River Cruising in Europe

Yes, those river cruises look interesting, but they seem to be for the more "relaxed" type of traveler. I ordered a video brochure and I laughed out loud as the video showed an older couple in their pajamas in bed staring out the window as they pass grand cathedrals and castle ruins. To me that said it all. I think your 7, 9, 20 year olds might be just a bit bored. I know even at 45 I would be bored.

Tim, you're not helping... I barely want to do this in the first place. I'm hoping if I can find something "interesting" that I can steer them towards. And of course I don't want anyone to throw my kids overboard because they're too kid-like. There must be SOMETHING out there??

Hi Lori

I almost hate to offer some positives about river cruising as it sounds like you'd prefer not to. But what the heck, I'll give it a try.

2 summers ago my family took a Rhine River cruise that began in Amsterdam and ended in Basel, Switzerland. We did it to try, not knowing exactly what we were getting into. We have two daughters who were 18 and 20 at the time.

We actually enjoyed the trip and would do one again. We found there was plenty to do, or not if that is one's choice. The ship mostly traveled at night so every day you were in a different location. There was one daytime 1/2 day cruise while going through the prime castle area.

We found there a fair amount of touristy type stuff at each port with guides for tours, etc..., but we also felt there was a fair amount of free time do do what you wanted to in the various cities. Each day seemed to be full. My girls actually did opt out of a few things because they didn't like getting up at a normal hour to see things.

We liked having everything planned for us on this trip. We also enjoy traveling our own trips too, so we're not "tour" people in general.

As far as others on the trip, yes mostly it was seniors, but there were other families, one that had 2 boys of similar ages to our girls and they hung out together. There were a few younger kids also.

It may not be the preferred way to travel for everyone, but it wasn't a bad way to try to appeal to multiple ages. Good luck with your decision.

Gary, thanks for the info. Do you remember which "cruise line" or boat you were on? I am (contrary to my last post) trying to be open minded about this trip. Living here in Naples, we've really become open minded about a lot of things! Thanks!

Lori,
My husband and I did a River cruise on the Danube a few years ago in Dec. We loved it and would do it again. We were the second youngest on the ship. (40 and 45). I did not see any young kids on this trip and I am not sure if they would enjoy it. The ship was owned by Amadeaus Waterways. I would check with a travel agent on what lines cater to young kids. I know that my older kids would enjoy it but they are 21 and 24. Good Luck.

My sister went on an Amadeus river cruise last fall, Prague to Paris, which she greatly enjoyed, though she said it was the most expensive trip she had ever taken. The cruise included 2 days in Paris & 2 days in Prague at upscale hotels. Viking River Cruises offer much the same thing, and friends and I have been considering one of theirs, though I think I will opt out and spend the money on a week or two in France later in the year.

Lori

We went on a Uniworld cruise.

http://www.uniworld.com/europe.asp

The ship was the "River Ambassador". I believe it was one of their smaller ships (they have cruises all over Europe). The rooms were tight, but if you are serious about seeing what they have to offer, you're not in the room much. Meals on the ship were good. Service was fantastic. As alot of the staff makes their money on tips at the end of the cruise, they have alot of motivation to make you happy.