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Message
A discussion topic on River Cruises
Posted on 4/23/23 at 8:18 am
Posted on 4/23/23 at 8:18 am
Primarily Europe, but there are other options across the globe.
I think it's a misconception to always assume river cruising is only a bunch of old farts.
As previously noted, we've done 6 cruises with Viking and I think it is generally an older crowd. Usually upper 50's to low 70's for the most part, with some outliers either way. No children under 18 on Viking at least.
BUT...
That's a fallacious assumption because there are many different cruise lines that offer a variety of options for families, all age groups and nationalities.
I've self-directed on many trips, so I get the "I don't want to be part of a tour" point of view. And nothing says you can't cruise and then do something on your own later.
If you've often thought about it, then read on!
The benefits are they are relatively quieter, cozier ships that glide along picturesque, historical rivers. The ships are smaller. More often than not, all-inclusive. They offer well-planned tours as part of the cruise package. They offer a luxurious, relaxing, and intimate setting. And, the biggest plus, is they do everything for you. Airport transfer. Baggage handling.
Just unpack once and that's it.
Researched some videos if you're interested.
Best River Cruises
Best River Cruise Lines (This girl does an amazing job of comparing the cruise lines and who they might appeal to.)
Comparing 3 of the most popular cruise lines
I think it's a misconception to always assume river cruising is only a bunch of old farts.
As previously noted, we've done 6 cruises with Viking and I think it is generally an older crowd. Usually upper 50's to low 70's for the most part, with some outliers either way. No children under 18 on Viking at least.
BUT...
That's a fallacious assumption because there are many different cruise lines that offer a variety of options for families, all age groups and nationalities.
I've self-directed on many trips, so I get the "I don't want to be part of a tour" point of view. And nothing says you can't cruise and then do something on your own later.
If you've often thought about it, then read on!
The benefits are they are relatively quieter, cozier ships that glide along picturesque, historical rivers. The ships are smaller. More often than not, all-inclusive. They offer well-planned tours as part of the cruise package. They offer a luxurious, relaxing, and intimate setting. And, the biggest plus, is they do everything for you. Airport transfer. Baggage handling.
Just unpack once and that's it.
Researched some videos if you're interested.
Best River Cruises
Best River Cruise Lines (This girl does an amazing job of comparing the cruise lines and who they might appeal to.)
Comparing 3 of the most popular cruise lines
This post was edited on 4/26/23 at 11:41 am
Posted on 4/25/23 at 12:33 pm to Nole Man
Always been interested in doing a River Cruise. Gonna watch some of your linked videos because I've never much research on them other than asking a couple of questions in some random threads on here.
Posted on 4/25/23 at 2:19 pm to Nole Man
I was looking at the Viking Bordeaux to Bordeaux river cruise through the heart of French wine country, but the boat seems to travel a very short distance in a week. We are debating between that or just spending a few days in the Town of Bordeaux. In fact I was getting ready to start a topic on this.
Anyone have experience with this one?
Anyone have experience with this one?
Posted on 4/25/23 at 2:43 pm to geauxpurple
quote:
Viking Bordeaux to Bordeaux
That very well may be one we do in 2024!
LINK
That one or the Lyon and Provence.
This post was edited on 7/13/23 at 6:08 am
Posted on 4/26/23 at 9:21 am to Nole Man
Looking into this option for fall 2024.
Give me some scoop on the daily details.
When does the boat travel?
Does it travel in the night time like ocean cruises?
What is the average tour time at each location?
Is there free time in each town to go off on your own after the tours are complete?
Give me some scoop on the daily details.
When does the boat travel?
Does it travel in the night time like ocean cruises?
What is the average tour time at each location?
Is there free time in each town to go off on your own after the tours are complete?
Posted on 4/26/23 at 9:45 am to Pfft
Best to read the itineraries on the site for day to day activities and costs.
Generally..
First, you can do whatever you want. Tour. Stay on the boat and relax.
There are usually daily excursions that are included as part of the cost and optional tours that you pay for. Really depends on the River. Usually, you get up and have breakfast around 7am. Buses might leave around 8:30am and back by early afternoon. You'd have a lunch, drink, take a nap. Often, you can walk off the boat and visit the city. The most "free time" I might have ever had was ~ 1/2 day in a particular port. Keep in mind, you might start or end in a major city (i.e. Lisbon/Berlin/Amsterdam/Paris) so you might have up to 2 days there as part of the cruise package, or you could add on before or after the cruise on your own.
The boats usually travel at night so you're in the next port that morning. The Douro River cruise we just did was an exception as we traveled during the day because it's a smaller river and we docked at night in the port. Was fun because you could watch the river, swim in their pool, have a drink in the lounge and watch the wineries go by.
With some exceptions, expect you're generally in one port per day, unless you're cruising.
Generally..
First, you can do whatever you want. Tour. Stay on the boat and relax.
There are usually daily excursions that are included as part of the cost and optional tours that you pay for. Really depends on the River. Usually, you get up and have breakfast around 7am. Buses might leave around 8:30am and back by early afternoon. You'd have a lunch, drink, take a nap. Often, you can walk off the boat and visit the city. The most "free time" I might have ever had was ~ 1/2 day in a particular port. Keep in mind, you might start or end in a major city (i.e. Lisbon/Berlin/Amsterdam/Paris) so you might have up to 2 days there as part of the cruise package, or you could add on before or after the cruise on your own.
The boats usually travel at night so you're in the next port that morning. The Douro River cruise we just did was an exception as we traveled during the day because it's a smaller river and we docked at night in the port. Was fun because you could watch the river, swim in their pool, have a drink in the lounge and watch the wineries go by.
With some exceptions, expect you're generally in one port per day, unless you're cruising.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:36 am to Nole Man
Nice info, thanks!
The wife and I usually like to walk the smaller towns and catch the museums if they are good. Hit a cafe for early lunch. Then do some hiking in the afternoons.
I like that they cruise in the evenings.
They have a 14 day Avignon to Amsterdam cruise or the 15 day Rhine - Main - Danube that look pretty interesting.
Have only done Italy twice, both times in a campervan, so maybe looking to go a completely different way the next trip.
Not very good at sitting still for days on end, so wanting to be sure we could be active during the days.
The wife and I usually like to walk the smaller towns and catch the museums if they are good. Hit a cafe for early lunch. Then do some hiking in the afternoons.
I like that they cruise in the evenings.
They have a 14 day Avignon to Amsterdam cruise or the 15 day Rhine - Main - Danube that look pretty interesting.
Have only done Italy twice, both times in a campervan, so maybe looking to go a completely different way the next trip.
Not very good at sitting still for days on end, so wanting to be sure we could be active during the days.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:49 am to Pfft
quote:
Have only done Italy twice, both times in a campervan, so maybe looking to go a completely different way the next trip.
Pretty interested in hearing about Italy in a camper van.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 12:16 pm to Nole Man
We're very interested in a river cruise through the French wine country.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 12:31 pm to Pfft
quote:
They have a 14 day Avignon to Amsterdam cruise or the 15 day Rhine - Main - Danube that look pretty interesting.
We're doing their Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) cruise in late November this year. Then taking an extra week and basing in Colmar France. Looks like a great cruise, particularly since we'll get to see some of the Christmas Markets again. We've usually tried to go in late November on all of these cruises to see the Christmas festivities. Magical time of year.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 1:02 pm to DukeSilver
I will try to do a trip report, we did it in September 2021 and again last month. If you like to wing it, the campervan is great.
Trying to figure out the photo sharing deal with my limited technical abilities.
Trying to figure out the photo sharing deal with my limited technical abilities.
This post was edited on 4/26/23 at 1:42 pm
Posted on 4/27/23 at 11:10 am to Nole Man
wife and I did a Viking Cruise down the Rhine. Early 30's.
We were the youngest but there is a lot of time in every city to venture out and do your own thing. Food is fresh and excellent. Clean rooms and great service. The price is higher than other cruises but well worth it.
We met good people on the boat that we still keep in touch with.
We were the youngest but there is a lot of time in every city to venture out and do your own thing. Food is fresh and excellent. Clean rooms and great service. The price is higher than other cruises but well worth it.
We met good people on the boat that we still keep in touch with.
Posted on 4/28/23 at 11:23 am to Nole Man
quote:
We're doing their Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) cruise in late November this year.
Fantastic cruise
Posted on 4/28/23 at 2:05 pm to Gulf Coast Tiger
We did that one last year on Viking. Absolutely fabulous.
Posted on 4/28/23 at 7:11 pm to TigerKurt
Viking Bordeaux cruise.
Spring of next year.
I think I’m in.
Spring of next year.
I think I’m in.
Posted on 4/29/23 at 7:50 pm to Nole Man
We leave Tuesday for Berlin and will spend over a week in Germany prior to getting on an Emerald river cruise from Passau to Budapest. First river cruise and I’m looking forward to it. Going to Croatia and Ireland afterwards
Posted on 5/1/23 at 10:03 am to Nole Man
We’ve done Viking river cruises twice.
Posted on 5/1/23 at 12:47 pm to Gulf Coast Tiger
My 87-year-old in-laws just got back from their Rhine cruise.
That's right. 87.
That's right. 87.
Posted on 7/12/23 at 5:56 pm to Nole Man
quote:
We're doing their Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) cruise in late November this year. Then taking an extra week and basing in Colmar France.
If you are staying an extra week, I guess that is not a Viking add-on package deal. Is your to and from flights still with Viking or did you make your own Flight arrangements?
Posted on 7/12/23 at 6:11 pm to haricot rouge
Even if you extend your trip, your airfare is part of your Viking cruise package and they help coordinate all the reservations.
We booked all of that on our own separately once we leave Basel. FYI.. we never purchased the Viking excursions. Too expensive. We usually build our own trips after that.
We booked all of that on our own separately once we leave Basel. FYI.. we never purchased the Viking excursions. Too expensive. We usually build our own trips after that.
This post was edited on 7/12/23 at 6:51 pm
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