River cruises

For what??? Ports of call ? Cruise lines? We have used Viking several times and are very pleased with them. Viking's two week from Amsterdam to Budapest is terrific. Do it in early Fall.

I have a friend who recently enjoyed and recommended this cruise, which was his first. No, I don't have stock or any association with this company lol. It may be on the pricey side for some folks.

https://www.amawaterways.com/river-cruises/europe/dutch-belgian-waterways

I’d look at a few Youtube videos

We have done several river cruises, including those in Europe, China, Russia and Egypt.
In particular we love our cruises on the Danube, Douro and Rhone.

I always compare cruise lines, comparing prices and what you get for those prices.
Viking is a good line, but I have never picked them, they are never as good as Gate 1 Travel. Gate 1 will beat just about any other line's prices. Still, they provide a great product.

Our Egypt Nile cruise and tour was 60% of the cost of Viking's. Viking's cruise was one day longer.

Recommend that you compare and pick the cruise that gives you the best deal for your money.

I've only taken one river cruise. We did the Eastern Europe, Bucharest to Budapest with Grand Circle. It's very good, although I still prefer to travel just with my wife, independently. But if you're going with another couple, it's ideal, because there's never any discussion of where to go next, where to eat, how fast to walk, what to see, etc.

The Bucharest to Budapest was interesting because it went to places we never would have gone to, other than maybe Bucharest or Budapest. Some of it was very scenic. The group directors were great. Activity level was constant, but not that strenuous. It was very educational. And the other passengers were very sociable and (unexpectedly) interesting.

If I were you, I would thoroughly investigate the price of these European river cruises. The prices can fluctuate, quite a bit.

Gate 1 River cruises are probably your best value for an English speaking river cruise. Viking will be the most expensive and tie up right next to Gate 1 ships. Shop carefully.

I did the Danube last summer and was satisfied with my experience.

I haven't been on a river cruise so won't make recommendations. Just be aware because this will never be advertised- this relates to river cruises on the Danube.

A few years ago my brother and wife took a Danube river cruise. Due to low water levels related to recent weather, part of their cruise was by bus as the ship couldn't travel through one section. At one section, the pool was drained so that the draft would be higher and could travel on another section of the Danube.

Viking seems to be a favourite amongst Americans; no doubt in large part due to their heavy advertising there. Not my first choice by any means, but you really need to compare several lines. Don't just compare itineraries and prices, but inclusions and exclusions as well. There are several YouTube travel experts who specialize in cruising. I can recommend Tips for Travellers by Gary Benbridge. He has several videos comparing most of the top European river cruise lines. If you've never cruised before, I would urge you to find a travel agent that is cruise centric to help guide you.

cruisecritic.com is a helpful site to get you started. What you prioritize may be different from other forum people. For us, it was important to go with a company that doesn't allow children (we love ours, but not other people's, in that setting.) We chose Viking for our upcoming first river cruise, for this and other reasons. As long as you are clear on your priorities, and realize the differences between ocean and river cruising, you should have a great time no matter the company.

Having never done a cruise, cant comment on the companies other than to say that in Budapest i see the Viking boats tied up in the prime spots and the Gate and others not so prime.

I can comment on the overall. The boat takes you to great locations. Usually the end stops are amazing destinations. I cringe when people arrive in majestic cities the day of or the day before sailing. Tge cost was tge cruise ticket and plane ticket. 3 nights in a city is cheap.

Just to expand a bit on Mr E’s observation in Budapest regarding docking. The day that we were spending in Budapest (Gate 1), we docked directly next to Viking in a “prime spot”. Later that evening we had a lovely cruise along the river enjoying the beautiful lights, bridges, and buildings. At the end of that cruise we docked on the other side of the river away from that “prime” area. The reason? The next morning was disembarkation and the new mooring allowed for passengers to more easily transfer to their transportation. Parking was available for buses and taxis. I appreciated the thoughtful planning, but I could see why it could appear Gate 1 wasn’t docking centrally for its guests if you don’t know they are disembarking.

Again, I know nothing about this but I've generally observed the Viking ships in the town center by the tram stops and tourist activities like Vorosmarty and Vaci and the Market Hall and the tram to the Parliament.
I have noticed the Gate 1 ships docked up river where the only access was a bus. But there may be advantages to one vs another that I know nothing about.

If Gate1 is cheaper, may be more than worth it. If it is true.

That is "noticed" not absolute. I suspect there is a river boat site that will be more precise. Come a few days early or stay a few extra days and it doesn't matter.

We did a Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest and loved the itinerary, the places we visited and the ship.
It's the other people we weren't too keen on.
Cruises in general cater to people who want to be handheld and led around. And while that's fine and a valid way to take a vacation, we were smirking at the people who complained that they couldn't use US dollars anywhere in Europe. (They took them in the Mexico, they said) (and had no Euros on them); then there was the group that only wanted to eat steak and potatoes and wouldn't try any of the regional cuisine the ship had prepared for dinner, and then there was the Texas couple who said to us immediately after introductions at a shared dinner table of 8 : Oh, you're from California we HATE your governor.

But seriously, cruise critic has an entire section devoted to River Cruises and would probably be best to get an idea of the price ranges. Uniworld and Amawaterways are high end. Viking is middle and since I don't do cheap - I have no idea what the cheap cruises lines are.

Derek, cheap cruise boat: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBOOZHUTqqBGl4C7i70TRTCcUPFtSEfQopJAH5Oo23Y-GWErRqol1Ya-IM&s=10

Wow !!!! Fourteen responses but only two have actually been on a river cruise and two more were planning a cruise. A lot of experts. Our experiences from two Viking cruises would not support Derek's conclusions. We found our fellow passengers to be very pleasant travelers, fun to be with, and interesting backgrounds. A river cruise in comparison to an ocean cruise does require you to be more friendly and accepting. It is more elbow to elbow on a river boat at dinner and during happy hour because of space. But wife and I are old political types and are very used to working the crowd so we enjoy the mix you find on cruises.

Frank, your counting is off. 4 responders clearly stated that they had been on river cruises.

I have been on many river cruises! The 3 companies I’ve used are Uniworld, Grand Circle, and Gate 1. As a major generalization I would say Uniworld had the best off shore activities (but is way more expensive), Grand Circle had the friendliest guests (and the oldest - they used to be part of AARP) and Gate 1 had the best prices and a good mix in age of guests. They all do similar stops along the rivers.

Unless you have been on all of them, it is hard to suggest who is the best, or the cheapest, or ...... You can compare the three that you have been but that is it.

Carol now retired, I counted 5 out of the 13 participants. The others did not judge but for the most part made recommendations of where to go for first hand infomration. None were off topic except my African Queen picture.