River Cruise Expert

Viking ship on the Seine, courtesy Carol Terhune

River cruises are a carefree and luxurious way to explore the world, visit new destinations or return to them and have a more immersive experience. I can’t say enough good things about river cruising, and I really encourage anyone who has an interest in Europe to try a river cruise on the Rhine or Danube as your first river cruise. There are also many options for cruising rivers in France, Portugal, Russia, that it’s worth taking a second, third or many more river cruises to enjoy this wonderful mode of travel! Other parts of the world are also ideal for river cruising: the Yangtze in China, the Amazon in Peru, the Chobe in Botswana, the Po in Italy, the Nile in Egypt, and of course, right here in our own backyard on the Mississippi or through the Pacific Northwest.

I’ve personally river cruised on these cruise lines and these rivers:

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy, along the Seine River, with Viking River Cruises
• The Rhine River with Ama Waterways
• The Yangtze with Viking River Cruises 

FRANCE WITH VIKING RIVER CRUISES

On the Viking River Cruise on the Seine, we started in Paris, cruised to Giverny to see the setting that inspired Claude Monet, and walked the hallowed ground at Normandy. Visiting Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and the beaches that were the turning point of World War II was something I’ll never forget. It was so helpful to have knowledgeable Viking tour guides along to provide insight and perspective.

THE RHINE WITH AMA WATERWAYS

On the AmaWaterways Cruise on the Rhine, I went through these countries:

• The Netherlands
• Germany
• France
• Switzerland 

This cruise offered the perfect slice of life in Europe. Grand cities such as Cologne and Amsterdam, timeless traditions in Rüdesheim, and UNESCO-listed treasures — such as the many castles that dot the scenic landscapes throughout this region. A favorite memory of mine on this river cruise was the day several of us enjoyed a complimentary, guided bicycle tour. The tour guide kept it at an easy pace and entertained us with so many stories as we stopped periodically along the way. There was nothing like ducking into a couple of quaint watering holes for a beverage alongside the locals!  

CHINA RIVER CRUISES

I have also cruised China with Viking River Cruises. A river cruise in China offers you a wide range of experiences, from its rich history to cutting-edge cities and absolutely stunning landscapes that will take your breath away. If you are curious about going to China but reluctant due to language barriers or the simple wonder of the unknown, then a river cruise is the perfect option. I personally experienced stepping off the airplane, being greeted by a Viking representative, staying in western-style hotels and of course, the river cruise experience itself.

For my trip, we flew into Beijing and toured the city before a flight to Xian to see the magnificent Terra Cotta Warriors. Then another flight to Chonqing for a several-night cruise along the Yangtze. The Three Gorges area is a breathtaking and massive region of forest-covered mountains, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls that many people don’t realize exist of when they first think China, but it is one of my lasting impressions and I would love to personally arrange your trip there! Finishing up our trip, we arrived in Shanghai and enjoyed highlights of the Bund, the city’s rich history and heritage, and much more, before flying home.

COMPARING RIVER CRUISE LINES

Most travelers have heard of Viking and they are definitely the most popular river cruise line out there. With their dozens of ships, a free shore tour in every port, the excellent cuisine and the elegant Scandinavian design, Viking has mastered the art of river cruising. AmaWaterways is a more boutique river cruise line – family owned, and another excellent option. The founders of AmaWaterways have decades of experience in the travel industry and helped pioneer tourism along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. AmaWaterways provides exquisite dining, a variety of complimentary shore tours in each port — including a variety of paces. If you are a late riser, there are even options for you to sleep in a bit, relax with your coffee and breakfast on deck, and then still participate in a great tour!

As you can see, river cruising is a key element of what I do. I look forward to answering any questions you may have and helping you choose the river cruise that suits your preferences.