TRAVEL BLOG & INFO

From the moment I arrived in Amsterdam to the final morning onboard, the Avalon Waterways Tulips in Bloom cruise delivered a consistently hi

If you want to understand Amsterdam—not just see it, the canal cruise is the place to start. From the water, the city reveals itself in a wa

Spending a day at Keukenhof is one of those experiences that quietly exceeds expectations. Going in, it’s easy to think, “It’s a garden, how

Pulling into port, I found myself asking a familiar question, what must this have felt like hundreds of years ago? After days or even weeks

If you’ve ever stepped aboard a European river cruise ship, you may have had a sense of déjà vu. Whether you’re sailing with Avalon Waterway

Fort Eben-Emael stands as one of the most significant military sites of early World War II, not because of how long it resisted, but because

European river cruising has evolved from a niche travel style into one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Once marketed as a q

Spending a day in Nijmegen feels less like visiting a destination and more like stepping into a living timeline. Known as the oldest city in

This morning’s excursion to Polder Pride Tulip Farm—an included experience on my Avalon Waterways river cruise, offered far more than just p

There is a unique kind of electricity that buzzes through the air on the first day of a grand adventure. Today, that electricity was officially colored in shades of Dutch orange and canal blue. My long-anticipated 8-day voyage through Holland and Belgium has officially begun! For months, I have been finalizing itineraries, confirming flight details, and dreaming of the iconic waterways of the Netherlands. Today, that dream became a beautiful, floating reality.

River cruising is one of those travel experiences that surprises people—in the best way. After sailing on my first river cruise, I quickly realized two things: There are far more river cruise companies than most travelers realize (many based in Europe and less visible to the U.S. market). “Best” is not a universal label. The right river cruise line depends on what you value most: service style, cabin design, inclusions, itinerary depth, onboard atmosphere, and overall value.

Choosing the right river cruise line can shape your travel experience in profound ways. Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises are two of the most popular options for travelers seeking scenic river journeys with rich cultural experiences. Both offer unique advantages, but they also differ in important aspects such as destinations, onboard amenities, dining, and excursions. This post compares these two cruise lines to help you decide which one fits your travel style and pre

European river cruises are calm, scenic, and culture driven. If you are planning one, here are the ten key things to know, laid out clearly and visually. 1. River levels can change your plans High or low water can keep ships from passing under bridges or through tight stretches. When that happens, cruise lines switch to hotels and buses to keep the itinerary moving. It is not common, but it is part of river cruising. 2. Most ships are the same size Rivers set strict height an

If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding gently through some of the world’s most enchanting landscapes, all while wrapped in the lap of comfort...

You’ve made two big decisions already: you’ve picked the cruise company and chosen your ideal cabin. Now comes the fun — but sometimes...

If you’ve ever been on an ocean cruise, you might think you know what to expect when setting sail. Massive ships with thousands of...

When it comes to European river cruising, two names consistently rise to the top: Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. Both...

When I first dipped my toes into the world of river voyages , I had no idea what a game-changer it would be. Imagine gliding gently along...

Traveling solo is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world. It gives you complete freedom to set your own pace, explore...

What Do You Do in the Evening Without “Traditional Entertainment Venues”? After dinner on the cruise, there’s usually some type of "fun"...