best line for river cruises in Europe?

[socalguy2010]

We love Seabourn and have been with them in the Baltic (Pride), the Greek Isles (Odyssey), and across the north Atlantic (Sojourn). Now we're thinking of doing a river cruise in August/September 2012 in France/ Germany/ Netherlands/ Austria/ Hungary/.... Are there opinions about a river cruise line with service and food comparable to Seabourn? We're currently considering Viking, Uniworld, and Avalon, and will probably also look into AMA, Vantage, and GMT. Any preference for any of these (or other) lines?

[newlondon]

If you can afford Seabourn your best choice is Tauck followed by Uniworld.

[Early Retiree]

We used Tauck last June for their "Musical Magic on the Blue Danube" cruise. It was wonderful if you are a classical music fan. We loved it. Everything, including 2 operas, was included and seamless. My only "complaint" was that we were so busy on this trip that we needed to get home to rest!

 

We did find the river boat crowed in the public areas when we had a musical performance or a lecture on board and also the dining room was completely full during meals on board. We did, however, have many meals off the ship as part of the Tauck program.

 

Merril

[alexandra cruiser]

many said AMA,,,having been on ALL the other ones,,inc.Viking,Uniworld,Avalon,etc...tho not TAUCK,,,due to inc.ALL excursions in price and like to be on our own there,,so HATE to pay for something we dont use,,

 

So,,booked AMA for Danube cruise next May,,,,will let you know,,BUT,,,really ,,,having been on 8 river cruises,,,not much difference in lines,,but in SHIPS,,,since new ones with 2 balconies being offered...best to start with 7 day in area you like to see if its for you.Check ea.website and read reviews ...

 

River cruises great,,but DIFFERENT,,,not as luxurious,,,food good,rooms on small side,,but VIEWS from top deck make up for it..Also,,dock right in town usually and can walk and explore on own,,or join optional excursions,

 

Then,,can take inc.exc...and leave to go on own after getting to site,,just let guide know,,then get back to ship on own...best of both worlds..

 

Get to see towns missed by big ships,,and boat is so much better than bus,,or trying to navigate some countries on own in car...

 

We try to take on of EACH every yr...way to go ,,,in my opinion.:D

[AWED23]

Tauck is the classiest of the lines we have used....6 not including Tauck.:cool:

[Host Dan]

Love Tauck, hated Uniworld.

 

Host Dan