Yellow Bug Travels

January 1, 2026

AmaBella all decked out for Christmas

Sailing the Iron Gates, AmaBella

I just returned from my AmaWaterways Festive Delights Danube river cruise, sailing from Romania to Hungary, and it was a trip unlike any other. This was a part of the world I’d not yet visited, and between the welcoming people and the Christmas spirit, it was very memorable.


Some highlights worth sharing...


Boarding the AmaBella in Giurgiu, Romania

Sailing through the Iron Gates, the narrowest passage on the Danube.

Delicious main course at the Chef's Table dinner

Walking he streets of Belgrade, Serbia

Fun last night with our amazing entertainer, Milos, and Santa himself!

If you would like your pictures featured, email them to me at jen@yellowbugtravels.com

AmaWaterways has unveiled a refreshed logo/branding as part of a brand update, reflecting the company’s continued evolution and commitment to modern luxury river cruising. 


The updated design maintains the brand’s established elegance while introducing a cleaner, more contemporary look.

 


WHAT'S INSIDE THIS MONTH


  • Recap of 2025 and looking forward to 2026
  • NEW 2026 Promotions from AmaWaterways
  • Travel Spotlight--Italy 2026
  • Greece trip 2027!
  • Ireland trip 2027!
  • Christmas Markets possible group space--SEE BELOW!


Recap of 2025,

and what's coming in 2026!


What an amazing year! Thank you to everyone who trusted me with their travels in 2025. I loved planning Bermuda and Hawaiian cruises, river cruises around the world (including the Mekong), relaxing resort escapes, and rail trips through London and Amsterdam.


One of my favorite moments of the year was hosting 15 wonderful travelers on the AmaWaterways Taste of Bordeaux wine cruise — such a fun and memorable group experience making new friends.


Next year is already filling with big adventures, including three group trips:



• Tulip Time – March

• Italy with CIE – September

• Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps – October


I’ll also be attending the River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam in March and ASTA Global Conference in San Diego in May, and working toward my VTA (Verified Travel Advisor) certification — all to serve you even better.


I’m grateful for every booking, referral, and kind word this year. If you’re dreaming of a 2026 trip, I’d love to help make it unforgettable.

 


If you've traveled with me before, would you please leave me a review on my website?


Click HERE (then scroll down)

 


AmaWaterways

2026 PROMOTIONS

(valid Jan. 1 through March 31, 2026)



  • Up to $2,500 savings per stateroom
  • Complimentary Land Package
  • HotDates (Double FBC offer)
  • 10% Single Supplement offer
  • Waived Single Supplement on select ships in Europe
  • AirPlus
  • Egypt Complimentary Air Offer
  • Mekong 2 for 1 Offer
  • 10% Combination Cruise Savings
  • Military Offers
  • Referral Program


And don't forget--I have Future Cruise Benefits, offering you 5% off your cruise when you book with me! 10% on select cruises.


CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS


TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT

Live Co-hosted Event for Italy

in 29 days!


Ready for a trip that mixes food, culture, history,

and unforgettable scenery?



Come sip some Italian wine and listen to Chris Barnikel from CIE Tours talk about this amazing itinerary.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Fratelli's Ristorante in Baxter Village,

Fort Mill, SC.



RSVP HERE



** details on the flier below **

Greece by land or sea?


Last month, I asked where you’d love our next solo-friendly group trip to be — and the overwhelming winner was Greece! So this month, I’m exploring a few ideas to help shape what our 2027 solo adventure could look like.


Option 1: A Land Tour Through Greece

Imagine staying right in the heart of Greek culture — wandering the streets of Athens, exploring Delphi, tasting wine in the Peloponnese, or island-hopping on day trips.



A land itinerary lets us:

• stay 1–3 nights in each spot

• enjoy local food and culture at a slower pace

• really connect as a group (perfect for solos!)


Option 2: A Greek Islands Cruise

Or… we can chase sunsets across the Aegean.

A cruise gives us:

• a “home base” so no packing/unpacking

• gorgeous stops like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes

• plenty of time for solos to relax or explore at their own pace



I do need feedback to make this YOUR trip. Fill out the form below!

 

Irish Gold for

spring 2027!


Take your time on this Ireland tour, which explores the most acclaimed sights in the south and west, including the mountainous beauty of Connemara.

 
Are you interested?
Thumbs up        Thumbs down
 

Back for January!


 

Also for my loyal repeat clients, if you book a river cruise with me in January, you will also get to choose: $150 off your trip, $150 OBC, or a VISA gift card in the mail. Any trip!

 


2027 River Cruise Group!

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Wine Cruise

November 11, 2027!


Book your 2027 group river cruise now!


Click the link below for all of the details of our next group cruise!


 

What's better than joining our

2027 French group cruise?


Adding a second group cruise right after (back-to-back)!

Get your $$'s worth on your airfare! AND 10% OFF 2nd CRUISE!


POSSIBLE NEW Group space!

For those who would like to enjoy a

2027 CHRISTMAS MARKETS

river cruise directly after the French itinerary!

Wine then shopping, what could be better?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enchanting Rhine--Festive Delights

AmaStella

Basel to Amsterdam

November 21, 2027


THIS IS JUST AN OPTIONAL CRUISE,

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IF YOU'RE INTERESTED BELOW.


** No obligation to do both cruises, you can choose either one or both, your choice!

ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Thumbs up        Thumbs down
 

Group River Cruises

Click "more information" to see ship layout, current promotions, and maps and images.

You can now also place your deposit to hold your spot!

(No money is charged immediately. I will email you first!)

 

TULIP TIME


March 27, 2026

Amsterdam to Amsterdam


MORE INFORMATION


RHINE CASTLES & SWISS ALPS


October 27, 2026

Amsterdam to Basel


MORE INFORMATION


ESSENCE OF BURGUNDY & PROVENCE

WINE CRUISE


November 11, 2027

Dijon to Arles


MORE INFORMATION


ENCHANTING RHINE--FESTIVE DELIGHTS


POSSIBLE--November 21, 2027

Basel to Amsterdam


COMING SOON


 

Your GO-TO travel tools!


Ama's AirPlus

_______

Allianz Allyz App

________

Ama's MyAma App

________

FAQs

________

Prepare for your cruise

 



Surf to my website and you can....


Book a tour/excursion through Viator with me


Book an AmaWaterways cruise through me


Get an Allianz travel insurance quote with me


Sign up for my monthly newsletter


And you can see all of the group trips offered by my agency!



Visit Yellow Bug Travels


Join our Facebook group for tips and info.


FOR THE LOVE OF RIVER CRUISING

 
 

Thank you for reading my monthly news! I appreciate each of my

current and future clients!


Write to me if you have ideas or pictures.

I'd love to hear/ see them!

 

Want to see more? Follow Yellow Bug Travels!

By subscribing to my monthly newsletter,

you will receive ALL of my exclusive perks! 


I now offer access to LIVE inventory and self-booking options for some cruises—all while still enjoying my expert guidance!


And here’s the best part—I’ll be listed as your travel advisor, ensuring you get the support and insider knowledge you deserve.


Could you book direct or with a retailer such as Costco? Sure, but who will you call when your flight is canceled, you're tired at the

airport, and you need to know how to get to the ship?

That's where my guidance can really help!


You'll enjoy:

  •  Onboard Spending Credits – Extra $$ for spa treatments, laundry, specialty drinks, and more on some sailings!


  • Complimentary Upgrades – Exclusive opportunities for cabin upgrades when available.


  • Private Promotions & Discounts – Hidden deals and added value just for my clients.


  • Personalized Service & VIP Advocacy – Whether you need a little help or full-service planning, I’ve got you covered!

 

You get the best of both worlds—the freedom to book yourself AND the benefits of my expertise and connections.



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