european riverboat cruises reviews

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Europe River Cruises

Experience the magic of Europe along its majestic rivers! From the Rhine to the Douro , from the Main to the Danube , we have cruises all through Europe, ranging from 1 days up to 31 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Looking outside of Europe? See all river cruises .

250+ European river cruises with 1,198 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Excellent service and staff. Wonderful meals, very clean accommodations. We enjoyed the included tours and activities. Having English speaking staff was a big advantage. We would recommend Avalon as a cruise company.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Avalon really got everything right. Personalized but organized. Great value. Great service.

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

The overall experience was good! Very friendly staff, good care, good food, Nice music program in the bar and on deck!

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)

Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out. Staff were very nice and helpful, always cleaning windows, carpet, etc. The administration staff were a bit at times disorganised. Sometimes they would forget to give message in English after they delivered Message in French.

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Croisie Europe Douce France Cruise and Staff were excellent (Good choice of excursions, excellent service, delicious food). The Travel Agency Tour Radar was very helpful and fast. The only negative point was that the initial indicated price on the website of Tour Radar, with a discount of 500 EUR was not applied with the Travel Agency, which made the cruise more expensive than announced.

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (10 destinations)

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

We had a generally good experience. Most new passengers board in Engelhartszell, but 17 passengers boarded the ship in Vienna. We boarded in Vienna and didn’t receive new passenger orientation, which includes basic ship, safety and excursion presentations. The crew was very friendly, although it was primarily a German language oriented cruise lines.

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2024)

Very nice trip. Your were OK with a few standouts like the vinegar tasting. Wish there had been more lectures and cultures talks. The one about modern German attitudes was particularly fascinating.

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)

A good balance of excursions and relaxation and good food and wine

European River Cruises Reviews

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

The Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected and it caused quite an inconvenience. The excursion plan is not as clear either. Overall it’s still a good tour but I think my last Danube river with Avalon is better than this rhino river cruise.

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Passion from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Tranquility II from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Opal from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Scenic Jasper from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Imagery II from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Sky from Emerald Cruises
• Avalon Envision from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Impression from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Destiny from Emerald Cruises
• Emerald Dawn from Emerald Cruises
• Avalon Expression from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Crystal from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

How to Choose the Right European River Cruise for You

By Janice Wald Henderson

Planning your first European river cruise ? Picking a waterway, dates, and budget seem easy enough. Then you find there's an overwhelming choice of boats out there, and with seemingly similar appearances, routes, amenities—even cost. What to do? Read on for our river cruising guide, which will help you learn the distinct personalities and perks of the major river cruise lines , to find the right one for you.

AmaWaterways

Vibe : With 144-to-196 passengers, these European ships resemble well-decorated homes-away-from home . Cruises emphasize health and wellness, balanced by fine food and wine. The new AmaMagna , a double-wide boat with a Danube debut in May, offers more amenities and space—including a novel watersports platform (for riverboats). Fellow Passengers : Energetic social Americans, often wine buffs, ranging from 40-plus to Baby Boomers and beyond. Younger cruisers often book themed wine sails. Average Eight-Day Fare : $2,699 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals, beer, and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; shore excursions; guided hiking and biking tours; bicycles; one-hour daily happy hour with beer, wine, and spirits pre-dinner; and Wi-Fi. Rivers : Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Douro; and Dutch and Belgian waterways and canals. Cabins : Residential-ish staterooms typically run between 155 to 502 square feet. Most cabins sport Ama’s signature twin balconies, featuring both a French and outside veranda. Flat-screen TVs double as computers, and baths sport multi-jet showerheads. Eat and Drink : Count on seasonal, destination-driven menus with healthful bents, fine regional wines—even recipes on pillows at turndown. All cruisers enjoy one complimentary, six-course dinner with wine pairings at the haute Chef’s Table, prepared before passengers. Staying Fit : Devotees like the well-equipped gym, walking track, heated pool, and hydration station with infused detox and gemstone waters. A Wellness Host provides complimentary daily classes, like core strengthening and circuit training, as well as personal training for a fee. Shore Excursions : An Ama specialty: The line partners with Backroads, bringing biking, walking, and hiking tours to more than 120 sails this year and in 2020.

Crystal River Cruises

Vibe : Expect plush, all-suite accommodations serviced by attentive butlers, stellar cuisine, and abundant perks. Riverboats beautifully duplicate Crystal Ocean’s modern luxury style . Fellow Passengers : Consider the mostly American over-50 crowd friendly, well-heeled, travel-savvy, and stylish. Average Eight-Day Fare : $6,333 per person. Notable Inclusions: : All meals, alcohol, and shore excursions (other than über-exclusive); electric bikes (e-bikes); 24-hour room service; self-service laundry (rare to riverboats); Wi-Fi; gratuities onboard and ashore; airport transfers. Rivers : Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle. (Note: Crystal riverboats don’t sail in France.) Cabins : Even the smallest suites (188 square feet on the quadruplets; 219 square feet on Mozart), feel swanky. Revel in king—not the typical riverboat queen—beds. Most feature walk-in closets and dual-vanity bathrooms. Modern tech accents include a bedside iPad with room controls. ETRO Italian toiletries, especially the body lotion, are swipe-worthy. Eat and Drink : Think Michelin star-style cuisine, particularly at on-site restaurant Waterside. The Bistro showcases morning specialty coffees and house-baked pastries, midday charcuterie, and later, wine and tapas. A Vintage Room extravaganza (a rare extra cost), paired with legendary wines, is extraordinary. Staying Fit : At the well-outfitted fitness center, personal training’s available. Take comp morning classes like yoga, plunge into the heated indoor pool. Off ship, go kayaking and canoeing, ride an e-bike. Later, unwind in the full-service spa. Shore Excursions : Outings are designed to avoid tourist hordes. Tour groups are limited to an unusually intimate 15 guests, and Crystal’s plush customized coaches deliver leg room, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Emerald Waterways

Vibe : Emerald’s 112-to-182 passenger European riverboats resemble attractive mid-priced modern hotels, awash in glass, chrome, and contemporary art, with buzzy lounges. Most boats have spas and salons. The pool converts to a movie theater on all ships except Emerald Radiance . Fellow Passengers : A fun-loving, energetic group, mostly 45 years old and up, although the line increasingly skews younger. Cruisers are from the U.K., Australia, and North America, and like independent exploration, such as bicycling ashore. Average Eight-Day Fare : $2,600 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals, beer, and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; most excursions; wifi; gratuities onboard and ashore; and airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Maine, Rhine, Moselle, Douro, Rhône, Saône. Cabins : Solo cabins—great for friends traveling together—run 117 square feet. Most guests book 180-square-foot Balcony Suites. The fanciest, at 315 square feet, include an iPad, Nespresso machine, and some laundry service. Eat and Drink : Reflections Restaurant provides daytime buffets, and four-course contemporary European evening dining with regional wines. Passengers keep the poolside bar lively. Weather permitting, Emerald hosts a popular once-a-week sundeck lunch barbecue. Staying Fit : The large indoor heated pool has a retractable roof, top deck walking/running track, and wellness center with a small gym. Shore Excursions : Many diversified options, including the popular EmeraldACTIVE, featuring guided bike tours and vigorous hikes.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Vibe : Scenic —Emerald Waterways’ older, pricier sibling—also leans modern chic, with marble, glass, wood, and steel. Ships host between 44 and 163 guests, who enjoy butlers (service level depends on cabin category), and venues like a gym, salon, and spa. Fellow Passengers : Social, sophisticated passengers, usually 55-plus, who relish food and wine and independent exploration. A whopping 45 percent are fun-loving Aussies, with the rest divided between the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Passengers mix well and many make new international friends. Average Eight-Day Fare : $4,500 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals and most alcohol; 24-hour room service; gratuities onboard and ashore; excursions and events; Wi-Fi; airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Main, Rhine, Moselle, Douro, Rhône, Saône. Cabins : Accommodations are dubbed suites, yet the smallest (160 square feet) are considered a cabin by most. All provide Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows, and L’Occitane toiletries. Butlers stock complimentary mini-fridges, filled with guests’ preferred beverages. Eat and Drink : Scenic offers singular advantages: Six dining choices—like sundeck teppanyaki—and enough dinner tables for two. Tuck into lavish five-course meals in specialty restaurants, perhaps French or Italian. Guests booked in costly suites enjoy one complimentary six-course degustation menu, sommelier-paired with wine, in the haute Table La Rive. Staying Fit : Use the outdoor heated pool, wellness center with workout equipment, running/walking track, and e-bikes. Scenic partners with Trek for 10 sailings per year, melding daily cycling trips into a river cruise itinerary. Shore Excursions : Scenic partners with National Geographic, featuring a Nat Geo photographer and lecturer, on some sails. Most memorable: Every cruise offers a Scenic Enrich event, such as a private ballet performance in a St. Petersburg palace.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Vibe : Admirers of opulent European hotels adore Uniworld’s boats, averaging 130 guests. Think bespoke furnishings, intense hues, antiques, crystal, and marble. No ships are alike; one evokes the Art Deco era, another resembles a baronial estate. Six Super Ships, the line’s crème de la crème, prove particularly posh. Fellow Passengers : Chic, discerning passengers who are mostly North American, with some Brits and Europeans, age 50 and up. Average Eight-Day Fare : $4,000 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals and alcohol; 24-hour room service; shore excursions; wellness programs; gratuities onboard and ashore; Wi-Fi; airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Moselle, Rhine, Main, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Garonne, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Douro, Po, Moselle. Cabins : Enthusiasts overlook the small cabins (some just 151 square feet) for luxe appointments, like handcrafted beds from legendary Savoir Beds of England, thick towels on heated bars, and Asprey and Hermés toiletries. Butlers pamper suite guests, including unpacking luggage and drawing bubble baths. Eat and Drink : Chefs excel at classic and contemporary European cuisine showcasing local ingredients. Vegetarians, vegans, and the diet-minded dine well. Bartenders craft cool destination-inspired cocktails. Adventurous guests book Uniworld’s intimate dinners in local host homes. Staying Fit : Work off indulgence in the well-equipped gym; certified wellness instructors offer TRX® Suspension Training on select sails. Exhale with a spa facial or massage. Shore Excursions : Enthusiastic guides, speaking excellent English, lead activities such as walks, hikes, kayaking, and bicycling. Particularly noteworthy: Exclusive excursions, like golfing on France’s most prestigious courses, are complimentary.

Viking River Cruises

Vibe : Virtually identical, the company's 190-passenger Longships possess a contemporary Scandinavian design, emphasizing natural wood, neutral hues, and windows. Enthusiasts praise the alikeness , preferring the same onboard experience wherever they go. With such uniformity, Viking cruises purr along like Bentleys. Fellow Passengers : A primarily American over-50 crowd, well-traveled but sometimes budget-minded, passionate about history, culture, and the arts. Average Eight-Day Fare : $3,748 per person. Notable Inclusions: : All meals, beer and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; one complimentary shore excursion per port; Wi-Fi; ground transfers with Viking Air purchase. Rivers : Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde. Cabins : Viking’s bathrooms, with glass-enclosed showers, heated floors, and anti-fog mirrors, are knockout. Standard Staterooms are small (150 square feet) but functional; comfort comes in 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms. Splurge on a 275-square-foot Veranda Suite, or 445-square-foot Explorer Suite. Eat and Drink : Viking dishes up familiar American and modern European cuisine. The casual indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace delivers pleasing daytime buffets. Most passengers happily dine in The Restaurant on three-course meals at night. Staying Fit : No workout facilities, except for a small walking track (and two putting greens). Concierges can arrange visits to local spas and gyms. Shore Excursions : Widely praised for immersive local experiences, Viking standouts include intimate tea and conversation in local residents’ homes, and a fabulous outing to Downtown Abbey’s Highclere Castle.

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• World's Best

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in 2022

The best river cruises blend refined onboard accommodations with exciting itineraries along some of the world’s most memorable waterways.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite river cruise lines.

After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy . In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the Maria Theresa : "This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I can't say enough about this cruise line and this ship."

Aqua Expeditions, with journeys on the Peruvian Amazon, ranked No. 4, thanks in part to the sophisticated onboard dining. "Its cuisine is rich in local products and designed by one of the most renowned chefs in Peru," noted one reader. Closer to home, No. 5 American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) earned praise — especially from older adults — for its leisurely cruises on the Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and other U.S. waterways.

Top-ranked Viking does all the major riverways of Europe, with ships also on the Nile and the Mekong, and, new in 2022, on the Mississippi. Readers praised the line's value proposition and shore experiences that go beyond the norm. The "Thinking Man's vacation" is the way one reader who sailed on a Viking ship on the Rhine river put it.

Find the full list of the best river cruise lines — and more on what sets Viking apart — below.

With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam, T+L's top-ranked river cruise line for 2022 is often praised for its steadiness. "Having traveled on seven Viking longships that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, I believe it's the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel," said one reader. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.77

More information: viking.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.60

More information: tauck.com

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.31

More information: uniworld.com

4. Aqua Expeditions

Score: 93.27

More information: aquaexpeditions.com

5. American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)

Score: 92.82

More information: aqvoyages.com

6. Grand Circle Cruise Line

Score: 90.64

More information: gct.com

7. AmaWaterways

Score: 90.12

More information: amawaterways.com

8. Avalon Waterways

Score: 89.88

More information: avalonwaterways.com

9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Score: 84.71

More information: vantagetravel.com

10. American Cruise Lines

Score: 81.17

More information: americancruiselines.com

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Viking Grand European Tour 15-Day River Cruise Review

I was more than ready for this Viking Grand European Tour 15-day river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Lee Oliver, our Viking Lif river ship Program Director, greeted us at the gangway with a warm “Welcome Aboard!” 

Those two words were like music to my ears. Maybe not Bartok or Liszt but music nonetheless.

Budapest , Hungary, on the beautiful and sometimes-blue Danube , has so much to experience.

A mid-afternoon boarding gave guests plenty of time before dinner to explore this spirited yet somewhat austere city, either on their own or with a Viking tour excursion.

Viking River Grand European River Cruise Review

In This Post...

In the course of two-weeks, we would cruise on three rivers; the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. Along the way, Viking Lif  had 12 scheduled cruise ports to visit before docking in Amsterdam. A couple of port tour excursions offered day trips to other nearby ancient towns, and I highly recommend those options. Here’s our itinerary.

Grand European Tour Itinerary

• Day 1:    Budapest, Hungary
• Day 2:    Budapest and Bratislava, Slovakia
• Day 3:    Vienna, Austria
• Day 4:    Melk, Austria
• Day 5:    Linz, Austria and Passau, Germany
• Day 6:    Regensburg, Germany
• Day 7:    Nuremberg, Germany
• Day 8:    Bamberg, Germany
• Day 9:    Wurzburg, Germany and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
• Day 10:  Wertheim, Germany
• Day 11:  Koblenz, Germany
• Day 12:  Cologne, Germany
• Day 13:  Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
• Day 14:  Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Getting to Budapest by Train

As a solo traveler and someone who doesn’t fly, it was a challenge to figure out how to get to Budapest. After one night in Munich, Germany, it was an eight hour train ride to Budapest.

In First Class on trains in Europe, you’ll find many English-speaking passengers from North America. It was easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers and the eight hours quickly passed.

With the help of Viking reservations, I pre-reserved a driver to meet me at Budapest’s historic Keleti station.

Within 30 minutes of pulling into the station and getting into the taxi, I was on board Viking Lif , met our program director and settled into my cozy cabin. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to begin.

RELATED:   How to Take the Train to Budapest for a River Cruise

Day 1:  Viking Lif Embarkation

By the time I arrived at the ship in the late afternoon, other passengers had already unpacked and were mingling about the vessel. They had enough time for a short city tour and were enjoying cocktails in the lounge. 

I had about an hour to get acquainted with my cabin and Viking Lif river ship before the first pre-dinner meeting.

At 6:30pm, it was time to head to the lounge, meet the other guests and attend the informative yet brief review of our river cruise itinerary. Though the meeting was necessary and very informative, I really looked forward to tonight’s dinner. 

All I ate on the eight-hour train ride from Munich to Budapest was a bowl of Hungarian Goulash. No complaints…the goulash was very good and of course, very appropriate!

READ NEXT:  Getting to Budapest for Viking Grand European Tour Embarkation

It was a balmy autumn night that beckoned tourists and locals alike to stroll along the banks of the Danube late into the evening. I was tired but excited to finally have a chance to walk across Budapest’s historic Chain Bridge. 

Camera in hand, I must have crossed the Danube four or six times, snapping photos of the warm yellow bridge lights, couples strolling arm in arm, and the magnificently illuminated state buildings that line the riverfront.

Finally, it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow, our Grand European Tour river cruise would begin with a full day of sightseeing before we even got underway.

READ MORE:  In-Depth Review of Embarkation Day in Budapest

Day 2:  Touring and Tasting Budapest

If being chatty at breakfast isn’t your thing, there’s the option for a very relaxing breakfast buffet at Aquavit Terrace every morning. It’s also a good way to plan your morning time if you have a 9:00am or even earlier tour departure. This was usually how my day started; quiet, comfortable, and a cappuccino in hand.

By 8:15am on our second day in Budapest, passengers heard the first warning announcement for our city tour departure.

Know Your Tour Departure Time

Here’s how it’s done on river cruises. You know your tour departure time, say 9 A.M. At 8:45 A.M. over the PA system, you’re given a 15-minute heads-up for the tour to leave. 

Then you hear a 5-minute warning for your motor coach departure. The tour departure time that’s posted is not when you should walk out of your stateroom. It’s actually when the bus departs. I’ve had to run to catch the bus on more than one occasion.

Today’s complimentary morning tour was your basic European city overview; historic places, medieval churches, political hotspots of yore. In the scope of four hours, we would either drive by, stop to view or exit the motor coach to stretch and take photos. 

Highlights of Our Budapest Tours

Morning tour of budapest.

Our motor coach drove across the Chain Bridge to Buda side of the Danube. This is the hilly side of the city where many of the most beautiful building are located.

Views from the Buda side of the river…

Fishermen’s Bastion, built between 1895 and 1902, the beautiful towers and covered terrace weren’t built to defend the territory but to provide unparalleled views of the city. We had ample time to wander along the terrace and up to the Neo-Romanesque designed towers. This is the prime photo op location for sweeping vistas of Budapest.

Back aboard Viking Lif in time for lunch. As there would be on every day of the cruise, you can choose from two lunch venues; The Restaurant with table service and a buffet or in Aquavit for a café lunch, buffet-style. Most days, I chose Aquavit Lounge.

Afternoon Tour on the Pest Side

Budapest jewish and hungarian history.

I signed up for the optional 2:00PM Dohány Street Synagogue and Hungarian Jewish Museum tour. The motor coach let us off just a short walk to the synagogue. Part of the intrigue was seeing the small shops, bars and cafés in what was once the Jewish Quarter, or Ghetto.

Built in the Moorish Revival style between 1854-1859, it is the largest synagogue in Europe. In addition to the main synagogue (Great Synagogue), inside you’ll find the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Graveyard and the Memorial.

The Weeping Willow memorial is in the courtyard behind the synagogue. On its leaves are inscribed the names of 30,000 Holocaust victims. The father of actor Tony Curtis, Emanuel Schwartz, funded the weeping willow memorial. 

The courtyard was named Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who managed to save thousands of Jews from going to concentration camps.

Stopping for a Slice of Budapest’s Finest

After a stop at a small shop for a Hungarian pastry called, “Flódni”, we boarded the bus to head back to the ship. We returned just in time for Cocktail Hour.

Tonight was the official “Welcome Aboard” toast by Captain Marcin and Hotel Manager Eve. One sparkling wine down and just before dinner, we had our next day’s briefing. Next port going north on the Danube would be Bratislava, Slovakia.

READ MORE:  Top 10 Things to See in Budapest

Day 3:  Bratislava, Slovakia and Funny Little Men

I woke up to see that we were underway, gently cruising along the Danube towards our next port, Bratislava , Slovakia.

Following breakfast and before we’d arrive, a mandatory safety drill was held. Warm autumn weather quickly drew everyone to the top deck and the drill took all of 15-20 minutes.

Afterwards, many of us stayed and either walked laps or settled into a lounge chair. With a mid-afternoon arrival into Bratislava, the day would be relaxing and informative. 

Program Director Lee led an enrichment talk about Vienna coffeehouses (where to go and what to eat) and a background about Austrian-born composer Wolfgang Mozart.

Locals have a great sense of humor as can be sensed when you try to find all the bronze statues. When I was in Bratislava, I counted eight almost human-size funny little men bronze statues. How many will you find?

Day 4:  Vienna, Austria

This wasn’t my first visit to this medieval city. From the beautifully baroque Schönbrunn Palace to a peek at the Spanish Lipizzaner Horses, Vienna has something surprising or magnificent around every corner.

I decided to pass on the complimentary morning motor coach tour of the city and get some writing done. One thing to note about Vienna, river cruise ship dockage is usually too far to walk to the city center. It is walkable but most people opt for a bus into the city and some will then walk back to the river ship.

Too good to pass up, I signed up for the Chef’s Tour to the Farmer’s Market (Naschtmarkt). A bit of walking, two subway trains and we were smack in the middle of a working-class neighborhood and a several-blocks-long farmer’s Market.

After a couple of hours, we were back on the subway, walked two blocks through Mexikoplatz and past St. Francis of Assisi Church and we were back on Viking Lif …in time for cocktails, of course. But not much time to spare. 

Not-to-Miss Evening in Vienna

I had signed up for the optional ($) Viking excursion tour to a concert hall for a Mozart and Strauss concert. Every river cruise line offers this but I had never done it. There would be an early dinner on board and then leave on the motor coaches before 7pm for the concert hall.

The concert hall was beautifully Baroque. We were all packed in on folding chairs like sardines in a tin though not as smelly. The performances were excellent with most of the music and singing were familiar classical pieces. 

If you have a chance to book a shore excursion that includes a concert in Vienna, I highly recommend it.

Afterwards, everyone was really quiet on the motor coach back to the ship. It had been a busy, long day from one end of the city to another.

When we arrived back to the ship, we were greeted with a special Viking Grand European bedtime treat: goulash soup in Aquavit Restaurant. The gorgeous bowl of soup and a fresh-baked crunchy roll accompanied me back to my cabin. Within an hour, I was asleep. One more port in Austria tomorrow.

Day 5:  Melk, Austria

All that glitters is mostly gold.

Melk is a curiously monastic community with the resplendent gold Melk Abbey high on a hill overlooking the Danube. Cobblestone street wind through town, leading to the Abbey’s grand entrance. Monks from the Abbey stroll through town and work in the Abbey as they have for more than 900 years.

Plan to spend about an hour inside the Abbey. You can walk up to the entrance or take a motor coach to the top of the hill.

The baroque interior is dazzling, the library has over 80,000 medieval manuscripts and several hidden doors. Leave time to step outside for a sweeping view of the city and Danube below. 

It’s a pleasant stroll over a little bridge back to the river ship, or take the motor coach again. The town is lovely with cafés and small boutique shops.

With a “Be back on board” at 3:45pm, we were welcomed with an Austrian apple strudel-making demonstration. Then the habitual cocktail hour, daily port briefing and the slow walk into the dining room. Another satisfying multi-course dinner and off to bed.

Every night on the river cruise there’s entertainment in the lounge. So far, we’ve had the onboard musician at the keyboard and dancing, Slovakian folk dancing show and the goulash event. With days so busy, evening entertainment has been kept to a minimum. I think Viking knows that we’d be exhausted.

READ NEXT:  Viking Adds New Pre- and Post-River Cruise Options

Day 6:  Passau, Engine Issues and a Slight Detour

Surprise! We were informed last night that Viking Lif was having engine trouble and we’d not make it to dock in Passau. Instead, Viking Lif would tie up in Linz. So at 8:15am, (it was a really early wake-up!) passengers boarded Viking’s motor coach for a full-day nine-hour tour.

Sadly, one man had to see a doctor in the nearest town so he and his wife had to stay in Linz. I was working under deadline to file a story, so a 9-hour day in motion put me into panic. 

Viking’s Program Director, Lee, made similar arrangements for me so that I could spend the day writing instead of touring. I was so incredibly happy when I found out I would have a hotel room for the day in Linz and would get a full day’s writing done.

Even the light drizzle didn’t stop anyone from walking in the city center. After my friend’s doctor appointment, the three of us met for lunch and a walk through town. Linz is one of the most non-touristic larger cities I’ve visited in Europe. It’s very charming. And I’ll bet it’s even lovelier during the holiday/Christmas market season.

At 5:00PM, a white minivan arrived and the three of us were off to meet Viking Lif , fully repaired at the shipyard in Linz. All the other passengers were on their way back from Passau. And we all arrived in time for cocktail hour, daily briefing and another very nice dinner in the dining room.

Onward to Straubing, Germany! Almost halfway through our Viking Grand European Tour. Tempus Fugit.

Day 7:  Regensburg, Bavaria – Germany

This was one of those years in central Europe when the rain seems to never stop. Germany and France had seen flooding at the end of summer and rivers were swollen and overflowing their banks. 

As we made our way up the Danube, I started to watch the water’s edge. I knew from past river cruises, if I saw tree trunks submerged and debris quickly flowing past us, it meant trouble.

With high water, river ships cannot fit under the dozens of ancient bridges. Locks get stuck. But Viking Lif made its way to Straubing and by 2:00pm, we boarded the motor coach for the short ride to beautiful medieval Regensburg.

I was so glad Regensburg was included on this Viking Grand European Tour. It’s among my favorite places in Europe. This is the oldest city on the Danube and dates back to the year 179.

While the Dom St. Peter Gothic Cathedral is one of the grandest in all Bavaria and worth a visit, I always head to the Alte Würstküche, meaning, “Old Sausage Kitchen”, it’s the oldest restaurant in Germany.

The restaurant is usually packed with tourists throughout the summer but this rainy October day, I had no problem getting my own indoor table. Once you’ve finished your beer and extras, take a walk across the Old Stone Bridge. Built between 1135 and 1146, it was the bridge used by the knights on the second and third Crusades to the Holy Land.

Danube Begins to Look a Little Ominous

What I saw from Regensburg Old Bridge didn’t look too good. I’d been on enough floods on the rivers in Europe to recognize the inevitable.

The Danube was rushing past us downstream heading towards the Black Sea, its terminus. Trees were submerged. The water was creeping up to the lower levels of the medieval buildings.

While we were in Regensburg, Viking Lif sailed from Straubing to Regensburg to meet us. This was a chance for passengers who simply yearned for a quiet day onboard to just cruise.

Back onboard with time to freshen up before the daily briefing. But tonight, the meeting took a sudden twist. The Program Director proceeded with an (un)expected announcement.

To paraphrase, Lee said, “Pack your bags, we’re changing river ships in the morning”. It was a very busy evening for everyone. 

We would disembark with our carry-on luggage the next morning at 8:30 AM in Deggendorf, then board a bus to meet sister ship, Viking Skadi, in Nuremberg. Our Viking Grand European Tour was about to take a twist.

Day 8:  Changing Ships and a Detour

A visit to an extraordinarily bizarre monument.

With our luggage taken off the ship and loaded onto buses, we only had to bring along our carry-on bags. 

I had been through this river ship shuffle three times in the last few years so I knew what to expect. River cruisers seem to roll with the punches. There’s nothing you can do when there’s a flood or a drought except board a bus and change ships.

Viking had a really good plan on the way to Nuremberg. Driving through Bavaria en route to Nuremberg, we stopped at Walhalla, Germany’s monument to its native Germanic language politicians, scientists, artists and other distinguished people over the centuries. 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube river, Walhalla looms on the horizon bearing a striking resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece.

By 11 AM we were back on the bus leaving Walhalla, heading to our next ship. 

How River Cruise Ships Deal With Floods

To explain how this ship shuffle works, our original river ship, Viking Lif, couldn’t go any further upriver – the water was too high to let Viking Lif go under the next bridge. Viking Skad i, on its way south from Amsterdam, couldn’t get past Nuremberg for the same reason. 

Thus, each ship would swap passengers and bus everyone to the other ship. Then the ships do a U-turn and continue on the route of the original river ship. Everyone would end up at their scheduled port. Viking had this ship exchange experience down to a science.

We had reached the half-way point of our Grand European Tour. Where did that first week go?

READ MORE ABOUT:  What exactly happened on this ship-shuffle day

I divided my Viking Grand European Tour river cruise into two parts. 

This is part one; Budapest to Nuremberg. Click the link below to continue onto our  second week; Nuremberg to Amsterdam.

CONTINUE READING : WEEK 2 ABOARD VIKING SKADI – NUREMBERG TO AMSTERDAM

Thank you for reading the first half of my Viking Grand European Tour. Spoiler alert:  Seven more days of cruising, castles, culture and cuisine.

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Avalon Waterways Profile

Hi Gary, Thank you for your comment and for reading my article. I think I did this cruise in 2018. The last two years were a wash for sure. Nothing has changed with the itinerary, unless it is a last minute decision. Viking still advertises for their Grand European Tour so I think my article is very reliable to help readers decide to try this amazing trip. Viking did a great job, especially when you consider the unexpected ship change. Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope you have the opportunity to try this cruise.

Hi Ruth, Thank you for writing and taking the time to read my post. As you saw, this river cruise was with Viking and it was wonderful. I also recommend AmaWaterways, Avalon and Uniworld for these longer cruises – they also carry fewer passengers.

While a suite isn’t necessary, it does give you more space. But similar to ocean cruising, in my opinion, as long as I can open a door for fresh air, a balcony or french balcony on a river cruise is fine…and less expensive. Whichever line you choose, have a wonderful river cruise. Thanks again for your comment.

When did you take this cruise? It looks like a great cruise.

This is the River cruise I’ve been wanting to do..I’m just undecided which company to go with. This seems very busy to get everything in. I also wanted a suite room but maybe that’s not necessary. Your article is very informative especially about the changing of boats due to water issues..I’ve always wondered how that would work.

Hi Terry, Thank you, too, for reading my article and your comment. Much appreciated!

Most interesting thank you

Comments are closed.

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Grand European Tour

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Cruise Reviews

Find out more about the Viking experience from our guests.

Dwight Popowich

Top notch service on and off the ship.

The only way to travel! It was a wonderful trouble-free vacation, with top notch service both on and off the ship. I really liked the small ship atmosphere, as it was so easy to make new friends and develop a relationship with the on-board staff. It's a great way to see Europe and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Kevin Walsh

An all-around great cruise..

This was the first cruise for my wife and I. It was a great cruise. The staff was terrific and the ship was the right size. The cities and towns we went to were very enjoyable. The guides were very knowledgeable and courteous.  

Allwyne Kleszczewski

I highly recommend viking.

We have enjoyed five Viking tours to date! Everything was in its own way special and exciting. The thoughtful staff, gourmet food and tours are exciting always. I highly recommend Viking to anyone who wishes to really be pampered on a cruise!

WONDERFUL FIRST JOURNEY WITH VIKING

This was our first River Cruise with Viking and the hospitality of the Viking Crew and the wonderful people we met in the towns and cities along our voyage guided our decision to book a trip to Portugal in 2023.

MARICOR & KATHLEEN

So happy and impressed.

This was our first Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. We were so happy and impressed, from the very start of booking, Airport, pre- extention hotel, the cruise and post- extension hotel. Viking Crews were there all the way. They basically see to it that you are having so much fun. All of them were happy to help you with smiles. It was the best time of our life and we really enjoyed it. The food was just fabulous too. They all catered to our needs. Kudos to you the "SKIRNIR CREW"-- you all are the best and the best assets of the company. We will definitely come back.

William Oman

Highly recommend.

I can't recommend this itinerary highly enough! We've sailed around the world twice and sailed on Viking Ocean many times, but had been saving river cruises in Europe for our Golden years. Wow! 5 stars! Knowing about Viking's high standards, I felt comfortable inviting 6 newbies to Viking with me. We all LOVED this itinerary! Viking staff tended perfectly to every aspect of the trip. The Viking Vali ship is beautiful and our program director was the most fabulous, competent and hard working person I've ever known in my 40 years of cruising. I don't know how she managed to keep everything going so smoothly with so many details to arrange every day. We loved the itinerary so much, we booked an even longer itinerary (Bucharest to Amsterdam) in 2023 so we can revisit many of the places we saw again this year and introduce 3 more of our friends to Viking for the first time.

Joseph Boyle

Very impressed with viking.

The crew on the Gefjon were superb. Highly recommend the two day pre- extension. I was very impressed with the logistics Viking set up…it all flowed seamlessly.

Satisfied Guest

The best ever..

These past weeks have been the best ever. All of the excursions were wonderful. I do not know which part I liked best. Food, the ship’s crew, entertainment, cleanliness of the ship. This may be my first Viking Cruise, but not my last.

Ernie and Cindy Gunderson

Well cared for..

Great River Cruise! The entire staff was excellent and made sure that we were well taken care of! We’re looking forward to taking the Viking Ocean Cruise “Trade Routes of the Middle Ages” next year, since going on the Viking Star for the “Mediterranean Odyssey Cruise” in 2019!!

Tonya Alfonso

You'll be seeing us again, viking.

Incredible experience sailing on the Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest! Just wonderful. The tours were interesting, and most allowed for adequate free time to explore the areas visited. But the staff! Beyond compare. The servers learned our names and our preferences. The Reception Desk folks were unbelievably accommodating. . . . Throughout the course of the cruise, we made many friends, laughed until we cried, and ate way too much. The housekeeping staff is top notch, and our steward kept our room immaculate. You'll be seeing us again, Viking!  

Gaye and Sam Hyland

Exceeded all expectaions..

This lovey Grand European Cruise exceeded all of our expectations. The Viking Modi crew were exceptional. From the engaging Program Director, the friendly Hotel Manager and the great Bar/Lounge Manager to all the waitstaff, cooks and room stewards, we received excellent and attentive service! The food was sublime, excursions and tour guides fantastic and ship Covid procedures were easy and precise. During an unruly COVID time like this, Viking excels. My husband and I needed and enjoyed this pleasant break. The rich history we learned (and viewed) in Budapest, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands is priceless! I want to return soon.

Bobby Wilder

My story begins with my first Viking cruise in 2013 on Viking Bragi. The ship, the staff, the service, the excursions, the food (especially the soups) were excellent. So much so that when I returned home I booked the cruise from Budapest to Bucharest. I was hooked on Viking. GO VIKING!

Rosemarie & Bill

Loved every moment of our journey.

Our third Viking cruise. Loved every moment of our journey. In between learning so many historic and interesting new things, we relaxed on board a beautifully maintained ship. Cruise director was amazing! Food and service, beyond our expectations. Can’t wait to depart again on our 4th and 5th Viking cruises. Thank you for the continuing quality.

William Sullivan

This was the first cruise for my wife and I. It was a great cruise. The staff was terrific and the ship was the right size. The cities and towns we went to were very enjoyable. The guides were very knowledgeable and courteous.

I WOULD RECOMMEND VIKING TO ANYONE

Just completed the 2-week Grand European Tour river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. It was fantastic! Weather was awesome. Can’t give Viking credit for that, but for the remainder of the journey they deserve 100% of the credit. . . . Crews were great. The food was plentiful and tasty and the tours great with wonderful guides. I would recommend Viking to anyone. Mahalo for the journey.

Mr. & Mrs. Brown from Queanbeyan

Looking forward to our next trip with viking.

Boarding our ship in Budapest, we felt as though we had jumped into a pile of down pillows. Our tour director advised they are here to provide a seamless cultural experience, and he proceeded to do so for the entire trip. The most challenging decision we had to make each day was whether to have breakfast in the dining room or foredeck café. Air conditioning made the staterooms always feel fresh. The technology behind the scenes in these ships is first class. We are looking forward to our next trip with Viking.

Satisfied Guest

Wonderful experience from start to finish..

Thanks, Viking, we had the trip of a lifetime. Wonderful experience from start to finish. We have recommended to friends. Happy voyages. The staff was wonderful.

When you go with Viking, you go with the best.

Before you read any further, let me just say that when you go with Viking, you go with the best! Everything was exactly as they promised, no surprises, every convenience is thought of for the guests. Transfers/excursions were a piece of cake. Our river cruise was so refreshing that there was always plenty of room to hang out in the Aquavit Lounge, on the bow, on the Sun Deck. I loved that we cruised during the daylight. We slid open our stateroom door (French balcony) and watched everything we happened to be cruising by. Great food and plenty of it. Lots of choices. Our Cruise Director was just fantastic. Our next cruise will definitely be with Viking. And we can hardly wait.

Jeannie La Corte

Thanks for the memories, viking.

We are just arriving home after a 2-week Viking Grand European Tour and we cannot say enough about the overall service, staff, entertainment, food, Veranda stateroom and our ship itself. We had a very lovely time. There were occasions when, due to lock delays or other events, starting times or arrangements had to be adjusted, but the staff made it work with such ease. All of our tour guides were outstanding.

Marcia Graves

The staff went beyond all expectations..

If you are looking for a very relaxing ship experience, you will find this one a pleasure. If you are looking for outstanding service, you will find this one an outstanding experience. There were a few nights where the chef and his staff went beyond all expectations.

Add Viking to your bucket list.

This was our first ever cruise and after so many friends had recommended Viking, it was time for us to go. We celebrated our 35th anniversary on the Grand European Tour and it lived up to all expectations, and in some ways exceeded our expectations. From the first day on board, the staff was fantastic and our Cruise Director was the best; he handled everything that came his way with good humor... I recommend if you have not done a Viking cruise, add it to you bucket list. Happy cruising everyone!

Staff went out of their way.

The ship and the staff were outstanding. I felt the staff went out of their way to remember not only my name, but my preferences in food, drink, and even my preference in types of wine! This is the first time I returned home from vacation feeling rested. We are already discussing our next cruise destination.

Satisfied  Guest

Viking is the best..

Every time conversations come up about cruising, we talk about our two Viking river cruises, Grand European Tour and Waterways of the Tsars. Every other person we meet who has traveled with Viking agrees with us that Viking is the best.

John & Nancy Bonell

Experience of a lifetime..

Amazing... wonderful... Can’t say enough about Viking. We sailed from Amsterdam to Budapest. We extended our stay at the beginning—Amsterdam was fantastic! The hotel was beautiful and breakfasts included. I have to say that Viking is “a well-oiled machine”! Everything was perfect from the local tour guides at each port who shared their knowledge of the area; the food and wine on board was excellent; we enjoyed the nightly entertainment and local artists who shared their talents. . . . Our stateroom steward as well as all the staff were superior and so helpful and willing to do anything needed. Viking includes so much more than other cruise lines. It was our experience of a lifetime.

Satisfied Gest

Not one thing we could change..

We loved everything about our cruise! There was not one thing we would change. Can’t wait to do another cruise with you, hopefully next year. I must comment on “The Traveler.” It is an amazingly beautiful piece and I could visualize scenes from our trip as I listened. Thank you!

What a difference Viking makes.

We cruised Budapest to Amsterdam. We had no idea what to expect. We were totally surprised and are spoiled. What a difference Viking makes. We have Bucharest to Budapest planned for April 2020. Now looking for October 2020.

Charlie & Linda Wiltsie

Nothing short of amazing..

Our experiences during our cruise were nothing short of amazing. From the tour director to the waitstaff and all of the other people behind the scenes, we were treated to friendly and prompt service. Our shore excursions were wonderful. We will definitely travel with Viking again.

Mark & Mary Uslan

This cruise was nothing short of magnificent.

We have just returned from our cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, with two additional days each in Amsterdam and Prague. This trip was a 50th anniversary celebration. We chose Viking because of their fine reputation and ship size… From the first day to the last, this cruise was nothing short of magnificent… The Viking staff was there to assist us and attend to our needs and comfort. Viking exudes “attention to detail.” At all stages of this trip our luggage was handled in an expeditious manner... Not one problem. We could write a book on the ship and staff but, suffice to say, it could not fully describe this great experience. Nothing was overlooked.

Viking takes care of you.

What an incredible experience. We saw amazing places, met wonderful people and ate way too much! Viking takes care of you from the moment you step off the plane. We were very impressed with everyone involved with Viking, from the driver who first picked us up in Amsterdam, every single tour guide, our Program Director, Hotel Director, to all the people who cooked, served and cleaned, and finally, the young man who took us into the airport for our flight home

Best experience of my life!

I took this wonderful cruise in May. My stateroom was very clean and spacious with plenty of storage. I just can't say enough to express how friendly and hospitable the entire staff was... The entire cruise was breathtaking... The meals were delicious. I am planning my next cruise with Viking and would definitely recommend this to anyone. Best experience of my life! Met wonderful people and made new friends... Beautiful ship, friendly staff, outstanding views and excursions and just an overall pleasant experience.

Steve Griffin

Never a want or need ignored..

The trip was wonderful. Great sites to see … The staff was outstanding—never a want or need ignored… Love all the great food and wine—you can never go wrong with Viking. Wonderful trip. Recommend highly as the best. Thanks!

Cheery & friendly staff

Staff was wonderful - cheery and friendly. The staff clearly enjoy what they are doing - they are kind, considerate and really want the guests to enjoy themselves.

All activities were very well organized

Staff were friendly and eager to please. All activities were very well organized and we were kept well informed.

Wonderufl staff

Enjoy convenience of having 'home base' on board, yet seeing many cities & sites. Service is great & wonderful staff. Only seemed more crowded than our last Viking trip.

Truly made the sights memorable

Our guide was so informative and truly made the sights all the more memorable with his explanation, especially pointing out sights to see along the way!

The accommodations, food & staff were top notch. I also liked the fact there was an included excursion each day & didn't feel like I was being nickel & dimed.  

William Kralik

Staff was accommadating..

We thoroughly enjoyed everything about the cruise. The other guests were a pleasure to be around and made the excursions more enjoyable. Our Cruise Director was beyond fantastic and ALL the staff were so accommodating. Even the Captain was there handing out umbrellas in case of rain…Viking, you have a lifelong fan!

Dan & Martha

An excellent cruise...most highly recommended.

Travelers get to know and appreciate the professional staff on the longer cruises. Personal conversations enliven and connect us. The Viking Cruise Director brought depth, understanding, experience and perspective, as well as entertainment, to evening events. The Concierge service knows how to handle passenger requests when an unexpected need for local resources arises, such as doctors, transportation, impromptu reservations and suggestions. Shore excursions are educational and informative--just be sure to use comfortable walking shoes! Staff daily takes pictures during the cruise and excursions, which are offered as mementos. The choice of food and service is fabulous! Tasting local and regional fare is a delight. Most assuredly, this cruise--and Viking Cruises--is first class, with attention to detail and passenger enjoyment, and is most highly recommended!

Bob & Dick

A wealth of good information..

Great cruise, excellent regional food, local entertainment, nice stateroom and interesting ports. Concierge services were outstanding and provided a wealth of good information. We enjoyed the many aspects of the cruise. Viking delivers a great experience.

Larry Phillips

Beautiful architecture in every city visited..

This was our first river cruise and we selected the date to allow us to see tulips in full bloom while in Amsterdam. The ship’s staff was absolutely outstanding in every respect. All of the guides gave insightful information for each port of call. Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers was a once-in-a lifetime experience and will be a lasting memory. There was so much to see, beautiful architecture in every city visited, stately churches and unique shopping along the way. Food on the ship was excellent and each meal included several choices. We thank the staff immensely for their care, support and professionalism.

Jim and Susan Pettit

This overshadows them all..

An absolutely awesome voyage. Staff was 150% and excursions were to die for.

Everyone was kind and personable.

Exceptional service and, wow, the food was spectacular! Professional and friendly—everyone was so kind and personable. The staff was the best, always smiling. So great at their jobs! Beautiful cities and wonderful excursions. Great live entertainment, beautiful music, great variety. Scenic and beautiful.

A great experience.

The service was excellent. The staff was attentive. The destinations are wonderful and the food was excellent. A great experience!

Knew what we needed before we asked.

The staff was courteous and helpful. The food was great. Lovely staterooms. The Restaurant ran smoothly and wait staff knew what we needed before we asked. We love cruising!

Could not ask for more,

The Viking Embla staff was superior in service and cordiality. They established a family-like atmosphere among us... Food, cleanliness and comfort ranked the best. I could not ask for more!

Happy to recommend Viking to others.

I had a very enjoyable experience and would be happy to recommend Viking to others. All staff have done a wonderful job.

Mike and Rose

An amazing cruise..

This was an amazing cruise that exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff of both ships were always pleasant and made you feel at home. In particular, the Maître D’ on Viking Magni was outstanding. We will have many great memories because of him and his staff. Well done!

Nancy & Dennis

Can't wait to book another viking cruise..

This was the most wonderful trip we have ever taken, and we have taken many, including several ocean cruises. We loved the smaller ship. The crew quickly learned everyone’s names and likes. All the passengers were so friendly, and we felt like we knew most of them by the end of the cruise. Everything was very well-organized. We were pleased with the ease of arrival and departure, both on ship and at the airport. . . . We can’t wait to book another Viking Cruise.

Rita, Rory, Allyson and Leslie Bourke

Willing to go to any lengths to make us happy..

We basked on the Sun Deck as we sailed along the Saône River. We danced to Giovanni’s music, begged for recipes from the Chef and fell a bit in love with our Hotel Manager for his enthusiasm, his stories and his willingness to go to any lengths to make us happy. We’ll be on Viking Sea next year—our fourth cruise with Viking.

Would not think of sailing with anyone but Viking.

What are the right words to express our thanks to Viking? The sites were above anything to be expected. It was our first river cruise but will not be our last and we would not think of sailing with anyone but Viking. We have traveled the world between us and have seen many grand places but you took it a step above... Our thanks to the staff of both ships.

We had the best time. The cruise was informative and relaxing. We loved our wait staff. . . . Can’t say enough good things about this trip. Loved it!

Val and Trevor

A great trip..

We have just arrived home after a wonderful trip on Viking Gefjon. I cannot speak highly enough of the organization. Everything ran like clockwork. Nothing was too much trouble. We were either on excursions or meeting new friends in the Lounge or on the Sun Deck. The food was great. Thanks for a great trip.

Ron & Sue

Well done, viking.

Five stars for Viking. This was our first river cruise, and it won’t be our last. I couldn’t wait to get up every morning to see what was planned for us. Well done, Viking! Can’t wait to go again and again

Diane and Tom

Ready for another cruise with viking..

We’ve cruised on Viking Lif and Viking Skadi, and on both the rooms were great and the food was wonderful. Arriving in Budapest in the evening was a highlight! We also loved the size of the ships because we really got to know other travelers. We’re ready to take another cruise with Viking.

Arnie and Jan

Quality shore excursions..

A wonderful trip. We were amazed with the quality of the shore excursions—and that they were included in the price! Also thought the food on board was great, and the wine and bar service at mealtime was unexpected.

Roland & Jane

Our Grand European Tourwas wonderful and met or exceeded our expectations in all areas of accommodations, food/drink, excursions, staff and meeting many new friends. We will definitely book another Viking river cruise, maybe France’s Finest in 2015. Thank you, Viking, for this great experience.

Lynn & Linda Ferraro

Informative and interesting..

This was our first river cruise. Viking Odin was beautiful, clean, comfortable and well-appointed, and the staff was terrific. The Program Director was super. The food was good, sometimes great. It was so nice to be able to travel to so many countries and towns, and stay in the same room. The tours were informative and interesting. Our only issue is that we would have liked more free time to explore these towns on our own, as we love to do; we would have preferred to spend more time in fewer places. This is not a complaint, just our own personal feeling about visiting a foreign country. But in the end, Viking does a wonderful job with what they do, and if you like this type of more structured vacation, I would strongly advise this Viking cruise.

John & Kathy Bratton

More than wonderful..

We had more than a wonderful time. The entire crew was extremely professional, friendly and accommodating, from housekeeping to the restaurant to the reception desk. The Program Director got everything done and was entertaining on top of it all. The local guides were all very knowledgeable, and presented the historical information in a way that was understandable and entertaining, and the headsets make such a difference. The food was excellent both in preparation and presentation; the appetizers were especially creative and delicious. The sights were amazing, from the old towns to the views along the river, from cities to churches, from palaces to statues. We liked starting in Passau and going toward Budapest, generally building from the smaller locations (Passau, Melk, Dürnstein) to the bigger cities (Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest). The ship is so smooth and quiet you couldn’t even tell we were moving. We never even heard our neighbors!

Ian Anderson

95 out of a 100.

I would rate this cruise, from Budapest to Amsterdam, as a 95 out of 100. An excellent crew who went the extra mile to handle requests, excellent meals, a super ship with all of the amenities and some very good tours.

Mel & Sharon

Pack your bags.

…and join the Viking experience. This was our first Viking cruise and believe me it won’t be the last. From the time you step aboard your Viking Longship until you step off heading home you are treated like royalty. The staff, crew and excursions were the best a person could experience. A special thanks to the crew for making this the BEST cruise ever. We'll only be taking Viking cruises from now on.

The Kessler Bertram Family

A sparkling new ship and an equally shiny crew..

We thoroughly enjoyed our Grand European Touron Viking Skadi. We traveled with our son and daughter and cannot say enough about our wonderful experience. We learned about the food, culture, history and people of each place we visited without the logistical challenge of creating the trip on our own. Without that challenge, we could enjoy an incredible family vacation like no other we have ever had. The crew, the local guides and the onboard programs were excellent and all the people of Viking created that sense of warmth we were looking for in a small-ship journey for our family. Our compliments to Viking! We will travel with you again.

David & Terri

Just do it..

This was our first river cruise and first cruise with Viking. We weren’t sure what to expect after a couple of ocean cruise disappointments, but Viking earned our business and then some! Our ship, Viking Skadi, was beautiful, the crew could not have been friendlier or more professional, the food was really, really good. The little towns on this itinerary will touch a very special place inside of you. The tours, if you opt to take them, are very well done, but if you opt to go it alone you can explore independently. We met a couple we have kept in touch with; the passengers were a really good group of people. If you are thinking about this cruise, just do it; you will not regret your choice. And we will be sailing in 2015 on Viking’s new 29-day ocean cruise!

JoEllen & Dave Mee

Loved the relaxation..

What a wonderful 15 days we and our friends had! We loved the relaxation of cruising the river and watching the scenery go by. Our tours and guides were topnotch. The chef’s food was amazing and he even gave us a galley tour. The staff couldn't do enough for us. They made each day a joy. The crew gave us a cake for our 41st anniversary. Hope to cruise on Viking again.

Marian & Aurelia Kulka

Great ship, great service..

This was our second Viking experience and it fully met expectations. Great ship, great service. We will cruise with Viking again.

Sandy & Steve

A magical cruise..

This was our first river cruise; we have been on three ocean cruises previously. In summary, Viking provided a magical cruise with informative tour guides, good accommodations, an ample variety of food, and a friendly staff. I don’t think you can beat the venue and ease of travel for a daily changing itinerary. The ship is easy on and easy off, and the excursions offer “classic” and “leisure” versions, with the leisure option involving less walking. Because walking around on cobblestones and up and down crooked and steep steps is way more rigorous than walking in the mall, it is a good idea to get in shape ahead of time. The river cruise allowed us to visit 15 interesting and varied locales with the comfort of no daily bag wrestling, no wasted time and stress on buses, taxis and the like, a cozy, clean room, and the reliability of a good meal at a set time should we wish to take advantage of it. Viking delivers a great product. Well done.

Steve Selby

Pampered for two weeks..

If you want to be pampered for two weeks and make wonderful new friends, then Viking is the cruise line for you.

Herbert & Carol Kashanitz

Ship's staff was fantastic.

This was our second cruise with Viking and our most enjoyable. Not only were our ports of call, tours and meals thoroughly enjoyable, but the ship’s staff was fantastic. I have never seen such teamwork from a crew. They made our cruise truly great. We loved the humor of our hotel director, the recommendations of our Program Manager, the attention of our maitre d’ and the attention (and food) of the chef. All of the staff, including the dining room and cabin crew, were fantastic. Thank you for hiring such dedicated professionals.

Linda Cover

Met new travel companions..

I love Viking! Went on a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest [in 2006] and met great new friends on board. We still travel together!

A fabulous time.

Had a fabulous time on our Viking cruise.

Marilyn Niernberger

Met so many interesting people..

Took the Grand European Tour last November and met so many interesting people. Will do another tour; Viking is the BEST.

Janice Pinkus

Loved this cruise..

I loved taking the Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Ray & Suzanne White

Travel in october..

It was a fabulous trip. All our expectations were met or exceeded. We had delicious food, amazing service and the excursions were excellent. We also met some wonderful people. October was a great month to travel. We will definitely be taking another Viking cruise.

Loretta & James Woerner

We had a great time..

This was our first river cruise and we had a great time. We did not have to worry about anything and focused on simply enjoying ourselves. The only recommendation I have is to make the tours shorter so that there is more free time. The food was delicious; we could not wait for the next meal. I would recommend Viking River Cruises to anyone.

Gordon & Judy Gray

Staff was great on both ships..

What a fabulous way to celebrate our 40th anniversary. [October] was a great time of year to travel (not as many tourists). Our transfer [due to a low-water situation] from Viking Danube to Viking Pride was done with no work on our part and the staff was great on both ships. Imagine 14 days in Europe in the fall and only one day of rain! We are already booked for your China’s Cultural Delights cruisetour.

Paul & Kathy Easley

We would have loved to stay on board.

This was our first cruise with Viking and we were very impressed. Service and amenities were excellent, while the staff was immensely helpful, friendly and fun. Every tour was just fabulous and the guides were so informative. The scenes and sights along the river were absolutely stunning and we had some great laughs. The intimate number of guests allowed us to get better acquainted with many of them. At the end of our trip, we would have loved to stay on board and experience it all over again. We have already booked your Imperial Jewels of Chinacruise!

Michael & Mary El Weedman

Absollutely marvelous vacation..

We had an absolutely marvelous vacation thanks to Viking River Cruises, our second with you. The crew on Viking Pride came through for us when the ship got held up: extra free tours, free beverages and great parties. Buses to cities the ship can’t reach can be a ball if you have the right guide with you making everyone laugh, and you get to see so much more of the country and its people that way. What can we say but thanks Viking, we will be back!

David & Mary Woolnaugh

So impressed with everything..

This was our first cruise of any kind and we’re so impressed with everything. The staff was especially amazing. Every chance I get I will recommend Viking River Cruises to anyone who can hear me. We had the time of our lives celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary!

Joe & Eleanor Kilberger

Trip of a lifetime..

Just a note to tell you what a “trip of a lifetime” we had cruising down the Rhine and Danube. The entire experience was even better than we expected. All of the crew, and especially our program director, were so very helpful and made our trip both informative and enjoyable. We look forward to taking another cruise with your company in the future and will recommend the experience to our family and friends.

Lennart Gohrn

Outstanding food, perect service..

We were very impressed by the outstanding food, the perfect service and all the arrangements for our pleasure. The tours were well organized. We hated to leave the ship at the end of our trip. You can certainly be proud of all you did for us!

Robert & Patricia Dittrich

Best trip we have ever taken..

We just loved our European cruise. It was the best trip we have ever taken. There is now a debate at our house over the next destination, but there is no question about the cruise line.

Shirley Binder

Rhine was breathtaking..

The ports and sights were all so amazing. The riverboat ride along the Rhine was breathtaking.

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Best river cruise lines around the world

River cruising is the original slow way to travel, as you cruise the calm waters of inland waterways just like Cleopatra did on the Nile. The best river cruise ships are floating hotels with views galore, such as the castles and vineyards of the Rhine or the rice paddies and villages on stilts along the Mekong.

River ships dock near key attractions and feature mostly-inclusive pricing; fares include such perks as basic daily walking tours and wine and beer at meals. But beyond that standard, there are differences in the products. One person's idea of a great vacation may be extraordinary excursions such as an exclusive dinner in a chateau, while others may want spacious cabins or as much foie gras and French cheese as you can possibly eat. Want to relax in a swimming pool? That's doable on some but not all ships. And some river cruises are much more active than others with, for instance, biking and hiking tours.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's a rundown of the best river cruise lines traversing inland waterways around the world.

The world's largest river cruise line, Viking has a fleet that in Europe includes dozens of cutting-edge, 190-passenger "longships" with light-filled atriums, an appealing contemporary Scandinavian decor, and cabins with step-out balconies. An outdoor restaurant on the bow means you never miss a chance to take in unobstructed views.

The value-packed experience is geared toward adults and is consistently high quality. Destinations include all the popular rivers of Europe — such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Bordeaux, Rhone, Elbe and Douro — as well as the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Mississippi.

For those seeking consistency and value, Viking is the best of the mainstream river companies.

Learn which card in your wallet will help you reach your travel goals for 2022 – just download the free TPG App .

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers such popular upscale features as a top-deck swimming pool with swim-up bar and a big focus on cuisine; its multiple dining venues use high-quality ingredients and its Chef's Table experience is focused on fine local food and wine. The 106- to 196-passenger ships in Europe also have a wellness focus with small spas and fitness rooms and a fleet of bikes for use either on your own or on organized excursions.

AmaWaterways' partnership with Adventures by Disney means families are on board select chartered sailings on the Seine, Rhine and Danube. In addition to a big presence on all the main rivers of Europe, the line sails the Mekong and Nile, as well as the Chobe River of Botswana.

AmaWaterways hits a sweet spot for both foodies and active travelers (and families on the Disney sailings).

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

Uniworld positions itself as a high-end luxury line. Its ships are designed as floating palace hotels, employing marble, Murano glass and expensive fabrics in its over-the-top decor. Don't be surprised if you find yourself lounging in a room decked out in animal prints. The 159-passenger S.S. Catherine on the Rhone and Saone, for instance, boasts a $1 million art collection.

For foodies, foie gras, fresh oysters, regional cheeses and other local delicacies appear on menus. Guests in suites on select ships have butlers on call. Bikes are available to borrow, and the ships have gyms and spas, and, on some ships, lavish indoor pools. Family departures add active excursions, arts and crafts, and visits to amusement parks.

In addition to the major rivers of Europe, Uniworld cruises the less-traversed Po River in Italy (from Venice) and has ships on the Nile and Mekong as well as the Ganges in India.

If you are looking for Old World-style luxury with dramatic flair, Uniworld is your line.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Sleek ships with marble lobbies, mid-century furnishings and impressive art collections mark the Australian-owned Scenic as all about luxurious, high-end river cruising. Butler service is part of the scene, and so are free-flowing cocktails, e-bikes and six dining options – all for a passenger contingent of fewer than 170.

Included shore excursions go beyond the standard tours that most lines offer, such as a visit to the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. If you prefer independent travel, Scenic provides a nifty GPS gadget about the size of a cellphone, loaded with maps and commentary that is automatically activated at points of interest. Most of the ships have a pool on the sun deck, along with a fitness center and spa.

Routes include the Rhine and Danube, the Seine, Saone, Rhone, Garonne and Dordogne in Bordeaux, and Portugal's Douro, as well as the Mekong.

When it comes to an active, contemporary, luxury experience, Scenic is at the top.

Emerald Cruises

A sister line to Scenic but priced for budget-conscious travelers, Emerald continues the cool decor on its 182-passenger "Star Ships." The design highlight is an amazing infinity-style indoor/outdoor pool that converts (with a cover) into a movie theater at night.

Fares include most tours, even well-programmed full-day tours with lunch ashore. Destinations include the Danube, Rhine, Main, Rhone, and Douro, as well as the Mekong.

For those watching their pennies, Emerald is the best of the budget-priced ships.

Related: Are river cruises right for kids?

Leading luxury tour operator Tauck has its own fleet of award-winning 84- to 130-passenger river ships cruising the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. The big selling point here is that a Tauck tour director and three Tauck cruise directors are on board all departures, assuring that guests are catered to.

The ships deliver great food and wine and beyond-the-norm experiences on shore, such as the chance to sip local varietals in a wine cave. Special family departures — Tauck Bridges — cater to multigenerational families, adding such kid-friendly adventures as a scavenger hunt at the Louvre in Paris. Some staterooms on the newer ships are lofts with high ceilings and a raised seating area; some ships have a Jacuzzi and putting green on the sun deck. Local performers including dance troupes come on board to entertain.

The hand-held, everything-taken-care-of luxury experience that Tauck provides is hard to beat.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon is owned by the Globus Family of Brands, a tour operator company, and that experience comes into play on shore, with such VIP experiences as skipping the line at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Pricing on this line is middle of the road, with everything comfortable, reliable and not overly fussy. That said, on the company's sleek, 166-passenger Suite Ships, you can splurge on a Panorama Suite with sitting areas and glass doors that open to bring the fresh air in.

The company lets you personalize your experience down to the kind of pillows you prefer. All ships have a fitness room and fleet of bikes for tours in places such as Amsterdam and Cochem, Germany. There are also hiking excursions. The ships traverse waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Danube, Douro, Main, Moselle, Rhone, Saone and Mekong.

Avalon is your best choice in the affordable, active category.

CroisiEurope Cruises

French line CroisiEurope caters to travelers on a tight budget and does river cruising in a friendly European style. Among the differences here is you won't just be cruising with fellow Americans. The passenger contingent is mostly bargain-seekers from France and Germany, and you'll hear onboard announcements in multiple languages. Everything from the food and service to the entertainment caters to that crowd. Some will love the idea of cruising like a European, while others may miss, for instance, a wide breadth of entree choices at dinner.

The family-run line has several dozen mostly older ships that operate on rivers that include the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Saone but also such less-traversed waterways as the Elbe between Berlin and Prague, France's Loire, Spain's Guadalquivir and the Markermeer in the Netherlands. CroiseEurope also has ships on the Nile, Mekong, and Chobe River in Africa.

Try CroisiEurope if you want to grab super-low bargain fares and see Europe with a local crowd.

Grand Circle Line

Part of tour company Grand Circle Travel, this line is a popular affordable choice for travelers age 55-plus in Europe. The fleet of 46- to 140-passenger ships cruises waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Mosel, Main, Danube and Rhone. Always onboard are Grand Circle program directors supplementing the onboard team and assuring a certain amount of handholding on ship and shore; your American tastes and expectations will be catered to. The line focuses attention on onboard enrichment, such as lectures, dance performances and cooking demonstrations. On shore, Grand Circle's signature experiences are a home visit with a local family and a school visit.

Grand Circle is a top choice company for solo travelers because the ships feature a good number of small cabins designed and priced for one, plus reduced single-supplement pricing for solos who want larger rooms.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines offers cruises on more U.S. waterways than any other river line. Of course, the company's fleet of U.S.-flagged 100- to 190-passenger river ships (including authentic paddlewheelers) travels the popular Mississippi and Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. But it also offers itineraries along the rivers of the San Francisco Bay Area (including a stop in Napa Valley's wine country), Florida's east coast (visiting Amelia Island and St. Augustine) and New York (offering overnight trips on the Hudson). Multi-state trips via the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers round out the offerings.

The crew is all-American, and the ships play up the American theming. Civil War theme cruises are particularly popular.

The river cruises command big prices — from about $575 per person, per night for an ambiance that is comfortably upscale. Particularly on the newer ships, guests stay in big, hotel-like staterooms with indoor sitting areas and balconies (on the 175-passenger American Symphony, for instance, cabins range from 250 to 650 square feet). Local entertainment comes on board, the food is often locally sourced, and cocktail parties are included in the cruise fare.

These river cruises attract mostly older travelers. There are no bars, but that's a bonus in terms of socializing. Everyone goes to the cocktail parties, and getting to know your fellow passengers is a big part of the experience.

Aqua Expeditions

Crowd-free and high-end luxury cruises are this line's calling card both on the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong. On the 32- to 40-passenger ships, you are embraced in designer decor and expanses of glass, so you don't miss any views. Exquisite gourmet cuisine in both destinations is overseen by top chefs known for their award-winning land-based restaurants, with local ingredients a focus. Tours ashore (sometimes two a day) are often via private, 10-passenger skiffs.

For the privilege of sailing with this line, you may have to pay $1000 per person, per night. The shortest sailings are three nights on the Amazon. Families with kids ages 7 and up are welcome.

Aqua Expeditions is hands down the best luxury product on the Amazon and Mekong; intimate cruising at its finest.

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Amadeus Riva cruise review — spectacular memories on the Danube

Gillian bowditch hops aboard a new river tour and finds there’s no better way to see the magnificent capitals of central europe.

B y the time you are in the market for a river cruise down the Danube, there is a whole degree of discernment that needs to be accommodated. From the crispness of the Egyptian cotton sheets and the fluffiness of the robes to the size of the walk-in wardrobe and the plumpness of the pillows, standards must be met.

The Amadeus Riva has this licked. Launched in 2023, the five-star floating hotel is shipshape and Bristol fashion: teabags proudly from Yorkshire, fresh flowers that wilted not a petal on our seven-night voyage from Passau to Budapest then back to Linz.

As it was my first cruise I had some preconceived ideas. Some were justified — it’s hard not to succumb to the inevitable herd mentality, although it was easier to escape the enforced jollities than I had expected — but many were not. River travel is much more soothing than any other form, and the Danube is a charming, surprisingly rural river, despite being a working waterway and the second-longest river in Europe.

The balance of excursions to private time was judged well, with one city or attraction to explore each day. First stop, medieval Regensburg, which was the first of seven Unesco world heritage sites on the trip.

• Scenic Eclipse II review — the most luxurious cruise around Scotland

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Our guide was sympathetic when we decided to escape the tyranny of the tour flag too. There’s something charming about discovering a city by yourself, slipping into the cool interior of a baroque church or lingering over a courtyard that you might otherwise stride through. Well-informed local guides are part of every excursion along with personal headsets for those who enjoy a guided tour.

On day two we jumped off the ship and onto a coach to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop to The Sound of Music . In August the hills are alive with the sound of tourists. To escape the hordes we walked along the footpath overlooking this chocolate-box town nestled into the Austrian Alps on the River Salzach, before descending to take in another magnificent cathedral.

Anyone suffering from a deficit of the ecclesiastical baroque will be cured on this cruise. From the Wedgewood blue church of Dürnstein to the splendour of Melk Abbey, an 11th-century working Benedictine Abbey, there is no shortage of places to worship — that’s before you even get to the magnificent cathedrals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

Those three capital cities in three consecutive days constituted the remarkable finale of the trip. There is no other way it would have been possible to do this without a rigmarole of packing bags and moving hotel. Each city offered up some spectacular memory, not least the Albertina Museum in Vienna, whose almost empty state rooms housed works by Albrecht Dürer and drawings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

The best way to think of this Danube cruise is as a smorgasbord of culture — a tempting tapas that leaves you wanting more. My first act on arriving home was to plan another trip to Vienna with my daughter next year.

Talking of food, the chefs did a good job with the limited kitchen space. Breakfast buffets were robust and plentiful; lunch was either formal in the dining room or light in the upstairs lounge and dinner was four courses, except when it was seven. Packed meals were available for day trips. The sommeliers were unstinting with the wine. Everything was included and there was no mandatory tipping or hidden expenses.

Rob, our cruise master, gave it his all, even switching from lederhosen to spangles to boogie the night away to some golden oldies. The staff were charming and accommodating in equal measure. On the final night after dinner the Amadeus Riva cruised the length of Budapest, where the fairytale bridges and buildings on either side of the banks of the Danube were lit up like the set of a Christmas ballet.

In the balmy evening air, with a glass of fizz in our hands and the strains of Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz undercut by the lapping of the water against the side of the boat, this famous waterway that stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea was at its magnificent best and we left the trip on a high note.

Gillian Bowditch was a guest of Great Rail Journeys ( greatrail.com ). The Beautiful Blue Danube cruise costs from £1,595pp for seven nights, full-board on Riva’s sister ship, Imperial, including drinks, excursions, all transfers, flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Munich via London, plus one night’s B&B in London.

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