Question about river level and side-to-side docking

Hi there,

We haven't river cruised before (nor been with Crystal) but all the reviews of your Rhine Class ships sound so amazing that we have booked a Crystal Penthouse on an Eastern Danube cruise in summer next year. We're really looking forward to it - your open seating, lower passenger numbers, specialist events and high quality dining make it a real alternative to ocean cruising for us and (at this point) we wouldn't consider another river cruise line for our first attempt.

The two things that worry us are (a) finding that the river levels are low so that we can't achieve the full journey and (b) that we get stuck next to other boats when docked so we can't enjoy views from our suite...particularly if we are to enjoy our sitting room properly. This is especially an issue as we are docked in Vienna for a number of nights.

It would be a shame to spend so much money only to find we spend lots of time on coaches or (even worse) discover we are constantly looking into another boat when docked so can't enjoy the views or open your stunning French balcony windows.

What is your advice please?

Dear Ovener:

Thank you for selecting Crystal River Cruises for your introduction into river cruising. We closely monitor the water levels on the waterways and do everything possible to adjust the itinerary to the best of our ability, if needed. Should a low or high-water scenario occur and the vessel is unable to sail the intended route, guests are still able to enjoy the places we visit as we have our own fleet of luxury motorcoaches to transport guests to nearby destinations.

When ships dock alongside one another, called rafting, views may be obstructed on the side of the ship that is alongside another. In many ports, particularly during high season, it is common for ships to be alongside one or more ships. As part of the river cruising experience, we find that most guests spend their time ashore exploring, dining in our restaurants, or relaxing in one of our social spaces on board.

We are confident that you will have a fantastic time and look forward to welcoming you onboard next year.

Kindest Regards,

Walter

Thank you. Looking forward to the cruise and will report back on CruiseCritic. It will be interesting to compare to an ocean cruise - pleased you are bringing over so many of the same concepts.