European river cruises have a lot going for them – wonderful scenery, intimate experiences, and hassle-free shore excursions that don’t involve tenders or long bus rides. No wonder they’re gaining in popularity every year.

One of the most enjoyable European river cruises is a “tulip time” cruises through the Netherlands and Belgium when the spring flowers are at their peak. Read more…

Last year, more than 14 million people took a cruise. Most of them were happy, well-fed, and had the time of their lives.

But some were disappointed, disgruntled, and even down-right miserable. So when you’re finally ready to take the plunge and try cruising yourself, how can you sort through all the cruises ships that are out there to find one that’s right for you?

As is so often the case, our advice is to do plenty of trip planning in advance. The more you figure out ahead of time, the happier you’ll be. Read more…