European River Cruise
Jan 13th, 2023, 08:00 AM
#1
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European River Cruise
Any recommendations for which company to use? Looking for about 8 nights I think with possibly some time in Paris but not wedded to that idea. Either April/May or September October timing. We are late 60's/low 70's group. Don't want to dress up too much, and don't want casinos. Beautiful scenery along the way would be nice and good food a must. I've heard mixed reviews about Viking but some positive about Tauck. Any insight appreciated.
Jan 13th, 2023, 08:42 AM
#2
All of the cruise companies offer similar itineraries using fairly similar ships. The main difference is budget. There are no 'formal' requirements on any of that I know of. River boats are not like ocean liners -- MUCH smaller and no room for casinos, pools, multiple restaurants etc.
Tauck, Ama, Viking and a few others are at the top end, Vantage are lower priced but offer good quality IMO/IME.
I'd decide which country(s) you want to visit and just look for specific itineraries that look good to you.
Tauck, Ama, Viking and a few others are at the top end, Vantage are lower priced but offer good quality IMO/IME.
I'd decide which country(s) you want to visit and just look for specific itineraries that look good to you.
Jan 16th, 2023, 02:09 PM
#5
Staff tried to stop us from doing our own independent tour of a city instead of using their bus tour. We used subways to see what we wanted. They treated the passengers like children.
And their weren’t any toiletries in the cabins. We had to buy them in towns where only German was spoken not knowing if we bought the correct products. Other cruisers came to our room with glasses asking for me to put shampoo in them. It was rather shocking. Our river cruise before that one had them. Not a good memory. When we sailed with AMAWaterways everything on board was at a much higher level. So I am not a Viking fan.
And their weren’t any toiletries in the cabins. We had to buy them in towns where only German was spoken not knowing if we bought the correct products. Other cruisers came to our room with glasses asking for me to put shampoo in them. It was rather shocking. Our river cruise before that one had them. Not a good memory. When we sailed with AMAWaterways everything on board was at a much higher level. So I am not a Viking fan.
Jan 17th, 2023, 02:04 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2007
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HappyTrvl- The no shampoo thing is crazy? I remember reading they did away with the L'Occitane brand, and went with a house brand, Freya I think, a few years back. Vantage still has the L'Occitane brand for suites, steward will bring them to the steerage folks if asked.
On my last river cruise in November, I only did 3 of the 9 included tours to the end. A few days I went for a bike ride, other days my spouse and I would take the bus tour to where we wanted to go and make our own ways back. As long as you notify the guide, go have fun. Just map spot the ships docking location on your phone, and note sailing time.
On my last river cruise in November, I only did 3 of the 9 included tours to the end. A few days I went for a bike ride, other days my spouse and I would take the bus tour to where we wanted to go and make our own ways back. As long as you notify the guide, go have fun. Just map spot the ships docking location on your phone, and note sailing time.
Jan 18th, 2023, 12:36 PM
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Thank you for all the feedback. We are looking at AMA I think and now we have to decide on which one. We will likely do this in late spring of next year as we would like to enjoy being outside on the boat. If anyone has any input on destination that they loved and why and scenery along the way. I think we will like do 8 nights and tag on some time on either side on our own. Thanks again.
