For June 2013 we're interested in the idea of these European river cruises, e.g., Viking. They mostly seem to require that you eat dinner in the boat, but we want to eat in restaurants on land. Am I wrong about that? Are there river cruises where you find your own dining? Thanks!
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
1997 posts
You might find a better response at CruiseCritic website. However, for Viking, 3 meals a day is included in your price. On my cruise last summer people did eat meals in town-especially lunch, rather than come back to the boat, but you were paying for the cruise food anyway.
Posted by
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
350 posts
To add to what Laurie said, sometimes the boat sails during meal times so you can't eat off the boat.
Posted by
Temora, NSW, Australia
337 posts
Joe,
I've never seen any cruises like you want that target UK,US, AU and NZ clients. I do recall that there are other cruise lines targetting German clients, with shorter duration, they may offer what you want. Regards
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32348 posts
Joe, I've checked out a few river cruises, but have never seen any that have optional meals. Three excellent meals a day plus snacks and booze are usually included in the price of the cruise. I always figure if I'm paying for something on a trip, I want to make sure I get my money's worth! I suspect that breakfasts and suppers are probably held when the ship is cruising between locations. The only "optional" meals possible would be lunches while you're out day touring. Cheers!
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Joe we took a Uniworld Rhine Cruise last April. Lunch on some occasions, would be the only time you would have an opportunity to sample the local cuisine. There was only one day on our 8 day trip where we we there was no option to have lunch on the boat. We loved the opportunity to have lunch in a delightful restuarant in Riqwueir. Most days there were were tours in the morning returning to the boat at lunch time and afternoon tours, doing the same. I would check the various companies itineraries on their web sites and see what works best for you.
Posted by
Delray Beach, FL
26 posts
As far as I know, all river cruises include meals -- you've paid 'em! Quite often the ship might be sailing during dinner time. While touring a city, you might have time to grab lunch or a quick bite of local specialty, again depending on the ship sailing schedule and touring schedule. If dining out is important to you, then perhaps river cruising isn't for you. We've been on 2 Uniworld and 1 Avalon and have another Uniworld and Viking trip planned for next year (back-to-back). We love river cruising.