Scott Lara is a U.S. Navy veteran who has been sailing
on ocean cruise ships for more than 20 years. In addition to founding TheCruiseGenius.com, he is President of MilitaryFares.com, an online travel agency
that serves members of the military, veterans, and their families.
For more than twenty years, I've been passionate about
ocean cruising. My very first ship was the Carnival Fascination, and from that
moment, I was hooked.
Ocean cruising reminded me of my days in the United
States Navy.
I joined the Navy in 1979 and sailed all over the
world. I've been to Italy, Spain, France, and passed through both the Suez and
Panama Canals. I've always loved being at sea. After I left the Navy, taking
ocean cruises felt like a natural continuation of my time on the water. Back
then, cruising was simple and special. Waking up in a new port every morning,
enjoying great food, and seeing exciting shows made those early years of
cruising truly memorable.
Over time, things changed. The ships became larger and
more focused on entertainment. From roller coasters to water parks and bumper
cars, many ships are now destinations in themselves. I've sailed with Carnival,
Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Each one offered something unique, and I still love ocean cruising. But I found
myself wanting something different—something that brought me closer to the
places I was visiting.
That's when I discovered river cruising.
In early 2025, I was invited to sail on AmaMagna with
AmaWaterways. That experience opened my eyes to a whole new kind of travel.
River cruising allowed me to reconnect with the cultural beauty of Europe that
I remembered from my Navy days. The ships sail right through the heart of
historic cities and charming towns, so you're never far from the experience.
Each day brings a new destination, rich with history, food, and local life.
The onboard experience with AmaWaterways was
outstanding. The service was personal, the food was fresh and regionally
inspired, and the excursions felt authentic. I loved being able to walk off the
ship and immediately start exploring. There's something peaceful about gliding
along the Danube, surrounded by stunning landscapes and centuries of history.
Now, as I write this, I'm sailing aboard Riviera
Travel's MS George Eliot on the Rhine River. Once again, I'm reminded why I've
come to love river cruising. Riviera offers exceptional value, beautiful ships,
and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages real connection with fellow guests.
The nightly entertainment often features local musicians and artists, giving
guests an authentic taste of regional culture.
Will I still go on ocean cruises? Absolutely. My wife
and I enjoy Celebrity's Solstice Class ships for their elegance and calm
atmosphere, and I look forward to taking my grandchildren for the 3rd time on
MSC's Seashore, which sails close to our home in Northeast Florida.
But when it comes to meaningful travel, river cruising
has captured my heart. It's immersive, it's cultural, and it offers a sense of
peace that's hard to find anywhere else.
AmaWaterways and Riviera Travel have both shown me how
rewarding river cruising can be, and I'm excited to experience more. I'm open
to trying other river cruise lines as well, because I believe this style of
travel is the future for those who want more than just the bells and whistles
of a floating theme park.
After two decades at sea, I can say this: I'll always
love the ocean, but I've truly found my new passion on the rivers of Europe.
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