Only around 10 years ago my late mother would always go on river cruises through France and Germany and they were around £450 per week! Boy has that changed now, they have suddenly become popular and another zero has been added to that price. However since we persuaded her to try an ocean cruise, she never went back, and she carried on cruising with us until she was 94 years old.
Hahaha, My husband and I were on a River Cruise in China...our first one. Woke up the first morning, went out to the balcony, and low and behold there was a fellow in his underwear on this balcony brushing his teeth right across from me. Oh my! From that moment forward made sure to make a check before I stepped out. Loved it though....I have never been on an ocean cruise.
We have done 27 ocean and 3 river cruises. We like the small number of passengers. There are no line ups. There are no sea days. The entertainment is usually local and often representative of the culture. Tours are included. There are often active tours with biking or hiking with a “gentle walker tour” option. Ama is the only river line we have used but their dining is equivalent to the specialty dining on ocean cruises.
Thanks Don, Very helpful. My mum is scared to go on an ocean cruise but is happy to try river cruising. Will share this video with her. Please do a video on comparing different river cruise lines. Thanks
We have sailed on Viking River and Viking Ocean. The cost was about the same; both were 14 nights long. Viking River long boats have 190 passengers. Viking Ocean ships have 930 passengers. On Viking River there are cabins on 3 levels (floors). The cabins on the bottom level are about 1/2 under water, with a porthole to let light in. We sail on many inside cabins on Celebrity, but we paid to have a balcony cabin on the river cruise - didn’t like the idea of being under water. Viking Ocean has all balcony cabins. The Viking cruises we took (river and ocean) included round trip air fare and transfers - they were European cruises. If you wait until closer to the cruise date, Viking offers free air fare. Each port on river and ocean cruises included a free excursion. We loved both experiences, although my husband preferred the Viking ocean cruise for the ship’s amenities.
Wonderfully put together, Don. We have done lots of research on river cruises, and totally understand the differences between river and ocean cruises, but what you covered today, certainly confirms what we have also researched. Thank you. We plan on going on our first river cruise in a year's time. So looking forward to travelling done the Rhine. Cheers.
We are currently on a 38 day trip that includes a trans Atlantic cruise, 8 day land cruise to Basque region of Spain, 8 day cruise to Norway and cancel trip in Great Britain. For internet/WIFI we use a data only virtual SIM card. Cost is about $35 for the first 10Gb and will run form30 days. It can be hot spotted. I have never not been able to use it on land or at Port. Ideal for river cruises. Great for goggle translate, or Maps. Oh, we love river cruising. Way more intimate. Never have we seen a fist fight. Never have we seen over served guest struggle with an elevator or loving spouse. It’s different.
We loved our cruise on Grand Circle. Yes they cost more, about $200 a day. I factored in the included airfare, internet, and tours which you would pay for on ocean cruise. We had a dedicated guide that was always with us. From day 1 staff knew our names. I personally thought I would miss the casino, not so. Shopped when we stopped to visit a town after historic tour. Read a few books that I have put off for months. Enjoyed the 3 meals and actually felt better eating at certain times with no snacking. So many pluses. I loved it! I may never go again but I recommend it at least once.😮
There is a halfway compromise: Viking is operating 14 day cruises in the Great Lakes using "expedition" ships such as Viking Octantis and some are based in Toronto. Only 378 guests Crew: 256 multiple decks. (Noticed it has repositioning cruise from Toronto to Nuuk which would include St-Lawrence Seaway, Trois-Rovières, Québec. Tadoussac, Havre St-Pierre and then onto Gros Morne Natl Park in NFLD. and then onwards to a few towns in Greenalnd until reaching Nuuk. River boats are likely using local cellular service to provide wi-fi on-board.
A lot of these things depend on the cruise operator. Grand Circle cruise line (at least 10-15 years ago) charged for all shore excursions. In Egypt in 2010, my AAA group (through Collette Vacations) was supposed to be on one particular ship from Luxor to Aswan, but we were “upgraded” to essentially an Italian party cruise vessel. All signage in Italian, all food pasta, the other 3/4 of the passengers were young, and the disco pounded like a demon above my cabin.
I've been on 15 Ocean Cruise , But going on my first Christmas Markets River Cruise in Dec , Yes Booked it 1 1/2 years ago !! So excited !! Yes it will be so different, I'm OVER THE MOON EXCITED THOU😊😂🎉❤🎉
The river cruises I went on mostly cruised at night so you could spend more time inport. The problem with it was you really didn't see much of the scenery.
We went on our first river cruise on the Mississippi. Very interesting, very personal service. Food was so good. We loved it. It was American Cruise Lines Serenade. Very lovely, clean ship.
My husband and I didn’t know anyone at the start but met some wonderful people on the first day. After that we had a table of 10 each night for dinner. I have such great memories of that trip 6 years ago and continue to stay in touch with a few of them.
I completely agree with every point you made for both types of sailings. I really like them both for very different reasons. My last river cruise was with GAdventures through the Amazon. AMAZING opportunities that could NEVER happen on a big ship. And yes, I absolutely felt very rested and relaxed.
Many thanks for this Don. My husband and I have done many ocean cruises but have just booked our first river cruise. We are booked with TUI on a Rhine cruise at end of November to visit the German Christmas markets in Cologne, Koblenz etc… we could not manage a river cruise until now as they were out if our budget. TUI are less expensive but still cover all the basics. They do not have free excursions but do have beer wine etc. with meals and free WiFi. They have a main dining room and a buffet on each ship. They also have tables for two and while the hours meals are available are set you can decide yourself the time you arrive. So if you want a table for two arrive early 😀 Really looking forward to it.
As a long time sea cruiser, I'm looking forward to trying a river cruise, just for the different experience, and better opportunity to visit some locations.
We love Viking river cruises, always pick the water level 'Swan' rooms as we spend so little time in them, plus the price difference allows us to cruise a third time annually with the savings on two trips.
We had our first ocean cruise in 1978, and will take our first river cruise in 2025. We booked months ago and just made our final payment, which they wanted a year in advance. We are excited to do this cruise from Passau Germany to Budapest and then do some train travel and see a bit more of Europe. If we are flying all that way we are taking advantage of it!
Would like to try one. Walking tours, no bus to get to port, no tendering, supporting local vendors, set dining time we like. One can always read or isolate in the cabin just like a large ship. Passing scenery.
You should review the American river cruises. Some simlarities to European cruises, but also some differences. We loved our 2 American river cruises. Best one was the Snake and Columbia River cruise out west. Spectacular!
I had a great time on my Ama river cruise. Paris round trip. Great tours. Saw D Day sites, cemetery, museum. Really moving and fascinating. Toured Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, Rouen was amazing … Everything was fantastic.
Did the Mekong River a few months ago - in Vietnam we anchored out and tendered in for excursions, in Cambodia we actually just ran the ship up on the riverbank. Definitely different than ocean cruises (or other river cruises).
Dig deeper into Google, you can find European based companies they're alot cheaper. Ive traveled on Crusimondo it was about 1200$ for both of use in 2019 for a rhine river cruise and about 1500 in 2022 for a Danube river cruise . If you search online and there website you can find some really good prices. There are alot of companys that dont even come up rite away when you search European river cruises.
The scheduled dining would be difficult for me. I can only stand to eat once my body says I'm hungry, otherwise it just makes me nauseous to even think about it.
Sometimes you can get off at one port and then the ship leaves and you are bussed to the next port where you get off and hang out at that stop for a while.
I would like to get on the river cruise in Dubuque. I don’t think you can book part way through. If I didn’t have to pay for hotel and travel it would help. I’m not looking for excursions just the rest, pampering and food.
One important thing to keep in mind is one of the risks of a river cruise. If you're upset when your ocean cruise misses a port because of rough weather, wait until you do a river cruise and, because the river is too high or too low, you end up doing part or all of the "cruise" on a bus. It happens.
Hi Don. Lisa Passage here. Once again I’m so glad I met you on the enchanted princess. I’m going to set up another one next year. Your opinion on other princess ships
I have enjoyed both but they are two very different types of experiences. I think that some people may not like river cruises if they want all of the bells and whistles that ocean cruises offer.
Don thanks for this great vlog. We are just talking about taking a European river cruise. What itineraries do you recommend for first timers? Also any favorite river cruise lines? Your timing on this subject is spot on for us. Stay happy and healthy☘️
Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam is the best. One of the things Don didn't mention the is fact one can go out after dinner to a cafe or a beer garden within a few hundred yards of the ship and enjoy the local culture on your own. This rarely happens on a cruise ship.
I was on a river cruise , I like more ocean cruises . There no entertainment on river cruises, and everybody go to bed around 9:00 PM. Been on a Viking 15 days , and leaving soon on a Emerald Cruises.
Don is there a river cruise in Canada that we can take to see the tulips? We want to go to that area of Canada that has the tulip festival. Please advise.
I don’t believe I heard you comment on the quality of the food. How does the food on River cruises compare to ocean cruises? Thank you for the informative video. I believe we will stick to ocean cruises.
Done several Mediterranean cruises,, normally 2 weeks and usually only have 2 or 3 sea days. Have also done the Baltic Sea - Sweden, Finland, St Petersburg,, Estonia, Denmark. Would only go on the smaller cruise liners, just hate the look of those huge ships carrying thousands of people - our idea of hell. Have done a couple of river cruises - 10 days on the Nile (72 passengers) + 4 days in Cairo and the Rhine valley. Both were fantastic. Much prefer the river cruises. They are so much better but then we cruise to see places not gamble and watch shows (would go to a town or city for those) and you don't get the riff raff and trouble makers. Would never do the Caribbean just doesn't appeal at all.
if you have health issues, it's stupid to rely on any ocean ships medical facilities, it's also a perfect place to catch an infectious diseases. Other than that, river cruising sounds like more fun and laid back than ocean cruising. I hope i can afford to try it someday.
none of us "normal" people get a 2000 sq ft cabin, my 235 sq ft double balcony cabin on an Ama ship is a very nice size and has way more glass then most ocean ships. Much prefer the rivers
Don, hoping you can assist. I’m a fellow Canadian near Toronto. Can you recommend a flight and cruise insurance company? We’re headed to Vancouver for a 14 day Alaska cruise in about a week
Only around 10 years ago my late mother would always go on river cruises through France and Germany and they were around £450 per week! Boy has that changed now, they have suddenly become popular and another zero has been added to that price. However since we persuaded her to try an ocean cruise, she never went back, and she carried on cruising with us until she was 94 years old.
Having done both, I only wish there were more river cruises as they suit my travel style much better.
Hahaha, My husband and I were on a River Cruise in China...our first one. Woke up the first morning, went out to the balcony, and low and behold there was a fellow in his underwear on this balcony brushing his teeth right across from me. Oh my! From that moment forward made sure to make a check before I stepped out. Loved it though....I have never been on an ocean cruise.
We have done 27 ocean and 3 river cruises. We like the small number of passengers. There are no line ups. There are no sea days. The entertainment is usually local and often representative of the culture. Tours are included. There are often active tours with biking or hiking with a “gentle walker tour” option.
Ama is the only river line we have used but their dining is equivalent to the specialty dining on ocean cruises.
As much as I love the large ships I love river cruising. To be able to walk into a town once we dock is a big bonus. ❤
Don. I've been on Avalon and Viking. Both have included excursions at every port.
Interesting points on a river cruise.
Viking Wi-Fi was wonderful and the room was large!
That's good to know as the least relaxing thing on a vacation is trying to deal with work & the internet not working.
I read that they have Star link on Viking.
Thanks Don, Very helpful. My mum is scared to go on an ocean cruise but is happy to try river cruising. Will share this video with her. Please do a video on comparing different river cruise lines. Thanks
We have sailed on Viking River and Viking Ocean. The cost was about the same; both were 14 nights long. Viking River long boats have 190 passengers. Viking Ocean ships have 930 passengers. On Viking River there are cabins on 3 levels (floors). The cabins on the bottom level are about 1/2 under water, with a porthole to let light in. We sail on many inside cabins on Celebrity, but we paid to have a balcony cabin on the river cruise - didn’t like the idea of being under water. Viking Ocean has all balcony cabins. The Viking cruises we took (river and ocean) included round trip air fare and transfers - they were European cruises. If you wait until closer to the cruise date, Viking offers free air fare. Each port on river and ocean cruises included a free excursion. We loved both experiences, although my husband preferred the Viking ocean cruise for the ship’s amenities.
You learn more on a river cruise about the towns you go too.
I think the lack of entertainment is a negative but the cruising scenery is something I would love.
On the 3 Ama cruises we have done, Portugal, France and the Rhine & Mosel, we had local entertainment every night. Usually highlighting local culture.
Wonderfully put together, Don. We have done lots of research on river cruises, and totally understand the differences between river and ocean cruises, but what you covered today, certainly confirms what we have also researched. Thank you. We plan on going on our first river cruise in a year's time. So looking forward to travelling done the Rhine. Cheers.
5:18 Just can't imagine what Mrs. Oleson on Little House would think about me in my birthday suit!😅
We are currently on a 38 day trip that includes a trans Atlantic cruise, 8 day land cruise to Basque region of Spain, 8 day cruise to Norway and cancel trip in Great Britain. For internet/WIFI we use a data only virtual SIM card. Cost is about $35 for the first 10Gb and will run form30 days. It can be hot spotted. I have never not been able to use it on land or at Port. Ideal for river cruises. Great for goggle translate, or Maps. Oh, we love river cruising. Way more intimate. Never have we seen a fist fight. Never have we seen over served guest struggle with an elevator or loving spouse. It’s different.
I have been on a lot of both types of cruises, and you very accurately portrayed both experiences!
Great video!! Thanks for all your honest reviews. Most travel agents only tell about the pros! That’s why we love your channel!
We loved our cruise on Grand Circle. Yes they cost more, about $200 a day. I factored in the included airfare, internet, and tours which you would pay for on ocean cruise. We had a dedicated guide that was always with us. From day 1 staff knew our names. I personally thought I would miss the casino, not so. Shopped when we stopped to visit a town after historic tour. Read a few books that I have put off for months. Enjoyed the 3 meals and actually felt better eating at certain times with no snacking. So many pluses. I loved it! I may never go again but I recommend it at least once.😮
There is a halfway compromise: Viking is operating 14 day cruises in the Great Lakes using "expedition" ships such as Viking Octantis and some are based in Toronto. Only 378 guests Crew: 256 multiple decks. (Noticed it has repositioning cruise from Toronto to Nuuk which would include St-Lawrence Seaway, Trois-Rovières, Québec. Tadoussac, Havre St-Pierre and then onto Gros Morne Natl Park in NFLD. and then onwards to a few towns in Greenalnd until reaching Nuuk.
River boats are likely using local cellular service to provide wi-fi on-board.
A lot of these things depend on the cruise operator. Grand Circle cruise line (at least 10-15 years ago) charged for all shore excursions. In Egypt in 2010, my AAA group (through Collette Vacations) was supposed to be on one particular ship from Luxor to Aswan, but we were “upgraded” to essentially an Italian party cruise vessel. All signage in Italian, all food pasta, the other 3/4 of the passengers were young, and the disco pounded like a demon above my cabin.
I've been on 15 Ocean Cruise , But going on my first Christmas Markets River Cruise in Dec , Yes Booked it 1 1/2 years ago !! So excited !! Yes it will be so different, I'm OVER THE MOON EXCITED THOU😊😂🎉❤🎉
Same here! Can’t wait!
Thank you
I love your info on the difference between ocean vs River. The scenery of a river cruise would seem
Magical. Thank you Don 🫶💕
The river cruises I went on mostly cruised at night so you could spend more time inport. The problem with it was you really didn't see much of the scenery.
Heading on a river cruise in july. Can't wait.
We've enjoyed our ocean and river cruises. Each has their charms.
Don I just love that hat rack! So Humphrey Bogart! In Germany now- leaving on QM2 tomorrow! Oh I heard that the Danube is drying up!,,
We went on our first river cruise on the Mississippi. Very interesting, very personal service. Food was so good. We loved it. It was American Cruise Lines Serenade. Very lovely, clean ship.
My husband and I didn’t know anyone at the start but met some wonderful people on the first day. After that we had a table of 10 each night for dinner. I have such great memories of that trip 6 years ago and continue to stay in touch with a few of them.
I completely agree with every point you made for both types of sailings. I really like them both for very different reasons. My last river cruise was with GAdventures through the Amazon. AMAZING opportunities that could NEVER happen on a big ship. And yes, I absolutely felt very rested and relaxed.
Hey Don good information on the river cruises, I will stick with my ocean cruises as river cruises sound way to boring and confining .
Thanks for this video! We are getting ready to do our first river cruise.
Many thanks for this Don. My husband and I have done many ocean cruises but have just booked our first river cruise. We are booked with TUI on a Rhine cruise at end of November to visit the German Christmas markets in Cologne, Koblenz etc… we could not manage a river cruise until now as they were out if our budget. TUI are less expensive but still cover all the basics. They do not have free excursions but do have beer wine etc. with meals and free WiFi. They have a main dining room and a buffet on each ship. They also have tables for two and while the hours meals are available are set you can decide yourself the time you arrive. So if you want a table for two arrive early 😀 Really looking forward to it.
Very helpful video, thank you! 🌹
As a long time sea cruiser, I'm looking forward to trying a river cruise, just for the different experience, and better opportunity to visit some locations.
We love Viking river cruises, always pick the water level 'Swan' rooms as we spend so little time in them, plus the price difference allows us to cruise a third time annually with the savings on two trips.
Have done several ocean cruises and have a Viking River booked later this year. Great info!
I could careless about the casiono and also Viking is 100% non smoking which I love!!! And no kids.
Sounds like a slightly different pace with a different vibe, but just as delightful it its own ways. :)
We had our first ocean cruise in 1978, and will take our first river cruise in 2025. We booked months ago and just made our final payment, which they wanted a year in advance. We are excited to do this cruise from Passau Germany to Budapest and then do some train travel and see a bit more of Europe. If we are flying all that way we are taking advantage of it!
Thank you helpful because I do one day want to do a river cruise
Would like to try one. Walking tours, no bus to get to port, no tendering, supporting local vendors, set dining time we like. One can always read or isolate in the cabin just like a large ship. Passing scenery.
This is really helpful since we have been considering a river cruise.
Thanks for the Info,!
We plan on trying a river cruise next year. We have been on a few ocean cruises and enjoyed them. I think I would enjoy the more laid back atmosphere.
Great video!! The river cruises are very expensive 🚢
You should review the American river cruises. Some simlarities to European cruises, but also some differences. We loved our 2 American river cruises. Best one was the Snake and Columbia River cruise out west. Spectacular!
Thanks for the information I might consider a rubber cruise in the future
Rubber cruise ? Is the boat inflatable? Sorry - I know this is a typo - but it gave me a good chuckle, thanks
I had a great time on my Ama river cruise. Paris round trip. Great tours. Saw D Day sites, cemetery, museum. Really moving and fascinating. Toured Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, Rouen was amazing … Everything was fantastic.
Did the Mekong River a few months ago - in Vietnam we anchored out and tendered in for excursions, in Cambodia we actually just ran the ship up on the riverbank. Definitely different than ocean cruises (or other river cruises).
I love ocean cruising but a river cruise is on my bucket list. Cost is high but agree, it includes a lot more in the fair.
Dig deeper into Google, you can find European based companies they're alot cheaper. Ive traveled on Crusimondo it was about 1200$ for both of use in 2019 for a rhine river cruise and about 1500 in 2022 for a Danube river cruise . If you search online and there website you can find some really good prices. There are alot of companys that dont even come up rite away when you search European river cruises.
We have done 65+ cruises
And 3 River cruises in Germany
Loved all of them - except everything with Costa cruises!!!!!
One day I’ll save enough for a Christmas market cruise. 😏
I love river cruising.
River cruises are great. Try it
Great info. Rivet cruising is a must try.
Great info Don! Also, love the new intro!
I always wanted to go on a river cruise!
And you should. I find them quite lovely.
I enjoyed the Viking river cruise I did in Egypt
Have been increasingly interested in a river cruise.😎🤟
Happy Monday
The scheduled dining would be difficult for me. I can only stand to eat once my body says I'm hungry, otherwise it just makes me nauseous to even think about it.
I’ll go with ocean myself
I want to try River some day, but just not sure it will be for me. We will see.
Sometimes you can get off at one port and then the ship leaves and you are bussed to the next port where you get off and hang out at that stop for a while.
I would like to get on the river cruise in Dubuque. I don’t think you can book part way through. If I didn’t have to pay for hotel and travel it would help. I’m not looking for excursions just the rest, pampering and food.
Good I my information
One important thing to keep in mind is one of the risks of a river cruise. If you're upset when your ocean cruise misses a port because of rough weather, wait until you do a river cruise and, because the river is too high or too low, you end up doing part or all of the "cruise" on a bus. It happens.
Hi Don. Lisa Passage here. Once again I’m so glad I met you on the enchanted princess. I’m going to set up another one next year. Your opinion on other princess ships
I love river cruises. If you love sightseeing it’s for you. Enjoy 😊
Great info
I have enjoyed both but they are two very different types of experiences. I think that some people may not like river cruises if they want all of the bells and whistles that ocean cruises offer.
I think I'll stick to the larger ships!!
Don thanks for this great vlog. We are just talking about taking a European river cruise. What itineraries do you recommend for first timers? Also any favorite river cruise lines? Your timing on this subject is spot on for us. Stay happy and healthy☘️
Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam is the best. One of the things Don didn't mention the is fact one can go out after dinner to a cafe or a beer garden within a few hundred yards of the ship and enjoy the local culture on your own. This rarely happens on a cruise ship.
Don that was one of your better video nice job.
Will stick with a ocean cruise
Hoping one day to go on a Christmas market river cruise.
I was on a river cruise , I like more ocean cruises . There no entertainment on river cruises, and everybody go to bed around 9:00 PM. Been on a Viking 15 days , and leaving soon on a Emerald Cruises.
How many river cruises have you done? I have never seen you on a river cruise.
Oh darn no casino😂 Havent seen many Broadway produ ctions on ocean liners either
Don, are you going to be on the HAL Rotterdam cruising from Rotterdam to Ft. Lauderdale at the end of September? It is a 29 day trip.
I don't rush to anything on the cruise but just relax
We tried a river cruise. Its fun but we still prefer the ocean.
I've never had a desire to do a river cruise.
Hi Don
Don is there a river cruise in Canada that we can take to see the tulips? We want to go to that area of Canada that has the tulip festival. Please advise.
What about gym on those river cruise? Just because of that, not sure will do one 😂
I don’t believe I heard you comment on the quality of the food. How does the food on River cruises compare to ocean cruises? Thank you for the informative video. I believe we will stick to ocean cruises.
Done several Mediterranean cruises,, normally 2 weeks and usually only have 2 or 3 sea days. Have also done the Baltic Sea - Sweden, Finland, St Petersburg,, Estonia, Denmark. Would only go on the smaller cruise liners, just hate the look of those huge ships carrying thousands of people - our idea of hell. Have done a couple of river cruises - 10 days on the Nile (72 passengers) + 4 days in Cairo and the Rhine valley. Both were fantastic. Much prefer the river cruises. They are so much better but then we cruise to see places not gamble and watch shows (would go to a town or city for those) and you don't get the riff raff and trouble makers. Would never do the Caribbean just doesn't appeal at all.
The cost of river cruise are included in the price.
If someone with mobility problems. Will they have problems getting around
What about if the river is too high or too low....it becomes a bus tour then....
if you have health issues, it's stupid to rely on any ocean ships medical facilities, it's also a perfect place to catch an infectious diseases. Other than that, river cruising sounds like more fun and laid back than ocean cruising. I hope i can afford to try it someday.
I think a river cruise might be very boring?
Did you mention cost?
American cruise lines have huge rooms!
How is it getting around on a wheelchair or a scooter on a river cruise?
none of us "normal" people get a 2000 sq ft cabin, my 235 sq ft double balcony cabin on an Ama ship is a very nice size and has way more glass then most ocean ships. Much prefer the rivers
Would lov to try river cruise however too expensive for me, If I win the lottery
Don, hoping you can assist. I’m a fellow Canadian near Toronto. Can you recommend a flight and cruise insurance company? We’re headed to Vancouver for a 14 day Alaska cruise in about a week
Dining room is so loud you have trouble talking at your own table.