I recently sailed the Rhine on the Viking Kara from Basel to Amsterdam, and it was truly unforgettable. After sailing on several river cruise brands across Europe, I can confidently say this: there are multiple excellent river cruise lines, they all stack up well against each other in different ways, and choosing the right one comes down to your travel style. That’s where I come in.

The service on board was exceptional. Thoughtful, polished, and genuinely caring. One morning I was running late for a tour and the crew packed me a breakfast to go without hesitation. The food throughout the cruise was consistently very good, and German Night on board was a highlight. Authentic dishes, local beer, and lively music that really brought the region to life.

One of the biggest perks of river cruising is that you unpack once and see it all. No constant hotel changes, no repacking. You simply wake up in a new city or village each day. The guided tours were informative and well done, but we also loved having the freedom to roam on our own. Strasbourg felt like something out of a storybook. Cologne was full of energy and great beer. Cruising through the Rhine Gorge with 40 castles, champagne and treats in hand on the top deck, was pure magic.

There is also a social side to river cruising that surprises people in the best way. You get to know fellow travelers over dinner, during the cruise director’s nightly rundown, or while chatting at the bar. It is relaxed, welcoming, and adds so much to the experience.

This part of Europe, hovering between Germany and France, is rich with history. If you love history, bring a World War II historical novel. Seeing these places in person makes everything you have read suddenly come together.

One of my favorite ways to help clients maximize a European river cruise is by adding pre and or post cruise days. Spending a few extra nights in another city or even another country before or after the cruise lets you see more without feeling rushed. It is an easy way to turn a great trip into an unforgettable one, and I will help you decide where it makes the most sense.

Why book with me? Because I have been there. I have sailed multiple river cruise brands, I know how they compare, and I know how to match you with the right ship, itinerary, and experience. River cruising is one of the most efficient, immersive, and enjoyable ways to see Europe. When it is planned well, it is effortless.

Let’s make your next European adventure one to remember.

If you are already planning a Rhine River Cruise, adding Interlaken, Switzerland is one of the smartest ways to level up your trip. It is the perfect contrast to the historic river towns and cities along the Rhine and an easy add on that delivers big payoff.

Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. The scenery is next level. Snow capped mountains, turquoise lakes, crisp alpine air and views that look straight out of a postcard. After days of castles, cathedrals and cobblestone streets, Interlaken feels fresh, open and unforgettable.

One of the biggest reasons I recommend Interlaken is how seamless it is to add to a Rhine itinerary. Swiss engineering is famous for a reason. The train system runs like clockwork. Connections are easy, stations are clear, and everything is designed to move smoothly. Traveling from Basel to Interlaken is scenic, efficient and completely stress free, making it an ideal pre or post cruise stop.

Interlaken works for every type of traveler. You can keep it relaxed with lake cruises, charming villages and scenic walks, or turn up the adventure with mountain excursions like Jungfraujoch, Harder Kulm or even paragliding over the valley. It is just as perfect for couples and friends as it is for multi generational families.

This is where planning makes all the difference. I help clients decide how many nights to add, where to stay, which experiences are truly worth it and how to connect everything seamlessly. What could feel complicated becomes effortless.

A Rhine River Cruise shows you the heart of Europe. Interlaken adds the wow factor. If you want to maximize your European travels without adding stress, this is the add on I recommend again and again.

From choosing the right Rhine River Cruise to planning and booking your Switzerland stay, I help take care of every detail so your trip feels effortless.

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Category: Luxury Travel / Travel Planning

Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados are two luxury all inclusive resorts in St Lawrence Gap, Barbados. Although it is two separate resorts guests have access to both and it feels like one large property; the Sandals Barbados side is much quieter while the Sandals Royal Barbados side has a much livelier vibe. While you can definitely relax and find areas to sneak away for quiet, it’s the perfect resort for travelers that like to play games, bowl or try their hand at different types of water sports. Here are my Top 10 Highlights of both Sandals Barbados and Sandal Royal Barbados:

1. It’s fun; have date night every night! - I hate going to an all inclusive and getting all ready just to go to dinner and end up right back in the room because there’s nothing to do after dinner. This was never an issue at Sandals Royal Barbados! They had something for everyone; bowling, foosball, shows, English pub, karaoke and the pools never close at Sandals. So be prepared to stay up late and be entertained!

2. Sandals Royal Barbados has a craft beer bar! My husband was in absolute heaven choosing between the 19 craft beer offerings.

3. Don’t sleep on the rooftop pool, it’s fabulous. We went to the rooftop our last day and it was apparent we should’ve made it more of a priority. I love to people watch and the pool was an amazing place to take in the beautiful beach views, but it also overlooked the main pool and provided some nice entertainment. The French restaurant, La Parisienne, is also here and is a must try!

4. Don’t skip the crepes at Cafe de Paris!

5. Merry Monkey’s late night food menu always hit the spot! I loved the prime rib.

6. The wrap around swim up pool at Sandals Barbados was the perfect spot to go and get in some one on one, private time.

7. A 10 minute walk and you’re at the heart of Barbados’ entertainment district, The Gap, bounding with restaurants, clubs and shops. The party doesn’t heat up until after 10 pm, but when it gets going it’s on! Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados are only a $5 Uber or 10 minute walk to the district.

8. The complimentary snorkeling trip for Club level guests was perfection! It was well organized, they took us to 2 snorkel spots and it was only a few hours.

9. You must try a coconut mojito! So delish!

10. Friday nights welcomes locals and tourists alike to dance, eat and let loose at Oistin’s Fish Fry. Oistin’s is just a short Uber ride away and it’s so fun to mingle with the locals and eat local dishes!

I loved our stay at Sandals Barbados; it’s one of those resorts that I truly feel fits everyone. It would be a great destination wedding resort as well as honeymoon getaway. Sandals Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados would also be a great option for a group of couples or a girls getaway.

So put this one on your must see list and contact me to help you get it squared away!

Kendell LeBlanc
kendell@vincentvacations.com