Which River Cruise tour line is better?
 

We are thinking of taking a river cruise through Europe next year. Which tour operation is better with respect to price, service, itinary (sp?)? Vantage, Viking, Uniworld or GCT. My husband and I are late '30's early '40's, and I realize that most other passengers on these river cruises are retired. I'm thinking of taking one of the 14-16 day tours between Vienna and Amerstadam or vica versa. Any advice?

I'm looking for the same advice. River cruising is pretty new to me at this point. We are also in our 30's/40's - would we feel out of place? So far in researching prices alone between Viking and Uniworld, I'm finding much better prices on Viking, unless I'm just not looking in the right places for deals on Uniworld, and the itineraries seem similar.

I never took a river cruise,but heard nothing good about Uniworld,so be very...very careful.GOOD LUCK

We just returned from a river cruise on the Viking line that went from Budapest to Amsterdam, 16 days. It also goes the reverse direction. We were totally pleased with the experience. Having upgraded for the larger room did make it more enjoyable. The tours were worthwhile, lots of walking. Food was very good and the entire crew was very friendly and helpful. The passengers were of various ages, but mostly retired. We would definitely go again on the Viking line.

Hi KB,<BR><BR>Peter Deilmann first, Viking River second. Viking also has very good prices this year.<BR><BR>GCT, Vantage and Uniworld are budget. Passengers are also fairly old.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

-<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=1382522&numresponses=38&s tart=0&searchText=cruise<BR><BR>Above is a link off the Europe section of the forum. Rudy shared his experiences in GREAT detail about Viking. Thread is titled "My river cruise in Russia"

Has anyone really taken the Vantage trips from Amsterdam? These are new boats and are American owned. They cater to Americans or so the salesperson who answers the telephone says. The off shore excursions are included. The age group is retired but since we are retired this suits us. Any experiences out there on Vantage. They are very nice about flights when you make initial inquiries. Thanks all.

I would always choose Uniworld primarily because it is non smoking,unlike the European owned cruise lines, Dielman, Viking, etc. Also includes services of cruise mgr, American style food, and the ships are the newest in Europe!

I would hardly call Uniworld a budget cruise. It is costing us over $7,000 with a cabin upgrade for the Vienna to Amsterdam cruise. Uniworld caters to American tastes. After reading comments on Fodors about staff on other lines not being in tune with American ways...I chose Uniworld...and unless their brochures are totally misleading, their boats are new, modern and look very beautiful to me. I'll certainly report back after the cruise.

MichaelButtons,<BR><BR>I took the Vantage cruise in early July from Amsterdam to Passau and it was very enjoyable. Food and service was excellent. I personally found the trip a couple of days too long and part of the problem may have been that it rained almost everyday. The only problem I had with the arrangements was we stopped our tour in Passau and did not go all the way to Prague with the group and we had to pay for the Prague part. Overall it was a good experience.

My husband and I took a Grand Circle Travel European River Cruises for 16 days and a pre-trip in Belgium and a post-trip in Vienna. We enjoyed it very much. We have no complaints about GCT and will go on another river cruise-tour in the future. The average age on board was 50's and 60 year old. Most of the passengers were alot of fun and very interesting people.

If a person only cruises on Grand Circle or Uniworld there is nothing to compare it to. Once a person cruises on say Viking River, the difference is very obvious.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul, <BR>What exactly are the differences?

The extraordinary service. The best included tours. The excellent tour guides. The varied menu selections. The great food. No hidden charges. Exclusive shipboard programs. Authenic entertainment. Great lecturers. Language lessons. Cultural arts demonstrations. All outside cabins. Windows that open. This is briefly what I remember.<BR><BR>Peter Deilmann is a tad better but you may have a language problem.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>

Kelley,<BR>Did you enjoy your Uniworld River Cruise? Our friends returned Sunday, cruising Seine Princess (Uniworld). This is a 'new build'; cabin size 165 sq. ft./queen bed. They enjoyed their vacation and thought all tour guides were terrific. My husband and I are considering this same itinerary in late Aug. Our friends claim meals were good w/exception of dinner. I would appreciate your dining comments as well as a brief trip report, should you find the time to post.<BR><BR>

My Mom and I want to take a European river cruise next year (June or July). We are considering Uniworld or Viking. Any suggestions? Has anyone used the headsets they offer on Uniworld to hear the tour guides? (My Mom is hard of hearing)If so,are they any good?

We went on Uniworlds River Empress from Amsterdam to Budapest theis past June. LOVED IT!!! If you want to know more, email me.