What We Wish We Knew Before Taking Our First River Cruise

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Discover the truth about European river cruising! From our fifth river cruise (and first Viking cruise!), we reveal everything you need to know about this unique travel experience. Compare top cruise lines like Viking, Avalon, and Uniworld, uncover hidden costs, and learn why river cruises are worth the splurge. Whether it’s a bucket-list journey on the Rhine or Danube or exploring quieter rivers like the Douro, this video will guide you through making the best choice. Plus, find out how to save money on your next river cruise!

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[pamelawooden]

We love river cruising! We have done 3 so far and have one planned for fall 2025. Bus tours in Europe are amazing but can be so tiring. Unpack once is the best feature! I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying it! Thanks for your video!

[robertvolk]

My wife and did a Rhine cruise on AMA Siena in the fall of 2023. The ship, food, and crew were outstanding. After 8 years of independent travel in Europe I found however the cruise to be incredibly more expensive than land travel trips that we plan on our own.

[snowbirdlady]

You do a great informative job. Thanks for sharing all these details and providing comparisons. Every once in a while I gather info on river or ocean cruises and every time I come to the same conclusion. Cruising just isn't for me for many many reasons. I'm glad its an option for those who like to travel that way, but I'm a self planning solo traveler and I love the completely different experiences and freedom I have going this way. Buon viaggio!

[sjwatson]

well done and thank you for the information as I've shared it with friends that haven't been on a river cruise. I've done 3 river cruises on the grand circle line and enjoyed them all

[rrl]

Great advice. Thanks. Here's our contribution:
We’ve cruised both Viking and Avalon (twice). We prefer Avalon because of the room size, the bed arrangement is great, and the smaller numbers of passengers – more intimate, smaller crowds. We always find a few other couples to hang with – folks with similar tastes and backgrounds.

We recommend a pre-cruise extension, a few nights in a hotel allows us to get over jet lag and spend time exploring a major city before we begin cruising. Viking is good about those options, Avalon, not so much.

Those stops where you can merely walk off the boat and be in the old-town are absolutely the best. At those locations consider skipping the guided tour and spend the entire day exploring on your own.

Unfortunately, many cities aren’t located right on the river, so you must take a bus to see the sights, and that restricts personal touring.
NOTE: In Vienna, there’s a convenient subway (U-Bahn) route that will take you from the Danube to the center. (just outside St Stephen’s Cathedral.)

Always, our biggest disappointment is the short time we have in any given town. A half day for the group tour, and only occasionally a half-day to wander on your own.

[MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

Greetings from Florida. I appreciate the information provided about the River Cruises. I visit Germany often, and my wife and I have yet to take a River cruise. We see the cruise ships all over Germany and have placed this idea on the discussion table; this video helped us. I would love to make a YouTube video "vlog style" on a River Cruise someday. New subscriber here. :)

[recoveringliberal]

my wife and i have done 7 river cruises between Asia, Egypt and Europe and Avalon stands out by a long shot as best bang for your buck. excursions, food and staff are well above and beyond! rooms are much nicer as well, that little extra space means so much on a 2 week cruise.

[TomMoran-sr]

Great Video! You mentioned that you did a river cruise with Uniworld but really did talk about it. I know it's more of an upscale more expensive cruise, but what are your thoughts about Uniworld? Is it with the extra money? Also, I would be interested in the River Only travel agency contact information. Thanks!

[CherylMcGee-fxid]

Would love information on finding a travel ag for river cruisingent

[helenju]

Interested in doing our first river cruise. Your information here is invaluable, along with viewers comments. What river cruise only agencies do you recommend?

[todds]

We are doing the 15 day Grand European Viking cruise in June. It’s Budapest to Amsterdam. First river cruise. Very excited.

[Retiredtraveler]

Thank you for a great video! You did an excellent job of comparing the five big river cruise lines. I would steer away from Viking based on your description (smaller cabins, more passengers per ship) no buffet lunch.

My wife and I want to do the 15 night Budapest to Amsterdam Cruise.
Excellent job

[gojb]

Thank you so much for the information, it was extremely valuable! Is traveling single an issue with these river cruise companies?

[jenniferparry]

I have now done 3 river cruises all on Ama. They were fantastic. The last one over the New Year on the Rhine. First one was the Danube, second was on the Rhone. The Rhine meant more coach rides to get to the excursions

[ScottLara]

I'll be sailing on the AmaMagna the end of March. Appreciate your tips! Scott

[SusanDrvol-kw]

Great video! Who do you recommend to help what planning a river cruise? Thanks!

[cruisecrazy]

Excellent didactic video. Well presented.

[larrybrown]

We are doing our first River cruise in early May. Looking forward to it.

[loril]

Very helpful because my husband and I were thinking of a river cruise (having done many ocean cruises) for a romantic special anniversary. Sounds like a river cruise would be more social than romantic. Thanks.

[TerryBlanchard]

We have several, three in Europe covering Amsterdam to the Black Sea. One with AMA the other 2 with Grand Circle. Grand Circle is not as fancy but the cost is $250 to $350 per day, so a cheaper option. We also have done Russia and the Nile.