The Love & Hates of European Cruises

The best and worst of European cruise travel. Are you looking to take a cruise in Europe for your next vacation? Well here we go through the five things tourists love and hate about going on European cruises, whether you are going on a Rhine River cruise or a Croatian Costal Cruise or perhaps a Mediteranean Cruise, these tips will help you be prepared for your European Cruise.
Filmed in Croatia
5 Love & Hates of European Cruising
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[@susanphelon9610]

Most of your hates can be eliminated if you cruise on Viking or other higher end river ships. Excursions are included and no tables are assigned. Starts out more expensive but when you add in the costs of the excursions, the free wine and beer at lunch and dinner and other included things they aren’t really that much more expensive.

[@mgweir3252]

We did just that and went on Scenic cruise lines. When you book your trip, the price they show is everything. It even included airfare to Europe, taxes, tips, excursion fees and all beverages. It wasn't cheap, but it was our honeymoon, 2 years delayed because of COVID, and my wife's first trip to Europe. If you can afford it, it is well worth the money. The only extra expenditures were the 2 extra nights in Amsterdam at the Park Plaza and all the souvenirs, as well as any food and drink off the boat. It was a great way to see a lot in 2 weeks without packing and unpacking. It's like staying at a 5 star hotel that travels with you.

[@Bobrogers99]

Viking cruises are expensive. My cruising was on small boats that emphasized the ports of call rather than the onboard experience, and I could afford them on a schoolteacher's salary.

[@babsr8479]

Good to know

[@shirleycarlisle9339]

We went on UniWorld-same as Viking. Everything is included. We had an amazing time. Would definitely recommend it!

[@debbied9997]

I just returned from a Viking cruise and can't wait to book another. They have many power outlets in the room, including European and US voltage. Every city has an included excursion. And we could sit at any table; we moved around the dining room each night and loved every person we met, we even sat in the more casual area once just to change things up.

[@martinakalman100]

10:50: "castle cruise on the Rhine": Hungarian Parliament in Budapest by the Danube 😎

[@Ahuka]

Viking does not havre assigned tables in my experience. We've made good friends on those cruises.

[@fishandfloral]

We love Viking, which eliminates many of your hates. There’s always an included excursion, no assigned tables, free beer and wine at meals, and no children. We don’t always take the included excursions and will go wander around town on our own when we want a down day. I think river cruising is a great way to explore many countries for a short time, to determine which areas you want to go back and spend more time visiting. I discovered that I love Budapest and Bratislava, which I wouldn’t have thought to visit, and we’ve gone back several times.

[@yaowsers77]

My bucket list has Christmas market River Cruises and just use the ship as a floating hotel. I don't need the excursions, just the markets!

[@bdimon]

We did a river cruise with Grand Circle Line. Most days, we had a guided tour after breakfast and then went back to the boat for lunch. Afternoons were on our own. I really like the combination of guided and independent traveling. The thing I love the most about river cruising is that you unpack once for a two-week trip. Your hotel room is the same every night even though it is in a different location every day. Grand Circle rooms are the same size as the others but they have fold up beds so you feel like you have more space. My wife and I never felt like we were getting in each other's way. The food was amazing! We did not have a signed seating so we could pick whichever table we wanted. The crew were so nice and fun. Most of them were from Romania and because they were so amazing, we now want to visit Romania.

[@zork999]

Do NOT book a Rhine River cruise in July or August! We did that last year and sat in Rüdesheim (a mile from the train station) for five days as there was no water in the river. I think there were seven inches in parts. The staff was nice and we had a good cabin that was luckily on the side away from the shore. The cabins on the shoreside were below the height of the river bank, so no view at all, just the seawall.

[@subparnaturedocumentary]

i'm 40 and this sounds like a great time to me.

[@antifugazi]

Sibenik is beautiful, been there twice.

[@cathrf88]

It’s so cool to see you are almost reaching 1 million! I am not a commenter but i’ve been following for years, love your tips!

[@lidari2956]

Love from Croatia city Kastav ! 🥰🥰

[@Sandikal]

A lot of this wasn't what I experienced on my 2019 Viking cruise. There was an included excursion at each stop. We were free to explore after each tour. We usually got back right before the port talk. We got to sit wherever we wanted at dinner. If we didn't like the people we fined with one night, we just sat with someone else the next night.

[@woltersworld]

Cool. Not always the case though. Glad that yours was like that

[@valkyr8]

I took an Avalon river cruise and I loved it. I don't think I could ever go back to a large cruise ship again. 140 passengers vs 4,000, it' a no brainer.

[@stevebartley628]

6th hate - the cost. My wife and I can visit the middle Rhine for a week on what we would spend for one day on a cruise

[@michaelblaszko3855]

You’ll be in Kotor tomorrow, maybe I’ll run into you. My wife and I love traveling the Dalmatian coast.

[@christopheferraux2864]

For those who want to make a river cruise in Europe in a very independent way, the solution is to rent a boat without a license. one of these most interesting cruises is the one on the Canal du Midi in the south-west of France

[@gerardflynn7382]

Love the scenery Hate the seasickness. 😊

[@picobello99]

Sea sickness isn't an issue on a river cruise 😉

[@travelwithwill1]

Looks super nice, cheers from Milan

[@ronweasley1354]

I went on one with my parents when I was in college and even my parents were the younger than everyone on the boat. Biggest positive is the amount you can see, but the independence did get annoying since you’d want to explore more but had to get back to the boat. There are some dinners where you’re traveling to the next place so you have to eat on the boat which I found disappointing. And it usually stops right in town but not always, I had to take an hour bus into Heidelberg from the boat.

[@islanddog32963]

the guides for excursions were fantastic and very knowledgeable

[@dancingcowgirl85]

I did a Viking bordouex cruise last fall and I loved it as 37yo. Was I younger than most people there… by a lot yeah. Did I still have a blast yeah. I want to go again. It wasn’t a party but I’m not a party person so when the -60 crowd drank and danced after dinner I went up on the top deck and I’ll have drank my hot chocolate and read my book or called my kids. If the timing was right. My cousin is 23 and she had fun but thought it was spendy till I laid out the price with everything included compared to what she’s used to which is a Caribbean cruise with nothing added.

[@Bobrogers99]

I did my European river cruises 30 years ago, when the boats were smaller (40 to 100 passengers), the cities and towns we visited weren't simply tourist attractions, and they were AFFORDABLE! Tour groups were sometimes only a dozen people, and we had a chance to explore on our own and experience the genuine culture of each place. When 5,000 cruisers descend upon a port of call, all they will ever see is tourist traps. We also explored a country that no longer exists, Russia right after the Iron Curtain fell, and in those two thrilling weeks we stopped at villages that had never seen a foreigner! Yes, on the Elbe we ran aground, but we had a fun afternoon in a non-tourist town and had lunch at their little railway station served by delightful German ladies that were recruited to feed us. So if you like the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, take one of the big sea cruise ships. But if you want to actually experience the variety of cultures in Europe, take the smallest river boat you can find. Outfits like Viking have pushed many of the smaller companies out of business, but there may be a few left.

[@pohlarbull]

I am going on a river cruise next week; and you are making me more excited about this trip!

[@lawrencebaker2318]

Thank you! I am going on my first cruise this autumn in France. I appreciate the info!

[@Sonny0276]

Great Video. Thank you for posting.

[@woltersworld]

Thanks sonny

[@geograph-ology4343]

Everything you said is true, but they are worth the hates. Travel through the heart of Europe seeing beauty and learning history dating back to Roman times. You can learn cultures can be so different and yet so similar. I have done a cruise on the Nile to get a close up look at almost 5 thousand years of history. My last cruise was a Christmas market cruise which for the first two or three markets were magical (the last few were repetitive and crowded-but still glad we went). Thanks for what you do, Mark.

[@curious1264]

I just book my own tours and make sure we get back ahead of departure

[@lambertois11]

European river cruse are definitely for me. I hate following the crowds. I enjoy planning my vacations based on my personal preferences and priorities!

[@Debra113]

Me too!

[@lambertois11]

@@Debra113 I travelled through several counties in Europe. But the country that I enjoyed the most is Japan (before the pandemic). Japan is the most memorable travel ever. Did you go to Japan?

[@donaldlewis567]

My one hate is the fear of low or high river levels causing the boat to be stuck in a particular destination and unable to travel. Therefore they bus you to your next destination and a new sip down the river. Takes away the fun of being unpacked and relaxed your entire stay. We seem to have bad luck on the Danube with these levels. Overall, though these cruises are dun and if you take it all in stride you can have an excellent time even with all the bussing.

[@mgweir3252]

We went on a 2 week cruise last year, starting in Amsterdam and ending in Budapest. We went in the beginning of June because I did a lot of research and didn't want water levels to be too high or low. This time frame seemed to be the most favorable for a pleasant cruise. It was perfect all the way from beginning to end.

[@Bobrogers99]

I mention above running aground on the Elbe, but we experienced a small, non-tourist town that tried so hard to please us until buses finally arrived!

[@M0rbidCuriositea]

Oh wow, I had never considered that before. I wonder if there are certain times of year that are better and worse for that.

[@deckenneth]

We had that experience on the Danube during this past Christmas cruise. We just let early, took the train to the destination we were supposed to miss, grabbed a hotel and finished the trip there (it was toward the end of the cruise so that was easier and we had hotel points to use).

[@koenven7012]

@@M0rbidCuriositea mostly in summer as there's less rain then (July-August-September), but with the climate change it can be a bit all over the place. And the other option is also possible: too much water (we had that on the Meuse river a few years ago in July). No river cruises when everything is flooded.

[@shellyvick6300]

I love your travel videos, but not sure you got it right with this one. I'm so glad you mentioned you're on a CroisiEurope cruise, as most of what you said doesn't apply to cruises we've done (4 Viking River cruises--3 in Europe, 1 on Mekong). We can sit where we want by ourselves or with others. While you do have to be back at the ship on time, they usually sail during the night (unless it's a "scenic sailing" part of the river). They offer different excursions, but of course you can wander independently or book through a different tour company. The food is excellent and their are choices that are offered nightly and those that stay on the menu. The top deck is spacious and an amazing place to get the best views. The lounge/bar area is spacious and most cruisers gather there for the port talks. I do agree that it attracts an older crowd--Viking is for 18+. It would be great if you could do a cruise on the higher end side, to compare and see how your thoughts change.

[@franktozier3184]

My wife and did a Christmas river cruise. it was toally enjoyable. We met some wonderful people who we still communicate with. It was wonderful only 180 people on board. As you said the food is fantastic.

[@Cruisetravelers]

Great video. I’m a travel agent specializing in cruising and I’d say you hit great points in this. Keep up great content and happy travels!

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

The love and hate videos are my favorite. The lack of excursions would be rough, but you're right at enjoying where you're at. The friends I've made on small cruises have been the best. The shark cruise I still keep up with them, and the last one there were so many great people. I agree about the cruises in small ships, the people are awesome. The last cruise I was on you'd get a heck of a lecture for being late and the ire of the passengers. Having said that, it was the only cruise that they wouldn't leave a tourist.

[@b.w.9244]

Doing a Viking river Cruise in France in May. Will be very much a go...go...go..., Will be a tiring vacation. Looking forward! Its our first.

[@Cindypisces]

Been on a few cruises and so far thank god I haven’t had to share a table with others. I don’t mind sitting with others but if I’m gonna do so I’d rather sit with the people I’m cruising with or solo. Last two with Norwegian it was not assigned seating.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thanks T

[@adrianwebster6923]

Power cubes are a great alternative for plugs. more compact than power strips and some come with usb ports etc. handy when space is an issue.

[@donnawildsmith2232]

Viking is excellent & many of the Dislikes are not an issue. That said, I totally agree with the suggestion about taking a day off. The fatigue after 8 days is REAL! No assigned tables on Viking. No fancy nights. We’ve met some wonderful people!!

[@quicksesh]

Most river cruises are now including at least one excursion in the fare price, and river cruises dock in the heart of the towns/cities you are visiting so you can walk off the boat and explore on your own very easily. Have to also say that a lot of operators now are open seating at dinner so you are not assigned a table or a time as the modern river cruise vessels are much more accomodating in their ability to offer flexible dining. Just would also say one thing .. please please please when visiting any part of Europe, learn a few local words (like: hello, thank you and please) as we love to have visitors in Europe and when they make an effort to speak in the local language people warm to them much more.

[@bdimon]

Many of the cruise lines now have electric bicycles to lend. They were a lot of fun and useful for exploring on your own. Our program director warned me about getting back to the boat before it left. I replied that I'm comfortable making my way around Europe and if I miss the boat, just go on without me. I'm confident that I could figure out how to get to the next stop by train and bus and would probably be there first. 😊

[@deckenneth]

When we do ours, we simply use the ship to get us from city-to-city, run on our own schedule during the day, and just make it back to the ship for dinner. We can do that because ports are at the edge of the city centers in Europe, within a 5-10 minute walk (or less) from the ship. Only excursions we do were ones that were further away and required transportation. We've never had dinner tables assigned (at least not yet)

[@bobsprague1]

Love this river cruise video Mark! How about one on a Viking river cruise, in the future.

[@woltersworld]

I may do one in spetember. Not set yet though

[@michaelz.7140]

I always look into the river cruises with fascination. But when I see the itinerary it turns me off. literally just 5 hours for a city is not much. First of all 8 am arriving time and 2 pm leaving time is not what I think a holiday is. Waking up so early to sleepishly going through a city and then when you are finally awake you cant do anything because you are driving.

[@Bobrogers99]

There used to be smaller boats with a more relaxed schedule, spending a full day or more at the more interesting ports.

[@gregbiles7120]

Thanks for posting! We're hoping to do a an Adriatic cruise next year but quickly gave up on the smaller ships because of restrictions on kids (18+ only) and cost. What sites do you use to narrow in on brands/lines to look at? BTW..... ABC on a cruise ship is "Always Be Charging"

[@TheGoToFamily]

It's our dream to go on a European cruise. Thanks for your honest take on cruising in Europe.

[@woltersworld]

Honestly so many different cruise lines and lots of different great experiences. Do the research to find the right one for you

[@ronkunk144]

Nice informative video and I've been going to Europe since 1969 compliments of the US Army. You're thinking and experience is close to mine. The lady who commented on the Viking River cruises is pretty much right in my opinion. But, if you are that independent traveler, like me, you'll find them constraining. For sure..

[@Luv2tickt]

I think we want to hear more about Jane! *Jocelyn enters the chat...

[@rrl4245]

The short amount of time in any one, very attractive city can be frustrating. Several times we wanted more time to see more, and were disappointed when we had to leave for the next location. If the boat is tied up, right next to the city, skip the tour and just walk in and explore, but in some cases you're too far from the city center. Having been to Vienna previously, although the boat docked far from the old-town, we took a convenient U-bahn route that connects, and allowed us to skip the bus & walking tour.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

Question - can you opt out of the excursions - can you just do your own thing some days?

[@hulme187]

What's the best way to book any cruise?

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zork999]

Power strips are not allowed on most cruises.

[@anonymousgirl4605]

Are there certain cruise lines or river tours that cater to a younger crowd?

[@lizadivine3785]

You should talk to older people they know more than you do.

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

Interested to learn what river cruise line you are cruising?

[@attila1746]

- Ships are too small. - Limited dining options, especially if you have dietary concerns. - Feeling like you’re on a leash.

[@Stanf954]

Rhine or Danube River cruise? Which would you do as a first time river cruiser? I understood that they were all inclusive without all the extra costs except for the premium alcohol at the bars. Is there any significant difference btw the cruise companies? Viking vs AMA.

[@Bobrogers99]

The Rhine was my starter cruise, but the Danube offers more variety in the ports of call. On the other hand, if it's the onboard activity that is most important to you, the body of water is irrelevant.

[@mgweir3252]

We used Scenic and it was great. Not cheap, but the price they quote is everything, including taxes. No surprises. All booze included. It's an Australian company, they also own Emerald Waterways. On board is mostly UK, Australian and Canadian, with some US citizens. I would use them again. We did the Rhine, Main and Danube. It was a 2 week cruise. The Rhine river valley is absolutely beautiful. So many castles.

[@donnawildsmith2232]

Danube for sure!

[@BlazVeber69]

As a European "near" coastal resident, we really love those "comi block" cruise ships, which raise the cost of everything for 9 months.

[@woltersworld]

Hmmmm... I feel like that might be a wee bit of sarcasm 😉

[@BlazVeber69]

@@woltersworld

[@gregbiles7120]

I used to think it was FB that was listening to my conversations and serving up ads. Now, I know it's Wolters World too! We've just started talking about this. ;)

[@lout3921]

Does it make sense to bring binoculars?

[@andreaward6478]

Definitely, I spend many hours watching the river and the wildlife go by

[@blankface_]

All the negatives sound terrible lol

[@paulkoza8652]

For both pros and cons, this is why I've never been on a cruise and have no intention of going on one. It sounds like a voyage full of old fuddy duddies. Also, it was interesting that in many of the videos, you featured mega ships. Not exactly the small intimate ships.

[@babsr8479]

Not all Rick Steeves tour guides are script trained. Another KZbinr is a Rick Steeves tour guide and born in France 🇫🇷

[@Jimulacrum]

0:45: Did you just call a SHIP a BOAT?!?!?!?! *unsubscribes, reports video, files complaint with FCC*

[@jimhertwig2220]

I’ve really enjoyed your videos, but this one kinda disappointed. Many of the things you dislike about these cruises are not true for the nicer ships. And with all excursions and meal drinks included, the cost is not much more. Do a video on a Viking cruise, if you haven’t already.

[@josiahmccallister3150]

First

[@jl5548]

First