Minoru Matthews

<p>River cruising is one of the most elegant, immersive, and relaxing ways to explore the world—and it has quickly become one of my favorite travel styles to specialize in. As a certified travel advisor, I’ve completed formal training with all of the major river cruise lines, including Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. Each of these cruise lines offers a unique experience—ranging from AmaWaterways' wellness-focused sailings and wine cruises to Uniworld’s all-inclusive luxury with boutique hotel-style ships. Viking is known for its cultural depth and consistency, while Avalon offers spacious Panorama Suites and flexible excursions. I know the strengths of each line and help clients confidently choose the one that matches their travel personality, interests, and pace.</p>
<p>River cruises take you into the heart of destinations that ocean ships can’t reach. You’ll dock directly in walkable towns and historic cities like Vienna, Strasbourg, Budapest, and Rouen—often just steps from the action. Itineraries are rich in culture, history, food, and wine, and many excursions are included, with expert guides bringing local traditions to life. You won’t find flashy water slides or casinos onboard—river cruising is about meaningful travel, scenic sailing, and curated experiences with a more intimate crowd.</p>
<p>With such a variety of rivers, regions, ships, and sailing styles available, I offer clients more than just bookings—I provide insight. I’ll help you understand the differences between ships and stateroom categories (French balconies, full balconies, or picture windows?), recommend ideal travel seasons, and identify which itineraries offer the best pacing or themed departures. Whether you're interested in festive Christmas Markets, spring tulip cruises, wine sailings, or once-in-a-lifetime rivers like the Douro, Nile, or Mekong, I’ll make sure every detail suits your needs.</p>
<p>In addition to cruise selection, I assist with every aspect of your journey, including pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, flight planning, travel insurance, and optional excursions. I also keep you updated on promotional offers, past guest discounts, and value-added extras that aren’t always advertised online.</p>
<p>If you’re new to river cruising or looking to branch out from your usual line or itinerary, I’d love to help you discover a trip that flows at just the right pace for you. Let’s turn your next vacation into a story worth telling—one scenic riverbend at a time.</p>