Anyone have experience with Grand Circle Travel, Vantage or Great European Travel small boat Rhine river cruises? Grand Circle seems to have high # of optional tours which add almost $500 to the base price.

My parents have done several Grand Circle river cruises, and have been very happy with them. They did have to cancel/postpone one trip because of illness, and that was quite a runaround, even with the trip insurance provided by GCT (I know, not the best idea). They sometimes tack on the optional tour as well. Mostly couples in their 60s and 70s with a few mother/daughter combos. They've been very impressed with the guides on each trip and have found the group size and makeup to be just right.

My husband and I took the Grand Circle Vienna to Amsterdam in spring of '09. We're fit and energetic 60 somethings. It was great. At every port there was an included walking tour with a guide and individual headphones, which I've seen called "whispers." There were some optionals available, but we never felt the need to pay extra for a tour when such good ones were part of the ticket. There were all ages aboard, from 30 somethings to those who appeared to be in their 80's. Grand Circle is really, really organized from pre trip all the way through to the end.

Ive used Uniworld and been very happy.

Consider Tauck. We've taken river cruises with them and have been very pleased.

I WAS, emphasis on WAS an Overseas Adventure Travel OAT/GCT participant until my 9th trip with them which was disastrous. The main office is totally non-responsive to guest requests or/and complaints. All I can say is check the Better Business Bureau in Boston and see I am NOT alone.Bottom line they say is they claim they are a tour operator and not a travel agent and are non-responsive to guest's needs. I would not recommend them.

You post was Jan. this year...so made plans yet? I second what was already posted earlier by several regarding Grand Circle cruises...just back from Seine R.- LaHavre to Paris. Also one two years ago Holland-Belgium was fine. Leisurely pace with optional trips as desired (we take most) and an edcuational component.
Bill in Boston

Look at Viking, Uniworld and AMA waterways for river cruises.

can highly recommend Viking

I also highly recommend Uniworld. We went on their Danube cruise last year and are going on their Rhine cruise this year.