We’re proud to present the 19th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards in our December issue. Join us on Dec. 6 at The Ritz-Carlton LA Live in Los Angeles as we celebrate the best the travel industry offers—choices made by you, our readers.
I just returned from a memorable river voyage aboard the AmaPrima, one of AmaWaterways’ elegant ships, cruising through southern Bavaria. We boarded just outside Luxembourg and began on the Moselle River. Over seven nights we explored Trier, Germany’s oldest city, and followed the scenic Moselle River Valley. From there the journey continued through the dramatic Rhine River Gorge, past fortifications and castles, and into the Main River. We visited historic towns such as Wertheim, Würzburg and Bamberg, then navigated the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg, whose city center was carefully restored after the Second World War.
© Francis X. Gallagher
This was my first river cruise, and I was impressed by the attentive service and thoughtful cuisine. Co-owners Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst were onboard and shared firsthand insights into the meticulous care they bring to AmaWaterways. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary this past July, a milestone reflected in the many repeat guests sailing with us on the AmaPrima. I’ll publish a full review of the cruise in an upcoming issue.
To reach Luxembourg we flew from Newark to Amsterdam in United’s Polaris cabin, taking advantage of the Polaris Lounge beforehand (I recommend the vegetable curry). From Amsterdam we connected on KLM for a business-class flight to Luxembourg—reminding me that KLM introduced its first business-class service in 1976. Despite the busy European travel season, our flights were timely and smooth. Traveling light without checked bags made connections easier and kept our trip nimble.
On the return trip from Los Angeles, I usually stop in Sarasota to check on our offices. We were fortunate to sustain only minor damage from the recent hurricane, though many communities farther south were hit harder. As recovery continues, please consider supporting the charities you trust most. Colleagues on the ground report rapid progress—proof of Florida’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Raise a glass to this year’s GT Tested award winners. Here’s to new destinations and adventures in 2023!