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Viking River cruise on the Danube
Posted on 8/16/20 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 8/16/20 at 12:49 pm
We are planning a trip to Europe in 2022. We will be moving cross country then and the step daughter will be graduating high school so we are planning a getaway.
I was last in Europe in 2000 while in the military but my wife has never been. She has zero desire to do the whole Louvre, Eiffel Tower tourist thing.
So my plan is a Viking cruise to Budapest. My favorite city in the world then head on our own to Croatia (my favorite coast in the world). Has anyone done a cruise down the Danube that can offer their thoughts?
I was last in Europe in 2000 while in the military but my wife has never been. She has zero desire to do the whole Louvre, Eiffel Tower tourist thing.
So my plan is a Viking cruise to Budapest. My favorite city in the world then head on our own to Croatia (my favorite coast in the world). Has anyone done a cruise down the Danube that can offer their thoughts?
5
Posted on 8/16/20 at 12:59 pm to El Segundo Guy
Not sure if your daughter has an early or late b-day but keep in mind Viking does have a minimum age of 18 to sail. The demographic on viking is going to be alot older so the experiences they offer are more geared toward that demographic.
Posted on 8/16/20 at 1:58 pm to LSUfan4444
Thanks. I can see that she could be bored. She will have just turned 18 when we go. Her idea is to kind of backpack and wing it but im not sure if I'd be up to that at 47.
My wife just wants to chill and party and see and do cool shite. Budget isn't an issue.
My wife just wants to chill and party and see and do cool shite. Budget isn't an issue.
Posted on 8/16/20 at 2:12 pm to El Segundo Guy
We had a thread on this a while back.
I've done two on the Danube: The Romantic Danube and the Eastern Passage. Photos are in that link above.
I would HIGHLY recommend it. People grouse about the demographics (age, Chinese etc.) that can be present on a ship, but I've seen all ages and nationalities. Truly have enjoyed the experiences. They do everything for you. First class food, drinks (we buy the Silver Spirits Package BTW) and hosts. Budapest is my second favorite city in the world next to Prague. Been there 3 times and LOVE it.
The thing I like most about Viking is the value. They can help put air packages together to a point that the cost, along with the cruise, is very cost effective for a European trip. And the best part is once you're there, you can build around it on the front end or back end and go to other destinations. Most recently, we spent a week in Romania before we caught the boat. Amazing experience.
Happy to answer more specific questions if needed.
In the FWIW category, our Rhine Cruise on 4/19 was cancelled, BUT they offered us a 125% credit! So, we rebooked in November 2021 on the Elbe. An upgrade for us.
I've done two on the Danube: The Romantic Danube and the Eastern Passage. Photos are in that link above.
I would HIGHLY recommend it. People grouse about the demographics (age, Chinese etc.) that can be present on a ship, but I've seen all ages and nationalities. Truly have enjoyed the experiences. They do everything for you. First class food, drinks (we buy the Silver Spirits Package BTW) and hosts. Budapest is my second favorite city in the world next to Prague. Been there 3 times and LOVE it.
The thing I like most about Viking is the value. They can help put air packages together to a point that the cost, along with the cruise, is very cost effective for a European trip. And the best part is once you're there, you can build around it on the front end or back end and go to other destinations. Most recently, we spent a week in Romania before we caught the boat. Amazing experience.
Happy to answer more specific questions if needed.
In the FWIW category, our Rhine Cruise on 4/19 was cancelled, BUT they offered us a 125% credit! So, we rebooked in November 2021 on the Elbe. An upgrade for us.
Posted on 8/16/20 at 2:23 pm to Nole Man
Good stuff. I know my wife and I would enjoy it. I love Budapest and then a trip to Croatia after.
Would my 18 year old step daughter and possibly my 25 year old daughter have a lot of fun?
Would my 18 year old step daughter and possibly my 25 year old daughter have a lot of fun?
Posted on 8/16/20 at 3:31 pm to El Segundo Guy
There are several European river cruise lines that cater to different age groups and interests (levels of activity), so research the various lines. Here's a link to get you started (there are many youtube videos on the subject too.
European Cruise Lines
European Cruise Lines
Posted on 8/16/20 at 3:34 pm to El Segundo Guy
quote:
Would my 18 year old step daughter and possibly my 25 year old daughter have a lot of fun?
Uh..Mom and Dad taking me to Europe? Living in the lap of luxury? All the food (and drink?) I can have, and it's good?
Yeah.
But...
You'd need to do a little "expectations management". The average age is likely to be fairly high. Maybe upper 50's / 60's, and some older. It's not a party boat. But, the people we've met are loving life and generally a joy to be around.
We love to watch YouTube videos to "travel" these days, so maybe tee up a few on Viking just to let them see some of the things.
Also, maybe let them have input on what you do "pre-trip / post trip". Maybe they always wanted to go to Switzerland for example. Once you're there, it's CHEAP to catch a train just about anywhere you'd want to go. In fact, we hire private drivers. Can be fairly cheap.
Check out Viator for tours and drivers or My Day Trip.
Oh..I spent a week in Croatia and loved it. (LOVED Slovenia more BTW if you're up for it) Stayed in Opatija and Plitvice National Park (Most amazing place in the world!!).
Now, I haven't been to other parts of the coast, but you know, it looks amazing. Like Hvar Island. Can't imagine young kids wouldn't love the vibe.
My wife doesn't like him much, but Gabriel is a very popular YouTuber and is doing some great videos in Croatia as we speak.
This post was edited on 8/16/20 at 3:40 pm
Posted on 8/16/20 at 3:35 pm to El Segundo Guy
We did Budapest to Nuremberg several years ago Christmas week. Kids were 19 and 17. Both sets of grandparents traveled also. We all enjoyed it.
There was a family with two grade school aged kids, but other than that, my daughter was youngest of about a dozen college aged guests. They hung out together after dinner in piano lounge and had a great time. I'm not sure if that is usual or if it being a holiday week made a difference having younger people on board.
Both kids have said they would do another river cruise but have no desire to do a big ship again.
There was a family with two grade school aged kids, but other than that, my daughter was youngest of about a dozen college aged guests. They hung out together after dinner in piano lounge and had a great time. I'm not sure if that is usual or if it being a holiday week made a difference having younger people on board.
Both kids have said they would do another river cruise but have no desire to do a big ship again.
Posted on 8/16/20 at 3:58 pm to El Segundo Guy
We were scheduled to do the Danube cruise this past July, but... anyway, Viking gave us a 125% voucher for 2021 so we plan to do the cruise from Budapest, and spend several more weeks in Europe.
Posted on 8/16/20 at 4:19 pm to El Segundo Guy
Re: 18 and 25 year old on Viking.....maybe. Are these laid back young people who are happy to relax, read, watch the world go by? Or are they kinda ADD, gotta be on the move, always chasing something new types? I can definitely see Viking as being too “mature” for their demographic......unless flirting with the help counts as fun, they’re not going to encounter any nightlife during the cruise. Hell, Viking is too mature a crowd for me, and I’m your age.
Still, if you have a few days of independent travel at the end, maybe they’ll enjoy it as an easy intro to Europe. Honestly, it’s a lot of forced togetherness, being on a cruise all day and doing the same shore excursions, then dining together every evening. Only you can judge whether this will be a great or terrible thing for your family unit.
My big objection to Euro cruises is the limited contact with local food and people. You’re eating in the same restaurant, essentially, for your entire trip. Yes, the food is fine, but part of why I travel is to experience a slice of local culture. Cruising is comfortable, but it insulates you from the actual lived experience of the places you are traveling through. I’d rather drag my suitcase, get rained on, and find an amazing artisan bakery down a side street than sit on a deck drinking a cocktail. Neither approach is wrong, you just need to figure out which one suits your group.
And maybe consider, if the two girls get along, sending them off on their own, backpacking, for part of the trip. They could do a solo side trip.
Still, if you have a few days of independent travel at the end, maybe they’ll enjoy it as an easy intro to Europe. Honestly, it’s a lot of forced togetherness, being on a cruise all day and doing the same shore excursions, then dining together every evening. Only you can judge whether this will be a great or terrible thing for your family unit.
My big objection to Euro cruises is the limited contact with local food and people. You’re eating in the same restaurant, essentially, for your entire trip. Yes, the food is fine, but part of why I travel is to experience a slice of local culture. Cruising is comfortable, but it insulates you from the actual lived experience of the places you are traveling through. I’d rather drag my suitcase, get rained on, and find an amazing artisan bakery down a side street than sit on a deck drinking a cocktail. Neither approach is wrong, you just need to figure out which one suits your group.
And maybe consider, if the two girls get along, sending them off on their own, backpacking, for part of the trip. They could do a solo side trip.
Posted on 8/17/20 at 8:05 am to El Segundo Guy
quote:
She has zero desire to do the whole Louvre, Eiffel Tower tourist thing.
What does this mean? So you go to Paris and not do anything Parisian? The Louvre isn’t just a “tourist” thing it’s one of the most well known museums in the world. I’m not an art museum guy but theres some ‘tourist’ items that are tourist items for a reason...they are unique.
Your trip sounds like a mess personally. Paris to Budapest to Croatia? I think a river cruise is great if your family would enjoy it.
There’s also some bike and barge ships where you bike through the country for 20-40km a day. I’ve always thought those sounded like a great way to see the country.
But again, without knowing your family and specific interests it’s hard to say.
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