“Should I use a travel agent to book a European river cruise?”

With over 19 million Americans taking cruises each year and 41% of desired U.S. outbound trips heading to Europe, it’s clear that European river cruising is more popular than ever — and more complex to plan well.

That’s why more travelers are turning to cruise experts like DeSalvio Travel to ensure every detail flows smoothly — from ship to shore and everything in between.

Not Just a Cruise — A Seamless Journey

River cruise lines such as Viking, AmaWaterways, Tauck, and others each offer distinct itineraries, ship layouts, and onboard styles. Finding the one that matches your travel style takes more than guesswork.

We guide you through the options, help you choose the right itinerary and ship, and make sure your cabin fits your comfort and view preferences — whether you want river-level intimacy or an upper-deck suite with private balcony.

What Happens Before and After the Cruise? That’s Where It Gets Interesting.

Some of the best moments on a European cruise happen before and after your sailing. Imagine:

• A night in Lisbon with a private Fado performance before your Douro cruise
• A morning exploring Cologne’s Old Town before boarding on the Rhine
• A few post-cruise days relaxing in Venice, Budapest, or Amsterdam with private guides and food tours

We arrange everything around the sailing — airport pickups, luxury hotels in central locations, insider guides, dinner reservations, and local transport — so you don’t have to worry about missing a beat.

Why a Cruise Expert Makes the Difference

European cruises involve far more than picking a boat:

• Choosing the right season: avoid low water levels or overcrowded holidays
• Understanding which river line fits your preferences and travel goals
• Selecting your cabin — it really matters on small ships with limited categories
• Navigating Europe’s airports, train stations, and visa rules
• Avoiding mistakes with insurance, logistics, and timing

DeSalvio Travel is an independent cruise expert and part of Virtuoso, the world’s leading network for luxury and experiential travel. That means you get top-tier access, trusted recommendations, and exclusive perks you won’t find by booking direct.

Let’s Design Your Perfect Cruise — and the Journey Around It

You could book your cruise yourself — but why stop at just the sailing?

Let us elevate your entire experience with personalized support, curated planning, and insider connections that take your trip from good to unforgettable.

Schedule your complimentary consultation now and let’s begin crafting a European journey made just for you.

Let’s Start Planning

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

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