River cruising is a relaxed, enriching way to explore the world—and we’re here to make it effortless. With over 30 years of experience and trusted cruise line partnerships, Blue Skies Travel helps you find the perfect itinerary, ship, and style for your journey.
We handle every detail and offer exclusive extras like onboard credits, cruise discounts, and special promotions you won’t find on your own. From our first consultation to your return home, we’re by your side—so you can travel with confidence and ease.
Call (518) 477-4700 to learn all about the perks for booking with Blue Skies Travel!
Not all river cruising is the same!
Fun Fact 1: River cruises are cozy, not crowded.
If you’ve sailed on a mega ocean liner with thousands of guests, you’ll love the change of pace. Most river cruise ships carry fewer than 190 guests—many closer to 100. That means no long lines, no crowds, and a more relaxed, personal experience
Fun Fact 2: They’re more inclusive than you think.
Yes, river cruises can look pricier upfront—but they often include excursions, wine with meals, Wi-Fi, and more. When you add it all up, the value is often on par with (or better than!) traditional cruises.
Fun Fact 3: Not all river cruises are the same.
Sure, the ships may be similar in size and sail the same rivers—but each cruise line has its own personality. Some focus on food and wine, others on culture, wellness, or adventure. That’s where we come in— helping you find the perfect match for your travel style.
Fun Fact 4: They’re not just for retirees.
While river cruising is popular with the 55+ crowd (and for good reason!), there are also family-friendly sailings. These are perfect for multi-generational trips and a great way to introduce kids or grandkids to the heart of a destination.
Fun Fact 5: There’s a whole world beyond Europe and the Mississippi.
Yes, Europe is amazing—but river cruising also takes you to Asia, Egypt, Africa, South America, and even Colombia’s Magdalena River. In the U.S., options are growing fast—from Alaska to New England and beyond.
Fun Fact 6: Booking with a travel advisor = extra perks.
Think it’s cheaper to book directly? Think again. Travel advisors (like us!) often have access to exclusive perks— like onboard credits, upgrades, and special pricing. Plus, we help you navigate all the options with ease.
Preferred Cruise Lines
At Blue Skies Travel, we proudly partner with the world’s leading river cruise lines to give our clients access to exceptional experiences on rivers across Europe, the U.S., and beyond. Each cruise line offers something unique—from ultra-luxury to contemporary comfort, from globally inspired journeys to close-to-home adventures. Whether you're seeking refined elegance, cultural immersion, or a more relaxed pace, we’ll match you with the perfect fit for your travel style.
AmaWaterways: Known for its wellness focus, award-winning cuisine, and immersive shore excursions, AmaWaterways combines innovation with warm, personal service.
What makes them unique: Their active, wellness-inspired approach includes guided hikes, bike tours, and onboard fitness classes.
Perks for booking with us - extra on board credit and exclusive savings on cruise fares, combinable with all other promotions
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: A true floating boutique hotel experience, Uniworld stands out with its artistic interiors, fine dining, and personalized luxury.
What makes them unique: No two ships are alike—each is designed with bespoke décor and a sense of place inspired by the destinations it sails.
Perks for booking with us - extra on board credit
For more information about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises click here!
Avalon Waterways: Offering panoramic suites and a “relaxed luxury” atmosphere, Avalon emphasizes flexibility and discovery with their “Your Way” approach.
What makes them unique: Their signature open-air balconies and customizable excursions allow you to cruise entirely on your terms.
Perks for booking with us - complimentary prepaid gratuities on select sailings
Viking River Cruises: Viking is a choice for culturally curious travelers, offering comfortable ships, onboard lectures, and thoughtfully curated itineraries.
What makes them unique: A focus on destination immersion, with included tours and onboard programming tailored to each region.
Perks for booking with us - extra on board credit on select sailings
American Cruise Lines: For those who prefer to explore closer to home, American Cruise Lines offers refined small-ship journeys along U.S. rivers and coasts.
What makes them unique: They showcase American history and scenery with modern comforts and an all-American crew. To learn more about American Cruiselines click here!
Join us on a hosted river cruise for a worry-free, community-centered travel experience. These special sailings are personally curated and accompanied by a Blue Skies Travel host, offering extra support, exclusive group amenities, and a friendly, like-minded group to share the journey with. Enjoy all the benefits of river cruising—plus the comfort of knowing we’re right there with you every step of the way.
April 4-12,2026
Experience the beauty and history of the Pacific Northwest on this 9-day river cruise with American Cruise Lines, hosted by George Balogh. Travel in comfort from Portland to Clarkston, following the legendary route of Lewis & Clark.
From scenic canyons and rolling vineyards to charming towns and historic landmarks, each day brings something new. With George as your host, you’ll enjoy a welcoming group atmosphere, thoughtful guidance, and a truly memorable journey.
August 12-19, 2026
Experience the heart of Old-World Europe on this roundtrip Danube River cruise from Budapest, featuring Vienna, Bratislava, the Wachau Valley, and Salzburg. This journey blends rich history, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking scenery. Stroll through storybook towns, explore grand palaces, and enjoy guided tours that bring Europe’s past to life.
Enjoy AmaWaterways’ signature comfort and cuisine, with the added connection of traveling alongside Kristi and Demecia as your hosts.
Join Us for a Summer Gathering with the 518 Travel Club!
Let’s reconnect, swap summer travel stories, and get inspired for our next adventures.
George will share insights on river cruising, Kristi will take us to the healing spas of Budapest, and Demecia will bring the beauty of the Azores to life. Plus, we’re excited to unveil our 2026 Hosted River Cruises!
Where have you been this summer—and where do you want to go next? Come dream, plan, and travel with us!
Join us for a special evening dedicated to discovering AmaWaterways, one of the world’s leading river cruise lines. Learn what sets Ama apart—from their award-winning ships and wellness-focused experiences to their exceptional service and immersive itineraries.
We’ll also reveal the details of our hosted Danube River Cruise in Summer 2026, including the itinerary, how to reserve your spot, and exclusive perks available only to our group—think special pricing, onboard credits, and more!
Whether you’re new to river cruising or a seasoned traveler, this is the perfect way to explore what’s possible with AmaWaterways and start dreaming of your next unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe.
Ready to plan your next unforgettable journey? Join Blue Skies Travel for an exclusive virtual evening of river cruising inspiration—from the comfort of your home!
We’re bringing together four of the top names in river cruising:
🚢 Viking River Cruises
🚢 Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
🚢 Avalon Waterways
🚢 American Cruise Lines
Each cruise line will share what makes their experiences unique—from elegant ships and immersive excursions to cultural programming and onboard luxury. Whether you're dreaming of Europe’s castles and vineyards or the natural beauty of America’s rivers, this event will help you discover the perfect fit for your travel style.
🎁 Exclusive booking incentives will be available for attendees!
Hosted by Blue Skies Travel, this is part of our new Quarterly Focus Series, where we spotlight exceptional ways to see the world.
📌 Free to attend | 📝 RSVP Here for link to join
Let the river be your guide—join us and start planning your next great adventure!
Join us for an evening dedicated to discovering American Cruise Lines, the leader in small-ship cruising right here in the U.S. Learn how their modern ships, all-American crew, and carefully curated itineraries make exploring close to home both comfortable and unforgettable.
We’ll also introduce our hosted Columbia River Cruise in April 2026, an epic journey through the Pacific Northwest filled with natural beauty, history, and exclusive group perks. Whether you're new to river cruising or looking for your next domestic adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more and ask questions.
2 Pittsfield Avenue
East Greenbush, NY
+1-518-477-4700