Ocean, River & Expedition Cruise Expert
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Aimee Smith
Falmouth, ME Travel Agent· 2 Years of Experience
Curated Coordinates, an independent agent with WorldVia, a Travel Leaders Agency
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Caribbean, Greece, Virgin Islands, Antarctica, AustraliaInterests:
Castles & Cathedrals, Cruises, Luxury Cruises, World Cruises, Christmas MarketsSuppliers:
AmaWaterways, Princess Cruises®, Avalon Waterways, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora JourneysAbout Me
River Cruise Ships in Europe
Cruising has changed a lot, and choosing the right one is not as simple as picking a ship and a destination. The best cruise for you depends on how you like to travel, how much structure you want, how active you want to be, and whether you are dreaming of poolside sunshine, castle-lined rivers, remote glaciers, or somewhere that feels beautifully far from ordinary.
With more than 15 years of travel industry experience, I help clients sort through the endless cruise options and find the one that actually fits. That may mean a classic ocean cruise through the Caribbean or Mediterranean, a European river cruise with beautiful food and easy days in port, a small-ship sailing with a more intimate feel, or an expedition cruise to places like Alaska, Antarctica, or the Galápagos.
I work with trusted cruise partners including Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Azamara, Silversea, UnCruise, and other specialized lines to help match each traveler with the right experience. Some clients want big ship energy with great entertainment and plenty to do. Others want quiet luxury, fewer crowds, immersive excursions, or a ship that can reach places larger vessels cannot.
My job is to help you understand the difference before you book, then take care of the details that make the trip feel easy. From flights and transfers to cabin selection, onboard perks, pre and post cruise stays, and shore experiences, I help make the entire journey feel smooth from start to finish.
Whether you are planning your first cruise, a family vacation, a romantic escape, a group trip, or a once in a lifetime expedition, I would love to help you find the sailing that feels like the right fit for you.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Caribbean, Greece, Virgin Islands, Antarctica, AustraliaInterests:
Castles & Cathedrals, Cruises, Luxury Cruises, World Cruises, Christmas MarketsSuppliers:
AmaWaterways, Princess Cruises®, Avalon Waterways, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora JourneysMy 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.
London, England, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Skip the changing of the guard crowds and head to the Tower of London just after opening. Sometimes you’ll catch the guards marching in perfect step with almost nobody else around. It feels like you’ve got the place to yourself.
Monte Carlo, Monaco, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
If you’re feeling lucky, slip into the Casino just to admire the interiors. For a true Monte Carlo moment, grab an espresso on the terrace outside and watch the parade of classic cars go by.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Africa
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Walk along the Elbe at night and look back at the hillside. The whole neighborhood glows and the ferry dock lights up with hardly anyone around. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet evening stroll.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Africa
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
There’s a black sand beach west of El Golfo that feels completely otherworldly. Early mornings are best for the sea spray, the red cliffs, and having the place to yourself.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Africa
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Don’t miss the gardens near Parque Doramas. Locals come here for a break in the shade and the hidden fountains. Grab a café con leche nearby and just watch the morning unfold.
Tenerife Island, Canary Islands, Africa
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
If you’re hungry after a stroll along the port, keep walking past the main drag until you find Bar Imperial. Locals gather for cortados and bocadillos under the old ceiling fans, swapping stories over glasses of barraquito.
Ambergris Caye, Belize, Central America
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Make sure to take a water taxi to the smaller island of Caye Caulker and look for the sea horse sanctuary.
Roatan, Honduras, Central America
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
After living on the island, I recommend making sure you take the time to explore the East side of the Island with a local guide.
Bruges, Belgium, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Walk the canals at sunrise, before anyone else is up. The reflections are almost too perfect. Look for the little chocolate shop just off the square. Locals swear by the hot chocolate, and you’ll know it by the smell.
Brussels, Belgium, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
There’s a hidden gallery just off Grand Place where you can slip away from the crowds. Stop in for a Belgian beer or just to soak up the gold details on the buildings when the sky turns blue.
Denmark, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
When traveling through Southern Denmark villages (like Aabenraa), stroll the cobbled streets early for a true taste of Danish hygge. Don’t miss the local bakeries tucked behind colorful facades.
Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Make sure to visit Christiana! Don’t rush, wander, and you’ll spot wild art everywhere, from giant trolls to hand-painted bikes. Best coffee is at a shack covered in murals; you’ll know it by the line of locals, not tourists.
Southampton, England, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
After dark, slip through Bargate and down the narrow lane beside the ancient city wall. There’s a centuries-old pub, The Duke of Wellington, where you might find only a handful of regulars and a surprisingly good pie.
Nice, France, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
The pebbly beach is best early in the morning. Find a spot where the locals lay out towels and bring a picnic from the market. The water is always clearer than you expect.
Paris, France, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Skip the main Louvre entrance and head for the Porte des Lions. Mornings are quieter and you’ll share the courtyard with a few Parisians starting their day. Bring a pastry and soak up the scene.
Hamburg, Germany, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Walk along the Elbe at night and look back at the hillside. The whole neighborhood glows and the ferry dock lights up with hardly anyone around. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet evening stroll.
Gibraltar, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
If you spot colored lights inside St. Michael’s Cave, you’re in for a surprise. Wait for the music-and-light show and watch for the angel-shaped formation on the wall. Locals know the magic is in lingering here, so don’t rush.
Florence, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Everyone flocks to the Duomo, but there’s a tiny gelateria just a street away—run by the same family for generations. The pistachio is legendary. And if you want the Baptistery doors all to yourself, go just after sunrise.
Naples, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Walk down to the water’s edge just before sunset at Castel dell’Ovo. Locals hang out on the rocks, sharing snacks and stories as the sky turns every shade of gold.
Rome, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Climb to the top of the Vittoriano monument for a bird’s-eye view of the Forum and Colosseum. Locals head here for sunset and you can spot all the ancient landmarks from above.
Salerno, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Tucked just behind the waterfront promenade, you’ll find the simple facade of Chiesa del Sacro Cuore. Step inside and look up—the dome is awash with golden mosaics, often empty except for the soft hum of an organ practice.
Vatican City, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Skip the queue for the big museums and slip into the side entrance of Saint Peter’s Basilica right before closing. You’ll often have a patch of marble and a view of the Swiss Guards all to yourself as the evening sun slants through the nave.
Venice, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Early morning in Cannaregio, cross the Ponte delle Guglie and grab a seat at Torrefazione Cannaregio. Locals line up for espresso and sweet pastries before the city wakes up—just listen for church bells drifting over the canal.
Lisbon, Portugal, Europe
Booked It
Been There
Must Do:
Find the old wine cellars (look for the big wooden barrels and hardly any signage). Ask for a Moscatel tasting. Locals get a pour straight from the cask, and you should too.