River Cruise Advisor

Ralph Grizzle is the creator of The Avid Cruiser and River Cruise Advisor. He started his career in journalism at the age of 32, after spending ten years cycling across the United States, traveling through Europe, and exploring the South Pacific. Over his twenty-year journey as a professional travel writer, Ralph has covered many destinations, and he channels his rich experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm into River Cruise Advisor. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, his articles have been featured in major publications like The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, as well as various consumer magazines. In 2005, the North American Travel Journalism Association recognized Ralph with the 'Best Cruise Writing' award for his piece in Hemispheres magazine. He has also authored four books, including Remembering Charles Kuralt, which Publisher’s Weekly described as 'a sweet and lovely homage, a welcome commemoration.' Britton Frost is a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has been enjoying cruises, primarily with her father, since she was less than a year old.

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CroisiEurope’s New Hotel Barge Cruise To Take In Belgium’s Magical Christmas Markets

3 days ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Europe’s largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, has launched a brand new cruise taking guests to some of the most magical Christmas markets along the Belgium canals. The four-day cruise, which launches in December 2025, is between Bruges and Ghent and includes visits to the Christmas markets in Bruges and Ghent.
Simon Says: At 62, This AmaWaterways’ Cruise Manager Wasn’t Looking For A Job, But As We Discovered, The Job Was Looking For Him

3 days ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Getting to a train station in Saint-Jean-de-Losne isn’t easy. I learned this at the end of my Flavors of Burgundy river cruise this week. It’s not that the tiny town on the banks of the Saône has no trains. In fact, there are two stations within 1.5 miles of where AmaCello docked. The problem is that it’s not easy to get to the stations. There are no taxis to speak of—nor an Uber to be seen. Hail an Uber using your app, and you discover that it must come from Dijon, more than 20 miles away.
On AmaWaterways: Discovering The Art Of Barrel-Making In Burgundy

5 days ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Just outside Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, I spent a morning learning about the age-old craft of cooperage—the shaping, bending and binding of oak into barrels. I was here as a guest of AmaWaterways to review the company’s Flavors of Burgundy river cruise. Our ship, AmaCello, was docked in tiny Seurre, a quiet riverside town on the Saône that once served as a strategic port for river trade.
Laundry While River Cruising

1 month ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

I’m giving it a shot – packed only carry on for one month in Europe and a variety of activities: two barge trips, one river trip, walking, cycling and trying to look decent in the evenings for dinner. Thanks to insights from our readers and from our Facebook group, River Cruise Advisor Crew, I’m carrying what I think will be just enough clothing and a laundry kit that I hope will work on the barges. Here’s what’s in the laundry kit. What did I miss? Scrubba wash bag.
5 Reasons to Choose a River Cruise Balcony Over Savings

1 month ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

We’ve been enjoying insights from readers about river cruising in our Facebook Group, River Cruise Advisor Crew. We’re a small group so far – just 170+ members – but an informed one. We recently asked the group: Is a river cruise balcony stateroom your preference, or do you prefer the savings of standard staterooms? Though far from scientific, the group’s responses suggest that most folks are fine with French balconies as opposed to the pricier step-out balconies.
Riverside Luxury Cruises Summer Specials: Book By May 31

1 month ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Summer in Europe often gets dismissed as too hectic – but that impression comes from the crowded coastlines, not the tranquil riverways that wind through the continent’s most scenic regions. In fact, summer is one of the best times to explore Europe by river, where small towns, longer days, and local festivals await.
How To Avoid The Nation's Air Travel Chaos When Getting To Your River Cruise

1 month ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Do the current flight delays at U.S. airports cause you concern about missing your river cruise? It concerns us. That said, we always advise spending at least one night (two or three are better) before your embarkation in the city where your river cruise departs. That gives you plenty of time to make things right should things go wrong. And it allows you to acclimate to the new time zone. At the moment, we would be inclined to avoid Newark, but things could resolve there quickly.
We Spent More Than A Week in Porto: Here’s What To Do Before Or After Your Douro River Cruise

2 months ago | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

AmaWaterways launches its newest ship this week, the AmaSintra. The launch takes place in Porto, the beautiful Portuguese city situated on the Douro River. In late March, we spent more than a week in Porto, discovering the treasures this remarkable city has to offer. We strongly recommend that anyone embarking on a Douro river cruise spend a few extra days before or after the cruise exploring Porto and its surroundings. Here what we learned during our time in Porto. A Walkable City.
Biking, Coffee and Culture: My Two Weeks Immersed in Vienna

Mar 16, 2025 | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve pitched camp in Vienna. The capital and largest city in Austria, Vienna is a highlight on Danube river cruises. The city’s rich history, imperial grandeur, world-famous music, expansive parks, majestic palaces and coffeehouse culture make for exceptional excursions from ships that dock 10 to 15 minutes away from the city center. The city also makes for an exceptional pre- or post-river cruise stay.
From Vienna’s River Cruise Expo

Mar 15, 2025 | rivercruiseadvisor.com | Ralph Grizzle

Does the photo above look dated? Indeed it is. What you’re seeing is stateroom 135 on Peter Deilmann’s Mozart. This was my stateroom on a Danube river cruise in 2008. I enjoyed the ship, which you can read about in my story, Size Matters: Peter Deilmann’s Mozart. Mozart has had quite the journey since then. Two years after my trip, Peter Deilmann ceased operations, leaving the so-called “Queen of the Danube” sidelined for a few years. But like a cat with nine lives, Mozart would sail again.