Vkiking River Cruise - Lyon to Avignon

You will love it.

We took the Viking Bordeaux cruise last April and enjoyed it so much we scheduled the Grand European for this coming April.

There were a lot of younger people on the Bordeaux cruise, maybe because it was directed to wine connoisseurs rather than old geezers who have nothing better to do than float up and down a river.

I have not taken the Lyon- Avignon cruise but I am familiar with it and have been to the Nice/ Monaco/French Riviera area and went to Paris after our April cruise. I can’t imagine that you would be bored.

We’ve done 8 cruises with Viking (one was an ocean cruise) and have loved our time cruising. We look forward to opportunities to cruise again. So, we’ve definitely been in the “Fan of Viking” camp historically. Just finished the Danube Waltz in early December.

Viking gets high marks for the number of cruising options available. It’s a consistent brand where you generally know what you’re getting. They offer a reasonable price point compared to other competitors. It's like "The McDonald's Of The River Cruise Industry". You pretty much know what to expect each time. But there are better, more expensive "craft burgers" if you want them (read: Ama Waterways, Tauck, Emerald, etc.)

There are lots of things I love about Viking, but number one is the no children under 18. And you're correct, the average age is likely to be in the mid 60's +/-.

While Viking River Cruises are generally well-regarded, there are a few common complaints that travelers discuss if you dig deep enough on forums dedicated to river cruising:

High Cost: Some people feel that the cruises are expensive, especially when considering additional costs for optional excursions, beverages, and gratuities.

Limited Time in Ports: The time spent in each port is often limited, which can be frustrating for those who want to explore more extensively.

Structured Itineraries: The fixed schedules and itineraries might not appeal to travelers who prefer a more flexible, spontaneous travel experience.

Crowds: During peak seasons, the ships can feel crowded, and popular excursions may be overbooked.

Weather-Dependent Activities: Some excursions and activities are highly dependent on weather conditions, which can lead to cancellations or changes in the schedule.

Accessibility: While efforts are made to accommodate passengers with disabilities, some travelers have noted that certain ships or excursions are not fully accessible.

These concerns don’t necessarily detract from the overall experience but are worth considering based on your group's interests and travel style. I think if you do the research and know what you're going into, you'll have a great time all in all!

Good Review!