AmaWaterways is the Real Deal!, Chicago Travel Agent Near Me-Joe Merendino

Joe Merendino

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AmaWaterways is the Real Deal!

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AmaWaterways is the Real Deal!

Holland and Belgium River Cruise…

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on a European river cruise? I had a preconceived notion thinking this was an old person’s vacation. Although river cruises do attract older people and accommodate those who may have mobility issues, this is definitely not an elderly cruise! I can tell you that this was one of the most fascinating vacations I have ever been on. The AmaStella was our vessel, or ship, and is basically like a floating hotel. Your room is always in the same location on board so no need to pack your bags and change rooms every few days. AmaWaterways offers a variety of cruise itineraries that will keep you interested time and time again. Right now they are celebrating 20 years in business with some amazing prices!

We flew out a day before the cruise and did a little sightseeing in Amsterdam. I highly recommend doing this to get acclimated to the time change. We took a canal cruise which was interesting, but not recommended if you have jet lag! The warm sun made my eyelids heavy and I am sure I missed a thing or two!

Saturday morning we took the Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour which took us through the Jewish Quarter. Our guide, Roza, did a great job telling us about what it was like in Amsterdam during WWII.

One stop was at the Auschwitz Monument. The monument is made of broken mirrors signifying that 'heaven is no longer unbroken since Auschwitz.'

The last stop of the tour was in front of the Frank house where Anne and her family survived for 761 days! Unfortunately we did not get to go in the house, but seeing the outside of the house in person as well as renderings of the inside makes it even more remarkable that they survived there for so long.

Our first stop on the AmaStella was in Utrecht, Amsterdam. In the morning we visited Floriada, the international horticultural exhibition. Castle De Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands, was where we spent the afternoon.

Castle De Haar was once the private residence of the Van Zuylen family, whose descendants still stay here yearly. The castle also frequently hosted members of the international jet-set with their lavish lifestyle; from Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, they too left their mark on the plush rooms of the most beautiful spot in Utrecht.

Lastly, we had dinner at the chef’s table aboard the beautiful AmaWaterways, AmaStella! A wonderful experience with several passengers in a private dining room. This is available for all guests at least one night on the cruise. Delicious!

It's a good trip when you can't remember what day of the week it is while on vacation! On Tuesday, June 28th we were in Ghent, Belgium! A beautiful and quaint city with so much to offer! Our day started by visiting the St. Bavo Cathedral and the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The Ghent Altarpiece, or ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers, completed in 1432, is recognized worldwide as a great work of art, and one of the most influential paintings ever made. Hubert van Eyck painted part of the Ghent Altarpiece that includes the Mystic Lamb, but was never able to finish it. His younger brother Jan, completed this masterpiece a few years after Hubert’s death.

This church was originally named Saint John the Baptist in 942. The diocese of Ghent was founded in 1559 and the church became St Bavo's Cathedral.

After this, we had free time to explore. We ate waffle fries, bought and tasted some chocolate, visited the smallest bar in Ghent (which used to be a jail) and then off to visit the Gravenstein Castle. The moated castle was built by Count Phillip of Alsace in 1180. I am so impressed with how well these castles have stood the test of time. When I think about how long ago they were built with no modern way of constructing such a large building, it really is amazing!

One of our days was spent at the Battle of the Bulge site. What rich history is here in Belgium! The perspective of this museum is one of great appreciation of the United States and what they did to save their country during World War II. Our tour guide was a walking encyclopedia! He had so much knowledge of World War II and how each country became involved.

The photos below are from the museum, the actual battle field where foxholes still exist, a memorial to the 101st Airborne Division, memorials to honor General Patton and General McAuliffe. The people of Belgium are incredibly grateful to the United States and paid to have these memorials in their country.

Our day in Antwerp was spent participating in a walking tour of the city and ending our time with a Belgium beer tour! We saw the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen’s Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain. This particular city paid homage to the Virgin Mary. Citizens from long ago would place a statue of the Virgin Mary on a light post so they would not have to pay taxes! Some statues were elaborate and some very simple, but all placed for the same reason. We ended our day with a beer tour tasting local beers. Some were good, others not so much! After all that beer, I finally found my Belgium waffle! It was delicious!

The last day was in a small beautiful harbor town called Dordrecht. I was in awe of this beautiful community. We walked the city streets learning all about the rich history and sightseeing the amazing homes and businesses. Dordrecht is Holland’s oldest city, being founded in 1220. The last tour of the day was visiting the iconic windmills in Kinderdijk. This small town is known for having the largest concentration of windmills dating back to the 18th century. The first windmill still exists today! What I found so interesting is that the windmills are used to pump water back to the sea to keep the town from flooding. We climbed inside a windmill to see how it works and received some interesting information from a “miller” who is someone who operates the windmill.

If you are now inspired to find an AmaWaterways river cruise that fits your interests, please contact me at laura@vincentvacations.com or 918-645-9524.

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2/2
2025

Expedition Cruising 101: What Is an Expedition Cruise, and Is It Right for You?

Introduction: The Ultimate Adventure AwaitsEver dreamed of kayaking past glaciers in Antarctica, spo...

Introduction: The Ultimate Adventure Awaits

Ever dreamed of kayaking past glaciers in Antarctica, spotting polar bears in the Arctic, or snorkeling with sea lions in the Galápagos? If so, expedition cruising might be your perfect adventure.

Unlike traditional cruises that visit well-known ports, expedition cruises take you to the most remote, untouched, and breathtaking places on Earth—with expert guides leading the way. Whether you're a wildlife lover, adventure enthusiast, or someone looking for a truly immersive travel experience, expedition cruising offers something beyond the ordinary.

But is an expedition cruise right for you? Let’s break it down.

What Is an Expedition Cruise?

An expedition cruise is a small-ship voyage focused on adventure, exploration, and education rather than entertainment and resort-style amenities. Instead of massive cruise ships with casinos and Broadway shows, expedition vessels are built for navigating narrow fjords, icy waters, and remote archipelagos—places that large ships simply can’t reach.

Key features of expedition cruising:
✅ Small ships (usually 100-200 passengers, sometimes fewer)
✅ Remote destinations (think Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon)
✅ Expert-led excursions (naturalists, scientists, and historians on board)
✅ Adventure-based activities (hiking, kayaking, Zodiac rides, snorkeling)
✅ Casual atmosphere (no need for formal wear—it's all about comfort and function)

Expedition cruises are designed to bring you closer to nature, culture, and history—all while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Expedition Cruise vs. Traditional Cruise: What’s the Difference?

If you've been on a mainstream cruise before, you might be wondering how expedition cruising compares. Here's a side-by-side breakdown:

Feature	Expedition Cruise	Traditional Cruise
Destinations	Remote regions like Antarctica, Galápagos, Arctic, and Amazon	Popular tourist ports (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska)
Ship Size	Small, often under 200 guests	Large, 2,000+ passengers
Excursions	Zodiac safaris, guided hikes, wildlife encounters	City tours, shopping, cultural performances
Entertainment	Expert-led lectures, photography workshops	Theaters, casinos, live shows
Dining	Small-scale, locally inspired, and sustainable cuisine	Buffet-style dining, multiple specialty restaurants
Luxury Level	Varies (from ultra-luxury to more rugged experiences)	Ranges from budget to ultra-luxury
Passenger Mindset	Curious, adventure-seeking travelers	Leisure-focused travelers

If you’re looking for adventure, discovery, and learning over entertainment and nightlife, an expedition cruise is calling your name.

Top Expedition Cruise Destinations (Where Can You Go?)

One of the biggest draws of expedition cruising is the unbelievable destinations you can visit. Here are five of the most popular:

1. Antarctica – The Last Great Wilderness

Why go? Walk among thousands of penguins, kayak past towering icebergs, and witness seals lounging on floating ice.

Best time to visit: November to March (Antarctic summer).

Cruise lines: Silversea Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant, Quark Expeditions.

2. The Arctic – Land of the Polar Bear

Why go? Spot polar bears in Svalbard, witness the Northern Lights, and explore the remote landscapes of Greenland.

Best time to visit: June to September.

Cruise lines: Hurtigruten, Seabourn Expeditions, Viking Expeditions.

3. Galápagos Islands – Evolution in Action

Why go? Snorkel with sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, and see the unique species that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Best time to visit: Year-round, with wildlife activity peaking in different seasons.

Cruise lines: Celebrity Flora, Lindblad-National Geographic, Silversea Expeditions.

4. Amazon River – The Heart of the Rainforest

Why go? Navigate through the dense jungle, spot exotic wildlife, and experience indigenous cultures.

Best time to visit: Year-round, with high water (Dec-May) and low water (June-Nov) seasons offering different experiences.

Cruise lines: Aqua Expeditions, Delfin Amazon Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions.

5. Kimberley Coast, Australia – Rugged and Remote

Why go? See ancient Aboriginal rock art, cruise through dramatic canyons, and witness breathtaking waterfalls.

Best time to visit: April to October.

Cruise lines: Ponant, Coral Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions.

What to Expect Onboard an Expedition Cruise

Unlike mega-ships with waterslides and dance clubs, expedition cruise ships are all about experience and education. Here’s what you can expect:

🚢 Small, comfortable cabins (some are luxurious, others are more functional)
🍽️ Locally sourced cuisine (many focus on sustainability and regional specialties)
📚 Expert lectures and workshops (wildlife, climate science, history)
🚤 Daily Zodiac excursions (get up close to glaciers, wildlife, and remote landscapes)
🎒 Gear provided (some lines offer boots, parkas, and waterproof equipment)

While some expedition ships are ultra-luxury (Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant) and others are more rugged and research-focused (Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions), all offer a front-row seat to some of the most unforgettable landscapes on Earth.

Is an Expedition Cruise Right for You?

🚀 You’ll love it if:
✅ You crave adventure and discovery.
✅ You prefer small-group, immersive experiences over mass tourism.
✅ You’re fascinated by wildlife, nature, and cultural exploration.
✅ You enjoy active excursions like hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling.
✅ You want a truly off-the-grid experience in remote parts of the world.

⛔ You might want to reconsider if:
❌ You prefer large ships with casinos, shopping, and nightlife.
❌ You get nervous about traveling to remote places.
❌ You need predictable weather (expedition travel often comes with surprises!).

Expedition cruises aren’t just about relaxation—they’re about experiencing the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Final Thoughts: Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

If you’re looking for a bucket-list travel experience that takes you beyond the usual tourist trails, expedition cruising is an unforgettable way to explore the world’s most remote and beautiful places.

🔹 Want help picking the perfect expedition cruise? Let’s chat! I can help you find the right destination, ship, and itinerary for your ultimate adventure.