River Cruising Masterclass
by Sydney Schellinger River Cruise Expert
(16/15) APT River Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury, Australian Style
About this podcast
River Cruising Masterclass is your guide to choosing the right river cruise, comparing cruise lines, and understanding what you're really paying for.
Hosted by Sydney Schellinger, owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency and an experienced river cruise specialist, the podcast offers honest river cruise reviews, firsthand travel experiences, expert interviews, and practical planning advice.
Explore Viking, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside, and other river cruise lines. Discover the differences between Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, Seine, and Nile River cruises, including destinations, cabins, excursions, onboard experiences, and what's included in your fare.
Whether you're planning your first European river cruise or comparing luxury options for your next adventure, Sydney helps you understand the trade-offs and choose the experience that fits you.
Listen for detailed cruise line reviews, destination guides, and The River Brief, covering river cruising news and industry developments.
Plan your next river cruise: https://tidycal.com/thepoodlebookedit
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Episodes
The newest 20 of 59 episodes
- (16/15) APT River Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury, Australian Style · 53 minWhat’s included on an APT river cruise, and is it right for you? Join Sydney Schellinger, river cruise specialist and owner of The Poodle Booked It Travel Agency, and APT’s Tim…
- River Cruise News: Low-Water Update, Tauck’s Rhône & Viking’s Nile | The River Brief 10/30/26 · 13 minRain is bringing some relief to Europe’s rivers, Tauck is expanding on the Rhône, and Viking is introducing a longer Nile journey. In this October 30, 2026 edition of The River…
- (15/15) VIVA Cruises Explained: What’s Included, Cabins & VIVA Boutique · 27 minConsidering VIVA Cruises? I break down what’s included, cabin sizes, dining, short European river cruises and the differences between VIVA Cruises and VIVA Boutique, including…
- Does River Cruise Insurance Cover Low Water? | The River Brief 10/23/26 · 22 minDoes travel insurance cover your river cruise if low water changes the itinerary? In this October 23 edition of The River Brief, I’m talking about Riviera’s new vacation…
- (14/15) Viking River Cruises Review: What's Included & Is It Worth It? · 37 minThinking about booking a Viking river cruise? I’ve sailed with Viking twice, and in this episode I break down what I liked, what I would change, and whether Viking is worth the…
- The River Brief: Low Water, New Ships & River Cruise News | October 16, 2026 · 18 minWhat’s happening in river cruising this week? Welcome to The River Brief, a new weekly news series from River Cruising Masterclass. I’m Sydney Schellinger, travel advisor and…
- (13/15)Uniworld River Cruises Review: Is This Luxury Cruise Line Worth It? · 29 minUniworld River Cruises Review: Is This Luxury Cruise Line Worth It? What makes Uniworld different from other luxury river cruise lines, and is it worth the higher price? In this…
- Crossover: River Cruising vs. Luxury Ocean Cruising with Krystal · 37 minIn this special crossover episode with Krystal from Luxury Cruising with Krystal, we compare river cruising and luxury ocean cruising, including the onboard experience…
- Rhine & Danube River Cruise Water Levels: Ship Swaps, Cancellations & What to Expect July 20, 2026 · 17 minMagical Mystery Cruises: Handling Low Water Levels & Contingency Plans for July 20, 2026 Explore how current low water levels are impacting river cruises on the Rhine and…
- AmaWaterways River Cruises 2026: New Ships, Excursions & What's Changing · 49 minJoin us for an in-depth discussion with Brian Rademacher as we explore the exciting updates, innovations, and growth strategies of Ama Waterways, one of the leading river cruise…
- First Danube River Cruise: Budapest, Vienna & Bratislava Itinerary Guide · 23 minDiscover the joys of river cruising through Sydney's detailed overview of her upcoming Danube River itinerary. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and first-time river cruisers alike…
- (12/15)Tauck River Cruises Review: What's Included & Is It Worth the Price? · 29 minIn this episode, Sydney interviews Jennifer Thorson from Tauck River Cruises to explore what makes Tauck a standout in river cruising. They discuss the company's family-run…
- Lost Luggage, Less Panic: Why I Include Blue Ribbon Bags for My Clients · 9 minFew travel moments are more stressful than landing at your destination, waiting at baggage claim, and realizing your suitcase did not make it with you. In this episode, Sydney…
- (11/15) How Trafalgar's New River Line Is Revolutionizing Budget-Friendly Cruises · 18 minMost river cruising options focus on luxury, but Trafalgar River Cruises is redefining the experience for a younger audience seeking value, community, and authentic moments…
- The River Brief: Celebrity's New Shore Excursion Approach · 5 minJoin us as we explore how Celebrity Cruises is elevating their river cruise experience for celebrity clients, including new excursion series and personalized options that set…
- (8/15)The Best Money Back Guarantee on the River: Riviera · 29 minI have to take back what I said about Riviera, you should check them out. River cruising isn’t just for retirees anymore—it's a booming travel trend that's reshaping how we…
- The River Brief: River Cruise Fuel Surcharges have started · 4 minFuel surcharges are making headlines again… but what does it actually mean for your cruise? In this episode, I break down CroisiEurope’s recent announcement to add a temporary…
- (10/15)Scenic River Cruises Review: What's Included in the Luxury Fare? · 19 minDiscover the luxurious world of Scenic River Cruises in this episode, focusing on why it's a top choice for travelers seeking all-inclusive, premium experiences along Europe's…
- Understanding Water Level Risks in River Cruising: How Rare and Manageable Are They? · 24 minUnderstanding Water Level Risks in River Cruising: How Rare and Manageable Are They? If you're considering a river cruise, concerns about water levels and potential disruptions…
- If River Cruise Lines Were Drinks… Here’s Exactly What They’d Be · 6 minImagine pairing your favorite river cruise experience with the perfect drink, each line matched to a cocktail that captures its essence. In this playful and insightful episode…
