10 Things You Shouldn’t Do On A European River Cruise. And Why

[@denisedavis9908]

I never had any desire to cruise. But I went on a Viking river cruise and I loved it. But I love art, history and architecture. It was also relaxing in the evenings with a noce dinner. Guided tours helped take the stress of trying to organize what to see. And how to see it. The entire experience...even with low water levels was positive. Viking takes care of you. The staff is amazing.

[@angelawhite4795]

I agree, I have done two Viking cruises,with none of these issues.

[@andysmith6824]

I have a business where I drive older/retired folks to/from airports when they take trips. Many of my clients say that Viking is by far the best not only for river cruising, but also for ocean cruising now that Viking has big cruise ships (but they are not MEGA-ships, thank goodness!). The types of people that I take in my VIP airport transportation business are all very similar in that they worked hard their entire lives, and now it’s time to relax in a senior community (independent living) and do whatever they want. Cruises are the #1 thing that they do, and over 8 years of driving my client list of almost 300 people, I have a very good idea of what they like and don’t like. When I have 100% of my customers returning home from a Viking ship, they are always happy and ready to do it again! I have never taken a river cruise, but maybe one day I will. I don’t even know what the rules are right now for American citizens traveling abroad (because of COVID rules/laws). In America, it’s hard to tell what the latest “must do” is because they argue and change things almost daily. My clients, generally speaking, are very wealthy. I don’t think anyone would mind that I’m posting the following information: One of my best clients (and he was a huge tipper!) passed away recently. That’s one of the problems with running a business that caters to seniors--I lose too many friends. Anyway, this particular man whom I’m loved dearly including his wife (who is still alive and healthy) has accomplished so much in his life, and has been so very generous with his money. You would never know it--he is the most down-to-earth person I ever knew. If you want to read about an amazing man, just go to your favorite search engine and type the exact information in the search box (you can cut and paste mine if you’d like): William Crain Chevron Pleasanton obituary That’s all you’ll need. Read his obituary and see what he accomplished in his life. I knew he worked for Chevron but I did not know that he was **THE** person in charge of all oil exploration and drilling in the world. That’s quite a responsibility, and Chevron/Texaco is not exactly a small company. (Please, no global warming comments…thank you very much). He had a huge model ship in his office that was underneath glass. It looked very realistic and was quite a model., The name written on the bow of the ship was “William Crain”. The name of the ship is his name!! I thought it was just a neat model and he put his name on it, but I was wrong. It was an exact replica of the ship that Chevron named after him (and this was way before his passing). Thank you for allowing me to go off-tangent there. Back to cruising…..I’d like to take a European river cruise but I forget where it is! It was on TV the other night, and they showed an elevator for ships! The river came to a dead end after going over a long, man-made cement overpass that was a bypass of the river. When you got to the end, you floated into and were tied up in a huge “tub” that then lowers you to the river below so you can continue your journey! Same in reverse--if you reach the end and need to go up, your cruise ship goes into the other “tub” and one goes up and one goes down at the same time. It’s really something to see! I just wish I could remember where it was.

[@soulssister1show488]

Thanks for sharing this information

[@willpr40]

Give me a Baltic cruise with Celebrity over any river cruise.

[@oclarealestate]

We stayed in a lower cabin on the Danube and had no noise going through the locks. Those in higher rooms actually had more noise. Of course you don’t get the views, but to be honest, we were never in our room,but were up above, among the people enjoying the view. It all depends on the price difference....in my opinion, a $1,000 price difference was worth staying lower as we were never in the room...but that is just me.

[@susanbrodby2158]

I agree wholeheartedly. Travel is about meeting and getting to know people. Can't do that locked in your cabin! I can chill out on my home couch with a book ..... don't need to pay for that either.

[@joeg1819]

I also disagree with the lower cabin advice. If it's port intensive and there is no problem getting a seat or table with a view, spending time in the cabin awake is a waste and gives you only 1/4 of the views. I spent most of the time at the bow or on the roof. I'm also a light sleeper and what woke me up more than noise from Nuremberg to Budapest was the lights along the locks.

[@chookaschookas444]

Lower cabin was perfect for us Budapest to Amsterdam, for all the reasons others have mentioned below. Noise wasn't an issue for us, and the sounds we did hear were part of the magic of cruising up these massive rivers and seeing and experiencing European culture. Once Covid goes, I would love to repeat the trip. We were with AMA line - everything including tips was included. I will have to start saving now.

[@jerrymoore3670]

We also had a bottom cabin on the Danube River cruise and we never heard any noise. The ship would get under way and pass through locks in the night and we never knew about it. Save your money folks, you won't be spending time in your cabin except when sleeping.

[@anotherone5926]

Sounds quite logical ... and wise. :)

[@sandradonnelly500]

My 1st cruise of any kind-on EXCELLENT AMAWATERWAYS on Rhine thru 5 german cities at christmas markets. No noise goin thru locks at nite. Everything & everyone on board was great. I checked on $ & atm access BEFORE i left the US & got euros ahead. Do your homework...id never go on gigantic ocean cruise. 120 ppl on my Amawaterways ship. Sat with diff ppl every meal & had a wonderful time❤

[@tally1604]

I find river cruises much more interesting because of all the sights and landmarks you get to see, compared to a sea cruise.

[@lisaroy9538]

Agree. Much better than those awful floating hotels

[@Arvidje]

both has their charmes.. i live in europe and have seen most of the places and stuff. It never bored but its pretty active all the way. Sea cruises are more relaxing.

[@tekay44]

depends on the sea cruise, but, i agree, river cruises are much more about the tours etc, . Viking ocean cruises are pretty good though. not overly crowded, not a "party boat" , no kids, i repeat, no kids. no drunk teenagers etc. pay a bit more, but, so worth it.

[@merryhunt9153]

I have been on a number of river cruises. We found time to go on the top deck (or into the library when it's rainy) and enjoy the scenery. River boats are so quiet that you can hear the birds singing as you cruise by.

[@fishandfloral]

We love river cruising to get a taste of various areas of Europe, to help us determine where we would like to return and spend more time on another trip. One doesn’t have to go on all of the excursions. We do some and skip others to go wandering around on our own. Going into shops, having tea or lunch in town, are some of the best parts of the trip.

[@sentamaja5661]

,

[@carlahill9607]

Just curious if you booked a lower level room. I’m widowed and to go alone is extremely expensive. It’s almost like paying for two people! I did consider the lower level room that have reservations about that. Any thoughts

[@fishandfloral]

@@carlahill9607 We’ve never booked a lower level cabin. Truly, there’s several areas to hang out on the ship. Having a balcony is nice but we really don’t use it a ton. It depends on if you enjoy spending time in the cabin or the time of year. I like to take a book to the lounge or the top deck to relax. We’re usually on the go and don’t spend much awake time in the cabin. 😆

[@isaiahberlin37]

Took the Viking cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest and loved every minute! Too much walking was never an issue! Walk when and where YOU want! We had a room below and there was never a problem with noise! Plenty of comfortable viewing options throughout the ship! Problem with one of the locks resulted in being bussed around to another ship, same room, same crew. Luggage was transferred entirely by crew, seamlessly!

[@bdimon]

we took a lower cabin for our river cruise and I admit that when I first noticed the floor was lower than the water level, it was a little weird. After a day it was no big deal and I didn't think about it again. I noticed noises from the locks one night but that was it. More common was the noise of water lapping against the side of the ship. That was kind of relaxing, I thought. I would definitely book a lower level cabin again just for the big cost savings. we really did not spend much time inside our room because we were hanging out with all the other people in the lounge or the top deck.

[@annefitz7346]

Whew. Glad to hear this. We’re spending the money on extra time in Paris

[@war-painter]

Singles can get a deal on Tauck if you book EARLY on those lower deck cabins- no single supplement- vast savings on a superior river cruise line. But book super early as those deals go fast apparently.

[@billwatkins8227]

Exactly my experience

[@mickeyDs4]

Im planning on the Prague to Paris trip through Viking with my husband. I look at it like a floating b&b and I like that. I like the idea of not having to worry about how I’m going to get there, dragging my suitcases and items all over the place like I would have to with independent traveling. The history and the walking tours appeal to me so much. Can’t wait to take this trip.

[@WillN2Go1]

Tip for shoes: get lightweight hiking boots. (I've worn Keens for years) and I personally go a bit larger- my rule now is my toes have move freely (but this is personal might not work for many or most). My tip about the lightweight hiking boots however is solid. Trainers, tennys, running shoes tend to break down more quickly. You can have a pair of shoes that feel great, but you really should've replaced them because they no longer support your ankles. In 2009 I stepped down a bigger step then normal on a trip and my foot bent right over; my ankle touched the ground. Yikes! No problem, I'd done that several times in my life, but in 2009 I was 58 years old - so my first thought wasn't 'oops, did that again,' but 'I shouldn't have been able to do that ten years ago - so that was pure luck.' So trekking poles. The give you stability and make you a quadruped. The thing is when you need them you should have them, so I always travel with a pair of the compact ones - they fold up instead of just telescoping - this allows them to fit into any bag, or day bag. Unless I'm hiking I almost never use them - but I always travel with them. The $5 ones they sell to tourists? They're just about as good as the $149 carbon fiber ones. (Only problem is the cheap ones will start to slide close. Not really a problem. And the handles? I think there's an ideal handle angle - and I've yet to find a pair that have it - at any price). Knees. We think 'Oh I'm getting old my knees are going.' Maybe. What I found out just a couple of years ago is that it wasn't my knee(s) it was my butt. I went to Scotland and walked up Ben Nevis but was slower and slower and my knees were killing me. I did three hikes that trip instead of a couple hundred miles of trekking I'd planned. I ended up limping around, knee taped up, driving instead of hiking. Day before I left Scotland I finally learned that the problem was my Illialtibial Band, ITB Syndrome is what I had. ITB is the fascia that covers all our muscles. It isn't just bones, muscles and ligaments, without this fascia we would sort of be lumpy sacks. The attachment muscle points get knots stretching this ITB tight, it then rubs against the outside of our knee becoming inflamed. I went from taped up and hobbling with my trekking poles to rolling out my butt and thigh muscle to being able to walk normally in ten minutes. I'd finally found this on the internet and would never have tried anything on my knee, but the solution was no where near my knee - so why not. I rolled out the knots in my butt and thigh with my travel mug wrapped in a piece of yoga pad I use while camping. Yep, I looked silly. It worked. (My knee was still inflamed so it had to heal over several days, but soon I was walking 5-10 miles a day every day no problem.) Back to hiking boots. When I was a teacher I'd wear my Keens and stand up for 6 hours everyday - no problem. Later on that 2009 trip I took my breaks during a 17 mile hike in the Himalayas standing up. I should edit this... but... Hope it helps. .

[@bethewalt7385]

You cannot be flipping serious, long winded much, I'm 63 and you're embarrassing me, major ick! Dearie, no one asked and no one cares, wow!! Bet you're fun at dinner😂😂😂a complete lecture on lightweight hikers, such fun! And carbon fiber hiking poles, ooooh scintillating 😂😂😂😂😂

[@yukiefromoz2573]

The fact that there are no kids on river cruises are one of the attractions for us haha...

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree 😀

[@Marchant2]

A vacation with no kids is what vacations are for.

[@mildredalexander2001]

You are funny!

[@koset]

I never blame the kids. They're the parents' responsibility. As children, we were never allowed to run amuck in places where we should behave. They took us to playgrounds often.

[@markvahlkamp5443]

Damn right

[@arteyeBrazzell]

That was pretty accurate! I've been on five Viking river cruises and I'm about to go on a Riviera cruise for Christmas. I disagree about the lower cabins. Especially if you're going on a Christmas cruise, why pay the money for a full window when you are not going to use that balcony and you're not going to open that window and you're mostly going to be staring into somebody else's cabin because they tether the ships together. The same size room is downstairs with a half window that runs the width of the room. It's a deep window and not only do you see what other people see but you might have a duck or a swan go by because you're on the water level. One night I went to sleep looking at a castle and woke up looking at a brick wall. You spend so little time in your room that it just doesn't matter. And the room is not smaller!

[@bobcochran2890]

You can indeed have downtime. You can stay on the ship and not do an excursion, which we have often done, especially in the last day or so of a cruise, when you may be a bit weary and don’t want to visit ABC (another bloody cathedral)! If the weather is good, you can go up to the top and relax in a lounge chair or read a book, or take a nap.

[@golfergirl67]

European river cruises don't appeal to us because we don't care to see cathedrals and museums.

[@ernestgalvan9037]

@@golfergirl67 ….yes… exactly why Baskin-Robbins sells ‘31-Flavors’. Different folks like different things, and at times your ‘likes’ may change, or you may feel ‘adventurous’. Choice is Good.

[@markhbeardsley5102]

My ex-girlfriends father was a concert organist (is that a word?) and she had spent her youth going from one cathedral to another and positively HATED cathedrals! Not ABC for us! So when we decided to tour the UK she insisted that she plan the itinerary. So we did a circuit of England and Scotland that covered 3,000 miles in 15 days, concentrating on vistas, castles and pubs. 200 miles a day should be easy, right? Not if they are almost all on B roads. We followed one herd of sheep after another, we were lucky if we averaged 35 mph for the day. Our downtime was spent watch sheep butts waddling down the road through the windshield of our VW Polo. It is funny now, but then? LOL!

[@golfergirl67]

@@markhbeardsley5102 That would have made me crazy. I planned a 10 day car trip through New Zealand - from Auckland to Christchurch - and also had sheep crossing issues. But, even with that, thousands of rental camper vans on narrow roads, and driving on the left, we did okay. We intentionally skipped wineries, anything indoors, and Maori sites.

[@tekay44]

yeah, i didn't get that part, my brother in law was perfectly happy to hang around the boat while I accompanied the girls on excursions, he loved it.

[@stevefazzio]

We took a river cruise once when we were in the lowest level cabin floor. Lots of noise from barge propellers! Cabins above the waterline are DEFINITELY worth it!

[@oopik0059]

I agree with the busyness of a river cruise. I ended up taking a day off, and just stayed on the ship, and enjoyed cruising with the ship quiet and mostly empty.

[@lynettepepper4169]

Just returned from a 10 day Danube cruise. It was excellent. Great tours al along, laundry was perfect. We enjoyed it. I had a 23 kg suitcase and carry on. No proble. Breakfast was 8 to 10. Dinner 8 to 10. We had 12 hours to tour.

[@skontheroad]

You are not going to relax--excellent point! My in-laws crossed paths with us in Venice one year and popped into our hotel to day hi (only bc we were at the Danieli... 🙄 ) By the time I was done with the concierge and turned around, they were gone (how convenient, right??)! They didn't have time for a long visit as they were so busy and had to get back. Afterwards, they said that at their age, River cruising is the only way to go. And their advice was not to take kids who won't appreciate and want to take part in the scheduled activities. I always loved walking tours and historical experiences since I am young. And my children were the same. With a great guide, anyone who is interested will have a great experience.

[@karyngoff20]

I recognize Cesky Krumlov from a visit there in 2019 - such a lovely place!

[@elisaastorino2881]

I was there years ago - it was history come to life!

[@edwardwithenshaw849]

Your not forced to go on tours, you can just relax on board with a few other guests, it’s up to you.

[@khead55]

Rhine River Viking. We had a lower cabin and preferred it. You cruise at night except one day when cruising the castle section. Didn't need a full window or veranda because you are either sleeping or in other parts of the ship. You also don't get surprised seeing someone looking in your cabin when docked. The ship often docks next to each other. I would also rather save the upgrade and purchase additional excurtions.

[@johnbyatt7463]

I had the pleasure of doing a river cruise in 2015 ,i started the trip in Berlin traveled down to Dresden, Prague then to Budapest we embarked on Armarena for 15 days on the Danube stopping at towns ( Vienna, durnstein, melk, linz, passau miltenberg, Nuremberg, bamberg, Rothenberg colonge andernach, Amsterdam finishing at Paris i travelled with A.P.T cruises and never faulted this cruise line. I will travel with cruise this line again .John from Australia...

[@HopeNazir]

Am I the only one as a kid who would have LOVED this? Have always been a history person

[@lisaroy9538]

Love them because of history and cultural experience

[@christinebutler7630]

My parents took us on "grown-up" trips and excursions all the time. We loved it,.and we were taught at home how to behave properly when put and about. As for food, I was eating olives as a toddler. We never had "kid food" in our house.

[@c.m.7734]

took our 2 tween daughters on the Rhine Christmas cruise and they loved it!

[@patti1044]

Love our river cruise experiences in Russia and Europe. Had no issue with our "aquarium" room - for us it meant more budget for adding days to our trip.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear, and that you enjoyed the cabins!

[@chrisstraub261]

Did the Douro in a "duck view" cabin. Was wonderful and spent lots of time on deck with others.

[@kenpaul153]

Did the Nile right after(Right After as in a day, with our teenage daughters) the revolution. Lousy food and wine. Awesome experience which is, by far, the point. Did the Duoro ourselves with one daughter but a day trip only. Nice but the land trip/winery tour, fill in, was a waste.

[@dianathorpe2280]

We've been on several Viking river cruises and enjoyed them immensely. All your tips are very good. We usually travel late in the season which requires warm socks, shoes and waterproof boots. We also bring warm hats, scarves, and gloves. Being prepared for cold and wet weather is a must for October and November and especially December cruising. My sister in law came with us and she was not prepared for cold weather and lots of walking so she ended up wearing some of my extras. Lucky for her I brought two of everything.

[@glennstokes510]

Having been on two River cruises, both Viking, one in China and one on the Rhine/Danube, I can concur that you are giving good reasonable advice.

[@chrisstraub261]

On the Nile they warned us at dinner to close our curtains so we didn't have others observing our room since more boats were arriving late in the evening.

[@tekay44]

you don't even notice them, when in port you are gone, and, when on the boat, you are sleeping or eating, no issues with docking next to other boats.

[@rbilleaud]

Basically the most part thing is BE ADAPTABLE. Adventure vacations are just that, an adventure. Unpredictability is part of the experience.

[@jimengfer3905]

You have great advice. My wife and I did a Viking cruise, Prague to Paris. It was great. My comfy boots have been to Czech, Germany, Luxemburg, France, Malta, Greece, and Italy! We did a Med cruise and the River cruise. Our favorite was the River cruise. We will do it again in a heartbeat

[@DDGLJ]

Thanks for this video. I think that river cruising is a completely different type of travel that probably doesn't have much in common with ocean cruising aside from the fact that they both involve ships. We've done a lot of land-based travel and have never once been tempted by an ocean cruise. Too many people and not enough interesting things to experience. River cruising seems like an easy way to see more of the things we like without the constant packing & unpacking and dealing with transportation. As you say, it's busy and that's what we like! Looking forward to our first cruise on the Danube next year. Hope you do more river cruise videos in the future, your videos are honest and straightforward. Thanks!

[@einfussganger]

Just got back from a Viking Rhine river cruise. It was spectacular - everything went like clockwork from pickup at the airport, the cruise, the excursions, and getting us to our gate on the way back. The staff was amazing. I had brought along a book to read and didn't open it until the flight home. Walked 20,000 steps each day and we had perfect weather the entire time. We're planning our next trip and it will be Viking as well.

[@annefitz7346]

Great news. We’re doing Prague to Paris May 2024🤞🍀🙏

[@jolewis-brown6608]

I’ve been on two Riviera Travel river cruises; I highly recommend the company, excellent holidays - well organised and excellent food. Bikes on board and a small gym.

[@johnk5869]

I just returned from a Viking cruise on the Danube. I generall agree with most of what Gary has to say with one big exception. We were relegated to a cabin on the lower deck as the those with a veranda were sold out. We had absolutely zero problem with the lower deck accomodations. It was comfortable and quite. Indeed, the cruise director asked those using the track on the sun deck not to use the track during the usual time people were trying to sleep as it was noisy for the people on the deck below.

[@Paquette7024]

I went on a river cruise in 2019. Overall, I enjoyed the amenities, the food, and the attractions. The above water cabins do have better scenery and the fresh air is pleasant in most cases, while on the downside, mosquitoes in your room and the smell of manure as you travel through the countryside with the windows open, especially at night. Loved most of the towns and attractions - the monument pertaining to the German unification of 1871 (?) at the top of a hill after taking a cable car ride was amazing. The downside to tours is that, unless you do quite a bit of advance research, they sometimes take you to places that are meh at best and we would have been better off just exploring the city/town near the dock. The small number of passengers on a river boat (versus the thousands on an ocean cruise) lead to more interactions because you see these people every day - this is a good thing. The river cruises are more laid back and lack the entertainment centric experience of ocean cruises - depends on what you you are looking for.

[@gerardacronin334]

I quite agree about getting currency, especially Euros. Some years ago I cruised the Danube, visiting Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. I came prepared with all the relevant currency. However, a friend came with me and as an inexperienced traveller, she assumed she would be able to use ATMs wherever she went. Her Canadian bank card was repeatedly rejected. I had to bankroll her for most of the cruise. Another NoNo in my book is to overestimate your capabilities. On my Danube cruise, there was an elderly woman who walked slowly with a walker. She insisted on taking all the walking tours even though she was completely unable to negotiate steps and raised thresholds, which, for example, are ubiquitous in Prague, without assistance. She held up our entire group, whined constantly, and made everyone else’s life miserable. She then complained about the tour guide. I went to the tour director to stand up for our tour guide, who I thought was doing a great job under difficult circumstances. I learnt that the tour director had tried to persuade this woman to eschew the more difficult walking tours, but to no avail. Please don’t be like that woman.

[@greggkemp5985]

So....the lesson learned here.....take all the old peoples walkers away from them on day one. Got it, thanks man. ;)

[@ninmc5959]

@@greggkemp5985 naughty 🤣🤣

[@laceandbits]

That surprises me because my sister's Canadian cards worked everywhere we've been in Spain, even in a tiny Galician fishing town.

[@patrickmurphy9882]

I’ve had back problems and always decline walking tours. Why make myself and others miserable?

[@gerardacronin334]

@@patrickmurphy9882 Thank you! Next time we are travelling together, I owe you a coffee!

[@richardblough]

I was a pianist at sea for years. This video is good accurate information!!

[@viasmobile38]

Going on a Provence River Cruise in September 2022 with Riviera Travel, have moved this twice. Looking forward to it. Have also done many ocean cruises, just wanted to try something a bit different. Have a cabin on the top deck, want to take in all the scenery. Looking forward to it being all inclusive and everything arranged for us.

[@jamesmilos9909]

Gary, your Chanel is fantastic! I’ve learned so much, even when I can’t cruise, I get to cruise vicariously through you! Thanks so much!

[@kvom01]

We booked lower cabins as they were available with single supplement waived. I was never bothered by noise in the locks, and the windows there are not really for watching anyway.

[@BeenThrDunThat]

Same. We spent so little time in the cabin as well. Enjoying scenery from various outdoor decks seemed better than staying in the room as well. Lower rooms didn't bother us much at all overall.

[@victormorell3016]

I agree! I had no problems with my lower cabin, and I was delighted to avoid the dreaded single supplement!

[@tekay44]

it's not that lower cabins are a problem, but, the views from the upper rooms are fantastic, sit on the balcony and have morning coffee, etc. I have been on three river cruises, and, i would not take a lower cabin, i would do something else.

[@voyager619sd]

I've been on two Viking River Cruises, Grand European Tour and European Sojourn. Had the most enjoyable cruises. Both times we had the water level cabins. Yes it is darker but noise was never an issue. The money we saved with this cabin paid for extra tours and shopping items. You are only in the cabin to sleep and change. Rest of the time we were on the upper decks enjoying the scenery, the fancy coffee machine, interacting with other travelers. We do ocean cruises on Holland America, always have a Verandah cabin if available. If not, a window cabin. Not doing interior cabins.

[@pablo831]

We stopped in Budapest Hungary on our river cruise which was the last stop. We decided to stay on a few days to see more of Hungary. They accept both Euros and Florins there which is there local currency. We found out they charge more for purchases with Euros than their local currency In some restaurants and shops it could be over 20 per cent more. We purchased the currency in the U.S before we flew to Europe.

[@richardc488]

We did one on the Nile, water level was no problem at all. You should do Egypt if you really want to do a river cruise

[@katiemartell6520]

Hi, Gary. We are taking a 15 day Grand European Tour next month (we have taken 6 ocean cruises, and this is first River cruise, except for day cruise I took on the Rhine in 1982). We are doing carry-on only so we are paring down as much as possible!). Thanks for all your great advice!

[@Texasbird026]

How was your trip? We are signed up for a similar trip next year.

[@TinekeWilliams]

We boarded a boat in Budapest and to Bruge, highly recommended. Did not speak a word of the language but keep smiling, that way you hopefully get service

[@robkunkel8833]

Did two river European cruises with Viking. Stayed in lower rooms and it was fine for us. It was at least $1,000 for something else. If I heard the lock, I was always on deck to watch. For me, it was part of the splendor.

[@oldprankster7606]

I and my wife once did a Baltic Sea Cruise which was fantastic - Stockholm to Helsinki to St. Petersburg to Copenhagen. There was down time scheduled in to allow for some sightseeing and lunch and dinner on your own. We had a balcony cabin that gave us great views, plus I had a place to hang my wash while I was out on tour. No endless rows of docked watercraft. And unlimited drinks! I'm not sure that a river cruise would ever top that.

[@katiemartell6520]

We did the Baltic cruise and loved it! Tallinn Estonia was fantastic and St. Petersburg!

[@jodyjohnsen]

I never would have considered a river cruise before watching this. US ocean cruises are just commercial gambling sales nonstop! But a tightly packed schedule with lots of walking, history and local food sounds appealing. I’ll check it out if I get a room far from the exhaust.

[@jeanettecarpenter4437]

I did river cruising before sea cruising and I am so glad that I did because now I am disabled and use a wheelchair I would not be able to get around on a river cruise. We took my daughters on the Nile for a cruise when they were 10 and 11 years old and they loved it.

[@jacquelyns9709]

Jeanette, I don't know where you are from so this may not be useful information for you. However, the American Queen Steamboat Company cruises on US rivers. Her boats are wheelchair accessible. So are the shore excursion buses! They also have golf cart type vehicles that will take you from the boat to where the buses are parked. (You can use the carts if you have any mobility issues.) They include 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay. They pick up your luggage from inside your hotel room early in the morning. On my cruise there were passengers from the UK and Australia.

[@monkeygirl55]

Love the lower cabins on river cruises. They are so cozy.

[@RichardGillingham-i5x]

We went on the Viking Grand European cruise in 2022. Our cabin was on the “duck deck” and we were fine with it. We had tours every day and spent lots of time on the upper deck. The cabin was no issue and we had a wonderful time.

[@evaluateanalysis7974]

Some of the things that he mentions as being available on a ship but not a riverboat you don't need anyway. A ship offers them because it can be a long way from land at night and may not be in port for very long in the day. A riverboat is close to land and docked for a long time in the day.

[@Traveler-rv]

Had a lower level room on Viking. No problem for us. We were in our room to take care of essentials….the rest of the time we were upstairs enjoying the beautiful scenery, eating, entertainment, etc. Our cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam was memorable. We had no complaints on this wonderful vacation.

[@jaymandelker6632]

HI Gary, I'm a travel agent in Toronto and love your videos. I enjoy each one. 🙂

[@sarahjane9512]

River cruise was the best vacation I have ever been on. Loved it.

[@suziecc4696]

My husband and I have done many cruises and also River cruises and nothing beats River cruises! Did Bucharest to Vienna and a few years later did Vienna to Amsterdam with Avalon. Today we just booked a River cruise on the Mekong River (in 2023). We have also booked two cruises for 2022, Scandinavia, Russia and one Western Europe. Hope we can cruise then!

[@brucemiller2057]

Did Viking from Budapest to Amsterdam a few years ago. GREAT cruise. We had one low water issue. They bused us 40 miles and we switched ships with the "opposing, opposite direction" ship. We did have to pack up but they took care of everything else. Same exact room. Different crew, same cruise director. Had nice tour and great local lunch. No worries!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear

[@annemorton3678]

The advantage of booking with Viking who have many boats to facilitate this option.

[@evaluateanalysis7974]

@@annemorton3678 Good point!

[@kittecat963]

I never considered a river cruise but it sounds appealing to me. I hate flying and have done long distance bus tourism many times so this would be an upgrade.

[@MrHondatrxex]

I just took a river cruise on the Rhine. We had lower level cabins. They where fine because we where sleeping when the boat moved from city to city so who cares if you can see out. If you wanted to see out goto the lounge and have a drink and enjoy the view. We were the youngest group at the oldest of our group was 42 and the youngest was 13. It was a touch weird for my kids but they behaved and had a great time.

[@rskypuppy2000]

My wife and I did the Viking Romantic Danube cruise from Budapest to Regensburg and then over to Prague. Our cabin was very comfortable. The staff was wonderful. The sights magnificent. All around a fantastic experience. We look forward to another cruise in the near future.

[@citizen240]

Sounds like an itinerary I could go for. (I also like your symbol. Do you eat your soup with a knife?😉)

[@citizen240]

Sounds like an itinerary I could go for. (I also like your symbol. Do you eat your soup with a knife?😉)

[@Drew-dg1qr]

When we took our Rhine Cruise , the food was excellent. How were the meals on the Danube Cruise? There have been complaints of poor meals from some disgruntled travelers. I think it was due to COVID-19 and the lack of trained staff.

[@rskypuppy2000]

@@Drew-dg1qr the meals on the cruise we took where top notch. The service was great.

[@wraubertoslots]

We just got off of an AMA Danube river cruise and I will say that I agree with everything in this video. However, we were in a lower cabin and really didn't find it to be that much of a deal. Also, as you mentioned in point one, the water levels destroyed our original itinerary, but the Cruise Director managed to have an excursion every day. One benefit that we found was with a smaller number of customers our Cruise Director had the time to track down our luggage and get it on to an ever-moving ship after Lufthansa decided that we didn't need to be in the same place as our luggage.

[@happytraveller2122]

The bussing ! 5 river cruises. Never happened yet. Agree. Go to the middle level. Less noise from above too

[@rodneypeters5504]

Went on a river cruise about 5 years ago stayed in a lower deck cabin never had a problem with noise, in fact my wife and I slept very well lulled to sleep by the swishing of the water against the hull.

[@auggie803]

-If you could hear that swishing through the hull It must have been a very thin hull. Good thing no torpedo's hit that hull.

[@gottuso]

Hi Gary, love you and your videos. I just wanted to relay my experience this past spring (Apr-May). Paris to Avignon to Camargue and back on a Belmond Cruise. I was able to do the entire trip with my Apple Card and iPhone. I didn't find any shop or restaurant anywhere from Paris to Provence where it didn't work for me. I found it extremely de-stressing and I didn't have to worry about euros or using my American debit card. Love you again. Cheers.

[@gullrock14]

If it rains, you will be in the very small ship with very little space. It was cold and rainy on our Budapest to Amsterdam cruise in July!

[@trixie6793]

I'm wanting to go on a river Cruise... I'll never go on a cruise ship yet a river Cruise ...I'm all for it Thanks

[@nigellee9824]

On our last cruise, my wife said I want to change cabins, I asked why, she said I can see the guy in the next cabin getting showered……I said no you can’t, she said you can if you climb onto the top of the wardrobe…….

[@TrashedPandaProductions]

So that was her...

[@andrewwheeler1257]

We went on a Viking cruise in May 2022 and were surprised that we couldn’t use our Euros in the Uk, Poland or Hungary. I advise that everyone check local policies before you go. We were caught off guard and had to scramble to get local currency.

[@lfin386]

Nothing wrong with the lower berth cabins, they are much cheaper & you do not spend much time in them anyway. We always book these cabins. However my partner upgraded to an upper deck cabin on one cruise as a treat as it was my birthday. Turned out to be a waste of money as every time we docked we were against another boat & in darkness. We were rarely able to sit on the balcony because of this. We cruised with Viking & Riviera & found Viking far superior. In recent years river cruises have got quite expensive though

[@bcr8tve]

Great tips, i learned painful way too lured by the idea of fine dining, intimate setting and romantic towns. My first river cruise i booked cabin near anchor. It scared me to death early morning hearing the anchor being lowered. It was a my cousin Vinny moment with noise and vibrations.

[@fleageful]

Gary, you're always interesting and provide good advice. Thanks for the effort.

[@mf5531]

i agree. i wish he would throw in an occasional smile, but other than that, excellent video. very informative.

[@lewis7315]

get vacation cruise and medical insurance...several horror stories of medical expenses and the cruise ship NOT allowing you back on the boat!!! Stranded various places thousands of miles from home!!!

[@rael5469]

Fantastic video and a great advertisement for river cruising in Europe.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you liked it!

[@valgalloway6914]

My only river cruise was on the Rhine. Booked via Cosmos we were too few (around 20 people) to justify their own vessel and they'd got us onto a Dutch ship. Our other travellers were very friendly and many Dutch people spoke some English (my Dutch is limited to Please & Thank-you). The food, of course, was Dutch so we in effect lived in the Netherlands and went out to visit Germany each day. I loved it.

[@Rhodeislander]

Everyone thinking about this type of cruising should see this video, Bravo.

[@SpringRubber]

Thank you for all the straightforward advice. We'll be doing our first river cruise in Summer 2022 with another couple. I went to Europe in the 80s as an exchange student and carried with me a well-worn "Let's Go" book as my multi-country travel guide.

[@sheilalarson8964]

Great tips, Gary! One of the best tips you had was to let travelers know that you won't have much down time. When planning a vacation, I like to figure one whether I want active sightseeing or a relaxing time overall. Sometimes I don't want to get up early for an excursion.

[@rachelmisc]

This is my thinking. Just b/c there’s a tour doesn’t mean you have to go, right? Do they allow people to stay on board?

[@caroleanne8529]

@@rachelmisc My question too.

[@clairetasker9181]

@@rachelmisc yes they do you, can pick which excursions to go on. Our USA friends paid for a package and went on EVERY excursion, they agreed it was a trip NOT a holiday. We paid as we went so had lovely downtime on board. BUT we are in UK and able to travel many of these places again, easily

[@willyp9847]

I agree with the other posters. The 5 most recent cruises I have taken (4 river & 1 ocean) were with Viking, and they were the most enjoyable, well-organized from start to finish that I have experienced...great food, service & excursions/guides. While I personally prefer the ocean cruises (the 900-1100 passenger Viking ships are perfectly sized, ie, big but not too big), I agree with Gary that the river cruises are more educational since you're closer to the individual destination sites & cities. I can't wait for the pandemic restrictions to end so that I can resume cruising.

[@Warriorbox]

Glad to see my notifications are now working... first time I have ever been first on a video, but I wouldn't miss one of yours. Great information on River Cruising.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear !!!

[@traceymarshall5868]

I am an owner of a travel agency and watch your videos for the latest updates. Thank you!

[@philhewett1601]

I spent almost zero time, other than sleeping, in my cabin. I did not find terraced cabins that much of an upgrade. Perhaps I've never fully moved beyond military travel days and have been conditioned to less than optimal settings!

[@i.b.640]

I am hearing impaired. Every Cabin is quiet, once I take the aids out of the ears 🤣

[@Bobrogers99]

Sometimes an unscheduled interruption can add a bit of adventure to a cruise. Many years ago, our Elbe River cruise ran aground because the Czechs decided to close their dam to maintain the water level in their recreation lake. We got to see a village that never planned on tourists, and we enjoyed the hospitality of their small railway station. Our Rhine River cruise was only half full because a large travel agency that had booked many cabins went bankrupt. Our Danube River cruise was shortened at the last minute when war broke out in then-Yugoslavia, and only 40 of us remained onboard. (The Captain said his choice was to raise their German flag high and go like hell past the gunfire, but his bosses didn't agree.) Our Russian Waterways cruise in 1993 was full of unscheduled changes, all of them memorable! So be flexible and go with the flow.

[@tipsfortravellers]

You certainly seem to have some interesting adventures :-) :-)

[@williamtoliver6425]

@@tipsfortravellers I think it would be a good idea to have a video on why River cruising is not good for some people. There is a segment out there which would not like it and by laying out all the differences those folks can make an informed decision. To give you a few examplrs: Fine dining- I would not like it. My palate is not 5 star. Wine- a big part of the experience. I am not a wine drinker. So that aspect is lost on me. Eating some meals ashore- ok but that is going to run up your expenses. Time in port- one does not have options here. There are other aspects as well. Again, there is a segment that such a video could help these folks make the right decision.

[@ChrisWoollett]

1993 would be after East Germany reunited with West Germany in 1990 to became Germany and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 so you got to see an united Germany still rebuliding itself after being spilt in two for many decades as the Russians used to control East Germany.

[@keyannaantoinette7912]

🤣 wow!

[@Bobrogers99]

@@ChrisWoollett On the Elbe cruise, as we passed a large outfall of city sewerage, a German woman I was talking with said with a sigh, "We have so much work to do here." I'm told that when the Russians pulled out, they took every bit of machinery and equipment they could.

[@clairewyndham1971]

I really wish Viking had cruises and rates for Single people.

[@gogreen7794]

Every cabin should be priced for a solo traveler and then a second person pays a supplement. This "per person, double occupancy" is so misleading and solo travelers are treated like second class travelers.

[@clairewyndham1971]

@gogreen7794 - Well, even now, the cruise lines and travel agents booking trips to Europe are exclaiming "WE NOW OFFER SINGLE RATES!! CALL NOW!" So, I called. You are put into a tiny cabin, no window to the outside, garish and tiny! And the price is about 2-300.00 less than if 2 people were traveling. It's like your being penalized for being single.

[@MT-vw6ff]

I agree with you, I have been on 4 Viking cruises and loved it. Uniworld offers rates for single people at times, and I’m actually traveling for the second time with them in October. They are very familiar to Viking but the food on Uniworld was tastier to me!

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Very good review. I've only been on one European river cruise but you seemed to have nailed it.

[@brucemadu8535]

Keep your eye on water levels. Yah right - you book these trips months in advance.

[@nispelsm]

He meant that you should check with the cruise line a few days before leaving, so you know in advance whether they had to cancel or reschedule certain stops or events on short notice. It's a lot easier to get a refund for a cancelled stop/event before you leave on your trip, than it is to get one afterwards.

[@karenday9109]

Yeah that's how I understood it..

[@Teddykins]

Thanks for the informative tips going on first river cruise.

[@marygorden2334]

Gary, I very much appreciate how you’ve gone overboard (pun intended 😅) to help all of us river cruise hopefuls to know all the ins and outs before we go. Bravo!!! Your fan in North Texas

[@thomfisher1100]

Skip the river cruise and buy a Rail Pass (in the States) ride first class, stop when and where you wish and you can still get certain river boat segments on the pass with reservations. Missed your train? Buy a copy of the European Rail Time table in advance. The rail ticket is good on all trains...so catch the next one along....A lot more fun, meet the people, stay local, eat local. You'll enjoy the experience much more and you will see more for less cost. Been there, done that.

[@m.susandenton1077]

Thank you so much for your "European Cruise Line" tips and information. I do appreciate it.

[@kosys5338]

My number 1 don't when it comes to river cruising, is don't go river cruising. That was my biggest mistake when it comes to river cruising.

[@kosys5338]

@@karldunnegan2689 Well, I wasn't one of those repeat customers. I try hard not to make the same mistake twice. Cheers!

[@kosys5338]

@@karldunnegan2689 It seems you got yourself just a little triggered my friend. LOL. Like you said to each their own, sorry that my opinion offends you such. Don't worry you'll get over it. Now grow up.

[@Eztliz]

@@kosys5338 What happened?

[@NPK476]

@@kosys5338 Karl enjoys telling people to go fist themselves, I think he had a fisting related accident and that's why he can't take a land vacation.

[@kosys5338]

@@NPK476 Yeah, good old Karl is obvious a river cruiser that got his panties in a knot. He is also a fine example as to why river cruising sucks, there are just to many river cruisers exactly like him. Uptight, pretentious and easily triggered. Karl really didn't have to go out of his way to prove my point though, but hay it is what it is. Cheers!

[@elizabethcherney5938]

I just found this randomly and I love this - you’ve got a new subscriber

[@timomorrison9845]

If you've ever lived aboard a mono hull sailboat, then you'll get an idea what these lower river boat rooms are like. No big deal.

[@matof1428]

One of the best things I think you can do on a river cruise is to take your bikes. Of course, if your health allows it and if the cruise operator allows this possibility. Some companies offer cruises that are also intended for cyclists. And nowadays you can use your boat as a "base" for recharging your electric bikes.🙂

[@Thrunabulax10]

we like the ability to go on a cruise walking tour, and break off half way thru and hit our own gourmet restaurant for lunch, or see other things to do. DO pay attention to when they sale! But there was always enough time to do a number of different things on shore!

[@peterchen8868]

The bottom level cabin are comparable to an inside cabin on ocean cruises, how much time do you spent there? Given your mentioning that you will be out with excursions most of the day. I don't remember being bothered by engine room noise in my sleep. I also do not remember that the boats were nested together to spent the night. During daytime at different towns, that may be necessary due to the amount of boats stopping by.

[@wheresalesha]

Thanks for this traveling education. I'm always making sure the food is good on all my travels, cruise or not. I literally take foodie vacays.

[@garyr3513]

Expect the unexpected, embrace all of it, you’ll have fun!

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

Great tips Gary.... especially about water levels. Top information!

[@lyndakling901]

I’d be claustrophobic in a lower cabin....very helpful!

[@sunnyscott4876]

Especially knowing it's below the waterline ! Noooo!

[@edwardthejust4452]

I was an "anti-Cruise" person before I watched this video, but as a frequent visitor to Western Europe I decided to watch the video. You only confirmed all of my fears and concerns in reference to river cruises. I will stay an independent traveler.

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

Covid19 = no travelling for the past year

[@MG-ot2yr]

Same here, been independently traveling for decades, about 100 countries so far. I can't imagine being herded around on some set itinerary with limited time in places. I like to see sights but that's not really the entire focus of my travels, which is to experience a place, sometimes just soaking up the sights and sounds and enjoying the local cuisine. I don't travel on any preplanned itinerary, sometimes make hotel reservations as I go, especially Europe where lodging is so abundant, as long as you're not trying to travel there in peak season.

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

@@MG-ot2yr Don't have to worry about "peak season" Nobody can go anywhere Haha 🤣😸

[@MG-ot2yr]

@@capitainebonhomme1609 Not funny. When things return to normal, and we hope that's soon, yes there will be "peak season" once again.

[@triarb5790]

Whole heartedly agree. I have done precisely one organised trip in 45 years of travelling. On a safari trip through Botswana. And that only had 9 people on it, 4 of whom were me and my family. The idea of holidaying on someone else's timetable and being corralled to see en masse only the 'set' things on a rigid itinerary is my idea of hell. I've had too many unplanned magical moments to give up independent travel.

[@JohnS-um3lm]

Very good and accurate video. We’ve gone on one river cruise and didn’t like it for all the reasons stated in this video. The water level is the most important point, we thought we were going on a river cruise not on a bus tour. We’ll stick to ocean cruising, much more predictable and for a lot less money.

[@helencolgan8580]

Back in my day we (girls) had summer and winter uniforms. My first summer the school decided to change the colour and style of dress. My elder sister had the new summer uniform but I wore her old summer one. Yes, I did get told off but wasn’t put in isolation or had detention because of it.

[@dezfranklin5182]

You are are very easy to listen to dude, keep it up 👍