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• WE WANT TO CHOOSE THE BEST RIVERBOAT OPTION NEXT YEAR ON THE DANUBE. BUT HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH LINE HAS HANDLED THIS SUMMER’S FIASCO IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY?

  Q – 9.3.26 – We are determined, along with my wife’s brother and his wife, to cruise the Danube next year. We will be contacting you if you have room for us. But given all the negative publicity about record-draught and inoperable itineraries this summer that often turned into bus tours, I have to wonder: some of these companies have beautiful ships; others seem to have better service than others. We were wondering if you could share with your readers any information or conclusions about which lines have handled this summer’s problems best in terms of customer service, outcomes, refunds, best alternatives, etc. If you have an opinion we would really value it – we’ll give up the best food on the rivers for the line that can provide advance notice of issues and express the highest levels of information and reaction to water depth events. 

  A – That is an important and timely question so we have taken the time to offer a fairly comprehensive report on this challenging topic that few in the industry care to discuss:

  2026 Danube & Rhine Low‑Water Advisory: How Each River Cruise Line Is Responding

  By Angela and Richard Turen –  Named Nation’s Top European Riverboat Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler

  630-717-7777  –  www.riverboatratings.com

  

  Unusually low water levels on the Danube and Rhine have created operational challenges for river cruise lines in 2026. Each company has taken a different approach to communication, itinerary protection, and guest options. The following guide outlines how the major luxury and premium river cruise brands are handling the situation and what booked guests can realistically expect.

  AmaWaterways

  AmaWaterways has been one of the most proactive and transparent operators this season. They openly acknowledge the low‑water conditions and communicate directly with guests when itineraries may need adjustment. Their ships are designed with shallow drafts, giving them more flexibility than most lines to continue operating even when water levels drop.

  When conditions prevent normal sailing, AmaWaterways typically modifies the itinerary rather than cancels. This may include changes to embarkation points, revised port calls, or short motorcoach segments. They do not generally offer refunds in advance of travel based solely on projected water levels; refunds occur only if AmaWaterways cancels the sailing outright, which is rare.

  Best for: Travelers who prefer the cruise to operate in some form, even if modified, and who value clear communication throughout.

  Scenic

  Scenic’s response has been highly operational but less communicative than some competitors. They have acknowledged low water on key stretches of the Danube and Rhine and rely heavily on ship swaps and port adjustments to keep itineraries running.

  Guests can expect Scenic to maintain the cruise experience through logistical workarounds rather than early cancellations. Communication tends to occur closer to departure or once changes are confirmed.

  Refunds are not typically offered in advance due to anticipated low water; Scenic focuses on delivering the itinerary with modifications.

  Best for: Guests who prioritize staying on the river and trust Scenic’s behind‑the‑scenes operational capabilities.

  Tauck

  Tauck has taken the most guest‑forward and proactive stance in 2026. They have contacted guests before travel when water levels make the planned itinerary unlikely, offering clear choices that may include full refunds or alternative arrangements.

  When operating under low‑water conditions, Tauck uses a combination of ship swaps, adjusted ports, and occasional hotel nights. Their communication is exceptionally transparent, and they do not push guests into land‑heavy substitutions if that is not what they booked.

  Best for: Travelers who want early, honest communication and the option to cancel or rebook when conditions threaten the itinerary’s integrity.

  Riverside Luxury Cruises

  Riverside, with its boutique fleet, has limited ability to perform ship swaps or large‑scale rerouting. While they deliver an excellent onboard experience, their operational flexibility during low water is more constrained.

  Riverside has not issued broad public advisories for 2026. Communication tends to be individualized and concierge‑style rather than large‑scale updates. When disruptions occur, guests should expect itinerary adjustments such as port changes or motorcoach segments.

  Refunds or rebooking options are handled on a case‑by‑case basis rather than through formalized policies.

  Best for: Guests who prioritize onboard luxury and personalized service, and who are comfortable with itinerary modifications if water levels require them.

  Uniworld

  Uniworld has posted water‑level advisories and updates on its website throughout the season. Their approach is moderately proactive, with public alerts but less advance outreach than Tauck or AmaWaterways.

  When water levels disrupt sailing, Uniworld typically adjusts the itinerary using port changes, motorcoach segments, or occasional ship swaps. They do not generally offer pre‑departure refunds unless the company cancels the sailing.

  Best for: Travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and flexibility and are comfortable with itinerary adjustments when necessary.

  Viking

  Viking has been highly visible in 2026 due to several water‑related disruptions, including a grounding incident that prompted public updates. Their large fleet gives them significant operational flexibility, and they frequently use ship swaps to keep itineraries running.

  Viking communicates publicly through website updates but is not known for early, individualized outreach unless a major change is confirmed. Their model is to operate the cruise—with modifications—whenever possible. Viking typically offers refunds only if it cancels the sailing.

  Best for: Guests who want the cruise to operate in some form and appreciate Viking’s ability to reposition ships and maintain continuity.

  What This Means for Travelers

  Low water does not automatically mean a canceled cruise. Each line has its own philosophy:

  • Tauck offers the strongest guest‑first flexibility, including early communication and refund options.
  • AmaWaterways is the most operationally resilient, often able to sail when others cannot.
  • Viking and Scenic excel at keeping itineraries running through ship swaps and logistical adjustments.
  • Uniworld provides balanced communication and reliable modifications.
  • Riverside offers exceptional onboard luxury but has limited contingency options due to its smaller fleet.

  For travelers booked on 2026 Danube or Rhine itineraries, the key is understanding each brand’s approach so expectations align with reality. All lines are committed to delivering the best possible experience, but their strategies—and the flexibility they offer guests—vary significantly.

  WE PROMISE – THERE WILL BE SMOOTHER DAYS AHEAD ON EUROPE’S BEAUTIFUL RIVERS

  View our Industry Articles about Riverboats and Water Levels on www.riverboatratings.com

• IS THERE A QUICK IDEA YOU CAN GIVE US OF THE COST TO SHIP LUGGAGE DIRECTLY TO OUR HOTEL?

  Q – We have a tour coming up with Collette that will begin in Zurich. We live in Spokane, so we’ll need to change planes a couple of times, and we are seriously considering shipping our luggage to make sure we have everything we need for the start of the tour. Is this something you recommend, and is there one company that is better at this, more trustworthy than others?  We just received a set of three pieces of nice-looking luggage from Amazon for the trip for $190 total. How much would it cost to send the two large suitcases to Zurich? I certainly hope it would be less than the cost to buy the luggage.  If I were a client what would you advise?

  A – Part of it would have to do with how many nights you will spend in your arrival hotel in Zurich. If your luggage is lost, you need to be in a hotel where you can be easily reached. That is why you should always have a prominent identity tag on your luggage showing where you will be staying initially with the specific dates.

  You should talk with your travel adviser to see how much connecting time you have outbound. That said, shipping two suit cases will some in close to double the price you paid for the entire luggage set. There are several reliable companies that are in the business – we prefer a company called “Luggage-Free” (they’re not). An alternative might be to pay about $90 to purchase a set of three Apple Tags that will allow you, through the downloaded app, to always know exactly where your luggage is during transport. Our staff would never travel without this security. 

  Given frequent airline cancellations and delays, having a strategy to assure your luggage is in your hotel room sleeping with you on your arrival night overseas is increasingly important  
• WE JUST NOTICED SOMETHING ODD ON OUR RECENT PRINCESS CRUISE. WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

  Q – 9.2.26 – We have just returned from our second cruise after a bit of a demographic nightmare on an NCL ship.  Princess seemed more upscale, and we really enjoyed our time in the lower Caribbean. It helped that we were joined by good friends. We all noticed a kind of anomaly none of us could understand. As we walked by several cabins on our friend’s deck, we noticed that some of the doors had upside-down photos of pineapples pasted on them. We never mentioned this to anyone but thought we would ask if there is any meaning to this – is it a kind of club or a communication? Are they frequent guests or fruit lovers? Why would they do that?

  A – This is something you will usually see on mega mass market ships with several thousand fellow guests from all walks of like – and “demographics”. Upside down pineapples means that the occupants of the cabin self-identify as “swingers” and they are open to meeting others of the same persuasion.  It is usually not such a big deal but they do want nearby fellow guests and, particularly crew serving them, to be aware of their desires to meet others who share their views. No, they are not “fruit lovers” at least not in the traditional sense. 

• We are thinking about attending the Palio Horse Race in Siena, Italy in 2028. Any general information you can provide?

  Q – We have been to Italy three times, including two trips on your Signature vacations over the past nine years. We have been clients for more than two decades, as you know, and now we are seriously thinking about trying to get into the Palio horse race, an event we have heard you talk about, with one or two friends in the summer of 2028. Of course we will talk further about this, but for others interested, can you explain a little of the way the Palio really works without the usual online travel PR BS. Feel free to post your response on Traveltruth so our friends can see it. Keep it up – and please consider making this a new Signature trip. Faithfully…..

  A – So good to hear from you online. Here is a report we have prepared I hope will address some of your initial questions:

  The Insider’s Guide to Surviving (and Superbly Enjoying) the Palio di Siena

  A dispatch not approved by the Italian Tourist Board

  By Richard Bruce Turen

  

  If you’re heading to Siena next July for the Palio—specifically, if you’re one of the blessed few staying in a private apartment overlooking the Piazza del Campo—congratulations. You’ve essentially secured the Tuscan equivalent of front‑row seats at the Super Bowl, except the teams are medieval neighborhoods, the mascots are actual horses, and the fans have been holding grudges since the 13th century.

  What You’re Actually Attending

  The Palio is not “a horse race.” It is a civic blood sport wrapped in silk flags, religious processions, and the kind of neighborhood loyalty that makes New Yorkers look like casual acquaintances. The contrade—17 historic districts—are not merely neighborhoods. They are micro‑nations with their own governments, museums, mascots, and emotional support priests.

  You will hear locals say things like “I am of the Snail,” as if this is a normal sentence. It is not. But in Siena, it is everything.

  Your Apartment: The Holy Grail of Real Estate

  You will be perched above the Piazza like a benevolent monarch, watching 60,000 people sweat, scream, and pray below you. This is the Palio equivalent of having a private box at Wimbledon, except instead of strawberries and cream, you’ll be served the sound of 17 contrade chanting war songs.

  Insiders know: The higher the balcony, the lower the risk of being accidentally baptized in Chianti by an enthusiastic fan.

  Ten Insider Secrets (That Only the Truly Initiated Know)

  1. The race lasts 90 seconds. The drama lasts 900 years. Do not blink. Do not sip. Do not sneeze. The horses will be gone before you finish saying “Is that the Eagle contrada?”
  2. The horse is the real celebrity. Jockeys are replaceable; horses are practically canonized. If a horse sneezes, an entire contrada will hold a press conference.
  3. The tratta (horse selection) is more emotional than the race. Watching grown men cry because their contrada drew a “slow horse” is a uniquely Sienese experience. It’s like the NFL draft, except everyone is wearing medieval costumes and nobody pretends to be rational.
  4. Contrada rivalries are eternal. If you accidentally compliment the wrong contrada’s flag, you may be politely escorted out of a bakery. Or not politely.
  5. The parade is not a parade. It is a solemn medieval procession that lasts longer than most marriages. You will see armor, banners, drums, and at least one child who looks like he was born specifically to carry a flag.
  6. The mossa (starting line) is where sanity goes to die. Horses back up, jockeys yell, the starter waits for divine intervention. This can last 40 minutes. Or two hours. Or until the sun explodes.
  7. The dirt track is imported. Siena literally trucks in special dirt to lay over the Piazza. It’s the world’s most dramatic landscaping project.
  8. The winning contrada parties for a month. A month. Weddings are postponed. Work is optional. Wine is mandatory.
  9. The losing contrada mourns like a Victorian widow. Black clothing. Quiet dinners. Emotional devastation. It’s all very operatic.
  10. You will be adopted by a contrada whether you want to or not. Someone will decide you belong to their contrada. You will be given a scarf. You will be expected to wear it. Resistance is futile.

  Neighborhoods You’ll Hear About (and Why They Matter)

  • Torre (Tower): Known for intensity, pride, and the ability to glare at rivals from 300 meters away.
  • Onda (Wave): The maritime contrada in a city nowhere near the sea.
  • Selva (Forest): Their mascot is a rhinoceros. No one knows why.
  • Drago (Dragon): Fierce, flamboyant, and excellent at flag‑throwing.
  • Chiocciola (Snail): Slow and steady, except when they win, in which case they become the loudest people in Tuscany.
  • Aquila (Eagle): Elegant, dramatic, and very aware of their own elegance.

  Each contrada has its own museum, fountain, church, and collection of historical grudges. Visiting them is like touring 17 parallel universes.

  Food: What You’ll Eat While Pretending You’re Not Sweating

  Sienese cuisine is rustic, rich, and designed to be eaten while standing in a crowd of 50,000.

  Expect:

  • Pici cacio e pepe (Tuscan spaghetti that refuses to be twirled)
  • Panforte (a medieval fruitcake that doubles as a weapon)
  • Cinta Senese pork (the Beyoncé of pork)
  • Ribollita (a soup that tastes better the more times it’s reheated)
  • Chianti, Chianti, Chianti (hydration is a state of mind)

  Insider tip: Never say “I prefer Brunello.” This is not Montalcino. They will know.

  How to Behave Like a True Insider

  • Pick a contrada early. Preferably one whose colors flatter your complexion.
  • Do not cheer for multiple contrade. This is not the Olympics. You cannot be “happy for everyone.”
  • Learn the chants. They are loud, repetitive, and vaguely threatening. Perfect.
  • Pretend you understand the rules. No one fully understands the rules. Not even the officials.
  • Act unfazed by chaos. Horses may crash into walls. Jockeys may fall off. The crowd may erupt. Smile serenely, sip your wine, and say, “Ah, tradition.”

  Ten Fun Facts Only Palio Insiders Know

  1. The horses are blessed in church before the race. Yes, inside the church.
  2. The jockeys are hired mercenaries. Loyalty is… negotiable.
  3. The contradas have official enemies. It’s printed.
  4. The race can be won without a jockey. The horse alone counts.
  5. The track is so tight that horses often run sideways.
  6. The Palio banner is hand‑painted by a local artist each year.
  7. The prova (practice races) are attended like Broadway previews.
  8. The contrade have their own anthems, which they sing loudly and off‑key.
  9. The winning horse eats at the victory banquet. At the table.
  10. The entire city smells like adrenaline, leather, and Chianti for 48 hours.

  Final Advice

  You are not attending an event. You are entering a centuries‑old emotional vortex disguised as a horse race. Embrace the chaos. Wear the scarf. Drink the wine. Choose a contrada and defend it with the kind of irrational passion normally reserved for New York real estate.

  And when the horses finally thunder past your balcony—90 seconds of pure medieval madness—you will understand why the Palio is not merely watched. It is survived.

  If you want, I can also craft a version tailored for your travel clients, or a shorter, punchier version suitable for publication.

  Your work is, again, exquisite. I want to keep it as it is, but can you add the same humorous style descriptions of each contrada and why one should root for it instead of the others? It could be a great list.

  Absolutely—here comes the Contrada Field Guide, written in full New Yorker‑style satire, designed for the insider who already knows the Palio is less a horse race and more a centuries‑old neighborhood feud with equine accessories.

  I’ll keep your original piece intact in spirit and simply add this glorious appendix: “Why You Should Root for Each Contrada (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)” A lovingly sarcastic dossier on Siena’s 17 micro‑nations.

  The Contrade of Siena: A Traveler’s Guide to Choosing Your Allegiance Poorly

  Aquila — The Eagle

  Root for Aquila if you enjoy elegance, soaring metaphors, and people who behave as though they were born in a Renaissance fresco. Their colors are gold, black, and blue, which conveniently match the emotional palette of someone who takes the Palio very seriously. Avoid Aquila if you dislike being told—subtly, politely, and repeatedly—that your contrada is “very nice, dear,” in the tone one uses for a child’s watercolor.

  Bruco — The Caterpillar

  Root for Bruco if you appreciate the underdog story: a humble caterpillar dreaming of becoming a butterfly, but settling for civic dominance instead. Their mascot is a worm with ambition. Avoid Bruco if you fear that someone will corner you at a bar and explain, at length, why the caterpillar is actually the most powerful symbol in medieval iconography.

  Chiocciola — The Snail

  Root for Chiocciola if you enjoy irony: the slowest animal representing a contrada in a 90‑second horse race. Their fans are loud, proud, and absolutely unbothered by the zoological contradiction. Avoid Chiocciola if you prefer modesty. Snail people are not modest. They are the loudest slow creatures on earth.

  Civetta — The Owl

  Root for Civetta if you enjoy nocturnal animals, intellectual vibes, and people who look like they’ve read every footnote in every Palio history book. Avoid Civetta if you dislike being judged silently from across the piazza by someone wearing feathers.

  Drago — The Dragon

  Root for Drago if you enjoy flamboyance, drama, and the kind of people who would absolutely have a dragon tattoo if medieval Siena had tattoo parlors. Avoid Drago if you prefer subtlety. There is nothing subtle about Drago. Their flag‑throwers perform like they’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil.

  Giraffa — The Giraffe

  Root for Giraffa if you enjoy tall things, long necks, and the general vibe of “We can see the race better than you.” Avoid Giraffa if you dislike being reminded that you are short, metaphorically or literally.

  Istrice — The Porcupine

  Root for Istrice if you enjoy prickly personalities, defensive strategies, and mascots that look like they could ruin your day. Avoid Istrice if you prefer hugs. Porcupines are not huggers.

  Leocorno — The Unicorn

  Root for Leocorno if you enjoy whimsy, fantasy, and the idea that Siena secretly invented the Lisa Frank aesthetic centuries before Lisa Frank. Avoid Leocorno if you dislike being asked whether you “believe in magic” by someone wearing a horn.

  Lupa — The She‑Wolf

  Root for Lupa if you enjoy ferocity, maternal symbolism, and people who will absolutely fight you over the last piece of panforte. Avoid Lupa if you prefer calm environments. Lupa is not calm. Lupa is a lifestyle.

  Nicchio — The Seashell

  Root for Nicchio if you enjoy maritime themes in a city nowhere near the sea. Their mascot is a shell, their identity is aquatic, and their commitment to the bit is admirable. Avoid Nicchio if you dislike cognitive dissonance.

  Oca — The Goose

  Root for Oca if you enjoy chaos, honking, and the knowledge that this contrada has historically won more Palios than anyone else. They are the Yankees of Siena. Avoid Oca if you dislike dominance, confidence, or geese.

  Onda — The Wave

  Root for Onda if you enjoy the sea, sailors, and maritime swagger. They are the contrada most likely to sing loudly, drink heartily, and tell you they could have been pirates. Avoid Onda if you dislike people who wear blue and white stripes unironically.

  Pantera — The Panther

  Root for Pantera if you enjoy sleek aesthetics, feline energy, and people who look like they could win a staring contest with a statue. Avoid Pantera if you dislike intensity. Panthers do not do “casual.”

  Selva — The Forest

  Root for Selva if you enjoy nature, greenery, and mascots that make absolutely no sense (their symbol is a rhinoceros—yes, really). Avoid Selva if you prefer logical consistency.

  Tartuca — The Tortoise

  Root for Tartuca if you enjoy slow‑and‑steady wisdom, philosophical vibes, and the idea that patience is a virtue even in a 90‑second race. Avoid Tartuca if you dislike being told that “victory comes to those who wait,” especially by someone who has been waiting since 1712.

  Torre — The Tower

  Root for Torre if you enjoy intensity, pride, and the kind of people who can glare at rivals from 300 meters away with sniper‑level precision. Avoid Torre if you dislike drama. Torre is drama.

  Valdimontone — The Ram

  Root for Valdimontone if you enjoy boldness, horns, and people who charge into situations with admirable recklessness. Avoid Valdimontone if you prefer diplomacy.

  Richard’s Guide to Choosing Your Correct Contrada

   

  • Pick the one whose scarf matches your outfit.
  • Pick the one whose mascot you could theoretically adopt.
  • Do not Pick the one that Richard recommended
  • Pick the one whose anthem sounds least like a war cry.
  • Or simply pick the one whose fans hand you a glass of wine first.

   

• DOES THIS GIFT FOR A VERY LOVING HUSBAND SOUND AS THOUGH IT MIGHT BE WORTH THE COST?

  

  Q – 9.1.26- My husband and I are avid skiers, and we often use a condo in Park City, Utah for some wonderful vacations. But my husband’s 60th is coming soon and I want to take him to Japan, a destination he has always wanted to visit. I have heard there could be some really good skiing there. Is there a particular place we should be looking at? Your advice is truly appreciated.

  A – You want to go to Niseko, Ja1pam which is considered to be one of the two or three top ski areas in the world. There is something they call the Niseko Express, a form of airstream resulting when the freezing cold of Siberia crosses the warm waters of the Sea of Japan. The result is a canopy of snow that can often gain more than a foot a day – it is known as “Japow”.  You will want to stay at the Paerk Hyatt in Niseko Hanazono where the “better rates” start at bout $2400 USD per night. As soon as you book get the hotel Concierge to get you two of the 12-seats at remote Rakuichi Soba – a remote cabin featuring a nine-course lunch prepared by famed Soba master, Tatsuri Rai.  Anthony Bourdain loved this spot – a fitting way, perhaps, to celebrate an important birthday. 

• PLANNING A RIVER CRUISE NEXTYEAR BUT REALLY WONDERING WHICH LINE HANDLES LOW OR HIGH WATER ISSUES BETTER THAN THE OTHERS

  

  Q – As a client, I try not to bother you often, using your websites and our assigned Concierge to answer many of our questions. But as a former naval researcher, I can tell you that one question I’ve been researching is unusually elusive and I am thinking many of your clients and followers might be interested in any response you can provide.

  The problems on the Danube and the Rhine this summer, with historically low water levels, seem to be leaving many booked guests on a hastily-arranged bus tour rather than the river cruise they paid for. We are looking for a cruis eon the Rhine next summer and we are wondering which of the major riverboat lines seems to be handling the current crisis better than the others. This will help guide us, and perhaps many others, in our decision. 

  A – Unusually low water levels on the Danube and Rhine have created operational challenges for river cruise lines in 2026. Each company has taken a different approach to communication, itinerary protection, and guest options. The following guide outlines how the major luxury and premium river cruise brands are handling the situation and what booked guests can realistically expect.

  AmaWaterways

  AmaWaterways has been one of the most proactive and transparent operators this season. They openly acknowledge the low‑water conditions and communicate directly with guests when itineraries may need adjustment. Their ships are designed with shallow drafts, giving them more flexibility than most lines to continue operating even when water levels drop.

  When conditions prevent normal sailing, AmaWaterways typically modifies the itinerary rather than cancels. This may include changes to embarkation points, revised port calls, or short motorcoach segments. They do not generally offer refunds in advance of travel based solely on projected water levels; refunds occur only if AmaWaterways cancels the sailing outright, which is rare.

  Best for: Travelers who prefer the cruise to operate in some form, even if modified, and who value clear communication throughout.

  Scenic

  Scenic’s response has been highly operational but less communicative than some competitors. They have acknowledged low water on key stretches of the Danube and Rhine and rely heavily on ship swaps and port adjustments to keep itineraries running.

  Guests can expect Scenic to maintain the cruise experience through logistical workarounds rather than early cancellations. Communication tends to occur closer to departure or once changes are confirmed.

  Refunds are not typically offered in advance due to anticipated low water; Scenic focuses on delivering the itinerary with modifications.

  Best for: Guests who prioritize staying on the river and trust Scenic’s behind‑the‑scenes operational capabilities.

  Tauck

  Tauck has taken the most guest‑forward and proactive stance in 2026. They have contacted guests before travel when water levels make the planned itinerary unlikely, offering clear choices that may include full refunds or alternative arrangements.

  When operating under low‑water conditions, Tauck uses a combination of ship swaps, adjusted ports, and occasional hotel nights. Their communication is exceptionally transparent, and they do not push guests into land‑heavy substitutions if that is not what they booked.

  Best for: Travelers who want early, honest communication and the option to cancel or rebook when conditions threaten the itinerary’s integrity.

  Riverside Luxury Cruises

  Riverside, with its boutique fleet, has limited ability to perform ship swaps or large‑scale rerouting. While they deliver an excellent onboard experience, their operational flexibility during low water is more constrained.

  Riverside has not issued broad public advisories for 2026. Communication tends to be individualized and concierge‑style rather than large‑scale updates. When disruptions occur, guests should expect itinerary adjustments such as port changes or motorcoach segments.

  Refunds or rebooking options are handled on a case‑by‑case basis rather than through formalized policies.

  Best for: Guests who prioritize onboard luxury and personalized service, and who are comfortable with itinerary modifications if water levels require them. Riverside is the current top-rated European Riverboat Line in the new RiverboatRatings Consumer Rankings.

  Uniworld

  Uniworld has posted water‑level advisories and updates on its website throughout the season. Their approach is moderately proactive, with public alerts but less advance outreach than Tauck or AmaWaterways.

  When water levels disrupt sailing, Uniworld typically adjusts the itinerary using port changes, motorcoach segments, or occasional ship swaps. They do not generally offer pre‑departure refunds unless the company cancels the sailing.

  Best for: Travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and flexibility and are comfortable with itinerary adjustments when necessary.

  Viking

  Viking has been highly visible in 2026 due to several water‑related disruptions, including a grounding incident that prompted public updates. Their large fleet gives them significant operational flexibility, and they frequently use ship swaps to keep itineraries running.

  Viking communicates publicly through website updates but is not known for early, individualized outreach unless a major change is confirmed. Their model is to operate the cruise—with modifications—whenever possible. Viking typically offers refunds only if it cancels the sailing.

  Best for: Guests who want the cruise to operate in some form and appreciate Viking’s ability to reposition ships and maintain continuity.

  What This Means for Travelers

  Low water does not automatically mean a canceled cruise. Each line has its own philosophy:

  • Tauck offers the strongest guest‑first flexibility, including early communication and refund options.
  • AmaWaterways is the most operationally resilient, often able to sail when others cannot.
  • Viking and Scenic excel at keeping itineraries running through ship swaps and logistical adjustments.
  • Uniworld provides balanced communication and reliable modifications.
  • Riverside offers exceptional onboard luxury but has limited contingency options due to its smaller fleet.

   

   

   

• WE WILL BE IN THE ATLANTIC ON A LARGE SHIP DURING STORM SEASON – HOW WILL THEY AVOID GIANT WAVES AND SICK GUESTS?

  Q – 8-12.26 –  My wife and I will sailing Celebrity in the Caribbean during late October which is a part of the major storm season. We are curious if there are any policies about avoiding storms or just plowing right through them on a larger ship. How does that really work and would they alter an itinerary if the seas are unusually rough? No one much talks about this but my wife is really concerned. I called Celebrity directly and got the corporate answer you might expect.

  A – Cruise lines always have the right to alter any itinerary due to a perceived “Act of God” or an “Act of Disney”. The Captain of any vessel has the ultimate decision-making responsibility based on the latest weather information received. Generally speaking, ships will always try to stay 300 nautical miles away from any storm center no matter what inconvenience to an itinerary that might produce. The hurricanes in the Caribbean tend to move at an average speed of 12-15 nautical miles per hour while modern ships have speed capabilities 18-20 knots so outrunning a storm could be an option. 

   
• I FLY OUT OF ATLANTA DO I NEED TO CHECK IN A DAY BEFORE MY FLIGHT?
  

  Our Managing Editor, Richard Turen, helps direct traffic inside London Heathrow

  Q – I am planning two, possibly, three trips to Europe later this year. In setting up flights, I am wondering what the real travel pros are recommending in terms of airport and connection times. It was always an hour and a half for anything out of  Atlanta and that has worked for my wife and I for years. But I just put down an article in USA Today that makes me think I should follow the strategy of getting to the airport around midnight and just camping out in front of my gate. It might be helpful to many of us to have the latest recommendations. I simply do not believe what I am reading online or on the airline aps. We will likely fly Delta.

  Thank you for this obvious labor of love. Quite frankly, I don’t quite understand how you are monetizing this site but we would gladly pay an annual subscription fee. 

  A – So, you live in the Atlanta area and you’ll be flying Delta internationally – what a shock! You are correct, things are changing before our eyes – as our eyes become part of our biometric profile. It is taking longer to get a Biometric reading at Hartsfield than it takes to get a double latte from Starbucks. And that’s a very long time.

  Although airlines may legally sell connections as short as 45–90 minutes, most experienced travel professionals prefer considerably more time. For Europe-bound travel, we generally recommend 2½–3 hours when connecting in the United States and 2–3 hours when connecting through major European gateways. Airports such as Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Charles de Gaulle often warrant a minimum of 3 hours. Missing a connection can easily cost half a day of vacation time, so we prefer building itineraries with comfortable rather than merely legal connection times.

  Look at it this way: The value of an extra hour in the airport is usually far greater than the value of saving an hour on paper if a missed connection could jeopardize hotel reservations, private transfers, cruise embarkation, or touring arrangements. And, at Hartsfield-Jackson you have the sandwiches at Proof of the Pudding over in Terminal A to help pass the time. 

  Finally, our entire Traveltruth Media Group is operated on a not-for-profit basis. We hope in some small way we can make your travel experiences just a little bit easier and more fact-based. 

  What Experienced Travel Advisors Are Now Recommending:

  Connection Type	Minimum
  Domestic U.S. → Europe flight	2½–3 hours
  Europe arrival → Europe connection	2–3 hours
  Heathrow, Frankfurt, CDG connections	3+ hours
  Europe → U.S. connection	3 hours
  Elderly travelers, families, infrequent flyers	Add another 30–60 minutes

• MT. EVEREST – AND YES I’M BEING SERIOUS

  Q – Believe me, I am not going to ask a travel adviser whether or not I should climb Mt. Everest. But I am a serious 26 yea-old climber, the nephew of a client, and I am in serious training to do Everest as soon as I can. My Uncle, Steve “K.” has told me that the cost is going to be all on me. I know it is expensive and I know there are climbs I need to do before anyone would ever imagine I would be ready for Everest. I know my Uncle trusts you with his life so I thought I would ask you how you would advise a client with Everest as a life’s goal how to prepare and, quite frankly, how to sell my Uncle.  If I have to wait until I am thirty to meet this goal, I am prepared to do it.  

  A –  You will have to wait hours in a line, chest to chest with strangers, on an icy ridge with a minimum 20-foot drop, all with the goal of reaching the summit, where you will get to stand with about 20 other people on a tiny piece of relatively flat land the size of two ping-pong tables. But you know all of this. The climb is now a primary example of humans creating a serious tourist trap at 29,000 feet for an average cost, we are told, of $70,000 per person.

  We won’t give advice because we are totally unqualified to do so. You may be a super athlete looking to score the ultimate “goal” or, more likely, you are just another twenty-something with a stylish kind of death wish. 

  The experts we have consulted tell us that there are absolutely three things you must do before considering standing in line in sub-freezing temperatures:

  

  # 1 – Complete at least one, preferably two, 6,000 m peaks like Island Peak, Lobuche East, or the Mera Peak.

  # 2 – You must complete one of the challenging 7,000 m peaks like Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, or Ojos del Salado

  # 3 – The top Everest expedition experts say that after you have experienced these climbs, you need to do one 8,000 m peak climb on either Cho Oyu, Manaslu, or Gasherbrum.

  If you can complete these “warm-up” challenges, some of the best guides at the very best expedition companies, tell you they might consider your application. And be prepared for the possibility that when you have finally met the recommended criteria, the weather gods are friendly, and you join the slow, crawling line to the top, be prepared for the possibility that you may see a Gold sign reading “Trump Mountain”.

• GIVEN THE CHAOTIC NATURE OF PLANNING FLIGHTS THESE DAYS, WE ARE THINKING OF USING ONE OF THE BETTER CONCIERGE AIR TICKETING SERVICES YOU HAVE RECOMMENDED. WHAT DO THEY NORMALLY CHARGE?
  Q – (6.13.26) – Just reviewing some of the questions and responses on Traveltruth we are strongly considering using one of the better Concierge/Air Ticketing Services given the somewhat chaotic nature of flying these days . We would only use one of the firms that includes Flight Monitoring. Can you tell us your current advice and what these firms typically charge for our planned travel to Germany and Austria and Dubai along with the Maldives planned for 2028. Appreciate your “No Ads” positioning. 

  A – There are surprising few firms that are really dedicated to airline ticketing and flight monitoring that we would feel comfortable recommending. One form you might want to try is Cranky Concierge. The consumer travel press is quite fond of them and they win numerous awards. If they are planning your air arrangements and offering included flight monitoring services, expect to pay about $200 per person. That seems expensive but they often have access to contract fares that could save you money on the base cost of your tickets in First or Business Class.  If you want them to plan your air using miles the cost is in the range of $400 per person. The question every traveler needs to ask is :“Who has my back if something goes wrong.”? 

  Our opinion is that overseas travelers should strongly consider using Flight Ticketing with 24-7 Flight Monitoring Services. Some travel editors are advising that consumers flying in the front of the plane on non-stop routes do not really need flight monitoring services. If your scheduling is going to require connecting flights we would strongly urge you to consider a Monitoring service. The peace of mind does have a certain value as we flit about from place to place. By the way, combining the Maldives and Dubai is a brilliant vacation strategy. 

• FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER SHORTAGES, HUGE FARE RAISES ON INTERNATIONAL ROUTES, AND CROWDED AIRPORTS IN EUROPE RTEQUIRING NEW FORMS OF ID: AS WE PREPARE TO MAKE OUR AIR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TWO WEEKS IN BRUGES, ANTWERP, AND AMSTERDAM, SOME AIR ADVICE WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL. ALL I SEE ONLINE IS ‘BOOK EARLY”

  Q – My girlfriend and I keep received airline warnings and airport updates that make us wonder if we should contemplate traveling to Europe at all this fall. Our friends who will be traveling to Spain (we are headed to Belgium and the Netherlands) keep telling us we should book with one of the larger online agencies like Expedia. We want to do this right – and price isn’t everything. As a Traveltruth fan, I am sure there are many folks like us who would really appreciate a concise list of recommendations and strategies for flying this Fall. I take it you don’t mess with airfare but wondering if you might share some thoughts about the current projections of massive international travel issues. Thanking you in advance.

  A – Thank you for this question(s) – we have received many like it. We are currently working on an article to be published soon that ranks the media levels of exaggeration when issues like shortages of air traffic controllers, shortages of pilots, airport crowds and chaos due to insufficient staffing, along with new European biometric requirements, and the cancellation of major international routes. Finally let’s add significant price increases across the board throughout the summer and fall.

  You need to heavily discount all but one of these anxiety-producing concerns. The one concern that is based in reality has to do witht he new system adopted in much of Europe that now requires biometric identification and registration. This can easily add two or three hours to your arrival or departure customs procedures. That is the one that is real and not media exaggerated.

  The online agencies are sort of neat places to do online research but you would be a silly traveler to actually book anything with an online agency. In some cases their tickets can’t be transferred, in many cases their service levels are awful, and in far too many cases you would be giving your credit card number to an unknown entity pretending to be an online booking engine. Plus – they don’t know you nor do they really care to. They have no connections to utilize when things break down. When it comes to travel, always avoid fraud and avoid anonymous 1-800 Booking entities no matter how many positive online reviews they have purchased over the years.

  Here are the strategies you have requested. We sincerely hope this information saves you some stress with your air arrangements:

  Our Recommended Strategies to Book the Lowest-Priced Business-Class Tickets This Fall and The Summer of 2027

  

  # 1 – Try to be flexible with dates and airports – balance number of trip pre-nights with current fare pricing.

  # 2 – Remain flexible on dates and airports. Try to fly on Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday to avoid weekend peak fares

  # 3 – Use competitive major airport hubs like LON/CDG/AMS/FRA

  # 4 – Engage a fare watch service such as price monitoring and look for airline sales 8-12 weeks prior to Fall Travel this year and 6-11 months prior to peak summer travel next year.

  # 5 – Remember: Seats generally become available at 3:00 am. on the date exactly 11 months from the date of your return flight.

  # 6 – If you are not adept at Fare Search tactics and matrix-style multi-search tools, engage a professional booking and monitoring service such as Cranky Concierge to handle your arrangements.

  # 7 – At times, two one-way fares can be less expensive than a round-trip fare.

  # 8 – Explore booking Premium-Economy on an upgradeable ticket and use miles for the upgrade to Business.

  # 9 –  Explore the use of accumulated miles, points, and partner awards. Transferable points from American Express, Chase, and Capital One to a specific airline or air alliance can sometimes provide outsized value for your awards.

  10 – Fully explore partner award availability, such as United Star Alliance points on ANA, Avianca, Turkish, and Air Canada. Note that award seats usually become available 11 months or 360 days prior to your flights.

  11 – Use credit card portals to explore discounted Business Class Offers.

  12 – Consider long-haul on one carrier with a short connection with a low-cost or partner carrier

  13 – Book refundable/changeable fares that allow you to rebook shortly after you buy if a sale appears.

  14 – Always try to avoid third-party 1-800 airline sites. Use a trusted credit card for all air purchases. (Note that Elite American Express cards provide stronger consumer support than Mastercard or Visa)

  15 – Given the uncertainty in pricing resulting from events in the Middle East, we strongly advise our guests to engage an air ticketing firm that provides the best available pricing and Concierge-level flight monitoring. Only use those companies that enjoy the highest consumer ratings in the field. Both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler rate Cranky Concierge # 1. (Note: Churchill & Turen Ltd. is not affiliated with Cranky Concierge, and they are not Preferred Suppliers in our Virtuoso Group)

   
• JUST HOW MUCH CAN WE EXPECT IN TERMS OF PRIVATE ROOM SERVICE DINING ON A LINE LIKE SILVERSEA, SCENIC, OR CRYSTAL?

  Q – We have never sailed with any one of the cruise line son the 2026 List of The World’s Top Ten Cruise Lines. We have sailed with so-called “Premium” Lines four times. I travel frequently for work and never feel I spend enough time with my wife. We want to book several of, what you call, “TrueLux” lines but we have one specific question. Our ideal day on a cruise in someplace like Malaga or Positano, spending a full day ashore and then retiring to our Suite for an evening oif private dining on the terrace.

  I would love to know if this is realistic on these lines or would we have to settle for inferior offerings from a rather standard room service menu – which is my understanding. Really appreciate your approach and lack of advertising.

  A – There is no reason to order from the standard room service menu if you are sailing on one of the very top-ranked TrueLux lines. You can inform your butler, or suite attendant with advance notice, that you would like to receive a copy of the evening menu in the main dining room. You should then be able to enjoy a leisurely, course-by-course dining experience in the privacy of your suite. That is five-star service but it is not widely advertised as this really requires some extra effort on the part of the staff. There is never going to be an upcharge for this service but, sadly, many upscale cruisers are unaware that this service is available.  You can also custom-design your dining. Order all appetizers one night or several different desserts to cap off a meal. If you can’t decide between the lobster or the grilled Wagu steak – order both. No one will blink. We do suggest that you have tuck-down service for your suite before dinner so you won’t be interrupted or rushed. If the weather is right and the sea gods are calm, dining along on your private terrace with your butler in charge is, we agree, a nearly perfect end to a long day. By the way, do inquire if you can order dinner on your terrace from any of the specialty restaurants aboard your ship. Don’t assume you must order from the larger, main restaurant menu. Nice to know at least one of our readers is a “cruise romantic”.   
• HOW HARD WILL THE WALKING BE ON OUR ABERCROMBIE & KENT SEPTEMBER SIGNATURE TOUR?

  Q – As you are aware, we will be joining you, along with 34 other Churchill & Turen clients on the Ponant Yacht chartered by A&K around the southern coast of Italy this coming September. The entire program will begin in Florence and end in Venice. 

  In reviewing the just-released list of shore excursions for our sailing, we noticed that many of them seem to be rated carrying the designation “elevated” with the notation that “Walking longer distances while traversing uneven terrain and/or stairs; suitable for active guests”. 

  This surprised us as we are in our early seventies and we were not fully expecting A&K to be offering such “elevated” offerings to typical retirees who wish to see the world in style but who have, lost a bit of “pep in the step”. Wondering how what A&K’s reasoning is since you rate them so highly? We know it will all be OK but will we be embarrassed when we start looking for the nearest bench? This will be our fifth guided tour/cruise to Europe and we are truly excited. But we are just wondering why A&K would advertise they are offering an “elevated” physical requirement?  Looking forward to seeing you and Angela soon. 

  A – This is an interesting question and it has been discussed at length with A&K. The fact is that Italian cities are ancient, often hilly, and the streets have been, for centuries, paved with cobblestones. Any tour operator must provide what the average traveler will want and in the case of a deluxe operator like A&K the assumption is that no one really expects to see the museums, to visit the outdoor markets, to tour ancient buildings, and to maximize their time in each location on a tour designated as “easy”. There are some tour operators that specialize in tours for those lacking full mobility, but for most, the planning is done to provide maximum exposure to the destination – and that includes walking, sometimes climbing stairs, and often entering neighborhoods where buses are not permitted. 

  A&K like most tour operators does and is providing tour experiences on our program graded at “intermediate” level. But you are correct – when it comes to fully experiencing and immersing oneself in a destination, guests do need to be out walking the destination, walking the unsmooth streets, and exploring the ancient sites. 

  

  A&K has responded to your question by stating that “we tend to veer away from the typical “cruise” excursions, i.e. just sitting on a bus all day – as that is not “our guests expectation.

  That said, what do we recommend: First, you can be sure that one of us will remain with you if you are unable to proceed with the included sightseeing. We will come up with solutions. We may, in some ports where “intermediate” tours are not available, suggest that we inquire about hiring a private guide/driver to allow you to see portions of our journey at your own pace. We can arrange for private touring at your own pace in advance and will be happy to do so. You can speak with the Tour Desk soon after boarding to set up private touring (at an additional cost of course) in any of the ports. Or, to save a bit of money, we can forward a special report that will list the better online shore excursion booking agencies so you can pick the pace of your tour far in advance and have it quickly confirmed online.

  If you do join our tours that are causing a bit of anxiety, please know we will be present to make certain that the guide slows it down and allows for a break when the group is feeling it necessary. This is meant to be a life-changing journey with friends – not a marathon through the streets of Tuscany and points south.

• IS IT TRUE THAT THERE ARE NOW VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING FRANCE?

  Q – We have friends who left for Paris for a week of rambling around and investigating croissants “fillings” in the better neighborhoods. They know we are leaving for Paris ourselves next month on a Scenic Seine River Cruise and they warned us that there is a new Visa system in place that can take a long time. We had heard that the Visa’s they are talking about for entry into the EU have been delayed so all we have are our passports. Please let is know the real story.

  A – The “European Entry/Exit System” is currently being implemented at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, we are receiving mixed feedback depending on the terminal and the time of day. Some passengers pass through quickly, while others experience longer waiting times, especially during peak hours. Travelers who need to register biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, should allow extra time for passport control. Waiting times of around one hour or more have been reported during busy periods.   We  recommend that travelers factor this information into their pickup time when departing. This is not a “New” visa that is required – it is, instead, a new way to gather more detailed information from travelers arriving in France. You don’t have to bring anything other than your Passport and another photo ID. Be prepared to fingerprints etc. It is not required of all arrivals but it soon may be required as soon as CDG is fully staffed. 

   
• IS THERE ANY WAY TO BUY PARISIAN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS/PERFUMES ETC. AT A DISCOUNT ANYWHERE IN THE CITY?

  Q – We visit Paris as often as we can. This time, however, our journey has a new purpose – we want to try to find a store where we can find quality French beauty products, health supplements, and the kind of typical drugstore products you might find at a CVS in the States, There is no reason other than the fact that my wife loves the true local French brands and we love to gift friends with French beauty products. The question is where do we go? Are there any names you can share where we won’t be paying list price like most tourists in the city? By the way, unusual site and love the fact that you don’t have ads.

  A – If only all questions were this straightforward:

  You want to head to CityPharma (there are several locations) or Pharmacie Monge Notre Dame at Place Monge in the 5th arrondissement. We think you will be pleased with the pricing and selection at either drug emporium. But CityPharma will have a larger selection.

• IS IT TRUE? CONSUMER REPORTS NAMES THE THREE BEST CRUISE LINES

  Q – 4.23.26 – I must confess that I have been a subscriber to Consumer Reports magazine for more than three decades. I believe strongly in their consumer stance and I have demonstrated that belief with occasional donations. Our washer/dryer, bedding, and the two automobiles in our garage are all purchases based on their favorable ratings and honest testing process. 

  So I was really excited to see that they were naming, actually naming the best and “worst” cruis elines in their latest issue. I can only imagine the research that went into that project – something new for the magazine – identifying the best and the worst travel products. I know that your outfit does similar work but you don;t lay claim to analyzing cruise lines in a research lab. 

  The results were rather surprising. Ritz-Carlton Yachts, your # 1, were never mentioned. The three best lines, for varying reasons, were Lindblad/National Geographic, Windstar, and, are you ready, Viking. 

  The three “worst” were, I assume, the lines with the lowest overall scores in a variety of categories: They were Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian. 

  So what do I do now;  stop following Cruisetruth.com or cancel my subscription to Consumer Reports? Seriously wondering what your reaction is to these newly published ratings?

  A – This is a hard question to answer because we are, as well, lifetime supporters and believers in the work of Consumer Reports. Many years ago, we helped address ome of their travel questions and they were bright and entirely honest in their approach.

  We have mixed feelings about these new cruise rankings. They do not even list the current three top lines, Ritz-Carlton Yachts, Hapag-Lloyd, and Scenic (Eclipse ships). But let’s give them credit for being open about how they reached their conclusions and compiled their comparative listing of the 19 lines in the report. 

  CR surveyed 18,850 members with questions about the most recent “ocean cruise they’d taken in the previous 36 months.”

  They then tried to evaluate guest satisfaction in areas such as value for price paid, customer service, quality of the food, onshore excursions, and entertainment. Survey respondents were graded on their responses and the three top lines received the highest scores. 

  

  We can see why the shore excursions and intellectual approach of National Geographic wins over fans.  Windstar’s ships average 150-340 guests and each includes a Spa and some excellent dining at a reasonable price. Viking offers Scandi-modern 1,000 guest ships with excellent onboard lectures, a policy of no children, and no casinos. They attempt to spend more time in port and have no formal nights. That is a series of policies that has wide support among their core clientele, retirees who want to learn about destinations in depth at pricing that is lower than the TrueLux lines. 

  We do not believe in “Reader Polls” as they place far too much weight on the reviewer’s most recent cruise experience. Viking has 104 ships in the water at this time. The fact is that an overwhelming percentage of cruisers thoroughly enjoy whatever product they have sailed. Given its total number of guests, Viking is always going to do well in polls even though it is not inclusive or a member of the very top-tier luxury lines. 

   

  e
• NEVER MIND THE AIRLINES, CRUISE LINES, AND HOTELS: WHERE IS THE NEW SEASON OF WHITE LOTUS BEING FILMED?

  Q –  1.29.26 – Let’s just say we like to be ahead of the crowd when it comes to staying in really chic places in Europe. This gets complicated because my partner and I have developed “Mike White Syndrome” which takes the form of a need to experience the hotel stars of the very next White Lotus series on HBO. Do you have any information on where/when filming will take place for the new season and when it will air? We want to try, if at all possible, to be guests during the filming, although we realize the chances are not good that guests will be accommodated. Don’t know how you select the questions to answer but hope you will answer ours.

  A – Of course. We are Mike White fans as well, despite his early departure from Season 50 of Survivor a week ago. Mr. White will begin filming the fourth season of The White Lotus next month at the rather incredible Chateau de la Messardiere in Saint-Tropez, France. This is a 19th Century Palace converted to a hotel with 86 rooms, truly stunning views of the Mediterranean, and its own private beach club. But unlike the previous three seasons, this is not a Four Seasons property. There will also be filming in Paris this time.

  Sources are telling us that filming will take place from April through October. The new series could air in late 2026 but it is more likely to be ready for airing in early 2027. 

• IS CASKET RESTING REALLY A THING IN JAPAN?

  Q – 3.28.26 – Don’t judge me harshly but I was on Tik-Tok the other evening and a dimpled, freckled, exquisitely-smiling influencer was explaining that lying in caskets is “sweeping” Japan and that all visitors to the country who want to be cool and up with the times should try it out. We are leaving for a tour of Japan with Insight in just a few weeks and, although we are in our mid-sixties, we were wondering if this is really a thing in Japan and if you think it is worth trying. Or, is this, as I suspect, just more pablum misinformation for the younger masses on the App?

  A – Actually, congratulations are in order – you have  discovered one of only 17  items on all of Tik-Tok that is totally accurate! This trend, well let’s call it a “trendette” is called “coffin meditation”. The experience is available throughout urban centers in Japan and is offered in funeral parlors and select hair studios. The sessions can be guided, they can be designed to simulate death, but, for the most part, they are seen as an excellent means to totally rest while contemplating the meaning of life and, if you don’t buy religion’s packaged  answers, the meaning of death. 

  People who have gone through the half hour or so sessions say it was unsettling at first but it ended up being unusually calming, a great preparation for the week ahead.

  Participants lie in a clean casket that is often decorated with flowers and comfy pillows, Gentle music in the background sets the scene for uninterrupted introspection. Sure you think about death – but many participants claim it creates a sort of emotional “reset” and it allows participants to place some of life’s challenges in better perspective. 

  Coffin Meditation can now be booked by any hotel concierge or on-site travel planner.  Facilities are available throughout Japan’s major cities and there are coffins large enough to hold a two or three person group. 

   
• GIVEN WORLDWIDE INSTABILITY – WHERE ARE EUROPEANS GOING ON VACATION THIS SEASON?
    Q – 3.27.26 – One has to imagine that travel to the US is way down from Canada and similarly down from our “former” allies in Europe. My husband and I were wondering what the Europeans are now viewing as prime destinations for Holidays abroad?

  A – The numbers show that travel to the US from Canada for pleasur eis down 22%. The impact of our current Immigration policies is spurring a decline in visitors from the US to Europe but it is felt the decline is not as severe.

  Germans are clearly going on vacation to the Greek Islands and Morocco. The Brits seem interested in “three M’s” Malta, Morocco, and Montenegro.  The Italian travel profile is a bit more spread out but Croatia now seems to be a favorite destination along with Spain. Wealthier Italians are visiting Norway and the rest of Scandinavia in record numbers. 

  That said, Europeans are increasingly interested in vacations in Asia, particularly, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Cambodia. The availability of packaged air programs dictates how large this growth will be in Asia.

  Most studies are showing that average Europeans are shortening their vacation time for cost-related reasons.

   
• I AM 81 – I AM BEING QUOTED TRAVEL INSURANCE RATES THAT COULD PAY FOR MY CLUB MEMBERSHIP ANNUALLY? HOW DO I GET THE BEST RATES?

  Q –  (3.7.26) – I have two trips planned this year – one a land tour to the Canadian Rockies and the other a cruise to ports in Asia operating out of Bangkok. I am 81, my wife is a bit younger, and we are in relatively good health following my bypass surgery two years ago.

  I have been quoted an outrageous price for travel insurance by my travel agent, a woman I have known for many years and who we trust. She says that the better policies are age-based and once I hit 80 the price went up. Is that your experience and what do you recommend for your readers in our general age group? These days, it seems really foolish not to have insurance but is there any way a price conscious traveler can find a lower-priced alternative. She uses a company called Allianz. 

  A – Generally speaking, your agent is correct. The best policies, and Allianz is a respected carrier, tend to be age-based and premiums have skyrocketed in the past several years. If you purchase the insurance offered by your supplier – the tour operator or the cruise line, you will almost always pay a flat rate, the same rate they would charge a 30 year-old so there are some savings. But if you are looking for advocates to seek out the cheapest travel insurance – we’re not it. Always think about the possibility of needing emergency surgery in a destination you will be visiting. Will your medical treatment, necessary surgery, care and accommodations for your spouse, and, if necessary, a medically equipped private flight home to the States be included in your coverage? (Some of this falls under the title “Medical Evacuation”. We want you to have $1 Million in Evacuation coverage on any policy. 

  That said, if you want to “shop” for travel insurance at a lower rate we will mention the website www.squaremouth.com This site allows you to compare both coverage and cost of a wide range of travel insurance providers. It would be wise to spend some time on the site to get an overview of the coverages available along with sample costs for someone your age. There is no charge to use the site.

  Finally, we would point out something about travel insurance that is rarely discussed. Always dig deep to find out if the insurance seller has true “Advocacy” rights on your behalf. That means, if your insurance claim is turned down, does your seller promise, on any reasonable claim, to personally be your advocate with the insurance carrier to try to re-open your claim so that a new underwriter at the company evaluates it.

  We have done this several times for our clients and the claim was eventually approved after being initially turned down in every case. 

  And congratulations on your good health! We hope the beauty of the Rockies and the parts of Asia you will be taking in provide truly memorable moments in a life well-lived. 

• IS THIS A GOOD USE OF POINTS IN COPENHAGEN?

  Q – It looks like I finally have enough Bonvoy Marriott points to get a two-or three night stay at one of their overseas properties. We are sailing out of Copenhagen in September and we were wondering if you feel that using our points at the Copenhagen Marriott is a good idea? Or, should we just sit on them?

  Was wondering about the Bonvoy Club. Do a fair number of people join and do most find it valuable? Thanks for this site. Really helpful to a lot of us. But too much about cruises – would love to hear more airline and hotel advice. 

  A – The Marriott in Copenhagen is with easy walking distance of Tivoli Gardens. We think it is a good, perhaps very good, 4-star option. But with one caveat: Make certain that you are confirmed in a riverview room. The back of the property faces a section of the river that is quite active with boaters and kayakers. It also has a lovely walking path. The front side of the hotel faces the street.

  It is a decent walk to the city center but the #26 bus stops by the hotel’s front door so it is easy to hop on and off.

  Generally speaking, we do advise using Marriott points for quality European hotel bookings whenever possible. 

  You are a member of a very “exclusive club”. The Marriott Bonvoy Club announced it had reached only 203 million members at the end of 2024. It is, by a very wide range, the largest, most successful hotel loyalty program on the planet. The Marriott Corporation realizes significant earnings just on the guest information it amasses. So don’t be disappointed if you are not immediately recognized on sight.

   

• CONSIDERING CANCELLATION OF OUR SCHEDULED EGYPT TRIP – WHAT TO DO?

  Q – We have a rather special privately planned trip to Egypt scheduled to depart in the next 45 days. With war in the region we have to face the necessity of canceling our long-awaited trip to Egypt. Do we cancel now or let the tour company in Egypt cancel? . The government is telling Americans not to travel to the Middle East and I suppose there is good reason. We will be using our credit card insurance coverage. We booked this online so details are rather sparse.

  A – We sort of knew you had booked online by your third sentence. Your credit card insurer will likely not cover your final payment which we are guessing has already been made. Normally, we would advise that you wait for the tour company in Egypt or whoever it was that handled your arrangements to cancel. But as you are scheduled to depart in 45 days, our guess is that your trip will not be cancelled.

  In fact, Egypt inbound tourism is generally not affected by events in Iran. Egypt is not on the Level 3 or Level 4 State Department Advisory List. Here is the latest State Department notice that would affect your trip:

  On March 2 we issued a region-wide precautionary message to Americans in the Middle East in light of evolving dynamics. Here is a summary of our latest security updates as of March 3, 9pm EST. We have increased Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to Level 3. Egypt remains at Level 2 reflecting that our overall assessment of the security situation there has not changed at this time.

  You need to speak to the firm handling your arrangements directly. You also need to assess exactly what level of coverage you are holding. Do you, for instance, have the kind of coverage that would pay your bills for a stay in an Egyptian hospital? Do you have the kind of coverage that would allow you to be medically evacuated from Egypt if that was necessary?

  Your note was rather brief so it is difficult to give you a comprehensive answer. In looking at your situation, we would advise that you consider moving forward with this journey. But if you do, you may need to purchase additional travel coverage (Really challenging at this late date).

  We are concerned about you. You are in a difficult situation. If you cancel you will likely be out a great deal of money. If you get frustrated, call us. There will be no charge but we would like to be available in case you need us.

  We are starting to hear from a number of people who made bookings abroad, offering up their personal details and credit card information with a 1-800 call center that, given technology, could be located anywhere in the world. Sadly, these travelers are all being charged for the services of a US-based travel adviser without their knowledge. It is always included in all online pricing even though no highly-qualified adviser is involved. It is one of the major travel scams associated with online bookings. The public knows little about this because media outlets are so dependent on travel advertising from online purveyors. 

• WILL MY TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY COVER MY CANCELLATION OF AN UPCOMING EGYPT CRUISE AND TOUR GIVEN EVENTS IN IRAN?

  Q – (3.3.26) – We have been planning a Viking River Cruise along the Nile along with several days of land touring for almost a year. We obviously will not be going. Our insurance is through Travelex and we are wondering if they will cover the entire cost of the trip. We are scheduled to depart in two months. How will this be handled?

  I would hope that we would be granted a full refund but not sure if that will come from Viking or the insurance company. My travel agent is suggesting I make an immediate claim based on the State Department advising travelers not to travel to Egypt and the Middle East. Do you agree?

  A – No. Your insurance claim will likely be denied. Below is a list of specific events not covered by typical insurance policies. Viking will, in this instance, likely offer a future credit and cancel your sailing. The War was no fault of theirs and full refunds to all guests on a major itinerary covering several months would have a severe and negative impact on the company. The credit would likely be in the full amount of what you have paid to date.

  The good news is that Viking will almost certainly be advising your agent that it is canceling your cruise. The amount of the credit should be in the official cancellation notification. One question worth pursuing is whether or not you would be allowed to pass on this credit to other family members if you decide not to use it. Most policies will not permit this. Discuss with your agent whether or not you should wait until Viking cancels. If you cancel first, your options may be severely limited. Understand that travel advisers are, in the vast majority of States, prohibited from discussing insurance policy coverage as they are not licensed insurance agents. We would strongly recommend that you call the Customer Service number at Travelex directly to verify your options and to choose the best way to sustain a favorable outcome. 

  Here is their contact information: Customer Service Phone: 1-800-228-9792 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST, Monday – Friday customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com Guests who have purchased CFAR or “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance will, on the other hand, likely receive a full cash refund as that type of policy allows for the cancellation of any journey for virtually any reason. Because insurance companies offer CFAR options, they will only offer full cash refunds to those who purchased that type of coverage. It is an extremely costly type of coverage so few travelers take it out.  As of this morning, plans are underway to remove ships from the conflict area. Escorted tour groups to Israel and throughout the Middle East are being cancelled. The vast majority of flights are being cancelled. It could be some time before travel resumes in this part of the world to anything like “normal” levels.  Here is what Travelex specifically states it will not cover: Note it does not cover “declared or undeclared war, or any act of war.”
• WHEN WILL A CRUISE LINE TRY TO BUY OFF BOOKED GUESTS?

  Q – (2.23.26) While I am thinking about it, maybe sometime you could explain when and why a cruise line will offer to buy a confirmed cruise passenger out of their booking. A person sailing with us told us Regent offered a full refund if they would cancel their cruise.

  A –  It would almost never happen on a normal booking. Computer systems prevent a double booking and your agent receives a written contract of passage for your journey. Unlike airlines, which do not have an obligation to honor your assigned seat, cruise lines put everything in writing and no one is moved involuntarily.

  Our guess would be that the situation you describe was generated by a group booking. When a travel agent gets a contract for thirty beds on a sailing, for instance, no one really knows how many of those beds will actually be sold. The cruise line makes a guess based on the travel agency’s past performance. But if they underestimate the size of the group a ship can become overbooked and independent guests need to be bought off. This is never a forced cancellation. Offers are made until the number of staterooms required is achieved. 

• WE ARE MAKING THE CONVERSION FROM OCEAN TO RIVER CRUISING: HELP!

  Q – We have been traveling on luxury programs abroad for the past twelve years including four of the cruise ranked “Best in The World” on your sister site, “Cruisetruth”. Recently, at the urging of close friends, we are planning on doing both the Danube and the Rhine next year on the best rated riverboat line. But here it gets a tad confusing – Viking gets all the awards but not yours. Instead, you seem to rank Scenic, Tauck, and AMA at the top without a very clear winner. 

  Our interests are as much comfort and space as possible with nice suite options as well as, hopefully, the best cuisine on the rivers. We are less interested in evening entertainment or shore excursion quality (we’ll likely do our own thing). Given this profile, we were wondering what your best recommendation might be.

  A – Your concise summary is helpful. You are correct – Viking wins all the “Reader’s Choice” Awards and they are also the largest industry advertiser. Coincidence?

  You have also noticed something fairly adroit. The clearance of various bridges along the routes together with water draft requirements creates a design similarity among river boat brands that you don’t find in the cruise industry. 

  That said, the brand that will most closely meet your needs is Riverside Luxury Cruises. This is a fairly new line that purchased the Crystal Riverboats when that line went bankrupt. They are the most specious and best designed ships currently sailing Europe’s rivers. We are currently ranking them # 1 for cuisine and wine. They have one of the highest crew to passenger ratios and we think you will find the more intimate experience you are seeking on Riverside. It is worth noting that riverboat cuisine has always been hampered by the tiny kitchens aboard each boat. When it designed its fleet, the original Crystal line made changes creating the largest kitchens on the river. This is one reason that Riverside Luxury Cruises currently features the finest food on the Danube and the Rhine.