European River Cruises | AmaWaterways Specialists Based in Kansas City
Love to Travel is a Kansas City–based travel agency specializing in AmaWaterways river cruises through Europe. Whether you're dreaming of the castles of the Danube, the vineyards of the Rhine, or the culinary magic of the Seine, we help you plan every detail — from the ship to the shore excursions. We've personally sailed three AmaWaterways itineraries ourselves, so when we say this is the best way to see Europe, we mean it.
Love to Travel Can Help You Plan Your Own River Cruise Adventure
Below are some of the most popular itineraries that are perfect for an anniversary celebration or a fun group of friends or family.
Danube River Cruise: Budapest to Vilshofen - Watch Video
Perfect for first-time river cruisers
Highlights: Vienna, Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey
Ideal for spring or fall
Rhine River Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel- Watch Video
Great for wine lovers and culture seekers
Optional pre-cruise in Amsterdam
Biking tours and vineyard visits
Seine River Cruise: Paris & Normandy- Watch Video
Paris, Normandy, and French countryside
Culinary focus + history lovers’ dream
Cozy for a honeymoon or anniversary
Christmas Market Cruise: Nuremberg to Vienna- Watch Video
Magical in December
Holiday lights, spiced wine, local crafts
Great way to escape the Midwest winter
Douro River Cruise: Portugal's Wine Country- Watch Video
Off the beaten path for returning cruisers
Warm weather and stunning views
Shorter flights from KC via Madrid or Lisbon
What Is River Cruising—and Why AmaWaterways?
Picture this: waking up in a new European town each morning, sipping your cappuccino as castle views glide by your balcony. That’s the magic of river cruising. Unlike large ocean liners, river cruises offer a more intimate, relaxed, and culturally immersive experience. You dock right in the heart of Europe’s most charming cities—no tenders, no crowds, no stress.
As AmaWaterways-certified travel advisors with firsthand experience on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube, we help Kansas City–area travelers find the right itinerary, cabin category, and travel protection — with no fees and no guesswork.
Why we love AmaWaterways:
Award-winning ships
Modern and boutique-style elegance
All excursions included (yes, really!)
Wine cruises, biking tours, wellness programs & more
Fewer guests onboard = more personal service
Dining and wine pairings inspired by local regions
If you love luxury… then this is your cruise line!
Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of sailing on three amazing European river cruises — the Seine, the Rhine, and most recently, with a wonderful group of clients on the Melodies of the Danube. Each trip has given us unforgettable memories: biking through vineyards, exploring storybook towns, and gathering every evening with friends over fine food and wine. River cruising has quickly become one of our favorite ways to see Europe, and we can’t wait to share why it may be perfect for you, too.
What our travelers are saying
★★★★★
"Every part of our European River Cruise was amazing! AmaWaterways was fantastic — like a floating boutique hotel with a hundred of your favorite friends. Best of all, our trip details were completely taken care of by Love to Travel. We didn't have to worry about A THING!"
"Kim and her staff were there every step of the way — from planning our destination to airline tickets and beyond. Always helpful with information on the 'next steps.' I would highly recommend Kim to any traveler, even the most experienced ones!"
"Kim was excellent in preparing us for this multi-country trip. The cruise was fabulous — wonderful food, exciting excursions each day, and lovely accommodations. This trip was our best vacation ever and we plan to take another AmaWaterways cruise soon!"
"We loved our experience working with Kim and Love to Travel! All of the details were taken care of, allowing us to relax and enjoy each moment. Any questions we had were promptly addressed. We would definitely use Kim again!"
“European river cruising has become one of our favorite ways to experience Europe — and after sailing the Seine, the Rhine, and the Danube with AmaWaterways, we can say that firsthand. There is simply nothing like waking up in a new city every morning, stepping off the ship directly into a medieval town square or a sun-drenched vineyard, and ending the day over regional wine with people who feel like old friends. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic anniversary cruise, a girls' trip, or a multigenerational family adventure, our team at Love to Travel is here to handle every detail — from cabin selection to flights to travel protection — so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.”
Kim and Dave Cook- Owners - Love to Travel
Frequently asked questions
How much does an AmaWaterways river cruise cost?
AmaWaterways river cruises typically range from $4,000 to $7,000+ per person, depending on the itinerary, cabin category, and time of year. Shorter itineraries (7 nights) on popular routes like the Danube or Rhine tend to start on the lower end, while longer voyages or premium suites with private balconies run higher. The good news: most meals, wine and beer with dinner, excursions, and Wi-Fi are included — so the price-to-value ratio is exceptional compared to other travel styles. As AmaWaterways specialists, we help you find the right cabin and sailing date to match your budget. Request a quote →
What's the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?
The experience is completely different — and for many travelers, a river cruise is the better fit. Ocean ships carry thousands of passengers; AmaWaterways ships carry around 150, so the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. River cruises dock in the heart of each city, so you walk right off the ship into charming town squares and historic streets — no tenders, no shuttles, no crowds. You're also moving through multiple countries and cultures in a single trip. Think less "mega-resort at sea" and more "boutique hotel that moves."
Is AmaWaterways good for first-time river cruisers?
Absolutely — and it's actually one of the best lines to start with. AmaWaterways makes the experience effortless for first-timers: excursions are included (not an add-on), the ships are modern and beautifully designed, and the crew-to-guest ratio means you get genuinely attentive service. Itineraries like the Danube Delights (Budapest to Vilshofen) are tailor-made for first-timers with iconic stops, gentle pacing, and options ranging from leisurely walking tours to active biking excursions. We've personally sailed AmaWaterways and are happy to walk you through exactly what to expect.
Can I book an AmaWaterways cruise through a travel agent?
Yes — and we'd strongly recommend it. AmaWaterways actively supports the travel advisor community, which means you pay the same price booking through us as you would booking directly. What you gain is our expertise: we know which cabin categories offer the best value, which sailings pair well with pre- or post-cruise extensions, and how to protect your investment with the right travel insurance. We've sailed AmaWaterways ourselves and have planned dozens of departures for clients from the Kansas City area. There's no fee, no markup — just expert guidance from start to finish. Start planning with us →