Expert Travel Tips: River Cruising for Everyone

U of Uniworld’s sleek black-hulled ship called “The A” sails on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers delivering unique experiences geared toward millennials; photo credit: U of Uniworld

It’s always a treat to visit with Northwest Arkansas’s own travel guru, Michele MacDonald of THE CORE TRAVELER. As fall approaches, we wanted to know what travel trends she is most excited for when booking an autumn weekend getaway or a longer holiday away. Her answer: river cruising! Not only for empty nesters and the retired set any more, the luxurious and exotic river cruises Michele sends her clients on feature something for everyone—from enriching family experiences to millennial-approved entertainment, with destinations that have left us wanderlusting… .

“Of the most common things I tell clients who want to see a lot of places is to try a cruise because it has ease of access that allows you to sample places without investing in one area,” says Michele.

Here we share a few of Michele’s favorite fall and holiday river cruise lines and destinations.

Regroup for 2 wonderful family activities! Vienna is famous for its marionettes—and at Schönbrunn Palace the whole family can participate in a unique marionette demonstration, followed by a private marionette show. Then, enjoy a strudel-making demonstration showing you how to make a famous regional treat, apple strudel! (Photo courtesy Adventures by Disney on AmaWaterways River Ship)

For the Family

Adventures by Disney River Cruises has partnered with AmaWaterways with sailings down the scenic Danube and Rhine Rivers to provide a bit of Disney Magic steeped in culture and history. “This cruise line is well known for their adventure guides and local experts,” says Michele.

Think immersive cultural experiences with Disney magic, minus Mickey. “This is a luxury experience that can be tailored to your family’s ages and interests,” says Michele. “These river cruises become an educational journey with animation, hands-on experiences and memories steeped in magic.”

She loves these cruises for multi-generational vacations with grandparents and young ones in tow. Note: Most of these cruises do have a suggested age of four years and older.

U by Uniworld, designed with Millennial travelers in mind, was recently featured on The Bachelorette, which is known for featuring exotic and luxurious travel ideas for young people. Photo credit by U by Uniworld

For the Family

“River cruising had a stigma of being for the retired people,” says Michele. “But the new line U by UniWorld is anything but!”

River cruises through Holland and Belgium during tulip season can be breathtaking. Keukenhof is said to be the world’s largest and most famous flower garden. Photo credit: Tulip Time on AmaWaterways

These brand-new ships are designed for passengers aged 21-45, featuring hip, luxe decor, extra common spaces for mingling, unlimited adult beverages and ease of access to European cities along the Rhine, Seine and Danube rivers.  “I love this cruise for solo travelers because you have the security of being around the same people, but you also have an organized itinerary to keep you moving,” says Michele.

And you don’t have to invest your whole vacation in one specific area, since you’ll keep moving along the river to travel to cities like Amsterdam, Paris or Budapest, to name only a few.

For the Connoisseur

“River cruises can also be designed based on your specific interest,” says Michele. “For foodies, oenophiles, gardeners or adventure seekers, even those interested in art or textiles, river cruises can’t be beat.”Certain cruise lines will cater to a specific region of food or wine, with celebrity chefs and other experts to guide the way. And then there are the cruises throughout Holland during tulip season, which every gardener must experience in their lifetime! Cruises dedicated to Europe’s festive Christmas markets are a fabulous way to spend the holiday season. “The lights, scents, flavors and goods at these beautiful Christmas markets in Austria or Switzerland must be taken in from the river,” says Michele. “It’s a charming take on the season that feels so new but steeped in tradition as well.”

“The lights, scents, flavors and goods at these beautiful Christmas markets in Austria or Switzerland must be taken in from the river,” says Michele. “It’s a charming take on the season that feels so new but steeped in tradition as well.” Photo credit: Christmas Markets in Europe on the AmaWaterways

For the Adventuresome

For avid cruisers and adventure seekers, Michele will recommend river cruises in more exotic regions, like AmaWaterways Me Kong River tour throughout Southeast Asia. Michele loves to enhance the cruise experience by adding or extending a trip in a certain destination, and these more exotic cruises to far-off destinations would be the perfect place to take her up on that offer. Michele does all the booking, and can find the perfect hotel and work with airlines and cruise lines to accommodate extensions, including seamless transportation, private tours and ease of access. When you book this way, you’re not wasting your precious vacation time scrambling to figure out what to do.

Michele’s Expert Tip: AmaWaterways provides a fleet of more than two dozen bicycles (plus helmets) for use in ports across Europe. Passengers can join complimentary guided cycling tours or venture off on their own along scenic riverside pathways. Photo credit: Scenic River Cruises

One thing to remember when looking into fall and holiday river cruises: Booking a cruise online doesn’t mean you are going to get personalized service. Michele can handle the complete travel arrangements for her clients, from airfare, pre and post cruise accommodations, ground services, sightseeing experiences, dining recommendations, special celebrations, and more.  She helps her clients qualify which cruise line and ship best fits their travel style and needs such as all-suite staterooms, unlimited beverages including adult beverages, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited port excursions and private tours.

When you’re ready to book any of the above river cruise excursions, CONTACT MICHELE MACDONALD AT THE CORE TRAVELER (479.366.8210) for bespoke travel planning and arrangements. 

As seen on The Scout Guide NWA.