First Time Danube River Cruise

Trying to choose between the Danube Waltz and the Romantic Danube. Would appreciate any insight. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the River Cruising forum! Is there a reason you are only considering Viking? There are many other river cruise lines!

I suggest you start by reading the sticky New to RIVER CRUISING??? at the top of this forum, especially the downloadable pdf:

http://pdf.cruisecritic.com/travel-guide/UltimateGuidetoRiverCruising.pdf?et_cid=1262487&et_rid=99616845

which discusses each cruise line and compares them to ocean cruise lines and hotels [this will give you a frame of reference]. The range among river cruise lines that market in the US is fairly small -- but there are differences from the bottom to the top, and the prices don't vary as much as it first appears because the more expensive lines include more things that cost extra on the "cheaper" lines. For information on choosing a river -- if you aren't dead set on the Danube -- read the sticky River Cruise Basics articles on Cruise Critic at the top of this forum. I also recommend the book Berlitz guide to River Cruising in Europe by Douglas Ward, which may be found at your public library.

Hello mrs.cog, your choice is a tough one, as the itineraries are very similar. Romantic Danube is a bit more Germany heavy, and I have sailed along this route. The biggest difference in the Danube Waltz is porting in Slovakia.

Both routes are lovely, good towns and cities, interesting culture, food, drink.

Personally, I would pick the Danube Waltz sailing, as it will offer a slight bit more different personality along the route, whereby the Romantic Danube has a few stops that are similar in personality.

Please let me know if I can answer anything directly about the route or Viking, you can email me at home(at)terryandmike(dot)com