendy E, Boca Raton, FL
    Dream Family Cruise Vacation
    Thank you very much for helping us book a dream cruise vacation for our family. We all had the best time and the ship, itinerary and experience was exactly what we were looking for. We have all decided we want to continue to be cruisers and see more parts of the world. We will definitely be in contact for future trips.
    Lisa T Jacksonville, FL
    Family Trip to Ireland
    I want to thank you personally for all the incredible work you put into our family trip to Ireland. It truly was a trip to remember with many memories. I appreciate all the constant contact and updates on our itinerary. We loved having the backpacks and all the goodies inside which were used and so very helpful! Thank you again for helping me with my insurance claim. Weather can be a pain in the neck and I’m so glad that I’m home! Thank you again for orchestrating an incredible trip of a lifetime for our family
    Kate L, Myrtle Beach, SC
    Great Family Vacation in Ireland
    I would like to thank Dan Miester for putting together one of my most memorable family vacations. Our trip to Ireland went perfectly because of his hard work and dedication, and that is difficult to do with a very LOUD family of 16! From his prompt email reminders with our itinerary already set to the complimentary backpacks filled with maps, suggestions, guides, and traveling reminders, he took away all the stress and did a fantastic job. If I could give him 10 stars, I would!
    Sarah M, Coconut Creek, FL
    Germany and Austria
    We called Dan out of the blue one day to put together a trip to Germany and Austria for us, as our daughter was going to be in Salzburg for a month. He responded promptly, designed a trip for us, and guided us through the entire process. And he absolutely nailed it. We had never been to Europe before, but we will be back. And Dan will be the one to put it together. Can't recommend him highly enough!
    John, G, Boynton Beach, FL
    Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore Road Trip
    Originally, Dan found me and my wife the perfect European river cruise but Covid struck and our vacation was cancelled. Shortly thereafter, on a whim, we challenged Dan to come up with a "fly and drive" vacation for us in the U.S. Dan designed a spectacular 11 day vacation that took us through some of the most breathtaking places in the wild west that included Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Utah. We visited Mt. Rushmore, Cody, WY, Badlands National Park, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, Devil's Post Pile National Monument, and so much more on this custom trip. Dan personally created the itinerary while having the hurdle of navigating quarantine restrictions. Cannot commend Dan enough for all his hard work and will gladly book through him again
    Bruce, C, Delray Beach, FL
    California Road Trip
    Dan Meister created and put together an amazing trip for us in California! He knew what we were looking for in a trip because he listened to what we really wanted in a vacation. He really knows CA well and recommended personal stops, attractions and experiences from his first hand experience that really enhanced our trip. I highly recommend him and his group due to his experience and expertise on traveling over many years. 1
    Rick Z, Delray Beach, FL
    Group Trip to Europe
    We used Meister Meetings and Travel recently for a trip to Italy.. We were a group of 5 women and their daughters, a total of 10 of us. Most had never been out of the country. Dan gave us multiple choices of Italy Tours so we could get the MOST out of our visit. He did a wonderful job with our group, he was available anytime for any questions we had. He held a planning meeting for us to advise us on travel gear, and tips to keep us safe with our girls... Thank you Dan for memories of a lifetime...
    Donna, R, Delray Beach, FL
    First time to Europe
    Thank you so much Dan for making our recent London/Paris adventure a trip of a lifetime. Reaching out to you for help is one of the best calls I have made. Since Connie and I had never been to the UK or Europe, having you arrange all the travel and living accommodations, along with your suggestions of things to do, made the difference. As you know, we covered some ground while we were there, so there were a lot of T's to be crossed and I's to be dotted. You nailed it Big Dan. Rest assured I will be singing your praises to all who will listen and I'll be reaching out to you again for our next adventure. Take care. Best Regards, Don & Connie Sullivan
    Don, S, Simi Valley, CA
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