re: Viking river cruise...

First time? I'd shoot for a cruise when the Christmas Markets will be open. Christmas markets across Europe generally open in mid-November and close around January 1. Magical time of year. The Danube Waltz or Romantic Danube.

Pro Tip: If you can time the first week or so they're open, it's cheaper than the first week in December when the prices go up.

LINK

Now..Many cruise line options. We love Viking obviously. They do everything right from the service to the experience.

But, we're looking at an Ama Waterways in France maybe next year for a change of pace. Probably a little more expensive. Depends on your interests in the included vs. optional excursions, which can add up. FYI, Viking offers a daily included tour and you can pay for optional excursions.

MOST IMPORTANT: Plan on some time pre or post cruise, particularly in cities like Prague. Coolest place in the world to me. Once you're there, it's cheap to take trains, planes or hire cars to get your around. Take advantage of it!