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Explore the World Through
a More Refined Way to
Travel
Fewer crowds. Longer stays. Deeper cultural experiences.
We help you plan a personalized journey designed around you.
Why More Travelers Are Choosing
Small Ship Cruising
Discover a more refined way to travel, with fewer crowds, deeper cultural experiences,
and more time in the destinations that matter most.
Video content courtesy of AmaWaterways. Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is an independent travel advisor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AmaWaterways.
All trademarks and media belong to their respective owners.
OUR APPROACH
A More Thoughtful Approach to Travel
Small ship cruising offers a quieter, more considered way to see the world. We help you design seamless, elevated travel experiences — itineraries built around your interests, your pace, and your sense of discovery.
More Time in Port
Linger longer in each destination, exploring at a thoughtful pace.
Cultural Immersion
Curated encounters with local communities, cuisine, and craft.
Smaller Groups
Intimate ships designed for connection rather than crowds.
Personalized Service
Concierge-level attention from planning to homecoming.
CURATED JOURNEYS
Featured Travel Experiences
European River Journeys
Glide through storied waterways, from the Rhine to the Douro, with vineyard visits and historic riverside towns.
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Mediterranean Coastal Voyages
Sun-warmed harbors, ancient ports, and quiet coves explored at the pace of a slower season.
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Cultural Immersion Itineraries
Private tastings, artisan studios, and local guides who open doors most travelers never see.
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Designed for Travelers Seeking More
Our team specializes in concierge-style planning for travelers who value experience over excess. We listen first, then design — building journeys that feel personal, considered, and quietly remarkable.
“Every detail was anticipated. We arrived feeling cared for, not just booked.”
— DISCERNING TRAVELER
“The recommendations matched exactly what we wanted — quiet, cultural, unhurried.”
— RETURNING CLIENT
“It felt like having a trusted friend who knows travel inside and out.”
— FIRST-TIME CRUISER
THE PROCESS
How We Help You Plan
Share Your Travel Goals
Tell us about the experience you envision — destinations, pace, and what matters most.
Receive Tailored Recommendations
We curate options matched to your style, with transparent details and trusted guidance.
Refine Your Itinerary
We adjust together until every detail feels right — from cabin selection to shore experiences.
Travel With Confidence
Depart with everything in place and our team a message away, before, during, and after.
FREE DOWNLOAD
The Smart Traveler's Guide to Small Ship Cruising
A concise, beautifully designed guide for travelers exploring a more refined way to see the world.
What makes small ship cruising unique
What's typically included onboard
How to choose the right itinerary for you
Questions to ask before you book
Secure Your
AmaWaterways River Cruise
You may unsubscribe at any time.
Explore the World’s Rivers &
Coasts in Unrivaled Luxury
Your Custom Cruise Awaits
From the Danube to the Mekong, our intimate ships deliver white-glove service and shore-side adventures.
PERSONALIZED PLANNING
Prefer a Personalized Recommendation?
If you already have a destination in mind, we're happy to help you plan your journey.
Why AmaWaterways and Trips &
Ships Are Your Gateway to
Extraordinary Voyages
Free Download: The Insider's Guide to
AmaWaterways Cruising
What you’ll discover in this
12-page blueprint:
Discover what makes AmaWaterways’ intimate ships the world’s most award-winning river and small ship brand
Handpicked 2025–26 itineraries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas
All-inclusive shore excursions, shore-togo greeters, and VIP port access
Pro tips on packing, optional extensions, and maximizing every moment on board
Secure Your
AmaWaterways River Cruise
You may unsubscribe at any time.
Why We Recommend
AmaWaterways Cruises
ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Guided tours, private tastings, and shore-to-ship transfers.All in the fare
BOTIQUE STYLE VESSELS
Under 200 guests, personalized service, gourmet dining, Wi-Fi included
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Local experts, theme cruises (wellness, wine, Christmas markets), cultural deep dives
FEATURED VOYAGES
Danube Christmas Markets
8 nights, Budapest→Nuremberg. Magical holiday markets, mulled wine, and festive charm along the legendary Danube.
Rhine Valley Wine & Culture
7 nights through castles & vineyards. Discover medieval towns, world-class wines, and fairy-tale landscapes.
Egypt’s Nile River & Red Sea
8 nights, Cairo→Luxor, pyramids, Karnak temple & luxury Nile cruise
Colombia’s Caribbean & Amazon
7 nights, Cartagena→Leticia; colonial charm & Amazon river excursions
Meet Your Personal
Cruise Architect
Angela Hughes, Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and Luxury Travel University, brings over 40 years of experience as a Certified Travel Consultant since 1983. She has personally explored the world, sailing extensively on luxury cruises and river cruises throughout Europe, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. With a concierge-style approach, every journey is thoughtfully designed around her clients’ preferences, pace, and priorities.
Meet Your Personal
Cruise Architect
Angela Hughes is the visionary founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and Luxury Travel University, bringing over 40 years of award-winning expertise to every voyage. A Certified Travel Consultant since 1993 with a master’s in Geography, Travel & Tourism, she has navigated AmaWaterways’ most iconic routes from Europe’s legendary rivers like the Danube and Rhine to Asia’s hidden waterways on the Mekong, crafting immersive journeys that blend cultural depth with effortless luxury.
Having explored more than 115 countries and spent two years living in Osaka, Japan, Angela pairs her global perspective with insider access, securing suite upgrades, curated shore excursions, and exclusive onboard experiences tailored to your pace and passions . Named Travel Leaders Network Influencer of the Year 2024 and featured in The Wall Street Journal, she knows exactly how to elevate every river cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Let Angela design your next AmaWaterways escape, so you can unwind, explore deeper, and create memories that flow on long after you disembark.
What You Should Know
Do I need to arrange my own excursions?
No, all guided tours are included. Every AmaWaterways cruise features complimentary shore excursions with expert local guides, so you can explore each destination with confidence and ease.
Can you handle flights & transfers?
Yes, door-to-door logistics are fully managed. We coordinate your flights, transfers, and all travel arrangements so you can focus on enjoying your journey from the moment you leave home.
Any exclusive perks?
VIP experiences, onboard credits & welcome gifts. As your travel advisor, I secure exclusive amenities and special touches to make your AmaWaterways experience even more memorable.
Let's Plan Your AmaWaterways Journey
Ready to experience the ultimate in river cruising? Let's discuss your perfect itinerary.
Prefer to talk?
603-860-3274
or
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