River Cruise Specialist

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Buffy Aronstein, Travel Agent in Suffern, NY

Buffy Aronstein

Suffern, NY Travel Agent
Super Agent

Buffy Aronstein

Suffern, NY · 14 Years of Experience

Sunlit Travel, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
5.0
(47)
100% Recommended
Buffy was wonderful to work with! She was very knowledgeable and informative regarding all areas pertaining to our trip to Alaska. Buffy was always available to... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Itineraries
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Danube, Rhine River, Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna

Interests:

Luxury, River Cruises, Couples & Romance, Family Vacations

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking

About Me

Melodies of the Danube
Melodies of the Danube

Imagine gliding along Europe’s most iconic waterways such as the Rhine, Danube, or Seine, while enjoying the comfort and elegance of a luxury river cruise. River cruising offers an intimate and seamless way to explore multiple destinations in a single journey, with your ship docking right in the heart of charming cities and towns.

From breathtaking views of historic landmarks to immersive cultural experiences, every moment on a river cruise is designed to inspire and delight. Whether you’re sampling regional wines on a culinary-themed cruise, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, or enjoying active excursions like biking and hiking, river cruising combines relaxation, indulgence, and discovery in a way that’s truly unmatched.  

River cruising is perfect for travelers of all ages and interests. Couples seeking a romantic getaway, families planning multi-generational vacations, and solo adventurers eager to explore will all find experiences tailored to their preferences. With options ranging from active exploration to leisurely onboard amenities, river cruising offers the flexibility to match your travel style.

As a European River Cruise Specialist, I work closely with leading river cruise companies like AMAwaterways, Viking River Cruises, Tauck, Avalon, and Uniworld. These partnerships allow me to provide insider knowledge, exclusive promotions, and tailored recommendations to ensure your journey exceeds expectations. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, I’ll help you navigate the options to find the perfect itinerary, cabin, and excursions for your needs.

 

Every detail matters. From the right cabin category to curated shore excursions, I handle it all so you can simply enjoy the journey.

Let's find the river cruise that's right for you. 

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
47 reviews
100% 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 47 reviews

Best Vacation Ever
Reviewed By Meg - Hackettstown, New Jersey | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Buffy was wonderful to work with! She was very knowledgeable and informative regarding all areas pertaining to our trip to Alaska. Buffy was always available to answer our questions and resolve the few issues that arose during our trip. I would highly recommend her to friends and family and look forward to her planning our next vacation.
Buffy Aronstein responded
"Thanks so much for the kind words Meg! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation! Can't wait to work together again!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
28 of 47 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Honeymoon of our dreams!!
Reviewed By Chris and Samantha - Summit, NJ | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Buffy was everything I wanted a travel agent to be and then some! My wife and I got married in September 2016 and Buffy helped me to organize the Honeymoon of our dreams! One of the first things that I liked about Buffy was her eagerness to take the stress out of the whole process for me and especially for my fiance (now wife!)

Long story short, after considering countless travel agents, we decided to give Buffy a shot. And we couldn't have chosen better! She helped us take our vision of the perfect honeymoon and make it a reality. Even when I challenged her with some special requests, Buffy went above and beyond to accommodate me and more then once acted as a champion for my fiance and I when complications arose. She was always available to talk and was quick to respond to questions and requests. I even called her the morning of our flight to help me decide on a electrical adapter! Buffy was absolutely fantastic and I would highly recommend her to my friends and family! Thanks Buff
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
46 of 87 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Buffy did the hard work, we had all the fun
Reviewed By Ken - Montvale, NJ | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
Buffy makes vacation planning simple and hassle-free. She is thorough, patient, and very knowledgeable.
Buffy Aronstein responded
"Thanks so much for the review! Glad you had an amazing trip! "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
30 of 57 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best trip of our lives
Reviewed By JG - Kinnelon, NJ | Traveled to Europe
Exceptional agent!!!
Buffy Aronstein responded
"Thanks Jeff! Can't wait to work together on your next river cruise!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Quick and Efficient
Reviewed By Mike - Long Island, New York | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Buffy was nothing short of amazing. We wanted a trip from New York to Italy and it was extremely short notice. Once I inquired about her services I received a call within minutes and got all the information we needed as fast as humanely possible. For booking a trip only 6 weeks out, Buffy kept us within our budget and checked off everything on our list. We highly recommend her services and will be urging all friends and family to contact her next time they are planning a trip. We certainly will!
Buffy Aronstein responded
"Thanks Mike! It was such a pleasure working with you! And thanks for referring your family!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 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.
Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several key components including: Sales and Service, Cruise Sales, Destination and Lifestyle Knowledge,  Programs and Preferred Supplier Knowledge. This is a two year study program.
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
NCL University - PHD Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
ASTA River Cruise Expo Attendee 2023
ASTA River Cruise Expo Attendee 2024
AMAwaterways Specialist

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

River Cruise on the Danube River
View Album
No Seasickness on a River Cruise!

My Travel Stories

Salzburg, Austria

What's new in river cruising in 2026?

River cruising is undergoing a fascinating transformation, presenting both exciting opportunities and new complexities for travelers. The industry, traditionally dominated by a core group of established operators, is seeing shifts in market dynamics and the entry of high-profile new players. This evolution means more choices than ever bef...
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European River Cruise

What Makes River Cruises Unique?

If you’ve ever wondered what a river cruise is and how it differs from an ocean cruise, you’re not alone! While both offer incredible travel experiences, they cater to different styles of exploration and adventure. Let’s dive into the key differences and why a river cruise might be the perfect choice for your next vacation. A river cruise...
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River Cruise in Vienna

Experience Europe's Rich Culture on a River Cruise

One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, and river cruising does it perfectly. In just one week, you can explore multiple countries, each with its own distinct traditions, history, and cuisine, all while enjoying the convenience and luxury of a floating boutique hotel. River...
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New York City

Travel Perks of living in NY, NJ, CT

I love living in New York, for so many reasons, but particularly for the ease of travel! Anyone who lives in New York is lucky enough to have LOTS of options. With three major airports, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, plus a few smaller ones like Westchester County Airport, we can easily fly to virtually any destination in the world. Take adv...
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Avalon Waterways

Top 10 River Cruise Tips

Embarking on a river cruise is an extraordinary way to explore the world, blending luxury travel with cultural immersion. To ensure your journey is as smooth as the rivers you'll navigate, here are the top 10 tips for making the most of your river cruise experience. 1. Travel Light - Space in cabins can be limited, so pac...
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Client Testimonials

Great River Cruise Vacation
We had an amazing time on our second river cruise with AmaWaterways! Even though my husband had some mobility issues, we were able to make friends, participate in activities and really have a lovely time. Can't wait for the next cruise, looking forward to seeing Normandy!
Ruth S.
Buffy is a Gem!
Buffy is an absolute gem. She handles everything from start to finish, with a smile. Our trips to Hawaii last year and our trip to Paris this week went wonderfully smoothly. I didn't worry about a thing. Thank you, Buffy, for being the professional and darling person you are.
Cathy P.
Best Vacation Ever!
Great trip thanks to you! You help us set it up perfectly. It was awesome! Everything was great, the ship was the right size, not too big or small. Weather was good. Unfortunately, we couldn't go dog sledding but we were able to take a helicopter ride and land on a glacier which was amazing! All in all, a great trip! Thank you!
Thomas S. Stony Point, NY
Glad I used a Travel Advisor
It’s been years since I felt the need to use a travel agent, with all the apps and tools available. However, I’ve never been to Hawaii and I wanted the help of an experienced agent for such a momentous trip. A quick search online led me to Buffy, Sunlit Travel and after a few quick exchanges I felt confident she could help me plan a great vacation. She listened to what I wanted and offered numerous suggestions from her extensive personal knowledge until we arrived at an itinerary that was perfect for us. She stayed in constant contact throughout the planning process up to departure with detailed instructions and all the paperwork we needed. To say the least, the trip was flawless. The hotel was a perfect fit and exactly what I asked for. She absolutely nailed it! I’m looking forward to my next adventure, Alaska or a Mediterranean cruise. Whatever we decide I know Buffy will endeavor to make the perfect vacation happen. I look forward to working with her again in the very near future.
Bill C.
Paris was AMAZING!
Buffy made planning our trip to Paris seamless. She listens to your expectations and needs and makes the necessary adjustment s throughout the planning phase. I highly recommend Buffy as we did not want a guided tour but needed help with booking all the excursions we wanted to take in while visiting Paris. I will definitely be using her services again.
Linda S.
Perfect River Cruise!
We loved it! It was exactly as you described it! We felt so well prepared before leaving which really quelled most of our nerves and everything ran so smoothly. We are so glad you suggested a river cruise, it was perfect and just what we needed. Can't wait for the next one!
Roxanne S.
Perfect Italian Getaway!
?We did not want to have to worry about anything with regard to planning our trip to Italy, and thanks to Buffy we did not have to! She literally took care of all of the details so that we could just pick up and go. Buffy listened to what it is that we wanted and planned a great trip.
Teri A.
Best River Cruise Ever!
We had a fantastic trip thanks to Buffy! She recommended AMAwaterways and it was perfect for our needs. We were initially nervous about a river cruise but it was so good we can't wait to go again!
Cathy G.
So helpful!
Buffy is absolutely the best! We have booked trips through her several times and several of our friends have done the same. In addition to great price and planning great trips, her customer service is beyond compare. My wife and I were literally stuck in a hurricane and all I had to do was email her. She took care of everything with the airline (after the airport was closed for 2 days, so imagine the rescheduling nightmare) and made what could have been a bad vacation into the best one with us having to do very little. We saw what other people were going through trying to book new flights and thought, "Thank god for Buffy"! This is exactly the reason you should book through her. Thank you again for taking care of us! ~Chris F
Chris F.
Three Generations on a Cruise
Everything was fantastic! Thank you so much for helping my family plan this memorable cruise! The entire family had a great time and I couldn't have done it without you!
John S., New Jersey
Three Generations on a Cruise
Everything was fantastic! Thank you so much for helping my family plan this memorable cruise! The entire family had a great time and I couldn't have done it without you!
John S., New Jersey
Paris: A Dream Come True
When I dreamed of Paris, Sunlit Travel turned that dream into an extraordinary reality. From the moment we landed to our last magical evening, every detail was perfectly curated. The tours were not just enjoyable, but truly immersive – capturing the essence of this beautiful city. Even when a small hiccup occurred at the Catacombs, the overall experience remained seamless and memorable. In fact, it's made me eager to explore more of France with Sunlit Travel on my next adventure. Their attention to detail and ability to handle unexpected situations with grace made all the difference.
Pat S, New York
Mother/Daughter Trip
My daughter and I had an excellent trip to Paris and Barcelona thanks to Buffy ‘s hard work. She was extremely professional. Efficient answered all our questions and kept us updated. Buffy was a dream to work with. I have used her before and I will be using her again!
Cathy P.
Even Better Than Expected!
Our vacation was better than expected. I was a little nervous about the not speaking the language, but most everyone spoke English. The weather was perfect The landscapes were beautiful Excursions were awesome, So much to see and do!!! We wish we had more time to experience more. Overall….. our vacation was fantastic. Worth every penny! And it’s all because of YOU!!!!! I will definitely recommend you to plan future vacations for my friends and family!!!! THANK YOU BUFFY!!!!??
Jackie W, CT
Family Vacation in Italy
Our family's trip to Italy was magical, thanks to the exceptional service provided by Buffy. She demonstrated a remarkable level of care and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of our journey was tailored to perfection. Buffy's expertise and thoughtfulness were evident in her meticulous planning. She took the time to understand our family's interests, preferences, and concerns, crafting an itinerary that seamlessly blended all our needs. What truly set Buffy apart was her unwavering support and dedication when faced with unexpected challenges. When a minor hiccup arose, she was a reassuring presence. The issue was handled swiftly and efficiently with minimal disruption to our vacation. Her proactive approach and genuine care for our well-being were truly commendable and made us feel valued and supported. We wholeheartedly recommend Buffy to anyone seeking a personalized and stress-free experience. Grazie mille, Buffy, for making our dream trip to Italy a reality!
Sameer C., NJ
An Unforgettable Italy Adventure
"We both miss Italy already! Everything was perfect, the hotel, tours, restaurants, all the towns with the gorgeous scenery, and the shopping! The only bad thing were the crowds and trying to cross the street. Pretty scary drivers around there. Also the flight w the layover was exhausting. We enjoyed working w you too! Ill start saving for my next adventure??"
Beth K, NY
Surpassing Expectations!
"This vacation is in my Top 3 vacations ever (ever!). Thank you so much. Everything was perfect, and it honestly felt like T and I had about 2.5 vacations in one -- Munich, river cruise, 0.5 for Amsterdam and one of the best meals I've ever had. The agency that took us on the day trip out to Ludwig's castle and palace gave us the best driver guide. And everything was accessible or flexible to our travel companions."
Tiffany Y, NY
Great Trip to Italy
My family and I can't recommend Buffy at Sunlit Travel enough. Our trip to Italy couldn't have been more perfect. I'd never worked with a travel agent before and had no idea the difference it could make. But, Buffy was terrific! Her response time to emails was quick and she was always available for a phone conversation. It felt like having a friend who just happens to know everything about travel. She took the time to find out what our family loves and created a trip that was just what we wanted. She planned another trip for my daughter and her husband that was amazing too. Now, she's putting together an adventure for my other daughter and son in law. Anyone considering a trip - talk to Buffy. You'll be so glad you did.
Donna C.
Shout Out to Sunlit Travel!
Giving a great shout out to Sunlit Travel for their professionalism, travel creativity and attention to customer travel requirements ! We worked with Sunlit Travel for a virtual trip to Greece during covid to planning the most amazing - bucket list- vacation to Athens, Mykonos and Santorini!! We cannot express how well everything worked.. hotels were amazing with the best locations, car, air and ferry transfers worked amazingly!! Thank you Sunlit Travel for all you did to make this a once in a lifetime experience for my whole family!! Can't wait for the next adventure !! The Costa, Grehl and Paolucci family!!
L. Costa
Impressed with how smooth it went!
We had an amazing time & were really impressed with how smooth everything went with everything you booked for us. The concierge was super helpful & the room was beautiful. We got a nice bottle of champagne in our room :) We loved the location because it was in a quiet area but still so close to everything- we walked everywhere. Our room had a view of the water - wonderful. The room was quaint but had everything we needed for our stay. We absolutely loved the breakfast & even better that it was served on their rooftop. The agroturismo in San Gimignano was beautiful and they offered dinner which was great. Our room had really great views but was basic. There wasn’t wifi in our building- we had to go to the main building up the road. They gave us a bottle of wine when we checked out which was nice. We learned that it was important to call ahead if you were visiting a winery because they might not be able to take drops in on certain days. But really, we wanted to thank you for everything.
Carolyn and Sal
Wow, nice job Buffy!
I cannot thank you enough. We had a great trip. The boys and I are your biggest fans.. we walked into the Cabin at Fernie and were all saying “Wow, nice job Buffy” , the place was awesome. Thank you for taking care of the “hiccup” , the credit was very fair. I refused to wrestle with the hotel while trying to be on vacation. Finally I thought to alert you to the situation, you did your thing and made it right. Instantly I was back in vacation mode. Thank you!
Eric B. Suffern, NY
Thanks for a great Jamaican Honeymoon!
Rebecca and I wanted to thank you for all your help with planning the honeymoon. Everything was amazing and we both had an incredible time. Thanks to some very generous gifts, we ended up upgrading to a master suite with butler service so needless to say, our honeymoon was as about as perfect as could be. The Club Mobay addition was a great call, especially for when we first landed in Jamaica. So thank you for that suggestion as well. I don't have Facebook, but Rebecca will certainly send over some pictures! Thank you again for everything! Chris F.
Chris F. Mahwah, NJ
Amazing Vacation!
Still a few days left but wanted to THANK YOU. What an amazing place to vacation! We are having a blast! Walked into town twice for dinner, shopping and of course the fish fry. Thanks again for the help! Joe R.
Joe R. New City, NY
Thanks for a great trip!
We loved EVERYTHING about our trip, it was amazing! Our flights were good, there was no trouble with any of the arrangements. The excursions were so much fun also, especially the ATV which wasn't my first choice ;) All we can think about is where we want to go next! I really appreciate all your help with the planning!I will have to show you some wedding and honeymoon pics next time I see you! :) Thanks again!
Meredith W - NY
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