One of the most common questions I get as a travel advisor (and river cruise enthusiast!) is:
“How do I choose ?”

Both Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways deliver incredible experiences… but they each have their own personality. Think of it like choosing between two amazing trips, just with a slightly different onboard vibe.

Let’s Talk Onboard Vibes First

If you’re picturing yourself sipping wine, watching castles drift by, and keeping your days fairly relaxed, Avalon might be your match. Their ships are designed to maximize those views, and the overall pace feels easy and flexible.

If you’re the type who wants to do all the things… biking through villages, diving into wine tastings, or joining more immersive excursions, AmaWaterways tends to lean that way. There’s just a bit more energy and variety built into the experience.

Avalon is known for their Panorama Suites, where your bed literally faces the window… so yes, you can wake up to Europe rolling by like a living postcard.

AmaWaterways offers more room categories, including their popular twin-balcony staterooms, which give you both a French balcony and a step-out option. It feels a little more traditional, with a touch of luxury.

Food, Wine & Onboard Experience

You really can’t go wrong here, but there are some subtle differences.

AmaWaterways tends to shine with its culinary experiences and wine-focused sailings. If you’re a foodie or wine lover, this can be a big plus.

Avalon keeps things a bit more laid-back and flexible. Think quality dining without feeling overly structured… perfect if you like to go with the flow.

Excursions & Daily Experience

Both include guided tours, but how you experience them can feel different.

Avalon is great if you like having a mix of planned excursions and free time to wander on your own.

AmaWaterways offers more choices each day, especially if you’re interested in active tours like hiking or biking, or more themed experiences.

So…Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s how I usually break it down for my clients:

• Go with Avalon Waterways if you want a more relaxed, scenic, go-at-your-own-pace experience


• Choose AmaWaterways if you want more included options, activity, and a slightly more elevated feel

My advice? There’s no “wrong” choice here, just the right fit for you.

And this is exactly why I specialize in river cruises. The differences aren’t always obvious until you’ve really dug into them… and matching the right cruise line to your travel style can make all the difference in your experience.

If you’ve been thinking about your first river cruise, I’d love to help you narrow it down and find the perfect fit.

Before setting sail on the Rhine, I spent a few dreamy days in Amsterdam, and it was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. Spring had the city sparkling, with tulips in full bloom and pops of color everywhere you looked. Window boxes, parks, even casual street corners felt like they were competing for “most photogenic.”

One of my favorite stops was the Heineken Experience, which was equal parts history lesson and fun hangout. Learning how the iconic beer is made, then ending with a fresh pour ( or four), felt like a very Dutch welcome to the city.

Food was a highlight, as expected. Dutch pancakes deserve their own fan club. Light, fluffy, and topped with everything from powdered sugar to savory meats and cheeses. I may or may not still be thinking about them. In addition to a ton of amazing cheeses and fondue spots and lets not forget the FRIES!!! With all the amazing sauces for dipping - this is a do not skip late night snack.

Another unforgettable evening was a canal dinner cruise. Gliding through the canals as the sun dipped low, lights twinkled on, and courses were served felt straight out of a movie.

Of course, wandering was half the fun. Exploring the narrow streets, peeking into shops, and yes, even walking through the Red Light District, which is far more historic  than most people expect. It’s a fascinating part of Amsterdam’s story and culture.

Amsterdam in the spring is charming, lively, and effortlessly cool. As a pre-cruise destination, it checked every box: beautiful scenery, amazing food, unique experiences, and that laid-back European vibe that instantly makes you slow down and savor the moment, but don't slow down too much - a cyclist will run you over!

Curious about adding Amsterdam on to your next European itinerary ? Reach out to get started.

Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line from Galveston with my family surprised me in the best ways. Honest insights on dining, kids activities, and port days.

Cruising with family always comes with expectations. Some good, some… cautiously optimistic. I’ve cruised before, I book cruises for a living, and still, this Norwegian Cruise Line family cruise managed to surprise me in all the right ways, and a few unexpected ones too.

We sailed roundtrip from Galveston on a 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, visiting Cozumel, Roatán, and NCL’s private destination, Harvest Caye. On paper, it checked all the boxes for a great family itinerary. In reality, it delivered flexibility, fun, and a level of ease that made the entire trip feel refreshingly manageable.

Pool Deck Fun on Norwegian Cruise Line (Without the Chaos)

If you’ve ever cruised with kids, you know the pool deck can make or break the experience. I fully expected noise, crowds, and the constant hunt for a chair, while this was a obstacle occasionally at the main pool deck, having the two ship side pool options on deck eight helped spread out the crowds of pool goers.  We also did our due dillignece and tried every dry slide, wet slide, and the go-kart experience onboard, and they were a huge hit. Norwegian Cruise Line truly delivers when it comes to onboard activities for families - the mini golf and arcade are a do not miss as well.

Dining on an NCL Cruise: The Good and the Not-So-Great

Food is always a big part of any cruise, especially when traveling with family. We dined in five specialty dining restaurants onboard, and every experience was excellent. The quality, service, and atmosphere easily rivaled restaurants on land, making specialty dining on Norwegian Cruise Line well worth it.

Now for the honest part.

The kids menu onboard was a disappointment. Surprisingly, there were no chicken tenders anywhere on the ship, which is a big miss for families with picky eaters. It’s something I hope NCL improves in the future. That said, the buffet completely redeemed the dining experience. It was easily the best cruise ship buffet I’ve ever had. Fresh options, great variety, and something for everyone made it a reliable go-to throughout the week or for a frequent second dinner !

Port Days in Cozumel, Roatán, and Harvest Caye

One of the highlights of this Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary from Galveston was how smooth the port days felt.

Cozumel and Roatán offered plenty of excursions and opportunities to explore without feeling rushed. Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Belize, was exactly what a private port should be. Clean, organized, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly ( but keep in mind none of the onshore F&B are included )

Why Norwegian Cruise Line Works Well for Families

The biggest surprise of this trip wasn’t a single feature or amenity. It was the peace of mind. This is where cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line really shines, especially for families. The flexibility, thoughtful design, and range of experiences allow everyone to enjoy the vacation in their own way.

Final Thoughts on Cruising Norwegian Cruise Line with Kids

Would I cruise Norwegian Cruise Line with my family again? Absolutely.

This sailing reinforced why I often recommend NCL cruises for families ( especially multi generational)  who want an easy, fun, and flexible vacation. While there were a few misses, the overall experience delivered where it mattered most.

From pool deck mornings to port day adventures, great specialty dining to an outstanding buffet, this trip reminded me why cruising continues to be one of the best ways to travel as a family.