From the Shores of the Danube to the Heart of River Cruising
A lifelong passion for rivers transformed into a mission to empower, educate, and inspire the river cruise industry
Hi! I’m Maddy Caldaruse and this is
My Story ...
A Lifelong Love for the River
I grew up in the enchanting town of Corabia, Romania, nestled on the banks of the majestic Danube. My childhood was spent swimming, playing with friends, and watching the ships sail by—a fascination that sparked my lifelong connection with rivers.
Fast forward to July 17, 2000, when my sister’s call changed everything. What started as a two-week stint aboard a passenger ship quickly turned into a thriving career. My plan to return to my job at Elle Magazine took an unexpected turn, and I never looked back.
Since then, I’ve navigated all of Europe’s major rivers: the Danube, Rhine, Main, Seine, Rhône, Dordogne, Garonne, Moselle, Douro, and the Main-Danube Canal. In 2014, after welcoming my second daughter, I embraced a new role—training Cruise Managers. Sharing my expertise and passion became my way of ensuring guests enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime river cruise experience they'll cherish forever.
In 2024, my journey took yet another turn when I began consulting with ports across Europe. Sharing best practices, innovative tips, and actionable strategies, I helped ports become must-visit destinations for river cruises. This marked the start of a new mission: fostering excellence across every corner of the river cruise industry.
Mission & Vision
From the Shores of the Danube to the Heart of River Cruising
Mission
"To become the leading source of information and inspiration for river cruise professionals, offering unparalleled knowledge, hands-on experiences, and top-tier services that contribute to the sustainable development of the river cruising industry."
Vision
"To be recognized as the go-to platform for river cruise professionals, promoting excellence in training, service standards, and industry insights."
Rivers of Experience, Waves of Knowledge
Why Trust Me?
Over 25 years of hands-on experience in the river cruise industry.
Trainer and mentor to countless successful Cruise Managers since 2014.
In-demand consultant for river ports across Europe, driving tourism and growth.
Partnerships with leading river cruise companies and hospitality professionals.
Rivers of Experience, Waves of Knowledge
Explore how I can help you achieve your goals in the river cruise industry
