We cruised the Danube from the Czech Republic to Hungary in 2017 on Avalon Cruise lines. It was the trip of a lifetime. The captain was a big German lad, and when he walked into the dining room, you knew who was in charge. They docked and left ports like clockwork. We ate like royalty, and had the time of our lives. I would highly recommend Avalon.
I like the fact that Avalon has the beds facing the floor to ceiling windows that open almost fully, and the bathroom shape leaves lots of room for the shower
LOL I went up to the top deck on a viking cruise when we went through a double lock on the Rhine in the middle of the night. A crewman was up there and he said to me "Don't you ever sleep?" I said "Not when there'e cool stuff like this happening!!". I'm a boater and the boat stuff is my favorite, including storms at sea, bridge tours and a very awesome personal engine room tour by the captain of one ship.
Very useful video. I paid for a suite on our first river cruise and the only time we had a scenic view from our cabin was when moving. Every time we were docked our view was into a cabin on another ship. I did not consider this value for money.
Hard to say, river cruises and bus tours get you into the cities advertised while ocean cruises you pay for excursions or ride three hour taxi or train to get into the place you really wanted to visit then two -three hour ride back to port.
Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan really have taken double-docking to a whole new level. Most I ever counted was six deep - though I've never seen anyone having to walk over on them
Nile Cruise was the best cruise we have ever been on. Much better than the European cruises which are quite boring. The Nile cruises actually feel as if you have travelled back in time. Unfortunately Egypt as a country is a mess but makes up for it with the excursions to Valley of the Kings, Luxor etc.
The Mother in Law was on a european river cruise, they came back from a day trip and went straight to the bar and booked a nice bottle of champagne to their room tab and enjoyed it in the drinks lounge. When they left the bar, got to the room and the door key wouldn't work. They then realised they were on their cruise ship's identical Sister ship ! Their own ship was double moored on the river side. :) .
I also did something similar as a child at a Portuguese hotel in the late 70s. I got off on the wrong floor, whisked past the maid who was finishing up and proceeded to nap the afternoon away. A shrewd Hotelier (when summoned by the Police) knew exactly what to do.. I was completely oblivious to the chaos I'd created for years! My mum made no fuss, just picked me up and carried me down for dinner. Love her to bits, always a cool cucumber! It was all an extremely funny family anecdote for years. My Father, years later explained that she had infact been been a total car wreck in the 2 hours I'd evaded the entire search party. I can honestly say I had no idea, I'd never eaten so much free ice cream in my entire life, I just thought well isn't this all just amazing. Not so funny nowadays. Keep safe everyone.
My wife and I went on a family river cruise on the Nile which was excellent, apart from the things you mention the main omission from the brochure was the fact that for a portion of the trip soldiers would come on board and mount a heavy machine gun at the stern and bow of the ship. Our youngest was 12 at the time and thought talking with the soldiers and touching the gun was the best bit of the cruise.
Did a 28 day RC. ONLY DOCKED next to other ships 3 times. We only walked through the ships. And were able to have a poke around ( all ships were the same companies). Great fun. Most of our locks were at night. Didn’t notice them much . Usually the captain tells you if he has to move the ship while your out on excursion.. 5 RC. Never changed itineraries... our captain would pull up if he saw markets on the side. Fabulous.. Even if our top deck had to pop down, we were allowed to sit upstairs but just bend down. Great fun. RC is the BEST.
Emma, this was a great video, very informative. Must admit that I hadn’t fully appreciated the impact of side by side docking, especially for those passengers with limited mobility. Keep up the good work 👏👏
It might be a good suggestion for a future video: which river cruises or small ships are best for wheelchair life. I mean, being newly handicapped, I have doubts I’ll ever be able to afford my own explorations, but it’s nice to dream! And others might appreciate it.
I've been on 13 cruises on the mega-ships and river cruises was always in the back of my mind. Not anymore! Thanks for the info Emma. I know you didn't do this video to discourage people from river cruises but both and my wife and I are mildly handicapped where climbing stairs would be a challenge. Never thought about the points you made.
Great video and so honest and objective. You raised points that I hadn't even considered. I certainly haven't seen them mentioned on any River cruise advert or brochure. We are considering a river cruise in the future but I now feel more aware of what aspects I need to research. Thanks for all your hard work Emma, I feel you saved us from an expensive mistake.
Of the many types of cruising I've enjoyed, river cruising is the absolute best. Being one passenger out of 300 is much different from one in three to four thousand. Everything Emma described happens, but for us, it was always in a positive way. One thing we liked was during day trips we would usually run into several passengers that we recognized and would have a drink or dinner with them while in town. At the very least, they usually gave advice of places they liked or disliked. The atmosphere was much more family like rather than just being in the herd.
I have not yet been on a river cruise but my take on things is that it's better than driving from city to city in Europe, switching hotel rooms every one or two nights. You arrive on your first day and move into a hotel room that will take you to all the places you want to see. As a bonus, rivers are calm and flat, unlike ocean cruises. I was once on a cruise to Cozumel that hit 20 foot seas at 3 AM. So I woke from a restful sleep to being lifted up and down 40 feet in my bed at a very high frequency. A few times I thought I was going to hit my head on the ceiling or get thrown from my bed over my balcony railing and into the sea. It was unsettling. I think seeing some dude in his tightly whities wouldn't be as bad. Ha ha.
@@howardbrouwer7463 I misspoke. The vessel was the River Voyager booked through Vantage Cruise Lines. Passenger capacity was 176. Current information that I have is that the ship is no longer owned by Vantage.
I would say it is a frequent occurrence that Viking ships moor next to each other. It really isn’t a problem because the automatic doors align with each other, and you just walk through. Just remember to stop when you get to your ship.
Your point "I strongly believe that preparation is the key to any positive cruise experience, by watching this video you'll be better prepared than most! " can be shortened to The 6 P's. For those that haven't heard of the saying: Prior Planning Prevents *iss-Poor Performance. The video is spot-on for that planning. Thank you.
Reminds me of a river cruise up and down the Potomac my employer took me on a few years ago. Nothing like the brochure, as the river is wide and most of what is visible is commercial and industrial infrastructure. I still had a good time, but the contrast with the brochures was amusing.
I always wanted to take a European river cruise. I never thought about the proximity to other boats but I guess it's to be expected after all it's a river not the ocean. Thanks for the insight.
A couple of years ago we took our first Amsterdam to the Black Sea 26 day cruise. We had previously taken many ocean going cruises all over the world. Despite the countless locks, rafting & thin walls, it was the best trip that we have ever taken. Sailing into Budapest, tuxedoed waiters serving champagne, while the Hungarian national anthem played, with the giant Parliament building totally lit up, was unforgettable. I also enjoyed the cultural second part of cruise where we visited a Croatian school & dined in small groups in a local home. Our lady was an RN, like myself & her teenage son ate all the deserts. Wonderful time. Jeanne
So glad I caught this. I have wanted to take one of these when visiting my son in the Czech Republic.. My wife has difficulties with stairs (knees) and I wouldn't want to put her in a difficult situation. Very informative and positive. Thank you.
I think mobility is about visiting older places like Europe, Asia, South America, not about the river or ocean cruise itself. Czech republic is very accessible but not the tourist zones. if you made it wheelchair accessible you would lose the historical buildings. it is either or.
@@antejl7925 Usually Elbe river cruises include bus tours to Berlin, Prague; likewise Rhine-Main-Danube cruises include bus tour to Munich; Douro cruises might include bus tour (option\excursion) to Madrid and so on.
Good thing the guy at least had his underwear on. I heard a story about a chap who slept in the nude & swung his window curtains open in the morning only to be confronted by looking into the window of the ship next door's dinning room full of people having breakfast.
@@tigergreg8 The story I related above was told to me by a tour guide on my first river cruise on the River Rhone in France with AMA in 2009. I have never had any problems on any of the river cruises I have gone on, but with this story in mind, I'm always very careful before opening the curtains in the morning & others should do the same.
OOO Locks are cool! We locked through 24 dams on the Viking Mississippi Upper Mississippi Voyage Alton to St. Paul in mid September I watch every one along with my River Buddy We worked together in the 80s to improve the management of the Upper Mississippi River!
Totally agree with everything. My wife and I have done 6 river cruises, they are great but there are definitely things to know. Top decks are rarely used, most sailing is at night when you are asleep. Mobility is an issue throughout Europe. Cruising is an older crowd. Don't pay for a veranda with outside chairs, you will never use them.
DON'T GO IF YOUR DISABLED OR YOU LIKE CASINOS , STAGE SHOWS,SWIMMING POOLS ,EATING FISH EVERY NIGHT, YOUNG PEOPLE, CLIMBING STAIRS, EXTRA HIGH PRICES, ETC.
Emma you are perfect for so eloquently describing your cruise experiences. You also talk from the heart and not reading from a script, Love your accent too. ☺️ I’ve done about 27 ocean cruises, mostly good, but some only average. Haven’t yet been tempted by a river cruise but after watching your experiences and descriptions I’m certainly tempted. Thank you Emma, so happy to have found you and subscribed. Stay safe. x
Like in life everything isn’t always smooth sailing on a river cruise. That being said our Viking cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was outstanding. I’ve been on ocean cruises but never again. It’s true river cruises seem to have mostly a older clientele but that’s perfect was old geezers 😂😂✌️
Thanks for a great video. I’ve always wanted to experience a river cruise and so much of what you have told me has made me seriously reconsider. Thanks so much.
We did a river cruise in the Netherlands- lovely time, very civilized, great crew and accommodations. We did a Bahamas cruise out of Port Canaveral Florida- a cattle barge, never again. Now we do eco- tours on the Banana river here in Central Florida on a pontoon craft- low and slow, a great afternoon treat, folks from the U.K. go crazy when we pass by alligator slides and one is sunning himself there. Did sail as crew aboard a warship when younger, but that is a sea story for another day.☺
Re: Rafting - other item to mention is that your ship may MOVE to a different location in the town while you’re away from it. Passengers need to pay attention to announcements as to these potential mid-day moves. Coming back from walking around on your own, or leaving a tour, can be disconcerting.
That happened to me in Vienna. I left the boat to go to the Vienna University Dental School for emergency dental care and came back to find my Viking boat was "missing." It had moved over one spot while I was gone. All was good though!
LOL at the squeeky sounds imitation :-P This was VERY interesting and I honestly have to say I didn't know most of them! Great video, Emma. I hope to get on a river cruise soon.
@@johndittmer8488 Yes sir, Bigger ships now, my command USS Preble (DLG-15) was the same size as your current so call cruisers, In Subic Bay in 1968 2 oilers were berthed outboard of us.
Thank you. I watch a lot of videos about cruising and this is the first time I have heard some of the things you mentioned. I was watching just one man's lot and will diverse myself accordingly. Thanks again.
Viking has made a huge effort to get you to buy a cruise package from them, they advertise on most channels but i guess they’re targeting elderly and older couples
My parents went on a river cruise, it was aimed at older people and they were all in the lounge one afternoon joining in with a quiz when they pulled up alongside a private boat. The couple in the private boat really should have thought things through before "exercising" in the bedroom with the curtains open!
Maybe some of the elderly aboard your ship got a bit melancholy reminiscing when they last were _exercising_ fervently before they turned to river cruising.
On our first and only river cruise we were not prepared for the ships to dock next to each other! (This was 5 years ago). I felt bad for the people with mobility problems. It was fun but I wouldn’t do it again.
Hey Kathy! I always worry about people with mobility problems. River cruising definitely can be a struggle for them although some are better than others. Interested that you wouldn't do it again though. What puts you off? 😊❤️
And to think we had trouble on our big ship cruise (I forget the name) about 5 years ago in America, mother was on a mobility scooter. The cruise ship has the Transformers-like logo. She went up the outside ramp no problems, moved carefully around the corner to go down the other side of the ramp to go into the ship - And suddenly she was going down slope at full speed because the stewardess(??) at the top had tried to stop her and pulled up whatever works the brakes, so her brakes didn't work now. She swerved towards the wall and some luckily very tall steward managed to stop her crashing into it and didn't get himself impaled at all, but she had partially hit me in the process as I was in front of her and had to duck to the side against the chain fence. The handlebars and steel sticking out over the wheels gave me bruises on my legs and, uh, cheeks and I was also shaken as she had suddenly screamed from the sudden acceleration, and then obviously angry that some clueless lady had messed with mother's rental equipment. She probably reported it when I went off with the friends we came with, and the scooter just had the knob pushed back into place, no-one else dared touch it other than me and people getting it in out of cars.
Brilliant. You're just brilliant at what you do. I am planning a long river cruise for this next year, and your videos are helping immensely. Thank you.
That was me once. woke up opened my curtains and was staring at a lade drinking a coffee in her window and lucky for me wearing only PJ bottoms. thank goodness I had those on lol
@@EmmaCruises I was thinking the same thing as well. . Emma is the best cruise TH-camr. You are very thorough and come across as genuine and unbiased and not bought off by the cruise lines. I like your "we almost always travel in the cheapest cabin" twist, and I've definitely learned you like buffets !
Such a nice report, I will watch more of Emma's channel -- even though I won't be taking any cruises....like Samuel Johnson said: "being on a ship is like being in jail, with the chance of drowning."
If you ever have the chance to travel China, try to get on a Yangzi river cruise organized by an English speaking tour group. The cruise starts in Chongqing and ends at the end of the Three Gorges. Mind blowing!
Great tips. When on the Yangste, we woke up next to another ship and our curtains were open from watching the scenery going by from our beds the night before. Bit awkward...😆
Wow, this was extremely useful info. You may be saving someone from taking their "cruise from hell." I still want to do it, but it is so good to know those things in advance. Especially the part about your ship being moved without you knowing it and thinking it has left without you. Man, I'd be panicking thinking that. 🤯
Thanks for the info. I just saw a tv show about river cruising and it looked awesome. But of course they are not gonna tell you any downsides. Great to hear reliable experiences and reviews.
I usually sleep (in jammies) by the window in our room, with curtains open. In 15 years of cruising it hasn’t been a issue. In 2019 I woke up with a ship docked next to us. These were big cruise ships, and people on a balcony a deck above us on the other ship were taking pictures of people in cabins on my ship....and laughing. Not very nice. We sleep with curtains drawn now.
My wife and I have been on 3 river cruises and have experienced most all of what you described, with the exception of a man in his under ware. I think everything else is part of the "river cruise charm". Looking forward to our next one.
Heh. You’re really photogenic and have a super camera presence, presentation, diction and eloquence. Well done for such clarity. I never been on a river cruise but found this very interesting.
Emma, your videos are great fun with good and very helpful information. And i must tell you how much i appreciated your excellent imitation of riverboat traveling thru a lock. 😄
My take-away on this - close your curtains when changing clothes on a river cruise so you don't give passengers and crew on another ship a free show. :P Part of me wonders if the guy did it on purpose (because some folks are creepy like that), but part of me also realizes that many people never think about the fact that windows are not one-way mirrors.
Getting ready for college, while I'm playing this video on my JBL speaker in the living room. I love listening to everything you tell us in your videos. They give me energy for the day! I've seen multiple river cruise ships dock next to each other in Amsterdam, I never paid attention to river cruise ships, but ever since you started talking about them and filming etc, I realized how cool they are! I just have to say how much I love this video, seeing you sit in front of the camera (or your phone!) while seeing the water of the river move behind you. 3:31 made me laugh so hard! I didn't expect those noises! 😂😂😂 Again, lovely video Emma! Watching your videos make my day 100 times better! Thank you!
@@DatOneRadDad I should have put in a disclaimer: Do not attempt if you have got to go to work early next morning or if you have something on the stove.
I went on a river cruise once, it was the most relaxing vacation of my life. The captain of the ship was such a good pilot that, even though the locks were only inches wider than the boat, he never scraped the sides. His second though... You always woke up for him driving into a lock because he was bouncing off of the sides all the way in. Bump bump bump bump bump bump bump. The ONLY thing I didn't like about the cruise was that my cabin was directly beneath the upstairs head, and every time someone flushed the toilet (because the toilets seemed to be pressurized), it would be like someone dropped a wrecking ball on the ceiling. VERY loud and waking up in the middle of the night due to someone's late night explosive toilet break was not nice. Try for an upper deck cabin if you can.
Given the unexpected views of partially or totally unclad people some passengers have been surprised with, there should be shades installed on the window sill. They can be adjusted from the bottom up to shield just enough for privacy but still allow light from the top portion of the window.. A neighbor installed these on his north-facing windows.
@@pm6613 ....wtf crawled up your butt and died to cause you to leave such a worthless comment? How empty is YOUR life??? So sad you're THAT desperate to be heard.
@@teresas683 ....Here's something helpful: Both you and your pal P M should urgently seek psychiatric help. Only wackos like you two would misuse time to post such moronic replies. Understand that by doing this, both of you unwittingly volunteered to publicly humiliate yourselves. Congratulations are in order......you've finally accomplished something !
I never thought in my younger years that I would be considering a SAGA cruise, in fact my wife and I laughed at the idea in our 40’s. I’ll be honest I love the idea now it’s just whether we do a river cruise or an Ocean one.
We cruised the Danube on the MS Mozart (Peter Deilmann) several years ago. We found it interesting crossing through other ships, especially when the ship was from Eastern Europe. There was a significant difference from the ship we were on and those from the east.
I imagine the difference that you mention is the fact that the Eastern European ship did not have plumbing. This is very common on most Eastern European ships, even in those which might fall into the "luxury category". Instead, these ships typically have overhanging benches on the "sun deck", usually protected by a small partition for privacy. These benches have a hole cut into them that is directly above the sea, though in windy weather, it's not uncommon for urine or feces to land on the side of the ship; interestingly enough, this is one of the reasons that, in Eastern Europe, cruise ships are referred "barna hajó" (brown ship) in Hungary, "śmierdzący statek" (smelly ship) in Poland, and "коричневые линии" (korichnevyye linii, brown lines) in Russia.
@@juslangley There was also the aroma of sausage when crossing through the Eastern European ships. Unfortunately it wasn't the pleasant sausage smell. Your post also gave me a new way of thinking of the term the "poop deck". I also recall my early trips to Germany to visit family and using the bathroom on the train and simply having the bottom open to the tracks. Fortunately there have been sanitary improvements since then.
Absolutely correct. While we were very satisfied with Avalon in Paris the multi cross boat docking gives the opportunity to "check out the others". Had no issues with doing it on three occasions and fail to see why it is even being discussed.
Very useful information, thanks! Glad we stuck to ocean cruises while my husband was in his wheelchair. And I am jealous about you on the Danube, particularly sailing near Ukraine
I would hate to wake up with other boats being tied up alongside. Surely the pleasure of being on a river boat is seeing the river, not seeing other holiday makers in the undies! 🤭
I was looking at the Viking lines and they showed and talked about that situation when to the extent of telling you that if you didn't get back on time you could ride on the next boat going your direction. Of course you will be on the deck.
Also if you really do get left behind in one city or town they can always send a van to drive you to the next scheduled stop and either put you up in a hotel for a night or at least give you a list of suggested hotels near the dock.
Brilliant 👏 My wife and I have traveled the Danube river as well. We're scheduled to fly out of our country for holiday on another cruise in 2.5 weeks. The advice you've offered should be a top consideration for all first time river cruisers.
These are all good points, but just the beginning of the cautions you should consider. We watch PBS and one river cruise line is a sponsor. In their adverts, they show at most two couples exploring the countryside. Actually, you'll be in a hoard of a couple of hundred people, more if there's another cruise ship at the same site. Most of the excursions are time limited by meals. You don't leave until after breakfast and if there is any travel involved, you'll return by lunch. Afternoon excursions leave after lunch and return by dinner. One of our excursions was to the Black Forest. It takes over an hour to get from the ship to our destination, which meant we had little over an hour there. The time was taken up by a 15 minute Bavarian cake demo, with the rest of the time taken up by time in the gift shop where they tried to sell us a cuckoo clock. There's no interaction with the people of the area, other than the clerk at the gift shop who rings you up. When we travel independently, we make friends. We still correspond with several who we've met. Cruising seems cold and isolated. Yes there are your fellow passengers, but if I want to spend time with Americans, I can go to WalMart. Cruising is very expensive. We took an independent trip to Tuscany. Six months later we took a Rhine cruise. The Tuscan trip was actually a few days longer, but the cruise cost us three times as much. Also, half the fun of independent travel is the planning. You also have much more flexibility. On a trip to Scotland, we heard of a site didn't know about and we just moved our schedule around to be able to spend a wonderful morning exploring the unexpected site.
When we were on the Nile, we had 11 boats moored in a row. Not a problem and usually they sort themselves out while you are on a trip. Gives you a chance to see what other boats are like as ou march through and hope you made the right choice 😊. I would not recommend going on trips with lots of night travel, you miss all the scenery (and any locks) eg. Cologne to Basel. A few hours, say up to midnight is fine. If you do a Severn cruise, don't bank on much sunshine!
Thank you for your input! I've been thinking about doing a river cruise and would never have thought, let alone expected, any of the things your mentioned. Very good information to have. It's funny how you get into a certain mindset about how cruises are "supposed" to be. I just thought that a river cruise would be like any other cruise that I've been on.
My wife and I did one river cruise so far, and we loved it and can't wait to do our next one. We did a Viking cruise on the Rhine and we were so impressed with the level of service and the way they seem to just own the river (ie. the buses were Viking branded instead of just some random lease company, sometimes we were the only ship on docks that were Viking branded while there were three other ships from other lines parked up on another dock, etc). Is there any reason to choose another line? Do you have any favourites?
That docking situation would put me off as I'm a partial wheelchair user and having to get up steps and across the deck to get ashore would be a no no for me...So thanks for the info very helpful.
We were due to go on a deluxe suite river cruise in 2018 for my 60th - it was cancelled only 3 days before we were due to fly out - I was so gutted - we got all our money back and managed to book a deluxe holiday in Greece at the last minute - but after hearing this maybe I’m not so upset after all
I was always “ River Cruise Curious “ and then I came across you. You are very sweet and have a lot of good information. I am now a subscriber. Keep up the good work.
We cruised the Danube from the Czech Republic to Hungary in 2017 on Avalon Cruise lines. It was the trip of a lifetime. The captain was a big German lad, and when he walked into the dining room, you knew who was in charge. They docked and left ports like clockwork. We ate like royalty, and had the time of our lives. I would highly recommend Avalon.
Great to know! Thank you!
I like the fact that Avalon has the beds facing the floor to ceiling windows that open almost fully, and the bathroom shape leaves lots of room for the shower
Just did the same Avalon cruise Prague to Budapest … great food, great service , excellent time overall
I don’t know why this video came up in my feed, but your so sweet I had to watch to the end, enjoy your river cruise 😁
Thanks so much 😀❤️
@@EmmaCruises same here Emma - no intention to cruise but you are such a nice and nice looking lady: stayed to the end.
LOL I went up to the top deck on a viking cruise when we went through a double lock on the Rhine in the middle of the night. A crewman was up there and he said to me "Don't you ever sleep?" I said "Not when there'e cool stuff like this happening!!". I'm a boater and the boat stuff is my favorite, including storms at sea, bridge tours and a very awesome personal engine room tour by the captain of one ship.
Very useful video. I paid for a suite on our first river cruise and the only time we had a scenic view from our cabin was when moving. Every time we were docked our view was into a cabin on another ship. I did not consider this value for money.
Hard to say, river cruises and bus tours get you into the cities advertised while ocean cruises you pay for excursions or ride three hour taxi or train to get into the place you really wanted to visit then two -three hour ride back to port.
Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan really have taken double-docking to a whole new level. Most I ever counted was six deep - though I've never seen anyone having to walk over on them
Sounds awesome! 😀👏🏼
Nile Cruise was the best cruise we have ever been on. Much better than the European cruises which are quite boring. The Nile cruises actually feel as if you have travelled back in time. Unfortunately Egypt as a country is a mess but makes up for it with the excursions to Valley of the Kings, Luxor etc.
I forgot about the double docking down the Nile until this video - I loved having a nosey at the other boats whilst walking through!
LOVED the Nile cruise! Yes, the side-by-side parking was funny but gave us opportunity to go check out the other ships!
The Mother in Law was on a european river cruise, they came back from a day trip and went straight to the bar and booked a nice bottle of champagne to their room tab and enjoyed it in the drinks lounge. When they left the bar, got to the room and the door key wouldn't work.
They then realised they were on their cruise ship's identical Sister ship ! Their own ship was double moored on the river side.
:)
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I’m not surprised at all this would be soooooo easy to do 😂😂😂
Doh !!!
I also did something similar as a child at a Portuguese hotel in the late 70s. I got off on the wrong floor, whisked past the maid who was finishing up and proceeded to nap the afternoon away. A shrewd Hotelier (when summoned by the Police) knew exactly what to do.. I was completely oblivious to the chaos I'd created for years! My mum made no fuss, just picked me up and carried me down for dinner. Love her to bits, always a cool cucumber! It was all an extremely funny family anecdote for years. My Father, years later explained that she had infact been been a total car wreck in the 2 hours I'd evaded the entire search party. I can honestly say I had no idea, I'd never eaten so much free ice cream in my entire life, I just thought well isn't this all just amazing. Not so funny nowadays. Keep safe everyone.
Don't they check your ID when you board?
Also how did you get the champagne with the wrong ID?
My wife and I went on a family river cruise on the Nile which was excellent, apart from the things you mention the main omission from the brochure was the fact that for a portion of the trip soldiers would come on board and mount a heavy machine gun at the stern and bow of the ship. Our youngest was 12 at the time and thought talking with the soldiers and touching the gun was the best bit of the cruise.
ah ha! Why were they bringing them aboard?
Did a 28 day RC. ONLY DOCKED next to other ships 3 times. We only walked through the ships. And were able to have a poke around ( all ships were the same companies). Great fun.
Most of our locks were at night. Didn’t notice them much .
Usually the captain tells you if he has to move the ship while your out on excursion..
5 RC. Never changed itineraries... our captain would pull up if he saw markets on the side. Fabulous..
Even if our top deck had to pop down, we were allowed to sit upstairs but just bend down. Great fun.
RC is the BEST.
I could listen to you speak all day! You have such a pleasant voice. Thank you for the info!
Awhh thank you so much! 😀❤️
Emma, this was a great video, very informative. Must admit that I hadn’t fully appreciated the impact of side by side docking, especially for those passengers with limited mobility. Keep up the good work 👏👏
Thanks Jeffrey! 😀❤️
Thank you this was very helpful. I’m disabled and had no idea about the docking together and stairs.
Thanks for watching 😀❤️
Me too and me either!!
It might be a good suggestion for a future video: which river cruises or small ships are best for wheelchair life. I mean, being newly handicapped, I have doubts I’ll ever be able to afford my own explorations, but it’s nice to dream! And others might appreciate it.
I've been on 13 cruises on the mega-ships and river cruises was always in the back of my mind. Not anymore! Thanks for the info Emma. I know you didn't do this video to discourage people from river cruises but both and my wife and I are mildly handicapped where climbing stairs would be a challenge. Never thought about the points you made.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
You’re absolutely right 😀
Great video and so honest and objective. You raised points that I hadn't even considered. I certainly haven't seen them mentioned on any River cruise advert or brochure. We are considering a river cruise in the future but I now feel more aware of what aspects I need to research. Thanks for all your hard work Emma, I feel you saved us from an expensive mistake.
What a brilliant comment. Thank you! This is exactly what I wanted, to give people information. Thank you 😁❤️
I work on a river cruise ship and sadly due to Corona everything is on hold but everything mentioned in this video is correct. Great clip
I'd love to take a river cruise. But I'm glad you highlighted some of the things that aren't in the ads.
Excellent discussion - really nice to know these before river cruising, thanks.
Of the many types of cruising I've enjoyed, river cruising is the absolute best. Being one passenger out of 300 is much different from one in three to four thousand. Everything Emma described happens, but for us, it was always in a positive way. One thing we liked was during day trips we would usually run into several passengers that we recognized and would have a drink or dinner with them while in town. At the very least, they usually gave advice of places they liked or disliked. The atmosphere was much more family like rather than just being in the herd.
Yess!! I agree 😀❤️
I have not yet been on a river cruise but my take on things is that it's better than driving from city to city in Europe, switching hotel rooms every one or two nights. You arrive on your first day and move into a hotel room that will take you to all the places you want to see.
As a bonus, rivers are calm and flat, unlike ocean cruises. I was once on a cruise to Cozumel that hit 20 foot seas at 3 AM. So I woke from a restful sleep to being lifted up and down 40 feet in my bed at a very high frequency. A few times I thought I was going to hit my head on the ceiling or get thrown from my bed over my balcony railing and into the sea. It was unsettling. I think seeing some dude in his tightly whities wouldn't be as bad. Ha ha.
What river boat were you on as the biggest we have been on 160 was max guests. unless you are on the Amma Magna which is a little bit larger
@@howardbrouwer7463 I misspoke. The vessel was the River Voyager booked through Vantage Cruise Lines. Passenger capacity was 176. Current information that I have is that the ship is no longer owned by Vantage.
I would say it is a frequent occurrence that Viking ships moor next to each other. It really isn’t a problem because the automatic doors align with each other, and you just walk through. Just remember to stop when you get to your ship.
And definitely stop when you reach the far side of the last ship....
*Books a river cruise through Eastern Europe*…
*Ends up in St. Petersburg*😂😂
5:38 sitting here on this awful day 24/2-2022 and hearing this feels so strange and sad
That's exactly what I came to mention.
Even more so, this video was posted before the entire world turned upside down too.
Your point "I strongly believe that preparation is the key to any positive cruise experience, by watching this video you'll be better prepared than most! " can be shortened to The 6 P's. For those that haven't heard of the saying: Prior Planning Prevents *iss-Poor Performance.
The video is spot-on for that planning. Thank you.
Reminds me of a river cruise up and down the Potomac my employer took me on a few years ago. Nothing like the brochure, as the river is wide and most of what is visible is commercial and industrial infrastructure. I still had a good time, but the contrast with the brochures was amusing.
😂❤️
I always wanted to take a European river cruise. I never thought about the proximity to other boats but I guess it's to be expected after all it's a river not the ocean. Thanks for the insight.
A couple of years ago we took our first Amsterdam to the Black Sea 26 day cruise. We had previously taken many ocean going cruises all over the world. Despite the countless locks, rafting & thin walls, it was the best trip that we have ever taken. Sailing into Budapest, tuxedoed waiters serving champagne, while the Hungarian national anthem played, with the giant Parliament building totally lit up, was unforgettable. I also enjoyed the cultural second part of cruise where we visited a Croatian school & dined in small groups in a local home. Our lady was an RN, like myself & her teenage son ate all the deserts. Wonderful time. Jeanne
We have done 8 European river cruises now and you have done great summary of what they don't tell you in the adverts. Well done.
Thank you! 😁❤️
So glad I caught this. I have wanted to take one of these when visiting my son in the Czech Republic.. My wife has difficulties with stairs (knees) and I wouldn't want to put her in a difficult situation. Very informative and positive. Thank you.
Thanks Randall! ❤️❤️
@@EmmaCruises can you recommend river cruise + orient express / rail combo packages ? Thank you and I just discovered your channel. Will subscribe
I think mobility is about visiting older places like Europe, Asia, South America, not about the river or ocean cruise itself. Czech republic is very accessible but not the tourist zones. if you made it wheelchair accessible you would lose the historical buildings. it is either or.
@@antejl7925 Usually Elbe river cruises include bus tours to Berlin, Prague; likewise Rhine-Main-Danube cruises include bus tour to Munich; Douro cruises might include bus tour (option\excursion) to Madrid and so on.
@@antejl7925 Are there river cruises which visit your home country?
Great information that isn’t always clear to people!
Thanks Heather! Knowledge is power I always say 😁❤️
Good thing the guy at least had his underwear on. I heard a story about a chap who slept in the nude & swung his window curtains open in the morning only to be confronted by looking into the window of the ship next door's dinning room full of people having breakfast.
UGH! That'd kill my appetite!
Not the kind of breakfast sausage diners expected to get when they ordered it.
Oh lawd 😱, too funny.....😂😂😂NOT!!
This kind of cruise sounds rather ridiculous.
@@tigergreg8 The story I related above was told to me by a tour guide on my first river cruise on the River Rhone in France with AMA in 2009. I have never had any problems on any of the river cruises I have gone on, but with this story in mind, I'm always very careful before opening the curtains in the morning & others should do the same.
OOO Locks are cool! We locked through 24 dams on the Viking Mississippi Upper Mississippi Voyage Alton to St. Paul in mid September I watch every one along with my River Buddy We worked together in the 80s to improve the management of the Upper Mississippi River!
Totally agree with everything. My wife and I have done 6 river cruises, they are great but there are definitely things to know.
Top decks are rarely used, most sailing is at night when you are asleep. Mobility is an issue throughout Europe. Cruising is an older crowd. Don't pay for a veranda with outside chairs, you will never use them.
DON'T GO IF YOUR DISABLED OR YOU LIKE CASINOS , STAGE SHOWS,SWIMMING POOLS ,EATING FISH EVERY NIGHT, YOUNG PEOPLE, CLIMBING STAIRS, EXTRA HIGH PRICES, ETC.
Emma you are perfect for so eloquently describing your cruise experiences. You also talk from the heart and not reading from a script, Love your accent too. ☺️ I’ve done about 27 ocean cruises, mostly good, but some only average. Haven’t yet been tempted by a river cruise but after watching your experiences and descriptions I’m certainly tempted. Thank you Emma, so happy to have found you and subscribed. Stay safe. x
Like in life everything isn’t always smooth sailing on a river cruise. That being said our Viking cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was outstanding. I’ve been on ocean cruises but never again. It’s true river cruises seem to have mostly a older clientele but that’s perfect was old geezers 😂😂✌️
Haha!! Yeah I loved it. That sounds awesome 😀❤️
I couldn't imagine a holiday less pleasant than a boat/ship cruise - of any sort.
Caravanning?
@@Dan210871
Quite possibly now you mention it.
The same types contained within.
Thanks for a great video. I’ve always wanted to experience a river cruise and so much of what you have told me has made me seriously reconsider. Thanks so much.
Thank you for watching 😅❤️
We did a river cruise in the Netherlands- lovely time, very civilized, great crew and accommodations. We did a Bahamas cruise out of Port Canaveral Florida- a cattle barge, never again. Now we do eco- tours on the Banana river here in Central Florida on a pontoon craft- low and slow, a great afternoon treat, folks from the U.K. go crazy when we pass by alligator slides and one is sunning himself there. Did sail as crew aboard a warship when younger, but that is a sea story for another day.☺
Ooo that’s interesting! Thanks for sharing ❤️
Re: Rafting - other item to mention is that your ship may MOVE to a different location in the town while you’re away from it. Passengers need to pay attention to announcements as to these potential mid-day moves. Coming back from walking around on your own, or leaving a tour, can be disconcerting.
Yea!! So scary.
That happened to me in Vienna. I left the boat to go to the Vienna University Dental School for emergency dental care and came back to find my Viking boat was "missing." It had moved over one spot while I was gone. All was good though!
LOL at the squeeky sounds imitation :-P This was VERY interesting and I honestly have to say I didn't know most of them! Great video, Emma. I hope to get on a river cruise soon.
Woop woop!! So many river cruises you could do from where you are!!! ❤️😀
In the Navy, we call it "nesting" when the ships are tied together.
Mr. Dittmer,
In the mid. 1960s, try 4-5 in a nest
@@VietNamVet-: Yes, in the 1980s, I think the most I had to do was three. Then again, it was a smaller Navy then but bigger ships on average.
@@johndittmer8488
Yes sir, Bigger ships now, my command USS Preble (DLG-15) was the same size as your current so call cruisers, In Subic Bay in 1968 2 oilers were berthed outboard of us.
On my ship we called it docking, We were a floating drydock in Holy Lock 1970s, But the tender would have up to 4 on each sode
@@VietNamVet- I was a new PO of the watch (DDG24), and it was a pain to maintain ships security with others crossing over.
Thank you. I watch a lot of videos about cruising and this is the first time I have heard some of the things you mentioned. I was watching just one man's lot and will diverse myself accordingly. Thanks again.
Hey Delia! Thanks so much for watching 😀❤️
I noticed a big difference in the cruisers. No kids, drunks,or. party types. Most are experienced travelers.
Great video, as an American it’s the first time I ever heard of river cruising, sounds cool 😎
Viking has made a huge effort to get you to buy a cruise package from them, they advertise on most channels but i guess they’re targeting elderly and older couples
@@bostonrailfan2427 PBS is their number one channel to advertise on 😂
My parents went on a river cruise, it was aimed at older people and they were all in the lounge one afternoon joining in with a quiz when they pulled up alongside a private boat. The couple in the private boat really should have thought things through before "exercising" in the bedroom with the curtains open!
Omg noo 🤣🤣🤣
That’s when you stand and applaud.
@@lindaterrell5535 Brilliant lol
Maybe some of the elderly aboard your ship got a bit melancholy reminiscing when they last were _exercising_ fervently before they turned to river cruising.
I love it "exercising" :).
Omg, those eyes plus Emma's accent=♥️.
Thank you! 😁❤️
I agree she’s so beautiful
On our first and only river cruise we were not prepared for the ships to dock next to each other! (This was 5 years ago). I felt bad for the people with mobility problems. It was fun but I wouldn’t do it again.
Hey Kathy! I always worry about people with mobility problems. River cruising definitely can be a struggle for them although some are better than others.
Interested that you wouldn't do it again though. What puts you off? 😊❤️
And to think we had trouble on our big ship cruise (I forget the name) about 5 years ago in America, mother was on a mobility scooter. The cruise ship has the Transformers-like logo.
She went up the outside ramp no problems, moved carefully around the corner to go down the other side of the ramp to go into the ship - And suddenly she was going down slope at full speed because the stewardess(??) at the top had tried to stop her and pulled up whatever works the brakes, so her brakes didn't work now.
She swerved towards the wall and some luckily very tall steward managed to stop her crashing into it and didn't get himself impaled at all, but she had partially hit me in the process as I was in front of her and had to duck to the side against the chain fence.
The handlebars and steel sticking out over the wheels gave me bruises on my legs and, uh, cheeks and I was also shaken as she had suddenly screamed from the sudden acceleration, and then obviously angry that some clueless lady had messed with mother's rental equipment.
She probably reported it when I went off with the friends we came with, and the scooter just had the knob pushed back into place, no-one else dared touch it other than me and people getting it in out of cars.
If people have trouble crossing another ship they'll have bigger issues on the gangways.
Brilliant. You're just brilliant at what you do. I am planning a long river cruise for this next year, and your videos are helping immensely. Thank you.
Thanks Dennis! 😀👏🏼
That was me once. woke up opened my curtains and was staring at a lade drinking a coffee in her window and lucky for me wearing only PJ bottoms. thank goodness I had those on lol
Ha ha! Phew! This man was just genuinely watching the sail in just wearing his pants, UK meaning of pants... 😂 ❤️
You have competition Don
You are THE best cruise TH-camr out there, Emma! You do such a thorough job and, as an American, I really appreciate the British word of the day. 👍👍🤙
Thanks Bryan! ❤️
@@EmmaCruises I was thinking the same thing as well. . Emma is the best cruise TH-camr. You are very thorough and come across as genuine and unbiased and not bought off by the cruise lines. I like your "we almost always travel in the cheapest cabin" twist, and I've definitely learned you like buffets !
Such a nice report, I will watch more of Emma's channel -- even though I won't be taking any cruises....like Samuel Johnson said: "being on a ship is like being in jail, with the chance of drowning."
Thanks for watching! Hopefully I can change your mind 😉❤️
If you ever have the chance to travel China, try to get on a Yangzi river cruise organized by an English speaking tour group. The cruise starts in Chongqing and ends at the end of the Three Gorges. Mind blowing!
Sounds amazing! 😀
Great tips. When on the Yangste, we woke up next to another ship and our curtains were open from watching the scenery going by from our beds the night before. Bit awkward...😆
Wow, this was extremely useful info. You may be saving someone from taking their "cruise from hell." I still want to do it, but it is so good to know those things in advance. Especially the part about your ship being moved without you knowing it and thinking it has left without you. Man, I'd be panicking thinking that. 🤯
Yes!!!! Exactly! Much better to know these things 😂❤️
Thanks for the info.
I just saw a tv show about river cruising and it looked awesome. But of course they are not gonna tell you any downsides. Great to hear reliable experiences and reviews.
Yep! The more you know the better I think 😀❤️
No need to be rude PM.
@@pm6613 You sound like much more of a whiner than she does. Maybe you should rethink your tone as you come across as quite condescending.
I just booked my first river cruise for 2022. Thanks for the info.
Thank you! Excellent... So good to be prepared 👏👏👏
Thanks Juliet! 😁❤️
Great videos, Emma. Thanks for sharing so much info with us! Cheers from Romania
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I usually sleep (in jammies) by the window in our room, with curtains open. In 15 years of cruising it hasn’t been a issue. In 2019 I woke up with a ship docked next to us. These were big cruise ships, and people on a balcony a deck above us on the other ship were taking pictures of people in cabins on my ship....and laughing. Not very nice. We sleep with curtains drawn now.
Oh goodness!!!
Not nice to laugh
Love all of your content. Keep up the amazing work! From 🇨🇦
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
They often advertise river cruises in Australia during the Tour De France coverage.
Oo! Makes sense 😀❤️
My wife and I have been on 3 river cruises and have experienced most all of what you described, with the exception of a man in his under ware. I think everything else is part of the "river cruise charm". Looking forward to our next one.
Heh. You’re really photogenic and have a super camera presence, presentation, diction and eloquence. Well done for such clarity. I never been on a river cruise but found this very interesting.
Thank you! Appreciate that 😀❤️
@@EmmaCruises 👍
@@GayorgVonTrapp you commented on one of my comments on a video that had zero link to river cruises, what a small world.
@@JD-wn3cc I hope I was polite yes?
@@GayorgVonTrapp absolutely. Road rage fire extinguisher
Emma, your videos are great fun with good and very helpful information. And i must tell you how much i appreciated your excellent imitation of riverboat traveling thru a lock. 😄
You're a pro at this. Very professional and pleasant. Great info and voice inflection, could listen to your narration for hours.
Thanks so much Steven! This was so long ago I can’t watch it so glad you like it haha 😂😂
"EMMA CRUISE LINES"!!! That has a nice ring to it. With your experiences, I would book a cruise right now! Ports of call, doesn't matter!!!🌹👌🚢
My take-away on this - close your curtains when changing clothes on a river cruise so you don't give passengers and crew on another ship a free show. :P Part of me wonders if the guy did it on purpose (because some folks are creepy like that), but part of me also realizes that many people never think about the fact that windows are not one-way mirrors.
Don't apologize. This is great information. Thanks for sharing.
When they announced you were near the Ukrainian border, I had to check how old this video was. 😢 #PrayersforUkraine 🙏🇺🇦
omg, same, I just used ctrl+f to find a comment about it
Getting ready for college, while I'm playing this video on my JBL speaker in the living room. I love listening to everything you tell us in your videos. They give me energy for the day! I've seen multiple river cruise ships dock next to each other in Amsterdam, I never paid attention to river cruise ships, but ever since you started talking about them and filming etc, I realized how cool they are! I just have to say how much I love this video, seeing you sit in front of the camera (or your phone!) while seeing the water of the river move behind you. 3:31 made me laugh so hard! I didn't expect those noises! 😂😂😂 Again, lovely video Emma! Watching your videos make my day 100 times better! Thank you!
Your comments make my day 100x better. Please never stop 😂❤️
@@EmmaCruises You know I'll never stop! My commenting game was a little off on the last video, but I'm back and ready to send love! 😂💙😄
I’ve only been on ocean cruises and can’t wait to go on a river cruise!!! Great video
Yessssssss! Thanks for commenting 😁❤️
I’ve been on both. River cruising is sooo much more relaxing and fun imo
I've considered river cruises. Thank you for the information. I believe I'm game to go.
Take a bong hit everytime She says
River Cruise
I tried and failed, but also was wildly successful
@@DatOneRadDad I should have put in a disclaimer: Do not attempt if you have got to go to work early next morning or if you have something on the stove.
I'm a world traveler to the extreme and in my opinion, train travel is the best.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Excellent information to know ahead of time Emma..Thanks much!!
Thanks so much Kathleen! 😁❤️
We’re on the verge of booking our first river cruise. This video is very informative and well made, thanks😊
Thanks so much for your comment! Glad the video was useful 😊❤️
I went on a river cruise once, it was the most relaxing vacation of my life. The captain of the ship was such a good pilot that, even though the locks were only inches wider than the boat, he never scraped the sides. His second though... You always woke up for him driving into a lock because he was bouncing off of the sides all the way in. Bump bump bump bump bump bump bump.
The ONLY thing I didn't like about the cruise was that my cabin was directly beneath the upstairs head, and every time someone flushed the toilet (because the toilets seemed to be pressurized), it would be like someone dropped a wrecking ball on the ceiling. VERY loud and waking up in the middle of the night due to someone's late night explosive toilet break was not nice. Try for an upper deck cabin if you can.
Really good video and lots of useful information that is really well presented. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Thanks loads! Appreciate that 😀❤️
Given the unexpected views of partially or totally unclad people some passengers have been surprised with, there should be shades installed on the window sill. They can be adjusted from the bottom up to shield just enough for privacy but still allow light from the top portion of the window.. A neighbor installed these on his north-facing windows.
@@pm6613 ....wtf crawled up your butt and died to cause you to leave such a worthless comment? How empty is YOUR life??? So sad you're THAT desperate to be heard.
@@msr1116 Yeah. P M is quite the whiner, but likes to say Emma is. I think you had a great suggestion.
Brilliant idea!
@@msr1116 ditto to you🙄👎🏻the person was just trying to be helpful...I
@@teresas683 ....Here's something helpful: Both you and your pal P M should urgently seek psychiatric help. Only wackos like you two would misuse time to post such moronic replies. Understand that by doing this, both of you unwittingly volunteered to publicly humiliate yourselves. Congratulations are in order......you've finally accomplished something !
My compliments on such a well produced video.
Highly informative, not opinionated and very pleasant to watch and listen to.
Thanks so much Thomas! ❤️
And another thing for the chaps....you won't find many passengers like Emma on Saga boats.
Oh yeah I can’t til 50 with Saga haha 😅❤️
what's a Saga boat?
thank the lord
@@sadmanh0 it’s a travel company for the over 50s.
In the UK it’s used as a joke if you’re going on a saga holiday it means you’re no spring chicken 😃
@@rickyribs8032 ahhh
I never thought in my younger years that I would be considering a SAGA cruise, in fact my wife and I laughed at the idea in our 40’s. I’ll be honest I love the idea now it’s just whether we do a river cruise or an Ocean one.
We cruised the Danube on the MS Mozart (Peter Deilmann) several years ago. We found it interesting crossing through other ships, especially when the ship was from Eastern Europe. There was a significant difference from the ship we were on and those from the east.
I could see how this is an opportunity to scope out the next ship to try.🔎
I imagine the difference that you mention is the fact that the Eastern European ship did not have plumbing. This is very common on most Eastern European ships, even in those which might fall into the "luxury category". Instead, these ships typically have overhanging benches on the "sun deck", usually protected by a small partition for privacy. These benches have a hole cut into them that is directly above the sea, though in windy weather, it's not uncommon for urine or feces to land on the side of the ship; interestingly enough, this is one of the reasons that, in Eastern Europe, cruise ships are referred "barna hajó" (brown ship) in Hungary, "śmierdzący statek" (smelly ship) in Poland, and "коричневые линии" (korichnevyye linii, brown lines) in Russia.
@@juslangley
Now we know why the Danube is brown around Belgrade unlike the Blue Danube that once inspired Johann Strauss.
@@juslangley There was also the aroma of sausage when crossing through the Eastern European ships. Unfortunately it wasn't the pleasant sausage smell. Your post also gave me a new way of thinking of the term the "poop deck".
I also recall my early trips to Germany to visit family and using the bathroom on the train and simply having the bottom open to the tracks. Fortunately there have been sanitary improvements since then.
Absolutely correct. While we were very satisfied with Avalon in Paris the multi cross boat docking gives the opportunity to "check out the others". Had no issues with doing it on three occasions and fail to see why it is even being discussed.
Very useful information, thanks! Glad we stuck to ocean cruises while my husband was in his wheelchair.
And I am jealous about you on the Danube, particularly sailing near Ukraine
Have you done the Nile?!? They’ll line em’ up 6 deep!!!!
Out standing shipmate. Press on.
I would hate to wake up with other boats being tied up alongside.
Surely the pleasure of being on a river boat is seeing the river, not seeing other holiday makers in the undies! 🤭
😂😂😂😂
I don't know, Emma is cute.
Off into town after B'fast, back on for bedtime. Should not be a problem.
That lock sound, straight on.
🤣🤣🤣
I was looking at the Viking lines and they showed and talked about that situation when to the extent of telling you that if you didn't get back on time you could ride on the next boat going your direction. Of course you will be on the deck.
Also if you really do get left behind in one city or town they can always send a van to drive you to the next scheduled stop and either put you up in a hotel for a night or at least give you a list of suggested hotels near the dock.
Emma, very informative. Thank you for putting this video together and making it available to us viewers.
Thanks Kevin! 😀❤️
They can’t even make an announcement that another ship is about to dock next door? “Hey don’t be naked we’re getting new neighbors”..?
I don’t think they did 😂😂😂
Alternative announcement: Hey, look! New naked neighbors!
@RPKelly Guess that would depend on the "view".
Request: weirdest situations you have been in whilst crusing.
Brilliant 👏
My wife and I have traveled the Danube river as well.
We're scheduled to fly out of our country for holiday on another cruise in 2.5 weeks.
The advice you've offered should be a top consideration for all first time river cruisers.
I don't have a problem with locks, it's the bagels that bother me.
Hahahaha! Unexpected gold medal comment here. Unfortunately, most readers will not get it.
With cream cheese or strawberry jam
Try gluten free bagels! 😄😆😁😃
These are all good points, but just the beginning of the cautions you should consider. We watch PBS and one river cruise line is a sponsor. In their adverts, they show at most two couples exploring the countryside. Actually, you'll be in a hoard of a couple of hundred people, more if there's another cruise ship at the same site.
Most of the excursions are time limited by meals. You don't leave until after breakfast and if there is any travel involved, you'll return by lunch. Afternoon excursions leave after lunch and return by dinner. One of our excursions was to the Black Forest. It takes over an hour to get from the ship to our destination, which meant we had little over an hour there. The time was taken up by a 15 minute Bavarian cake demo, with the rest of the time taken up by time in the gift shop where they tried to sell us a cuckoo clock.
There's no interaction with the people of the area, other than the clerk at the gift shop who rings you up. When we travel independently, we make friends. We still correspond with several who we've met. Cruising seems cold and isolated. Yes there are your fellow passengers, but if I want to spend time with Americans, I can go to WalMart.
Cruising is very expensive. We took an independent trip to Tuscany. Six months later we took a Rhine cruise. The Tuscan trip was actually a few days longer, but the cruise cost us three times as much. Also, half the fun of independent travel is the planning. You also have much more flexibility. On a trip to Scotland, we heard of a site didn't know about and we just moved our schedule around to be able to spend a wonderful morning exploring the unexpected site.
Wow...this is really valuable stuff. You explain it so well, with excellent insight into what a person would feel or be affected by.
Thanks Tom! 😀
When we were on the Nile, we had 11 boats moored in a row. Not a problem and usually they sort themselves out while you are on a trip. Gives you a chance to see what other boats are like as ou march through and hope you made the right choice 😊. I would not recommend going on trips with lots of night travel, you miss all the scenery (and any locks) eg. Cologne to Basel. A few hours, say up to midnight is fine. If you do a Severn cruise, don't bank on much sunshine!
11!!!!! Woah!!
yikes... this is why i am glad I live on my sailboat and can take MYSELF wherever!
Haha! That does sound amazing. Don't have a crew to clean up after you though 🤔😂❤️ Thanks for commenting.
@@EmmaCruises very true.... ;)
Do you need passports for traveling in your own sailboat, imagining you go to other countries?
Or are sea borders not quite the same?
@@Roadent1241 that's an interesting question. I'm going to do some research
You are blessed
Thank you for your input! I've been thinking about doing a river cruise and would never have thought, let alone expected, any of the things your mentioned. Very good information to have. It's funny how you get into a certain mindset about how cruises are "supposed" to be. I just thought that a river cruise would be like any other cruise that I've been on.
I was exactly the same! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
My wife and I did one river cruise so far, and we loved it and can't wait to do our next one. We did a Viking cruise on the Rhine and we were so impressed with the level of service and the way they seem to just own the river (ie. the buses were Viking branded instead of just some random lease company, sometimes we were the only ship on docks that were Viking branded while there were three other ships from other lines parked up on another dock, etc). Is there any reason to choose another line? Do you have any favourites?
That docking situation would put me off as I'm a partial wheelchair user and having to get up steps and across the deck to get ashore would be a no no for me...So thanks for the info very helpful.
Thanks. you talked me out of it!
Better you know if it isn’t for you 😅❤️
That's a shame, probably was my favorite cruise of all.
I’ve often thought that a river cruise 🚢 you’ve given me a lot to consider.
Thanks for watching 😀❤️
Love your lock sound effects! I don't think river cruising is for me.
We were due to go on a deluxe suite river cruise in 2018 for my 60th - it was cancelled only 3 days before we were due to fly out - I was so gutted - we got all our money back and managed to book a deluxe holiday in Greece at the last minute - but after hearing this maybe I’m not so upset after all
Not a big issue , we did Amsterdam to Budapest , quite a few locks , but after the first you just roll on in the bar and ignore it .
I was always “ River Cruise Curious “ and then I came across you. You are very sweet and have a lot of good information. I am now a subscriber. Keep up the good work.
Yay! Thanks Mike 😀❤️