Sharon Kurtz

Sharon Kurtz is an Austin, Texas based travel writer and passionate world explorer. With a focus on cruising, outdoor adventures, and bucket-list experiences, Sharon’s stories ignite wanderlust and inspire authentic, independent travel.
Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise Cut Short by High River Levels — Navigating Unpredictable Waters on Europe River Cruises

Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise Cut Short by High River Levels — Navigating Unpredictable Waters on Europe River Cruises

Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise By Sharon Kurtz Embarking on a luxurious river cruise along the enchanting Danube River in June with Riverside Luxury Cruises, a new line still largely unknown by many travelers, seemed like a dream come true. Little did my husband...

River Levels in Europe — Understanding the Causes & Implications of Fluctuating River Levels That Can Throw a Wrench into your Travel Plans

River Levels in Europe — Understanding the Causes & Implications of Fluctuating River Levels That Can Throw a Wrench into your Travel Plans

River Levels in Europe By Sharon Kurtz Navigating Europe's rivers is not without challenges, particularly concerning river levels. Variations in water levels can significantly impact river cruises, causing potential disruptions and alterations to itineraries. I know...

Our Small Ship Cruise Reviews & Articles

If you can imagine it, we’ve cruised it! With reviews, articles and destination overviews, we’ve got you covered.

12 Top Mississippi River Cruises Offered by American Cruise Lines

12 Top Mississippi River Cruises Offered by American Cruise Lines

By Jackie Sheckler Finch Cruising the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries has been my pleasure since 1976. Someone asked me once if it doesn’t get tiresome watching the river day after day. For me, definitely not. As America’s first highway, the Mississippi River...

Cycling & Europe River Cruising — A Great Combo

Cycling & Europe River Cruising — A Great Combo

Cycling & Europe River Cruising By Ralph Grizzle I am not your typical river cruiser. While no one loves river cruising more than I do, my approach is somewhat different. After more than 50 European river cruises, I’ve seen the sights and done the tours. I’m not...

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights

Island Windjammers Packing Tips & Cruise Insights By Sarretta McCaslin My husband and I love to travel, and cruises have become a favored way to do so — we’ve been on over 25 cruises in 33 years of marriage. We appreciate being able to see many different areas or...

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions — Why It’s A Great Idea

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions — Why It’s A Great Idea

Planning Your Own Shore Excursions May Be Cheaper & More Tailored to Your Interests Than Booking the Cruise Lines' Tours By Judi Cuervo, with Heidi Sarna The dream of a flight with Napa Valley Balloons couldn’t have been better timed. A cruise was on the horizon,...

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