I Tried a Budget River Cruise (Dangerously High Water Levels)

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Sometimes the water levels in rivers are too high or low for a cruise to go to plan. That happened to me in Germany and in this video, I'll show you what happened.
Normally when you’re driving to a cruise port you’ll see the ship appear over the horizon and it is such an exciting feeling, that isn’t what happened on my last cruise though.
Check out TUI river cruises here, mine was called Festive Flavours and it's available next year too: tui-uk.7cnq.ne... (affiliate)
When we arrived at the TUI Skyla in Germany we were in a completely different place to where we were originally meant to be board the ship, it was pitch black, freezing cold and our flight had to be diverted to a different city to get us this far, all because the water levels in the river were too high.
I booked this cruise because I wanted to go to the German Christmas markets and I thought that a river cruise would be the best way to do it. TUI are very much a budget river cruise line and this cruise was around half the price of the other big river cruise companies which meant that I could give it a go. It certainly wasn’t a cheap option but more about that later.
I’d heard so many horror stories about river cruises and water levels where people have to spend their entire trip on a bus instead of a boat so I was a little nervous.
Despite the less-than-ideal start, I was more excited than ever to get on board, our transfer bus dropped us off just before 10 pm and having not eaten for most of the day I was hoping that dinner was still being served.
The cruise was onboard TUI’s Skyla, she looked beautifully lit up and I could see the Christmas decorations on the ship through the windows. We walked into this beautiful central atrium and it only took us a few minutes to check in even though there was a whole busload of us arriving at once.
The plane that we came on was actually three river ships combined, we all flew to Germany together then got on the right buses to bring us to the different ports.
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[@EmmaCruises]

I'm so happy to say that Mia Tui are the sponsors of this video! EmmaCruises.link/MiaTuiYT 🥳🥳 You'll see a Mia Tui bag in every video I've made in the last 7 years because they're the only brand I use, they are brilliant. Code 'EMMACRUISES' will get you 15% off everything. ☺🎒 Pretty please let them know that I sent you because if all goes well, we might be able to make CAPTAIN HUDSON PACKING CUBES!! That's the dream! Thank you for your support always! 🤯😁 Check out TUI river cruises here, mine was called Festive Flavours and it's available next year too: tui-uk.7cnq.net/k0N2oV (affiliate) 🙂🥰

[@laid07]

Are you ever not a fox?

[@bjdefilippo447]

I love the Captain Hudson packing cubes idea!

[@mikegettings2171]

I’m on holiday with my grey Mia Tui travel bag (might be a Jennie). Next time I buy a Mia Tui I’ll try and remembered the discount code - I’m on my 2nd Jess……

[@EmmaCruises]

Wooho! Hope you're having a great time, if theres another code that's totally cool just please click the 'Emma Cruises' button when it says how you heard about me. Woohoo! @@mikegettings2171

[@vulc1]

Next time, could you please add the prices in Euro? After all, we are 350 million people using the Euro 😂

[@OuTannu]

The cabin you booked was 2 standard cabins before the 2020 renovation, which is why it is twice as large, and therefore the bathroom is also twice as large.. I worked on the renovation in 2020 ;)

[@EmmaCruises]

Was it?! That’s so interesting!! Makes sense. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@kumaonrain7955]

Awesome share! Y'never know who's gonna show up in the comment section. Like someone who actually worked on the reno. Cool! Cheers

[@OuTannu]

@@kumaonrain7955 Yes, we had a great time on the ships, the Skyla, Maya and Isla... they were in at the same time, and when we were about ready, covid-19 arrived..

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

You fixed the doors too I guess.... ;)

[@OuTannu]

​@@AlexJacksonSmithno

[@michaelmandeville5961]

As a former deckhand aboard a ferry boat here in the states, thank you. Thank you for understanding we have no control over mother nature. If she wants to flood, she will flood!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! Yes absolutely!! Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@xix94]

That's the reason why I don't travel by boat 😂

[@IamNiggler]

​@@xix94never catch me on the water

[@catdemon922]

How dare you don't have control over the weather? /J

[@grayrabbit2211]

I wish people gave airlines and airline staff the same.courtesy when it comes to weather. Aircraft are wonderful time machines, but are by far the most vulnerable to weather of all the modes of transport.

[@YouTube]

emma's videos are always top tier 👏🏼👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏🏻

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks boss 😘🥳

[@IslandSeaCoolNoahBaughman]

They really are amazing

[@kc0eks]

I've never seen KZbin reply.. Is this legit?

[@EmmaCruises]

@@kc0eks yeah! When a video goes on the trending page real KZbin comments sometimes if I’m lucky! 😀💪🏼

[@TheFalklands]

I didn't know youtube can change skin colours

[@taraoakes6674]

In the US “homey” without the “L” is your definition of being cozy. “Homely” with the “L” is our version of drab, ugly, boring in appearance. Love the video. We’re thinking of a Christmas cruise on the Rhine in 2025.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yess! weird how it can be so similar but so different. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@bun04y]

@@EmmaCruises I think sometimes that Americans did our language just a bit different to just be different from England.

[@MaxGrey03]

I was going to say that homey means the same in my area of the US and figured that Emma mistook it for homely.

[@jasonsumma1530]

@@bun04y American English is really an evolution of different cultures adding words and phrases to it. Basically the three major colonial powers (England, Spain, and France) as well as Native Americans has influenced American English.

[@sister_bertrille911]

@@bun04y All the European languages widely spoken in the Americas - English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese - are somewhat different from what is spoken in Europe. It's just what happens with time, distance, and the influence of the indigenous languages that were already here. You will note that Canadian English is also different from British English.

[@johnsullivan6843]

The choice of thumbnail did not fool me, this channel is always humorous and bubbly! From the subtle travel tips like coins for the toilets, to very important facts such wheelchair access and how seasonal water heights can impact river cruising, this was G.R.E.A.T. video Emma!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha, it’s two photos I took layered together 😀❤️ Thank you! 😁❤️

[@halflbobeef]

Thank you for the shout out about having coins for the toilets! I'm from the US, and one of the rudest wake up points I had in my first travels to Europe (1990s to France specifically) was finding that out on my first day, BEFORE exchanging any of my money. Seeing a woman taking money to use the toilet (more specifically, just a wall for men to use) was dumbfounding to me. The other thing that happened (after a mad dash to exchange money) was that toilets "closed during lunch", which is what they told us after we came back with money, and wouldn't let us in. Don't know if Germany does that, but was something else to note that at least French people obviously don't need to use the bathroom during lunch.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha, YES!!! That is not something you want to find out last minute. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@susancook1448]

I knew about paying for toilets in Budapest but not expecting a big old man collecting in advance and no toilet paper. This is not ideal for ppl with Crohns. So glad I don’t live in Europe. Restaurants often have toilets way down on basements far away

[@imsbvs]

Yes, well knowing is preparation. Many places charge for use of the toilets, I can recall being in Belgium and having to use a credit card. It used to be that charges were applied in the UK too, one would need 1 penny (written as 1d) for the toilet cubicle door, hence the phrase "to spend a penny". These days it's one of the few free things left in life. And, unlike many continental countries, toilets have seperate entraces for male and female facilities.

[@drenter477]

In the Uk at least, most people just hop over the fair thing or go with multiple people at once. No one really checks it here

[@erik_griswold]

I don’t mind having to pay for toilets. It means they are clean, attended to and available! Not often the case in the USA.

[@MyNameIsRaquel]

Hey Emma (and your viewers)! I was actually working on this cruise and worked on the TUI Skyla as entertainment host (amongst other jobs) for most of 2023. I'm planning on making a whole video about tips for TUI river cruising specifically in a little while but also currently have frequent vlogs going up covering my time and experience on the ship, so if any of your viewers are interested in seeing/hearing more about that I just wanted to point that out 😊

[@BassFever4Ever]

This video is a perfect example of a proper cruise review. Great info and very nice editing to make the video flow nicely. And thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@EmmaCruises]

You are so kind, thank you so much!! 💕💕

[@jonathandalecki7048]

Excellent video, as always, Emma. A cruise on the Rhine has been a dream of mine for longer than I've been cruising myself...my mom got promotional DVDs, and the idea of seeing all of those beautiful towns as you float by has been a goal ever since! In the meantime, your videos will have to scratch that itch!

[@EmmaCruises]

Awwhhh thanks Jonathan!! Hope you can do it one day, and me too! ❤❤

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Packing cubes are game changing. It makes it so easy. I used to travel a lot with work and yep, would never go back to just clothes in a case.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yesss! So much easier when you need something out the suitcase than routing around 🤣❤️

[@tndtravel1019]

​@EmmaCruises what's the link for the cubes?

[@cbpd89]

After my last trip I was thinking that I really ought to give packing cubes a try. I'm only bringing a backpack, so being able to compress the clothes and not mess everything up to find the one item at the bottom of the bag sounds like it'd be well worth it.

[@laraontoast]

Thanks for the callout about wheelchair users! It's so hard to get consistent information from cruise ships about accommodations, itineraries, and workarounds available to wheelchair users. Would you ever consider doing a video about ships or itineraries that are a good match for travelers in wheelchairs?

[@EmmaCruises]

It’s so hard for me to know but I do ask as many people as I can who know more than me 🙏💕

[@NormanF.Rockwell]

i was recently on the viking alruna ship. they had an elevator on the ship and offered tours that were supposed to be more leisurely. i think there were 2 or 3 people who were in wheelchairs on the ship and a lot of people with canes.

[@ultraviolettas]

It made me so sad to hear I there aren’t accessible river cruises 😭😭😭😭😭

[@EnglishJoanInOregon]

I was on the Viking Mississippi (Viking’s only ship on the Mississippi at this time) in May. There were at least 2 wheelchair-bound people on the ship. Not only were there elevators on the ship, which has five decks (no low bridges to duck under), but the buses were equipped with a special door and hoist so that wheelchair passengers could be on the excursions too.

[@loumello8813]

Your price for this river cruise is absolutely amazing. We just did the Avalon Christmas Markets cruise and our price was about $11,000 for the two if us. Of course, this also included 3 extra nights in Prague at a luxury hotel. I really need to have you or Emma Otter book my trips so I can start saving a bit of money. 😂😂😂😂

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha!! Absolutely if you ever want any help we are here anytime. I only stayed on an Avalon ship for one night but it was faaaaantastic! ❤

[@loumello8813]

@@EmmaCruises Yes, the ship is veru nice, but, I would like to start booking a few less expensive trips. 🤣🤣

[@EmmaCruises]

Absolutely! That is more than my yearly cruise budget. ha ha.

[@gayzell850]

That's what I love about river cruises. You literally just walk down the gangway and you're in the town. No being tendered in; don't even need a shuttle or bus.

[@Paradise-on-Earth]

You are the only english speaking person that I know that pronounces "Düsseldorf" ALMOST right!! And you even got the "ch" in "Andernach" right. Kudos to you! And as always, thank you for a very interesting clip, once more! I am looking forwards to your Uniworld-cruise SOOO much...

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha, I tried my best but definitely tricky!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@CAaronD.]

Hi, Emma! Before watching your channel, cruising would have never ever popped into a list of things I'd love to try one day -- but it's on the bucket list now! The way you present things is very special -- always feels like i'm actually there with an excited friend who has been waiting for ages for the cruise and is bubbling over with excitement to share how cool the cruise is! Thank you for taking us all on your journeys with you and Cap'n Hudson! :D Keep up the good work, and keep on cruising!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much, this is exactly what I make the videos for. So glad you enjoyed! ❤️❤️

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

It shocks me that river cruises are more expensive than ocean cruises! That's the exact opposite of what I imagined!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh really? It makes sense to me, less people onboard… 😀🥳

[@nicolad8822]

I wonder if crew costs are more as they will likely be employing European residents on decent wages?

[@cpovey1]

@@nicolad8822 EXACTLY. European crew, and they don't work year round. Pushes prices up a lot. In addition, only 150 passengers, so a higher staff-to-passenger ratio. River cruise are spring through middle of fall, and some cruise at Christmas. Can't cruise in Winter, due to Ice. Lastly, they cannot rely change the ship dimensions, as they have to dock next to each other to get people aboard, and the old European bridges are so low.

[@Trektrendy]

Another brilliant video Emma, what a deal on that suite despite not going as planned looked great fun. Also congrats on 300k!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks lovely!! 🥰

[@salesencore]

Congratulations on hitting the 300K subscriber milestone! Proves that being kind and nice pays off! Well done! Full charge ahead to 400K! 🇨🇦

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much! 😀😇

[@paulaarmstrong8431]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who isn’t enthusiastic about table sharing.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

My father went on a sailing and bike trip in Greece last year and the boat broke down! They had to be bussed from destination to destination and ended up getting put up in hotels plus they changed a lot of their destination cities. It was an extremely different trip than what it was mean to be. Glad this wasn’t too much different despite the river levels!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my goodness! 💕

[@DLFH]

I'm with you where cutting out some of the extra, extras and trimming down in other areas so to focus on providing the best of what the company can offer so to keep it affordable/budget is a win in my book. I am so intrigued by river cruising and the more I see your posts the more I'm convinced I need to book one.

[@EmmaCruises]

Highly recommend! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@brianokeefe4602]

We were on a Viking AMS-BAS cruise boarding 23 December, so just avoided the worst of the flooding. TUI looks pretty similar to Viking, I like the decor, and the aquarium class rooms look bigger than what we were in. Nice touch with them turning the bed. I agree with you, when we've had French Balconies listening to the water go by, checking out the views, that's great. We're trying out Riviera in the fall...Vantage use to be our favorite, but they went under. Great that TUI could adjust the cruise that easily, given they charter the planes. Cruises just a week before ours on Viking turned into unpleasant bus tours with minimal sailing and stays in industrial ports and minimal shuttles into town. Thanks for the video's, always interesting.

[@rainstew]

After going on a cruise and enjoying the seemingly always available food, it is tough to revert back to the daily routine of getting up, meal planning, and cooking :"D

[@EmmaCruises]

YES! So hard to actually think about what you want... or for me anyway. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@kwd3109]

Enjoyed the "Seeing yourself from every angle" mirror comment. It's happened to all of us, and how true!

[@EmmaCruises]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nathanflanery2285]

Happy to see you are still doing budget cruises for those of us who don't have tons of money to spend.

[@patchgatsby9138]

We say, "homey" in Texas for a cozy, nice place. Homely basically describes someone as plain.

[@EmmaCruises]

So close but so far! 😂💕

[@davidrumbelow]

Your videos are Netflix and National Geographic Quality. Love your work. Thanks

[@EmmaCruises]

So kind, Thank you! 😁❤️

[@pauldavismusic2894]

Particularly enjoyable video Emma, especially as this would be far more my cup of tea to the ocean cruises, simply because you're never far from seeing the water! Didn't know about having to go through other boats to get to land, so that's something I learned for the first time today, so your videos are always an education. Can see why river cruises are more expensive, but love the personal vibe (with less people as passengers) and it still feeling like boat. Carry on the good work and hope you can do a few other river cruises in 2024 to feature on here (including the one you mentioned!). :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks lots, I do already have another one booked so that's exciting. I love river cruising. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@BrianGilbert-k5d]

You were very lucky that you got to sail for part of your trip. I went on the Uniworld River Queen out of Nuremberg for its Christmas Market sailing and that ship stayed tied up to the dock for the entire 7 day voyage!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my goodness!’ Hope you enjoyed regardless. We were so lucky 😀😎

[@threecatsdancing]

The middle of summer is I'm watching this and all the Christmas decorations have me craving the holidays. I miss fall and winter.

[@leleprtk]

“I knew what I looked like from every angle, which to be honest I don’t think I really needed to know.” I’ve had the same experience in a changing room and it was dreadful 😂

[@EmmaCruises]

I can’t unsee it 🤣

[@jeanne2583-w1n]

I actually let out a squeal/scream in the fitting room when I was in my early forties. I tried on a gorgeous washed silk dress, stood sideways, and I still don't know when my rear-end fell to my knees, but it must have happened in the twinkling of an eye. I was in great shape, and yet, there it was (or wasn't) way down "yonder." Needless to say, I didn't purchase the dress. That was when I started wearing a girdle that would lift my behind to where it, in my opinion, belonged.

[@melodypanek448]

What a great job you have! You are a smart person to have chosen reviewing cruising and cruise lines. I imagine you have been everywhere and have seen some amazing sights. Good for you!

[@EmmaCruises]

You are so kind, Thank you! 😁❤️

[@dennischester4271]

Emma, congratulations on 300K subscribers!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@mellchiril]

The floods were pretty bad this year for sure. Here in the Netherlands as well, rivers were well outside of their bounds. I'm happily surprised that river cruises still happened even though the conditions weren't ideal.

[@EmmaCruises]

❤️❤️❤️

[@billsmith5166]

Wow! With that room, scenery and the stops, that may be my favorite cruise. What a view!

[@EmmaCruises]

Soooo peaceful and lovely! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Ted_K_Have_a_nice_day]

Nice video as normal. Lots of info. I’m confused by the title of the cruise going wrong though🤔. Seems like they had decent food and you had a good time. The cruise line can’t help the weather, but it looked like they did what they could. Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@EmmaCruises]

I just googled 'went wrong' out of curiosity and the definition is 'not to happen according to plan', I think that sums this up pretty well! Thanks for watching. 😀👏🏼

[@Ted_K_Have_a_nice_day]

@@EmmaCruises thanks for the clarification. It did seem like you had a positive experience. To me when something goes wrong, it implies a very negative experience. A failure on many levels. Glad to see you had a good time. Part of what I enjoy about your videos is the positive outlook on things even when they are not ideal. Have a great day!

[@EmmaCruises]

Absolutely had a great experience, think it’s important people can see things can go wrong and still enjoy! 💕😂

[@AbsalomMcVey]

@@EmmaCruises To me, as an American, when a cruise goes 'wrong', it means serious problemS. Just FYI.

[@MrCurbCrusher]

We were on an AmaWaterways cruise at this same time that turned into a bus trip because of the river levels. I will say, based your video the food quality, portions and the cabin on TUI are superior to what we experienced on a more expensive cruise line. And you had real cookies!!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh really?! I’d not tried amawaterways. Hope you enjoyed! 💕

[@lindalaceyblevins5527]

What a great video! So happy to see that Hudson is such a multi-tasking buddy. Travel companion AND Christmas tree topper.

[@jamiegboyd]

I’m so happy as the Long time watcher and a Cologne Citizen I am so happy you inform us

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@bobkrakovich1851]

Hi Emma, long time no chat. We're currently on the Celebrity Constellation for a 12 night Southern Caribbean cruise in Cartagena Columbia. Another 7 nights to go. Woohoo. Hi from Bob and Jill from Connecticut. Go Chelsea Blues 💙

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey both! Go Chelsea blues WOOHOO!! I hope you are having the best time ever. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@PleaseApplaud]

Would love to see you review the TUI Nile cruises (or any Nile cruises!). As far as I can tell, they currently only do a 7 night option, flying from UK and getting straight onto a boat in Luxor. I hear they are considering doing a 7 day cruise, 7 day beach option in the future, so I would love to see someone review the cruise stage so I know what that bit's like while I keep my fingers crossed for a 14day option in the future.

[@petshopgirl39]

Hi @EmmaCruises - I just wanted to give some excellent feedback about booking a cruise through your website. Absolutely brilliant. Angie @ Travel Counsellors rang me within 10 minutes of my submitting the form on your website. And the cruise was all booked and sorted within 45 minutes! Really stellar service. Love the TC portal where you make payments and can see the booking. We’re sailing HAL Koningsdam to Alaska in September. It’s our second cruise - our first was P&O Iona to the fjords last year which was one of your recommendations. Thanks again - it was a seamless experience and first time we’ve used a travel agent in about 25 years!

[@EmmaCruises]

Awwh thanks so much, I'm so happy to hear this, I'll let Angie know!! Have the best time ever 🙌🏼

[@petshopgirl39]

@@EmmaCruises oh we definitely plan to 🤩🤩🤩! Do pass on my thanks to Angie. We’ll definitely be booking future cruises this way. So much easier. I had no end of problems booking direct with HAL - it just wouldn’t accept my U.K. debit or cc. So I gave up and suddenly remembered that you do cruise bookings and the rest is history so to speak!

[@EmmaCruises]

Love it, have the best time ever!!! Thanks for sharing this too it really helps. us, much appreciated :)

[@gillsinclair6927]

My parents did a budget Highlands and Islands cruse a few years ago. They loved it. I'm so jealous they stopped off in Lerwick for the day. I've always wanted to go to Shetland especially for Up Helly A

[@EmmaCruises]

Oooo! Sounds amazing. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@gillsinclair6927]

@@EmmaCruises trouble is, Up Helly A is in February

[@vanessavanderkramer6588]

Hi Emma, I love your vlogs. They are done so very professionally the way you narrate them. Really good!

[@EmmaCruises]

You are so kind, Thank you! 😁❤️

[@FraserAtSea]

Wow - I’m so surprised (in a good way) at the quality on offer here when they’re so much cheaper than the other lines - the overall ship, food and cabin all look excellent!

[@EmmaCruises]

Better than that msc bed eh? 🤣

[@kiddlesk]

Another nice and helpful video. I must say, the boat looks far nicer than I had expected. Having only done one river cruise I think we will add TUI to our wish list.

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo!! Thank you! 😁❤️

[@imsbvs]

I was thinking there must a new video out soon, and behold it was showing in my KZbin feed! If I recall corerctly in the summer there was a drought and water shortage and river levels were unusually low, now they seem to be bursting. Just shows how things do change. Anyway, I've never river cruised, perhaps one day, certainly the boat looks great.

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha! I love it when that happens. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@gparsons320]

Did I miss something? I didn't hear how the cruise "Went WRONG." I've been looking at European river cruises on budget lines like Tui, but am worried that they're budget for a reason. This video makes the cruise seem great. Did you not enjoy it?

[@Ali-bs1qe]

@@yeeaahhzzright i was confused too!! i was waiting for the drama. i think she may have been talking about the flooding?

[@EmmaCruises]

Helloo! If you keep watching you’ll see in more detail but in short our flight was diverted to a different city (and delayed) last minute, our embarkation port and itinerary were changed because the river was closed. Hope this helps! 😄❤️ I googled the definition of ‘went wrong’ out of curiosity and the definition is ‘not to happen according to plan’, I think that sums this up pretty well! Thanks for watching. 😀👏🏼

[@EmmaCruises]

I had a great time, hopefully this shows people things can go wrong… but still be great! 😀

[@wolfgangberendes4711]

@@EmmaCruises very well done, Emma. 👍

[@redfishswimming]

Emma - your content is absolutely great. You speak so eloquently, and are totally relatable. Ugh I want to book a river cruise now 😄

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@NauticalNurseNancy]

I imagine that the Christmas market lights were just beautiful! How fantastic that you were able to take this river Cruise, and book a suite as well!

[@hmarc417]

Back when i was a kid my parents used to get loans from a mortgage CO. Called, Local-Lone.. I should have taken that paper advertised cruse ship job when I graduated. Oh well......Life moved on. I could have had so much fun for the last 38 years and met people like you...

[@johnhilbrands3274]

Thanks Emma, We enjoyed this video very much. Sharing a bit on the destination was a nice touch I know this is your vacation time so the amount is a nice mix. My wife and I are planning a Alaska cruise so have really watched just about everybody including the world cruisers. We have done a cheap 3 day carnival Catalina mexico cruise and this will be our first big one happy cruising.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much, appreciate it! 💕

[@dmacd9058]

I have never felt the need to go on a cruise but for some reason I am fascinated by these videos. Makes me think I should go on a cruise.

[@LaJuana558]

I did a Uniworld Rhine Christmas Market cruise in 2015 and it was awesome! LoL at them creating a special floor for you to walk over! I remember that happening a couple of times. I don’t remember anyone seating separately…we chose different tables nightly and thus different table mates. What fascinated me was the length of holidays people from around the world were enjoying. In the states we get three weeks after ten years if we’re lucky! 😂. Many on the cruise were touring for months on end and they seemed to be working class like many of my friends. Basel was the only Christmas Market we got to see after dark because we were sailing at night. I will add that passing through the many small locks at night were a highlight of my trip. I enjoyed them immensely more than a later Panama Canal cruise I took! Thanks for sharing your experiences! And congratulations on the 300k subscribers!

[@MrsTabby1963]

We did our first river cruise last year with Tui and loved it. We are doing another with them this summer. So comfortable, friendly and relaxing. Can't wait! We were aware of effects of low and high water so at Easter time it was perfect.

[@EmmaCruises]

Sounds good! 😁🥳

[@laurenschenck5355]

Germany is absolutely amazing so beautiful I love the Christmas markets! 🎉🛳️🩵🛳️🎉🛳️🩵🩵🩵🩵🎉🎉🎉🛳️

[@EmmaCruises]

It really is!

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@EmmaCruisesikr! 😊

[@AndrewHaverson]

Glad to I'm not the only one who thinks "co-log-neh" for Cologne. 😀 8:50 - I would want to fix that sign, looks too slap-dash for my liking. Thanks for the video. Blessings to Emma, Hudson, the family and YOU!

[@jamesbeale9622]

I was on that ship and Rhine cruise 12th -18th December. Probably the week before. Changes to the itinerary for the last 2 days due to the floods so we got a train to the place we missed. Nice ship and enjoyable experiences in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenze and Rudescheim.

[@wolfgangberendes4711]

The thing with the German Christmas markets is, they are only in big cities, > ~ 200 000 residents, over ~ 4 weeks. In smaller cities they are only sporadic, e.g. on a weekend. The problem of TUI was that many jetties had been flooded, I think. So overall you were lucky that the journey took place. Your video is great. 👍

[@spaceandcashmere]

Your videos are so relaxing. I'm terrified of deep water and large boats, so ocean cruising is out for me, but I love being able to experience it through your videos! And I do think I could handle a river cruise one day. I appreciate knowing what to expect!

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo! Thank you! 😁❤️

[@Stonebrick]

Oh yeah, welcome to Germany! We tend to have flooding around this time of year. I hope you still enjoyed your time here!

[@oceanfroggie]

We switched from Ocean cruising to river cruising years ago, never going back to the floating tower block casinos with crowds, man handling, queuing, inconvenience. River cruising only 150 other passengers, much more relaxed, walk on walk off experience as these smaller boats are docked in the very centre of towns and major cities, instead of some concrete industrial an hour away from destination cities. No disembarkation queues nor crowds, just step off, step on. No sea sickness, and interesting scenery passing cabin window all day long instead of boring endless horizon. River cruising is a real holiday and you get to taste the back streets of european cities. Many have complementary bicycles for cycling into the centre of cities so it's easier to see city attractions. Suggest you check out lines like AMA.

[@EmmaCruises]

I’d love to, Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@AbsalomMcVey]

For riverboat cruising we like Uniworld, and on the ocean Windstar. Just FYI.

[@paulwinge4173]

Hi Emma! We've enjoyed cruising with many ocean & river cruise companies and I am excited to her about your Uniworld experience. We've sailed with them twice and found the service, the ships and the experience to be among the best we found anywhere. I believe you will find that trip to be a big step up from Tui and Emerald. Enjoy!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@susanr.562]

‘HOMEY’ is the American expression that corresponds to the British expression ‘HOMELY’

[@EmmaCruises]

Yessss 😀 Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@logicreversed18t]

I can absolutely see myself standing awkwardly on the dock, noticing there was a ship between me and my ship, and fretting, "Well, I guess we live here now. I can't just WALK through another ship."

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EmmaCruises]

Ha ha!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kc0eks]

You are just amazing to hang out with. I love hearing you talk about these experiences. You have awesome humor that just fits great. You should review hotels and everything else. I'd tune in to anything you do!

[@janetteno3]

I too always use packing cubes and I like Mia Tui bags

[@judis4900]

I wasn't familiar with this cruise line. The ship looks wonderful and the menu looks great to me. thanks for the tour.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@ankiebmann]

Back then I've seen your post too late. I'd have loved to come to Andernach and say hi! Andernach is a small town with some hidden gems. There's a Christmas market with nativity plays but online at the Advent weekends. The water level was really high and after the holidays it became even higher. Greetings from Rhein River!

[@EmmaCruises]

Sounds lovely! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@laurenschenck5355]

The Christmas decorations are so cute! 🎉🎉🛳️🩵🛳️🎉🩵🩵🛳️🎉

[@EmmaCruises]

They are lovely aren't they?! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@EmmaCruises Totally! ❤❤

[@SomeoneBeginingWithI]

Thank you for being honest about the wheelchair accessibility. It's helpful to have that kind of information

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@richscary]

What did Formal Hudson do that you had him swab the bathroom in his Tux? 😂 Great video as always! Oh... I ended getting a set of 6 packing cubes from MiaTui. The IKat pattern is very cool! Thanks!

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo!! That’s awesome, I love them. I have some of that one too!!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@b.w.9244]

Thank you very much! Never heard of Mia Tua before. Will check it out!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@joannebrumme9829]

I have been on 2 Emerald River cruises and I loved them both!

[@EmmaCruises]

Sounds good! 😁🥳

[@danpanderson]

Great job! We’ve only been ocean cruisers, but we’ve been considering a river cruise. Thank you!

[@fizzys26]

Perfect timing for the MiaTui collaboration because I’m preparing for my first cruise and have been looking for good travel bags!

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo!! I’m so glad. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@geniushisfriends1260]

My first ever experience with cruising was on a River Cruise in Europe. Loved it and now I have experienced many different cruise lines. There is nothing better than visiting the Christmas markets in Europe.

[@EmmaCruises]

Agreed! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@geniushisfriends1260]

Thank you Emma for the information regarding the packing boxes from Mia Tui which I have ordered.

[@EmmaCruises]

@geniushisfriends1260 woohoo! You’ll love them. Thanks for letting me know 😀💕🎉

[@chroniclerxx7244]

The food and amenities look amazing for a “budget-friendly” cruise!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@seth8629]

I still have never been on a cruise and mostly watch your videos because you are just so positive!

[@EmmaCruises]

Awh thank you! Hard not to be when cruising 😇💕

[@Nrustica]

I often have extra fun when travel plans go sideways. Travelling is good for the soul, it forces you to adjust expectations and roll with it.

[@EmmaCruises]

Exactly!! 😂💕

[@elaineshepherd4757]

We sailed on isla 27th nov. Had a fab time. Our walking guide in cologne told us the river was normally 3.2 mtrs but at the time was 5.3 metres and told us about flood defences in place. The river was definitely higher on youre visit

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my goodness! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@marieneu264]

So happy to see a video from you! I haven’t received a notification in months!!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh no! Make sure you go back and check out the videos I’ve published 😀💪🏼

[@chrismoule7242]

On our first ever river cruise, our coach transfer from Brussels to Dusseldorf was badly delayed getting out of Brusells, and we arrived after dinner was due to have finished, but of course our company rep [Riviera] had phoned ahead, and they kept the restaurant open for us and served us a wonderful meal.

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh phew!! Hungry guests are not happy 😂

[@iamatransporter]

Congrats on hitting 300k Emma!! 😁😁

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@Shipsarecool123]

Glad you got to visit Kölle

[@LondonLovesOlympics]

Amazing videos about river cruising, I'm defo gonna take my mum on one this year!

[@sallyjones2736]

Emma, here in America we just say homey….meaning like home, comfortable. I love your videos…only way I’m ever going cruising.

[@EmmaCruises]

Gotcha! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@abrahamk9]

A Christmas market river cruise sounds amazing. Two activities I've always wanted to do in Europe combined into one trip.

[@EmmaCruises]

Highly recommend 😀❤️

[@pattappurple]

Great video as always. Love Mia Tui and have used them for many years.

[@EmmaCruises]

Glad to hear it! Thank you! 😁❤️

[@andreagriffiths3512]

11:15 how good is that Mia Tui bag? I’ve got the same one, in the same colour and I love it so much!

[@EmmaCruises]

I love it tooo!!! So glad you do. Thanks for letting me know :-)

[@andreagriffiths3512]

@@EmmaCruises my thanks to you for highlighting the brand back in Covid days when you reviewed the packing cubes. I’d never have found them otherwise and their bags are truly awesome and look super chic and high class. When I travel I don’t look dead broke any more, instead looking like I belong in the mini suite club…I got a bargain when they refunded me that upgrade price I paid but kept me in the cabin when they shifted my cruise sideways a few years. It was super lovely being in a mini suite for 14 nights and even nicer when I got ‘locked in’ when I got Covid 2 nights from the end. I also got a lovely $760 FCC for that too. I’ve just got back from the cruise that was a third paid off with that bonus.

[@theloverlyladylo9158]

I’m not a cruise person (too many people), but a river cruise like this is something I could manage. However, I do like package tours, and I just booked one for Venice, Florence, and Rome!

[@EmmaCruises]

Ooo!! Have a great time! 🥳🥳

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

River Cruises are advertised all of the time, on the telly in America.

[@AllThings357]

You do such an amazing job with your videos! Very informative and entertaining. Expertly presented.❤

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@PlayerWellKnown]

Great video. River cruising has definitely been added to my bucket list!

[@EmmaCruises]

Woohoo!! Good idea. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@Delphae111]

my parents went on a river cruise for the markets this year and were also effected by the flooding

[@bjdefilippo447]

Thanks for the explanation of British vs American "homely." I've run into that before and been confused. The cabin looked lovely!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@nicholashall4625]

I didn’t see what went wrong here? It all looked great

[@EmmaCruises]

Helloo! If you keep watching you’ll see in more detail but in short our flight was diverted to a different city (and delayed) last minute, our embarkation port and itinerary were changed because the river was closed. Hope this helps! 😄❤️ I googled the definition of 'went wrong' out of curiosity and the definition is 'not to happen according to plan', I think that sums this up pretty well! Thanks for watching. 😀👏🏼

[@nicholashall4625]

@@EmmaCruises ah thanks I thought you meant the cruise itself went wrong but I suppose with TUI they are also responsible for the flights 😄

[@fba3203]

Emma, your reviews are always fair and excellent. Also your nails are always beautifully done.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you 😀❤️

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

On one cruise I went on the hurricane came in ahead of us, we were held up for two days just sitting in the ocean. The crew were wonderful, considering it was at the end and supplies were tight and everyone had to be rescheduled! It was a carnival cruise