Cruise Planning Services

River and Vine begins with a focused planning conversation to understand how you like to travel, not just where you want to go. From there, you receive a small set of tailored cruise options with clear pros and cons, so your decision feels confident instead of rushed or random. 

• Clarify your wish list, mobility needs, past cruise experience, and budget before any line or ship is recommended. 
• Compare a short list of curated itineraries for inclusions, cabin layout, onboard atmosphere, and overall value—not just headline price. 
• Integrate the entire trip—cruise, flights, rail, hotels, transfers, and wine touring—so every segment connects smoothly. 

In most cases, you pay the same cruise fare you would see booking direct, while gaining professional guidance, custom trip design, and a single point of contact.

• River cruises: Smaller ships, frequent port calls, and itineraries that follow the heart of a region—castles, vineyards, villages, and Christmas Markets—ideal for travelers who value culture, scenery, and wine over big‑ship entertainment. 
• Ocean and coastal cruises: Mid‑size and larger ships visiting multiple countries or coastlines with more venues, shows, and activities, often better for families, groups, or guests who like options every night. 
• Great Lakes cruises and Winter Safaris: Intimate ships exploring places like Alaska, the Great Lakes, or remote coastlines, with an emphasis on nature, local guides, and educational enrichment.

During your planning call, River and Vine helps you decide not only which style fits you best, but also which specific cruise company and ship align with your expectations.

• River and Vine can assist with a wide range of cruises, with a particular strength in river and wine‑inspired journeys where food, wine, and scenery play a starring role. 
• European river cruises, including wine‑themed sailings and Christmas Market itineraries along rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, and Douro. 
• Wine‑focused cruises that pair onboard comfort with cellar visits, vineyard tastings, and regional cuisine on shore. 
• Great Lakes and coastal small‑ship cruises for travelers who prefer intimate ships and destination‑driven itineraries close to home. 
• Select ocean cruises for couples, families, and groups who want more onboard venues, entertainment, or kid‑friendly options without losing a sense of place. 

If you already have a specific sailing in mind, River and Vine can validate that it fits—or suggest alternatives that better match your style or dates. 

Not every cruise style fits every traveler—or every trip. This quick guide helps you see where River, Ocean, Great Lakes cruises and Winter Safaris  shine, so we can match you with the experience that feels like ‘you’ from the very first day.

• River Cruises are best for travelers who want culture, scenery, and wine‑tasting days more than big‑ship entertainment. The typical trip feel is unpack once, wake up in a new town most days, with guided walks and time to wander on your own.
• Ocean & Coastal Cruises are best for travelers who want rrefer more dining venues, shows, and activity choices, or are traveling with kids, teens, or a group. The typical trip feel is a mix of sea days and port days, with plenty to do on board between destinations.
• Great Lakes & Small‑Ship Coastal Cruises are best for travelers who want intimate ships close to home, strong sense of place, and destination‑focused days rather than nightlife. The typical trip feel is slower‑paced itineraries with guided excursions, lectures, and plenty of time outdoors.
• Winter Safaris are best for travelers who crave adventure, wildlife, and learning, and are willing to trade casinos and big shows for Zodiac landings and expert guides. The typical trip feel is highly immersive days with landings, hikes, and Zodiac outings, plus talks from naturalists and historians.