Small Ship River Cruises

Unbeatable Prices on Croatia Small-Ship Cruises & Europe River Voyages

We offer immersive, small-group cruise experiences designed for comfort, culture, and personal attention. Enjoy a Croatia Small Ship Cruise along the sparkling Adriatic, visiting Split, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, and charming islands on a privately chartered deluxe vessel. Sail through Europe on a Christmas Markets River Cruise, exploring festive cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel during the most magical time of year. In spring, the Tulip Time River Cruise showcases the best of the Netherlands and Belgium with visits to Keukenhof Gardens, Kinderdijk windmills, and storybook towns like Bruges and Ghent.

Each cruise features expert planning, premium accommodations, and a friendly group atmosphere — ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends seeking a high-quality, small-ship cruise in Europe.

Croatia Small Ship Cruise September 2026

Discover Croatia’s Adriatic coast on the Croatia Small Ship Cruise — an 8-day, 7-night charter departing from Split. Explore iconic destinations like Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Korčula, Mljet, and Pučišća with guided tours, swimming stops in clear Adriatic waters, local cuisine, wine and olive tastings, and charming coastal village visits. The cruise offers boutique-style luxury aboard a private ship for 30–34 travelers, with cosy ensuite cabins, sun deck, hot tub, and full-service amenities for a relaxed, unforgettable island-hopping adventure. Get dates, pricing, itinerary and full details here. 

Tulip Time River Cruise April 2027

Spring aboard the Tulip Time River Cruise — an 8-day journey through the Netherlands and Belgium timed for peak spring bloom. Departing and returning to Amsterdam (April 18–25, 2027), the cruise sails the scenic waterways aboard the elegant AmaSiena. Guests explore the flower-filled splendor of Keukenhof Gardens, glide past UNESCO-listed Kinderdijk windmills, and wander historic towns like Bruges, Ghent and Delft — complete with canals, medieval architecture and local specialties. Luxury accommodations, all-inclusive shore excursions, and curated small-group experiences make it a top pick for travelers seeking culture, nature, and relaxation. Get dates, pricing, itinerary and full details here. 

Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles Christmas Markets River Cruise

Seasonal magic meets river cruising on the Europe Christmas Markets River Cruise — a festive holiday journey sailing from Amsterdam to Basel (December 7–14, 2027). Expect illuminated old-towns, twinkling Christmas markets in historic cities such as Cologne, Strasbourg and Rüdesheim, gourmet winter treats, and cozy “glühwein” under seasonal lights. This inclusive small-group cruise includes luxury accommodations aboard the AMA Waterways ship, guided excursions, fine dining, and all holiday-market stops for a seamless festive getaway. Get dates, pricing, itinerary, and full details here. 

Blue Danube Discovery May 2028

The Blue Danube Discovery is a 7-night AmaWaterways river cruise along the iconic Danube River, typically sailing between Budapest and Nuremberg, with opportunities to explore charming towns and historic capitals across Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany. You’ll enjoy a variety of included excursions—such as guided city walks, cultural highlights, and optional active tours like biking or hikes—tailored to your travel pace. Onboard, the cruise offers comfortable accommodations, rich regional cuisine, and panoramic views of picturesque landscapes and riverside villages. It’s a classic way to experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Central Europe from the water.

Iconic Christmas Markets November/December 2028

The Iconic Christmas Markets river cruise with AmaWaterways is a 7-night Danube journey between Nuremberg and Budapest that immerses you in the festive spirit of Europe’s most celebrated holiday markets. Along the way you’ll explore historic towns and grand cities filled with twinkling lights, wooden market stalls, handcrafted treasures, and local seasonal treats. Highlights often include stops in places like Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest, where the charm and traditions of Christmas come alive in cobblestone squares. It’s a magical way to experience European culture, holiday cheer, and festive traditions from the comfort of a river cruise.

Paris and Normandy September 2028

Experience the best of northern France aboard AmaWaterways’ Paris & Normandy river cruise, a scenic journey along the legendary Seine River that blends world-class culture, history, and cuisine. Begin with the romantic streets of Paris, then cruise through charming French towns, explore Monet’s gardens in Giverny, discover historic Normandy coastline and D-Day beaches, and savor regional specialties along the way. With a rich lineup of included excursions and optional active tours like biking, hiking, or walking tours, every day offers a new way to immerse yourself in France’s iconic landscapes and heritage. This unforgettable France cruise is perfect for travelers seeking culture, history, and unforgettable European river scenery. 

Enticing Douro  September/October 2028

Sail through Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley on this unforgettable luxury river cruise, where terraced vineyards, dramatic hillsides, and charming riverside villages line the way. Discover the rich culture and flavors of the region with guided tours in Porto, wine tastings at renowned quintas, and scenic cruising along one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. This relaxed, immersive journey combines historic towns, authentic local experiences, and the refined comfort for which AmaWaterways is known.

Deluxe Ships, Expert Guides & Personalized Attention

Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor offers a boutique small-ship cruising experience designed for travelers who value comfort, culture, and personal attention. Instead of sailing with thousands of passengers, our cruises feature intimate groups where you enjoy a friendly atmosphere, attentive service, and the company of like-minded travelers — especially ideal for solo travelers, couples, and women 50+.

Ships sail calm coastal waters or scenic European rivers, providing smooth travel and greatly reducing seasickness risk. Because our vessels are compact and nimble, we dock in central historic harbors and charming towns that large cruise ships simply cannot access. Travelers spend more time experiencing local culture — strolling waterfronts, exploring UNESCO-listed sites, enjoying local cuisine, and connecting with authentic communities.

Our itineraries combine guided tours with flexible free time, giving every guest the ability to personalize their adventure. Whether cruising the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, sailing through the Netherlands and Belgium during Tulip Time, or visiting Europe’s most festive Christmas Markets along the Rhine, our small-group cruises deliver premium accommodations, curated excursions, and a warm, welcoming environment.

It’s not mass tourism — it’s destination-focused travel, thoughtfully planned and expertly guided every step of the way.