We debated whether or not a river cruise was something worth entertaining. Ocean cruises with many hundreds of people – adults and kids running amok, formal dress up nights and casinos is an experience too far. Researching river cruise options shed light on how different it is from ocean cruises for the masses.

In September 2019 we opted to try it out, as one couple in the group had taken one a few years earlier from Paris, cruising down the Seine.

For this trip, our group was made up of 5 couples.

For our first river cruise, it had to be the Danube, from Budapest to Nuremburg. It was an easy choice because of the stunning views and the grand old cities that we would get to experience.

The next decision point was which cruise company(?). We narrowed it down to Viking and Uniworld from a list that included Gate1 and AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways and Uniworld were little more pricey compared to Viking and little more upscale. All three had excellent reviews.

As our group is not the fittest bunch on land, we opted not to consider AmaWaterways – they offer more active activities, like a more challenging hike or bike ride (they have bicycles on board, available for independent exploration).

We erred on the side of Viking primarily because they have ships going in each direction across most if not all of the European waterways where they operate – this comes into play in case the river dries up in certain places during the hot summer months. In such an event Viking simply transfers you to the sister ship that is also stuck coming the other way, and one continues the trip without missing a beat. This is huge!!

Even though we had heard good things about Gate1, their meal options for vegetarians were limited, and more importantly they, as well as other cruise operators, do not have this concept of sister ships which matters a lot given hot summers across Europe.

The Viking’s longships have 95 cabins (190 passengers), is considered a small river ship, and reflect their trademark Scandinavian style design – crisp, clean, and unfussy. Cabins are light and airy, and welcoming. The ship was very well maintained, and kept immaculately clean. A minor point, which may matter to some travelers, all Viking river ships on the European waterways are the same size and with the same look and feel.

They are an epitome of excellent service, offering sightseeing options whilst on the move, with premium hotel facilities, and excellent food and beverage options throughout the day.

We visited 4 countries – Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic, over the course of 11 days.

Cruising on the Danube is a magical experience – making stops at some of the historic and grand old cities: Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Nuremberg, and small towns, and experiencing towering mountains and picturesque landscapes.

Viking makes stops every day at a new place along its route, and offers shore excursions, with at least one that is included, and others where one has to pay.

Each ship has a cruise director who is very knowledgeable, organizes daily excursions, and skilled at hosting informal daily evening entertainment.

As our luck would have it, mid way through our cruise the Captain informed us that just past Vienna, the water level was very low due to the sweltering Summer tempratures, and we would have to change ships.

It required us to pack our bags and leave it outside the door in the morning, and we would continue with our planned excursion, and in the evening we would return to the sister ship, and we would have the same cabin number as in the first ship, and our bags would be waiting for us in the cabin.

Other than the pain of packing and unpacking, we did not miss a beat in the evening. The new bar staff knew exactly what our drink preferences were, and the chef and the dining room staff also knew our meal and wine preferences.

Amazing service!! Viking’s customer service is to be experienced – It is top notch. Their staff are very friendly, courteous, and attentive to detail.

The chefs on Viking ships are masters of their trade. They cater to please one and all, like those with dietary requirements like ours – vegetarian meals, and they excelled at meeting our needs with different choices every day for both lunch and dinner. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, they did not disappoint.

And then there is the bar! The bar staff are equally courteous, engaging, and attentive. And with Viking’s Silver Spirits package, one has access to all premium liquor, and very good selection of wines (including those local to the region). They do serve house wines during lunch and dinner, unlike some other river cruise operators who only serve wines during dinner, and the choices are very limited.

We had a blast! Next time, we would definetely do a river cruise, and it would be Viking!

Many journeys means many memories, Many journeys means many experiences, Many journeys means many moments

Viking … https://www.vikingrivercruises.com

Uniworld … https://www.uniworld.com/us

Gate1 … https://www.gate1travel.com/river-cruises/europe-river-cruises

AmaWaterways … https://www.amawaterways.com