River Cruising Masterclass

Sydney Schellinger River Cruise Expert
  • 4.6 (5)
  • Places & Travel
  • Biweekly

River Cruising Masterclass is your guide to choosing the right river cruise, comparing cruise lines, and understanding what you're really paying for. Hosted by Sydney Schellinger, owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency and an experienced river cruise specialist, the podcast offers honest river cruise reviews, firsthand travel experiences, expert interviews, and practical planning advice. Explore Viking, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside, and other river cruise lines. Discover the differences between Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, Seine, and Nile River cruises, including destinations, cabins, excursions, onboard experiences, and what's included in your fare. Whether you're planning your first European river cruise or comparing luxury options for your next adventure, Sydney helps you understand the trade-offs and choose the experience that fits you. Listen for detailed cruise line reviews, destination guides, and The River Brief, covering river cruising news and industry developments. Plan your next river cruise: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit

  1. 1d ago

    (16/15) APT River Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury, Australian Style

    What’s included on an APT river cruise, and is it right for you? Join Sydney Schellinger, river cruise specialist and owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency, and APT’s Tim Harrison for a look at luxury European river cruising with an Australian personality. We explore APT Solara and Ostara, including suite choices, six dining venues, included room service, and Grüner Bar & Dining, which rises above the Sun Deck while docked. Tim shares his experience visiting Namedy Castle, explains APT’s included excursions, and describes the relaxed atmosphere onboard. We also discuss APT vs. Travelmarvel, what costs extra, shorter itineraries, and how APT has handled low-water disruptions. Comparing river cruises on the Rhine, Main, or Danube? This episode will help you understand what makes APT different. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introducing APT and Tim Harrison 01:15 APT’s history and family ownership 03:49 APT vs. Travelmarvel 06:17 Ships, passenger numbers, and suites 09:34 Six dining venues and room service 17:51 Dietary requirements onboard 19:19 What’s included with APT? 23:19 Extra costs: spa, laundry, and spending 24:58 Signature Experiences and excursions 26:09 Namedy Castle with Princess Heide 28:48 Freedom of Choice excursions 32:58 Tim’s first river cruise experience 36:31 Who sails with APT? 41:50 Handling low-water disruptions 47:13 Ship swaps and itinerary changes 54:19 Shorter cruises and future ships 56:02 Combining cruises, land tours, and rail 58:05 Why consider APT? 59:40 Plan your cruise with Sydney COMMON QUESTIONS Is APT river cruising all-inclusive? APT’s luxury European river cruises include accommodation, onboard dining, premium beverages, sightseeing, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and eligible transfers. Flights, personal purchases, and some spa and laundry services cost extra. Confirm your specific booking’s inclusions. What’s the difference between APT and Travelmarvel? APT is the group’s luxury brand, with a more inclusive experience. Travelmarvel is its premium brand, with a different price point and more optional sightseeing choices. Who is APT best suited for? Travelers who enjoy contemporary ships, varied dining, included excursions, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Tim describes a mix of ages and many Australian guests. PLAN YOUR NEXT RIVER CRUISE WITH ME I help you compare cruise lines, understand the inclusions, and choose the right ship, cabin, and itinerary. I can also arrange flights, hotels, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise stays. Book a 30-minute travel consultation: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit/30mintravelconsultation Sydney Schellinger River Cruise Specialist | Owner, The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency Virtuoso travel advisor through Gifted Travel Network Email: sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Website: https://www.thepoodlebookedit.com Join the River Cruising Masterclass community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit The booking is just the beginning. Follow River Cruising Masterclass for cruise line interviews, destination guides, planning tips, and The River Brief. Share this episode with someone considering a river cruise!

    (16/15) APT River Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury, Australian Style

  2. 4d ago

    River Cruise News: Low-Water Update, Tauck’s Rhône & Viking’s Nile | The River Brief 10/30/26

    Rain is bringing some relief to Europe’s rivers, Tauck is expanding on the Rhône, and Viking is introducing a longer Nile journey. In this October 30, 2026 edition of The River Brief, we’re talking about what these updates mean for your next river cruise. PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH ME Book a travel consultation: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit/30mintravelconsultation Email: Sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Website: https://www.thepoodlebookedit.com Join our river cruising community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ I’m Sydney Schellinger, travel advisor, owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency, and host of River Cruising Masterclass. I help you choose the right cruise line and plan the hotels, flights, transfers, and experiences around it. The booking is just the beginning. THIS WEEK’S RIVER CRUISE NEWS Recent rainfall is helping the Rhine and Danube, but improving water levels do not mean every sailing is back to its original itinerary. We start with the low-water update and what travelers should keep watching before Christmas market season. Then we head to France for Tauck’s 2028 Rhône itineraries, including a five-night cruise and a longer journey combining Barcelona, Burgundy, and the Rhône. In Egypt, Viking’s 19-day Grand Nile Journey pairs time in Cairo with a 14-night cruise. I share why a longer itinerary interests me after my own Uniworld Nile cruise. We also explore Australian Star, a 38-passenger paddlesteamer offering three-, four-, and seven-night cruises on Australia’s Murray River. Think regional wine, riverside experiences, and another way to build a bigger Australian vacation. Finally, we talk about making your river cruise a longer, more personal trip with time before or after your sailing. Salzburg before the Danube? Prague afterward? Your vacation can go well beyond the cruise itinerary. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and Rhine and Danube low-water update 02:21 Tauck’s shorter cruises and new Rhône itineraries 04:42 Viking’s Grand Nile Journey and my Egypt experience 06:37 Australian Star and Murray River cruising 08:58 Planning enough time to experience Australia 09:40 Longer river cruise vacations and upcoming podcast series 12:00 Adding Salzburg, Prague, and time beyond your cruise 13:05 This week’s wrap-up, planning help, and Halloween wishes CONNECT WITH SYDNEY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit Where would you like to cruise next? Send me your questions and tell me which destinations you want covered on River Cruising Masterclass. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves river cruising. News discussed for the October 30, 2026 edition. River conditions, itineraries, pricing, and promotional offers may change.

    River Cruise News: Low-Water Update, Tauck’s Rhône & Viking’s Nile | The River Brief 10/30/26

  3. Oct 27

    (15/15) VIVA Cruises Explained: What’s Included, Cabins & VIVA Boutique

    Considering VIVA Cruises? I break down what’s included, cabin sizes, dining, short European river cruises and the differences between VIVA Cruises and VIVA Boutique, including its France and upcoming Italy sailings. Plan your next river cruise with me: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit/30mintravelconsultation Email: sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Website: https://www.thepoodlebookedit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit Join the River Cruising Masterclass community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ I’m Sydney Schellinger, river cruise travel advisor, owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency and host of River Cruising Masterclass. In this episode, I share my perspective on where VIVA fits in the premium river cruise market and which travelers should consider it. We cover VIVA’s onboard drink and gratuity inclusions, French balconies versus outdoor balconies, restaurant choices, bicycles and wellness amenities, and its international atmosphere with German and English spoken onboard. I also explain how a three-night Rhine sailing could fit into a longer European vacation, along with VIVA Boutique’s smaller ships: VIVA BEYOND on the Seine and VIVA UNIQUE, scheduled to begin sailing in Italy in May 2027. We look at northern Italy’s food, art and culture, plus VIVA’s announced 2028 short and themed cruises. IN THIS EPISODE • What VIVA All-Inclusive covers and which extras to check • How cabins, passenger numbers and amenities differ by ship • Dining options and flexible restaurant hours • Short Rhine cruises and combining cruising with a land vacation • VIVA Boutique in France and Italy • Families, solo travelers and the onboard atmosphere • Who I would consider VIVA for when comparing river cruise lines CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction to VIVA Cruises 02:22 Where VIVA fits in premium river cruising 03:31 Destinations and shorter itineraries 05:47 Italy, ship sizes and passenger capacity 07:55 What VIVA All-Inclusive includes 09:37 Extra costs, excursions and cabin sizes 11:50 Restaurants and flexible dining 14:40 Bicycles and independent exploring 15:06 Languages, atmosphere and entertainment 16:52 A three-night Rhine cruise and shore experiences 19:13 VIVA Boutique: France and Italy 21:32 VIVA UNIQUE itineraries and suite benefits 23:37 Dining, children and solo travelers 26:14 VIVA’s 2028 cruises and who the line suits 28:35 My take on VIVA Cruises and planning your trip ss

    (15/15) VIVA Cruises Explained: What’s Included, Cabins & VIVA Boutique

  4. Oct 25

    Does River Cruise Insurance Cover Low Water? | The River Brief 10/23/26

    Does travel insurance cover your river cruise if low water changes the itinerary? In this October 23 edition of The River Brief, I’m talking about Riviera’s new vacation guarantee, the insurance questions travelers should ask, and new river cruise options for 2028 and beyond. PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH ME Book a travel consultation: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit/30mintravelconsultation Email: sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Website: https://www.thepoodlebookedit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit Join the River Cruising Masterclass community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ I’m Sydney Schellinger, travel advisor and owner of The Poodle Booked It. I help travelers choose the right river cruise or luxury vacation and plan flights, hotels, transfers, and tours. This week, we’re looking at what happens when the cruise you booked changes before you leave. I discuss Riviera Travel’s new options for significant pre-departure itinerary changes, including rescheduling and refunds, and reporting on how Travel Guard and Allianz approach low-water disruption. Then we get into the trips I’m excited about: VIVA Cruises’ shorter itineraries and themed departures for 2028, Viking’s seven-ship naming ceremony, and river cruising beyond Europe. We talk about India, Colombia’s Magdalena River, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Nile in Egypt, and river cruises closer to home in the United States. I also share what I loved about my own Uniworld Egypt trip. IN THIS EPISODE • Riviera’s new vacation guarantee and what it means before departure. • Low-water itinerary changes, alternative transportation, and travel insurance. • Trip cancellation, trip interruption, and Cancel For Any Reason coverage. • Viking’s river ship news and VIVA Cruises’ 2028 season. • Shorter river cruises, jazz, wine, culinary, and crime-themed departures. • River cruise destinations beyond Europe, including my Egypt experience. • How I help match you with the right cruise line and itinerary. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to The River Brief 00:40 Riviera’s vacation guarantee and Danube group cruise 02:51 River cruise refunds and low-water disruption 05:15 Travel Guard, Allianz, and low-water insurance 07:40 Trip interruption coverage and Viking river ship news 10:01 VIVA Cruises 2028: shorter cruises and themed departures 12:25 River cruising beyond Europe 14:47 India, Colombia, and Mekong river cruise options 17:05 Mekong cruise lines and my Uniworld Egypt experience 19:13 Egypt highlights and U.S. river cruising 21:28 Plan your next trip with The Poodle Booked It What river would you like to explore next? Join the conversation in the River Cruising Masterclass Facebook group, and follow the podcast for more. This episode reflects news discussed for the October 23, 2026 edition. Sailing details, offers, and policies can change. Insurance benefits depend on your policy’s terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements.

    Does River Cruise Insurance Cover Low Water? | The River Brief 10/23/26

  5. Oct 20

    (14/15) Viking River Cruises Review: What's Included & Is It Worth It?

    Thinking about booking a Viking river cruise? I’ve sailed with Viking twice, and in this episode I break down what I liked, what I would change, and whether Viking is worth the price compared with other river cruise lines. Plan your next river cruise with me: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit/30mintravelconsultation Email: sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit Website: https://www.thepoodlebookedit.com River Cruising Masterclass community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ We talk through Viking Longships, cabin design, dining, the adults-only atmosphere, included excursions, and the extras that can increase your total cost. I also cover beverage packages, gratuities, airport transfers, early final payments, and how Viking handles low water and ship swaps. If you are weighing Viking against Tauck, Scenic, Avalon, or AmaWaterways, this is a good place to start. Listen to River Cruising Masterclass for firsthand cruise line reviews, destination advice, and practical planning tips from Sydney Schellinger of The Poodle Booked It.

    (14/15) Viking River Cruises Review: What's Included & Is It Worth It?

  6. Oct 16

    The River Brief: Low Water, New Ships & River Cruise News | October 16, 2026

    What’s happening in river cruising this week? Welcome to The River Brief, a new weekly news series from River Cruising Masterclass. I’m Sydney Schellinger, travel advisor and owner of The Poodle Booked It. This week, I’m talking about the low-water challenges still affecting the Rhine and Danube, how I’ve helped clients change their travel plans, and some new river cruise options I’m excited about. We’ll cover Tauck’s wellness departures on the Seine, AmaWaterways’ new Machu Picchu extension after its Colombia river cruises, Riverside’s expanding 2028 season, and Viking’s newest Longship. Plus, Scenic and Emerald are growing in new destinations, and Explora Journeys is preparing to enter river cruising. If you’re planning your first river cruise or already thinking about your next one, these updates will give you a few more options to consider. Have a question or want help planning? Email Sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com and join the River Cruising Masterclass Facebook group. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The River Brief 01:00 Rhine and Danube low-water update 04:43 Helping clients change their travel plans 05:25 Tauck’s wellness river cruises 07:50 AmaWaterways’ Colombia and Machu Picchu extension 09:40 Riverside’s 2028 season and Riverside Mahler 12:10 Viking Rota and fleet expansion 13:35 Scenic and Emerald’s upcoming ships and destinations 16:00 Explora Journeys enters river cruising 17:10 Upcoming episodes and how to connect Recorded October 14, 2026. Published October 16, 2026. Enjoyed the episode? Follow River Cruising Masterclass, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves river cruising.

    The River Brief: Low Water, New Ships & River Cruise News | October 16, 2026

  7. Oct 13

    (13/15)Uniworld River Cruises Review: Is This Luxury Cruise Line Worth It?

    Uniworld River Cruises Review: Is This Luxury Cruise Line Worth It? What makes Uniworld different from other luxury river cruise lines, and is it worth the higher price? In this episode of River Cruising Masterclass, Sydney takes a closer look at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, a luxury cruise line known for its elaborate ship designs, destination-focused experiences, and nearly all-inclusive approach to river cruising. From the grand interiors of the S.S. Maria Theresa to my personal experience sailing the Nile in Egypt, we're talking about what makes Uniworld unique and where I think the cruise line could still improve. We'll cover what's actually included in your fare, which excursions cost extra, suite butler service, dining, and how Uniworld compares to Viking, AmaWaterways, and Riverside Luxury Cruises. We'll also explore Uniworld's Generations Collection for families, river cruises in Europe, Egypt, India, Peru, and Southeast Asia, plus new ships, Christmas market cruises, and unique rail-and-cruise journeys. And because not every luxury cruise line is right for every traveler, I'll share who I think will love Uniworld, who might prefer another brand, and why I place Uniworld in my luxury category rather than ultra-luxury. If you're considering a Uniworld river cruise or trying to decide which river cruise line fits your travel style, this episode will help you understand what you're actually paying for. Episode Chapters 00:00 - Welcome Back & River Cruising Updates 02:23 - Where Uniworld Fits in Luxury River Cruising 04:23 - Uniworld's Unique Ship Designs & Luxury Style 05:49 - Uniworld's History & The Travel Corporation 07:43 - Who Should Book a Uniworld River Cruise? 10:05 - What's Included on Uniworld River Cruises? 12:20 - Butler Service, Suites & Luxury Dining 14:31 - Uniworld Shore Excursions & Exclusive Experiences 16:50 - Generations Collection: River Cruises for Families 18:32 - Onboard Atmosphere & Who Sails Uniworld 20:46 - Uniworld Destinations: Italy, Egypt & Beyond 23:03 - Christmas Markets, Themed Cruises & New Ships 25:27 - Uniworld Rail & Cruise Journeys 27:28 - Uniworld Pros, Cons & Extra Excursion Costs 29:40 - Final Verdict: Is Uniworld Worth It? 32:05 - Planning Your River Cruise with a Specialist Ready to plan your next river cruise? As a river cruise specialist and owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency, I help travelers compare cruise lines, find the right itineraries, and plan their entire vacation, including flights, hotels, and pre- or post-cruise extensions. Have questions about Uniworld or another river cruise line? I'd love to help! Website: https://thepoodlebookedit.com Email: sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com Follow River Cruising Masterclass for more cruise line reviews, river cruising tips, destination guides, and insider information to help you plan your next river cruise.

    (13/15)Uniworld River Cruises Review: Is This Luxury Cruise Line Worth It?

  8. Aug 20

    Crossover: River Cruising vs. Luxury Ocean Cruising with Krystal

    In this special crossover episode with Krystal from Luxury Cruising with Krystal, we compare river cruising and luxury ocean cruising, including the onboard experience, destinations, excursions, dining, service, and who each style of cruise is best suited for. Whether you are already a cruise lover or deciding which experience is right for your next trip, this conversation will help you better understand the differences and choose the cruise that fits the way you want to travel. Chapter Times 00:00 Welcome and crossover introduction 02:00 Meet Krystal from Luxury Cruising with Krystal 05:30 What makes a cruise feel luxurious? 10:55 River cruising versus luxury ocean cruising 14:20 Comparing ships and the onboard experience 19:05 Dining, service and what is included 22:30 Destinations, ports and excursions 28:20 Who is the ideal traveler for each cruise style? 32:15 Choosing the right cruise for your travel personality 36:05 Final advice and where to follow Krystal

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4.6
out of 5
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About

River Cruising Masterclass is your guide to choosing the right river cruise, comparing cruise lines, and understanding what you're really paying for. Hosted by Sydney Schellinger, owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency and an experienced river cruise specialist, the podcast offers honest river cruise reviews, firsthand travel experiences, expert interviews, and practical planning advice. Explore Viking, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside, and other river cruise lines. Discover the differences between Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, Seine, and Nile River cruises, including destinations, cabins, excursions, onboard experiences, and what's included in your fare. Whether you're planning your first European river cruise or comparing luxury options for your next adventure, Sydney helps you understand the trade-offs and choose the experience that fits you. Listen for detailed cruise line reviews, destination guides, and The River Brief, covering river cruising news and industry developments. Plan your next river cruise: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit sydney@thepoodlebookedit.com https://www.facebook.com/traveladvisorsydney/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/rivercruisingmasterclass/ https://www.instagram.com/traveladvisorsydney/ https://www.youtube.com/@thepoodlebookedit

Information

  • Creator
    Sydney Schellinger River Cruise Expert
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sydney Schellinger River Cruise Expert
  • Show Website
    River Cruising Masterclass

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