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Posted (edited)

Interested as well. Wife wants to do this for our 20th anniversary in a few years. Specifically, the Rhine River cruise. She had a friend who went and said it was mostly old people but it was enjoyable. 

Edited by mdmost
Posted
Interested as well. Wife wants to do this for our 20th anniversary in a few years. Specifically, the Rhein River cruise. She had a friend who went and said it was mostly old people but it was enjoyable. 


I have no problem with the old folks since according to my kids, I’m old at 46. Lol. Most of those old ones are the travel types whom are pretty fit for their age and would put people much younger to shame. I’m also at that stage now where I rather be with folks closer to that age on a boat vs a bunch of screaming kids on conventional Caribbean cruise. Get off my lawn!! Lol.
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Posted

I was just over in Switzerland for Christmas/New Year and the wife, and I took a train to a few towns on the Rhein. First, the river is gorgeous, water is very clear, and you can see all the way down to the bottom. The towns were all done up for Christmas but from the few locals we talked to springtime is a big time for them. Easter festivals are a big deal, and there is a lot of activity as tourists come and go via river and train or whatever.

I could see a cruise being a lot of fun. Below is a picture I took over the river near Stein am Rhein.

IMG-0062.jpg

 

 

 

 

  • Like 2
Posted

I had a buddy recently do one of these cruises and he’d said you have to consider the water levels of rivers. If they’re low you’ll be getting off one ship and on to another in order to continue your journey. That involves getting bused from ship to ship. 

Posted
I had a buddy recently do one of these cruises and he’d said you have to consider the water levels of rivers. If they’re low you’ll be getting off one ship and on to another in order to continue your journey. That involves getting bused from ship to ship. 

Which would make sense to try to do one in the Spring when the rivers are flowing well with snow melt.

Posted

Europe had a really dry 2018 and getting bused between ships was common this year.

Beware at late 40s you may be the youngest couple on the boat if you're not on one of the 'family' designated cruises.

Everyone I know that has done one has been mostly happy with the experience; age of fellow cruisers and water level related busing the top complaints.

Go read up at cruisecritic.com

Posted
15 hours ago, ShaggyBevo RIP said:

Europe had a really dry 2018 and getting bused between ships was common this year.

Beware at late 40s you may be the youngest couple on the boat if you're not on one of the 'family' designated cruises.

Everyone I know that has done one has been mostly happy with the experience; age of fellow cruisers and water level related busing the top complaints.

Go read up at cruisecritic.com

I read some stuff on cruise critic as suggested.

Some of the Asian river cruises like the ones that operate in Vietnam have my interest.   Those do appear to attract a younger crowd vs the Euro cruises for some reason.  Maybe it's the overall environment where Vietnam is kind  of a happening place and moving at a fast pace vs the more reserved and centuries old villages in Europe?  

Really the age of the passengers is secondary to me on these cruises which allow you to see a lot vs the Caribbean cruises which spend a lot of time at sea.  We are halfway at being empty nesters ourselves which means our kids will not be taking major  vacations with us as they used too.  As much as I loved traveling with our kids and have memories galore that I will forever cherish,   I've been kind of looking forward to the empty nest days for my wife and I to do more travel because we didn't get to do a whole lot of travel on our own as a young couple before kids because of cash flow. 

 

Posted

If you're under 60, then know that you will be the youngest there. Exceptions are unmarried females with their mom doing a "girl's trip". 

For the amount of $ they charge, I would never do it. It's cheaper to travel to any place you want to see, in First Class, and just do a river cruise there. You can easily do London, Paris, the Rhine, the Danube, etc. A cruise would be hell on Earth for me though, so I'm biased. 

Posted

I have zero interest in regular cruises... zero... but European river cruises intrigue me since you're always close to scenery, getting on/off easy and the food is apparently excellent.  That said, yes, I'm not feeling like I'm in the correct age bracket yet.  Maybe sooner or later but not there, yet.

Posted (edited)
On 1/15/2019 at 8:55 AM, Spankytoes said:

If you're under 60, then know that you will be the youngest there. Exceptions are unmarried females with their mom doing a "girl's trip". 

For the amount of $ they charge, I would never do it. It's cheaper to travel to any place you want to see, in First Class, and just do a river cruise there. You can easily do London, Paris, the Rhine, the Danube, etc. A cruise would be hell on Earth for me though, so I'm biased. 

I'm not big on the Caribbean Cruise type thing, but I'll go if I get outvoted.  I don't like them for the simple reason you are "at sea" on most of the trip and I have my fill after a day on the water.  The rest of the family likes them for the simple reason it's pretty much turnkey.

Now the  ocean cruises that operate in the Mediterranean, South America, and Asia have more appeal to me since you have less days at sea and are able to take in more of the sights thanks to them being in port much longer and even overnight in some locations.  Plus it might be a quick and easy way for my wife and I to familarize ourselves with some of these destinations for a later land only trip down the road.  Once we become empty nesters and if my current business venture takes off, we plan on doing a ton of international travel.  

I think we will go ahead and try one of these river cruises.  Really the age of the fellow passengers won't bother me that much.  I'm used to being with an older crowd anyhow for the simple fact I'm a Gen X type born in 72 who was adopted by WWII generation parents when I was born where as most of the other kids  I grew up with were born from   pre or during Vietnam era parents.  So when it came to family gatherings or group vacations  with other familes, it was always slanted more towards an older crowd and if their grand children were not with them, I might have been the youngest person around.    Sure I'd prefer now to be with people around my own age group, but for 7 to 14 days if I have to be in presence of some of the older folks which in most cases will be retired or almost retired baby boomers or these river cruises, so be it.  And because many of them have $$$ and are still active in their profession, who the heck knows who we might meet which could be a nice business connection.

Edited by Nueces River Rat
Posted
On 1/13/2019 at 3:20 PM, 52-80 said:

Never taken one, im not a boat/cruise person.  What kind of experience is she looking for, though?  The Wachau valley is really really nice, and this one cruise goes by it.  Budapest by water is also very pretty.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/danube-waltz/2020-budapest-passau/index.html

 

Pretty much something like this.   If we go, I'd like to also take in Prague as well as add on.

 

Posted

The commercials look awesome, but I'd rather not spend so much of my vacation stuck on a boat with a bunch of other tourists. I'm sure there are lots of scenic views, but I'm sure there's lots of just chugging upriver though random countryside. I absolutely don't want to each all or even most of my meals on a boat in a room full of tourists. There are also real risks of not even being able to get up or down the river. Mother Nature doesn't always comply. In that case, they just stick you on a bus and drive you the pre-planned sites they've determined you want to see.

Bernard

Posted
20 minutes ago, MAROON said:

http://www.canalcruisinginfrance.com/barge_size.htm

 

this seems like it could be a good time.  Hotel barges in Provence, Burgundy, Bordeaux, etc.

As a family we rented this one:  http://www.canalcruisinginfrance.com/barging/phenicien.htm

It was pretty bad ass, but you could probably walk faster than the boat travels.  Good food and a nice open bar for 7 days did not suck.

Posted
11 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Looks like that's just the kind of cruise for @Baboontyme :)

 

I can confirm that its worth it, especially when you end up in the smaller canals and a tourist yells at you in some eastern European language after you plow into the side of one of the long tour boats.

  • 4 years later...
Posted

Bumping this one.

Any intel from anyone on a European River Cruise?  We did the Danube just before Covid and it was great.  Looking for something to do in the French wine regions (or something other than the Danube).

Posted
5 hours ago, smwhorn said:

Bumping this one.

Any intel from anyone on a European River Cruise?  We did the Danube just before Covid and it was great.  Looking for something to do in the French wine regions (or something other than the Danube).

I want to do one of these

https://www.abercrombiekent.com/cruises/european-canal-barge-cruises/luxury-european-canal-barge-cruises

but they also offer small boat cruises https://www.abercrombiekent.com/cruises/connections-european-river-cruise-journeys/luxury-european-river-cruises

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted
On 1/13/2019 at 11:20 PM, 52-80 said:

Never taken one, im not a boat/cruise person.  What kind of experience is she looking for, though?  The Wachau valley is really really nice, and this one cruise goes by it.  Budapest by water is also very pretty.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/danube-waltz/2020-budapest-passau/index.html

 

We just returned from this cruise (our first river cruise and first time with Viking).  Truly impressive/outstanding service from beginning to end on Viking.  Enjoyed Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest. We had received information for twenty years from Viking and always said someday-now it will likely be where to next based on the wonderful experience we shared with our friends and the crew of Viking Atla.

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Posted
Just now, 4th&Five said:

Wife and I have talked about it but don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of geriatrics. What were the demographics on board?

I'd say the median age was 60 on our trip, with low end being 40 and high end 80+. It's definitely an older crowd.

 

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Posted
On 1/13/2019 at 10:20 PM, 52-80 said:

Never taken one, im not a boat/cruise person.  What kind of experience is she looking for, though?  The Wachau valley is really really nice, and this one cruise goes by it.  Budapest by water is also very pretty.

https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/danube-waltz/2020-budapest-passau/index.html

 

a few years later my friends are taking this trip and meeting me at the end of it.  they must've lurked on this board.

  • 2 months later...
  • 8 months later...
Posted (edited)

Followup, we really enjoyed it. MUCH better than an ocean cruise in our opinions. 

We are mid-late 50's, and were in the younger half of passengers. Although, there were a few younger than us, with the youngest couple in their 30's. That was never an issue at all. We found a few couples that we enjoyed spending time with, eating meals with, etc.

Food was great, drinks were good (if not great), and all inclusive. We have booked a Christmas Market cruise (Danube river, Budapest-Munich) with them in December 2024.

Edited by SurlyORama
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Posted

My mom and family friends (no pics of any of them) absolutely love river cruises and only do those now. For them, it's better then taking a normal tour because no flying or bus time (and no security or luggage bullshit with flying), and the overnight hotel time is the boat sailing between destinations, plus you keep the same room the entire trip so you don't need to pack and 'move hotels.' So, more relaxed, and better use of total time. Plus the transit times have lots of boat activities (and food), vs being stuck in a bus or plane.

  • 1 year later...
Posted

Bump. We have started planning a Germany trip for end of May 2026 and while doing so I realized that on our bucket list was to do a European river cruise. Over the years, when I researched it, Germany waterways seemed the best fit for us. We've already seen a lot of other parts of Europe like France, Italy, Mediterranean, etc.

But, we aren't cruise people.  The thought of taking an ocean cruise with hordes of people drinking themselves to death and squeezing their overweight bodies into a top deck swimming pool, while a DJ blabs on and plays shitty music makes us want to vomit.  Hence the thought that a calmer river cruise might be okay.

I've been all over Germany many times. My wife hasn't seen any of Germany. So, I'm trying to decide between carving off a week for a river cruise, and a week to hit other places in Germany, Czech, and/or Austria? Thoughts on doing the river cruise or not?

Posted
20 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

Bump. We have started planning a Germany trip for end of May 2026 and while doing so I realized that on our bucket list was to do a European river cruise. Over the years, when I researched it, Germany waterways seemed the best fit for us. We've already seen a lot of other parts of Europe like France, Italy, Mediterranean, etc.

But, we aren't cruise people.  The thought of taking an ocean cruise with hordes of people drinking themselves to death and squeezing their overweight bodies into a top deck swimming pool, while a DJ blabs on and plays shitty music makes us want to vomit.  Hence the thought that a calmer river cruise might be okay.

I've been all over Germany many times. My wife hasn't seen any of Germany. So, I'm trying to decide between carving off a week for a river cruise, and a week to hit other places in Germany, Czech, and/or Austria? Thoughts on doing the river cruise or not?

I haven't done one, but I will at some point. And I fucking hate hate hate regular cruises. Generally the reviews on them are great, and it's all old people. So none of the shit music and getting wasted part of a cruise. Everyone says if you're 55 you'll be the youngest folks on there by a decade. 

Not sure what your wife's tolerance for the cold is, but going in the winter during the Christmas Markets could be cool. 

Posted
20 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

Bump. We have started planning a Germany trip for end of May 2026 and while doing so I realized that on our bucket list was to do a European river cruise. Over the years, when I researched it, Germany waterways seemed the best fit for us. We've already seen a lot of other parts of Europe like France, Italy, Mediterranean, etc.

But, we aren't cruise people.  The thought of taking an ocean cruise with hordes of people drinking themselves to death and squeezing their overweight bodies into a top deck swimming pool, while a DJ blabs on and plays shitty music makes us want to vomit.  Hence the thought that a calmer river cruise might be okay.

I've been all over Germany many times. My wife hasn't seen any of Germany. So, I'm trying to decide between carving off a week for a river cruise, and a week to hit other places in Germany, Czech, and/or Austria? Thoughts on doing the river cruise or not?

How old are you? My parents love Viking and go on several a year. From the descriptions they have given over the years, it sounds like the service is exceptional and Viking does a fantastic job providing a luxury experience. That said, they are in their late 70’s and say they’re usually about the median age on the boat. 

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Posted
2 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

Not sure what your wife's tolerance for the cold is, but going in the winter during the Christmas Markets could be cool. 

Wife and I were in Germany a couple of years ago in between Thanksgiving and Christmas and the Christmas markets were a highlight. The added bonus is that the American tourists aren’t as plentiful at that time of year.

Posted
1 minute ago, royiv said:

How old are you? My parents love Viking and go on several a year. From the descriptions they have given over the years, it sounds like the service is exceptional and Viking does a fantastic job providing a luxury experience. That said, they are in their late 70’s and say they’re usually about the median age on the boat. 

Second the Viking line.  Minimum age is 18, none of the headaches you mentioned associated with the floating hotels, and customer service that is unmatched from the beginning to the end.  We have done a couple of these and will not consider another line in future trips.  Free airfare is a plus as well.

 

Posted
1 minute ago, pch said:

Second the Viking line.  Minimum age is 18, none of the headaches you mentioned associated with the floating hotels, and customer service that is unmatched from the beginning to the end.  We have done a couple of these and will not consider another line in future trips.  Free airfare is a plus as well.

 

I mean, it's not FREE. It's priced in. 

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Posted
6 minutes ago, royiv said:

How old are you? My parents love Viking and go on several a year. From the descriptions they have given over the years, it sounds like the service is exceptional and Viking does a fantastic job providing a luxury experience. That said, they are in their late 70’s and say they’re usually about the median age on the boat. 

 

3 minutes ago, royiv said:

Wife and I were in Germany a couple of years ago in between Thanksgiving and Christmas and the Christmas markets were a highlight. The added bonus is that the American tourists aren’t as plentiful at that time of year.

We are 61 so hanging out with older people is fine. Have thought about the Christmas cruise as well. Years ago when I was at the Vienna Christmas market on Dec 22nd, I almost died from hypothermia. Hahah. Seriously it was amazing. 

Posted
1 minute ago, SydneyCarton said:

I mean, it's not FREE. It's priced in. 

Nice to have one stop shopping however.  Downside is multiple connections.

 

Posted
Just now, pch said:

Free airfare is a plus as well.

 

Lol. Viking’s marketing team deserves a raise. My parents tout this as well as all the “free” upgrades they get. Separately, my dad and FIL have both uttered the phrase “It’s almost like they’re paying us to go!” Viking is great at getting repeat customers to open up their wallets.

Posted
Just now, pch said:

Nice to have one stop shopping however.  Downside is multiple connections.

 

I’ve had my mom pick up the phone and call Viking when they’ve booked them on less than desirable flights. The last one was a 6a departure from AUS with a three hour layover at ORD on the way to YYZ when AC offers a non-stop at a more reasonable hour of the day. Viking has accommodated the request to change to the more desirable flight every time she’s asked. 

Posted
1 minute ago, royiv said:

I’ve had my mom pick up the phone and call Viking when they’ve booked them on less than desirable flights. The last one was a 6a departure from AUS with a three hour layover at ORD on the way to YYZ when AC offers a non-stop at a more reasonable hour of the day. Viking has accommodated the request to change to the more desirable flight every time she’s asked. 

Not surprised that they took care of her-just wish that we had done that in 2024.

 

Posted
17 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

 

We are 61 so hanging out with older people is fine. Have thought about the Christmas cruise as well. Years ago when I was at the Vienna Christmas market on Dec 22nd, I almost died from hypothermia. Hahah. Seriously it was amazing. 

I’m a bit of a weirdo in that I prefer Europe in the winter. A lot less crowded and I kind of like the change of pace on the weather since we don’t really get winter weather in Houston. We were in Copenhagen a couple of years ago during winter and we loved it. We would sit outside the hotel at their cafe tables and split a bottle of wine every evening. Just grab a blanket and they had heaters.

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Posted
6 minutes ago, royiv said:

I’m a bit of a weirdo in that I prefer Europe in the winter. A lot less crowded and I kind of like the change of pace on the weather since we don’t really get winter weather in Houston. We were in Copenhagen a couple of years ago during winter and we loved it. We would sit outside the hotel at their cafe tables and split a bottle of wine every evening. Just grab a blanket and they had heaters.

denzel washington GIF

My last 3 European trips were all in the winter. Christmas markets can’t be beat 

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Posted

Wife and I just retired this year and are empty nesters as of 2 weeks ago! Folks have done Viking cruises for 2 decades and rave about them. We are definitely gonna get one on the books for summer 26. 59 and 60 years old so think the demographics would be good for us.

Looking forward to hearing about specific itineraries on this thread.

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