‍Why Hire a Virtuoso Travel Advisor When You Can Book a Cruise Yourself?

One of the most common questions we hear at DeSalvio Travel is: Why should I use a travel advisor when I can book the cruise myself online — and for the same price? It’s a fair question. But as a proud member of Virtuoso, one of the world’s leading network of luxury travel advisors, we’re in a position to offer much more than just the cruise booking itself.

We don’t sell trips — we design journeys. And the cruise is only one part of the story.

Danube River Views

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Cruise lines like Viking and AmaWaterways are incredibly popular, with beautifully planned itineraries and great onboard service. But choosing the right cruise, at the right time, with the right itinerary and cabin, can still be surprisingly complex. We, at DeSalvio Travel,  guide you through these choices with clarity and confidence — saving you time, avoiding missteps, and creating the trip that fits you perfectly.

Beyond the sailing itself, we will help you design your desired travel-experience. That might include time in Amsterdam before your river cruise, a few days in Lisbon afterwards, or a private transfer from your airport to the ship. Every piece is arranged, personalized, and timed so that everything fits together — including:

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• Trusted hotels in central locations
• Private drivers and local guides
• Restaurant reservations or museum passes
• Support throughout your trip, should anything change along the way

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Many travelers don’t realize how much variation exists between cabins, or how much impact the time of year can have. We’re here to advise you on details like:

• The quietest cabin locations
• Where the views are best along your sailing route
• Which side of the ship to choose (and why)
• When to avoid low water levels or overcrowded ports

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And if something unexpected happens — a delayed flight, a missed connection, or an issue onboard — you won’t be on hold with a call center. You’ll have us to support you, with direct access and the ability to act on your behalf. That kind of support turns a problem into a solvable moment — without stress.

Now, the great thing people often don’t expect: through our Virtuoso partnership, we’re often able to include special benefits on select cruises, such as:

• Onboard credit (often worth several hundred dollars)
• Priority cabin upgrades (when available)
• Complimentary wine or champagne in your stateroom
• Invitations to exclusive on-shore excursions
• VIP handling onboard

These are not available through direct booking at the cruise-line website, and they come at no extra cost to you. And if you find the same cruise for a better price elsewhere, we’ll match it — while still including our personal service, planning, and Virtuoso extras.

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So yes, you can absolutely book a river cruise yourself. But when you work with DeSalvio Travel, you get the same price of the cruise— with a professionally designed itinerary, direct support, insider knowledge, and added value that enhances the entire experience of your trip.

If you're still deciding on the right destination or cruise, we invite you to get in touch for a personal consultation. We’ll walk you through the possibilities, explore what suits you best, and take care of the planning — so that your journey unfolds with ease, intention, and enjoyment from start to finish.

Schedule a call here

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Robert Poortinga  
Travel Booking Assistant  
River cruise & Europe destination expert  
Culinary and art travel specialist

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