Meet the Experts
Joy Gawf-Crutchfield
From my very first European river cruise, I was hooked. History, culture, cuisine, adventure; European river cruising has it all. I am an expert in European travel and have been personally escorting my own private tour groups in Europe since 2008.
While my travel style in Europe varies from river cruises to fully escorted tours as well as independent travel, my favorite way to travel in Europe is on the rivers.
Leigh Ann Lane
Welcome to The Joy of River Cruising! My name is Leigh Ann Lane and I am the Business Manager and a River Cruise Specialist with The Joy of Travel. My mission is to provide you with once in a lifetime travel experiences steeped in history, culture, and excitement. I have had the pleasure of working at The Joy of Travel for nine years and run the agency with Joy, who happens to be my mom. I love the day-to-day interaction with our clients through the business office and strive to provide professional, in depth, highly experienced planning services.
Meredith Carrell
My love for River Cruising began as soon as I joined the Joy of Travel team on October 5, 2017. River Cruising training was my second training module to complete on my training journey as a Travel Agent. In 2017 River Cruising was the fastest growing segment of travel, and it hasn’t slowed down much since.
Doreen Kyle
Who reading this thinks that Travel is only a DREAM? I can assure you it is not, Travel is enticing, at times unpredictable, allowing you the ability to explore, and embrace the culture and history of the World. Travel is an inspirational, wonderful Journey available for all to embrace.
I started my journey of Travel way before I was blessed with joining The Joy of Travel in 2017. I clearly remember my first River Cruise in 2018 on the Seine River from Paris to the Normandy Beaches.
Lori Curtis
My name is Lori Curtis and I am a Travel Specialist at The Joy of Travel. I live in Eufaula, Oklahoma with my husband Brian. Brian and I have been married 25 years and have three beautiful children and one granddaughter. We recently had a vow renewal in the Bahamas and it was amazing.
Shawnda McAlester
I love River Cruising! River Cruising has quickly become one of the most popular ways of experiencing Europe. I hosted the very first river cruise group for The Joy of Travel back in 2016 and it's been crazy from there! I've been on multiple river cruises in Europe and look forward to sharing my experience with you. European River cruises are my favorite way to see Europe and look forward to many more in the future, perhaps Asia and Africa as well!