River Cruise Specialists

River Cruise Specialists | AmaWaterways, Viking, Riverside Luxury Cruises

Planning a river cruise is one of the most exciting decisions a traveler can make, and the rivers of Europe, Asia, and Africa each reward a different kind of traveler. The river cruise specialists at Cruisin Couple Travel Agency in Chandler, Arizona hold Certified Specialist designations with AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises, and Riverside Luxury Cruises, and bring firsthand knowledge of the ships, cabin categories, and itineraries to every client conversation.

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Advisor-Led Planning

River Cruise Planning With Melissa Yetter

Choosing the right river cruise involves more than comparing cruise lines. Melissa Yetter combines firsthand ship experience, professional cruise credentials and personalized travel planning to help travelers compare ships, cabins, cruise lines and itineraries.

Best River Cruise Travel Advisor in Arizona: How to Choose the Right Expert

Traveling with grandparents, adult children and grandchildren? Melissa is also a multigenerational river cruise specialist who matches families to the right river, ship and cruise line.

Dreaming of glühwein and market stalls? Read her AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise guide.

Expertise

What Is an AmaWaterways Certified Specialist?

Not every travel agent is qualified to book an AmaWaterways river cruise at the highest level of expertise. An AmaWaterways Certified Specialist has completed AmaWaterways' comprehensive training program, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the cruise line's ships, cabin categories, dining experiences, shore excursion options, and destination itineraries.

Melissa Yetter holds this designation along with CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC), Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), and ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA).

Where AmaWaterways Sails

AmaWaterways River Cruise Destinations

Danube River

Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia

Rhine River

Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland

Moselle River

Germany, France

Douro River

Portugal, Spain

Seine River

France

Rhone and Saone Rivers

France

Mekong River

Vietnam, Cambodia

Chobe River

Africa

Irrawaddy River

Myanmar

Onboard Experience

What Is Included on an AmaWaterways River Cruise?

All meals including a specialty Chef's Table dinner at no extra charge
Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
The Sip and Sail evening cocktail hour
Multiple guided shore excursions in every port including active options such as hiking and biking
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Onboard entertainment and cultural presentations
Port taxes and fees

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning further ahead? Read our comprehensive 25-question luxury river cruise FAQ for deeper answers on logistics, pricing, and the onboard experience.

Do I need a travel agent to book AmaWaterways?

You do not need a travel agent to book AmaWaterways, but working with a Certified AmaWaterways Specialist gives you advantages that booking directly does not. There is no extra cost to use a certified travel advisor for an AmaWaterways booking.

What is the difference between AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises?

AmaWaterways tends to have more active excursion options, a more social onboard atmosphere, and its signature Chef's Table specialty dining included for every guest. Viking emphasizes a consistent, predictable experience across a larger fleet and is often the choice for first-time river cruisers.

Can AmaWaterways accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. AmaWaterways holds the only formal industry partnership with Celiac Cruise, making it one of the most accommodating river cruise lines for guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Is AmaWaterways good for families or multi-generational travel?

Yes. Unlike Viking, AmaWaterways welcomes guests under 18 and offers connecting staterooms, triple-occupancy options, and its exclusive Adventures by Disney river cruise partnership.

What is included in a European river cruise fare?

Fares typically include your stateroom, all onboard meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, at least one guided excursion in each port, bicycles and wellness programming, and onboard Wi-Fi. Airfare, gratuities, and premium excursions are usually extra.

When is the best time to take a river cruise in Europe?

April through June and September through October deliver mild weather, comfortable water levels, and lighter crowds. July and August are warmest and best for families, while late November and December are Christmas market season.

How far in advance should I book a river cruise?

Twelve to eighteen months ahead for the best cabin categories and group departures. Christmas market and tulip season sailings often sell out even earlier.

Buyer's Guide

How to Choose the Right River Cruise Line

Choosing the right river cruise line can make the difference between a trip that feels effortless and one that feels mismatched. River cruise lines differ in style, inclusions, cabin design, excursions, and onboard atmosphere.

Read the guide

From the CCTA Journal

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