SERVICE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Large cruise ships follow your moves electronically and use your onboard ID cards to learn your name, usually after taking your order. On a Select Waterways journey, the ships are small and by the second day, the staff knows you by sight and greets you by name. Imagine the subtle joys of arriving for breakfast and finding your usual glass of grapefruit juice waiting for you, or that glass of raspberry iced tea at lunch, or your favorite Chardonnay at dinner. Relax and watch your waiter remember your penchant for an extra scoop of sorbet or your stateroom stewardess memorizing exactly how you wish to have your bed turned down each evening.

EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL

Better yet, not only does the staff get to know you, in turn you become acquainted with your staff. A gentleman polishing the railings outside the lounge can recommend a local eatery, the waitress bringing your morning expresso knows of a charming family-run boutique in town that sells lace scarves like those you mentioned at dinner the night before, and your shore excursion manager can give you the inside scoop on a hidden museum.

SPECIAL MEMORIES

That personal touch is a hallmark of service on the rivers and intimate waterways of the world. For example, as your ship glides along the Danube for a nighttime tour of the illuminated buildings and monuments of Budapest, don’t be surprised if you’re standing on deck and a waiter approaches with a glittering glass of apricot liqueur on a tray lit by a single candle.