If you are trying to decide which river cruise line for your next vacation it can be a difficult choice. There are many great choices–AmaWaterways, Tauck, Avalon, and Uniworld to name a few. Different lines cater to different guests. This blog has focused quite a bit on AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways is an amazing line for all kinds of guests but especially for families as they have accomodations for up to 4 and welcome younger travelers.
But, today we are going to focus on another terrific river cruise line, Viking River Cruises. Viking caters to a bit older clientele as all travelers must be over 18 years old. If you haven’t traveled on a Viking River Cruise before this is an excellent video! If you have traveled on Viking before then this video will be a great reminder.
The Thinking Person’s Cruise
One of Viking’s specialties is enriching your knowledge and immersing you in the culture of the countries you visit. Viking calls themselves, “The Thinking Person’s River Cruise.” This doesn’t mean that you are required to participate in these events but if you are interested in delving in and learning about the countries they will provide ample opportunity to help you learn and grow.
Before Your Trip
You education can begin as soon as you book your trip (or actually even before). As you search different itineraries you will see a day by day list of the different cities that cruise will visit.
On the right you will see Read More. Click on this and the next page is full of awesome information. From here you can research your shore excursion options AND some great articles and videos about that day’s destination.
Viking provides an extensive list of films that highlight your destination.
Recommended Reading
Viking makes learning as easy for you as possible. They have curated a list of books that feature your destination. There are books about the history, art, architecture, culture, biographies and autobiographies about influential people, fiction and classics. This is when planning ahead is very beneficial.
During Your Adventure
This is the really fun, much-anticipated part of your Viking, Thinking Person’s River Cruise! There are so many opportunites for you to grow your knowledge of the country you are about to visit.
Viking Curated Library
A London bookseller and Royal Warrant holder, Heywood Hill, put together an insightful collection of reading material specially chosen for the guests to read onboard the ship. Hand selected, these books from art to history to destination-focused materials will enhance your understanding of each port.
Guest Lectures and Port Talks
This feature is key to making Viking a Thinking Person’s River Cruise. Each day you can prepare for the upcoming port of call through a multimedia presentation with information about the history, culture, and must-see landmarks. Guests are also provided an opportunity to participate in a lecture program designed to educate you about the architecture, music, art, natural world, and other interesting features of your upcoming destination. These lectures enhance what you learned while onshore, especially if you go on one of the tours.
Destination Insights
From the comfort of your stateroom you can watch a special series of short films. You will find them very helpful to learn about your destination and some little-known places to visit. This series aids in deepening your understand and enjoyment of your time in port. And, you might find that it help you see things a little differently than before.
Musical Performances
Talented musicians are brought onboard for special performances. Listen to some classical selections as well as some from the region you are visiting. Enjoy the chance to experience the country with all your senses, spirit and soul.
In addition to onboard musical concerts, each Viking itinerary includes a Destination Performance. This performance will represent the most iconic cultural performing art of the region. You might find yourself at a Viennese opera, enjoying a Portuguese fado, or listening to the world-renowned Mariinsky Theater Singers. Truly magnificent events!
Craft and Cooking Demonstration
Diving into the culture isn’t limited to book knowledge and lectures. Viking also provides events for you to encounter the more artistic side of the culture with traditional crafts (glassblowing, lace making, or wooden shoemaking) and regional culinary delights (Austrian apple strudel, Bavarian pretzels, and more).
On Shore Experiences
The Viking Way® of discovering your destination gives you a closer look, even offering behind-the-scenes experiences. Tours will assuredly include the iconic and must-see landmarks and attractions. In addition, Viking strives to provide guests Local Life, Working World, and optional Privileged Access® excursions in locations that are difficult to visit.
As you can see, Viking River Cruises excells at helping to learn all that you can about the countries you will visit on your cruise. This knowledge will give you a better understanding and help you discover things about the people and places that you would not have been able to before.
AmaMagna River Cruises down the Danube River are wonderful for couples or the family!
AmaWaterways has a deep passion for creating the best river cruise vacation experience for each guest. From carefully selected excursions to the gourmet menus to the little details on each ship their dedication to you shines through. “Ama” means love and it is at the heart of everything that they do!
Already in service were over 20 fabulous river cruise ships but AmaWaterways wanted to up the ante with the AmaMagna. With twice the width of other traditional European river ships, they have the ability to add some well-loved amenities. But, take note, this ship is twice the width but not twice the amount of passengers which means a little more elbow room (or social distance ability) for everyone. So, read on to find out how the AmaMagna might be the perfect river cruise ship for two or the whole family!
Top: Sun Deck Pool and Spa bar/Sun Deck Herb Garden
Middle: Main Lobby and Atrium/Main Lounge
Bottom: Main Lounge Bar/Upper Lounge
AmaMagna’s Additional Amenities
More Spacious Suites
Grand Suite – Room #309 Deck 3 Starboard AmaMagna – Amawaterways
Suite Cat. SA – Room #313 – Deck 3 Starboard
AmaMagna – Amawaterways
By doubling the width of this ship they are able to provide even more suites than a regular ship. In fact, more than half of the staterooms are suites with the bulk of them measuring a huge 355 sq. ft. In addition, there are six Grand Suites with 474 sq. ft and the one massive Owners Suite that is a whopping 710 sq. ft! The extra room is perfect for sleeping up to 4 guests. And, of course, they are fabulous not just for the space but also the elegant, relaxing decor.
Stateroom Features
In-room temperature control
Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer
Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
Desk and chair
Additional Dining Venues
Every ship will have a Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table but the AmaMagna introduces two additional delicious new venues–Jimmy’s and the Al Fresco Restaurant.
Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s is a family-style restaurant named after the late co-owner Jimmy Murphy. The Al Fresco Restaurant features vegetable-forward cuisine at this refreshing outdoor space. Both restaurants continue the AmaWaterways tradition of exquisite locally sourced cuisine.
In this expanded fitness center the opportunity to transform your body, mind, and soul awaits! Enjoy the view as you cycle on the deck outside the fitness center. Group classes led by a professionally trained wellness host are scheduled throughout your cruise. After working up a good sweat take some time to rehydrate at the juice bar with some fresh-squeezed juice. To really relax, schedule a soothing massage in one of two treatment rooms.
Movie Cinema
Movie Cinema and game room
The AmaMagna also offers a movie cinema onboard featuring family films. During the day you will even find video games to entertain all ages of guests. Just another reason why the AmaMagna is a fantastic river cruise ship for the family!
AmaMagna is a River Cruise for families
This is one of the reasons I love AmaWaterways! Helping families, including multi-generational, connect and make memories is one of my passions as a travel advisor.
AmaWaterways definitely created AmaMagna with families in mind to river cruise together. There are multiple suites that have up to triple or quad occupancy or have the capability of connecting so the whole family can be together. Up on the deck everyone in the whole family can enjoy the pool or giant chess set. Of course, there is the cinema and video games that will definitely appeal to the younger crowd.
Worried about what your kids might want to eat? Burgers, pizza and other comfort foods are served or can be requested for lunch or dinner.
Since port days are an integral part of a river cruise there are excursions available for different abilities. Traveling with young children or family members who don’t move quite as quickly? A gentle excursion might be for you. If you are an adventurous bunch, you might want a bike tour of the town and countryside and they even have bikes for children to ride.
Check out this interview of Denisse M. telling about the things her family loved from their trip aboard the AmaMagna. She traveled with her parents, husband, and two teenage daughters.
This is a great video highlighting the great features of the AmaMagna as well as why it is so fantastic for family groups.
AmaMagna Itineraries
You can sail down the Danube on the AmaMagna almost all year around. Enjoy spring flowers, the warmth of summer, the colors of fall and the traditions of Christmas. Any time is a great time to sail the Danube!
Magna on the Danube
Budapest, Hungary
Bratislava, Slovakia
Vienna, Krems/Spitz, and Linz, Austria
Passau and Vilshofen, Germany
Christmas Markets on the Danube
Budapest, Hungary
Bratislava, Slovakia
Vienna, Weissenkirchen, Melk, and Linz, Austria
Passau and Vilshofen, Germany
Current Special: Book by 9/30/2020 (for 2021) and receive free air or companion air*!
*economy air from select cities
Have more questions about (or want to book) the AmaMagna or an AmaWaterways river cruise for you or your family? Contact me!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other links that might interest you:
Do you love gently floating down rivers on a luxury liner? Does having your floating resort take you from port to port where you get to enjoy the history and culture of the area sound like a dream vacation?
Would you like to enjoy a river cruise vacation but aren’t sure about leaving the United States? Then, an American river cruise might be just the vacation for you!
Cruise the Rivers of the United States
Throughout history rivers have been the lifeblood of our country. New towns were settled westward on rivers which provided essential food and transportation. Rivers connected neighboring peoples and brought them together for fun, fellowship, commerce and trade. The river cities and towns in America have a rich history just waiting to be discovered.
And an American River Cruise is the perfect way to do it! This post will show you what’s special about American river cruises and introduce you to an American river cruise on the Lower Mississippi River.
What is special about an American River Cruise?
A true All-American experience–built, flagged and crewed by Americans visiting almost 30 different states through many different itineraries all over the United States
Exquisite cuisine, showcasing the delicious flavors of the local area
Onboard musical entertainment featuring the rich American traditions of Country, Jazz, Blues, and Rock and Roll.
Access to US landmarks in a new and exciting way
Daily lectures and education about American history and culture
Sail aboard a classic river cruise ship or on a Paddlewheel boat
Plus, all the other amenities you would expect from a river cruise–beautiful ships with ample amenities, first class personalized service, spacious staterooms, complimentary cocktail hour and wine and beer with meals, complimentary shore excursions, and more.
American River Cruising on the Lower Mississippi River
Begin your voyage in Memphis, the home of Blues, BBQ, Beale St. and of course Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll. Add a pre-cruise package to explore even more of this fascinating city.
Scenic Cruising
Take some time to enjoy the ship lounges, putting green, afternoon tea or just the gorgeous scenery from the deck, indoor lounges or your own private balcony.
Vicksburg, TN
Vicksburg served as a pivital turning point during the American Civil War. Join in as a historian guides you through the National Military Park commemorating the war in Vicksburg–the battlefields, the U.S.S.S Cairo gunboat and other significant historic places.
Natchez, MS
Longwood House in Natchez
Discover the antebellum charm of the south while in Natchez. The rich history and southern hospitality comes alive through an historic cotton plantation, piano concert and other highlights on a guided exploration of this fascinating city.
St Francisville, LA
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville has been called, “One of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Take a stroll through its historic center where two centuries of architecture and lifestyle are sure to charm.
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge Old Capital Building
Your visit to the down-home capital city of Baton Rouge will include a guided tour of the cities’ most famous attractions–Old and New State Capitols and the interactive Louisiana State Museum. You will want to soak up the truly unique history and culture of this wonderful city.
Oak Alley, LA
Oak Alley Plantation
Dive deep into the antebellum south while visiting the Oak Alley Plantation. At the end of a row of 300 year-old oak trees sits a classic Greek Revival mansion that has been fully restored to it’s 19th-century grandeur. Breathtaking!
New Orleans, LA
End your American river cruise journey down the Mississippi in the vibrant city of New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, where art and culture abound. Extend your visit a day or two so that you can experience the art, history, and music through open-air galleries, concerts, and a multitude of museums. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in some mouthwatering Beignets!
Have you visited one of these beautiful places? What was your favorite thing to see or do? Let us know in the comments below!
More questions about American River Cruising? Send me a message using the Contact Me button above.
Where can we travel in the United States this summer?
We have been cooped up the last few month but hings are starting to open up. Some of us are not quite ready to travel and that is okay. But some of us might be getting the bug to get out and see somewhere other than our own city. There are so many awesome places to explore when you are traveling in the US this summer.
Obviously, this blog won’t be exhaustive of the possible vacation destinations throughout the United States. Hopefully this will get you started thinking and dreaming for this summer or possibly next.
East Coast
Florida has some wonderful beach options. Florida is open up to people from all states except the Tri-State area.
Destin
St. Augustine–awesome beaches and history from the Spanish exploration
St. Pete’s/Clearwater
Palm Coast and Hammock Beach
Amelia Island
Miami
Florida Keys (this could be a challenge to book as it is pretty popular this summer but)
Orlando just begs to be mentioned! Universal Studios Orlando, Sea World, and Legoland are currently open. Disney World will be opening mid-July. These theme parks are open with health and safety precautions put in place which will give visitors an experience that is magical but not quite the same as usual.
Georgia has some fantastic options. You can actually travel in just this state and hit the beaches, mountains, and fabulous historic cities.
Jekyll Island–a wonderful beach town
Savannah
Stone Mountain–a beautiful area full of outdoor activities and attractions. You can even stay in a treehouse on a farm. How cool is that!
Virginia has something for everyone–beaches, vast history, and scenic mountains and rolling hills.
Historic brick making demonstration in Williamsburg
Virginia Beach
Williamsburg–Living History museums, spas, theme parks, biking, hiking and golf. What more could anyone want?
Hot Springs–This historic spa destination has some beautiful resorts.
North Carolina is another fantastic US vacation destination.
A lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Ashville–The (almost) beginning of the Blue Ridge Highway and the Biltmore Estate. This is actually such a beautiful place to vacation in the fall with the amazing fall foliage.
Outer Banks–Some beautiful beaches, lighthouses and aviation history.
South Carolina
Charleston–a fun historic southern city
Hilton Head–Disney has a wonderful resort here
Myrtle Beach–another great southern beach town
National Parks
Visiting National Parks is an excellent way to spend your summer vacation. NPS.GOV is where you can start your research. National Parks are some of my favorite places to explore while traveling in the US during the summer.
What if we want to see a National Park but don’t want the stress of planning?
There are a couple of tour companies who are ready to help!
National Parks of the American West–National Geographic Journeys
Spend 15 days in October to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah, then the Grand Canyon and Route 66 in Arizona before heading to Death Valley, Sequoia, King’s Canyon and Yosemite.
There is also an 8 day option that focuses on the breathtaking canyons in Utah and Arizona.
These are small group tours that will fill up quickly!
Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons
Grand Tetons National Park
Book this 8-day tour of the Grand Tetons (one of my absolute favorite National Parks) and Yellowstone for your whole family this August. Since this is a family journey there are special activities to really bring children into the history, geography and beauty of the area. (ages 7+)
National Geographic Journeys has a book with confidence policy (credit given) for all tours booked before June 30, 2020.
Arizona and Utah–Adventures by Disney
Do you love Disney service? Well, how about taking a tour of this beautiful country designed by Disney! This 8-day trip will take you through Arizona making sure to get plenty of time at the Grand Canyon. Then you will head to Monument Valley and Arches National Parks in Utah. You will finish up in Grand Junction, CO. On this trip, you will experience activities that you couldn’t anywhere else with any other company.
Washington DC and Philadelphia
There is one adult-only trip in September ready to show the wonders and history of Washington DC and Philadelphia. By taking a coordinated tour you are able to get into places that it is very difficult to get in on your own. Such a great way to make some once-in-a-lifetime memories.
River Cruise US Rivers this Summer
Just because we cannot go to Europe this summer doesn’t mean that you can’t go on a river cruise! This year consider taking a river cruise on the Mississippi, the Cumberland, Ohio, Tennessee, Snake, or the Columbia Rivers. You can even cruise on a small ship down the Southeast coast.
An American river cruise will introduce you to cities and towns that make up the heart and soul of our great country. Your riverboat journeys down the smooth American waterways with the land never far out of sight and beautiful landscapes nearly close enough to touch. Plus, throught the cruise you have the opportunity to learn about the geography, history and culture of the places you visit both onboard and during shore excursions. What a unique way to learn about and enjoy our country!
On an American River Cruise you may enjoy spacious staterooms with private balconies, gourmet cuisine from the local area, evening entertainment focusing on music and history of the area, an all-American crew providing excellent service, and complimentary afternoon tea and cocktail hour along with other fabulous amenities.
Do you have a vacation idea you would like to explore this summer? Comment below and let us all know some of your favorite places!
I would love to help you start your planning process for this summer or into 2021 which might be more comfortable for you to think about. Just fill out the contact form above and we’ll talk!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other interests that you might enjoy:
Being separated from family and friends is such a challenge. But, now that the world is at the beginning stage of opening up it is a great time to think about getting together. Sailing on a river cruise is a great option to celebrate the end of the pandemic with family and friends.
Who would you like to reconnect with through traveling? Close friends, siblings, parents, children, or grandchildren?
Why Celebrate the End of the Pandemic on a River Cruise?
A river cruise gives everyone in your group a chance to see and do what interests them as well as provide excellent opportunities to fellowship together. A river cruise focuses mainly on exploring port cities and towns and discovering their unique culture. On a river cruise, there are excursions included at every port and on some lines, they have different levels of activity to appeal to different travelers. As a group, you can go together or split up and reconnect later in the day to enjoy experiences together. Dinner is a great time to have a chance to sit and talk about the fun you had out and about.
Benefits of a Group on a River Cruise
When you get a group of people together to all go on a river cruise there are some added perks. It doesn’t matter what kind of group you have–friends, family, book club, dinner club, business group, golf buddies, you get the idea. Your group doesn’t even have to be that large to get some perks but I will say that larger groups may get you a few more.
The different river cruise lines had different group offers. Let’s explore those now! I am going to stick to groups sailing in Europe. There are slight differences for other parts of the world.
Viking River Cruise Group Offers
Start your group with just 5 staterooms/10 people booked on the itinerary of your choice.
All groups of 10 guests and above receive a $125 discount per person.
Group discounts are combinable with Early Booking Discounts, valid for all group bookings.
Viking Explorer Society Travel Credit is combinable with group discounts.
Potential to earn free berths depending on the number of your group
Additional Amenities:
Level B: 10-15 staterooms–Welcome bottle of sparkling wine/stateroom
Level A: 16-24 staterooms–Welcome bottle of sparkling wine/stateroom AND 30 minute cocktail party.
Terms of Payment:
Due to limited staterooms on river cruise vessels, space is not guaranteed until $500 deposit/person has been paid.
Deposit and Final Payment dates vary and are dependent upon current promotion.
A group can be started with only 5 staterooms/10 guests.
$250/person discount for 7-night itineraries
$500/person discount for 10+ night itineraries
Only a $25/person deposit needed to get started
Date confirmed $400/person deposit (50% refundable until 120 days before departure) required to select stateroom
Complimentary private transportation/coach for groups of 35 or more
Potential to earn free berths dependent on number of travelers
Group Amenity Points (available on select itineraries)
$50/stateroom onboard credit
Bottle of wine (red or white) per stateroom
Box of chocolates per stateroom
Create a Theme Group around your particular theme
A Theme group must have at least 10 staterooms/20 guests
Same group discounts apply
2 custom private excursions based on your theme
Bonus: Receive an additional amenity on select itineraries if you book by June 30, 2020
Avalon Waterways Group Advantage Program
Only 8 passengers makes a group
Prepaid gratuities for your group
2 drink invitations per person
Any promotions at the time of booking
How to Secure?
A $250 non-refundable deposit/person secures the group program, individual promotions and cabin number.
So, what do you think? Has this blog post got you thinking? I hope that you are prompted to start thinking about how you are going to get back to reconnecting to your loved ones, friends, club buddies, and those with similar interests you hang out with. If you’re not quite sure about celebrating post-pandemic on a river cruise that’s okay. But, start making plans to do something together!
Now, if you are interested in getting a group together on a river cruise I would love to help you get started with that!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other links you might be interested in:
There are quite a few different cruise line companies that offer river cruises throughout Europe and around the world. It can be difficult to figure out which line is right for you. Today, this blog will compare two of those lines, AmaWaterways and Viking. Both are fantastic cruises and you can’t go wrong with either one, but there are some differences that might set one apart for you and your family. Let the battle begin: Viking vs. AmaWaterways!
Cost
The cost of both river cruise lines are similar. Cost of sailing includes accomodations, all meals onboard, beer, wine and soft drinks included during meals (additional cost other times of day), an excursion in every port, specialty coffees, tea and bottled water, and quite a few other amenities.
Deposit
AmaWaterways: $400/person ($2400/person for Africa).
Viking: $500/person (20% for cruises more than 35 days)
Both have additional deposit amount for adding flights but that depends on flights
Final Payment Date
AmaWaterways: 90 days before departure
Viking: Depends on booking offer–could be 4-6 months before or longer
Cancellation Fees (just for cruise or land fare)
AmaWaterways: more than 121 days before departure–$200/person ($1200 Africa) fee; up to 90 days prior–$400/person ($2400 Africa); beyond this you receive a percentage back, 7 days prior to sailing fares become non-refundable.
Viking: more than 120 days before departure–$100/person; 90 days before departure fees are 20% of fare; percentage raises as departure gets closer up until 29 days prior when fares become non-refundable.
Itineraries and Ships
Both river cruise lines sail the same rivers in Europe, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. But there are some differences in other parts of the world.
AmaWaterways: sails the Chobe in Southern Africa
Viking: sails the Nile in Egypt, the Yangtze in China and rivers in Russia
Both sail the rivers of Europe with similar size longships but Viking sails with a few more passengers (around 190) than AmaWaterways (around 150 except on the AmaMagna which is about 190).
Viking has more than twice the amount of ships sailing down the rivers than AmaWaterways which means there are more sailing dates available and a better possibility of getting the stateroom that you want.
Viking ships have more of a Scandanavian modesty to their decor. The feel is more of natural hues, calm, and minimalism. Ships across the fleet all feel similar. AmaWaterways decor, on the other hand, are quite elegantly colorful in the cabins as well as around the ship. Also, each ship has it’s own decorating flavor.
Cabins
This is an area where there are definite differences between the two lines. Both have all the fabulous amenities that you want–robes, bottled water replenished daily in the mini-fridge, wi-fi, toiletries, blankets to use on the balcony, and beds that configure from two twins to a king. Even cabin categories are similar but AmaWaterways cabins are generally a bit larger across the board since their ships have fewer passengers aboard. But, Viking adds some really nice touches to their cabins such as additional storage, accent lighting, and my favorite, heated bathroom floors.
The other super cool thing about AmaWaterways is that on a few of their ships they have cabins and suites that will accomodate 3 or 4 people. They also have cabins that connect with an inside door. This makes AmaWaterways more friendly for families. On the flip side, AmaWaterways also has a couple of cabins on some of their ships just for singles which do not require a supplement. Woohoo for the single traveler! Tip: BOOK EARLY!
Family Travel
Only AmaWaterways allows children to sail onboard. They also partner with Adventures by Disney to offer some amazing river cruise itineraries to actively engageg every member of the family. Since some ships have staterooms that can accomodate 3-4 people and with the connecting staterooms it is easier than ever to take the whole family and discover Europe together.
Viking ships create a wonderful atmosphere for adults as all passengers must be 18 years old prior to boarding. Viking is serious about creating a quiet, culturally immersive cruise for its passengers.
Excursions
Each cruise line includes an excursion at each port. Both also have additional premium small group outings available for an extra cost that really delve into the culture of the area. Both have excellent, knowledgeable, English-speaking guides to lead the tours.
AmaWaterways has more varied excursions. They have different activity levels to choose from–general, gentle walking, and active as well as a late started excursion for those who want to sleep in. They also have bicycles aboard each ship (takes up a bit of upper deck space) for passengers to use on guided bicycle tours or check out for their own exploration.
Viking has a huge network of excursion opportunities and has a few more unique and off the beaten path excursions.
Dining
Both cruise lines offer all meals onboard and complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. Viking has a little more flexibility with dining times and has the option of dining places. AmaWaterways shines if you like to drink wine as they feature different ones (usually from the area) during the cruise. They also are wonderful for those with special dietary needs.
Other Amenities
AmaWaterways has a few more things aboard their ships than Viking. On AmaWaterways you will find a small spa and fitness center, heated pools, swim-up bars,
Specialty Cruises
AmaWaterways offers Wine Cruise Itineraries that include a Wine Host on the ship and special excursions to wineries–a fantastic opportunity for wine lovers!
Phew! The winner of the battle: Viking vs. AmaWaterways depends on your family needs. As you can see both Viking and AmaWaterways will give you a wonderful vacation and opportunity to see the beautiful countries of Europe and other parts of the world.
If you would like more information about either AmaWaterways or Viking please do hesitate to give me a call (907) 952-7055 or fill out my contact form here or click above.
Does booking my vacation early benefit me or the travel companies?
Over and over you see travel companies saying “Book Now” or “Don’t wait any longer, book that vacation today.” Do you wonder, “Is this just to get me locked into a vacation? Is it just to get my money?” My answer to the question, “Should I book my trip now?” is YES. There IS a benefit to you, the traveler, to booking that trip earlier rather than later and not just the travel company. So, read on to discover the benefits of booking your vacation early.
Can’t I take a last minute trip??
Please don’t get the idea from this blog post that you shouldn’t book those last-minute, spur-of-the-moment trips or even 6-9 months ahead (this is my usual booking window). Last-minute trip planning can be super exciting and fun. Instead, I just want to show you the benefits of a little planning ahead, like a year or more.
Planning during the Pandemic
I am writing this in the midst of the Pandemic. We aren’t able to travel right now and for many that can be really hard. When this all started, we had just come back from vacation. So, we weren’t planning on going anywhere for a while, but, I still have the feeling of being trapped simply because I can’t travel. SO, since we cannot go, I feel that planning for a vacation is really important. Having something to look forward to brings hope in difficult times.
But, traveling costs money which might be in short supply right now! Continue reading and I will address this as one of the benefits of booking your trip early.
At the end of this post there will be a FaceBook live that I did a few months ago about the benefits of booking your vacation early.
Benefits of Booking Early
Definition of booking early–Booking a trip a year or more ahead of time. Now, many companies are booking well into 2021 with some going even into 2022.
Best Selection when Booking Early
Cruises
Stateroom Selection–As you know there are only so many staterooms on a cruise ship. And then, there are only so many staterooms in a certain category or the location you want. If you want connecting cabins, cabins right across the hall from each other, or some of the few larger cabins that sleep 5 or 6 then booking early will help get the perfect stateroom. Want one of the few suites or one of DCL’s Deluxe Family Oceanview split layout staterooms? Booking early is imperative! Especially if you want the one and only, super amazing, super awesome (and super expensive) Royal Caribbean Ultimate Family Suite which is booked up at least a year out.
River Cruise ships are small (100 staterooms or less) and definitely have a limited selection. Some boats have only 1 or 2 single rooms, a handful of the economical window, french balcony or lower balcony staterooms.
For those needing an accessible room booking early gives you the best selection as these are usually limited in number.
Cost–Often Cruise lines offer their best prices when they first release their cruise dates about 15-18 months out. This is especially true of Disney Cruise Line. The cost will then go up for a while and only go down a few months before with a Guaranteed fare so you cannot pick your own cabin (and that is often to the same fare as the time of release).
Dining–The main seating time in the main dining room is always the first to go. We booked our cruise 9 months ahead. Our family was able to get a main seating reservation only because we had children but the whole rest of our party was relegated to the second seating. We had to wait and wait and wait to see if our party could eat all together.
Excursions–There are some excursions and activities that are limited to a certain number of people. Once the numbers are filled you are out of luck. Cabanas on private islands are one example. Booking early is essential to securing a cabana for the day. Another is the water park on Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay. The capacity of the waterparks is significantly lower than the capacity of the ship. If that is a must-do for you then early booking is important.
Resorts
Most Resorts aren’t in as much danger of booking up like cruises except at busy traveling times such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter/Spring Break. Popular smaller resorts might get booked up during the summer. So, there are some resorts that benefit form early booking.
Disney World–Disney World definitely is a place that benefits from booking your vacation early. Value and Moderate resorts are some of the first to fill up all year round but especially during the busy seasons. Getting a 5th sleeper at Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside becomes incredibly challenging if you wait too long. These rooms are the least expensive way for a family of 5 to stay on Walt Disney World property and as such, they are in great demand.
Dining reservations at Disney World–Advance Dining Reservations can be made 6 month ahead. In order to get the time you want to some of the most popular restaurants (Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier) need to be reserved at the 6 month mark.
Guided Tours
You cannot go on any tour, any time of year. Guided tours are scheduled at specific times and they are limited both in the number of travelers and the number of expeditions. Sometimes there might be only one trip to a country. Getting to go where you want, when you want is a big reason to book a tour early.
Ability to Budget Your Vacation
The ability to accurately budget for you vacation is another one of the benefits of booking your vacation early. Once you plan and book your vacation you know exactly how much it will cost. Some companies allow you to pay a deposit and then make the final payment at a certain point before you depart. This gives you the opportunity to make yourself a monthly budget in order to have the vacation paid off before you go. You can ask your travel advisor to set up a payment schedule for you to help you stay on track.
Companies that work well for budgeting:
Disney Parks–$200 deposit and final payment due 30 days ahead
Disney Cruise Line–20% deposit and final payment 3 or 4 months ahead depending on length of cruise
Adventures by Disney–10% and final payment due 4 months ahead
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line–$250/per person deposit and final payment 3 months prior (does depend on length of cruise above for 6+ days)
Norwegian Cruise Line–Same as Royal Caribbean
AmaWaterways–$400/person deposit and final payment 3 months ahead
National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures–$500 or $750 (some $2000) deposit depending on length of journey and final payment due 3 months ahead
This list certainly is not exhaustive. There are quite a few other companies that have the same deposit and final payment options. So there are lots of vacations you can plan early and be able to budget easily. Yippee!
Groups Get Choices You Want
If you are coordinating a group (or your travel advisor is–so much easier for you) a huge benefit to booking your vacation early is to get the features you want–rooms together, cruise dining times, excursions, dinner reservations, etc. We traveled with family for a reunion cruise and because we booked 15 months ahead we were all able to have main seating dining and we had a better selection choosing staterooms closer together. Groups usually take up quite a bit of room and it is best to book when there is a lot of selection available. One group of 10 couples on a river cruise ship could take up 10% of the staterooms. One extended family could fill an entire guided tour so if you want your choice of dates you have to book early.
Something to Look Forward To
I actually think that this is an important reason to book early. Studies show that it is good for your psyche if you have something good on the horizon. For me, when I don’t have a specific planned I feel a little at loose ends. Even if that vacation is a year or more away I feel better. Also, if you know for sure you are going on a trip it sometimes makes it easier to scrimp and save.
If you have any more suggestions you have experienced about the benefits of booking your vacation early just comment below!
I know it is only May but if you are considering taking a vacation during the Christmas holidays now is definitely the time to begin planning for Christmas 2020 or 2021. Even though you cannot travel now you definitely can start planning and booking future vacations. Plus, AmaWaterways has a very nice promotion for vacations booked before June 30, 2020.
But first, let’s learn more about the beautiful cities and towns on the Danube River that are part of AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Markets cruise!
Sail the AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Markets Cruise
There are a few fantastic Christmas Market Cruise itineraries of AmaWaterways that I could have chosen to share with you today. But I loved the classicness (I just made up a new word 🙂 ) of this one. I guess the “Iconic” in the name says it all! Come with me and learn all about AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Market tour on the Danube River as we travel through Hungary, Austria, and Germany.
Map of the AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Market Cruise
Christmas Traditions to Experience
Part of the treasure of the touring the Christmas markets in Europe is learning about holiday traditions that are so different from the United States. Different fascets of Christmas are important in Europe than they are here.
How Santa differs in Europe
Let’s take Santa Claus for instance. Countries in Europe don’t have the same Santa Claus tradition that we do. They have something similar but yet, very different. There are no chimneys, trips around the world with flying reindeer, or the North Pole. In the Czech Republic and Austria, you will find a similar character to Santa Clause. Austrians call him St. Nicholas and the people of the Czech Republic call him Mikulas. Each country has differing traditions on how he arrives bringing small gifts to children on December 6th with his companion Krampus (who gives coal, onions, or potatoes to the naughty children). Traditionally, the real gift-giver, Baby Jesus, (Christkindl in Austria and Jezisek in the Czech Republic) comes on the 24th.
Christmas Markets
As you travel down the Danube River from town to town you are delighted by the different traditions you come across, the food, decorations, music, and of course, the Christmas Markets! During the holidays, from early/mid-November to late December, these wonderful outdoor markets come alive. Some cities even have quite a few options. As you wander throughout, from booth to booth, enjoy the smells, sounds, and sights of the season.
Special Traditions Onboard
Of the boat is not the only place you will get to experience some holiday traditions. The AmaWaterways staff wants to create the most magical holiday possible. A couple of activities you might get to participate in are:
If you choose to join the included “Queen of the Danube” tour you will be treated to the best of what Budapest has to offer. You will visit Buda Castle, Heroes’ Square, and the Great Market Hall. You will see what makes gives Budapest its name by visiting the Buda (hilly) side and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. And since this is a Christmas Market cruise you will be given some time to wander through the oldest and most spectacular market in Budapest, Vörösmarty Square. This tour will give you a great overview of the city. It might even spark some desire to head back someday for a longer stay.
On your own in Budapest
If you would like to venture out on your own don’t miss some of these iconic sights:
Vörösmarty Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square.
Chain Bridge near Buda Castle. It is gorgeous lit up at night. The current bridge is an exact replica of the bridge from 1849 that was destroyed during WWII.
Castle Hill–Home to Buda Castle, Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, and National Széchényi Library. This historic quarter is also home to Sandor Palace (official residence of President of Hungary), Hungarian National Archives, and the beautiful Gothic Matthias Church. Tunnels and caves underneath are for the adventurous. You could spend a whole day just on Castle Hill!
Buda Castle Funicular–A tram ride up the hill. You must have tickets before you go and they can only be purchased at select Budapestinfo Offices.
Hungarian Parliament--The third largest in the world and modeled after the Parliament in London
St. Stephens Basilica–One of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Hungary and a major attraction. It can seat up to 8000 people.
Dohany Street Synagogue–Tied with Amsterdam Synagogue as the largest in the world
Andrassy Avenue ending in Heroes’ Square, the gateway to City Park.
Sczechenyi Thermal Bath and Swimming Pools–It is one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe with 21 pools. Wow!
Margaret Island–Otherwise know as “Budapest’s Central Park”
Oh my goodness! There is so much to see and do in Budapest. Way more than a day so it is a wonderful thing you are staying overnight in Budapest. The nice thing about a river cruise is you will get a chance to spend a little time in Budapest and see what you might like to come back later and do. If you are traveling on your own, even for just the day, you might be interested in a Budapest Card. Pay one price and have free admission and discounts for many Budapest attractions.
The next stop on the AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Market cruise is the breathtaking city of Vienna! What could be more magical than strolling through stall after stall laden with traditionally handcrafted treasures, magnificent aromas of gingerbread, piping hot waffles, and mulled wine and listening to open-air concerts or Mozart as you shop. Start the day with the choice between two different excursions.
Guided Options in Vienna
The “Imperial Vienna” tour–Revel in the beauty of the Vienna Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs and end up in the gorgeous historic city center. Then, off to take in the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Austrian holiday at the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas market.
A bicycle ride through the city of Vienna taking in the sights at a little slower pace.
During the afternoon you may choose to join the visit to Schonbrunn Palace (former Imperial summer residence) and the magnificent Christmas market. Don’t miss the giant, sparkling Christmas tree.
End the day with Vienna all lit up and shining at the Maria Theresaplatz Christmas market in the heart of the Ringstrasse. Also, visit the illuminated Rathahus, Vienna’s Largest Christmas market.
On your own in Vienna
The day they have planned for you gives you a wonderful taste of Vienna as well as the Christmas markets, the focus of your cruise experience. But, if you want to go out on your own and focus on just a couple of places, here are some suggestions:
Hofburg Palace Complex–And I do mean complex! It is 2.5 million square feet with 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and 2,600 rooms. Phew! Don’t miss the Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum (dedicated to Empress Elizabeth of the late 1800s), and the Silver Collection.
Schonbrunn Palace–The summer residence of the Imperial Hapsburgs. If you are touring both palaces purchase a Sisi ticket to save some money.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral–A gorgeous mishmash of architectural styles. The tile pattern on the roof is astounding!
Museumsquartier–Even though this area looks baroque on the outside, inside the more than 70 museums, galleries, theaters, cafes and restaurants you will discover Vienna’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
City Hall (Wiener Rathaus)–Built in the 1800s in Neo-Gothic style. Located nearby is a fabulous Christmas market.
Melk, Austria is a small, picturesque little town watching over the Danube right where it enter the Wachau Valley. This little town is best know for the impressive Benedictine Abbey perched above the Danube. The magnificent Baroque monastery is one of the most revered in Europe. The inside is as magnificent as the outside and also houses a famous library with more than 90,000 volumes and rare manuscripts. Touring this beautiful monastery is one tour option for this stop. The other option is a guided bike ride through the Old Town, many building date back to the 1700s.
This lovely laid-back little town surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and countryside will be a wonderful respite from the busyness of Vienna and Budapest.
Day 5–Passau, Germany
Passau, Germany is situated at the confluence of three rivers–the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. This city, which is considered by some to be the most spectacular city on the Danube, has been around for 2000 years. The combination of the gothic and baroque architecture creates a enchanting atmosphere as you walk the cobbled streets.
Guided options in Passau
Your day in Passau will begin with a possibly difficult choice. All of the included tour options are fantastic. Here are your options for your day:
Join the “City of Three Rivers” walking tour through this 2,000-year-old city renowned for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. A stunning centerpiece of the city is St. Stephen’s Cathedral which houses one of the largest organs in the world. After the tour, the rest of the day is for you to explore on your own.
Option two is a full-day excursion to Salzburg, in the Austrian Alps and the birthplace of Mozart, for a walking tour of UNESCO-designated Old Town, spectacular cathedral, and of course, Christmas market. The Hellbrunn Palace inner courtyard is the romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria.
The third option is a guided bicycle adventure along the Danube.
On your own in Passau
If you would like to sightsee on your own you might like:
Veste Oberhaus–A fortress atop the hill built-in 1219 meant to display the power of the Roman Empire. Overlook the city from this high vantage point and also enjoy a bit of history and art in a small museum.
Weihnachtsmarkt–A Christmas Market in the Old Town with the glorious St. Stephens Cathedral in the background.
St Stephens Cathedral–A gorgeous baroque-style cathedral with one of the world’s largest organs. If you are there on a Wednesday or Saturday you can attend an organ concert from Noon-12:30 PM.
Passau Glass Museum–Holds the world’s largest collection of European glass with over 30,000 exhibits spanning many centuries.
New Episcopal Residence (Bishop’s Palace)–Behold the display of riches of Passau when it was the capital of the largest dioceses of the Roman Empire. The Rocco stairway and the frescoes of the gods of Olympus are two special exhibits in the Museum of the Treasure of the Cathedral.
Wander down to the outside wall of City Hall and look back at the levels and years of past floods that have covered the lower parts of the city.
Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities awaits. And it marks another day that begins with a difficult choice of how to spend your day. You will have three excursion options to choose from or go out on your own. Your choices include:
You might want to take a nice overview tour of the city on foot. You will see the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. To cap off the tour you will be able to explore the Old Town Christmas Market.
Today might be a good chance to sample some of Bavaria’s specialties. You don’t want to leave Germany without trying some of the local beer, sausages, or pretzels.
For active travelers, an option for you might be bicycling to the base of Walhalla, a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens that houses the German Hall of Fame.
Later in the afternoon, you will be able to visit one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas markets at Thurn und Taxis Palace, a former monastary converted into an opulent palace for a family who earned their fortune in the postal business. This Christmas market is a fascinating place to watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.
On your own in Regensburg
But, maybe you just want to strike out on your own. Some things that could interest you might be:
Old Stone Bridge–A marvel of engineering built in the 12th century and spanning over 300 meters. This pedestrian bridge was the only bridge across the river until the 1930s. There is an interesting statue to see at the hump of the bridge.
Regensburg Museum of History–Track the cultural history of Regensburg from the Stone Age to the 1800s.
Patrician Towers–In medieval times, to show wealthy families built their home up and not out. Many houses were erected from the competition to show off wealth. The attention-grabbing Goliathhaus has a mural of David and Goliath painted in 1573 on the side (this building has the restaurant David on its upper floor overlooking Regensburg). Fortress-like patrician house, Goldenes Kreuz, lines Haidplatz, the triangular “square” in the middle of Old Town that hosted medieval jousting tournaments. The tallest building at 50m is Goldener Turm and now houses university students.
Porter Praetoria–A 2nd-century rough-hewn stone gate for the northern wall that was absorbed into later buildings.
Altes Rathaus–Regensburg bright yellow 13th century Old Town Hall that has been incorporated into the later baroque new town hall. Much has been left, unchanged from the 14th and 16th centuries.
Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the scenic sailing down the Main-Danube canal as you cross the Continental Divide and Nuremberg comes into view. Nuremberg is a lovely town that has weathered many momentous events from the time of the Holy Roman Empire to the 20th century and is the last stop on AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Market tour. The Altstadt (Old Town) is still surrounded by walls and is overlooked by a Roman Empire era castle on the north side.
Guided Options in Nuremberg
After docking you have a couple of choices if you wish to join the included excursions.
Take the city tour of WWII highlights then down the cobblestones streets to the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old ramparts. Nuremberg is home to the courthouse which held the Nuremberg Trials to judge Nazi personnel. When court is not in session it is possible to see inside the courthouse.
Option two is a gastronomic delight with Franconian specialties–bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread).
Later in the day, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous Christmas Markets.
On your own in Nuremberg
Kaiserburg Castle–Explore the towers, circular staircases, courtyards, courts and deep well bored into the sandstone. The observation deck boasts the best panoramic view of the city.
Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds–A congress hall built in the 1930s as part of an unrealized plan for the city. It now houses an exhibition on the Nazi regime.
Nuremberg Trial Memorial–Courtroom 600 of the Justizpalast can be hard to view because it is a currently working courtroom. The top floor of the building has been turned into a museum highlighting the Trials and their impact until today.
German National Museum–An enormous collection of German treasures from its cultural past in over 25,000 exhibits.
Albrecht Dürer’s House–He was possibly Germany’s greatest painter (early 1500s). This 5-story home is the only example in Europe of an artist’s home from this time period. It is one of the few burgher houses left from Nuremberg’s 15th century.
Schöner Brunnen–An amazing 19m Gothic fountain crafted in the late 1300s in the main market square. It resembles a church spire and within is carved many figures representing pilars of the Roman Empire and Church. Truly a marvel to behold. During WWII they wrapped the monument in concrete and in emerged after without a scratch.
City Walls–Take a walk along the city walls for an interesting jaunt through history.
Nuremberg Toy Museum–Just the building, the Renaissance Hallerschess Haus, is a sight to behold in the Altstadt (Old Town). Inside celebrates toys! You will find pre-War games and toys and an impressive model railway on the first three floors. Toys from 1945 and beyond (think lego, Playmobil, and Barbie) are on the top floor along with a place for kids to play.
Since Nuremberg is where you disembark the ship you can plan to take a little more time to explore this fascinating city. Or another possibility is to extend your trip with an additional 3-night excursion to Prague to explore another wonderful European city with spectacular Christmas markets, interesting history, beautiful architecture and so much more.
Phew! That is one action-packed week of wonderfulness! I hope that you enjoyed learning about this fantastic AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Market cruise. If you have any questions please let me know! I am here when you are ready.
AmaWaterways Triple Holiday Savings!
Earn Triple Savings on your holiday cruise when you book categories BB and above. The promotion applies to select cruises.
This week we are going to take a journey to celebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium. We will experience the colorful canals, the whimsical Kinderdijk windmills, the medieval architectural treasures of Belgium, and of course, the food–chocolate, waffles, and cheeses. Please enjoy this Tour of the Netherland and Belgium during Tulip Time.
Experience the Netherlands and Belgium through the Dutch and Belgian Waterways on an AmaWaterways River Cruise!
Each city on my tour is included on an AmaWaterways Tulip Time River Cruise. This cruise itinerary sails during March and April when the flowers are abundantly blooming. River cruises are a wonderful way to see this area as you sail through the Dutch and Belgian waterways. Since you mostly sail at night and are in port all day long you have plenty of time to tour each city and town.
One of the cool things about AmaWaterways included excursions is that they have different activity levels for excursions. They have options for active guests like biking and slower ones for those want just be along for the ride. Sometimes they even have an option for those who want to sleep in. Of course, you can always tour all on your own!
The AmaSerena is one of the river cruise vessels that sail the Tulip Time itinerary. I have included some pictures below.
Now, sit back and enjoy the Tulip Time Tour!
Tulip Time Itinerary with AmaWaterways
Day 1–Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam
It’s Tulip Time!! Springtime in The Netherlands comes alive with gorgeous color from millions of vibrant crocus, daffodils, hyacinth, and of course, tulips. Most tulip farms are located in Noordoostpolder which is about an hour east of Amsterdam. Only 15 minutes from Amsterdam, the world’s largest flower exhibition, Keukenhof Gardens, which is only open 9 weeks a year is an absolute must-see. With 80 acres and around 7 million flowers, this is an amazing location to experience Tulip Mania!
Day 2–Middelburg, Netherlands
Middelburg, Netherlands is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands. Visiting this town of canalside houses, twisty alleyways, gothic architecture, historic buildings, and shipyards will be a highlight of your visit to the Netherlands. If you leave Amsterdam on the train you will arrive in Middelburg in about 2 1/2 hours. Entering Middelburg you would never know that this little town had been ravaged by bombs in 1940. Much of the town was recreated in order to retain its quaint character and historic elements.
Adventures in Middelburg:
Wander into the center of the old town to the 15th century gothic Town Hall. The interior was completely burnt during WWII and only but the exterior was left standing. The Town Hall has undergone a massive restoration to bring it back to its original beauty.
Climb the 207-step Lange Jan abbey tower for fantastic views of Old Town
Enjoy the town market on a Thursday
Bike or walk through the alleyways past 1200 landmarked buildings and houses. Look out for house names from a time before houses had numbers.
Peruse the two main shopping streets, Lange Delft and Langeviele
Revisit the Golden Age of Holland and the Dutch East India Company at the Middelburg Abbey and Zeeuws Museum
Visit Delta Works–The Netherlands’ flood defense system that has been called one of the seven wonders of the world
Day 3–Ghent, Belgium
A visit to Ghent can be done on a nice day trip and you will be able to see quite a bit of this charming town. But if you really want to take in the character and vibe, a few days will be so much better. Worth every minute!
Ghent, Belgium came into being in the 7th century and was considered one of the most important European cities from the 11th-16th centuries. This town is crammed full of history and character.
What could you do in Ghent?
Visit Gravensteen Castle (it even has a moat!) to be transported back to life in the 10th century. Don’t miss out on the armory museum, former torture chamber, and gorgeous panoramic views of the old town.
Go shopping at Korenmarkt which is the largest pedestrian shopping area in Europe.
Climb the belfry in one of the many cathedrals and churches to overlook the town.
Take a walk down Graslei or Korenlei on either side of the canal in the heart of the city which is arguably one of the prettiest parts of Ghent.
Float down some of the canals that surround the city.
Food and beer are not to be missed. The Belgian Waffles in Ghent are reportedly “to die for”!
Day 4–Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium is a breathtaking medieval fairytale town. Bruges historic center has been named as a UNESCO World Historic Site because of its preserved examples of a medieval European settlement. This is an absolute must-see! Walk the cobblestone streets enjoying the architecture, the shopping, and cafes in this charming square.
Things to do in Bruges:
Climb to the top of the Belfry for awesome views.
Wander through Burg Square and view the many neo-classical and gothic buildings. The Main Hall inside City Hall is jaw-dropping!
Float down the canals of the town that is also called the “Venice of the North.” Don’t miss Rozenhoedkaai where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet for a breathtaking, picture-perfect spot.
Visit a museum. Some of your choices include a Frite Museum (fried potatoes), a Chocolate Museum, a Beer Museum, a Lamp Museum, and even a Torture Museum. I am sure you will find some fabulous art museums too.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th century Roman Catholic basilica vibrant with history.
And, since you are still in Belgium, indulge in some delicious Belgian waffles and beer
Day 5–Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, Belgium is the second-largest city in Belgium. This city is rooted in a deep history but is also embracing the future. On a trip to Antwerp, you can experience the old and the new like nowhere else!
Activities in Antwerp:
Admire the Antwerp Central Train Station. A train station you say?! Yes! From the gothic architecture on the outside to the impressive Main Hall and multi-platform area this building is sure to take your breath away. It isn’t considered one of the world’s top 5 train stations for nothing!
Visit Rubenshuis, the former home of painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Restoration began in 1937 and now the home is a gorgeous museum to both his paintings and also the furniture and accouterments of the period.
Cathedral of Our Lady is an impressive building built in the 1100s and is the largest cathedral in Europe’s Low Countries.
Want a little less history? The MAS Museum is sure to please your modern tastes!
Go shopping at the Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre. While the building historic the fashion inside is definitely modern and edgy and the refreshment stand is a Champagne bar. This Centre is on Meir Street which is a one-mile-long pedestrian shopping district. OH MY!
Shop for some 💎BLING💎. Antwerp is the Diamond Capital of the world!
Day 6–Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam, Netherlands is not like the other towns you have been to already. It is a rather large city with around 600,000 people. Since WWII mostly decimated this city it has been rebuilt as a vibrant, edgy, innovative, modern city. Only a couple of historic buildings even remain. From Rotterdam, you might want to take a short trip to Kinderdijk, a nearby village with A LOT of windmills or Delft, the home of Johannes Vermeer and the Royal Delft Porcelain Factory and Museum
So, what’s there to do in Rotterdam:
Visit Markthal, a giant horseshoe-shaped building that contains a buzzing food market on the bottom couple floors and living/office space in the rest of the building.
Just across the road is Piet Blom’s Cube Houses. Most are private residences but for a small fee, you can look around one of these extraordinary homes and see architectural creativity in action.
Rotterdam’s Central Train Station is also not to be missed. Another architectural marvel inside and out.
Climb the Euromast for panoramic views of the cityscape.
Stroll by the Whitt Huis, the first high rise building in Europe, and the Church of St. Lawrence, a couple of the only remaining historic buildings in Rotterdam.
Bike through the city. Since they decided to fill in a lot of the canals there is a lot of roadways to ride.
Walk across the Erasmus Bridge, an engineering marvel that is lovingly nicknamed The Swan.
Take a trip to the Rotterdam Zoo, voted the best in the Netherlands
Find the Fenix Food Factory and gorge on your favorite Dutch foods and beers.
Want to see what Rotterdam looked like before the destruction of WWII, take a tram to the nearby district of Delfshaven.
Day 7–Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands is the largest city in the Netherlands with about 800,000 people and a million bicycles. Yep, more bicycles than people! A bicycle is the perfect method of transportation for you to experience the sometimes charming, sometimes modern and innovative architecture, the relaxing canals, centuries of history, fabulous art, the infamous Red Light District, and the tranquil public parks.
Other things to do in Amsterdam:
Visit the Ann Frank Museum and remember the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Purchase tickets online to avoid long entrance lines.
Explore Museumplein in the Oui-Zuid district–The Van Gogh Museum featuring Vincent Van Gogh and friends; Museum het Rembrandthuis shows off Rembrand’s home, paintings, and etchings; Rijksmuseum exhibits Vermeer, Rembrandt and other Golden Age artists; and the Stedelijk Museum presents the more modern Matisses and Mondrians.
After visiting the museums walk a couple of blocks over to the Vondelpark, a beautiful respite from the busy city.
Head to Dam Square and visit the Dutch Royal House, the National Monument of the Dead, and Madame Tussauds.
Bike or boat the main canals surrounding the city center–the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and the posh Singel–enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Stroll Monday-Saturday during the day down the open-air, street closing Albert Cuypmarkt on Albert Cuypstraat frequented by locals and tourists alike.
There are other River Cruises that visit this area too.
I truly hope you enjoyed this tour of the Netherlands and Belgium. They are two gorgeous countries. I did want to mention that other river cruise companies do cruise to these countries and while they don’t have the same itinerary they visit some of the same cities and towns. Viking River Cruises (only adults) has a 10-day itinerary, Avalon and Tauck have an 8-day trip.
You can book for 2021 itineraries!
While these trips are cancelled for this season, now is a great time to start planning for 2021. I would love to answer any questions you may have. Contact me today!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are som other links you might be interested in:
Right now we are not able to travel, not able to see friends, not able to see family. While we are able to connect with family through online chats it is just not the same as being right there with them. This is a difficult time for so many people due to separation from loved ones, working in stressful environments saving lives, and uncertainty about the future. When we get through all this, and we will, you might want to plan a family vacation to reunite with the ones you love and have been away from. A cruise might be just the vacation you need!
The last couple of cruises we have taken have been with extended family from different parts of the country. Cruises provide an excellent opportunity for families to reconnect and make memories. Read on and discover why a cruise makes a good family reunion vacation!
What makes a Cruise Good for Family Reunions
Accomodations for every family size and budget
One reason a cruise is a good family reunion vacation is that there are many different types of accommodations to fit every budget. Every family in your group has the opportunity to book a room that fits their needs. For budget-conscious family members, less expensive inside cabins are available. For family members who like to be pampered on their vacations, they can choose concierge cabins or suites. Single, double and triple cabins are convenient options for smaller families. Large families might enjoy staterooms that sleep 5 or 6 which are on some ships. Plus there is always the option for each family to spread out a little while still being close in connecting cabins. The possibilities are vast and flexible.
A Good Value
Often cruises provide good value for your money. Everything is included for a wonderful vacation–exceptional accommodations, gourmet dining, and extensive onboard activities. Plus, cruise lines offer promotions at different times for free specialty dining, kids sailing free, or other perks.
Activities for Everyone
Ocean Cruises
Onboard ocean cruises there are activities of many different kinds that will appeal to all ages of your family. Having options for all different family members makes a cruise a good family reunion possibility.
For the kids, most ocean cruises ships have a specific program for them with their own area on the ship. The youth programs are even divided out by ages so teens and pre-teens don’t have to hang out with little kids. Age-appropriate events and activities are planned for each group.
For the adults, there is so much to do I can’t even list it all. Many planned activities during the day include deck parties, games in the sports courts, fitness classes, destination lectures, trivia, meet-ups, introductions to spa experiences, tournaments in the casino, bingo and so much more. In the evening, nightlife varies throughout the bars, lounges, theaters, and casino.
For families, there are scheduled events so families can have fun together. There might be games on the deck or sports courts, craft times, trivia or events in the youth areas. Each cruise line will have fun family activities but I will say that Disney Cruise Line puts a special focus on creating events and activities to bring families together.
River Cruises
River cruise ship activities depend on the cruise line. Some cater to families and therefore have activities for all ages (think Adventures by Disney with AmaWaterways) and some are only for adults (think Viking). But, on a river cruise the emphasis is on the ports and getting out to explore the country. Port excursions are included and on some lines (especially AmaWaterways) there is a nice variety of options that fit different activity levels.
Time together and time apart
Ocean cruise ships offer the opportunity for families to have as much time together and time apart as they wish. This is another benefit that makes a cruise a good family reunion vacation option. Part or all of your family can plan activities together during the day, plan to hang out in the same place, or just expect to see each other in passing throughout the day. You can arrange to eat all your meals together or only one a day as a time for everyone to catch up. In the evening, you can all attend the featured show together and then go your separate ways for the rest of the night. How much togetherness is all up to each family and what fits for them. Even on port days you can plan excursions together each stop, some stops, or separately. There is so much flexibility. This makes a cruise so fantastic for family reunions!
River cruises are similar but a little bit different. Each day is a port day. Every river cruise line differs but most plan a variety of shore excursions each day depending on activity level or interest. This is a fantastic opportunity for family members to have the outing each person (or family) wants and then everyone can reconvene for dinner that evening to share about their adventures.
Effortless Dining
So often it is very difficult to eat all together as a family. A cruise makes it so easy! Your family is assigned to the same tables in the same dining room each night (except Disney Cruise Line which as rotational dining). In the main dining rooms, they have very large tables that can seat 10, 12 or sometimes more. Plus, tables are fairly close together so if you need a few to seat your whole family you still within a nice distance. Another great feature is the diverse menu which can satisfy all members of your family. And, there is no having to deal with splitting up the bill.
Just so you know, eating in the main dining room each night is not required. The main dining room just guarantees a place for your family to be all together. The decision is up to each family.
Convenient Family Communication
If you are out of the country at a resort, communication between families can be difficult and expensive. Depending on your cruise line, ship communication with families aboard can be really easy. Cruise lines have apps that travelers can download and use for free while onboard. Often they have a communication feature that allows you to send messages to other family members. Currently, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer this free on select ships. Disney Cruise Line, Holland America and Princess also have this feature at no additional cost. Norwegian and Carnival have a nominal fee to enable the messaging feature to their apps.
Easy planning
Well, planning is easy if you use a travel advisor. Your travel advisor will help you to pick the best cruise for your family based on the cruise line, destinations, promotions and Once you finalize the ship and itinerary, your travel advisor will also help by keeping track of the needs of each family. Often your travel advisor will create a particular group so that everyone can communicate important information before the cruise.
Do you have other reasons you enjoy a cruise for your family reunion? Let me know in the comments!
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