RIVER CRUISES
European River Cruises, Planned Right
Castles, vineyards and a new town nearly every morning, with Kevin Smith planning the details.
A River Cruise Is a Great Fit If…
01
You’d rather explore a town than sit through sea days.
02
You like a small ship where the crew learns your name.
03
You want most meals, excursions and wine with dinner already planned (varies by line).
04
You’re celebrating something: an anniversary, a retirement, a milestone birthday.
05
You love history, food and wine more than water slides.
06
You’d like to see several countries without repacking a suitcase.
Rivers We Love
The Danube
Budapest lit up at night, Vienna’s coffee houses, and the vineyard villages of Austria’s Wachau Valley. A classic first river cruise.
The Rhine
Castles on the hillsides, Swiss and German towns, and the Middle Rhine’s storybook stretch. Pairs well with a few days in Amsterdam or Switzerland.
The Moselle
A quieter, winding river through steep vineyards and half-timbered towns. Often combined with the Rhine.
More Rivers to Explore
Paris and Normandy on the Seine, plus the Rhône, the Douro and holiday-market sailings in December. Ask Kevin what’s sailing in your season.
A Day on the River
Most mornings you wake up docked in a new town. After breakfast there’s usually a guided walk, then the afternoon is yours: a wine tasting, a bike ride along the river, or a nap on the sun deck while the hills roll by. Dinner is relaxed, and the ship often sails on in the evening so you wake up somewhere new. It’s an easy way to see a lot without feeling rushed.
When to Go
Spring
Mar–May
Tulip season in Holland, fresh green valleys and fewer crowds.
Summer
Jun–Aug
Long days and warm evenings. Book early; it’s the busiest season.
Fall
Sep–Nov
Harvest time in wine country and gorgeous color. A favorite with our travelers.
Holiday
Late Nov–Dec
Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube. Cozy, festive and popular, so plan ahead.
Water levels can change plans on any river. Kevin will explain how each line handles it before you book.
Extras You Can Get by Booking With Us
Light Travels is an affiliate of Signature Travel Network, a group of top independent agencies. That relationship can open doors you won’t find booking on your own.
- Signature Cruise Experience credit or shipboard credit
- Prepaid gratuities
- Hosted sailings with a private welcome reception
- Group rates and amenities for family or friends traveling together
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays planned around your sailing
Available on select sailings. Benefits vary by cruise line and sailing and can change. Kevin will confirm exactly what applies to your booking.
What Kevin Takes Care Of
01
Matching you to the right river, line and ship
02
Choosing the right cabin and deck
03
Flights to Europe and transfers to the ship
04
Hotel nights before or after, in cities like Prague, Amsterdam or Paris
05
Travel insurance options explained in plain English
06
Final documents, packing tips, and help if anything changes
YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST
Meet Kevin Smith
Cruise and group travel advisor
Kevin has spent three decades in sales and customer service, and he brings that same care to every cruise he plans. He helps clients compare ships, lines and cabins, then handles the details from booking to the trip home. A Philadelphia native, Kevin now calls Maine home. When he isn’t planning trips, he’s outdoors or watching NASCAR.
“It’s exciting to visit different places and be exposed to new things… I get to help clients see their plans come to life.”
– Kevin
Kevin enjoys helping first-time river cruisers choose the right river, line and ship.
- One person who knows your trip from start to finish
- Help with group cabins for families and friends
- Straight answers on what's included and what isn't
Tell Kevin About Your Cruise
Share a few details and we’ll follow up to talk it through. No commitment. In the form, choose Cruising as your type of travel and enter Kevin as your preferred agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and fall are favorites for mild weather and fewer crowds, summer has the longest days, and December brings the Christmas markets. Kevin can suggest the best timing for the river you have in mind.
Many river cruises include meals, wine or beer with lunch and dinner, and guided excursions in port, but it varies by line and fare. Kevin will spell out what is and isn’t included before you book.
The Danube and the Rhine are popular first choices because they pass through famous cities and scenic valleys. The best fit depends on your interests, and Kevin will walk you through the options.
Rivers are calm inland waterways, so most travelers feel little or no motion. If you’re concerned, mention it to Kevin when planning.
Water levels can occasionally affect sailings. Cruise lines may adjust the route, swap ships or use motorcoaches. Kevin will explain each line’s approach and help if changes come up.
Popular dates, especially spring, fall and the holiday markets, often fill early, so many travelers book about a year ahead. Reach out to Kevin as soon as you have dates in mind.