An open letter to first time riverboat cruisers

[cohengm]

My wife and I did our first riverboat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in Apr/May. We had done several ocean cruises prior. This was by far the most enjoyable of all cruises. Why? Boat size - going from "here to there" was never an issue. No long lines for anything. Fellow passengers are well traveled and layed back and you got to know them. Never a boring moment. Whoaa, you may say - no fancy shows at night. The 45 to 60 minute entertainment provided (usually prior to dinner, but sometimes afterwards) was up close and personal, and always good. On ocean cruises I found myself often in the casino, usually out of boredom and nothing else to do. Not so on a rivercruise. A new port everyday, where you could usually explore and enjoy on your own. And if you chose to sit outside, never crowded, and the scenery was always changing. Don't know what our next destination is, but another riverboat cruise is definitely high on the agenda.

[lynnick]

We also took our first on the next cruise (same ship, same crew etc) and were not disappointed.

The atmosphere, camaraderie, food, excursions, comfort, and overall ambience made this the best cruise we have ever done (you can even bring food and alcohol on board).

We were on the go all the time but very relaxed, each and every stop was a new adventure.

We didn't miss putting on the Ritz, watching fancy stage shows, or sitting at a slot machine losing money.

I agree 100% with 'cohengm', another River Cruise is definitely in our future.

[sands28]

After several middle range ship ocean cruises and one small ship (Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagus) we tried our first river cruise (Uniworld on the Seine) we enjoyed it so much that in Oct 2010 we are going on the AMA Legendary Danube and in Oct. 2011 on the Uniworld River Tosca on the Nile.

For people who like to travel and see things and not focused on relaxation, entertainment, food, or gambling, river cruising is a great way to go!!!

[alexandra cruiser]

the river is also smooth, for those that get seasick, like ME///it s like having a floating hotel follow you along,,unpack only once...docks near city center so you can explore on own,if you prefer....

I ve take about 8 so far,,,my favorites have been Egypt,Russia,Portugal,,loved the others ,of course...

We still take Ocean cruises,but just along coasts...like South America,Adriatic Sea,, and next Norway Fjiords....but no where near as smooth seas....

To all of you "thinking"about a river cruise,,,give it a try,,,you ll become hooked as those posters above...

If you can swing it,,book room with french balcony,,,can lay on bed and watch scenery go by,have fresh air,but close curtains at nite,,,,can sometimes dock next to another boat,,,not often,,,,will wake up with CLOSE neighbors...:eek:

[newlondon]

Alexandra, You are so in for a treat with the Norwegian fjords. Be sure to check out the recent posts by Terry of Ohio on the Silversea board. Don't get scared by the price as it is all inclusive and ther are still good discounts.

[wardbigpapa]

Thanks for posting, we are taking our first river cruise onboard Avalon Poetry and will be going fron Budapest to Amsterdam on the 5th of Sept. . We have done the big ships and are now really looking forward to our river cruise. You all make it sound very exciting.

[Willsot]

Great to hear. We're looking forward to our first river cruise in September.

[alexandra cruiser]

have been following Terry on SilverSea,,,,only prob. is its 15 days,,,trying to find one 12 or under,,,,so far,,,Azamara looks good...but just got back from SeaDream in Adriatic last week and need a break before more research for next year...but does look great....he takes such great photos,,,and ship looks wonderful,,, what great decisions to make,right??;)

[newlondon]

Alexandra, I don't know your age or financial status, but the 15 days is well worth it. Maybe your job won't accomodate it but do your best:D

[JEBurton]

After about 20 ocean cruises and with Renaissance going out of business after 9/11, we decided to try river boats starting with Viking's Amsterdam to Budapest for 15 days - spectacular! Then we did China with Viking (probably the best China experience going), followed by France and Russia, all on Viking. Next up is Egypt with Uniworld in March 2011.

 

One word of caution for those considering Viking because of their new "2 for 1" pricing - it's probably a marketing gimmick so compare ships, cabins, itineraries, costs, etc carefully before deciding.

[Hydrokitty]

Yup....we river cruisers are legion and one cruise is all it takes! Our first was with Vantage: Castles of the Rhine and Danube on the River Odyssey. It was so wonderful that we signed up for another Vantage trip: Egypt and Jordan, which had two river cruises (Lake Nasser to Abu Simbel and the Nile) and that was so wonderful that we signed up for another Vantage River cruise: Tulips and Waterways of Holland and Belgium in May, 2010! Our next one is Alaska, followed by Russia and then China...

We love river cruising and we love Vantage. :D

[germanyboy]

Took Grand Circle's Christmas Market Cruise December 22-29, 2005. Most remarkable part was docking, getting off the ship, walking 10 minutes or less, and ending up in City Centre several times. This where gov't buildings, museums, cathedrals, and shopping centers are.

[alexandra cruiser]

Its just a time issue for us,,,,hubby is a Doctor and hard to get coverage more than 2 wks....plus, my animals would REALLY miss us....even with a pet sitter....found Azamara only 10 nites in Aug...looks like best so far....did you take one already????:cool: