We are planning to take a river cruise in Europe, has anyone out there had some experiences they could share?

You're "planning" to take a river cruise in Europe but can't let us in on the river or country? Big secret, eh? There are a few hundred rivers in Europe, running through a couple of dozen countries. Maybe you could enlighten us? <BR>Me, I've done the Rhine, the Canal du Midi, and the bateaux mouches. Where do YOU want to cruise?

I didn't say where because we haven't decided as yet. Open for suggestions. We don't plan to go until next spring.

Sharon, People can sure be sarcastic on this board, can't they! <BR> <BR>I posted a question like this yessterday but don't think I got any responses. I am doing a hurried investigation of possible river cruises for 6 weeks hence. It's not the ideal scenario because many are fully booked or "closed" to more reservations. However, I can say that it seems to depend on how much time you want to spend and how much you want to pay. I found some barge tours in France that look fabulous but go for $4000 plus for one person for 6 nights. We ended up booking 12 nights from Basil to Amsterdam for about $2,000. I hate not having more info about the boat, the company, and the crew but beggers can't be choosers. The good news for me is it finishes at Amsterdam on the 30th where I have business on the 1st. I will be happy to give you my feedback, and anything I see along the way about other cruises, upon my return. Incidently, we found some useful info at www.eurocruises.com They are a cruise broker. So far they have been helpful.

Katherine and Sharon: <BR> <BR>I've made a search for the cruise Katherine is booked on. You will find more information about the Basel-Amsterdam cruise at this site: <BR> <BR>http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/uk...nture/set.html <BR> <BR>(I would recommend to skip the Lucerne excursion, however. too much cramped into too short a time). <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip! <BR> <BR>Phil.

Sharon: <BR> <BR>Perhaps this will be of interest. It popped up in my e-mail box this morning in my Vite et Vracs newsletter and sounds like a good deal. <BR> <BR>&lt;&lt;Sometimes a little extra can bring a lot more. That's the stated premise, <BR>anyway, behind a deal offered this autumn by eWaterways.com, an Internet <BR>site selling canal and riverboat trips. These are six-night trips through <BR>the canals of Burgundy aboard one of three barges: the Litote (carrying 20 <BR>passengers), the Mirabelle (24 passengers) and the Marguerite (20 <BR>passengers). Here's how it works: the cruise-only price is $1,999 a <BR>person, based on double occupancy, but for an extra $9, you also get <BR>round-trip economy air fare from most major United States cities to Paris, <BR>two nights in a three-star Parisian hotel (with Continental breakfast and <BR>hotel taxes), round-trip transfers from Paris to the barge, and all meals, <BR>bar drinks, lunch and dinner wines, sightseeing and use of bikes on the <BR>barge trip. The departure dates from the United States are Nov. 2, 9, 16, <BR>23 and 30. Information: (800) 217-4447 or http://www.ewaterways.com.&gt;&gt; <BR>

We did a great River cruise in October, 2000. It was a Danube cruise on the MV Mozart from Passau to Budapest and back. You stop at small towns along the way including Vienna. The rooms were nice size and the service was great. I have other friends that have done this cruise and they also speak highly of the experience. Check it out.

Thanks Phil! I'll check it out right now.

Sharon- <BR> We did a hotel barge trip in June in Burgundy. It was fabulous. We booked through Le Boat (www.leboat.com) and Debbie was very helpful. I know that they do all sorts of waterway holidays in Europe, check them out. Good luck.

THANKS FOR ALL THE SUGGESTIONS, I WILL CHECK THEM OUT.