Best River Cruise

Have you been to the cruisecritic.com website? They have member reviews as well as a message board. I went on Viking in May and hope to go on a Grand Circle cruise next year. I enjoyed the river cruising, but am not sure Viking is a good fit for me. As a RS philosophy traveler, I wasn't comfortable with people coming in to clean my room twice a day. I know it sounds funny, but I felt there was too much service which was probably allied to their tip expectations (15 Euros/day/person was suggested.) However, I have never been on an ocean cruiser so it may be part of the culture of cruising. Also, I am used to traveling with a more diverse age group. Most of the folks on my cruise were 70's to late 80's and some were not in good physical shape.

This summer Conde Nast travel magazine had a huge feature re: river cruises (the pros/cons), and they also reviewed most of the top lines. I think (but am not positive) that it was in the July issue. If you can't find a copy at your local library, just enter: Conde Naste river cruises
into Google and two key articles will pop up on cntraveler.com You will want to read these!!!! I agree with the previous poster that river cruises pull an older crowd, a group that likes to unpack only once, and a crowd who generally does not mind dining on the boat more than in the local villages/cities. While I am glad I experienced a river cruise once (Tauck, which is very nice), I would only travel that way again if the itinerary were more efficient than doing it by land. I like to experience different hotels and restaurants vs. the same ole cabin for a week or more. But, different people like different things. Haven't traveled on Viking or Avalon, but know others who have and they were pleased.

I have not but my sister and brother-in-law are now going to book number five on Viking. They love it. Germany, Russia, Italy, just got back from China and now looking into Viet Nam. They just turned sixty so not over the hill yet. They say the service is above and beyond what could be expected. Said most of the people their age. Loved the guides, very informed and caring. Gee wish I had the money they do!!!!!

Fran check out Uniworld. We recently did an 8 day Amsterdam to Basel tour with this company. It was our first time taking any sort of cruise. It wasn't something we had at the top of our 'to to list'. It well and truly exceeded our expectations. I would travel with Uniworld again tomorrow. It was a first class experience in all areas - the trip, accommodation, food and wine, service. We saw first-hand other operators' ships. On a couple of occasions, if our ship docked last at our destination, we had to walk through the other ships to get to the shore. This brief experience gave us the opportunity, to compare other ships, namely, Avalon and Viking. Uniworld was far superior.

In reply, We are booked from may 6 Vienna to Amsterdam with Avalon,so I'd be interested in the replies. Whether its better or not we'll see. Avalon fitted our timeframe with an exit out of Italy better. We inquired early and were promised contact when the tours were announced, but Viking didn't respond when they should have, whereas Avalon did. Regards

Fran, I've also looked at River Cruises, and from what I've seen Viking is the top-rated line, but also very expensive. Although they do have a few single rooms on some ships (they appear to be about the size of a broom closet), that type of travel is not a good fit for solo travellers (like me). I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of their representatives, and she told me that if I wanted to travel on any of the ships without single rooms, I'd have to pay two fares. That's NOT going to happen! They seem to focus on the wealthier older crowd, so I doubt that I'll be travelling on one anytime soon. One of the Travel Agents here took a trip with AMA Waterways earlier this year and she was very pleased with it. Happy travels!

I wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate all of your input. I reviewed all your suggestions and really like Avalon waterways. It looks like their rooms are much bigger and they don't expect your $$$ all at once. Thank you for suggesting Uniworld; I might try them later for another venture.

We opted to pay upfront (12 months in advance almost) for our Uniworld cruise, as we saved $1,200 off the overall price.

Ken, I had a single room on my Viking cruise and even though I tend to be claustrophobic, felt it was plenty big. This may be due to only having a twin bed and one entire wall being windows, but the room was planned well and the shower was actually larger than many I've encountered in Europe. I don't know why river cruising (except Grand Circle)doesn't have fair pricing for singles. I asked the same question you did and they really didn't have a single supplement price-it was pretty much pay for two even though you obviously are only eating and needing services for one.

I have always booked early on Viking during their 2 for 1 specials (Disocunted airfares are usually offered at the same time) and I have nver paid more than 50% of published rack rate
Even at half price, I still think they can be considered pricey, but sometimes I find it worth paying a little more for the convenience it offers. As enjoyable and wonderful as both my Viking cruises were, I would never pay full published price.. There's no need to.

I think the Avalon Waterways Cruises have much bigger cabins. I think Viking has a very good reputation, but I have a problem paying a year in advance. I don't think it is fair asking people to tie up all their money that far ahead. Avalon Waterways have 2 for 1 promotions as well, but I think their promotions are closer to the time of the trip. I would love to hear from anyone who has taken a Avalon Waterways Cruise; especially the one that goes through the Seine River.

The Viking Helvetia (Queen bed size cabin)is 170 sf. The Avalon Felicity (Queen bed size cabin) is 182 sf. Both cruise the Rhine (AMS - BAS) and they look comparable. Fran You have to research all the cruise lines yourself - every line, every route, every class of ship, every cabin style ) will be different) and you have to figure what is important for you. I don't have - and this is just me - an issue with the size of the cabin. I use the cabin for sleeping. As long as I have my own bed and closet space I am OK. I don't spend any time in the cabin unless I'm in the shower, the bathroom, or changing clothes. Every other minute I'm on the sundeck or in the lounge, reading or mingling & chatting with my cruise-mates. We originally sailed on Viking because, after reviewing the statisics we got from several river cruise lines, it was obvious Viking had the lowest percentage of American passengers. (Not that I don't like Americans, but I am surrounded by then all the time) and I just like a wee bit of a change when I travel that far.

FWIW, Avalon do allow you to make a deposit, 1k, then pay remainder 4 months before departure. No different from prepaying early bird flights. If the discount betters the bank rate, then why not.
The deals Viking, Avalon, etc promote, all have catches. Free flights, one flies free, discount room, all are early or late season, or below water rooms, or only selected tours. If any of these suit you then add up which is a better deal and go for it. Regards