we're headed to amsterdam!

Next week, Huckleberry Travel is packing our bags for Amsterdam to attend the ASTA River Cruise Expo, and we’re incredibly excited about what this means for our clients. This event brings together many of the leading river cruise lines and travel partners in one place, and we’ll be there in person to learn, network, and experience as much as possible firsthand.

Experiencing river cruises up close

One of the biggest advantages of events like the ASTA River Cruise Expo is the chance to step onboard multiple ships and truly compare them side‑by‑side. Photos and brochures only tell part of the story; when we walk the decks, see the staterooms, sit in the lounges, and sample the food, we get a much clearer sense of:

• Variations in the culinary programs of each river cruise line

• Experiencing the onboard atmosphere feels like (relaxed vs. buzzy, classic vs. contemporary)

• The differences in cabins, suites, and public spaces

• How well they cater to different travelers: couples, friend groups, families, and solo travelers

This kind of firsthand experience helps us match our clients with the right line and the right ship—whether that’s a casually elegant option for first‑time river cruisers, a more immersive line that leans into longer excursions and enrichment, or a premium product for clients who want a truly luxurious experience on Europe’s rivers.

Panorama windows on Avalon Waterways turn your entire room into a balcony.

Meeting with our river cruise and supplier partners

In addition to touring ships, we’ll be meeting with many of our river cruise partners and other suppliers during the Expo. These conversations are where we:

• Learn what’s new for 2026 and beyond—ships, itineraries, and special programs

• Talk through specific client scenarios and find the best fits

• Strengthen relationships that help us advocate for our travelers when it really matters

The Aquavit Terrace aboard a Viking Longship.

When we know the people behind the brands, we’re better positioned to personalize your trip, secure the right staterooms, and stay ahead of changes, promotions, and new offerings.

Our stay at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

While we’re in Amsterdam, we’ll also be staying at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, one of the standout hotels in our luxury hotel program. Housed in a historic complex with a rich past as a former convent and city hall, The Grand combines classic Dutch character with refined French‑inspired service in the heart of the city.

When we send our clients to The Grand, they receive exclusive VIP amenities through our Huckleberry Travel luxury hotel program—such as enhanced recognition, special touches on arrival, and added value that you don’t get by booking online yourself. Experiencing the hotel personally allows us to offer honest, detailed advice about room types, the best parts of the property, and how to make the most of your stay before or after a river cruise. And they always take excellent care of our clients when we send them there.

Why this matters for your next trip

All of this isn’t just “industry homework”—it’s how we keep our advice current, nuanced, and truly tailored to you. After Amsterdam, we’ll be even better equipped to:

• Recommend the river cruise line that fits your style, budget, and interests

• Suggest the right pre‑ or post‑cruise stays in Amsterdam

• Leverage our relationships and hotel program benefits to add extra value to your trip

If you’ve been thinking about a river cruise—whether it’s tulip time in the Netherlands, the Rhine and Moselle, the Danube, or beyond—this is a great time to start the conversation. We’d love to share what we’ve learned and help you design a river cruise journey that feels like it was created just for you. And if you’d like to follow along at home, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!