River Cruising Masterclass is a practical, experience-driven podcast for travelers who want to understand river cruising before they book.
Hosted by luxury travel advisor Sydney Schellinger, this podcast answers the real questions travelers ask but rarely get clear answers to—like:
Each episode breaks down river cruise lines, itineraries, ships, onboard life, excursions, value, and trade-offs—from a traveler’s perspective, not a sales pitch.
This podcast is ideal for:
If you want clear answers, honest insight, and real-world guidance to help you choose the right river cruise (not just the most advertised one), this masterclass is for you.
https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/
River Cruising Masterclass is a practical, experience-driven podcast for travelers who want to understand river cruising before they book.
Hosted by luxury travel advisor Sydney Schellinger, this podcast answers the real questions travelers ask but rarely get clear answers to—like:
Each episode breaks down river cruise lines, itineraries, ships, onboard life, excursions, value, and trade-offs—from a traveler’s perspective, not a sales pitch.
This podcast is ideal for:
If you want clear answers, honest insight, and real-world guidance to help you choose the right river cruise (not just the most advertised one), this masterclass is for you.
https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/
Part 4 of our river cruising series dives into Avalon Waterways: a modern, boutique-style line famous for its panoramic suites (beds facing wall-to-wall windows), roomy staterooms, and intimate ships built in the 2010s.
Key features include flexible dining, three daily excursion choices (classic, active, discovery), an onboard adventure host for wellness and activities, included meals with wine/beer at lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi‑Fi, bicycles, and one guided excursion per port; premium excursions, drinks outside meal times, spa services, and gratuities are extra.
Avalon is ideal for adults who want a refined but unpretentious, active-focused river cruise—great for multigenerational groups and travelers seeking a mid‑to‑upper premium value across European and global rivers (Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhône, Seine, Douro, Mekong, Amazon, Galapagos).
CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:42 - Panoramic Suites 03:23 - Flexibility and Choice 05:08 - Ideal Audience 05:53 - Kids 06:41 - Casual and Convenient 07:59 - Social Scene 09:58 - Ships 12:27 - Dining Experience 15:25 - Onboard Entertainment Options 17:21 - What's Included in the Fare 24:20 - Value for Money 26:00 - Client Feedback 27:19 - Active Adventures 28:13 - Service Quality 28:44 - Drawbacks and Considerations 29:38 - Expectations vs Reality 30:10 - Who is Avalon for? 30:53 - Comparing to Competitors 31:56 - Avalon vs Ama Waterways 33:12 - Avalon Deep Dive 36:01 - Outro