I am a 29 year old solo traveler, and have done 3 river cruises. One with Viking, on the Prestige. And two with Emerald, on the Star and Destiny. I just got off my third one less then a week ago. Surprisingly I wasnt the youngest on my most recent one. But anyways, for solo travelers, look at Emerald, as they have two single bed cabins on their ships.
Very different indeed! Far better. I never found my river cruises regimented.. it could be , but it’s up to you. If you want to do the excursions, then you have a set time. Same as ocean cruises.. but you don’t have to do the excursions provided, because mostly you are pulling up at villages or towns and you have direct access straight from the ship to the Township, so you are free to walk around and do whatever you want. We did this many times coming back to the ship for a snack, then out again. You are right about the cost, initially you think it’s quite a big cost, but when you factor in everything that is covered, and these things often aren’t covered on ocean cruises, then it works out to be good. I’ve done a uni world cruise from Amsterdam to Istanbul, and other than the odd souvenir, I never spent a cent after the initial payment. Have done a couple of Emerald cruises as well. And as we are not big drinkers, our bar tab was £20. Obviously with Emerald all your drinks are covered during mealtimes. And at a lot of the activities that were available during the day, like cheese tasting, wine tasting, cooking demos and other things, the staff often provided some wine to go along with the activity. Even though the ships are smaller there’s plenty of room for everybody, and plenty of little nooks and crannies that you can have a quiet sit with a cup of tea and a book. One of our favourite things was the ease at which you can get on and off the ship. No lining up ,no pushing, no shoving, just walk on and off. All of our cruises I’ve had excellent food, which my expanding waistline can attest to. And we’ve met the most amazing people on these cruises, and thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and the amazing view from all the windows as we can glide down these rivers. We’ve been lucky with Water levels, never had any trouble. We never missed any of the stops that were on the itinerary, but our captain on the uni world ship would pull over if he saw local markets at the side of the river. That was amazing. As for missing some of the stops on the itinerary, I’ve had that happen on ocean cruises as well so it’s not just river cruises, we are at the mercy of the weather, so intelligent people should realise that. My big suggestion to people is do your research
My late partner and I have gone on many river cruises. He was very frugal and when we came into port in the Ukraine and were offered a trip to the opera on a bus for Fifty dollars each. The afternoon before, he went on a reconnaissance mission and we left the ship, walked under the highway and took the funicular up the ptomkin steps. Went to the opera house, found a local young man who picked our seat out for us. Seven dollars each in the box seats. He was so thrilled, he actually sprung for programs.. so investigate before signing up for a paid excursion.
We just completed our first river cruise, Viking’s Grand European from BudaPest to Amsterdam. Our ship was less than 1/2 full so we all got outstanding personal service and attention as it was still fully staffed. The food was also outstanding. A couple of hiccups were caused by low rivers, including having to change ships near Nuremberg (we were told about as we boarded) and being bused to hotels for the last 3 days when the Rhine was closed. Viking staff and our cruise director did everything they could to ensure that the guests were well taken care of and happy. Our group of 6 was completely pleased with Viking and the cruise. Traveling with friends and meeting new friends on board adds so much enjoyment to the cruise. We would not hesitate to take another cruise with Viking - they were fantastic!
Outstanding video for beginners. The only thing I would add, and you have mentioned this on some of your other videos but it's worth repeating, is that river cruising may not be a good option for those with mobility issues. Thanks again for all you excellent work.
I have done both of Rhine and Danube River Cruise on Viking. I loved the scenic views from the boat. I will be doing another cruise with Viking, again, in October. This time, my husband and I are going to Russia, Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Keiko McCarty We did the Russian cruise fall 2017 with my brother-in-law. We loved it! Red Square at night is beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
We did Danube Waltz last November and it was wonderful. Now should be a good time to go hopefully your rivers have plenty of water...our water level was very low and our Budapest trip we had to cut one of our excursions. They had to cancel our Elbe cruise due to that! Enjoy!!!!
I just came back from Rhine cruise - not worthy to go ,boring river ,banks taken by industries .The only good thing is : same trips to nice cities ,but most of the time way too short
Thanks for this. Trying to organize a bucket trip for my mom to do a river cruise and really didnt know the first thing about it. Nice to have some resources
My first river cruise was in 2007 on Gate 1. Gate 1 is not as well known as most of the other cruise lines but they do offer a good value for the budget minded traveler. They are always running promotions which can cut down the cost considerably. For instance I am taking another Gate 1 cruise this October and when I booked it in Feb. of this year they were running a 4 day sale on the 9 day Danube river cruise of $1500.00 off per cabin. Almost made up for my single supplement. I have since been on 7 other river cruises on other cruise lines but as I said, I am returning to Gate 1 this fall.
We did the Danube with Gate1. Everything is included. We did numerous shore excursions and incurred no additional costs. Food was excellent and the wine selection was as well. And the cost was 1/3 that of the more expensive and well-known lines.
@@janofpa7772 I never did get to take that cruise I mentioned for 2 reasons. First, the cruise was cancelled because of plumbing problems. I rebooked the same cruise the following year and Covid happened. Guess I wasn't supposed to take that cruise. I do disagree with your statement about 1/3 the cost. I think 1/3 less might be more accurate.
@@raymondbiller2257 sorry you never got to take the cruise. I remember at the time (2014) it was $2200 per person for the week so whatever that worked out to at the time. I just know it was a lot less. I think we added 3 days in Prague to the start of the cruise for less than $500.
the first thing to do is pick a different cruise line than Viking. I took "City of Lights" Viking cruise and it was the most horrible time of my life. A total waste of $14,000. The food was crap, the plane ride was a cattle run, the crew from Viking were rude, and nothing worked. The boat Viking Idun broke down and spent a day waiting for parts. What they don't tell you is every place shows up with many Viking boats and the places visited are filled like Disneyland. The guides had such thick accents you couldn't understand a word. Pick a different line , you'll be glad you did.
Another on the money video. Thanks, Gary! You have reaffirmed my thinking in many areas of my planning and decision making for river cruising and filled in some blanks with really useful information. Rhine, then Danube... Seems obvious with you saying it. Yeah, I am eager to see some castles. :-) Thanks, again.
Thank you for this very informative video for first-time river cruisers. My son and I took a 5-country river cruise last summer with Tauck starting in Budapest and ending in Amsterdam. The overall experience was absolutely wonderful. We had the lowest priced cabin which was really quite expensive in comparison with other river cruise companies, including Viking, but we had taken many other vacations with Tauck and were happy with all of them. Unfortunately our very experienced travel agent was unaware that we would not be able to see out our cabin window unless we stood up. In fact, our cabin window was so high we couldn’t even rest our elbows on the window sill to take photos (and I am almost 5’ 10” tall). When I inquired at the front desk the first day about this the ship’s cruise director said we could immediately be moved to a cabin where could see out the window in a seated position for an additional $6000. We had already spent at least $18000 on this trip for 2. Tauck does not offer upgrades under any conditions and I understand and fully respect that but our travel agent was never informed that we would have to actually stand up the entire cruise to see out the window. I scoured Tauck’s marketing materials and nowhere does it say that if you book this particular cabin level you will have to stand up for the entire cruise to see out your window. We have travelled to 40 countries and if I didn’t know this and neither did our very experienced travel agent, then I’m sure many other viewers of your channel don’t. CAREFUL: When you book with Tauck, you better ask this question to avoid disappointment before booking.
HAPPY GIRL I have had a most expensive cabin on Viking and I am disappointed with the cruise. They are so overpriced and everything they offer is low-quality from from pre-and post-cruise hotels to food and wine on the ships. Folks! don’t be fooled! You will get very little for your money.
Hmmm, I’ve traveled on Tauck, they are our company of choice and we have been told category 1 is below water level, small windows high up. For us, when we can’t get a “better” cabin it’s been fine bcs we really only sleep there. Tauck is top notch all around. On one cruise I got the flu and they were soooo attentive and caring. Bringing tea and broth to my cabin, changing my sheets twice daily bcs I had a fever. One person drove my husband into the closest town to buy more acetaminophen when i ran out. Surprisingly they were not afraid of catching it. Even though generally tips are included, we of course tipped our stewards way extra. Food is excellent, sights and pace great.
Your travel agent is an idiot or is brand new in the business if she didn’t know that Deck one cabins are below the water line. Did you not ever look at a picture of a river ship before or after you booked? You can clearly see that the windows on the lowest level are near the ceiling. Don’t blame the cruise line for your poor planning or for hiring an ignorant travel agent. ALL cruise ships are like that. Not just Tauck.
My biggest beef is paying a single surcharge of 100%. I am not getting two breakfasts, two lunches or two dinners or going on the same excursion twice so why should I be paying for something I am not getting. They know I am a single when booking and so can cater amounts for food beforehand. It is ridiculous. Why can't these ships split a couple of twin rooms into two singles. I know some ships are offering singles but one is limited to the lowest room category.
Thank you for the helpful info. I'm interested in the Viking Romantic Danube cruise. I think I would enjoy it, but I'm on the lower end of the 50 to 70 age group (wink wink). That's my only concern. Maybe in a few years. I would like to add something, ocean cruises also include most dining options and excursions are not really *that* expensive, so I feel like river cruises definitely are more expensive.
I am considering a 2025 Christmas Markets cruise. Another channel indicated that with Viking, you need to pay for the entire cruise not long after booking. That makes a difference to me when booking so far out. I wish you would cover those kinds of differences between cruise lines.
We just finished our river cruise. We had a wonderful time. The river level was perfect. However, this way of travel is for people who are mobile. If one needs to use a walker, this is not for you. Europe is paved in cobblestone; cobblestones and walkers/wheelchairs do not mix AT All.
If your adventurious, you can always grab a map of the area your in from the front desk & take off on your own to explore. Just keep track of the time.
Agree - that's the one thing I wish someone would have told us before our first cruise - that you can always just get off the ship when it docks and do your own thing, as long as you're back in time for departure.
we are planning our first river cruise, thinking avalon and doing the christmas time cruise. do you have any opinions on this cruise or activity, in particular looking at the 5 day , i think it from frankfort to basel thanks for your insight
Thanks for another great video. I was wondering whether you recommend a cabin on the east-facing or west-facing side of the ship on the Rhine cruise - Budapest to Amsterdam?
I did one 17 years ago and tried to save money. The ship was clean but pretty plain. Go on the best ship that you can afford, and you will enjoy it more. My husband and I spent most of the time sitting on the top deck looking at the scenery. It was amazing.
that´s the main difference between the european cruisers and the amazon cruisers. in the amazon you go on conventional cruisers or even ocean liners, all year and from Belém to Manaus takes 7 days plus the 5 day return. it´s pretty much treated like conventional non-river cruises...
We did a (Viking) river cruise on the Danube and we enjoyed all aspects, except the time in port. There were many cities where we would have loved to stay longer than the 8 hours, or so, allotted by the cruise agenda. Are there any cruises where they stay more than one, short day in each port?
Hi Gary! Adore your channel but PLEASE don’t speed them up artificially…it makes it sound as if you are gasping for air and is very distracting. Would love to see this as it was normally recorded.
do you know any manzanares madrid, munich isar, any river cruises which visit bergamo busseto pesaro cremona, leipzig, halle, eisenach, zwickau, ... also any comments on Po river, Main, Gualdalquivir, Garonne, neckar, saone, other italy, france, germany, poland, havel, oder river , spain, portugal cruises? also what are your thoughts on ganges, irrawaddy, mekong, yangtze, ....
Hi Gary, Do you have any comment on APT river cruises? We are booked on one in July from Amsterdam to Budapest. Always done ocean cruises before - this is our first time on a river cruise. Thanks Roger
Roger, my wife and I did the same cruise as yours in November 2014 with APT, and they were absolutely fantastic. The only complaint we really had was one of our friends we met on the trip was a vegetarian and the options for them at meal times were very limited, but I think that may have improved a lot since then. One tip I would have is to do some research about each of the places you're visiting and ask what time you'll be docking there. We often found that by the time the official walking groups got organised each morning, we were able to see twice as much by having an early breakfast, grabbing a map from the cruise director and going on our own walking tour. Especially for places like Cologne, Vienna and Regensberg, where there's so much to see.
River cruising in Europe is going to be challenging for a wheelchair user unless you have some walking ability including the ability to tackle some stairs. The size of the ships is limited by the locks and bridges, which makes a fully accessible cabin a substantial use of precious deck space. Many river cruise lines don't provide them at all - Viking certainly don't. This means you have to be able to cope with an unadapted toilet and shower - unless you have a suite the shower will be especially tight. River cruising is doable if you have some mobility away from your chair, choose your cabin carefully, take a travel orientated folding powerchair or scooter, research your intended itinerary carefully and are flexible about opting out of part or all of certain excursions. I've done three cruises with Viking in just this way. However, there are some for whom river cruising is going to be too challenging to be worthwhile or totally impossible.
How does water levels affect shoulder cruising? Is there a higher chance of water level issues in Apr/May or Sept/Oct? Is the tradeoff that Apr/May could have more rain but better river water levels with Sept/Oct drier but more at risk for water levels? My schedule is flexible so I prefer shoulder season for lower crowds and cheaper. I did European delivery of a car in July '18 and the record-setting heat was somewhat uncomfortable in unairconditioned hotels/restaurants, so peak summer in Europe is not at the top of my list.
iN spring and winter its usually higher water and in the other seasons its lower. But usually its only about 1 months to low to sail over an certain part. It depeds each year ofc
None! They all are overpriced cheap cruises, which create an image of being classy by being overpriced. I took a Viking cruise last year and I would never go back again even if it was offer to me for free! I have been on most of cruises and have a good comparison of value and service.
Your definition of 'all inclusive' is wrong. All inclusive actually means everything included. This means that the cruise ships definition is also wrong. To me, the use of this phrase is used fraudulently by the cruise ships.
The people who take river cruises are usually older, retired people who have money to spend. So who do you rip off except older, retired people who have money to spend?
The worst cruise in my life the help are nice but badly trained the food is skimpy the buffet skimpy the portions are small we had the owners suit 24k for seven days plastic flowers in the room 2cookies once a day in the room no fruit don’t go on asked for a second steak was told to wait less they don’t have enough for all guests that’s the case with all meals don’t go on American cruise lines I would not rate them as two stars
was that Viking, you didn’t say. Don’t judge portions by the gigantic portions in the USA, we all know they are too huge. No one needs to eat that much.
Barbara Sawicki I agree!, I went on Viking, had the most expensive cabin on the ship and I feel like I was fooled by the high prices. I thought it would be a high class cruising experience, but everything on the cruise was low class starting with food drinks and service. Wouldn’t go back again even if it was for free.
I am a 29 year old solo traveler, and have done 3 river cruises. One with Viking, on the Prestige. And two with Emerald, on the Star and Destiny. I just got off my third one less then a week ago. Surprisingly I wasnt the youngest on my most recent one. But anyways, for solo travelers, look at Emerald, as they have two single bed cabins on their ships.
Very different indeed! Far better.
I never found my river cruises regimented.. it could be , but it’s up to you. If you want to do the excursions, then you have a set time. Same as ocean cruises.. but you don’t have to do the excursions provided, because mostly you are pulling up at villages or towns and you have direct access straight from the ship to the Township, so you are free to walk around and do whatever you want. We did this many times coming back to the ship for a snack, then out again.
You are right about the cost, initially you think it’s quite a big cost, but when you factor in everything that is covered, and these things often aren’t covered on ocean cruises, then it works out to be good. I’ve done a uni world cruise from Amsterdam to Istanbul, and other than the odd souvenir, I never spent a cent after the initial payment. Have done a couple of Emerald cruises as well. And as we are not big drinkers, our bar tab was £20. Obviously with Emerald all your drinks are covered during mealtimes. And at a lot of the activities that were available during the day, like cheese tasting, wine tasting, cooking demos and other things, the staff often provided some wine to go along with the activity.
Even though the ships are smaller there’s plenty of room for everybody, and plenty of little nooks and crannies that you can have a quiet sit with a cup of tea and a book.
One of our favourite things was the ease at which you can get on and off the ship. No lining up ,no pushing, no shoving, just walk on and off. All of our cruises I’ve had excellent food, which my expanding waistline can attest to. And we’ve met the most amazing people on these cruises, and thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace and the amazing view from all the windows as we can glide down these rivers.
We’ve been lucky with Water levels, never had any trouble. We never missed any of the stops that were on the itinerary, but our captain on the uni world ship would pull over if he saw local markets at the side of the river. That was amazing.
As for missing some of the stops on the itinerary, I’ve had that happen on ocean cruises as well so it’s not just river cruises, we are at the mercy of the weather, so intelligent people should realise that. My big suggestion to people is do your research
My late partner and I have gone on many river cruises. He was very frugal and when we came into port in the Ukraine and were offered a trip to the opera on a bus for Fifty dollars each. The afternoon before, he went on a reconnaissance mission and we left the ship, walked under the highway and took the funicular up the ptomkin steps. Went to the opera house, found a local young man who picked our seat out for us. Seven dollars each in the box seats. He was so thrilled, he actually sprung for programs.. so investigate before signing up for a paid excursion.
This could have gone in a completely different direction. Glad it worked out!
We just completed our first river cruise, Viking’s Grand European from BudaPest to Amsterdam. Our ship was less than 1/2 full so we all got outstanding personal service and attention as it was still fully staffed. The food was also outstanding. A couple of hiccups were caused by low rivers, including having to change ships near Nuremberg (we were told about as we boarded) and being bused to hotels for the last 3 days when the Rhine was closed. Viking staff and our cruise director did everything they could to ensure that the guests were well taken care of and happy. Our group of 6 was completely pleased with Viking and the cruise. Traveling with friends and meeting new friends on board adds so much enjoyment to the cruise. We would not hesitate to take another cruise with Viking - they were fantastic!
Outstanding video for beginners. The only thing I would add, and you have mentioned this on some of your other videos but it's worth repeating, is that river cruising may not be a good option for those with mobility issues. Thanks again for all you excellent work.
I have done both of Rhine and Danube River Cruise on Viking. I loved the scenic views from the boat. I will be doing another cruise with Viking, again, in October. This time, my husband and I are going to Russia, Moscow to St. Petersburg.
Keiko McCarty We did the Russian cruise fall 2017 with my brother-in-law. We loved it! Red Square at night is beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Leaving next Friday for Vikings Romantic Danube. First river cruise. First trip to Europe. Eeek👏👏👏
We did Danube Waltz last November and it was wonderful. Now should be a good time to go hopefully your rivers have plenty of water...our water level was very low and our Budapest trip we had to cut one of our excursions. They had to cancel our Elbe cruise due to that! Enjoy!!!!
I just came back from Rhine cruise - not worthy to go ,boring river ,banks taken by industries .The only good thing is : same trips to nice cities ,but most of the time way too short
That's the one I want to do! I see I'm replying 2 years after you posted. Would love to hear how you liked your cruise.
Thanks for this. Trying to organize a bucket trip for my mom to do a river cruise and really didnt know the first thing about it. Nice to have some resources
My first river cruise was in 2007 on Gate 1. Gate 1 is not as well known as most of the other cruise lines but they do offer a good value for the budget minded traveler. They are always running promotions which can cut down the cost considerably. For instance I am taking another Gate 1 cruise this October and when I booked it in Feb. of this year they were running a 4 day sale on the 9 day Danube river cruise of $1500.00 off per cabin. Almost made up for my single supplement. I have since been on 7 other river cruises on other cruise lines but as I said, I am returning to Gate 1 this fall.
We did the Danube with Gate1. Everything is included. We did numerous shore excursions and incurred no additional costs. Food was excellent and the wine selection was as well. And the cost was 1/3 that of the more expensive and well-known lines.
@@janofpa7772 I never did get to take that cruise I mentioned for 2 reasons. First, the cruise was cancelled because of plumbing problems. I rebooked the same cruise the following year and Covid happened. Guess I wasn't supposed to take that cruise. I do disagree with your statement about 1/3 the cost. I think 1/3 less might be more accurate.
@@raymondbiller2257 sorry you never got to take the cruise. I remember at the time (2014) it was $2200 per person for the week so whatever that worked out to at the time. I just know it was a lot less. I think we added 3 days in Prague to the start of the cruise for less than $500.
Gary...great job and thanks very much for your many SUPERB videos. We're trying to watch them all!
the first thing to do is pick a different cruise line than Viking. I took "City of Lights" Viking cruise and it was the most horrible time of my life. A total waste of $14,000. The food was crap, the plane ride was a cattle run, the crew from Viking were rude, and nothing worked. The boat Viking Idun broke down and spent a day waiting for parts. What they don't tell you is every place shows up with many Viking boats and the places visited are filled like Disneyland. The guides had such thick accents you couldn't understand a word. Pick a different line , you'll be glad you did.
Exact opposite of our recent experience with Viking.
Thank you Mr. Bembridge. "Hello" from Prince Edward Island, Canada. I enjoy your videos, very much. They are helpful, and informative. Cheers.
Thanks so much for watching and great to hear you enjoy!
Another on the money video. Thanks, Gary! You have reaffirmed my thinking in many areas of my planning and decision making for river cruising and filled in some blanks with really useful information. Rhine, then Danube... Seems obvious with you saying it. Yeah, I am eager to see some castles. :-) Thanks, again.
I'm going to go on a river cruise next spring, and I really appreciate your great video. Thank you.
We are leaving Saturday on Uniworld castles along the Rhine
How was your cruiose?
We are planning a first river cruise next year so thank you for the good information. Jeannine
Thank you. Iam going with Viking in Sept on the new tour.looking forward to it.
Thank you for this very informative video for first-time river cruisers. My son and I took a 5-country river cruise last summer with Tauck starting in Budapest and ending in Amsterdam. The overall experience was absolutely wonderful. We had the lowest priced cabin which was really quite expensive in comparison with other river cruise companies, including Viking, but we had taken many other vacations with Tauck and were happy with all of them. Unfortunately our very experienced travel agent was unaware that we would not be able to see out our cabin window unless we stood up. In fact, our cabin window was so high we couldn’t even rest our elbows on the window sill to take photos (and I am almost 5’ 10” tall). When I inquired at the front desk the first day about this the ship’s cruise director said we could immediately be moved to a cabin where could see out the window in a seated position for an additional $6000. We had already spent at least $18000 on this trip for 2. Tauck does not offer upgrades under any conditions and I understand and fully respect that but our travel agent was never informed that we would have to actually stand up the entire cruise to see out the window. I scoured Tauck’s marketing materials and nowhere does it say that if you book this particular cabin level you will have to stand up for the entire cruise to see out your window. We have travelled to 40 countries and if I didn’t know this and neither did our very experienced travel agent, then I’m sure many other viewers of your channel don’t. CAREFUL: When you book with Tauck, you better ask this question to avoid disappointment before booking.
HAPPY GIRL I have had a most expensive cabin on Viking and I am disappointed with the cruise. They are so overpriced and everything they offer is low-quality from from pre-and post-cruise hotels to food and wine on the ships. Folks! don’t be fooled! You will get very little for your money.
Hmmm, I’ve traveled on Tauck, they are our company of choice and we have been told category 1 is below water level, small windows high up. For us, when we can’t get a “better” cabin it’s been fine bcs we really only sleep there. Tauck is top notch all around. On one cruise I got the flu and they were soooo attentive and caring. Bringing tea and broth to my cabin, changing my sheets twice daily bcs I had a fever. One person drove my husband into the closest town to buy more acetaminophen when i ran out. Surprisingly they were not afraid of catching it. Even though generally tips are included, we of course tipped our stewards way extra. Food is excellent, sights and pace great.
Your travel agent is an idiot or is brand new in the business if she didn’t know that Deck one cabins are below the water line. Did you not ever look at a picture of a river ship before or after you booked? You can clearly see that the windows on the lowest level are near the ceiling.
Don’t blame the cruise line for your poor planning or for hiring an ignorant travel agent.
ALL cruise ships are like that. Not just Tauck.
Thanks so much for your tips and videos Gary! I would love to do a river cruise in my near future!
So excited for my first river cruise! 😁🙌
This cruise is more my speed. I’m introverted and love to learn. I don’t like ocean cruises really, fun experience but not again.
Another great video Gary! Heading off in July for a trip with Uniworld through Burgundy & Provence - can hardly wait!
Your vids are amazing! Always enjoy them! ⭐
My biggest beef is paying a single surcharge of 100%. I am not getting two breakfasts, two lunches or two dinners or going on the same excursion twice so why should I be paying for something I am not getting. They know I am a single when booking and so can cater amounts for food beforehand. It is ridiculous. Why can't these ships split a couple of twin rooms into two singles. I know some ships are offering singles but one is limited to the lowest room category.
Thank you for the helpful info. I'm interested in the Viking Romantic Danube cruise. I think I would enjoy it, but I'm on the lower end of the 50 to 70 age group (wink wink). That's my only concern. Maybe in a few years. I would like to add something, ocean cruises also include most dining options and excursions are not really *that* expensive, so I feel like river cruises definitely are more expensive.
I am considering a 2025 Christmas Markets cruise. Another channel indicated that with Viking, you need to pay for the entire cruise not long after booking. That makes a difference to me when booking so far out. I wish you would cover those kinds of differences between cruise lines.
You should give details on which months the water levels are risky.
Usually in the summer due to low water.
Very valuable
Thx Gary, excellent.
Fabulous content. Again. Thanks.
Super helpful
Viking Cruises sponsors the Joseph Rosendo Travel show
Very helpful thank You
We just finished our river cruise. We had a wonderful time. The river level was perfect. However, this way of travel is for people who are mobile. If one needs to use a walker, this is not for you. Europe is paved in cobblestone; cobblestones and walkers/wheelchairs do not mix AT All.
Hi, my name is Andrea Cowan with my mom we usualy go for four star Hotles so we would want a Viking Cruise similar to a four-star hotel.
If your adventurious, you can always grab a map of the area your in from the front desk & take off on your own to explore.
Just keep track of the time.
Agree - that's the one thing I wish someone would have told us before our first cruise - that you can always just get off the ship when it docks and do your own thing, as long as you're back in time for departure.
Mark Greatorex but the fare includes your excursions don’t forget.
we are planning our first river cruise, thinking avalon and doing the christmas time cruise. do you have any opinions on this cruise or activity, in particular looking at the 5 day , i think it from frankfort to basel thanks for your insight
Thanks for another great video. I was wondering whether you recommend a cabin on the east-facing or west-facing side of the ship on the Rhine cruise - Budapest to Amsterdam?
GinaDavidson I second this question. Would like to know the same thing.
Which one has more mobility in water, ocean cruise 🚢 or river cruise 🚢? Thank you very much.
River cruises are local cell service whatever language oceans have to use satellites
I would love to do a Nile river cruise! Have you done that?!
Ruth S. Oh me too! That would be incredible.
I did one 17 years ago and tried to save money. The ship was clean but pretty plain. Go on the best ship that you can afford, and you will enjoy it more. My husband and I spent most of the time sitting on the top deck looking at the scenery. It was amazing.
Thank you =)
that´s the main difference between the european cruisers and the amazon cruisers. in the amazon you go on conventional cruisers or even ocean liners, all year and from Belém to Manaus takes 7 days plus the 5 day return. it´s pretty much treated like conventional non-river cruises...
Excellent
We did a (Viking) river cruise on the Danube and we enjoyed all aspects, except the time in port. There were many cities where we would have loved to stay longer than the 8 hours, or so, allotted by the cruise agenda. Are there any cruises where they stay more than one, short day in each port?
Thank you
Hi Gary! Adore your channel but PLEASE don’t speed them up artificially…it makes it sound as if you are gasping for air and is very distracting. Would love to see this as it was normally recorded.
With river cruising, does the excursion take up the whole time in the port, or is there extra time afterward to explore on your own?
The video mentions surcharges. Can someone offer more detail on what that is all about?
Elbe, tejo tagus, rhone, danube, rhine....
do you know any manzanares madrid, munich isar, any river cruises which visit bergamo busseto pesaro cremona, leipzig, halle, eisenach, zwickau, ... also any comments on Po river, Main, Gualdalquivir, Garonne, neckar, saone, other italy, france, germany, poland, havel, oder river , spain, portugal cruises? also what are your thoughts on ganges, irrawaddy, mekong, yangtze, ....
They should have a single Cruise line.
are there options to share cabin with another passenger, as solo traveller?
Oh your at turkey
Water level and winter season , don't mess with mother nature...
Is there any other ocean liner without Queen marry 2. . ?
Would your fare to the ship be included?
Hi Gary,
Do you have any comment on APT river cruises? We are booked on one in July from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Always done ocean cruises before - this is our first time on a river cruise.
Thanks Roger
Roger, my wife and I did the same cruise as yours in November 2014 with APT, and they were absolutely fantastic. The only complaint we really had was one of our friends we met on the trip was a vegetarian and the options for them at meal times were very limited, but I think that may have improved a lot since then.
One tip I would have is to do some research about each of the places you're visiting and ask what time you'll be docking there. We often found that by the time the official walking groups got organised each morning, we were able to see twice as much by having an early breakfast, grabbing a map from the cruise director and going on our own walking tour. Especially for places like Cologne, Vienna and Regensberg, where there's so much to see.
Mark Greatorex
Thanks for your comments.
Regards,
Roger
Are river cruises/cruiselines wheelchair accessible?
FYI: #10 of Gary's "European River Cruise Watch Outs. 14 Things Brochures Don't Warn You About!" is Mobility.
River cruising in Europe is going to be challenging for a wheelchair user unless you have some walking ability including the ability to tackle some stairs.
The size of the ships is limited by the locks and bridges, which makes a fully accessible cabin a substantial use of precious deck space. Many river cruise lines don't provide them at all - Viking certainly don't. This means you have to be able to cope with an unadapted toilet and shower - unless you have a suite the shower will be especially tight.
River cruising is doable if you have some mobility away from your chair, choose your cabin carefully, take a travel orientated folding powerchair or scooter, research your intended itinerary carefully and are flexible about opting out of part or all of certain excursions. I've done three cruises with Viking in just this way. However, there are some for whom river cruising is going to be too challenging to be worthwhile or totally impossible.
How does water levels affect shoulder cruising? Is there a higher chance of water level issues in Apr/May or Sept/Oct? Is the tradeoff that Apr/May could have more rain but better river water levels with Sept/Oct drier but more at risk for water levels?
My schedule is flexible so I prefer shoulder season for lower crowds and cheaper. I did European delivery of a car in July '18 and the record-setting heat was somewhat uncomfortable in unairconditioned hotels/restaurants, so peak summer in Europe is not at the top of my list.
iN spring and winter its usually higher water and in the other seasons its lower. But usually its only about 1 months to low to sail over an certain part. It depeds each year ofc
Which river cruise company is in the mid-price range?
None! They all are overpriced cheap cruises, which create an image of being classy by being overpriced. I took a Viking cruise last year and I would never go back again even if it was offer to me for free! I have been on most of cruises and have a good comparison of value and service.
anthony smith I found Emerald Waterways very good value. There are also some great prices on Croisi Europe.
Your definition of 'all inclusive' is wrong. All inclusive actually means everything included. This means that the cruise ships definition is also wrong. To me, the use of this phrase is used fraudulently by the cruise ships.
I don't think you like river cruises. Not sure I like them described as regimented.
Pretty obvious this is a Viking company sponsored video. Personally I don't do 'tips-included' cruises. bad juju that way.
The people who take river cruises are usually older, retired people who have money to spend. So who do you rip off except older, retired people who have money to spend?
The worst cruise in my life the help are nice but badly trained the food is skimpy the buffet skimpy the portions are small we had the owners suit 24k for seven days plastic flowers in the room 2cookies once a day in the room no fruit don’t go on asked for a second steak was told to wait less they don’t have enough for all guests that’s the case with all meals don’t go on American cruise lines I would not rate them as two stars
was that Viking, you didn’t say. Don’t judge portions by the gigantic portions in the USA, we all know they are too huge. No one needs to eat that much.
All you can eat food and drink is a magnet for cheapskates. Stay away from cruise ships.
not worth to go ,very disapointing
Barbara Sawicki I agree!, I went on Viking, had the most expensive cabin on the ship and I feel like I was fooled by the high prices. I thought it would be a high class cruising experience, but everything on the cruise was low class starting with food drinks and service.
Wouldn’t go back again even if it was for free.
Barbara Sawicki River cruises are fantastic, but Viking would be down on my list of favourites.
Very helpful.