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The River Cruise Lady

River cruising and small ship luxury cruising

AmaWaterways River Cruises

Covid Protocols for River Cruising

May 13, 2021 by River Cruise Lady Linda Leave a Comment

Now that European river cruising is starting to become operational again (so exciting!!) there are going to be some new Covid protocols going forward in order to keep both the passengers and the crew safe.

I looked at the top river cruise companies that I book and they all will require that you have either a Covid-19  vaccination certificate or a negative Covid test done right before you board the ship.

Each line will also require that passengers fill out some pre-departure documentation forms which can be viewed at their links below:

Ama Waterways – Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will need to be filled out.

Avalon Waterways – Have 3 pdf forms you can view, the first being the Pre Trip Health Screening form – click Avalon-Health-Screening to view.  The next is their Health & Safety Covid-19 Waiver – click Avalon Health-Safety-covid-19 and lastly is their onboard safety protocols which you can view Avalon Onboard-Protocols

Emerald/Scenic – Have their cruise with confidence program viewed at River Cruise with confidence | Our commitment to your health & safety – Scenic°

Tauck River Cruises – Have two documents that need to be signed for their Travel Well Pledge – view at Taucks Travel Well Pledge

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – They require a Travel Declaration to be signed – view at Uniworld Travel Declaration

Viking River Cruises – Passengers will have to complete a Digital Health Survey online at their MyVikingJourney.com once they have booked their trip.

Filed Under: AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Crystal River Cruises, Featured Post, River Cruise Lady, River Cruises, River Cruising, Scenic River Cruises, Tauck River Cruises, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Virtuoso Travel

Multigeneration River Cruising!

January 20, 2020 by River Cruise Lady Linda Leave a Comment

I thought I would share a few of the last bookings that I’ve done for river cruising because you may not have thought of this option if planning a multi-generation trip with your family.

My client was turning 80 and she thought about how she wanted to spend her birthday and decided on a family trip.  Her spouse had passed away years before so she decided to splurge and take her children and grandchildren on a European river cruise. There was a range of ages from 12 to 79 and even her brothers & sisters decided to join in the fun!

It worked out great for them because there are so many different excursions options to choose from (mostly always all included).

For example, on a Rhine river cruise with Ama Waterways, in Cologne the excursion choices would be a walking tour, or cathedral visit or Kölsch beer tasting or a bike tour through the city.  So what usually happened was everyone went off and did their choice of excursion and then they would gather for dinner together in the dining room and talk about their different experiences – such a great family bonding time.

Avalon Waterways also have Active & Discovery itineraries which work well with families too.  Then of course Uniworld and Tauck both have dedicated family departure dates (usually in the summer or for the Christmas Market cruises) which then have even more excursions geared towards family groups.

So consider river cruising as a way to create a wonderful legacy that your children/grandchildren will have of travelling with their parents/grandparents and memories that will last a lifetime.

Biking along Moselle Rive

Filed Under: AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Christmas Market Cruise, Danube River, Europe, Mosel River, Rhine River, River Cruise Lady, River Cruises, River Cruising, Scenic River Cruises, Tauck River Cruises, Uniworld, Virtuoso, Virtuoso Travel

Not just flowers on a Tulip Time River Cruise

July 22, 2017 by River Cruise Lady Linda Leave a Comment

I went on a Tulip Time river cruise this spring with Ama Waterways thinking that it would be all about flowers but nothing could be further from the truth!

Don’t get me wrong, we did see Tulips but we also visited a fabulous museum, learned how to make Belgian chocolate, biked through Antwerp viewing their incredible architectural buildings, strolled peacefully through the windmills in Kinderdijk and maneuvered the canals in Amsterdam.

The Tulip Time cruise started in Amsterdam and I took the ship picture to show you how close they dock to the main train station in Amsterdam (its the building in the background) and then the next picture is in front of the station which is stunning in itself.

AmaCerto river cruise ship
AmaCerto river cruise ship
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam Centraal Station

We did a morning bus tour of the city before heading out in the afternoon to a Hoorn Tulip and Bulb field where we all became Tulip Specialists after getting a tour of their greenhouses to see all the different phases of growth (the process was very interesting and we learned quite a bit!) Once the bus dropped us off near the town trolley, we walked around the Hoorn harbor which was full of unique monuments and packing warehouses.

Tulip Farm Bulbs Planted
Tulip Farm Bulbs Planted
Tulip Farm Greenhouse
Stop and smell the Tulips?
Tulip Farm Machinery
Tulip Farm Machinery

The next days tour decision was a tough one as you had to choose between the Arnhem Bridge & Airborne Museum (renowned for its role during WWII’s Operation Market Garden) or the Kroller Muller Museum (which boasts the 2nd largest Van Gogh collection in the world). So our small group split up and some did choice A and some did choice B and when we gathered back on the ship in lounge for a pre-dinner drink, all agreed that both were great tours. (read between the lines as this meant that each group thought their tour was better)

When we arrived in Antwerp, we opted for the bike tour through the charming streets of this Belgium major city. Our guide managed to steer us effortlessly through traffic and the drivers were so polite, always stopping for us when we were crossing the streets (that never happens back home!) It was a great way to see such a large area of the city in such a short time and our stop at the Antwerp train station was saved until the end because the beauty of the building just can’t be missed.

Antwerp Bike Tour
Antwerp Bike Tour
Antwerp Train Station
Antwerp Train Station
Antwerp Train Station Inside
Antwerp Train Station Inside

That afternoon took us to the Floralia Spring Flower show at Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden which had 14 hectares of brilliantly colored tulips, daffodils and many other spring flowers. The garden area surrounds the castle where the almost 1 million bulbs are still planted by hand each year ! (loved the Peacock)

Floralia Castle
Floralia Castle
Floralia Garden and Planter
Floralia Garden and Planter
Floralia Peacock in Flowers
Floralia Peacock in Flowers

Then we headed for the beauty of Bruges which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that included medieval buildings, winding canals and statuesque churches. I could have taken pictures there all day and this one was at the famous corner that is used many times when displaying Bruges.

Bruge

Bruge

After leaving Belgium, we headed back towards the Netherlands stopping in Rotterdam where excursions could be taken to visit the bustling city or a bit farther took in the charming city of Delft (known for the hand-painted blue and white pottery) with a stop in The Hague before travelling back to the ship. In the afternoon, we sailed peacefully into Kinderdijk to see hundreds of windmills dotting the horizon. With the sun shining brightly, it made for a wonderful stroll or bike ride through the area.

Kinderdijk Windmills

Kinderdijk Windmills

Our last full day was a full one with the morning touring the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, a 70 acre park that probably had the most flowers I’ve ever seen. It was so colorful and I’m sure the pictures don’t do it justice.

Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens

Then onto Amsterdam where we finished up with a great canal cruise through the city (where you find out why they call it “Venice of the North” )

Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals

Now that I’ve taken you through my trip, I realize that I haven’t even talked about all the wonderful food (and drinks) we had onboard Ama Waterways! The staff were really friendly and our Cruise Director Rachel was one of the best ones I’ve ever experienced. She delivered her port talks with humor, personal stories and kept everyone interested, on track and on time.
I was in a French Balcony cabin and since the weather was great, enjoyed sitting in the stateroom with the breeze flowing in on many occasions.

I would highly recommend a Tulip Time river cruise to anyone !

Filed Under: AMA Waterways, Amsterdam, Bruges, Europe, Keukenhof, River Cruise Lady, River Cruises, River Cruising, Tulip Time, Virtuoso, Virtuoso Travel

Africa River Cruise Safari

March 16, 2017 by River Cruise Lady Linda Leave a Comment

Ever since Ama Waterways brought out their Africa Safari and Wildlife cruise brochure, I dreamed of going on it and even had the cover pinned up on my wall.

Well my dream finally became a reality recently and it was even more amazing than I could have ever imagined. My pictures were almost the same as they had portrayed in the brochure as we were able to get so close to the animals on the river (and on the land Safari in Kruger) and I was also able to get some fantastic videos of them in their own environment that you can view at the end.

Their Stars of South Africa itinerary starts in picturesque Cape Town, where one could easily spend a week touring around the area as there is so much to see. We did a full day Cape tour which starts out going to Boulders Beach to see the African Penguins (could have watched them all day) then onto the famous Cape of Good Hope sign and Chapman Peak Drive.

African Penguins
African Penguins
Cape Of Good Hope Sign
Cape Of Good Hope
View of Cape Point
View of Cape Point

Since we had gone in a day early, we were also able to visit Table Bay Mountain, Robben Island and the Cape Winelands area and we still didn’t see it all !

Then onto Botswana for the most incredible river safari where I couldn’t stop taking video of the Elephants (by day 3, my husband said, you have enough footage of the elephants!!)
We got to see them playing in the water, spraying themselves as it was so dry and watching the babies learn from their mommas. Of course we also saw Giraffes, Impalas, Hippos, Cape Buffalos, Lions, Warthogs and many beautiful African birds too. We also visited a local village which was very humbling. These are just a few of many pictures I took:

Chobe River Elephants
Chobe River Elephants
Chobe River Impalas And Giraffes
Impalas And Giraffes
Chobe River Lion
Chobe River Lion

Then it was onto to Victoria Falls to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World where the sound is so loud that the African name for the falls translates to “the smoke that thunders” The Victoria Falls hotel is filled with old world charm that feels like you’ve been transported back in time where you can peruse its history filled walls.

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel From Bridge
Victoria Falls Hotel From Bridge
View From Vic Falls Hotel
View From Vic Falls Hotel


A quick plane ride to Johannesburg brought us to the big city where we overnighted before doing a full day tour of the city and Soweto (SouthWest Townships) that was very interesting (and sad at the same time as we saw some new townhomes that had been built to replace the tin shacks that still sit empty)
Soweto
Soweto
Nelson Mandela Square
Nelson Mandela Square
Johannesburg
Johannesburg


Another quick flight took us to Kruger Park to do our land safari where we were lucky enough to come across so many lions (that again – I just took way too many videos of!)

Within one day, we were fortunate to view the Big Five that everyone aspires to see – so amazing. Kruger was experiencing a major drought when we visited which was not good for the animals but great for viewing. We had morning (6am to 9am) and afternoon (4pm to 7pm) safaris which gives you an opportunity to see different animals who are more active at different times. It was so hard to narrow down the pictures to just a few and I will post some more again soon.

Kruger Leopard
Kruger Leopard
Kruger Cape Buffalo
Kruger Cape Buffalo
Kruger Baby Lion
Kruger Baby Lion


If you dream about Africa and its on your bucket-list, my advice is to make that dream become a reality and you will never regret it for a minute !

Video clips of the trip can be seen below:

Filed Under: Africa, AMA Waterways, Cape Town, Kruger Park, River Cruise Lady, River Cruises, River Cruising, River Safari, Victoria Falls, Virtuoso Travel Tagged With: Africa, Botswana, CapeTown, Kruger Park, RiverCruise, Safari

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rivercruiselady

Mark your calendar for May 5th 2024 as that’s wh Mark your calendar for May 5th 2024 as that’s when I’d love for you to join me on the beautiful AmaMagna river cruise ship as we sail the lower Danube through the Iron Gates to spectacular Budapest.
#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #rivercruise #danube #amamagna #savethedate #may2024
The last stop on our river cruise was in Nuremberg The last stop on our river cruise was in Nuremberg & before hitting their Christmas market we went on a WW2 tour which included a walk on the plaza where the rallies were held, then got to visit courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg Trials were held. 
#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #christmasmarket 
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This star lined street leads the way to the 12th c This star lined street leads the way to the 12th century old stone bridge in Regensburg where right next to it you’ll find the famous historical "Wurstkuchl" (Sausage Kitchen)  which is the oldest one in the world!
Their Thurn und Taxis entrance fee Christmas market is ranked as one of the most romantic ones with its palace backdrop wonderland setting🎄 
Also found some smaller markets in town where many locals gathered & the apfelstrudel stall was calling out to me so just had to indulge 😋 
#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #christmasmarket #rivercruise #amasonata
Arrived in Passau in the evening so took a walk to Arrived in Passau in the evening so took a walk to the Christmas market and watched them make our dessert 😋 with St Stephens Cathedral lit up in the background 
#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #christmasmarket #amasonata #chimneycake
After we left Durnstein, we sailed through the pic After we left Durnstein, we sailed through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.  The Abbey lights up the town & loved the advent windows on one of the buildings. 
#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #christmasmarket #rivercruise  #amasonata #adventcalendar
It was active hike day for Durnstein & you can see It was active hike day for Durnstein & you can see from pic 1 where the castle ruins are way off in the distance up the hill. Certainly a good workout for the legs but a fantastic view of the Danube River from the top! We were rewarded with a wine tasting after we climbed back down 🍷 
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After my earlier post of the daytime Vienna pictur After my earlier post of the daytime Vienna pictures, here are the nighttime ones 😍 It was very busy at their main Christmas Market but the lights & decorated stalls made it all worthwhile. If you zoom in on the full city hall one, you will find a band on top of the roof of one of the stalls! Then we had to walk back to St Stephens to see it all lit up plus the surrounding streets 
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I have to divide up my Vienna pictures into daytim I have to divide up my Vienna pictures into daytime and nighttime ones because both need to be seen! St Stephens Cathedral was sparkling in the sunshine & we could see the shapes of the lights that would be turned on later in the streets. We visited one of the smaller Christmas markets and had some Gluhwein (mulled wine) plus watched the chef in the window at Demel’s preparing their famous treat that everyone was lining up for 😋 
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We had a lovely day in Bratislava🌞Saw the nickn We had a lovely day in Bratislava🌞Saw the nicknamed UFO tower, climbed the stairs to the Hrad castle which gave us great views of St Martin’s Cathedral and the new buildings built behind the old city. The shop window had the best small business sign ❤️ and the famous Man At Work sculpture in the town square is well photographed. Busy at the Christmas market & then a nice stroll back to the #amasonata 
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Not sure if you want to sit inside or outside in y Not sure if you want to sit inside or outside in your river cruise cabin? On the #amasonata with @amawaterways you don’t have to decide when you have one of their twin balcony ones! 
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Before joining my @amawaterways Danube River cruis Before joining my @amawaterways Danube River cruise on the #amasonata its always enjoyable to go through the Great Market Hall in Budapest. 😍
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My attempt at creativity on the @avalonwaterways P My attempt at creativity on the @avalonwaterways Poetry II as we sailed up the Rhone River. If you zoom in on the bell, you can see the reflection of the beautiful buildings in it 📸

#avalonwaterways #rivercruise #rivercruiselady #rhoneriver 
#virtuosotravel #activeanddiscovery #rivercruising #reflection
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River Cruise Lady Linda

1 month ago

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Mark your calendar for May 5th 2024 as that’s when I’d love for you to join me on the beautiful AmaMagna river cruise ship as we sail the lower Danube through the Iron Gates to spectacular Budapest.#rivercruiselady #amawaterways #rivercruise #danube #amamagna #savethedate #may2024 ... See MoreSee Less
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River Cruise Lady Linda is in Bayern, Germany.

4 months ago

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The last stop on our river cruise was in Nuremberg & before hitting their Christmas market we went on a WW2 tour which included a walk on the plaza where the rallies were held, then got to visit courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg Trials were held. #rivercruiselady #amawaterways #christmasmarket #rivercruise #amasonata ... See MoreSee Less
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River Cruise Lady Linda is in Bayern, Germany.

4 months ago

River Cruise Lady Linda
This star lined street leads the way to the 12th century old stone bridge in Regensburg where right next to it you’ll find the famous historical "Wurstkuchl" (Sausage Kitchen) which is the oldest one in the world!Their Thurn und Taxis entrance fee Christmas market is ranked as one of the most romantic ones with its palace backdrop wonderland setting🎄 Also found some smaller markets in town where many locals gathered & the apfelstrudel stall was calling out to me so just had to indulge 😋 ... See MoreSee Less
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River Cruise Lady Linda is in Bayern, Germany.

4 months ago

River Cruise Lady Linda
Arrived in Passau in the evening so took a walk to the Christmas market and watched them make our dessert 😋 with St Stephens Cathedral lit up in the background #rivercruiselady #Amawaterways #christmasmarket #amasonata #chimneycake ... See MoreSee Less
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