Bicycles on cruise ships

That is a great question. I would like the answer also. We asked that question one time of the security people on a ship and received a funny answer that bordered on no. We could get our bikes on ship the first time without them knowing but after that it would be obvious. Second, passage ways are narrow on ships so that might consider it a safety issue. And it could vary from cruise line to cruise line. We have decided that it might be easier to go the Vespa route.

Someone posted a description of a river cruise that was geared to cycling. The river cruise was a floating hotel You rode off in the morning, toured the country side and the boat met you that evening in the next town. That is high on our next list.

The Bike and Boat trips are wonderful - we did a trip south of Amsterdam on a refitted barge - biked all day, met boat in the afternoon for gourmet dinner - all meals provided. We also did a Boat and Bike trip in Croatia (southern Dalmation Islands). For both of these trips, we rented the tour company bikes - Croatia bikes were fairly good (fairly tough biking - although they have easier options), the Netherland's ones more marginable (but didn't need much gearing there - had coaster brakes, though). Check out biketoursdirect.com - they connect with European bike touring companies - save $$$ over using US companies.

I have had a response back from Holland America indicating we can take the bikes, but may need to fold and keep in the closet - I've seen those closets, so not too sure about that.

It's a good idea but you will have to contact the cruise line to see what their policy is.

The hardest part may be getting through the crowds getting off the boat. You may have to wait until the crowds clear before they are comfortable having bikes in the hallways.