How a Girlfriend Getaway Became a Tradition

Some travel traditions start with one brave idea. Cyndi Cashman has been collecting girlfriend getaways with AmaWaterways since her first sailing on our Christmas Markets on the Rhine itinerary. Her travel advisor, Debbie, does the planning; Cyndi recruits the friends. Here is how it began, why a river cruise suits it, and why the group has already signed up for their next cruise.

What made you go on a "Girlfriend Getaway" the first time?

After I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, I decided to make a bucket list. It was time to kick up my heels with a little less responsibility and a little adventure! My best friend lives in Salt Lake City and I wanted to meet her in New York, but my husband said he didn’t want to go. I found some other women who wanted to join us, so I went to my travel advisor, Debbie, and asked her if she’d ever done group trips. She said she needed a ring leader, and that’s how the whole thing started. Debbie does the work; I just have the big mouth! Now, each trip we make, I am amazed at the new girlfriends who join us and the friendships we make.

Which river cruise was your group’s first with AmaWaterways?

Christmas Markets on the Rhine. It was my favorite! I never dreamed I would go out of the country, but wow, what a trip it was. I felt so relaxed. It was the best thing. I felt catered to, like a queen aboard the ship, and I just loved it.

What did you enjoy the most about group river cruising with AmaWaterways?

We really got to know everyone on the ship. People gravitated to our group and everything felt smaller. It was such a friendly getaway. We also loved our Cruise Manager, Betti. Some of us wanted to go out in Amsterdam and she got on the phone and arranged it for us. She was always there to help. We felt like we were among family.

What’s the best thing about having your travel advisor cruise with you?

It’s like having your mother hold your hand. When we were coming to the ship, we had a three-hour layover in Amsterdam, but we got delayed three hours in Minnesota. Debbie was on her phone most of our first flight and they held the next one 20 minutes until we got there. We made it to all of our connecting flights.

Would you do another girlfriend getaway with AmaWaterways?

Words can’t describe how blessed I have been because of Debbie and AmaWaterways. We loved the Rhine so much, we already have 19 signed up for a Danube cruise!