Danielle's
Hot Deals Of The Day
Luxury & River Cruises
CRUISING SPECIALISTS
From the Water
The World Is Better
Seen
I've sailed these routes as crew. I know these ships, these rivers, and these itineraries from the inside out - and now I plan them for you, with the kind of firsthand knowledge no brochure can replicate.
RIVER CRUISES
OCEAN & PREMIUM CRUISES
PLAN MY CRUISE
RIVER CRUISES
A Completely Different
Way to See The World
River cruising is unlike anything else in travel. Instead of massive ships and crowded port terminals, you're on an intimate vessel, typically 100 to 190 passengers, gliding through the heart of Europe's most storied landscapes. Castles on the riverbank. Medieval villages within walking distance of the dock. Vineyards, cathedrals, and Christmas markets right outside your cabin window.
"You don't visit these places from a distance. You wake up inside them."
WHY RIVER CRUISING
What Makes It
Different
Destinations, Not Sea Days
Every morning you wake up somewhere new and extraordinary. No days at sea, just a new port, a new town, a new experience. River cruising is for people who travel to actually see places, not to sail between them.
Intimate & All-Inclusive
Ships carry between 100 and 190 passengers, a fraction of a large ocean liner. Most river cruises include meals, wine with dinner, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi in the base fare. There are far fewer surprise charges at the end of the sailing.
The Heart of the Destination
Cruises take you to the countries, rivers take you to the heart. Rivers take you places large ships simply cannot go, the centre of Vienna, the old town of Bruges, the wine villages of the Douro Valley. You dock in the heart of every destination, not at a distant cruise terminal miles from the action.
A Relaxed Pace
River cruising attracts a different kind of traveller, curious, culturally engaged, and unhurried. The atmosphere onboard is convivial and calm. This isn't Vegas at sea. It's the kind of travel that stays with you long after you get home.
Enrichment & Culture
Lectures, local performers, cooking demonstrations, guided tours led by genuine experts. River cruise lines invest heavily in onboard programming. You return home knowing far more about the places you visited than when you left.
Perfect for Solo Travelers
The intimate onboard community and structured shore excursion program make river cruising one of the best travel formats for solo travellers. You're never alone unless you want to be, and you're never lost trying to navigate a new city on your own.
RIVER CRUISE LINES
Finding the Right Line for You
Not all river cruise lines are the same, and the right one depends entirely on your travel style, budget, and what matters most to you onboard. Here's how I break them down.
ULTRA LUXURY
All-inclusive premium · Butler service · Small, bespoke ships
Scenic
TRULY ALL-INCLUSIVE
One of the most inclusive products in river cruising, almost everything is included, from premium drinks to shore excursions to gratuities. Scenic's "Space-Ships" feature innovative balcony designs that convert from indoor to outdoor. Ideal for travellers who want zero surprises on the final bill.
Crystal River Cruises
WHITE GLOVE SERVICE
Crystal brings its legendary ocean cruise reputation to the rivers of Europe — butler service, open-bar all day, extraordinary cuisine, and some of the most lavishly appointed river ships afloat. For travellers accustomed to the very finest, Crystal delivers.
Tauck River Cruises
GUIDED & HOSTED
Every Uniworld ship is uniquely designed, hand-painted murals, antique furnishings, one-of-a-kind artwork. The onboard experience is genuinely luxurious and deeply personal. A wonderful choice for travellers who appreciate beauty and craftsmanship as part of the travel experience itself.
DELUXE
Exceptional quality · Outstanding itineraries · Strong value
AmaWaterways
FOOD & WINE FOCUSED
Widely considered by travel insiders to be among the very best river cruise experiences available. AmaWaterways consistently delivers on cuisine, service, and onboard atmosphere, their Chef's Table dining experience is genuinely exceptional. Active shore excursion options (cycling, hiking) appeal to a broad range of travellers, and the warmth of the service sets them apart. A consistent favourite among those who've sailed multiple lines.
Emerald Cruises
MODERN LUXURY
A sleek, contemporary product with beautifully designed ships and a strong all-inclusive offering. Emerald attracts a slightly younger demographic than some ultra-luxury lines while maintaining very high standards of food, service, and included shore experiences.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
ART & DESIGN
Every Uniworld ship is uniquely designed, hand-painted murals, antique furnishings, one-of-a-kind artwork. The onboard experience is genuinely luxurious and deeply personal. A wonderful choice for travellers who appreciate beauty and craftsmanship as part of the travel experience itself.
PREMIUM
Boutique ships · Highly curated · Distinctive onboard culture
Avalon Waterways
OPEN-AIR SUITES
Avalon's signature "Suite Ships" feature panoramic open-air balcony suites that are among the widest in river cruising. A more relaxed, flexible product with excellent shore excursion choice — great for travellers who like to do things at their own pace.
Viking River Cruises
WELL-KNOWN & WIDELY MARKETED
Viking has exceptional brand recognition and strong itineraries, their Longships are beautifully designed and the destination focus is genuine. Worth knowing, however, that drinks, premium excursions, and several onboard extras are not included in the base fare and can add up quickly on board. A solid product, but go in with eyes open about what the base price actually covers versus what you'll spend onboard.
POPULAR ROUTES
Top River Cruise Itineraries
Each of these routes links to its destination guide — dive deeper into any region that catches your eye.
Germany * Netherlands * Switzerland
The Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse)
Germany * Austria * Hungary
The Danube
Budapest to Passau (or reverse)
Portugal
The Douro
Porto to Salamanca
France
The Siene
Paris to Normandy
France
The Rhone
Lyon to Avignon
Vietnam * Cambodia * Laos
The Mekong
Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Botswana * Namibia
The Chobe River
Chobe National Park, Botswana
KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
What's Included, and
What to Consider Adding
Inclusions vary by cruise line — but here's a general guide to what most river cruises cover and what you'll typically pay extra for.
Typically Included:
Most river cruise lines include the following in your base fare:
Cabin Accommodations
All meals served onboard — breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
All Meals Onboard
Restaurant-quality dining — usually regionally inspired menus
Wine & Beer with Dinner
Most lines include local wine and beer with evening meals
Guided Shore Excursions
At least one included excursion per port — varies by line
Wi-Fi Onboard
Included on most lines — speed varies
Port Charges & Taxes
All port fees and government taxes are included
Onboard Entertainment
Lectures, local performers, and cultural programming
Worth Considering Adding:
These extras can significantly enhance your experience
Flights
Usually not included — I can help you find and book these
Premium Drinks Packages
Spirits, premium wine, and cocktails beyond what's included
Pre & Post Cruise Hotel Nights
Arrive a day or two early to explore your embarkation city
Specialty Shore Excursions
Exclusive experiences beyond the included tours
Airport Transfers
Stress-free arrival — especially important in unfamiliar cities
Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended — I can walk you through your options
Gratuities
Varies by line — some include, some don't. I'll tell you which.
OCEAN & PREMIUM CRUISES
Bigger Ships
Bigger Horizons.
Premium ocean cruising has evolved dramatically. Today's luxury and premium ocean lines bear little resemblance to the megaships many people picture when they think of cruising. We're talking about intimate, destination-focused vessels with exceptional dining, genuine enrichment programming, and service standards that rival the world's finest hotels.
The challenge is that not all premium cruise lines are equal, and what's marketed as "luxury" doesn't always deliver on that promise. Understanding the difference between a truly all-inclusive product and one that nickel-and-dimes you for every glass of wine is where my expertise matters.
I'll match you to the right line, the right ship, and the right itinerary, so what you experience matches what you expected when you booked.
OCEAN CRUISE LINES
Premium Lines, Matched to You
The premium ocean cruise market spans a wide spectrum. Here's how I categorize the lines I work with most.
ULTRA LUXURY
Truly all-inclusive · Small ships · Butler service · World-class cuisine
Regent Seven Seas
MOST INCLUSIVE LUXURY
The most all-inclusive cruise product in the world, business class flights, unlimited shore excursions, all drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and pre-cruise hotel nights are all included. If you want to board the ship and never open your wallet again, Regent is the answer.
Silversea
INTIMATE & EXPEDITIONARY
Small, elegant ships with an outstanding all-inclusive product. Silversea is particularly acclaimed for their expedition voyages, Antarctica, the Arctic, remote Pacific islands, where their expedition team elevates every shore experience. Excellent for adventurous luxury travellers.
Seabourn
ULRA-PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Seabourn's ships carry as few as 458 guests, an extraordinarily intimate ratio for an ocean vessel. Known for remembering guests' preferences from sailing to sailing, caviar in the surf on beach days, and a genuinely gracious onboard atmosphere that feels more like a private yacht than a cruise ship.
PREMIUM
Exceptional quality · Outstanding itineraries · Strong value
Celebrity Cruises
MODERN PREMIUM
Celebrity sits at the top of the premium category with beautifully designed ships, outstanding food and beverage, and an elevated onboard atmosphere. Their Edge-class ships in particular are genuinely stunning. A strong choice for travellers who want a high-quality experience without ultra-luxury pricing.
Holland America
CLASSIC & REFINED
A rich heritage line known for excellent service, world-class entertainment, and some of the most enriching onboard programming in cruising, from culinary demonstrations to the Lincoln Center Stage series. A wonderful choice for travellers who value culture and craftsmanship.
Princess Cruises
VERSATILE & TRUSTED
One of the most versatile lines in the premium category, strong on itinerary variety, accessible pricing, and a consistently reliable product. Princess is particularly well-suited to first-time cruisers moving into the premium space and to families looking for a sophisticated but approachable experience.
DESTINATION FOCUSED
Immersive itineraries · Smaller ships · Port-intensive sailings
Viking Ocean Cruises
DESTINATION FIRST
Viking brings its river cruise philosophy to the ocean, destination-focused itineraries, no casinos, no children under 18, and a genuinely calm and culturally enriching onboard atmosphere. The product is polished and highly inclusive. Ideal for curious travellers who want to actually learn about where they're going.
Azamara
IMMERSIVE OVERNIGHT STAYS
Azamara specializes in longer port stays and overnight calls, meaning you get to experience destinations after the day-trippers have left. Their ships are mid-size, the product is largely all-inclusive, and the focus is firmly on going deeper into fewer places rather than ticking off a list.
KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
Ocean Cruise Inclusions -
What to Expect
Inclusions vary significantly between premium and ultra-luxury lines. Here's a general guide, I'll always walk you through the specifics before you book.
Typically Included:
Standard across most premium ocean cruise lines:
Cabin Accommodations
From interior staterooms to penthouse suites
Main Dining Room Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Coffee, tea, and juices, are generally included
Onboard Entertainment
Broadway-style shows, live music, lectures, and enrichment
Fitness Center & Pool
Included — spa and fitness classes may cost extra
Port Charges & Taxes
All government fees and port charges included
Often Extra - Worth Knowing
Common add-ons that can significantly impact total trip cost:
Flights
Rarely included except on ultra-luxury lines like Regent
Alcohol & Drinks Packages
Often a significant add-on — can be included in promotions
Specialty Restuarants
Most ships have 3–8 specialty restaurants at extra cost
Wi-Fi Packages
Speed and cost vary — worth checking before you sail
Shore Excursions
Usually à la carte — booking early gets the best options
Travel Insurance
Always strongly recommended — I'll help you find the right coverage
Gratuities
$15–$25 per person per day on most premium lines
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Where Would You
Like to Cruise?
Each destination below has its own guide, click through to explore itineraries, highlights, and the best time of year to visit.
WESTERN EUROPE
Europe
Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro - the heartland of river cruising
SOUTHERN EUROPE
Mediterranean
Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain - sun drenched ports and ancient history.
NORTHERN EUROPE
Baltics
Tallinn, Stockholm, Helsinki - medieval cities and Viking history.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Alaska
Glaciers, humpback whales, and wildness unlike anywhere else on earth.
CARIBBEAN
Caribbean
Eastern, Western, and Southern - 30+ islands, each completely different.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Australia, New Zealand
Sydney, Milford Sound, Great Barrier Reef - a world unto itself.
ASIA PACIFIC
Asia
Japan, Vietnam, Singapore - ancient culture and extraordinary cuisine.
EPIC VOYAGES
World Cruises
Every ocean. Every continent. The ultimate bucket list sailing.
LET'S START PLANNING
Ready to Find
Your Perfect Cruise?
Tell me a little about what you're dreaming of — river or ocean, which destinations appeal, roughly when you'd like to travel, and I'll come back within 24 hours with ideas tailored to you.
Not sure where to start? That's completely fine. Just tell me what you do know and we'll figure out the rest together. No fees, no pressure, just a conversation.
