Olis Cook has been cruising with AmaWaterways for six years. Though the thought of traveling alone can be daunting for some, Olis shares how AmaWaterways continues to make her feel welcome and reassured as a solo traveler.

Deciding to Travel Unaccompanied

After my first river cruise with AmaWaterways, my sister and I felt so well taken care of, special and pampered. My desire to sail again was stronger than my fear of going alone and I thought cruising by myself would give me the confidence I needed to travel anywhere in the world.

Before embarking on my Christmas Markets river cruise, I was met at the airport in Budapest by AmaWaterways’ welcome hosts and was then taken to the ship. There were no unexpected add-ons and there was a Cruise Manager to help me with any problem that might arise. All of this, plus the various choices of excursions, including gentle walkers, helped me feel that I could travel solo.

With AmaWaterways, You’re “Home” for the Holidays

As expected, everything on my Christmas Markets river cruise went smoothly. I met two sisters from Canada that I tagged along with at a few of the markets, as well as another solo traveler from the New York area. We had a lot in common, so she and I paired up on a few excursions. At other markets I wandered by myself, exploring the fun stalls filled with handicrafts and souvenirs, shopping for my Christmas ornaments, tasting the different gluehwein in each town—and collecting unique gluehwein mugs.