European River Cruise Specialist

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Marlene Ridgway, Travel Agent in Boonville, MO

Marlene Ridgway

Boonville, MO Travel Agent
Super Agent

Marlene Ridgway

Boonville, MO · 6 Years of Experience

Elevated Traveler Co., an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(23)
100% Recommended
This was our first time using a travel agent and the first time to do a cruise. Marlene was great and guiding us through the process.... Read More >
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Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Europe

Interests:

Castles & Cathedrals, River Cruises, Coach Tours, European Culture, Adventure

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking, Globus, Viator

About Me

Rhine River in Basel Switzerland
Rhine River in Basel Switzerland

European River Cruising: A Journey Beyond Traditional Travel

When people ask me about the most transformative way to experience Europe, I can't help but light up talking about river cruising. My love affair with these intimate waterway journeys began years ago, and now, after exploring the Rhine and Danube rivers, I'm convinced this is the most elegant way to truly understand the heart of European culture.

My personal river cruise experiences have been nothing short of magical. Sailing from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine, I discovered a world where medieval villages whisper stories from centuries past, and castle-studded landscapes roll by like living postcards. The Danube revealed another layer of European charm, connecting me through Budapest's imperial grandeur and Passau's musical heritage.

What makes river cruising extraordinary is its unique ability to deliver you directly into the heart of each destination. Unlike traditional tourism, you're not wrestling with train schedules or dragging luggage between hotels. Instead, you're steps away from centuries of history, with the luxury of unpacking only once.

Each morning brings a new cityscape, a fresh adventure. One day you're exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site, the next you're wandering through a romantic river valley, sampling local wines and connecting with the authentic pulse of European life.

For travelers seeking more than just a vacation—those wanting a deeply immersive, sophisticated experience—river cruising isn't just a trip. It's a continuous journey of discovery, where every bend in the river promises a new story, a fresh perspective.

My recommendation? Don't just visit Europe. Navigate its soul, one river at a time.

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
23 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 23 reviews

Our Alaska Trip - By Sea and by Land
Reviewed By Susan/Bruce - Harrisburg, MO | Traveled to Alaska | USA
This was our first time using a travel agent and the first time to do a cruise. Marlene was great and guiding us through the process. We had started looking at cruises and were having a hard time figuring out what to do. Especially since we started the process on the later side. I looked on the internet and found Marlene Ridgway. She made the process so easy for us. She provided several options (but not too many) so that we could focus and decide. She had listened to us about what we wanted from a trip and narrowed down the search for us. The trip included both a cruise and a land portion. We did the land part first which was great. We got to meet a smaller group on the land part (38) who also would be on the cruise. So while on the cruise it was like running into old friends when you would see someone from the land part. Marlene made our flight reservations. Again she gave us options. When we looked at timing we added an extra day in Fairbanks so that we could start the tour rested. That extra day in Fairbanks was really special. We rented a car and had a really special day. Marlene booked our return flight giving us adequate time in case the ship docked late. After the cruise and flights were booked Marlene provided us information on excursions. We were able to review both the Celebrity excursions and other available excursions that were offered during the cruise. She offered to book the excursion for us but by then I was getting comfortable with the Celebrity and other websites so we were able to review the possible excursions and book them. The excursion information provided was detailed enough to make decisions about which would work for us and about what we should bring with us. Marlene also provided us with possible excursions that we could do in Vancouver after the ship docked and before our return flight. Marlene was also available to answer our questions and provided timely information. Throughout the trip I always felt we had Marlene as a backup
Marlene Ridgway responded
"So glad you enjoyed your trip. Thank you for the kind words and hope I get to work with you again!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Allora!
Reviewed By LuAnn - Jefferson City, MO | Traveled to Aviano | Italy | Europe
Trip of a lifetime, Land and sea, great friends and family. All the experiences were top notch! Can't wait for the next adventure~
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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First trip with 2 kids!
Reviewed By KaitlynG - MO | Traveled to Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
We had the best time! Transport went great, everyone was so friendly and everything was set up perfectly. I’m not sure how anyone travels with kids without a travel agent!!
Marlene Ridgway responded
"I am so glad and thankful for you guys and your kind words. Love watching your girls grow up! "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The best trip ever had
Reviewed By George - Boonville mo | Traveled to Bahamas | Caribbean
Every one was helpful and I had a great time on and off the ship the best ever had
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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River Cruising at its Best!
Reviewed By Martha - Missouri | Traveled to Europe
We took our first riverboat cruise on the Danube River. I can not pick out just one thing that was my favorite. I looked forward to every day because they were all different. I think Marlene even planned the weather for us. It was all perfect, and I will plan on doing it again. This is the second time I have used Marlene with Elevated Traveler Co. The first trip to Ireland was also amazing. All transactions were smooth, and we knew what to expect. I will never travel without the expertise of Marlene planning the trip for me.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Viking Expert
Viking Expert

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

River Cruising in Europe!
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