I Tried a BUDGET River Cruise and It Wasn't What I Expected

[@EmmaCruises]

ad - Today I was looking at the TUI website and found a discount that brings this same cruise next October down to £1098 per person. Given how much everything has gone up in the last couple of years and how much that includes, I think that's a fantastic price. 😇👏🏼 There are other dates available of course, but the one mentioned above is the 20th of October. 👀😊 Click Here to See The Itinerary and Use Code 'RC300' For The Discount: tui-uk.7cnq.net/R5gNv2 (affiliate link) 🔗💸 Ps, If you haven't seen my video from that cruise, you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5CziY2Bo9yam68si=amOrUGXEB6NO-T06 📹📺

[@johnhaxby306]

when people tell me I might be bored on a cruise or staying outside of the center of a city or town I say "EXCELLENT"! , being bored means I get to relax and lay there like a slug without feeling guilty.

[@dgk42]

I agree. Having nothing to do is not boring. Having time to read a book, or just watch the water rush by, is time to be savoured.

[@carriebateman4465]

Exactly! I all heard was “book reading time with a view”. 😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@cremebrulee4759]

I agree. It's great to be able to relax. Who needs the hectic, action-packed ocean liners with roller coasters and 5,000 strangers? Being able to sit on a quiet deck and watch the scenery go by or read a book sounds perfect.

[@dgk42]

@@cremebrulee4759 I love how Emma shows us all kinds of ocean/river cruising. Makes it so much easier to decide which ones to choose.

[@angiefatafehi7841]

😂🤣ditto!

[@vegassims7]

Found your series by accident and I honestly must tell, even though Im not a cruiser myself, I found myself BINGE watching your videos.. very good and entertaining.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@Catie2010]

SAME!!! Emma's voice is like ASMR.

[@elettra7511]

Me too!

[@gonffc]

Me too

[@joyrobinson123]

I did the same and looove these videos. When I cruise in the future Emma will have been a huge influence!

[@kevinrussak1031]

My dad went cruising with me until he was 96 he loved going on cruises we were on one just before the pandemic. He passed away at 98 and he was my cruising buddy

[@nellgrill3845]

Wow !! What wonderful memories u can cherish !! U were so fortunate 😊👍🌞

[@kevinrussak1031]

@@nellgrill3845 thanks I was and I would do it all over again to

[@streaming5332]

Lucky you, no annoying mother.

[@jessicamcneil5624]

I traveled with my mom after I retired. Took her to Europe, New Zealand, Canada, Panama Canal, British Isles from the time she was 78 to 91. Yes, great memories. Now I take my son, daughter-in-law and grandson on cruises. Great for multigenerational families. We are going on Celebrity to the Eastern Mediterranean in a few months.

[@katelyn3997]

I went on a Rhine river cruise with my 89yr old dad in 2019, we had a wonderful trip. We were the only Australians & Dad was the oldest passenger so got special attention. The year before dad & I went to Japan with my son, daughter in law & grandson. Sadly dad now has dementia so our cruising days together are over.

[@robertsrodulski9438]

Hi. On the Skyla right now, in Passau. Just wanted to update some items. Bathroom door problem fixed. They added another layer of frost. Meals are bountiful and filling. Still 2 outlets in each room. Air conditioning now has an ice setting, brrrr. Having a wonderful times because of your review. Flew in from the states, only Americans onboard.

[@fitfrog65]

When I was Emma's age, this would have been high luxury. In my twenties a vacation usually involved sleeping in a car.

[@carolcox302]

Same!

[@kerryman69]

Car ? Hitching and camping was my limit ! But Emma does a great job showing what I missed !

[@evelynwilson1566]

Mine were a bed in a room with six other people in an hostel - and childhood holidays were a week in a Hoseasons park😅Now that I'm I go for a private room😂.

[@tazmaniachill]

Try hop picking holidays 😂

[@nstarrenburg]

My wife and I are from Australia and we have done about 5 European cruises with Amawaterways, Viking and Uniworld. I was initially a bit daunted by the fact that this video was 30 minutes but, in all honesty, you did a brilliant job! Very informative, very detailed and interesting. Top marks. PS - also laughed at the shower scene.

[@kevinwylde4737]

Nick we are from Perth WA. Which cruise line did you find the best and why. My wife and I have never been on one, but will once covid is over

[@nstarrenburg]

@@kevinwylde4737 - of the three companies we travelled with Amawaterways was definitely the pick. There are no absolute guarantees in life but we just found them to be better organised, a real sense of friendliness and extremely good cruise directors each time. Their ships have a better feel - not too much “shiny finishes and metal edges” while at the same time being modern and comfortable. We have been on both ocean cruises to NZ and in Europe and river cruises on the Rhine and Danube. The river cruises are more expensive per day but all excursions are included and it is a very different feel to an ocean cruise.

[@malcolmschenot6352]

I have to congratulate Emma on communicating her information in the most efficient, informative way. My pet peeve are KZbinrs who meander, perambulate, and hem and haw, repeat themselves endlessly. Emma delivers! I haven't the slightest desire to go on a cruise, yet I thoroughly enjoy her videos.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@DaveAmbroseflavadave11369]

This is my favorite rabbit hole I’ve been down on KZbin. This channel is so pleasant.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you so much!! 😊😊😊

[@harmonizeentertainment]

I will be starting at American Cruise Lines as a steward in a few weeks, thank you for making these videos, it's giving me a much better idea of what to expect, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week is worth it if we get to serve awesome people like you, and the rest of the wonderful people I have seen since visiting your channel. Cheers.

[@mikegehre570]

From what I experienced, the passengers will treat you well. You’ll get to know them better as it’s not over crowded as in ocean cruises

[@mpb3481]

In the US and Canada, coriander refers to the seeds and cilantro to the leaves. Elsewhere the whole plant is called coriander. There are no different names for the various parts of the plant. Wonderful video, Emma. Comprehensive, informative and unexpectedly comical with that priceless bathroom performance! 😂

[@robertvanasse1521]

Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander, it became the common term in American English for coriander leaves, due to its extensive use as an herb in Mexican recipes. But as the previous poster noted, “coriander” is used in American English as well referring to the seeds when used as a spice.

[@christianhansen3292]

@@robertvanasse1521 used a lot in Vietnamese cuisine too.

[@samuraishonan4706]

In NY we called the leaves Cilantro, and the seeds Coriander. I am retired now in Japan, and the Japanese have no clue about the seeds, but the leaves often used here for other Asian cuisine and not in Japanese food at all are called Pakuchi. I grow it on my roof garden. I love it on sandwiches.

[@siiiriously3226]

in German it's also Koriander, for all parts if the plant.

[@ericteneyck8691]

Totally agree. Nothing ruins a perfectly good cookie like a raisin!

[@imisstoronto3121]

Especially when you think it’s a chocolate chip.

[@gablade6606]

I’ve always believed it’s a horrible thing to do to a grape.

[@FraserAtSea]

It's so great to see that TUI are approaching the more 'budget' end of the market - river cruising has always been far too pricey for me, but will deff be checking this out!

[@pierrecharbonneau522]

OK, so I have to say that your bathroom "re-enactment" scene made me laugh out loud so hard... Good on you for the funny visual. :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha, Thank you! 😁❤️

[@mereniecrosby7120]

I laughed too. That is craziness.

[@dgk42]

Now I know that dancing in the bathroom is a thing :) And possibly some of your moves on the dance floor :) :) But seriously, that frosted glass doesn't work. I was thinking about a shower scene, and then remembered you were with your brother, oh dear, not a good idea. Shudder!

[@Commentator541]

David King Let us be frank, would it be any better if one is to share the room with their partner? I have seen this a lot in hotels lately, even when the suites are spacious enough to fit a proper bathroom.

[@Rickyrab]

Hahaha Europe

[@deby5983]

Hello Emma from Maryland in the US!! This has got to be my favorite video you've done so far. The architecture you were able to see and learn about during excursions was to me, better than cruising in the middle of an ocean - add to that the scenery from all angles while sailing - priceless! I've never been on a cruse ship (anxiety attacks -- far too many people in one place), but would actually consider a river cruise. This was fantastic (despite the bathroom)!!

[@jrochest4642]

I've never had any interest in an ocean cruise -- it's basically a big floating resort, and I'd much rather go to an actual resort at that point -- but river cruising has always been tempting. So many European cities and towns grew up around rivers, so you dock in the heart of the city and explore on foot, without having to struggle to the train station every time you travel to a new town. Your videos are really helpful and entertaining!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@maninmotionfull-timecruisi7764]

Ocean cruising is similar in that you don't have to struggle to the airport to get to the next town. And there is no need to repack -- the resort goes with you!

[@breadyegg]

At this price river cruises are now definitely on the radar.

[@jrochest4642]

@@maninmotionfull-timecruisi7764 Yes, but generally a resort is something you fly to, stay at for a week or so, and fly back out of. I'd go to a resort to spend a vacation snorkeling or lying in the sun, and I don't need to travel to do that.

[@cremebrulee4759]

I agree. Plus, at a resort you don't have to deal with seasickness or rough oceans.

[@kickboxerphil]

I have been binge watching your content after recently coming off my first cruise with my son :) I'm a single parent, and had lots of people telling me I would be bored - But we are both now addicted to Cruising and couldn't imagine a regular hotel holiday again. You are fabulous by the way, I love how well you come across, and how openly frugal you are - I am exactly the same, but I find this trait rare in todays world of keeping up with the jones'. Keep up the great content. I listen to them whilst at work driving lorries ahaa.

[@Primusaur]

I truly appreciate the level of detail you are able to share about your experiences aboard these cruises. The bathroom doors are absolutely one of the worst design choices I've ever seen for a shared space, unless you have no interest in privacy.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@bun04y]

I've stayed in a hotel where they had glass doors on the bathroom, however, it was very much frosted so that you couldn't see through them...which was very good as this room could sleep 6. I'm not sure that I would want to have the glass door be that see through with even my husband in the room...wow!

[@Primusaur]

@@bun04y I wonder if the heavily frosted doors were the original intention for that cabin, and they ended up with those terrible ones.

[@colinparker160]

You can see shadows through the glass you cannot see a person in full view, the report is extremely misleading.

[@smb123211]

Great video. We used to go "cheap" but I've discovered that you really do get what you pay for. It's not just one area like balcony, food, open areas, drinks, privacy, etc but a host of small changes that make a difference. Still, looked like you all had a good time. Thanks for the info!!

[@dos-fslady3140]

Quick fix for glass bathroom walls: Buy a newspaper, borrow scotch tape, and cover exterior glass walls up to neck height with paper. I did this on my bedroom windows at the house I was temporarily living in -- but used bleached packing paper that I got from GSO office at the Oslo U.S. Embassy. You still got in filtered light, but no one could see in. It was perfect, and almost zero cost or time to accomplish. Plus, it looked very nice from outside.

[@user-wx9zr8jp4f]

But you shouldn’t have to do that

[@PortsladeBySea]

You could read the newspaper stuck to the glass whilst sitting on the loo! 📰🚽🚾🤣🤭

[@sandyhumissouri5131]

Very clever!

[@mandolinic]

Brilliant idea. 😀

[@drdata1967]

I’ve had people tell me I’d be bored on a non standard cruise or some like that was predominantly elderly, but all I need to do is sit somewhere and look at the water and I’m happy. Anything else beyond that is extra.

[@katstorm13]

My family has a cabin/vacation home on a lake, and whenever I'm working out what dates my boyfriend and I can go, my mom always brings it up when the weather is forecast to be bad. Every time I say mom.... rain falling on the cabin roof and lake vs staying home in our loud condo complex.... I'll take the rain in a heartbeat lol.

[@michaelsutphin6775]

Emma getting static shocks shows what an “electric” personality she has! Very informative vid!

[@EmmaCruises]

Hahaha, thanks Michael. 😅❤️

[@RustySax1949]

@@EmmaCruises - I think it's entirely possible the naked lady in the boat next to you saw both you and your brother and didn't bother to react - a lot of Europeans are far more comfortable with nudity, and she may have been one of those. Definitely an unexpected visual at no extra charge!!

[@Glanthor88]

@@RustySax1949 hell yeah we are fine with nudity. why we wouldn't be

[@Anolaana]

Emma, very good at feedback, and also very good at sleeping (23:35)! I also enjoyed the video a lot :)

[@thetirelesscrusader4745]

I have taken the river cruise off my bucket list because everything that I wanted to experience, you have walked me through it. your description is so good that I now have no desire to go on a cruise. whenever I have an urge to river cruise, I will watch your video. YOU ARE A MASTER STORYTELLER.

[@alishawexler961]

I've been sooo eager, checking frequently for days to see if this video was up yet and it was so worth the wait! What an excellent job Emma. I am so grateful to learn about this budget option for river cruising. You do a fantastic job as a creator, thank you for the brilliant content!

[@EmmaCruises]

So glad to hear that, been editing none stop my eyeballs hurt. 😂😂🤣🤣

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much for this comment Alisha! This is so kind. Thanks so much. ☺️❤️

[@markeaston7353]

Fabulous review thanks Emma. Other Vloggers should use this as the model for what needs to be covered in such a review and how it needs to be presented.

[@jasperjones6857]

I asked the Navy man had he ever commanded a ship. He said, "I commanded a fleet." Whoa. His rank? Rear Admiral. There are so few of them that you can still find his name on the web. Retired, he was totally unassuming and relaxed, just a nice guy.

[@lindalaceyblevins5527]

Emma, your personality is so fun and positive! Love watching your videos! This river cruise covered my dream destinations and I appreciate that you showed so much footage of your excursions.

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Terrific review, Emma. No hesitancy, no fill in ums or ahs, informative, humerous, personable, . Well done.

[@edwardmeade]

One silly fact about lower deck is that you will have to put up with peeping waterfowl. Didn't bother me but we did wake up one morning to the sound of a swan pecking at the window.

[@Bobrogers99]

Your experience (minus the transparent bathroom) was similar to the river cruises I took years ago. For me, the cruises were all about the places we visited, and as long as the onboard experience was reasonable I was happy. I think this video gives river cruising a big boost!

[@fuglbird]

When the only complaint was that you found a raisin in a cookie, I would say it was a very successful cruise.

[@whirltech8031]

Being good at feedback is most definitely a skill. To inform, and explain an expectation, without impugning another person's character is somewhat rare these days, unfortunately.

[@matthewbohun-aponte6028]

The Danube is only blue to those in love. At least that’s what they said in “Goodbye Mr Chips” (1939 version).

[@cob9834]

Hi always enjoy your attitude Emma, you’re always honest what you don’t like but you try very hard to like some things which is wonderful you’re always enthusiastic God bless you. As I’ve said before you were raised well.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Cob! ☺️

[@johnsmith-tn8rn]

My admiration for newly found Emma just increased exponentially. A COKE ZERO fan! The greatest invention since waterproof golf shoes!

[@barbarap5278]

Awesome video Emma!!! Great info that i needed! I'm from the US, a solo cruiser, been wanting to try a river cruise & I think you just made my mind up for me with this cruise line! Thank you so much...

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@happysweety123]

Emma, the price 2,064 you paid for two was great price to me. I am a solo traveler and used to think fare for river cruise was too high for me. Now I have to change my thought. Thank you for sharing. 😇

[@wwaxwork]

I actually like the idea of the glass doors in the bathroom, I find the small bathrooms very dark and claustrophobic and that would be a great compromise. I am however hard to embarrass and unlikely to have been travelling with my brother.

[@andyb2706]

The "low bridge" experience is so cool. Earlier this year I was on the Iona in Lisbon and when we set sail we went under the bridge that looks like the Golden Gate bridge and we were told there was only 3-5 metres clearance. There was a lot of people on the top deck to experience this.

[@Paul-dv4dr]

You should be a truck driver, then! Yesterday outside Salisbury (UK) I took my wagon at 13"0' under a bridge marked 13"3'... so that's 3 inches to spare... or 7.5cm... and loads of people watching, anyway, it's enough... for some reason I was holding my breath though i don't know why..

[@jasonsumma1530]

@@Paul-dv4dr I am not a truck driver but here in the US, there been plenty of videos of truckers trying to get under a bridge that says something like 13' and they lose the top part or all of their payload because they were around 13'6". Worst part is, many of the videos have them in large cities which causes traffic jams with the fallen cargo.

[@kgee2111]

“An old man breathing warm air”. Now that’s a ringing endorsement!

[@kinyobisan]

Just did my first river cruise on the Rhine with Viking in July. It was FANTASTIC! Your video caused me to contact Tui about flying from the U.S. for a Danube cruise. Thanks for a very informative video. Well done!!!

[@LeahE16]

I'm considering this as well! Did you get useful information?

[@cbpd89]

I've been pretty unsure about river cruising just because I think I can do those destinations by land for cheaper, but this budget option is definitely worth looking into! Thanks for the review!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@georgeleong1572]

You really think you could do better than a river cruise compared to land? You'll need to include transportation, hotels, food & drinks, entertainment, etc, to all the ports, which the river cruise includes?

[@cbpd89]

Yes. I've done trips for less than $1500 per person for 2 weeks.

[@georgeleong1572]

@@cbpd89 it must have been fun. But for me, roughing it by back pack isn't my thing. lol.

[@caliscribe2120]

One of the best things about cruising is unpack once for the entire trip.

[@jessie450]

Idk why but your video style is sooooo addicting to watch !! I've just been binging ur vids for the past 2 days

[@EmmaCruises]

Hahaha. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@1MrBryn]

A river cruise really looks a lot more fun than an ocean cruise.

[@OkieJammer2736]

I've never taken a cruise. YET. This is such a timely and needed video. Wow. Thank you. New subscriber!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@adam508]

Thanks for the review, I was on the Tui Maya at the same time as you and found a lot of the same things especially the static shocks! I always got them from the banister in the atrium. Totally agree with your comments on the bathroom door as well! We are a mid 30s and were the youngest couple on our cruise however we didn't feel massively out of place, everyone was very friendly. We did find the cruise a bit boring at times but there may have been down to our itinerary which visited some very small but picturesque towns along the moselle river.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oooo!!! I’m glad it wasn’t just me with the electric!! Hope you enjoyed ☺️

[@LaLidoLoca]

So cool to see this experience and locations! Thanks for the great review!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks Tony! I’d LOVE to go on a river cruise with you. That’d be an adventure. Not in these cabins though 🤣🤣. 😀❤️

[@andrewelie8687]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Thank you also for talking about the relative prices of river cruises, as offered by various providers! Comparing value-for-money is a great idea, especially with the world exiting its COVID stasis, and, wanting to travel. For many, cost could be an issue, which you addressed so well. While I have always wanted to do a river cruise, I have been put off by the cost. I can often speak the local language, and, prefer to explore on my own, almost making the cost of an excursion to be a waste of money.

[@synthiamcbride7194]

I've watched over a dozen of your very interesting videos and this is the first cruise ship that looks interesting to me. I have no desire to ice skate or wall-climb or go down water chutes or watch musical productions. Tasty food, interesting ports, and a quiet, comfortable room with a view is what I want from a cruise.

[@claytonc3735]

"An old man breathing cold air into the room." I love it! Emma, thank you for sharing your experience. There's a new river cruise in the US on the Mississippi. Hopefully, someday you can experience that adventure.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh yes! I’d LOVE that. 🥹❤️

[@ThreeRunHomer]

Two cruise lines have offered Mississippi River cruises for years, but this will be the first year that Viking offers the trips.

[@jasonsumma1530]

Is this actual cruise ships or the old fashion paddle boats? Who are the operators? I doubt the Missouri River would be safe enough for a river boat now days.

[@fangletterman-ng2ro]

The Mississippi River does have paddleboat cruises on it. Some towns worth stopping at in my area, would be LeClaire, Iowa and Dubuque, Iowa. And, while you're cruising, do a stop over in Clinton, Iowa, and drive the beautiful country roads of Hwy 136 West out of Clinton, and return on the Old Lincoln Highway, approx 6 miles S. The indiginous Woodlands Indians named their land Iowa, for beautiful, and the rich rolling farmland and vistas prove them right! e​@@jasonsumma1530

[@jamestnov41945]

My first visit Emma to your channel. Well done the presentation was first class. You are a delightful host.

[@johndittmer8488]

Emma, thanks for doing this. I'm part German and my wife is Polish and Czech, so we have been talking about doing a European river cruise to visit those countries, but river cruises are advertised in the US as costing $4,000 - $6,000 per person which is way beyond our budget. At least this is within our range.

[@barbarap5278]

Also check out Gate 1 river cruises, they have some good prices too..

[@johndittmer8488]

@@barbarap5278 : Thanks for sharing.

[@lauravest9964]

Viking has specials that are much cheaper in the off season. We have been on three and loved them 7:36

[@madelinealvey2876]

I was really pleased to hear these comments, we have a Caribbean cruise booked for next summer, so wanted to book something cheaper this summer, and booked with tui river cruises on the Rhine. We wasn't sure what it would be like, but you've now put our minds at rest. Thank you. Mx

[@erinmlls]

This looks fun! Although even the budget one seems quite expensive to me. We call it cilantro because that's the Spanish word for it, btw - it's because of how close we are to Mexico (and how much Mexican food influences American food!)

[@bepowerification]

I have a very simple and cheap solution for the bathroom door/wall problem: the person not using the bathroom looks elsewhere.. great video! Thank you for sharing your experience

[@Plethorality]

Or stay with someone you want to see naked...

[@robertkabatoff817]

I have been on a few river cruises in Europe and this is the first time I have heard of this cruise line but I really do not see anything wrong with their ships. They look nice and I love that little remark about ships docking just outside your window. I have gotten into the habit of 'peeking out' from behind the curtains first thing in the morning instead of boldly opening the curtains and saying ...TADA....Great video...thanks

[@childbirthct]

This is the second time I have watched this video, I traveled to Eastern Europe in 1994 with my mom on an academic trip thru my college and we stayed on to visit Slovakia and some distant family. It makes me happy that more people get to visit Bratislava now. Back then it was hard to even find a travel guide (!!) and we didn't speak Slovak so we were not always sure what we were seeing. It's fascinating to think maybe some day we could go back and have a completely different experience. I love your sense of humor and the explanation video of the bathroom issue was hysterical. I often need a laugh and your videos helped keep me going since 2020 when I got very ill. Thanks, please keep up on sharing joy.

[@TitoTimTravels]

I cooked with coriander and cilantro both for many years before I found out they are almost the same thing. In the US, cilantro is the leaves & stems (Spanish name for coriander), coriander is the seeds. Not sure why... it just is. 😎

[@smnangle]

cilantro is the name for the plant's leaves and stem, while coriander is the name for its dried seeds, in the USA

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

In the USA cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley, and the seeds (which are then dried and ground up) the plant produces are coriander, which is used as a spice. It's also quite easy to grow (at least for me).

[@megmcguigan3857]

I'm from the SF Bay Area and never heard cilantro called Chinese parsley. In the UK it is just called coriander. I worked in a UK grocery store and the entire plant is called that over here, not just the seeds.

[@annad3377]

I never heard that either. East coast here.

[@Sashazur]

Just chiming in, I grew up in the northeast USA and moved to the west coast 25 years ago and have never heard the term “Chinese parsley” (but I have heard of Italian parsley and often can find it in my local grocery, same for cilantro).

[@carolinap8612]

This is so cool! I live in the US so I've never heard of this before. Great video, very entertaining and very informative

[@lane2063]

Awesome video Emma! I’ve been quite interested to hear about a “budget” river trip. It sounds like, aside from being frozen and having a bit of a peep 😉, you had a great time. I’ve done several Danube trips and even in the summer they are cooler than expected. It sounds like you would take another Tui cruise, based on a value proposition alone. You are spot on about motion sickness not being an issue. However, the bus excursions get to me so I always wear a scopolamine patch when cruising. Thanks again for sharing your trips with us. Hugs from the US.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh yes the buses are a different thing altogether ha ha! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@mariefraher8725]

I totally love how you level your expectations to the cruise prices. Some people complain that their "good value" budget cruise was not up to luxury cruise levels. My husband and I have cruised quite a lot at different price levels getting good "deals," and never complaining that our inside cruise cabin did not live up to our concierge suite...it is just not apples to apples comparison. Loving your vlogs from Florida, USA.

[@angelahorton5745]

Great video Emma! A very balanced review. I'd like to try a river cruise one day but ocean cruises seem to be much better value for money. TUI seems to offer good value for money and as you say probably a good way to find out if river cruises suit us.

[@stana2z]

In the USA, we call the Leaves and stems of the Coriander plant "Cilantro" (Sill-LANT-tro) and only the seeds "Coriander" which are often toasted and ground for spices of Latin dishes.

[@vickyb5935]

Emma, enjoyed the review of your Danube river cruise. We did it from Passau to Budapest and back last September with a swiss company (we live in Switzerland) and everything you talked about brought back so many fun memories. I love river cruising as the passenger numbers are so low and you do „get to know“ all the others - maybe just a smile and a Hi, but still. We also saw tons of Viking ships - everywhere! However they are VERY expensive. My biggest negative about this particular route was that we did all the available excursions and so missed out on alot of the actual „cruising“ - or - the ship did the cruising in the night. We did, with the same swiss company, the Duoro river in Portual in 2020 (HIGHLY recommend!!!) and there they only offered one half-day excursion each day and then the other half was spent cruising to the next stop - loved that! And the scenery on the Duoro is STUNNING!!!! I would like to do a Basel, Switzerland-Amersterdam and back for my next one.

[@EmmaCruises]

The Douro is my dream 😍

[@DavidWood2]

The emphasis on river cruising is always on the port stops. This means that much of the cruising is at night though, as you note, it does depend on the river. Douro cruising is often daytime, and the Moselle, which is also very picturesque, often has a fair bit of day cruising. Other exceptions are especially picturesque sections of the Danube (the Wachau Valley that Emma cruised through on this cruise) and the Middle Rhine between Koblenz and Rudesheim am Rhein. Departure from Budapest is often at night, so you can enjoy the lights of the city. On the Viking cruise, I have just returned from, we had an after-dinner cruise of the Port of Rotterdam. As you also say, it is common for the ship to cruise onwards whilst you are on an excursion. I tend to look at river cruises as rather like a bus tour where you stay in a mobile hotel rather than changing accommodation each night. I doubt you would go from Basel to Amsterdam and back in a single cruise - usually you go one way, which takes around a week. Even TUI, which mostly offers round trip river cruises, does Basel to Amsterdam as a one-way itinerary (Rhine Explorer 2). I have done Amsterdam to Basel with Viking (Rhine Getaway) and the Koblenz to Basel section of the Rhine again with Viking on a different itinerary (Paris to the Swiss Alps). Most of the cruising on the Rhine, other than the section from Koblenz to Rudesheim, is likely to be at night, as there are large distances to be covered between each stop and they want to give you the maximum time at each port stop.

[@xavierz420]

Emma, that is very good advice to all of us, viewers - when you pay low also expect low. You can always be surprised positive with low expectations from the beginning ! Best !

[@RebelPickle]

Thank you for such a comprehensive and well-executed review. I love your content!

[@clarefriend1376]

Bathroom reenactment was hilarious. I always carry gloves, hat and puffer jacket no matter what month or country I travel in. I’ve been in your situation many times and finally learned

[@lisaneil5221]

Thank you so much for this , always wanted to do a river cruise but was always out of our price range ! It does clearly state in the details about the cabins when you book online which ones have fixed beds which is great as not sure my friend Michelle would be happy to share 🤣 although the bathroom door is something that really puts us off 😢

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha, yes!! It doesn’t on the booking page though, just pre booking so I didn’t think to look. 😂❤️

[@barbarashuster9029]

We had mimosas, bloody Marys and champagne on top deck on cruising days! Wonderful

[@heathrusty]

Thank you for this honest and positive review. I'd love to do a river cruise, but the Viking ships and other lines are way of budget. Happy to hear I'd be just fine on a Tui - maybe I'd just pack extra snacks . . .

[@ffrederickskitty214]

The Blue Danube is further upstream, near the source. Down at Budapest it’s jus The Danube 😊

[@scotthagele3254]

Thanks Emma, very good information and you did a great job presenting it.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@phillipjones611]

Good tip about weather watching for the whole time you're away in every place you're going.

[@salsanacho]

The glass walled bathroom issue is funny. Reminds me of a boutique hotel in Shanghai I stayed at, the bathroom was fully walled on two sides with completely clear glass, not even frosted. There was no separate area with the toilet, so anyone using that was in full view. I don't care if you're on your honeymoon, I agree that no one wants to see that. And if you're with someone not your significant other? You definitely need to make the other person leave the room each time you use it.

[@vickster4474]

Yes, I stayed in a hotel in Beijing with a glass wall separating the beds and the bathroom. Thd wall wa somwhat frosted like on this cruise but still you could see everything clearly enough. It was very uncomfortable as I was sharing with a friend. I wasn't totally caught off guard thomas I read a travel article about a trip to China and this possibility was mentioned. When I saw it I was like, nooooooo.

[@helenmak5663]

China has lots of those see through bathrooms because they are designed for that particular “business” which is popular among certain business travelers. It’s really annoying even one travels alone.

[@tommytube268]

Emma, of course the lady at the desk complimented on your feedback. All of us, your subscribers are here for your feedback. As an American is Tui Cruises a good fit. Will all the Brits have a problem I dislike your football, lol.

[@jolynnaerobert3190]

This is great information. I have not wanted to take an ocean cruise because Idon't want to be on a ship with 3000 other people. But I could enjoy this boat with only 150 or less people. However, I am in the US so to add airfare would make the trip too expensive. I would love the scenery of passing villages and taking foot tours at docking. I may have to save up for this!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how’re you doing?

[@carlosarana7664]

I see your videos to sleep they are awesome for relaxing, I did see them before, and this time is for sleeping

[@kevingruber4555]

Very well done Emma. My wife and I hope to one day go on a river cruise. They are starting to gain popularity here in the United States but I think we would like to do one in Europe.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yesss! I’d like to do both to compare. 😎

[@Scaleyback317]

Just before Covid my wife and I booked a river cruise with TUI. The cruise obviously was cancelled and then cancelled again and for a third time. Tui upgraded us to the top package as we just kept agreeing to roll it over to that far off day when it would actually go ahead. Even a drinks package - wasted on us as neither of us is what can be considered a drinker! I think our cruise must have been a couple after yours (or maybe even the same one). Same ship, same itinerary - we loved it. One of my enduring memories was getting up before just about anyone else, pouring a coffee, grabbing a couple of those biscuits and taking a book up top to welcome the sun coming up. The pilot gave me a great run down of handinling the ship as it was about five in the morning and nobody else around - I'm guessing he was bored! There was one particular morning where the clouds were hangling low in the valley and the shipe was clearing its way through the mist/clouds with the birds on the river flying alongiside us - not a sound and the sun just about to say hello. It was breathtakingly beautiful the photos are good but of course cannot do it justice. One night we hit a real rainstorm, coming in horizontally. Upstairs was cleared for safety reasons though there was only about half a dozen of us stupid enough to be out of the bar area. we sat at the front, freezing water drenching us and there's half a dozen strangers all laughing like a bunch of schoolkids - talk about bracing. We also had a Viking cruise berth alongside which had to come through. We found ourselves at a cafe with a couple of these passenger who had taken a detour to take a look at Skyla - their quote was there's no way there was a thousand pounds difference between what we were enjoying compared to their overpriced surroundings. We teamed up with an American couple (my wife is American though for long been a UK citizen). Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and for sure will be going on another TUI river cruise - probably the Rhine in the not too distant future. Enjoyed watching your offering here - thank you. . .

[@DustinRNewton]

I lover river cruising, there's always a stop or great river scenery. The ocean cruises with the multiple days at sea are what's boring to me. I tell folks that if they like scenery and want to explore the stops, then river cruising is the way to go. If they just want a floating resort where they can sit by the pool all day, then ocean cruising is the way to go. It just all depends on the type of person and what they want to get out of the experience.

[@hoytoy100]

Been on one Viking river cruise and about to take another. Loved the ability to unplug and relax or engage as much as you like.

[@70PaulK]

Very detailed. Dining sounds too restricted- don't think I could put up with waiting until 7pm to have dinner.

[@jp7357]

Your preparation, presentation and content are really excellent. Well done. Even though my wife hates cruising I watch your channel … thank you.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@seanryan3020]

I took 2 mini-cruises, one from Ayutthaya to Bangkok and the other in Bohol, Philippines. I really enjoyed both. I really want to do one of these multi-day European river cruises!

[@Ariel-ps8je]

Lol so great that front desk lady recognized how good you are at feedback. You should do it for a living!

[@MrsTabby1963]

This is so timely, Emma. I am 60 next year and we have been toying with a river cruise to celebrate. Budget is essential however, so knowing the Tui now do them is interesting. I could never afford Viking (though would love to) but for a river cruise experience to be in my £££ is fab. Thanks for your review. We have been on a number of budget sea cruises over the years and can tell you that great staff and marvellous ports are essential for our enjoyment and can make an unforgettable holiday. We do love food too but have simple tastes and I believe that the Tui ,menus will be acceptable. I am heartened that the staff were attentive to help solve the problems that came up though the semi-transparent bathroom is unfortunate. we both like privacy when on the loo!

[@robertcroft8241]

Many Thanks for all this info. I am booked on the similar trip 14 days on 26th May and I could not find any info. You have answered all my questions.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

The frosted bathroom doors is absolutely wild to me. Who thinks that’s a good idea? Visually and audibly. And no locks either? My dad does a lot of river cruises with his bike group and people often bunk up to down the cost, I can’t imagine having to figure that out. Were there any “public” bathrooms on that cruise ship?

[@henryettoit897]

I think its still okay with a good friend, its whatever, like gym or swimming pool showers. But if genders are mixed and the people involved are not already a couple i feel it'll easily get weird and awkward and wrong.

[@AnotherWittyUsername.]

When it's growing as a fresh herb it's Cilantro and when its seed is used as a dried spice it's Coriander. We use both names in the west.

[@darlouthia5153]

« Close the curtains ! Closed the curtains ! » 😂

[@davidbach7003]

I always leave them open. With a boat alongside, I was a brief sideshow.

[@cjrodcol3266]

THANK YOU SOO MUCH; I appreciate your frankness and very detailed info on river cruising (especially on this new line; never heard of them until now)

[@tinapetrick9792]

My daughter and I were on one of the viking cruise line boats on a very similar route. Our only problem is we were always facing the other riverboat except when in Budapest and Passau. All of the other ports we were facing the other ship - which was a big bummer after paying for a french balcony and having only a balcony from the other ship to view. Ugh! We saw your riverboat and noticed that you were usually the only boat at the dock. Everything else was fantastic!! Thanks for your review of this cruise.

[@antoinettecastle4739]

And that was Viking not so cheap. Hmmmmm....

[@royporter4232]

@@antoinettecastle4739 And it was at he start of the season - probably March and not so many people want to cruise in that kind of weather. I certainly wouldn't !

[@antoinettecastle4739]

@@royporter4232 we had beautiful weather 21 to 25 degrees to be fair. Maybe we were just lucky👍😊

[@margaretlavender9647]

It’s great going under 2-3 bridges in the middle of Istanbul!! Absolutely great. With amazing views either side of the banks of Europe and Asia! Such lovely old houses/buildings, trees, gardens, and lovely boats on the river.

[@horstgilbert7040]

Hey Emma, I think most Germans don't feel the need to have the level of privacy that you expected from people they share a room with. Maybe this is just one of those cultural differences you only find out by being confronted with it. I guess TUI will learn it's lesson and change things very quickly.

[@shibasurfing]

Exactly. This wouldn’t bother me around my family but I understand others have different cultures.

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Basically, "don't share a room with someone you're not willing to get naked with"... :)

[@dtvfan24]

Yep, great review but it’s so funny and so British when they mention the privacy aspect. Naked women in next ship got like lol

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

@@dtvfan24 -- But it's never the Elizabeth Hurley looking older women that you end up seeing naked... It's more likely to be one that looks like Miriam Margolyes... :)

[@jwenting]

@@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire doesn't matter, same principle applies. I'd never think of closing the curtains if I'm naked myself, the thought just doesn't enter my mind. And I'm certainly not lingerie model shaped in any way.

[@gogglespisano8719]

Two of my favorite things in life. Cruising and chocolate chip cookies. And I agree, raisin cookies should be outlawed.

[@TheOneLastSpartan]

The glass bathroom doors could be decent for a couple but beyond that very very strange choice. I would be pretty uncomfortable even with family.

[@AlanAffelt-j7g]

We just got back from our TUI cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. It was wonderful. We had a great time. It was a fantastic value. Highly recommend it. We had 2 cabins. A superior queen with French balcony and Superior Suite with a French balcony. Both rooms were very nice. The suite was especially roomy. It was our second cruise, first river cruise and we enjoyed the river cruise much better than our Celebrity Mediterranean cruise. Thanks Emma for the review!

[@garymchenry68]

Coriander is the seed and cilantro is the leaves of the plant.

[@egpx]

Not in the UK, both are coriander here. If there’s a need to differentiate between the the various forms we will specify leaf, seed or ground, the latter being coriander powder made from ground up seeds.