TheDrkNgt

1 hour ago, Rebel54 said:

Just curious what is it about those two companies that you are attracted to.

Based on all I read, Ama seems to get great reviews. They are not the cheapest but overall they seem to do everything pretty well. Viking was going to be my backup, but again based on what I've read, there are a few others that would fit the bill too (i.e., Avalon). For budget friendly, Gate 1 came across my radar as well. 

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

Have you got any special interests? Do you speak French? Do you like windmills? Like canal boats? Do you want to see one of the biggest cathedrals in existence? Do you want to see a fortress? Go for the Rhine.

 

Fancy seeing a majestic town with castle at three rivers? Like "The Sound of Music"? Eat an authentic Wiener Schnitzel? See three capitals of Europe and look at what used to lie behind the Iron Curtain? Go for the Danube.

Never been to Europe. We love food, culture, museums and history. We also just want to immerse ourselves in the ports and speak with the people. What we were unsure about is the being bussed for 2 hours, then visiting the destination, only to be commuted back to the boat. I feel that time is limited so i want to make the most of it. I know there may be some excursions that are not close by, but in general, we wanted to step off the boat and explore the towns. If you said that Riquewihr was must see, I would probably take the trip out there 🙂

Thank you for the nugget on Vikings Payment Policy!

This is great stuff I appreciate everyone's comments.

Thank you for your response. I am suffering from paralysis by analysis on these two River destinations. It would be our first time in Europe. Both seem amazing and I am narrowed in on either Ama or Viking. The tie breaker might just be getting from east coast US to Western Europe. It seems a lot easier and cheaper. In your experience can cruise companies get much better deals on flights? All new to me so I appreciate any advice.

thanks again.

Budapest. 

To be a little clearer, I am specifically talking about upper Danube between Vilshofen.

Hello, contemplating a first time river cruise between the Rhine or Danube and I have specific questions that I am hoping someone knows that have done both of these cruises/routes. 
 

We are open to both of the cities/towns and just the entire river cruise experience. What we specifically want to know is which river/locales has less busing/shuttling around?

Ideally, we would prefer to limit all of the shuttling if possible by being able to step off the ship on foot to explore. Is there a clear winner in terms of more ports being closer to the boat?   

Thank you in advance for your insights.