Want My Personal Recommendations For A River Cruise Best Suited For You?
When I first contemplated river cruising more than 10 years ago, I was extremely confused by all of the options. There were rivers I’d never heard of, river cruise companies I knew nothing about – and so many places to visit on a variety of itineraries in Europe, Asia, Egypt and elsewhere. What to do?
Help Is Here
While river cruise ships can take you to many places around the globe, deciding where to go and when to go can often be overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I want to point you in the right direction so that you can experience the joy that I’ve experienced in my more than a decade of river cruising.
To get started, take two minutes to complete the form below, and I’ll send you recommendations to help get you started in choosing a river cruise that works for you.
I truly appreciate your unbiased advice. It’s difficult to find these days. — Keith, Calgary Alberta
Are you an experienced traveler?
“Been there, done that?” Are you looking for new new destinations to explore? Let me help you decide on what to experience next.
Are you new to river cruising?
Confused by the abundance in river cruise choices? Do you need help determining which ship and which itinerary would be best for you? Want to know how to select a stateroom that works for your budget and won’t cramp your style? I can help with these decisions too. My goal is to help you get on a ship and an itinerary that works for you.
Please note that my goal is to help you find a cruise that you’re happy with, and with more than 50 river cruises under my belt, I feel qualified to do so.
I don’t sell cruises, but I sometimes rely on travel professionals to help me to assess all of the options. If you decide to book with the travel seller I may receive compensation from the travel professional or cruise company. However, you are under no obligation to book with the travel seller who may be helping me with recommendations for you. My goal is for you to have a great river cruise experience, no matter how you get there.
Is Amsterdam still requiring a certain amount of quarantine days prior to boarding a river cruise? Are the River cruise companies doing anything about this? I wanted to explore Amsterdam 2 days prior to cruise. I can’t do to arrive 9 days prior to cruise to be able to comply with this.
No.
What is weather like mid October for Viking Rhine getaway. I’m intrigued by your comment “depends on tolerance foe cold” . We have good tolerance if we’re prepared! Was in S Korea for olympics and didn’t feel cold. But we need to know what to pack!
Hi,
Do you have a list of river cruise providers that utilize e-bikes in their bicycling excursions?
I would love to have an e-bike option for excursions.
New to river cruising. Have traveled to Europe a few times. My husband and I were planning one on the Danube in Europe on Viking. We never made the trip, since he has passed. My travel companions are my granddaughter and great-granddaughter who will be 9 this September. Looking for cruise line that will take children as I found out Viking does not. Looking for sometime next year a 5-7 day cruise. Do cruise ships allow 3 people to a room? Your help is appreciated. Thank you.
I am so excited for you Jennifer. The best travel experiences are shared with family and friends. Those memories last forever..
Children will not be allowed on the best river cruises until Covid is under control. Spend the time now dreaming of which destinations they would LOVE….. Anticipation is half the fun of any journey.
Any comments on likely impacts of Corona virus on cruise bookings?
Please contact me with advise on upscale river cruises
Would love your advice on the bes/upscalet and safest river cruises
would like to cruse So of France and somehow get to Italy
We’re looking for a Rhine River cruise with a stop at Baden- Baden.
Please complete the form, https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/ralph-grizzles-hosted-river-cruise-trips/
Please complete this form so that we can help you, https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/ralph-grizzles-hosted-river-cruise-trips/
Pls advise best cruise company for Ams to Budapest for May 2020
1 pax 72 and active
1 pax 78 and not quite so active
Ralph, Viking requires early payment and now offering e transfer. Was wondering if you have any comments on the advantages to travellers of using the credit card vs saving 3.3% thro an e transfer.( Realize miss out on points etc,) Wondering if using the credit card offers more leverage if we run into any problem?
Thx for your help!
Hi Ralph
We are looking at a Danube river cruise Aug/Sept 2020. we are fit 68 & 70 yrs old, being our 1st river cruise. I would like to spend a bit of time in Budapest, probably post cruise. After reading some of the reviews on whatever cruise ship, folk dislike low river levels and the consequences of it, it does seem that some companies handle the disruptions better than others. with this in mind do you have any thoughts on which company to select, depending on itinerary 7 to 14 days.
Sorry to have missed this. It is much better to complete the form on this page that gives us all the info we need. If you’re still looking, please complete the form just above the comments. Thanks, Ralph
My husband and I are considering taking our first ever Europe river cruise, however this is complicated because we want to do it at the end of a Mediterranean sea cruise, and the time of year will be mid November. Is this too cold to consider doing a Danube river cruise Budapest to Vienna?
Not all all, but it depends on your tolerance for cold. They cruise through December, in fact.
Fiftieth wedding anniversary vacation around the first and second month of September 2020.. First time for a river cruise for my wife and I. We do need to go to Venice Italy sometime during our trip either before or after. 5 to 7 days is long enough I think. Looks like the Rhine is the better choice, but you know best
Sorry to have missed this. It is much better to complete the form on this page that gives us all the info we need. If you’re still looking, please complete the form just above the comments. Thanks, Ralph
I can highly recommend going with Croisi Europe. We are going with them for the 3rd time. In October of 2020, going on the Po River that ends up in Venice. This is a seven day trip… check out their website.
Will be going on a Rhine river cruise with Tauck (MS Inspire) from Amsterdam to Basel August 19 – August 25 we are six of us and our main concern is the water levels for that period of time, it seems as of today August 3rd river levels have been good with no major interruptions, and I know its hard to predict for even a couple of weeks away, but is there any chance you can keep in contact if problems arise?
Hi Richard, You should be posting and watching this page instead: https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/water-levels/
Ralph,
Thank you for the information, I will be watching everyday until we arrive on August 17th.
Keep in touch if any additional alerts or information becomes available.
We took our first river cruise last October with Viking (Basel to Amsterdam) on the Rhine and loved it. Since we were moderately inconvenienced by low water levels and had to swap ships mid-tour, they compensated us a bit by offering a generous credit towards booking a future cruise by October 2019. I’m leaning towards either France or the Danube. Just wondering whether you would recommend directly booking with Viking or going through a travel agent? (Thanks in advance! I love your newsletter and have shared with several friends.)
HI Debbie, We always recommend booking through a travel agent. You will often get equal or better rates from a travel agent, plus possible perks that you may not receive by going direct to the cruise line. Plus, the travel agent will work on your behalf should something go wrong. Because travel agents do high volume with cruise lines, the agent often has more pull than you might have a consumer.
We are taking a Viking Grand Europian tour Oct. 2019. Have only cruised with Crystal, where tipping was included. Since it is not with
Viking, can you give me some advice how this works. I have heard that you can give Viking an amount and they will distribute.
Katherine Ledwith
Beginning 2019, Viking is now prepaid tips only.
I just returned from a Viking Russian River Cruise. Tips were not included in the package pricing, but you could pre-pay through Viking.
I am on a Rhine cruise in December and the same applies then
Hi there, we are first time river cruisers looking to visit Austria, as been on my bucket list! Any advice on which cruise line to get the biggest bang for our buck. So many offers that it is some what overwhelming.
Thank you in advance for any helpful info.
We cruised from Vienna roundtrip in April on the Crystal Ravel and it is stunning. Gorgeous staterooms, fabulous food, incredible staff, wonderful tours. What more could you want? Only 100 passengers which is a huge advantage over the 175 on most boats.
I’m desperately looking for a river cruise co that will allow 13yo kids. My son has done a good amount of travel, including 6 weeks in Europe last year where we cruised for 21 days. He is well behaved and definitely wouldn’t be a problem. Any recommendations?
Hi looks like Tauck has some: https://www.tauck.com/tours-and-cruises/family-travel/family-cruises
You might try CroisiEurope Cruises. They allow children of all ages.
Require a Rhine cruise with a Moselle River addition, preferablly from Amsterdam or Paris, with the best specials as air, gratuitities, excursions and port fees included, and wine with lunch and dinner and visits to wineries. Thanks in advance. Don
Check out SCENIC cruises. Will meet most of your criteria.
Looking for a European river/ barge cruise that have higher end bicycles for hubby and possibly e-bike for myself. ( wouldn’t be able to keep up with him otherwise) I recall reading something about the quality of the bikes on the riverboats in one of your mailings, but can’t find it now. I really enjoy the travel info you share with us. Thanks.
I already receive both The Avid Cruiser and River Cruise advisor.
Check SCENIC cruises, and CROSI barge tours. Both have bikes.
You may want to check out the European bike tour companies who often offer “bike and cruise” options to their standard bicycle tours. For example, Backroads ties directly with AMAWaterways on their Danube river cruises and offers high end cycling for its guests while the rest of the boat has its “normal” river cruise. More information at: https://www.backroads.com/trips/BDAS/danube-river-cruise-bike-tour. ExperiencePlus offers bike tours throughout Europe and has “bike and cruise options in Belgium, France, and Croatia. More information at: https://www.experienceplus.com/guided-bike-tours/belgium/bike-barge-amsterdam-bruges-belgium-breweries/
WE are 84 and would like info on the lower Mississippi ( sp) 5 to 9 days.
Hi, we recently returned from a wonderful 7 day Mississippi river cruise on the American Duchess sailing from Memphis to new Orleans. Could not fault it and they were very organised with their daily hop-on-hop-off excursions with their own luxury coaches.
I,m looking for a 4 or 5 day cruse on the Rhine river stopping in old cities and castles and possibly sleeping in hotels on the way.
There will be 2 adults and 2 children aged 3 and 7.
Thank you.
Johnny Klimek
The only option I know about for you is http://www.croisieurope.com based on duration of your cruise and the children’s ages.
Would like recommendation of Tauck vs. Viking River Cruise to see Belgium and Holland in spring 2020. Travel date for my husband and I would be late April 2020. We have done two Tauck trips and loved each. Trying to decide if Viking would work for us. The excursions differ.
No commet
The best ships for Ocean Cruising and River Cruising. All inclusive….the best ! I have different opinions from people to book with the original company, than outside cruise people. Which is better. thank you.
Well … it depends. Are you talking infinite budget? English-speaking, German, French? Europa 2, for example, might be the best for German speakers. Americans might prefer Regent, Silversea, Seabourn or Crystal. And soon Ritz-Carlton and SeaDream and Scenic. On the rivers, Ama, Crystal, Tauck, Scenic, Uniworld … just too many variables to name a best.
Danube, first days of August, which company, 2 ladies
I am an active 84 yr old female (I still play tennis 3 or 4 times weekly) who likes to see the world and in the last 2 yrs have been on 3 safaris in a month in Africa, home two weeks, spent 2 weeks in Egypt, been to Europe many times, no desire to return there only places actually I’ve missed are a few provinces in Africa (but no desire to return), India, Vietnam, and since I travel without anyone it is not by choice but most friends do not have the means or want to travel with the unrest in the world.
Lora Ann, I am 79 and in a similar situation. Have to travel solo as friends can’t, won’t etc. Would welcome a travel companion. Want to do Douro River and the Irrawady Like Road Scholar programs. Let’s see if we can connect. Gail Buckley 12490 W. Fielding Cir. #207 Playa Vista, CA 90094
Six active 60-65 year olds looking for a small group cruise on the Rhone in May 2020, with bicycling options (and enough bikes guaranteed for everyone). An educational, vinocentric cruise would be a bonus. Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Taking a viking Rhine Cruise Oct 8. Only consideration is that we have to take the water level room. We are active and don’t intend to spend much time in the room, but would like some feedback, thanks!!!
Ralph Grizzle
hello,like to email you an travel business idea, and get your opinon.
Please use http://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/contact/ Note that we cannot accept attachments.
How do I get to departure ship with croisieurope as I can’t see anything ‘re flights in their brochure.
When Is the best Time to travel the Duro?
We went in November of 2017, and it was gorgeous. Mid-summer that year had fires and intense heat. I’d aim for the bookends of the season – April-June and September-November.
We went April 2019 and was excellent. Coolish but pleasant. Recommend a suite on Crosie Line. Beyond excellence!
My wife and I are both 90. I use a wheelchair but can walk say 100 yds and my wife uses a zimmer type frame. My daughter a very able 58 would travel with us. Preference would be for my wife and daughter to share a double bedded cabin and for me to occupy a single cabin. At our age we are not all that keen on lots of shore trips but woud welcome the odd one or two. As I have already said the Douro is a preferred river
Interested in booking cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest for late August 2019 with either scenic or APT flying out of Sydney Australia and like many others worried about low water levels Both reasonable fitness over 60 First river cruise have done Alaska and Montreal to Boston with many coach trips done prefer to stay on ship rather than bus it
Newbee river cruiser. Not too interested in Ocean cruising. Hoping for fly free option.
Look to our blog for the newest airfare incentives. Some river cruise lines, however, offer air in the cruise fare. You can find that information on the chart at the bottom of this page. https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/comparisons/
Feel free to fill out a recommendation form so that we can make a personalized recommendation for you.
We have only done 1cruise, Galveston -Carib but would like to try Rivers of Europe and Greek Isles.
Interested in Rhine-Danube or like combination but concerned about Water- LEVELS .No lengthy bus trips.
Have done extensive travel and many riverboat cruises, but never a barge cruise. We are older seniors 76 and 82 in 2019. Looking for a barge cruise in France, appropriate for our ages, in 2020.
Barge cruising is something that we like to do a lot – in fact, we host some ourselves! In 2020, we will have three barge cruises offered. You can check those out here:
https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/ralph-grizzles-hosted-river-cruise-trips/
These trips are 1) All-inclusive 2) Intimate, with only 22 guests on each trip, and 3) Interesting, with included tours in some of France’s most beautiful cities and villages They are the only trips we host and for a reason: we love barge cruising.
Have booked on Viking next Aug/Sept. Budapest to Amsterdam. Am concerned about reports of low water. Has this been going on for quite awhile. I have heard that AMA was the only cruise line that could navigate the low water
Unfortunately, low water is something that is out of everyone’s hands. Ama was able to navigate low waters, but still had to use buses at times. I will say, however, that water levels are returning to normal now. If you are interested in how Ama handled the low water on the rivers, you can check out the interview that I did with Kristin here: https://soundcloud.com/brittonfrost/avid-travel-with-britton-5
We were in Budapest during flooding. Our AMA ship was the only one that was able to navigate all but one stop. Multiple boats were stuck in
Budapest for 5 days. We have used AMA four times and couldn”t have been happier. The crews are always wonderful to work with.
We are interested iinsmaller vessels we are seasoned travelers but never did a river cruise
Loved your article on the Duoro and the Emerald Radiance. I, too, am a North Carolinian. Can you suggest what I would call an “easy” river cruise and cruise company for 4 retired women, ages 85, 80, 70, and 70, youthful in outlook and party habits, who will need single accommodations, and love the flexibility of staying onboard to relax and talk as well as getting out to see sights along the way? We are all well-travelled, might spring for a little luxury, and want to do this together before…. we can’t. 🙂 Many thanks.
Thanks for your comment! I would suggest that you fill out the recommendation form at the bottom of this page. Then we can give you a more personalized recommendation.
Will any price quotes be in Canadian or U.S. dollars??????
Yes, all will be.
I have been on one river cruise between Amsterdam and Budipest. We had to stop at Regensberg because of the low river levels in Europe, so were bused from Regensberg on. We were to continue on to Romania, but that part of the trip was cancelled. This all happened in the first three weeks of August, 2018.
Ralph, we are booked for September 15 to begin the Danube Waltz cruise by Viking. We are aware of the low water levels now. Have you received any word if the latest rain has helped get the cruises going again. ThanksJim
I haven’t heard Jim. Viking is only saying “To varying degrees, these low water levels will affect select itineraries through August.” I wish you the best of luck.
Sorry Ralph, a further footnote to my just sent request. We have traveled with a scenic land tour before and just loved every minute of it. They were my first option but what I have investigated so far seem to be umoung the most expensive. Would be interested in your thoughts on Senic verses other popular companies.
Regards Rose
I think Scenic does an excellent job. They strive to be the most inclusive of all river cruise companies. The ships are beautiful with gorgeous staterooms. There are also multiple dining venues. Though it relates to Bordeaux, you may find some value in my article In Bordeaux, The Exceptional All-Inclusiveness Of Scenic River Cruises | https://www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/2017/07/the-exceptional-all-inclusiveness-of-scenic-river-cruises/
Hi there, I’m interested in cruising between Amsterdam & Budapest around Oct 2019. I would like a high level of luxury but not the best or ultimate on offer. It’s important to me that the company has a good history of operations, offer choices in land activities and will not make us “socialise” with fellow travellers while on board. We are also wanting to utilise use of bikes as to cover more area in limited time. As so many of the companies seem to have ships that are almost identical I am finding it difficult to determine the best value for my dollar. We are Australian and while we have traveled to a few different destinations we are not experienced at navigating trips on our own. I am in my mid 50’s and my husband is early 60’s and both are fit & healthy.
Thank you for any comments you may have.
Regards
Rose
I am interested in a bike/riverboat cruise. Any river is fine, it is the terrain and sightseeing that is important. I expect 25-35 miles/day but could do more. The Danube from Passau to Budapest looks interesting. Any advice of cruise lines or rivers?
I’m sending you an email that will help.
I am interested in cruising southern France in May/June 2019.
Does anyone know of a river tour that does not include tours?
I do not know of one. Why would you want one with no tours included though?
My husband has walking difficulties and we can not use a scooter on cobblestone streets. I had thought I would book something locally
Wondering if anyone has been on a Gate 1 river cruise? Doing the Rhine Cruise in October. Wanted to know if we dock close enough to the city of Heidelberg to do it on our own. Any info appreciated.
I’ve not been on Gate 1, but I have been on the Rhine and Heidelberg on your own could be a challenge. Is there a transfer option?
Thanks for the quick reply. No transfer option, but there is a reasonably priced city tour. I guess I will sign up for it! Thanks again.
Yep, good idea. If i recall it was 20 mile transfer from either Mannheim or Speyer. If you’re active, do the Philosopher’s Walk, uphill but gives you an overview of the entire city.
Will do! Thanks again!
Just avoid DBahn if possible. German RR’s are awful, ended up with broken wrist, right of course. Am right handed. Without help of great German people, we would still stuck in smalltown at end of line. Ralph, please warn your readers that many stations are not handicap friendly. lots of stairs as we found to our dismay. we managed because we had no choice but arrived home exhausted. getting cast tomorrow.
What a story – again! I am sorry to hear about the broken wrist. Hope you heal quickly (glad you can still type!) Yes, many stations lack the proper facilities for the mobility challenged and even for those who are fit, huffing and puffing up and down stairs with luggage is no fun.
There is more to the story but I am going to write a blog post about our adventure. Wrist in cast now, it and my badly bruised ribs will take about 3 weeks to heal. The step hit right at the top of my rib cage, ouch. Could have been much worse. Sure didn’t want to have it treated in Europe, that would only have complicated things tho Delta folks were not happy. Got wheelchair ride as soon as we got off the plane through customs etc, to the arrivals gate. Our waiting daughter took photo which I will add to post. Very funny.
Americans have no idea how difficult it can be to get around in the smaller European towns, they should know this.
My blog on our train experience is up if you’d like to read it. Arm still broken, but healing.
Okay. Will check it out. Hope the arm does well!
I too am confused about the Single Supplements, paying a huge supplement makes such trips too expensive for me. I have noted that some River Cruise companies are offering trips without the supplement but I want to know whether the accommodation offered is poorer on these boats. I would like to go on a luxury boat with a good cabin and pay a reasonable amount that I can afford.
Tried to fill out the “send me your recommendations” above to no avail. Keeps redisplaying the same questions & doesn’t advance. Help!
Thanks for letting me know. I think (and hope) that it is working now.
would like to know if river cruise in US (wine country) would work if slighty handicapped ?? walk with stix ! or rollator ??
what are the solo supplements on a Russian river cruise? I am NOT interested in paying 200% for a 7 day experience