Hi, I'm trying to arrange a Danube river cruise for my parents this year. I would like to know when is the best time to do it, and which travel agency (or cruise line) and which route you would recommend, and why.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

I just topped Underhill's excellent report to help you plan. Some friends of mine are doing this trip with Vantage. You might want to check out their website.

Hi twinkie,

I found information on Peter Deilmann cruises while researching Danube cruises for myself. The think I like most about Deilmann are the "Themed Cruises" like ones that incorporate other activities like golf, cycling, gardens, hiking, or music. Here's the link:

http://www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme/index.html

I think fall would be the best time to go.

s

Thank you for the information. I'll check out Underhill's report and Vantage's and Deilmann's sites.

My parents are close to 70, and they are Chinese (my mom doesn't speak much English), so I'm a little concerned if they'd feel too out of place on a Deilmann's ship. I'm not familiar with Vantage at all. I have heard some good things about Grand Circle Travel, but wondered if there were other good ones people would recommend.

On my GCT Danube cruise in December I met a number of Chinese passengers, some from the San Francisco Bay Area. They seemed to feel right at home, despite imperfect English. So I don't think there would be a problem for your parents. In any event, the tour directors do a very good job of picking up on problems and smoothing out the wrinkles.

As for the best time to go, it depends on what your parents want to do. If it's mostly just cruising along the river and enjoying the sights, the time of year doesn't matter. If good weather does, then spring or fall would be best so shore excursions are comfortable.

We have enjoyed Viking River Cruises, including their Danube River cruise with Prague extension. There is more rain in the spring so fall might be better.

Hi Twinkie,
Check www.avalonwaterways.com. They use to have “mixed” clients on board. Americans, Canadians, Australians, and also Chinese. They will meet some other Chinese-speaking passengers on board for sure. The only “problematic” part for your mum could be, that all sightseeing tour are in English. Don’t worry!