You've spent a lifetime making things happen for everyone else.
It's your turn now.
European river cruises, thoughtfully designed for women at midlife.
River Cruise Specialist · Solo & Group Travel Advisor for Women 50+
Penny Matthews is a Canadian travel advisor specializing in European river cruises for women at midlife — particularly solo travellers, girlfriend groups, and women planning meaningful milestone journeys. She works primarily with AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, and Scenic Luxury Cruises, and is the creator of the It's Your Turn Now philosophy and group sailing program.
Solo Travel
Solo river cruising is one of the most welcoming travel formats for women who are ready to go. I'll help you choose the right line, the right cabin, and the right itinerary — and make sure you arrive knowing this trip was designed for you.
→ Solo Cruising for WomenGirlfriend Groups
Whether you're joining one of my hosted group sailings or planning a private departure for your group, I design women's river cruise experiences that actually deliver on the dream.
→ Best Friend River EscapesMilestone Journeys
A 50th birthday. A retirement. The year after everything changed. These are not ordinary trips — they're chapters. I design them as such.
→ Plan Your JourneyCurrent Group Sailings
“Thank you so much for organizing my birthday trip. It was so unusual to not have to plan or take care of anything. I wasn't sure what to do with myself for the first few days. Once I relaxed, we had the best time. The staff took excellent care of us. Can't wait to go again.”
“I so enjoyed the Christmas markets ladies' trip. I never knew the markets were such a thing in Europe. I'll definitely be going again to grow my mug collection. Thank you for your knowledge and expertise.”
“Spring in the Netherlands for tulip season was amazing, so many colours. I'm so glad I took this trip. Travelling with AmaWaterways was top notch; they thought of everything, and then some. Penny puts us with great companies. She knows her stuff.”
“I had the best time as a solo cruiser with Avalon. I'm so glad Penny found a sailing with a solo traveller offering, which meant I got to spend that money on other treats for myself.”
“We're so looking forward to our Scenic Jewels of Europe cruise in 2027. The planning process has been so easy with Penny, it makes me want to start planning the next one before we've even gone.”
I became a travel advisor because I kept watching women at midlife put their own lives on hold. The career would settle down. The kids would leave. The time would come. And then it did — and they didn't know where to start.
I know where to start. And I'd love to show you.
Penny Matthews
ACC · River Cruise Specialist
Or call 780-246-4456