It’s been more than a year since I began planning my Dream Cruise. I named it such because it aspires to depict what I view to be the perfect river cruise, starting in an iconic city, Amsterdam; transiting the storied Rhine and beautiful Moselle; taking place during my favorite time of year to river cruise, October; and for a duration of more than seven days (our readers say they prefer river cruises that span more than a week). Sounds dreamy, right?
The moment has nearly arrived. In a couple of weeks, I depart for Europe to join 35 others who are cruising with me on my Dream Cruise. Here’s how I am gearing up for what promises to be a wonderful trip with a great group of folks.
I’ve checked my passport expiration dates, booked my business class air tickets (see Dream Cruise Business Class Air For Only $2,594?) and reviewed my documents from AmaWaterways. There are many moving parts for a trip like this, not only for me managing the group of nearly three dozen but also for managing my travel details, packing and more.
I’ve written many posts about packing. A few tips from the start:
What most people who reach out to me want to know is how dressy they need to be for dinners—or conversely, how casual of dress they can get away with. As one couple told me with a laugh, “There’s a lot of difference in Philadelphia casual and Southern casual.” I will pack a sport coat for the few times that I want to clean up more than usual, but generally, I plan to dress ready for activity. After all, this trip includes many opportunities for cycling, hiking, walking—and even activities such as yoga on deck. As I approach age 67, I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of flexibility, and so my goal is to be up early for the yoga sessions. Expect to see me in ready-to-be-active clothing for most of the trip.
Of course, layering is important. I’ll pack merino wool t-shifts, long and short sleeve, a few dress shirts, merino wool outer layers and a lightweight rain jacket. I’ll also pack items specifically for cycling. See Packing Tips For Cycling Cruises.
AmaWaterways has fast and free internet on board, but I also like to be connected while ashore, so as I do on each trip to Europe, I will purchase an international data package. These can be easily added to your smartphones and tablets. See my post Using An eSIM For Blazingly Fast Internet On The Rivers Of Europe.
I have traveled in Europe for decades and have experienced more thefts in Europe than I have here in the U.S. I’ve had a bike stolen, passport, cash, hard drive—and more. And I consider myself to be careful! For some of us, the data on our smartphones ranks as one of the most important things in our possession. I take steps to protect my data if my phone were stolen and recommend that everyone do so. See A Few Safety Tips For River Cruising.
We’ve posted lots of articles about trip insurance. How much you need depends on your tolerance for risk. Do you need CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason?) It’s pricey. I typically like to have trip/baggage delay insurance, medical coverage and insurance that will get me home should a medical necessity require such.
I find that I rarely need cash (euros) in Europe, and though I carry some coins and bills, typically I pay for goods and services using Apple Pay (or Google Pay for android users), simply tapping my phone to make a payment. My back up is to pay by credit card, and as a last resort, cash. Using credit cards with no currency conversion fees usually results in favorable exchange rates. That said, when I do need currency, I use an ATM that appears safe and with a friend or two standing around me, protecting my PIN code from prying eyes.
I do need a haircut, and in the past I have always taken care of that before leaving home. But as I told someone after returning home from spending May in France, “Paris, France is cheaper than the Paris of the South.” Allow me to explain. Asheville is sometimes referred to as the Southern City of Light because of our sprawling chateau, Biltmore Estate; writers who lived or spent time here, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, O’Henry and others; and the city’s architectural beauty. Suffice to say, we’re no Paris. My point, however, is that many things can be done after you leave home because, well, prices have not gotten ridiculous in Europe and the dollar has relative strength against the euro. Getting a haircut in Paris was a fun experience. Turned out, my hairdresser was from Sardinia, an island I had visited, so we had a good chat. One of his colleagues helped me prepare for my haircut, taking my jacket and extending a white robe for me to wear while having my haircut. As she held the robe, I began to enter it facing forward before realizing my mistake and saying, “I’m not a doctor.” “Nor am I,” she replied with a laugh. Turned out she was a Canadian living in Paris. These types of interactions can be fun—and not only cheaper than at home but also less time-stressed before leaving.
We’re studying the rivers and places we will go. I’m listening to audio books about the Rhine. I’m sure there are a few things I have forgotten on my list—and likely things I will forget to take with me, but I know I can pick those up in Europe. We’re looking forward to a fun adventure cruising the Rhine and Moselle, then spending five days in Switzerland afterward. It all sounds rather dreamy, and that of course is the goal on a cruise that AmaWaterways’ dubs as Rhine & Moselle Fairytales. And I’ll be repeating it all again next year—on the beautiful Rhone river. More details for that trip can be found here: Dream Cruise 2025 | Colors of Provence.
In Paris for five days before heading to Besançon and Burgundy, I found Montmartre to be the ideal soft landing — long walks, café life, a good first meal and the quiet pleasure of easing back into Europe.
Looking for the best river cruises in Europe in 2026? These are the ones I’m recommending right now, from a $2,182 CroisiEurope itinerary in Venice and Lake Como to a $6,729 Active & Discovery sailing with Avalon in Holland and Belgium, along with standout Danube and Rhône options from AmaWaterways, Uniworld and Riverside.
AmaWaterways christened its newest river ship, AmaSofia, on March 14 during the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam.
Explore AmaWaterways’ Colombia itinerary, featuring stunning river cruises from Cartagena to Barranquilla for an unforgettable journey.
Airport security lines are stretching to hours. Here’s how river cruise travelers can use TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR to breeze through.
River Cruise Advisor was quoted in The New York Times in a story about how to prepare for your first river cruise. The article highlights what first-time cruisers should know before booking, including why the Danube is often an ideal choice for beginners thanks to its mix of iconic cities and charming smaller towns.
