What 7 day cruise do you recommend?

[Checkmate1955]

We are planning on a river cruise in Europe for this Sept/Oct...We have never cruised on river boat cruises but have traveled Europe many times...

 

What river and area do you recommend for first timers in Europe? I know everyone has their special areas and towns to see and we would like know what you recommend.... Also which river cruise line do you like the best? Thanks...

Edited May 3, 2014 by Checkmate1955

[id est]

It really depends on what countries/cities you'd like to visit. Let's say it is Paris, then Seine river cruise would be a perfect match. Ours first one was Rhine river cruise with Viking and it was great.

For a first try I'd suggest something short (7 days is fine) and affordable, so you'll know if you like it or not. It is totally different from an ocean cruising by the way...

[cbb]

Another thing to think about.....do you like wine? Then take Paris to the Provence. Do you like WWII history.....then take the Paris to Normandy to see the DDay sights.

 

Great artists? Again it might be the Paris to Normandy to see Givency (Monet) and Auvers-Sur-Oise (Van Gogh) Fabulous old cities then it would be Danube to see Vienna and Budapest, ruins of castles and beautiful scenery would be the Rhine.

 

For many people price is also something to consider.

 

If you can, don't travel in the summer. The crowds can be brutal; We travel in May and September. Have fun planning!!

[Checkmate1955]

Thanks.... We are considering the 8 day Basil to Amsterdam in September... Room size, exercise room, hot tub/pool are basic considerations...

 

Food and price would be another consideration.... AMA and Uniworld sound nice...

[jpalbny]

Thanks.... We are considering the 8 day Basil to Amsterdam in September... Room size, exercise room, hot tub/pool are basic considerations...

 

Food and price would be another consideration.... AMA and Uniworld sound nice...

 

Don't know about AMA but Uniworld Castles on the Rhine on the SS Antoinette was awesome. Just got back 4 weeks ago...and had a great time!

 

The ship has an indoor pool. Rooms were decent sized but not spacious. The movable window in the Category 1 stateroom was pretty neat, and it converts your sitting area to a balcony. Food, wine, and crew were excellent.

 

Others on this board speak highly of AMA.

[peterdkiwi]

We did Basel to Amsterdam as our first river cruise last July with Avalon. Even though I had travelled that area before it was a much better way to travel. They looked after every detail and we could not fault anything.

It ticked all the boxes you mention above. They were so good we have booked our 2nd cruise with Avalon for July this year

[caviargal]

 

Others on this board speak highly of AMA.

 

We have cruised 3 with AMA and have two more booked. Before discovering AMA we took several cruises with Avalon and for us, AMA blew them away in terms of overall quality and attention to detail.

 

Food and wine on AMA are very good; staff and crew are warm and engaging as well as professional and always available. There is a very nice range of included excursions based on your fitness level and interests and their theme cruises are delightful!

 

We are very happy with AMA and are taking the Rhine cruise next year for the Christmas markets.

[cbb]

We're considering AMA tulip cruise next year although we've only sailed Avalon. On AMA we can see both Nijmegen and Arnhem; Avalon only see Arnhem. Keep waiting for Amazon to add Nijmegen and bridge but guess there's not enough demand. Itinerary rules!

[Checkmate1955]

Thanks to all for the great replies.....