Tom11_Montreal

Thanks, everyone for all your advice. It seems like a river cruise is not the best choice for my sister - she really would be keen to get out and see things despite her mobility problems, and it sounds like that would be very difficult. We'll have to look for other options I fear...

I’m helping my sister check out river cruises in Europe, and she has some special needs.

She is starting to have mobility problems – she walks, but slowly and could not walk real far at one time (say less than a km – half a mile – in a day). She can go up stairs on her own, so getting around the ship is not the problem. She is keenly interested in culture and history – her goal for going on the cruise (most likely a 7 day Danube cruise) would be to go on the tours.

What lines offer options for people with problems like hers – excursions mostly in buses, to museums or concerts, etc.? In addition, she is likely to be a solo traveler, so cruise lines without exorbitant single supplements would be a big advantage.

I’ve heard good things about AMA, Avalon and Riviera for people like her, but with few details and no comparisons of lines. Any advice you have for us on the best lines for her would be great – thanks!

We’re first-timers looking for the best European river cruise line (4.5 star level – real nice but not over-the-top luxury and prices) that fits our tastes. I have two questions, and could not find an answer using the search option - sorry.

Clientele:  We’d prefer a cruise with a diverse clientele – from a mix of countries and with few organized groups (which limit socializing). AMA seems to get very good reviews, but seems to be mostly passengers from the US – is that true, and are there other lines we should consider? (And, FYI, I am a US citizen).

Vegetarian options.  We like excellent food and would like a line that makes as much an effort for vegetarians as they do for others (not just double-sized vegetable side dishes with no protein…). I’ve seen references to Avalon and Amadeus, and also to AMA, as possible good lines, and was told to avoid CroisiEurope that imposes a fixed menu with very limited options. Can anyone recommend from your own experience lines that serve “foodie” vegetarian/vegan dinners?

Thanks for your advice! Tom