I have taken 2 different river cruises.
What I liked: cruising past beautiful countryside, excellent food, comfy accommodations & excellent service.
What I hated were the group activities. There was never time to just wander around in whatever fabulous location you are in. I got so tired of being on such a strict schedule.
Can anyone recommend a European river cruise that most of the time when docked you are doing your own thing. Limited excursions would be ok.
thanks
Mariel
Mariel,
We have taken four European River cruises as well as other on the Nile and in China.
We didn't have the same aversion to group tours. We enjoyed them, our groups were not to large and the touring we did was run efficiently.
I have always understood that doing a port on your own is an option, unless expect in rare occurrences. Sometimes you can't opt out, since the tour busses will meet up with the boat an another port.
AMA Waterways even had about 9 bicycles that were available for those that wished to explore on your own. I think some river cruise lines do that.
Our last river cruise was in July with Gate 1 Travel and it was on the Danube and fantastic, also the cost was super.
Recommend checking out several cruise lines and compare prices and quality.
We have taken 2 Viking river cruises recently and will be going on one in October 2024. While they have an included excursion and paid excursions we were never required to participate. As the ship docks and we're able to leave, we just go our own way and return when we are required to return. We have left in the morning, returned for lunch and then use the afternoon to see what we want to see. We have are planning to rent a car in one port because it was less expensive than taking a ship excursion. You can also plan independent excursions using Viator, Get Your Guide or Tours by Locals. Port time is yours to use how you like. I agree with what you like about river cruising.
Nothing says you have to go on all the organized excursions. If you don’t want to be hearded around, skip the group activities and go on your own.
Unfortunately those activities are priced into the cruise so you’re paying for them whether you partake or not.
