For an impressive 35 years, visionary travel agency owners Alonzo and Sheila C. have owned Our Gang Travel, one of the oldest minority wholly-owned travel agencies in the Northeast United States. From the very start, Alonzo stated, “We wanted to do something educational, experiential and totally different.”

Perhaps it was fate then that the travel agency owners were introduced early on to Columba Calicchio, whom they describe as their “inspiring” AmaWaterways Business Development Manager in charge of New Jersey and New York – although their relationship began when Columba worked in ocean cruising. “She was our match to the fire,” said Alonzo, crediting her for helping Our Gang Travel create successful groups with loyal clientele.

Following their Heart to AmaWaterways

Alonzo admitted that he was somewhat skeptical about river cruising at first when Columba began her position at AmaWaterways seven years ago. However, because of their longstanding relationship, he trusted her judgment and sought out to learn more. “I am the kind of person for whom you can’t tell me how good the food is, I have to taste it,” he said. After being offered the opportunity to spend an incredible evening getting to know Co-Founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst on a personal level, however, Alonzo and Sheila decided it was time to experience their first AmaWaterways sailing on the Danube River.

As top sellers with an ocean cruise line, the couple had earned, and was accustomed to receiving, special “elite status” while sailing certain ocean liners. This was not something they were expecting as first-timers with AmaWaterways. “With Ama, every single guest receives special attention – personalized service is not just offered to the people staying in suites,” said Sheila. They were also surprised and delighted that every AmaWaterways crew member remembered their names almost immediately, from the front desk to the dining room staff. “It was like we were on our own personal yacht,” Alonzo shared.

Overall, Sheila recalled, “The included tours were out of this world and the food and wine were indescribable.” There was no doubt after their first river cruise that Alonzo and Sheila would return.

Experiencing River Cruising’s Evolution On Board AmaMagna

Columba had encouraged Alonzo, Sheila and their clients to enjoy one of AmaWaterways’ complimentary guided bike tours during their Danube River cruise. However, knowing their guests’ interests reasonably well, the advisors really didn’t think this would be their group’s cup of tea. “To my surprise,” Alonzo laughed, “the biking experience has turned into a major draw for our guests and they always ask us if there will be bike tours on their next river cruise.”