Just Ask Jamie …
WhirlAway President Jamie Jones gives the inside scoop on a holiday cruise with AmaWaterways.
1. How did you and your family decide on this cruise?
“We knew we wanted to be away over Christmas this year. Our oldest is a junior, so she’s soon off to college. We wanted something different, and I gave the kids two options: Hawaii or Europe. They chose Europe and we landed on AmaWaterways’ Best of Holland & Belgium (Festive Delights). When I told them the region is known for fries, chocolate, waffles, mussels, and beer they were all in. Both of my kids wrestle and are in season right now—maintaining weight is important and they lucked out with a longer winter break and the opportunity to indulge over the holidays!”
2. What was everyone’s favorite onboard experience?
“We missed out on making Christmas cookies at home this year, so my personal favorite was gingerbread decorating. I loved having the gingerbread made already—we got to decorate and then walk away from the mess (and we even got my husband to decorate). My son Zayne loved the heated pool (even though it was frigid outside), and my daughter Gianna was happy she could get a massage. My husband Bobby really enjoyed the chef’s table—an excellent meal!
3. And your best experiences while on shore?
“Hiring a private guide in Ghent. I knew my family would not enjoy a lot of group tours with the cruise—we are a bit spoiled when it comes to travel! Gianna and I got off the ship early one morning and wandered the quiet streets, visited Castle of the Counts, and then met Bobby, Zayne, and our beer tasting guide. She was great and prepared food pairings and non-alcoholic drinks for the kids. Afterward, we wandered through the Christmas market and I had the best raclette sandwich ever! Something about hot cheese on a frigid night after sipping Belgian beers all afternoon really hit the spot. Zayne especially loved tasting the NA beers.”
4. Any surprises?
“The average age onboard was a lot lower than I expected, including another family with kids younger than ours, a few younger couples and some families with young adult children. I have been on river cruises for work recognition trips, but this was my first as a vacation and I was amazed at how relaxing it was. We never felt rushed, guilty for sleeping in, or hurried to get off the ship on the days we did our own thing. It truly was like a floating hotel.”
5. What are you still thinking about, now that you're home?
“Chocolate! Belgian chocolate is the best. And, the time spent together experiencing a new destination with little expectation, plus plenty of time to wander, laugh, and grow as a family. We also decided to pick out one gift from the markets for each other to open Christmas morning. That was a bit more difficult as there was more food than gifts, but it really took the consumerism pressure of Christmas off our minds! I would skip gifts and do experiences again in a heartbeat.”
6. What are your top tips about this experience?
“Pack plenty of layers! It’s colder but well worth the scarves, hats, and gloves to be in Europe over the holidays. The lights, markets, and scents make it magical—and like nothing we have at home in the U.S. For families, some of the AmaWaterways ships have connecting cabins which was great for us, but take note: These need to be booked well in advance. Additionally, arriving a few nights ahead of the cruise is wise to get over jet lag and have extra time in Amsterdam. Finally, planning private tours makes the trip special for your family. We enjoyed the Beer Tour in Ghent and a private guide and waffle making class in Brussels—all well worth it!”
7. Why should a traveler book this river cruise with WhirlAway?
“Our team collectively has been on AmaWaterways, Viking, Uniworld, Tauck, and Avalon cruises on most European rivers. We know the differences between the companies, the nuances of the itineraries, and have the connections with our local partners to craft a truly customized, seamless, and special vacation.”
