From what I understand, Deilmann is more of a luxury line with a more formal onboard atmosphere (guests tend to dress up for each dinner) and the ratio of European guests is higher, whereas some of the other lines are more casual and primarily cater to Americans. Also shore excursions aren't included in Deilmann's cruise rates and are at extra cost (but you can purchase a prepaid shore excursion package). It really depends on what kind of atmosphere your parents want.

Another newer line that you may want to consider is Amadeus Waterways. Their vessels were built within the last 2 years. One of their vessels was docked next to ours in Nuremburg and it looked really nice.

Tauck is a tour operator, not a cruise line, so you should find out which ship/line they use. I would think that you can save some money by booking direct rather than through Tauck.

BTW I posted my trip report here -

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34695296

You might be able to find some more information there to help your parents decide if they'd enjoy a river cruise.

We have been on eight tours with Tauck World Discovery and have now scheduled our ninth. We were on the Sept. 19-Oct. 3, 05 Amsterdam-Budapest Switzerland 11 trip. It was excellent in every way...off the boat daily for walking and or bus tours, part day or all day. We ate at wonderful inland restaurants, ex. oldest restaurant in Vienna, oldest restaurant in Budapest, Heidelberg restaurant featured in the film, The Student Prince and so forth. There is lots of walking, there are lots of stairs/cobblestones. The boat was very nicely furnished, lounge, dining room exceptional. Bedrooms smaller than cruise ships we've been on, but big enough. Some had the "suites", not that much bigger than ours, but did have queen beds and couple of chairs. As far as I could see, no one spent much time in their rooms, unless they were under the weather, changing clothes, etc. The top deck on the boats is for sitting outside, which we all did for several days until we got to Vienna when it got coolish, rainy.......the locks were very interesting and the scenery was gorgeous and also interesting with commentary provided. The cost includes all fees, tips.....even the bathrooms we used at the different sites were paid for by Tauck. If we hadn't had the liquor bill(very reasonable) we wouldn't have spent a penny. They can't go wrong with any company, just check what is included. All of us that travel by Tauck are return customers and say we can't go with another company, though I have many friends who are happy with GCT.

Thanks Patty and Desertduds.
Patty, I have read your post and emailed it to my mom. I have also emailed her this post on all of the recommendations and places to find info.
Thanks again!

We went on Peter Deilman for Provence River Cruise last April and it was fantastic. It is more of a luxury river cruise than Viking and the others I think. About 65% spoke German, but there were plenty of people to talk to that spoke English. We are leaving on a Blue Danbube cruise this week on Avalon Waterways, first time, cabins are supposed to be about 170 Sq. feet, which is a good size for a river cruise. You may want to check Avalon Waterways out as they have much newer boats. We are going on the Aftistry. You can check on line at their website. RE: Peter Deilman: they don;t have Germans all of the time and you can ask them the makeup of a particular cruise. The cruise before were 85% Americans, so it's hard to tell, but the service, tours and food was more than first class.

For those who recommend Grand Circle:
On 10/27/05 Grand Circle’s membership in the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine & Vermont was revoked by the BBB due to violation of BBB Standard of Membership "Make diligent efforts to eliminate the underlying cause(s) of any pattern(s) or trend(s) of customer complaints which the Bureau may call to the company's attention."

Based on BBB files this company has a pattern of complaints concerning contract issues. Consumers state that they purchase vacations advertised with specific amenities and itineraries. Consumers state that they are not kept informed of changes made to trips until days before departing or sometimes changes are made while on the trip. Consumers state that the amenities, activities and locations of the hotels are not what was advertised and that adequate substitutions are not made. Consumers state that they are unable to receive refunds or reimbursements from the company. Consumers state that they are dissatisfied with the level of customer service they have received trying to find resolution to these issues

Here's a recent thread from the Asia board regarding problems with a Grand Circle's horrible cancellation policy -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34703008

Thank you all. I will pass this info onto my mother. She had heard GCT was a good company. I will tell her to look elsewhere. My neighbor recommend the Peter Deilman one so I will have her look at that one more closely. I have received so many books and brochures!! Thanks again.

Hello Girlonthego,

I just sent a reply to another post about river cruises. The same info might be useful to you, so I will copy/paste that reply to you also.

Amadeus and Avalon are two different companies who use the exact same ships—they charter the ships from European owner. Same cruises, same prices (usually), just perhaps slightly better customer service when booking with Amadeus. Amadeus has all new (or practically new) ships, nice beds.

Uniworld offers more itineraries, more destinations, similar prices. Uniworld also offers a few cruises without included shore excursions/sightseeing, so you can save a few $ this way—good for people who just want to explore on their own. Uniworld has a couple of older ships (one is being renovated, but still not as cushy as the new ones) and some new ships. It’s a good company, with prices comparable to Amadeus. Uniworld often includes the pre-cruise hotel stay in a city, but does not offer it as “optional” the way Amadeus does. Uniworld quotes prices with air usually, but will sell without air.

Grand Circle is lowest price, but there are some “cut corners.” Beds on Grand Circle are NOT as comfortable—they are typically two “day beds” that fold out of wall at night. They can’t be set up as a king bed. And GC has a lot of excursions that are “optional.” Another difference is that Amadeus puts you right in the center of town in a 4-star hotel during the land portion (as in the 3 nights in Prague on their “Legendary Danube” cruise). Grand Circle has you on outside of town in a 2 or 3 star hotel, so you need to take a bus or subway to get into town. This can be very inconvenient. Grand Circle gives price with air included, but they don’t mention how much the taxes are……when you come up with the grand total, it is always more than you think (taxes can be a few hundred $$).

Uniworld has a whole series of city stays for pre-post-cruises. That is, in addition to any that are included in the cruise package. They are nice, but pricey. One can do better booking independently, but many people like the idea that they can buy the whole package from Uniworld and just not worry.

As for luxury cruises……There are two true luxury lines. Peter Deilmann is a German company with 5-star and 4-star ships. Very nice. They don’t include excursions in their pricing, so people can choose to do it alone or buy a package/individual excursion (s). Only potential problem with Deilmann is that you might find most of passengers speaking German….it’s a gamble. They will put you on excursions with English guide, so no problem. They do assign a table for dinner, which means you eat with same people each night. They will give you English-speaking table mates. Other cruise lines have open seating at dinner.

Other luxury is River Cloud. Very expensive. Very high-end service and amenities. Costs maybe twice as much as others. They have some golf cruise itineraries that are popular. Also other theme cruises.

There is also Viking River Cruises. Very nice. Nice itineraries. Pretty much same itineraries as Uniworld, with some differences. Viking gives good value. Nice beds except in cheapest category, where they are the daybed type in a slightly smaller cabin. A good company.

Tauck has river cruises, but they charter a ship from another company. Some are older ships. Tauck gives good service, uses excellent hotels when a hotel stay is included, breaks group down in to smaller numbers for sightseeing. But they are also more $$.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask me. I don’t surf this Website very often so it would be best to email me directly at [email protected]

Hope this helps. Fred