Experiencing 16 ships and one virtual ship in less than a week at the ASTA River Cruise Expo was a lot to absorb! Now that I’ve had time to settle back in at home, and gone through my copious notes, here are a few of my favorites.

The average age of river cruisers has dropped from the mid-60’s to mid-50’s over the last few years and I think millennial women will bring it down even lower. When I’m looking to travel, I look to build a trip that will let me see the world in a new way without sacrificing the conveniences (and safety) I crave, especially when I’m solo. It’s why I’m recommending river cruises to more and more women.

Epic Universe is packed with jaw-dropping lands and amazing rides but if you’re anything like me, the real adventure lives on the menus. This article features hot chocolate mornings, culinary highs, a few misses but mainly hits, and a whole lot of themed snacking.

Epic Universe has been open for months now, which in my opinion is long enough that many early hiccups should be ironed out. And to Universal’s credit, the park shows the enormous amount of heart, tech, and detail poured into every inch of it. The ambition is undeniable, but look a little closer, and you’ll still spot room to grow.