European River Cruise: Luxury & Celiac-Safe Travel
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Catherine Morris
Owasso, OK Travel Agent
L&C Travel Agency, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Europe, Rouen, Normandy, VernonInterests:
Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Gluten-Free, River Cruises, Small Ship CruisesSuppliers:
AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Adventures By DisneyAbout Me
Sailing through the loch on a river cruise
Experience the Seine: A Journey of History, Flavor, and Peace of Mind
There is no better way to witness the heart of France than from the balcony of a river cruise ship as it glides along the Seine. Having personally sailed the Normandy to Paris route with AmaWaterways, I know firsthand that a river cruise is more than just a vacation—it is a seamless, high-touch experience where the world’s most iconic landscapes come to you.
The "Why" Behind the River Cruise
For many of my clients, the "Why" is the desire for deep cultural immersion without the stress of constant packing and unpacking. On our journey from the historic beaches of Normandy to the sparkling lights of Paris, my husband and I experienced the perfect balance of guided exploration and onboard relaxation. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a romantic escape, the included excursions and intimate ship atmosphere make every moment feel intentional.
Dining Without Compromise
Travel should never feel like a series of "safe but boring" choices. Because my husband has Celiac disease, my personal mission has always been to ensure that he feels fully included in the dining experience—not stuck choosing between another bun-less burger or a side salad.On an AmaWaterways river cruise, the culinary team transforms dietary restrictions into a fine-dining art form. He enjoyed the same caliber of gourmet, multi-course meals as every other guest, with flavors that were as impressive as the safety protocols. I specialize in identifying the ships and crews that truly "get it," so you can focus on the view while I ensure the menu is spectacular and safe.
Why Book Your River Cruise With Me?
- First-Hand Expertise: I’ve walked the D-Day beaches and watched the river pass by from the privacy of a balcony suite.
- A Celiac-Safe Specialist: I advocate for your inclusion at the table, ensuring you enjoy the full culinary magic of Europe.
- Logistical Ease: From included excursions to seamless transfers, I handle the details so you can enjoy the journey.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Europe, Rouen, Normandy, VernonInterests:
Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Gluten-Free, River Cruises, Small Ship CruisesSuppliers:
AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Adventures By DisneyCertifications & Awards
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Scarlet Certification
Seacademy - Silver Certification
Seacademy - Violet Certification
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.
Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii, USA
Been There 23 Times
Must Do:
Beyond the waterfalls, spend a morning wandering downtown Hilo. Visit the local shops and grab some authentic strawberry mochi—a sweet, island staple! It’s the perfect way to experience the authentic, slow-paced magic of Hawaii.
Disneyland, California, USA
Been There 32 Times
Must Do:
Timing Your Magic Disneyland is a favorite for SoCal locals! To beat the crowds, I recommend booking during the shoulder seasons. You'll get the best of the park with fewer crowds, making that iconic photo in front of 'it's a small world' even easier.
Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
Been There 20 Times
Must Do:
The Deluxe Advantage: Sunset & Short Lines I specialize in maximizing Extended Evening Hours for my clients. As a frequent Deluxe Resort guest, I know exactly how to use these times to hit the biggest attractions with virtually no wait!
Disneyland Paris, France, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
Castles and Dragons. Capture your iconic selfie in front of the world's most beautiful Disney castle, then head underneath! Visiting the dragon lurking in the caverns below the castle is a unique, must-do experience you won't find at any other Disney park
Nova Scotia, Canada
Been There
Must Do:
Don't miss the stunning views at Peggy's Cove! It’s a short trip from the Halifax pier and offers the best photo ops in Canada. Be sure to try the local seafood while you’re there—the lobster is as fresh as it gets!
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Don't stay at the pier! Head into the heart of Puerto Plata to see the incredible street art and the famous Pink Street. It’s the perfect place to grab a local coffee and admire the vibrant creativity of the island.
Jamaica, Caribbean
Been There
Must Do:
Explore the incredible caves at Discovery Bay! Walking through the underground chambers and seeing the 'grotto' lake is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of Jamaica beyond the sand and surf.
Panama Canal, Panama, Central America
Been There
Must Do:
Experience the thrill of being lifted by gravity alone! My top tip: watch from a forward deck as the 'mules' pull your ship through the Miraflores Locks. It’s a bucket-list moment 85 days in the making.
Turkey, Europe
Been There
Must Do:
While the Grand Bazaar is iconic, I recommend my clients visit the local neighborhood food markets. Tasting the incredible variety of fresh, flavorful ingredients is a 'Must Do' for anyone who truly loves authentic travel.
Ensenada, Baja California Norte, Mexico
Been There 2 Times
Must Do:
Ensenada is the birthplace of the fish taco! Skip the ship buffet and head to the local stalls near the port. Pair it with a local Mexican lager for the ultimate, easy-going cruise afternoon.
Tulum, Mexico, Mexico
Been There
Must Do:
Tulum is a must-see on a Western Caribbean cruise. I recommend visiting early to beat the heat, then heading down to the beach below the ruins for a quick dip in the ocean—it’s the most beautiful backdrop in Mexico!
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Been There
Must Do:
Cozumel is a foodie’s paradise. I love wandering near the port to discover the different local spices and fresh salsas. Noticing the subtle, vibrant flavors of the region is a must for any visitor!
Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
For the best experience, book a balcony stateroom and order room service breakfast on your Glacier Bay day. There is nothing like sipping hot coffee and enjoying a quiet meal from the warmth of your own room.
Nawiliwilli, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Been There 3 Times
Must Do:
Kauai is stunning, but the 'Garden Isle' rain is real! My top tip: if the clouds roll in at Nawiliwili, jump on the local trolley tour. It’s a comfortable way to see the lush green valleys and waterfalls without getting soaked.
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Been There 50 Times
Must Do:
The hike up Diamond Head is a true Oahu staple. Be prepared for those famous narrow stairs—there's only enough space for one person to go up or down at a time! The reward is a panoramic view of the coast that makes every step worth it.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Been There
Must Do:
You haven't truly experienced baseball until you've been to Fenway Park. My 'Must Do' is catching a game from the iconic grandstands—you are closer to the action here than at any other park in the country. The history and energy are unmatched!
Seattle, Washington, USA
Been There 12 Times
Must Do:
Don't just see the Space Needle; explore the entire Seattle Center campus! It’s a short walk from the waterfront and Pike Place Market. Spend your afternoon tasting your way through the market—the local flavors here are unmatched.
Client Testimonials
Bali & Hong Kong - Luxury Experience
Had the absolute trip of a lifetime to Bali and Hong Kong - celebrating a special occasion.
I normally plan all our trips and I loved giving up the responsibility to research and plan this trip. The hotels were gorgeous, the private excursions were amazing, and our private driver shared a lot history and local information.
The women of L&C Travel Agency were amazing and I am recommending them to our friends and family.
Lindsey E.R.
Sail away success!
I had an outstanding experience with Cathy of L & C Travel Agency for my Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise. From start to finish, Cathy went above and beyond to make the entire process seamless and enjoyable.
What truly set Cathy apart was her consistent communication and support - she checked in throughout the entire travel planning process and made sure everything was on track.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely caring travel advisor, I highly recommend Cathy and L & C Travel Agency. Cathy made what could have been a complicated process feel effortless and I couldn't be happier with my experience.
Ann S.