AMA Verde
The AMA Verde is a sister ship to the AMA Magna, but is more traditional in size. That said, it offers a unique twin balcony design in many of its staterooms. One side is a French veranda with seating and floor to ceiling glass doors that slide wide open to create an “interior” balcony space, while the other side is an actual outdoor balcony with seating. This maximizes the interior space in typically smaller staterooms in such a creative way. I love the idea. Similar to other river cruise ships, it offers… Read More
AMA Magna
Exploring Europe by river is a unique and rapidly growing favorite trend for people who want to enjoy Europe in a leisurely yet extraordinary way. We have clients sailing on the AMA Magna next Spring. They’re starting in Prague for three nights on a pre-cruise land package, then beginning their cruise in Vilshofen, and sailing down the Danube to Budapest. This is one of the best river cruise itineraries you could sail! But let’s talk about the ship they will be sailing on – as it is a destination onto its own!… Read More
Riverside Luxury Cruises Mozart
During our River Cruise Expo in Budapest, I had the opportunity to spend 4 nights on the Riverside Mozart, a new addition to the Riverside Luxury Cruises. This ship was previously owned by Crystal Cruises and is unique to river cruise ships in that it is twice as wide as most river cruise ships. Here are a few photos we would like to share from our time on the Riverside Mozart. There will be additional photos to follow of some of the other river cruise lines we got to inspect as well…. Read More
Budapest, Hungary
Well, we returned from Portugal, only to turn around and head straight to Budapest! Ryan, the kids, and I spent a few weeks in Budapest in 2015, living as the locals in a rental home. This time around, the experience was much different, as I experienced it from a tourist’s perspective – but by land and “sea” (or should I say “river”?) Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share a little more of my time in Budapest – but mostly with photos. First, let’s start with Central Market Hall, one… Read More
Madeira Hotels – Reid’s Palace Madeira
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and breathtaking views, Reid’s Palace sits high up on the craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean and scenic views of Funchal, located a quick 10 minute taxi ride away. Approaching the entrance is like visiting a friend who lives in a lovely villa on the ocean. This is your first view as you walk in to the beautiful lobby. You hate the thought of even stopping to check in, because all you want to do is walk straight through the reception area and out onto that balcony or… Read More
Madeira Hotels – The Savoy Palace
The Savoy Palace in Madeira was a very pleasant choice to use for our conference. The staff was friendly, the interior decorating thoughtful and nicely designed, and the pool area was gorgeous. I’ll let the photos do the talking. This is one of the most beautiful pool areas I’ve ever seen at a resort. At sunset, the views are even more stunning. The interiors are designed in such a way that the outdoor beauty is brought inside. And there is the roof top pool! I’d love to return one day!
Madeira Island, Portugal
There is so much I could share about our time in Portugal. As a child, I knew deep down that once I visited Italy and a few other countries, I would fall in love with them, and I was right. But Portugal…it was never really on my radar. I can’t explain why. When I found out that our European Travel Forum conference was being held on the Island of Madeira, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. Why not Italy, France, or Switzerland…the Netherlands, Spain? I’ve never been so thankful… Read More
Douro Valley and the Six Senses
From excellent Port Wine Tasting to scenic panoramic rolling hills, the Douro Valley is a very special place to visit. Just look at these vistas! That said, the highlight for us was our visit to the Six Senses Douro Valley. It was by far one of the loveliest stays we have ever experienced. From the very moment we stepped into the Six Senses until the time we were “forced” to leave, we felt welcomed and relaxed. We did not want to leave. Had we not had a conference to attend on Madeira… Read More
Exploring Porto
We enjoyed an adventurous half day guided tour in Porto, which gave us a comprehensive overview of the whole city. The first thing we noticed was how colorful, quaint, and pretty both the buildings and the roads were, regardless of where landed. Porto is extremely walkable and most likely the best way to explore the city. On this day, we did have both a driver and a guide, so we were able to cover a lot of ground, but a good part of the time, we arrived at our next destination and… Read More
When in Porto – Port Wine
Spending time in Porto would not be the same without visiting at least one Port Wine Lodge, if not more. Being a lover of all things “dessert”, I’m sure it’s no surprise that of all wines, Port Wine is one of my favorites. Originating from the Douro Region in Portugal, and more specifically aged and bottled in the town of Oporto, Port Wine is a fortified, sweet red wine. It is commonly enjoyed as a dessert wine. Prior to departing for Portugal, the only Port I was familiar with was Grahams. Incidentally,… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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