Amsterdam to Basel Questions

[mojitoman]

My wife and I are seasoned cruisers who are looking to try our first river cruise.  Specifically, we are looking at booking the Amsterdam to Basel 8-day cruise on Viking River Cruises in 2024 so as to visit family working in Germany.  Looking for any suggestions for this cruise - best month to travel, best side of the longship to have a stateroom, excursion recommendations, tips and thoughts, etc.  I appreciate any and all feedback!

 

Thank you.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Amsterdam to Basel is an excellent first river cruise.  I suggest you read the series of Stickies at the top of this forum that can provide you with a lot of background information for river cruising – including comparisons of the many different cruise lines that you might consider [if you only know Viking because of their extensive advertising campaign].

[CastleCritic]

As JazzBeau said look at some of the other options as well. Im not bagging on viking, but each line has its own style and difference in excursions and even to a degree, ports.  Amawaterways, uniworld, scenic...its a list.  Viking is the literal juggernaut to be sure, if you see one ship from one line in a port you might see as many as 3 viking ships on the Rhine.

 

The Rhine is definitely a good "first river" and was mine as well, an 11 day Rhine and Moselle cruise with Amawaterways (biggest difference there really is that AMA doesn't charge for their excursions other than the main one, viking tends to).

 

Side of the ship? doesnt really matter, in a lot of places (Rhine gorge for example) things are on both sides and its better to be up on deck.  Stateroom in general I have yet to pay for anything other than what gets called colloquially "aquarium class" which are the first deck rooms without a balcony.  Again, Im not bagging on having a nice big wide door to look out of, but the lines tend to want a lot for them, and you can get as good if not better view by either sitting in the lounge or just going up on deck.  Thats not to say I haven't had a balcony due to upgrades...I have and I liked it (I have a Danube cruise in 6 days where Ive been upgraded again), but one thing to consider there is "rafting" which is the tendency on some days for your ship to be tied up next to another, not necessarily directly to the dock, and this can happen on both sides of the ship, meaning your view is now into another ships (likely with the curtains closed) bedroom.

 

Best month? depends what your pet peeve is, crowds? avoid the summer months, heat? same thing.  cant stand the cold...well now you flipped it avoid March-mid may and maybe late September through the end of the year.  My favorite thing to do is sit up on deck while cruising and I can tell you a ship moving at 9 knots in 50 degree weather or below is FRIGID (there are some places on ships that have good wind breaks but still).  Some ships have pools up there, others putting greens and a lot of them have walking/running track and almost all of them have a lot of seating. The water level of the river is also to be considered, this time of year its often going to rain (which kind of stinks on its own) which has the chance to cause flooding or high river conditions that restrict movement (I've not heard of it really happening during cruise season but it can)  From July through say October, you have the reverse...if it doesn't rain enough the rivers will get low and that can impact ship movement (this affects cargo ships much more and earlier than it does cruise ships, and at worst on the larger cruise lines generally results in a cruise ship passenger load being moved by bus between two ships around the low point and then continuing on the cruise.  This got a little iffy last year for example but at no point did cruising stop in 2018 I hear it really did.

 

Excursions also depends what youre into, food? old stuff? castles? cathedrals? bike through the countryside?

Edited April 23, 2023 by CastleCritic

[tulok]

CastleCritic has given a lot of great information. To piggy back on the information…our first river cruise was on Viking on the Rhein from Basel to AMS.  I had to take a different flight from my DH, I flew into FRA and took the train straight from the airport to Basel. Very easy, 

We had a great time. The included excursion’s were fine for us. We also enjoyed all the time we had on our own as we tried pubs and shops. (I am a shopper)

Most of the stops were in the center of towns except Strasbourg. We were bussed into town and after a city tour we had plenty of on-our-own time.

We had the swan view cabin and we did wake up with swans looking in our window. We have had balconies since, and it doesn’t matter. We usually have to book last minute so we get what is available.

We went around the first of July. The heat didn’t bother us, the weather was perfect as was the river levels.

One of my favorite memory was the day cruising with the expert explaining the castles and houses we were seeing along the river.

Please ask if you have any questions. I went 2013 so I am not sure what help I can be.

Be ready for many more river cruises in your future. 

[hoosier2017]

We typically travel mid October to early November.  Crowds are low and temps can range from cool to delightful.  Agree with comments that castles on the Rhine are best viewed rom the top or front deck (with a cup of coffee or tea).  To me, this itinerary was a slower pace than a Danube cruise (which sometimes had one stop in the morning, lunch on board, and another stop in the afternoon.    We didn’t travel with Viking, so I can’t comment on their excursions.  
if you’ve never been to Amsterdam before, go a few days early if possible.  There is so much to see! Been there twice and still would love to return again.  
as others said, there are a lot of other river cruise lines to look into.  This forum has wonderful helpers so don’t be afraid to ask!.

also you say you are seasoned cruisers, river cruising is VERY different.  But to me different in the best ways.  Not thousands of people, not multiple restaurants, no casino, no shows.  But wonderful people (both staff and guests), excellent conversation, beautiful locations, amazing experiences.  

[Wings55]

@mojitoman I agree with the others, AMS to Basil is a wonderful itinerary. If possible, I'd suggest a couple extra days so you can include the Moselle too. We loved our Rhine/Moselle itinerary so much we booked it a second time two years later and thought it was just as enjoyable.

I also think you should spend some time reviewing a variety of cruise lines. Before we booked our first river cruise, I fully expected we would choose Viking. After reviewing our options, we decided on a different line. I love the interior 'look' of the longships but 190 passengers seems too tight to me, but goodness knows Viking has its fans. You need to decide what's right for you. Take your time and have fun planning your cruise. I'm sure you'll love it.

Paul

[pontac]

I travelled with Viking Basel to Amsterdam last year and am currently on Viking Basel to Trier. By all means check what is on offer as what is included and booking conditions very in different markets, but the highlight of this trip is the Middle Rhine Gorge with 20+ fairytale castles to see

 

Viking's ship design is super and you can sit right at the front of the boat with nothing between you and the river but a waisthigh glass screen. With Scenic the front of the boat is cluttered with dinghys and various clutter and crew access hatches which, when left open, block the view.

 

Looking at other boats on the river, including AMA, I can't see any with such seating.

 

Got to go for safety drill

[notamermaid]

On 4/24/2023 at 12:29 AM, CastleCritic said:

From July through say October, you have the reverse...if it doesn't rain enough the rivers will get low and that can impact ship movement (this affects cargo ships much more and earlier than it does cruise ships, and at worst on the larger cruise lines generally results in a cruise ship passenger load being moved by bus between two ships around the low point and then continuing on the cruise.  This got a little iffy last year for example but at no point did cruising stop in 2018 I hear it really did.

Just to expand a little. The level can get so low that it affects the 135m ships a lot. the 110m ships are less affected. But if you stick to Viking or even choose other North-American lines you have little opportunity of booking a cabin on a 110m ship. All in all it is not as bad as it may sound and the ship swap CastleCritic refers to is usually seamless. River levels get low every year but you can never know if they will get so low that they affect river cruise ships and for how long if they do. Last year there was indeed a short period that was problematic. Autumn 2018 - yeeaaah, that was baaad... I always say that if someone tells you of their dreadful experience ask them what year they sailed.

 

I think you cannot go wrong with any line, the Amsterdam to Basel itinerary is very similar with most lines as regards larger or small popular ports. Personally, I will never sail with Viking as I do not like their payment policy. The product once onboard very many happy people here on this board can testify is great.

 

notamermaid

 

[notamermaid]

3 hours ago, pontac said:

I travelled with Viking Basel to Amsterdam last year and am currently on Viking Basel to Trier. By all means check what is on offer as what is included and booking conditions very in different markets, but the highlight of this trip is the Middle Rhine Gorge with 20+ fairytale castles to see

Castles galore coming up for you in a couple of days time. If I remember correctly you have been through the Rhine Gorge before but have not been on the Moselle. I hope you will find that river delightful.

 

notamermaid

 

[AnhaltER1960]

Traveling upriver the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel means traveling from North to South. So starboard cabins will have more the evening sun, port cabins rather morning sun. No sure though, if that matters to you. As others have stated before, cities and sights along the Rhine are on both sides, some here, some there. And by far the most interesting part of the river, the Middle Rhine Gorge, you might wish to see from the deck to have a 360 degree view anyway. Other parts of the river can be a bit boring, canal, or canal-like dykes.

Travelling season, summers tend to be dry and bear the risk of low water in late summer/early autum, spring is usually fine. Cruise lines have their own approach to low-water regimes, you will find many stories on this board. Temperatures from May to Sept/Oct are usually decent to enjoy the sundeck, other months can or will be chilly. There are special Christmas-market cruises, if that interests you.

Viking usually have some excursions included, others can be charged extra, but each line do have a bit different approach to that. So compare cruise lines from sailing times, port times, excursions offered. In many cities the ship will berth in the city centre, so you can do DIY as well. Just observe the departure times, sometimes the ship moves, while guests are on land tours and are being bused to the next port.

[notamermaid]

1 hour ago, AnhaltER1960 said:

So starboard cabins will have more the evening sun, port cabins rather morning sun.

Which reminds me that I forgot to mention daylight. mojitoman, would you prefer to see the sun setting during dinner? Try and get a glimpse of the sun as it disappears behind the hills just after dessert? Or do not mind it being dark when you sit down for the starter? For an idea of what daylight and sunset look like you could have a look at the webcam overlooking Koblenz: https://www.feratel.com/webcams/deutschland/koblenz.html

 

notamermaid

 

 

[mojitoman]

Appreciate the insights and comments as we move along with our plans!  

[pontac]

On 4/25/2023 at 8:54 PM, notamermaid said:

If I remember correctly you have been through the Rhine Gorge before but have not been on the Moselle. I hope you will find that river delightful.

 

Thanks. It was cold, wet and gloomy long the middle Rhine just like last  year. Loved the Mosel. We skipped the included excursion to Trier to stay on the boat as at went up the Mosel to enjoy the sun and the views.

[kiapghff]

On 4/24/2023 at 9:34 AM, Wings55 said:

@mojitoman I agree with the others, AMS to Basil is a wonderful itinerary. If possible, I'd suggest a couple extra days so you can include the Moselle too. We loved our Rhine/Moselle itinerary so much we booked it a second time two years later and thought it was just as enjoyable.

I also think you should spend some time reviewing a variety of cruise lines. Before we booked our first river cruise, I fully expected we would choose Viking. After reviewing our options, we decided on a different line. I love the interior 'look' of the longships but 190 passengers seems too tight to me, but goodness knows Viking has its fans. You need to decide what's right for you. Take your time and have fun planning your cruise. I'm sure you'll love it.

Paul

Wings55, would you mind telling us who you went with? Like Mojito, I am also planning a 2025 retirement river cruise. Im checking with the usual suspects, AMA, Viking, Tauck; its just so hard choosing which line fits my style. Thanks.

[Wings55]

1 hour ago, kiapghff said:

Wings55, would you mind telling us who you went with? Like Mojito, I am also planning a 2025 retirement river cruise. Im checking with the usual suspects, AMA, Viking, Tauck; its just so hard choosing which line fits my style. Thanks.

@kiapghff That's a good plan, find the company that fits your style. For our Rhine/Moselle trips we sailed with Uniworld both times. Before we sailed, I was a little leery of the decor on the Uniworld ships but the service, the food and the almost all-inclusive nature won me over. We've sailed a few times with AMA too, but I wasn't as 'wowed' by those experiences. My all-time favorite is Scenic but like Tauk, you pay extra for the over-the-top nature of their offerings' 

I made a big spreadsheet comparing similar itineraries (date and number of days) with prices and all the various inclusions. Then factor which items are important to you and see what decide. 

I hope you have a great trip!!
Paul

[Host Jazzbeau]

6 minutes ago, Wings55 said:

I made a big spreadsheet comparing similar itineraries (date and number of days) with prices and all the various inclusions. Then factor which items are important to you and see what decide.

I have great respect for your effort on this, but one big question:  how does your spreadsheet deal with subjective factors?  When you say that Scenic was 'over-the-top' that fits my description of their 11-day Seine itinerary – the itinerary allowed for significantly more shore excursion choices, and the shore excursions were dramatically better (and the groups smaller); plus the cruise director was empowered to spend money to make things right.  How do you factor that into a spreadsheet?

[kiapghff]

10 minutes ago, Wings55 said:

@kiapghff That's a good plan, find the company that fits your style. For our Rhine/Moselle trips we sailed with Uniworld both times. Before we sailed, I was a little leery of the decor on the Uniworld ships but the service, the food and the almost all-inclusive nature won me over. We've sailed a few times with AMA too, but I wasn't as 'wowed' by those experiences. My all-time favorite is Scenic but like Tauk, you pay extra for the over-the-top nature of their offerings' 

I made a big spreadsheet comparing similar itineraries (date and number of days) with prices and all the various inclusions. Then factor which items are important to you and see what decide. 

I hope you have a great trip!!
Paul

Thanks for that info Paul, helps alot. I actually signed up for emails from Uniworld and also like them. I will focus on them also.

[Wings55]

6 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I have great respect for your effort on this, but one big question:  how does your spreadsheet deal with subjective factors?  When you say that Scenic was 'over-the-top' that fits my description of their 11-day Seine itinerary – the itinerary allowed for significantly more shore excursion choices, and the shore excursions were dramatically better (and the groups smaller); plus the cruise director was empowered to spend money to make things right.  How do you factor that into a spreadsheet?

 @Host JazzbeauI'm sorry if I made it sound like the answer just jumps off the page, it doesn't. But that's why I said you have to "factor which items are important to you", For me it was a tool I could use to help make choices and weed through the forest of options.  For example, someone who doesn't drink alcohol will want to think twice about a line that doesn't charge on the ship because we know the cost is rolled into the ticket price. It's one of the things I appreciate about Scenic. 😉

Paul

[Host Jazzbeau]

24 minutes ago, Wings55 said:

 @Host JazzbeauI'm sorry if I made it sound like the answer just jumps off the page, it doesn't. But that's why I said you have to "factor which items are important to you", For me it was a tool I could use to help make choices and weed through the forest of options.  For example, someone who doesn't drink alcohol will want to think twice about a line that doesn't charge on the ship because we know the cost is rolled into the ticket price. It's one of the things I appreciate about Scenic. 😉

Paul

The reason I asked is that River Cruise Advisor used to do comparative-cost charts on various river cruise lines – and while his descriptive ratings correctly factored in quality differences, the cost spreadsheet tended to put Viking at the top because their free-air deals made their prices the cheapest even when he factored in their extra-cost items – because he didn't factor in e.g. the size of the groups on their excursions, the fact that the 'free' air was only for cattle-car coach, or the pay-over-a-year-in-advance rule.

 

My own comparison of Viking to Scenic, using my own air and Scenic's 10% pay-in-advance deal, doesn't make Viking look nearly as good.  And when I give Scenic props for the quality of its excursions, food and other amenities – the value proposition is way better than Viking.  So yeah, value propositions do not pop off the page on a spreadsheet.

 

One way I have found to temper that is by adding the daily itinerary details to the spreadsheet and rating them as + or neutral (or rarely, if it would be wasted day, –).  Add them up and get some idea of the subjective value of the itinerary.  [This is where Scenic's 11-day itineraries easily beat everybody else's, including Scenic's, 7-day versions if you have the time and money.]  

 

But unless you have sailed on all the cruise lines you're comparing, it's harder to do that with food, drink, service etc. except by relying on reviews – and very few reviewers have a wide enough perspective.  That's why I relied on the Berlitz guide, because despite its limitations it reflected the widest experience that I found anywhere.  Sadly, the publisher tells me they don't have any plans to update the Berlitz River Cruising guide [nor does River Cruise Advisor plan to update their e-book].  So we're left with the few Cruise Critic posters who have tried more than one line (and, to be fair to the lines, tried them more than once because everybody has a bad day now and then).

 

Which is what leads me to recommend that, if you can afford it, the safest bet is to stay with the top four lines (AMA, Scenic, Tauck and Uniworld) – you can't go wrong with any of them, so the choice is simplified to itinerary nuances and onboard nuances [e.g. décor].  And that always leads me to:  Scenic 11-day itineraries!

 

And, while this was already long enough (!), I should add Full Disclosure:  I am retired and while DW and I are still quite active we recognize that none of our similar-age friends still have the mobility we do – so we view each trip as probably the last time we will see that area, and therefore we want to make the most of each trip.  Time is more precious than money at this stage in life.  Of course for many people YMMV – and that will affect how you view my conclusions.

 

I am very much aware that there are many people on this forum who loved their cruises on Viking, Gate One, Grand Circle, etc.  And they're right too.

[kiapghff]

Host and Wings, I appreciate all the info you are spewing, I am sincerely taking it all in. Another question I have is Im doing this as a retirement gift/trip. I will be 50 but my wife will be 40 when we go. Will we (more her) feel out of place with older passengers? Based on your vast info, of the 4 cruise lines you just posted, is there a better line for the younger crowd? I can mingle with anyone, I dont want my wife to feel out of place.

[Host Jazzbeau]

OK you got me:  40 was a long time ago and we weren't cruising then.  But when we started cruising, it was the older passengers from whom I learned the most.

 

Here's the deal on river cruises (all lines):  there's very little evening entertainment.  No production shows, comedians, magicians, etc like on ocean cruises.  [But read on]

 

The daily schedule is:  up early for breakfast; out for morning excursion [here's where the choice of line comes into play because the better ones offer a choice of active, regular, and slow-walker groups]; back onboard for lunch most days; out for afternoon excursion [on the top lines that offer two a day] or DIY stroll around town; change for cocktails, pre-dinner briefing about tomorrow, and dinner [2-hour leisurely gourmet meal]; piano player or local group in lounge after dinner; early to bed because tomorrow is the same [no sea days on river cruises].

 

Once you internalize that pattern, you will realize that river cruises are not old-folks homes – the itinerary is so active that you need a vacation when you get home!  And chatting with the 'older folks' at dinner is an excellent way to learn about their travel experiences that may give you new bucket list items.

[Wings55]

35 minutes ago, kiapghff said:

Host and Wings, I appreciate all the info you are spewing, I am sincerely taking it all in. Another question I have is Im doing this as a retirement gift/trip. I will be 50 but my wife will be 40 when we go. Will we (more her) feel out of place with older passengers? Based on your vast info, of the 4 cruise lines you just posted, is there a better line for the younger crowd? I can mingle with anyone, I dont want my wife to feel out of place.

@kiapghff @Host Jazzbeau H.J. has provided some great advice and has a broader knowledge of the options out there. I think you'll be able to do some reasonable comparisons. As I believe we've both indicated, do your homework and go with what you think is best for you. 

As far as age is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much. We have meet fun engaging people on every river cruise. Although, the Aussies on our Scenic trip were the most fun bunch ever! 👍

Paul

Edited May 17, 2023 by Wings55

[CPT Trips]

19 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

the itinerary is so active that you need a vacation when you get home!  

Which is another reason the longer cruises are perfect of retirees. 

[tulok]

On 5/16/2023 at 9:25 PM, kiapghff said:

Host and Wings, I appreciate all the info you are spewing, I am sincerely taking it all in. Another question I have is Im doing this as a retirement gift/trip. I will be 50 but my wife will be 40 when we go. Will we (more her) feel out of place with older passengers? Based on your vast info, of the 4 cruise lines you just posted, is there a better line for the younger crowd? I can mingle with anyone, I dont want my wife to feel out of place.

I started river cruising in my late 40’s and we were some of the younger on board. As we have been river cruising the word is out and we are in the middle at 57. The passengers seem to be getting younger by average.

We like the lines that have the active excursions choices because it’s a win win for everyone. We usually go Uniworld, but we are trying Ama this summer. I am sure it will be wonderful. Viking was our first and second cruise, and they hooked us to this type of vacation. With all the positive Scenic talk, we will have to try them in the future.  I just don’t know how anyone can go wrong choosing a river cruise.

[kiapghff]

Thanks for the info Tulok.