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Smooth Sailing
Your Go-To Guide for All Things River Cruising
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Douro River Cruise Guide: Why Portugal’s River of Gold Is Booming
Your complete guide to Douro river cruises in Portugal. Learn about wine estates, port towns, AmaWaterways ships, Viking options, and the best times to sail the River of Gold.

Emma Guse
Nov 286 min read


Columbia and Snake River Cruises: Gorge Scenery, Seasons, and the Lines That Sail the Pacific Northwest
Explore Columbia and Snake River cruises with Gorge scenery, the best seasons to sail, and the cruise lines sailing the Pacific Northwest. Plan your trip with a river cruise expert.

Emma Guse
Nov 255 min read


2026 River Cruises: Your Guide to the Best Rivers, Itineraries, and Cruise Lines
Explore the best 2026 river cruises across the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, and Seine. Learn how to choose the right river and cruise line with guidance from a river cruise specialist.

Emma Guse
Nov 247 min read


Viking Grand European Tour vs. AmaWaterways Magnificent Europe
Viking Grand European Tour vs AmaWaterways Magnificent Europe 2026 and 2027. Compare the Rhine, Main, Danube, balcony cabins, included drinks, dining value, pricing approach and advisor support.

Emma Guse
Nov 249 min read


Avalon vs. AmaWaterways: Active Discovery or Culinary and Wellness
Compare Avalon vs. AmaWaterways across excursions, dining, wellness, pricing, and itineraries to understand which river cruise line best fits your travel style.

Emma Guse
Nov 245 min read


The Complete Guide to Planning a River Cruise for Your Family, Friends, or Group
Plan your group river cruise with complimentary concierge support. Families and friends enjoy organized cabins, perks, flights, transfers, and stress-free planning with Emma.

Emma Guse
Nov 208 min read


Should I Book My River Cruise With a Travel Agent?
River cruising is one of the most special ways to experience the great destinations of the world. You deserve to plan yours with confidence and support. If you would like a steady partner who knows this world well, I would be honored to help you find the river cruise that feels just right.

Emma Guse
Nov 136 min read


Best River Cruises for First-Time Travelers in 2026 and 2027
Explore the best river cruises for first-time travelers in 2026 and 2027. Learn how to choose the right river, itinerary, and cruise line with guidance from a dedicated river cruise specialist.

Emma Guse
Nov 115 min read


Best River Cruises for Life’s Milestones: Anniversaries, Retirements & Bucket-List Journeys
Celebrate your anniversary, retirement, or bucket-list milestone with a river cruise. Compare AmaWaterways, Viking & U.S. options for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

Emma Guse
Oct 147 min read


Last-Minute River Cruises: How to Plan an Unforgettable Journey (Even Just Weeks Before Departure)
Booked late? Discover how to secure a Rhine or Danube river cruise at the last minute. Insider tips, real stories, and expert help for stress-free planning.

Emma Guse
Oct 16 min read


AmaWaterways 2026 and 2027 River Cruises: Itineraries, Highlights, and Insider Advice
Planning a river cruise for 2026 or 2027 might feel far away, but the truth is, these are the years travelers are already securing the best cabins and itineraries. When it comes to AmaWaterways, booking early isn’t just about locking in your preferred stateroom, but about giving yourself the widest choice of routes, sailing dates, and even special seasonal sailings that tend to disappear quickly.

Emma Guse
Aug 208 min read


Your First River Cruise: How to Choose the Right Line, River, and Itinerary (and Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone)
So you’re curious about river cruising. Maybe you’ve seen the ads, heard friends rave, or stumbled across breathtaking photos of ships gliding past castles and vineyards. You’re wondering where to start, and maybe even feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices. If that's you, you're in the right place.

Emma Guse
Aug 76 min read


10 Reasons to Book a River Cruise with a Travel Agent
When you need legal advice, you call a lawyer. When you’re investing your retirement savings, you consult a financial advisor. When you face health challenges, you seek the help of a doctor. So why would you invest thousands of dollars on a river cruise and try to figure it all out on your own?

Emma Guse
Aug 54 min read


Danube vs Rhine River Cruise: How to Choose Your Best First Sailing (2026–2027 Guide)
If you're planning your first European river cruise, you're likely deciding between the two most iconic rivers: the Danube and the Rhine. It's a classic traveler's dilemma, and a good one to have.

Emma Guse
Jul 237 min read


Best Christmas Market River Cruises for 2026 & 2027: Rhine vs. Danube Magic
If you’ve been dreaming of sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights, wandering through centuries-old town squares, or sailing past snow-dusted castles with hot chocolate in your hand, there’s no better time than Christmas. And in my opinion, there’s no better way to experience it all than with a river cruise.

Emma Guse
Jul 218 min read


How Much Does a River Cruise Cost? A Realistic Breakdown
Unlike ocean cruises, which start with a lower base fare and pile on extras, river cruises include much more upfront, so while the sticker price might seem high at first glance, you’re actually getting a seamless, nearly all-inclusive experience.

Emma Guse
Jul 158 min read


Are River Cruises Good for Families? 7 Myths & Facts for Multigenerational Travel
Wondering if river cruises are good for families? Get honest answers to 7 myths about kids on river cruises—and how to plan the right one for your family.

Emma Guse
Apr 154 min read


River Cruise FAQs – Answers to 21 Common Questions Before You Sail
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of a river cruise or you’ve already got your heart set on sailing through the world's most iconic waterways, you likely have a few questions. I’ve gathered the most common ones I hear from clients—and answered them with the same honesty and experience I bring to every booking.

Emma Guse
Apr 145 min read
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