What is the Best Way to Choose a European River Cruise?

If you are considering taking a European river cruise sometime soon, but are confused by all of the different options, I would make this suggestion. By answering the following questions for yourself, you will be able to narrow down your choices and zero in on the best selection for your vacation requirements.

1. What do you want to see? In France, you can cruise the Seine between Paris and the Normandy Beaches or the Rhone and the Saone through well-known wine country. In Belgium and Holland, you can see beautiful flowers, windmills, dikes and picturesque buildings. The Rhine offers a number of different cruises across Germany and Austria that feature castles and well-known cities, plus the experience of transiting locks. Cruising the Danube can take you to Germany, Austria and across Eastern Europe to the Black Sea. In Portugal, you can explore the wine area where the Po River flows.

Each region has its own highlights, so it helps to know what kind of experience you are looking for.

2. How do I know which river boat to choose? The boats built in the last few years have incorporated features to enhance passenger comfort and increase the amenities on board. The cabins are larger and more comfortable, French balconies give an indoor/outdoor atmosphere to the whole cabin, the closets are larger, and the small bathrooms are better organized. The additional space allocated to the suites and junior suites still make them a more comfortable option. Small fitness centers and hair dresser/massage facilities are also available.

3. What is included in the rate? The lowest cabin price quoted is usually on the bottom deck close to the ship’s water line, where it is not possible to have a French balcony. A fixed window provides the view. The suites and cabins with French balconies are on the upper decks. All of your meals, including snacks and all day coffee/tea are included. Drinks at the bar are your expense, but wine is served free with dinner and also with lunch on some boats. The food is bountiful and very tasty.

Most of the shore excursions are free, and there are usually two or three tours to choose from in each location. State of the art Vox boxes are provided during the tours to allow you to hear the guides’ commentary from a distance. Although the river boats are not equipped for wheel chairs, there is usually a tour for “slow walkers.” On a recent cruise with AMA Waterways, they arranged special, local transportation for those with difficulty climbing up hilly areas and to accommodate a longer walk to reach an historic site. It made the trip easier for everyone.

Tips to the daily, local tour guides and drivers, as well as the ship personnel and cruise director for the cruise duration, are paid by the passengers. Tauck Cruises is the only company to include all fees in their rates.

4. When is the best time to go? Although the seasons in Europe are the same as ours, the first cruises at the end of March and beginning of April can actually have nice temperatures some years, and the prices are usually lower due to the more erratic weather patterns. The same holds true for the late fall cruises in November, before the Christmas Market cruise season begins. It is always a gamble, but we had excellent weather with only one day of rain during a November cruise on the Danube last year. The lack of tourists at that time of the year is a big bonus also. However, if you are planning to celebrate a special occasion and want to be sure of better weather, (although there appear to be no guarantees anymore!), I would recommend early June or early September.

I like river cruising because it is very relaxing, and I enjoy seeing what people are doing nearby on the shore as we sail slowly by. When we arrive in a small town and have our walking tours to the main sights, it is easy to slip into interesting shops to pick up unique gifts. You have more time to wander on your own with the boat only a short distance away.

What appeals to you about river cruising in Europe? Do you have a special river trip that you have enjoyed? It is always fun to hear tips from other travelers.