First-Time Traveling to Europe? You Need a River Cruise
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
First-Time Traveling to Europe? You Need a River Cruise
The Easiest, Least Stressful Way to See Europe
If you’re planning your first trip to Europe and feel overwhelmed by logistics, a European river cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to experience multiple countries. As a travel advisor, I help first-time Europe travelers save time, avoid mistakes, and enjoy Europe comfortably — without planning stress.
River cruising is an excellent first Europe trip if you:
• Have never been to Europe before
• Want to see a lot without constant moving
• Prefer comfort over chaos
• Value quality over rushing
• Want expert guidance without feeling “touristy”
If that sounds like you, this could be the perfect way to start your Europe travel journey.
Ready to Start Planning Your First Europe Trip?
You don’t need to figure this out alone.
👉 Schedule a free consultationI’ll help you understand your options and decide if a European river cruise fits your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions (First-Time Europe Travelers)
Is a river cruise good for first-time travelers to Europe?Yes. River cruises are one of the easiest ways to see Europe for the first time because transportation, lodging, and sightseeing are handled for you.
Do I need to speak other languages?No. English-speaking guides are provided, and I help you prepare before you go.
Will I have free time, or is everything scheduled?With a lot of river cruise lines, you’ll have guided excursions plus plenty of free time to explore on your own.
Is river cruising only for older travelers?No. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a relaxed, culturally rich way to travel — especially first-time visitors.
Vacation planning for Europe can get overwhelming fast — dozens of cruise lines, hundreds of itineraries, and no clear way to know which one is actually right for you. That's exactly the problem I solve.
I'm Jessica Pratt, an independent travel advisor with Vincent Vacations in Edmond, Oklahoma, serving clients throughout the United States. I specialize in European river cruises and guided tours. My recommendations aren't based on brochures — my firsthand experience shapes every recommendation I make. I've traveled to Europe dozens of times, including cities like: London, Paris, Lucerne, Rome, Florence, and Venice. I've also sailed the Danube with Scenic Luxury Cruises, traveled through Europe with Globus, and have a Viking River Cruise sailing this October. I know what these experiences actually feel like from the inside, and I use that firsthand knowledge to match every client to the right cruise line and itinerary for their specific travel style.
I'm a Certified Specialist with AmaWaterways, Scenic, and the Globus Family of Brands (Globus, Avalon Waterways, and Cosmos). I'm also a member of ASTA, CLIA, and Signature Travel Network.
Beyond river cruising and guided tours, I specialize in Hawaii multi-island itineraries, Alaska cruise tours, and adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.
You know you want to travel to Europe — you're just not sure where to start. That's exactly what our first conversation is for. Schedule a complimentary planning call and let's plan the right experience for you. Click "Contact me" to set up a complimentary vacation planning phone call to get started.
Jessica Pratt
First-Time Traveling to Europe? You Need a River Cruise
Edmond, OK Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
Vacation planning for Europe can get overwhelming fast — dozens of cruise lines, hundreds of itineraries, and no clear way to know which one is actually right for you. That's exactly the problem I solve. I'm Jessica Pratt, an independent travel advisor with Vincent Vacations in Edmond, Oklahoma, serving clients throughout the United States. I specialize in European river cruises and guided tours. My recommendations aren't based on brochures — my firsthand experience shapes every recommendation I make. I've traveled to Europe dozens of times, including cities like: ... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Jessica Pratt on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
Instagram
Follow me on IG! Visual content to connect my travel experiences to you! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new pictures and videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on IG!
YouTube - Vincent Vacations Travel Agency
Please subscribe to my channel! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on YT!
LinkedIn - Vincent Vacations Travel Agency
Network with me - Please connect and follow me on LinkedIn! See my travel posts and join me as I travel around the world! I share new posts to highlight my travels and my travel adventures with Vincent Vacations!
Pinterest
Follow me on Pinterest and see my pins! See my travel related pics, boards, pins, focusing on travel inspiration, latest deals and travel adventures. What it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
Viking Cruise lines is consistently rated #1 in River Cruises, Ocean Cruises and Expedition cruises year after year. I love helping clients create the most amazing experiences they've had on water through Viking.
AmaWaterWays Certified Advisor
I'm thrilled to be an AmaWaterways Certified Specialist to offer clients a luxury river cruise line known for its immersive cultural experiences, exceptional service, and elegantly designed ships. Sailing through Europe, Africa, and Asia, AmaWaterways all-inclusive river cruises let travelers experience fine dining, guided excursions, and wellness programs. Their focus on small-ship intimacy and personalized service makes for an unforgettable journey along some of the world's most scenic waterways. Jessica Pratt - AmaWaterWays River Cruise Specialist
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Emerald Cruise Line Specialist
Having personally sailed with Scenic Luxury Cruises along the Danube River, I know what the effortless, all-inclusive experience feels like. I love planning Scenic Luxury Cruises for their 5-star service and immersive excursions, the spacious suites, gourmet dining, and exclusive cultural experiences. Scenic truly makes it easy and unforgettable. Whether sailing through Europe’s rivers or exploring remote ocean destinations, Scenic is the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Jessica Pratt, Scenic Luxury Cruises Specialist Jessica Pratt, Emerald Cruise Line Specialist
Whether you love adventure, romance or relaxation (or a combination of all of the above), Hawaii is a destination you'll never forget! From beaches and mountains, to waterfalls and hiking and everything in between, you'll dream of going to Hawaii again and again. And if you’ve never experienced the Aloha Spirit – the warm welcome you will receive at every turn in Hawaii – well, it’s not really something I can put into words – you just need to experience it for yourself. I can't wait to send you there!
Princess Cruises Alaska Expert
Princess Cruise line is consistently rated the #1 cruise line in Alaska - for good reason! Offering so many cruise and cruisetour choices, there's something for everyone. I've experienced Alaska first-hand on Princess and will help you choose the best itinerary for your bucket-list Alaskan Adventure!
Globus Family of Brands - Globus, Avalon WaterWays and Cosmos
I've traveled with Globus myself, and that firsthand experience shapes how I plan every guided tour I book for clients — I know what the day-to-day actually feels like, not just what's in the brochure. I also work closely with Avalon Waterways and have gotten to know and experience their river cruise product firsthand. From the Panorama Suites to how their itineraries are built - I highly recommend Avalon River Cruises for my clients as well.
Jessica Pratt — Globus Family of Brands Specialist
Signature Travel Expert
Proud member of Signature Travel Network, an invitation-only consortium of top-performing travel advisors that provides exclusive access to preferred rates, amenities, and supplier relationships not available to the general public.
American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
Proud member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) since 2024, the industry's leading trade association upholding standards of ethics, professionalism, and consumer protection in travel planning.
Certified Sandals Specialist
Couples that are looking for the perfect romantic escape should look no further than a Sandals Resort. Sandals Resorts bring a standard of excellence and inclusions that are unmatched. But matching you to the perfect Sandals Resort Destination is where I excel. Each Sandals resort has it's own unique atmosphere and vibe and I love helping couples find their perfect Sandals.
Travel Alaska Certified Expert
There's something magical about visiting Alaska that you just can't experience anywhere else. From snow capped mountains and glaciers to whale sightings and bald eagles, there’s just so much to see and experience in Alaska. Whether you are interested in an Alaskan Cruise or adventuring by land, I can't wait to help you experience it for yourself!
Aruba Certified Expert
Aruba, affectionately know as 'One Happy Island,' is beloved for its year-round sunshine and ideal location on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt. It's the perfect destination for both families and honeymooners and all types of vacationers in between. Let me send you to Aruba to experience 'One Happy Island' for yourself.
Greater Miami and the Beaches Specialist
From activities and events to accommodations and attractions, Miami offers a myriad of exciting things to do, see, taste and experience. Make it a vacation destination or a pre- or post-cruise experience. Clients from all interests will find something they love in Miami - from the amazing cuisine to the arts to outdoor life.
AMResorts Master Agent
Some of my favorite resorts to send clients to are AMResorts Brands. These include Secrets, Dreams and Breathless, to name a few. This award-winning resort collection offers fantastic service, wonderful amenities and my clients always return from their trip with amazing reviews.
Key West's Key Lime Academy
The Florida Keys has so much to offer. I loved learning about the unique charm of the Keys with insider tips on attractions, photo ops, restaurants and amazing places worth discovering. In Key West, you can find a little bit of everything: sun and sand, adventure and entertainment, culture and romance. I'd love to send you to discover Key West!
La Coleccion Resorts
I'm so excited to have completed the La Colección Resorts certification process. La Coleccion Resorts encompass 15 distinctive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic's most sought-after destinations. I'm here to help exceed my client's expectations on the very best resort vacation experience and the La Coleccion brand brings it home.
Universal Studios Parks & Resorts Specialist
I love to help families plan trips to Universal Studios! There's magic in entering Diagon Alley for the first time and seeing everything you've read in the Harry Potter series come to life. Standing next to life-sized Transformers, going on adventures with Minions and braving Jurassic World are among some of the memories you will bring home after your Universal Studios Vacation. I've completed the official training, sent numerous families on Universal Studios Vacations and experienced Universal Studios myself - I'd love to send you too!
27 Reviews & Success stories
First Viking River Cruise - easy and stress-free
Jessica Pratt was incredibly helpful in planning our first Viking River Cruise. She made the entire process feel easy and stress-free, helping us coordinate all the important details, including our airfare, an extended stay in Amsterdam, and an excursion that we ultimately chose to arrange independently rather than through Viking. What really stood out was Jessica’s communication and attention to detail. She kept us informed of any potential changes or concerns, especially regarding the low water levels on the Rhine and how they might affect our trip. Knowing she was monitoring the situation and keeping us updated gave us great peace of mind. We truly appreciated Jessica’s guidance, professionalism, and personal attention throughout the planning process. She helped make our first river cruise experience something we could look forward to rather than worry about. We highly recommend Jessica to anyone planning a cruise or vacation!
---The Holmes
International Travel Made Easy
Jessica Pratt is absolutely the best!! She has helped us plan 3 international vacations and I won't use anyone else! She also has the patience of a saint, the best travel tips, and bends over backwards to accommodate our travel needs and wants. Thank you Jessica for being our 'go to' for our vacays! -- Annic
Stress Free Honeymoon
Jessica Pratt was awesome to work with. We originally had a trip booked to the Maldives, but had to switch everything to Bora Bora just two weeks before leaving. She handled it super quickly and made the whole process really easy and stress-free. Bora Bora ended up being incredible and everything went smoothly the entire trip. --The Bridges
Until now, I have never used a travel agent. I may never go back to planning things myself....EVER. Jessica Pratt, Hawaii expert, could not describe her any more perfectly. She has been so incredible. From our very first call she was intent on making sure she understood us as clients in order to build the perfect anniversary trip! She thinks of EVERYTHING. I have had zero worries and we cannot wait to be in Hawaii to celebrate our 25th anniversary.
-J & J
Honeymoon & Anniversary Expert
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated travel agent, it’s Jessica Pratt! She has helped us plan some of the most incredible trips, including our honeymoon in Italy, an anniversary getaway to Hawaii, and now our upcoming adventure to St. Lucia. Every time, she has gone above and beyond to make the planning process seamless and stress-free. We can't wait to book our next trip with her! -Libby & Ben
Hawaii Expert. Europe made easy - Flawless Vacation Planning
We really appreciate Jessica Pratt and all her knowledge for recent trips she planned for us. She is a Hawaiian EXPERT. Our Maui trip was perfect. She found the perfect place for us to stay along with the many activities we were able to experience. Our recent trip to Maine was great too! We were able to experience this beautiful state and Jessica created a wonderful itinerary of places we may not have found on our own. We are getting so excited as she is planning our dream vacation to Germany and Italy. We have never been to Europe before and she is turning our overwhelm into excitement and confidence and making it is easy. We are so confident as she is guiding and planning this upcoming trip. Jessica is easy to work with and get a hold of, she is the best!
-Lisa & George
First International Trip was a Dream
My family and I have never been out of the country and we were referred to Jessica Pratt by a mutual friend, and to say she has went above and beyond would be an understatement!!! I have asked soooo many questions and even had to change our dates (after booking) she never hesitated and had so much useful info we would have never even thought to ask about ! I 100% recommend Jessica Pratt!!! -Brittany & Kyle
Paris Anniversary Perfection
Thank you for your hard work on our anniversary trip to Paris. It was absolutely fabulous in every way. It was a perfect balance of planned activities and free time to roam and explore. The hotel you recommended was so perfect. The location was ideal and I highly recommend it as well. You're right - buying tickets in advance for important activities is the only way to go - but also finding some amazing gems while roaming the streets - true perfection. Picking a favorite is so hard. --- Heather
Italy was a Dream Trip
It was so wonderful to have an Italian guide who shared so much history throughout! Not only did he talk about the historical sites, but we also learned about the farmland, lifestyles and so much more during our travel from city to city! In one day, we were able to see the Colosseum and the Vatican because of our private bus and the skip-the-line tours that were reserved for us. We could have never done that on our own. Lines were wrapped around every building and most of those sites limit how many people enter each day so tickets are difficult to get. We added days on before and after the tour. Jessica handled EVERY DETAIL (scheduled our hotels, train rides and provided transfers) which would have taken me days to research and plan out. She checked on us throughout our trip to make sure it was everything we had dreamed of. And it was! -- Emily
Amazing first time at Secrets Maroma Beach
Jessica Pratt planned the best vacation for our family! We went to Secrets Maroma Beach Cancun in July 2024. We had never been out of the country before so we had no idea how to plan a trip. She made it so easy because she did EVERYTHING, from the minute we arrived at the airport to leave until we arrived at the airport to come home and even more. She gave us details for the entire week we would be gone! We all know vacations can have bumps in them that cannot be avoided but they can be especially scary when you're out of the country! We had an emergency situation while we were there and Jessica was just a call away and was texting with me throughout the day and even into the night when we made it back to our resort! She held our hand the entire way. Jessica absolutely made our time away amazing even when there were bumps! We will absolutely be using her again! -- Shannon T
Dream Hawaiian Vacation
We just got back from a dream vacation in Hawaii!! We are so thankful to Jessica!! She listened and took into account our families wants and planned according!! We had the perfect mix of super fun activities and relaxing by the pool and beach!! (She didn’t even get mad when I forgot the time difference and texted her at 1am 😬) we can’t wait to start planning our next adventure with her!!❤️ ---Danae S
Italy Babymoon was amazing
Jessica Pratt is the best. She is very helpful even when there is a 7+ hour time difference between us. Very grateful for her being our travel agent. -- Ashtin B.
We LOVED Sandals Royal Bahamian
We absolutely loved Sandals Royal Bahamian!! The trip was incredibly relaxing. We will definitely go back. The water was the prettiest I’ve ever been to. Our favorite part was the private island. The restaurant was absolutely delicious!!
The room was wonderful. Our view was great. We could sit on our balcony and watch the people in the pool and see the ocean. Housekeeping and the cleanliness of the resort was fabulous!!!!
Thank you for helping make this an amazing vacation for us. You are amazing - always so attentive and so helpful!
-Jennifer L
Sandals Royal Bahamian was the perfect destination to celebrate our 10th Anniversary
We absolutely LOVED our trip. Our favorite part was by far the private island. I think if you asked my husband, he would say the chocolate cookies at the coffee food truck (Sweets N Tings) - amazing!
We rented Jet Skis and That was AMAZING and so glad we did it. Food and Drinks were awesome! All of the restaurants were SOO good. We really enjoyed our butler’s. Thanks for all of your help with our 10 year anniversary, Jessica. You helped us pick the PERFECT Sandals Resort and It was the most perfect trip!!!
-Katie H
Magnificent Alaskan Cruise
Everything about that trip was magnificent! You did so well on that trip for me and dad that I will take your recommendations on all future trips - thank you for all the work you did! -- Kathy
Alaskan Adventure
We had the time of our lives! Thank you for all of your help. We could have never taken our whole family on an Alaskan Cruise without your guidance. What an adventure! -- Clint & Jill
Dream Hawaiian Anniversary
There's no way we would have known about all these wonderful things you have booked for us. Thank you for planning a perfect anniversary trip. Hawaii was everything and more than we could have dreamed of. -- Jimmy & Karen
Paradise in Hawaii
Jessica told us things that we would have never have known to do (in Maui) if we had planned the vacation ourselves. She listened to what we wanted to do, and offered us suggestions accordingly. We truly enjoyed planning our dream vacation to Maui with her and will use y her again in the future. I have already recommended her to my friends. -Rhonda
The most incredible honeymoon!!!
Jessica answered any and all of my questions and created such an amazing vacation experience for us (Trip: Unico Riviera Maya, All-inclusive, Adults only). -Jordan
Beach Getaway
Jessica was extremely organized, thorough, and easy to work with. (Trip: Eden Roc, Miami, Florida) -Tina
Best family trip we've taken!
The entire experience was seamless and exceptional! From start to finish we were please. She thought of everything and took into account all our request. Will be using her again. (Trip: DisneyWorld, Orlando, Florida) -A.W.
Disney with ease!
I had a great experience and will be booking again! (Trip: DisneyWorld, Orlando, Florida) -Haley
Amazing Time Away
Jessica was great! she listened to our wants and needs then delivered exactly what we were looking for. (Trip to Secrets Los Cabos, Mexico) -KKapp
Great Getaway to Captiva Island
Jessica was very helpful and was always pleasant and a pleasure to work with. (Trip to Captiva Island, Florida) -Senior Citizen
Disney Wishes and Epcot Dreams
Jessica actually planned two trips for us because the first one got cancelled. She was great both times and was very timely and thorough in her responses. The first trip we planned was easy because we had taken cruises before but the second trip, Disney (Orlando, Florida), we were out of our comfort zone. Jessica guided us along the way making sure we were able to plan a great trip in a very short timeframe with COVID limitations on top of all of it. -Jessica J.
Happy Boy Momma - Universal Studios
I’m gonna brag on Jessica Pratt a whole lot right now!! She made our trip to Universal Studios (Orlando, Florida) very amazing.. as a single mom it’s hard to save up and do for the kids. But she made everything I wanted possible! I just will sing her praises from the roof tops! We will definitely use her again.. and I highly recommend using her!! -K Beck
Jessica was awesome to work with. She was very helpful and patient with me as my plans changed multiple times before the final trip was booked. We had a great trip (Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Naples, Florida) and will be using Jessica again in the future. -Coconut Point
Honestly, it's not much of a surprise. At some point, most cruisers hit the same wall: the ship gets too big, the crowds get bigger, and somewhere along the way the actual destination starts feeling like an afterthought to the ship itself. Which is great - for SOME travelers. But that's usually the moment my clients start asking me about small ships and options that feel more personal and relaxing.
What tends to wear people down on mega-ships:
Ports that turn into a shuffle of a few thousand people trying to see the same landmark at the same time
Excursions that feel more like crowd control than travel
Service that's friendly but can't really be personal at that scale
A schedule built around the ship's entertainment instead of your actual day
What changes on a small ship. Um....everything... in the best way. Boarding and getting off the ship stops being a production. You get more time in port instead of less. The whole pace slows down because there's no reason to rush - nobody's fighting you for a lounge chair.
The actual bottom line. Luxury used to get measured in how much was on the ship and how many amenities you can score. Now more than ever, it's measured in how little you have to think about once you're on the ship. Small ships aren't a passing trend - they're what a lot of experienced cruisers land on once they've already tried the alternative and decided they're done.
I've experienced Scenic myself on multiple occasions and planned it for dozens of clients - who keep coming back again and again. I can't wait to help you experience it yourself.
Booking a vacation two years out sounds a little excessive until you've watched what happens to the good suites on a small luxury ship. They don't sell out because of a big marketing push. They sell out quietly, months before most people even notice, because the travelers who already sail this way heard about it first and want in on an epic trip like no other.
That's exactly what's happening with Scenic Ikon. And the travelers who have committed early will be the ones saying 'WOW' in 2028.
Why luxury travelers plan this far ahead. It's never about chasing a deal. It's about:
A specific suite category, not just 'any suite'
A stunning itinerary - peak season - and amazing ports
A Celebration that deserves a moment - an anniversary, a retirement, a milestone birthday
Flights and pre/post stays that need to be built around the cruise, not scrambled last minute
The Greek Isles.Gems of the Greek Isles, sailing August 2028, is the one I'm most excited about. A small ultra-luxury ship that's included with everything you'd need - yes please.
What booking early actually buys you. Not just a cabin - it's first pick of suite category, the itinerary you actually want instead of whatever's left over, and early enough to plan flights and extra at ease instead of scrambling last minute.
I already have guests sailing on Ikon, and can't wait to get more travelers to have this amazing experience. If you've been circling the idea of something ultra luxury — smaller ship, less noise, more time in the places you're actually paying to see — I can't wait to help
'Scenic? Never heard of it' .... that's what I hear from most clients looking for luxury. Followed by 'Is it worth it? What's actually different, besides the price tag.' And that's a fair question!
The short answer: 100% YES! Scenic is so worth it. It's not just the price tag - which is honestly spectacular for what you're getting. It's not just more amenities and fancier surroundings. It's fewer decisions. It's staff who know your name and your drink order. It's an all-inclusive model that actually behaves like one — meaning the things you'd normally itemize somewhere else are already handled before you even board.
What that looks like in practice:
Smaller ships instead of floating small cities
Service that's personalized because there aren't 4,000 people competing for it
Itineraries built around experiencing a destination, not just docking there
Dining that doesn't require an upcharge decision at every turn
The best part? You feel like you're forgetting to do something prior to sailing - except you're not. Scenic just makes it that easy. You'll want to sail with them again and again.
If you want the specifics on how Scenic might compare to some other brands - let's chat.
