Rhine River Cruise in April 2020

north is downriver.

Our research has shown that the most "scenic" leg is between Koblenz and Rüdesheim.

Overall that's the most scenic part of the Rhine - south of Koblenz, north of Rüdesheim or Bingen (which is right across the river.)

However, 4 - 5.5 hours of cruising can easily be reduced to around half of that, in part because the northern half is somewhat less scenic than the southern half... and because it adds unnecessary cost to the cruise.

The cruise companies themselves recognize this. They either cover ONLY the southern half (like Bingen-Rüdesheimer) or they greatly REDUCE service on the northern half (like K-D does.) The low demand for the northern segment is reflected in their skimpy schedules for that part.

The other reason the Koblenz area isn't well serviced is probably the fact that the boat dock is so far from the rail station. Anyone who wants to get off the boat and board the train has a long walk across a not-so-interesting modern city, or an extra city bus ride.

So it's generally best if you board in Rüdesheim or Bingen and cruise to St. Goar, St. Goarshausen (across the river) or Boppard (further north.) All these towns have trains stations within easy walking distance as well as worthwhile sights (well, not so much in St. Goarshausen, but definitely in the other two.)

Where will you be staying before/after your cruise? If you use the train to reach Bingen or R'heim, you get a 20% discount on your cruise fare with KD - so you pay about €16. each for a cruise to St. Goar.

You may wish to cruise with Bingen-Rüdesheimer depending on when you arrive - one of their two cruises for 2019 begins at 13:00 from R'heim (KD offers no boats between after 11:30 or before 14:15.)

It may be possible nowadays to pay in advance online. But it's not necessary or helpful. You don't get a reservation anyway, and everyone who buys a ticket just before the cruise gets on as well (also "anyway.")

This is wonderful information and just what we needed! Thanks so much!!