Small-Group Europe River Cruises and Croatia Small-Ship Cruises

Special Pricing on AmaWaterways European River Cruises

Christmas Markets river cruise ship sailing past illuminated European towns at dusk

Christmas Markets

Passengers enjoying deck views on a boutique river cruise during Tulip Time in the Netherlands and Belgium

Tulip Time

Small ship cruising along the Adriatic coast of Croatia with scenic coastal towns in view.

Croatia Small Ship Cruise

Deluxe small-ship cruise cabin interior with large windows overlooking European waterways

AmaWaterways Certified

Small-Group Cruise Destinations with The Traveling Professor

Discover exceptional value on carefully selected Croatia small-ship cruises and Europe river cruises backed by the experience and reputation of The Traveling Professor. Since 2009, we have helped hundreds of satisfied travelers enjoy thoughtfully planned small-group journeys focused on comfort, culture, and personal service. Sail the Adriatic on a deluxe Croatia small-ship cruise featuring Split, Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Hvar, or enjoy expertly selected river cruises including Tulip Time in the Netherlands and Belgium, Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Danube, Paris and Normandy along the Seine, the Blue Danube through Central Europe, and the Douro through Portugal. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends who want a more personal, well-organized, and trustworthy European cruise experience.

2028 AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruises

Blue Danube Discovery River Cruise – Budapest to Germany May 2028

Sail the legendary Danube on this 7-night AmaWaterways cruise through some of Central Europe’s most beautiful and historic destinations. Explore cities and riverside towns in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany while enjoying included excursions, scenic river views, regional cuisine, and the relaxed comfort that makes luxury river cruising such a rewarding way to travel.

Paris and Normandy River Cruise on the Seine September 2028

Discover the beauty, history, and culture of northern France on this memorable AmaWaterways Seine River cruise. From Paris to Normandy, enjoy charming towns, historic landmarks, Monet’s gardens, regional cuisine, and meaningful excursions, including the famous D-Day beaches. It is a wonderful blend of French scenery, cultural richness, and unforgettable historical significance.

Enticing Douro River Cruise Through Portugal September/October 2028

Experience the beauty of Portugal on this unforgettable AmaWaterways cruise through the Douro Valley. Sail past terraced vineyards and hillside villages, explore Porto, enjoy wine tastings at local quintas, and discover the rich culture and cuisine of the region. This journey offers a relaxed and scenic way to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers.

Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Danube November/December 2028

Celebrate the season on this festive 7-night AmaWaterways Danube cruise between Budapest and Nuremberg. Visit some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and old-world traditions fill historic squares in grand capitals and charming towns. It is a delightful way to experience Europe during the holiday season.

2027 AmaWaterways Luxury River Cruises

Tulip Time River Cruise – Amsterdam, Belgium, and the Netherlands April 2027

Experience spring in Europe on this 8-day Amsterdam round-trip river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. Sail aboard elegant AmaSiena and visit Keukenhof Gardens, Kinderdijk, Bruges, Ghent, and Delft. With blooming tulips, canals, windmills, and enriching excursions, this cruise blends luxury, culture, and the comfort of a well-planned small-group experience.

Switzerland and Rhine Castles Christmas Markets River Cruise December 2027

Celebrate the holiday season on this enchanting Switzerland and Rhine Castles Christmas Markets River Cruise. Explore beloved Christmas markets in cities such as Cologne, Strasbourg, and Rüdesheim, where festive lights, decorated old towns, seasonal treats, and warm mugs of glühwein create a magical atmosphere. With AmaWaterways luxury, guided excursions, and beautiful winter scenery along the Rhine, this cruise offers a festive European holiday experience.

Croatia Small Ship Cruise 2027

Sail the sparkling Adriatic from Split to Dubrovnik on this 8-day Croatia small ship cruise. Visit Hvar, Korčula, Mljet, and Pučišća while enjoying guided touring, swimming stops, wine and olive oil tastings, local cuisine, and time in beautiful coastal villages. Boutique comfort, ensuite cabins, and personalized service make this a memorable journey.  This cruise is no longer available.

AmaWaterways River Cruise FAQs

AmaWaterways European river cruises include your stateroom, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine at breakfast, and a daily cocktail hour. Guests also enjoy a variety of included shore excursions in port, such as guided walking tours, bike rides, and other sightseeing experiences, along with many onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, entertainment, and complimentary use of bicycles on many ships. In short, AmaWaterways offers a highly inclusive river cruise experience with very few extra onboard costs.

Each cruise web page has a link which makes booking easy and quick.  Our booking system lets you see what payments have been made, when future payments are due, and allows you to add extras like travel insurance.  

We have a generous refund policy detailed on our General Guidelines and Conditions for Traveling Professor AmaWaterways Cruises page. 

Airfare is not included. However, we are happy to advise you on selecting the best air itinerary for your trip. While airfare can be booked through AmaWaterways, we generally recommend purchasing directly with the airline for greater flexibility and control over your reservation.

An AmaWaterways pre-cruise tour typically includes accommodations in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels that are centrally located, allowing you to comfortably explore the destination with easy access to major sights, restaurants, and local attractions. Daily breakfast is included, along with guided sightseeing led by professional local guides to help you make the most of your time before the cruise begins. All transportation is arranged for you, including a seamless transfer from your hotel directly to the ship on embarkation day, so there is no need to manage logistics on your own. These packages are designed to provide a smooth, comfortable start to your journey while offering a deeper and more relaxed introduction to your destination.

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary.  A travel insurance policy is needed for health and/or accident expenses.  Emergency evacuation can cover expenses to return home for health care.  We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your financial investment.

Traveling Professor guests can expect everything that any other traveler would receive on an AmaWaterways cruise. The staterooms are the same, the dining is the same, the included excursions are the same, and the high level of professional service provided by AmaWaterways is the same. In other words, our guests enjoy the full AmaWaterways experience just as they would if they booked directly with AmaWaterways or through another travel advisor. The difference is that Traveling Professor clients also receive the professional, responsive service and personal attention our travelers have valued for many years, along with advantageous pricing and the pleasure of traveling with a familiar, like-minded group.

The Traveling Professor goes above and beyond to help travelers feel welcome, informed, comfortable, and fully prepared before departure. We assist with important details such as selecting the most suitable stateroom, offering guidance on air travel planning, explaining what to expect during both the pre-cruise tour and the cruise itself, and providing practical advice on packing and trip preparation. When appropriate, we may also help introduce travelers before the trip so the experience feels more familiar and enjoyable from the very beginning. Our goal is to make the entire process smoother, easier, and more personal for every traveler. It is this added layer of personal attention, on top of the excellent professional service provided by AmaWaterways, that makes a Traveling Professor cruise especially distinctive.

AmaWaterways excursions are designed to be highly inclusive. In most cases, the guided tours offered in each port are included in the cruise fare, along with professional local guides, entrance fees to featured attractions, and transportation when needed. Guests may often choose from different excursion options based on activity level and interest, and bicycles are also included for guided rides or independent use on many sailings. This gives travelers the flexibility to enjoy sightseeing, cultural experiences, and active touring without paying extra for each excursion.

Airfare, travel insurance, gratuities (unless specified), personal expenses are not included.

Croatia Small Cruise FAQs

This is a genuine small-group experience with approximately 20–34 travelers onboard, creating a comfortable, relaxed, and naturally social atmosphere.

The group typically includes a mix of couples, solo travelers, and friends, creating a welcoming environment where it’s easy to connect with like-minded travelers. We are also happy to share, upon request, an overview of how many solo and accompanied travelers are expected on this cruise.

Unlike large ocean cruise ships, our small ship stays close to shore, island-hopping through the Adriatic to beautiful places such as Korčula, Hvar, Bol, and Vis, while also including time in vibrant Dubrovnik. The experience is far more relaxed, with daytime cruising only, frequent stops at crystal-clear coves for swimming, and evenings spent docked in port rather than sailing overnight.  It's a totally relaxed and comfortable experience.

Airfare is not included.  However, we can advise you on an air itinerary. 

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary.  A travel insurance policy is needed for health and/or accident expenses.  Emergency evacuation can cover expenses to return home for health care.  We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your financial investment. 

Yes. All listed tours, excursions, and cultural experiences are included. Depending on the itinerary, this may include guided walking tours, wine and olive oil tastings, a traditional Croatian konoba dinner in the countryside, visits to national parks, guided sightseeing, onboard entertainment, and opportunities for activities such as kayaking and swimming.

We cruise only a few hours at a time during the day and remain close to shore, with the Croatian islands helping to buffer winds and rougher water. This is not an open-sea cruise, so the likelihood of seasickness is very low. In fact, after more than 15 Croatia cruises, we have not had a single traveler report seasickness.

Beyond the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia is a country of more than 1,200 islands, some remote and peaceful, others lively and well populated. Along the way, our itinerary may include the old-world charm of Korčula, the energy of Hvar, the quiet beauty of Trstenik, the stone-masonry heritage of Pučišća, and the natural splendor of Mljet. Because the captain has flexibility, the route may also be adjusted when appropriate to take advantage of weather conditions and help avoid crowds.

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