Any cruises for the under 40 crowd?

[lrowe70]

My husband and I really like the idea of small ship cruises. We've been on two(Star Clippers and Windstar-which was a bit too big for my taste) and think a river cruise is exactly our cup of tea. We don't like all the clubs, bars, casinos, and pools on big ships. When on vacation we like to read and watch the sights go by.

We were hoping to take a cruise without our child in about 4 years. We'll be about 40 years old.

 

It seems river cruises are only for the 60 and up crowd. Do any of the boats have younger passengers or do we need to wait another 20 years? Would people not appreciate seeing a "young" couple on a river cruise? :confused:

[trvlgirl99]

River cruises are definitely not just for the 60+ crowd, if you like history, beautiful scenery, wine, vineyards, amazing cities, etc. you will love river cruising. My husband and I are in our late 30's / early 40's and have been on multiple cruises together and LOVE it. On our last cruise there were honeymooners in their 30's and a few couples in their late 20's who were thoroughly enjoying it, one couple had actually cruised by themselves the year before and brought their friends back with them the next year because they enjoyed it so much. When we've gone we take advantage of the included excursions when we want but sometimes just go off on our own, we take the free bicycles out almost every day, and sometimes we even choose to eat dinner off the ship if we are looking for something a little different or a romantic dinner for two. From what you say you are looking for, it sounds like you would love river cruising and should definitely give it a try.

[caviargal]

We are just back from our 3rd river cruise and this one was the best of the three and had by far the youngest demographic. We are mid 50s and there were lots of couples and singles younger as well as our age.

 

We cruised with AMA and the bike tours (up to 25 km) were really popular. The entertainment was very good and two nights we danced in the lounge til very late, once to a live combo and another to a DJ. Our previous two cruises with Avalon had no such activity in the evenings.

 

The cruise felt geared to a younger crowd and we met lots of nice couples. It was a wine cruise which may have made a difference.

 

It was great and we are booking with AMA next year as a group of 6 couples.

[caviargal]

We are just back from our 3rd river cruise and this one was the best of the three and had by far the youngest demographic. We are mid 50s and there were lots of couples and singles younger as well as our age.

 

We cruised with AMA and the bike tours (up to 25 km) were really popular. The entertainment was very good and two nights we danced in the lounge til very late, once to a live combo and another to a DJ. Our previous two cruises with Avalon had no such activity in the evenings.

 

The cruise felt geared to a younger crowd and we met lots of nice couples. It was a wine cruise which may have made a difference.

 

It was great and we are booking with AMA next year as a group of 6 couples.

[LHT28]

Some river cruise have an age limit for children & some have "family" cruises during the summer months

Check the fine print

Some children may be bored on a river cruise

[orchestrapal]

Some river cruise have an age limit for children & some have "family" cruises during the summer months

Check the fine print

Some children may be bored on a river cruise

 

Some older folks may also be bored on river cruises. :D

[Coral]

Some river cruise have an age limit for children & some have "family" cruises during the summer months

Check the fine print

Some children may be bored on a river cruise

 

The OP said "We were hoping to take a cruise without our child in about 4 years. We'll be about 40 years old."

[newlondon]

It's a question of attitude not age. A river cruise in oho is one of the best ways to experience the region you are visiting. It's not about glitz and entertainment but, rather, the sights and history you came to learn.

[Jesterscourt]

We have been on river cruises starting at age 40ish and now are 60. I have always felt that river cruising is not a matter of age, but rather a matter of travel sophistication. It takes cruising and traveling to the next level. River itineraries are definitely more port-intensive and history-oriented. I find that much more preparation needs to go into river cruising. Most of our fellow travelers have already been on several large cruise ships and have "graduated" to river cruising. People are starting to travel at a much younger age these days, and you will also see multiple-generation families traveling together; so you might get an 80 year old grandmother traveling with her 40 year old daughter or 20 year old grandchild. Folks love river cruises because by the end of the week you are like one big floating family where no one notices how old you are, or if you are traveling alone, etc.

[lrowe70]

Thanks for the responses, looks like we should look a little deeper into river cruising over the next few years.

 

No, we are not planning to take our young son. We're going on a Carnival cruise soon and then Disney for the "family thing"(honestly, we're not too excited). My husband and I are looking at river cruising(or other small ship) for just us. :)

[LHT28]

The OP said "We were hoping to take a cruise without our child in about 4 years. We'll be about 40 years old."

OOPS

Did not have my coffee this morning

[caviargal]

Thanks for the responses, looks like we should look a little deeper into river cruising over the next few years.

 

:)

 

IMO and IME, there are things to look for that may make a river cruise more enjoyable for younger guests. They did for us so I will note them here.

 

We like itineraries that limit daytime cruising on the river, which we find boring in long doses. Others find it relaxing but we want to be out and about when in Europe and exploring so relaxing and watching great scenery is nice but not for hours every day.

 

We like overnights in port so we can go out after dinner for a long walk and perhaps a stop in a local pub.

 

We liked the option for active bike touring on AMA as well as in room free internet and movies. It made a significant difference to our overall enjoyment to have these available. AMA also has tables for two which is nice.

 

Of our three river cruises (one which a back to back so actually 4) we enjoyed AMA best because we felt it suited us and our travel style more than the rest.

[BPCruiser]

We are just back from our 3rd river cruise and this one was the best of the three and had by far the youngest demographic. We are mid 50s and there were lots of couples and singles younger as well as our age.

 

We cruised with AMA and the bike tours (up to 25 km) were really popular. The entertainment was very good and two nights we danced in the lounge til very late, once to a live combo and another to a DJ. Our previous two cruises with Avalon had no such activity in the evenings.

 

The cruise felt geared to a younger crowd and we met lots of nice couples. It was a wine cruise which may have made a difference.

 

It was great and we are booking with AMA next year as a group of 6 couples.

 

Caviargirl,

 

I was reading your post and happy to hear all your positive comments about AMA. I know you have cruised Avalon previously and that is all we have experienced, just returning from our 2nd cruise. We had a great time again despite some water level issues that put us on the Tapestry for 5 nights and only on the Panorama for 2.

I am always interested in new alternatives and options and understand what you liked specifically about AMA. I am mid 50's and DH 60 so the age demographic you described on AMA I found noteable however I will say on our recent Avalon cruise there was a significant younger age population from our 1st cruise....maybe more Baby Boomers are learning the perks of river cruising or it was just the timing of this cruise. Specifically how did you compare the cabins, dining and AMA provided excursions compared to your past river cruises with Avalon? Also.... on board customer service, were you pleased? I often wonder if we decided to try another river cruise line other then Avalon which direction we would go ( AMA, Tauck). From the negative postings about Vikings current handeling of the water situation and inquiries from it's scheduled passangers, I doubt we would consider Viking.

I would love to hear more from you in comparing your impression of Avalon and AMA. Thanks:)

[caviargal]

Caviargirl,

 

I was reading your post and happy to hear all your positive comments about AMA. I know you have cruised Avalon previously and that is all we have experienced, just returning from our 2nd cruise. We had a great time again despite some water level issues that put us on the Tapestry for 5 nights and only on the Panorama for 2.

I am always interested in new alternatives and options and understand what you liked specifically about AMA. I am mid 50's and DH 60 so the age demographic you described on AMA I found noteable however I will say on our recent Avalon cruise there was a significant younger age population from our 1st cruise....maybe more Baby Boomers are learning the perks of river cruising or it was just the timing of this cruise. Specifically how did you compare the cabins, dining and AMA provided excursions compared to your past river cruises with Avalon? Also.... on board customer service, were you pleased? I often wonder if we decided to try another river cruise line other then Avalon which direction we would go ( AMA, Tauck). From the negative postings about Vikings current handeling of the water situation and inquiries from it's scheduled passangers, I doubt we would consider Viking.

I would love to hear more from you in comparing your impression of Avalon and AMA. Thanks:)

 

Hi BPC,

 

I am still trying to find time to write a review but am happy to post some thoughts on the two lines.

 

The cabins were very similar. I give the edge to AMA for the fabulous power showers and for the in room infotainment system which gave free internet, movies and music.

 

Staff was great on both lines. The Captain was more available on AMA and our CD was only 25 and absolutely outstanding. CDs we have had on Avalon were all capable and efficient but Pili on the AmaDante was just outstanding.

 

Tours were pretty average on both. We often choose to explore on our own since the tours can be slow paced. What was a great option (and widely used) were the bike tours AMA offered. There were also bikes available for independent use. AMA had a few interesting included extras in the ports. For instance, in Zell we had a special event in town after dinner where we all walked to the center of the town and were toasted by the Mayor and the Wine Queen. It was a bit kitschy but cute and most guests enjoyed it.

 

I wrote about dining in my other thread but AMA beats Avalon hands down in the area. We found the food on Avalon consistently good but on AMA it was really very good. They were more accommodating with my special requests (for example, egg white omelettes at breakfast which on Avalon were never available). The cheese board at breakfast and lunch was superb. The layout of the dining room was superior. And we enjoyed having vegetables served to us by our waiter so we could choose as well as having the waiters come around after everyone had been served, offering everyone a taste of the chef's featured entree.

 

The entertainment on AMA was leap years ahead of Avalon. We enjoyed the trio La Strada very much as well as a two piece jazz band who kept on playing past their scheduled time since the dance floor was full. On Avalon, the entertainment was basic to non existent, with the exception of the crew show.

 

We really enjoyed a bridge tour as well.

 

AMA had more of a personal touch and definite attention to detail which we really appreciated.

 

We are booking now for an AMA cruise next year, this one on the AmaCerto, their newest ship.

 

For us and our tastes, AMA won us over hands down.

[BPCruiser]

Hi BPC,

 

I am still trying to find time to write a review but am happy to post some thoughts on the two lines.

 

The cabins were very similar. I give the edge to AMA for the fabulous power showers and for the in room infotainment system which gave free internet, movies and music.

 

Staff was great on both lines. The Captain was more available on AMA and our CD was only 25 and absolutely outstanding. CDs we have had on Avalon were all capable and efficient but Pili on the AmaDante was just outstanding.

 

Tours were pretty average on both. We often choose to explore on our own since the tours can be slow paced. What was a great option (and widely used) were the bike tours AMA offered. There were also bikes available for independent use. AMA had a few interesting included extras in the ports. For instance, in Zell we had a special event in town after dinner where we all walked to the center of the town and were toasted by the Mayor and the Wine Queen. It was a bit kitschy but cute and most guests enjoyed it.

 

I wrote about dining in my other thread but AMA beats Avalon hands down in the area. We found the food on Avalon consistently good but on AMA it was really very good. They were more accommodating with my special requests (for example, egg white omelettes at breakfast which on Avalon were never available). The cheese board at breakfast and lunch was superb. The layout of the dining room was superior. And we enjoyed having vegetables served to us by our waiter so we could choose as well as having the waiters come around after everyone had been served, offering everyone a taste of the chef's featured entree.

 

The entertainment on AMA was leap years ahead of Avalon. We enjoyed the trio La Strada very much as well as a two piece jazz band who kept on playing past their scheduled time since the dance floor was full. On Avalon, the entertainment was basic to non existent, with the exception of the crew show.

 

We really enjoyed a bridge tour as well.

 

AMA had more of a personal touch and definite attention to detail which we really appreciated.

 

We are booking now for an AMA cruise next year, this one on the AmaCerto, their newest ship.

 

For us and our tastes, AMA won us over hands down.

 

Thanks for your info, I will certainly keep this all in the forefront when selecting our next rivercruise. My DH and I enjoy are Foodies and really enjoy good food and wine so if AMA is better then Avalon, I know we would be pleased. We spend very little time in our cabin with movies or TV so that would not be of interest to us and we had great free WiFi capabilities for my IPad on both the Tapestry and the Panorama. Reception was sometimes a little erratic on certain parts of the river but always perfect when in port. Bikes may be of interest to us but we really just enjoy doing alot of walking, however overnighting in ports and having the option to go back into the city or port after Dinner would be great!! The entertainment singer/muscian on the Tapestry was pretty poor but we had Vesko (not sure if spelling is correct) on our 2 nights on the Panorama and he is excellent!! We had him last year on the Affinity also and were quite pleased to see him again on the Panorama. We enjoyed La Strada's performance last year on the Affinity, they are very entertaining.

 

How were the cabin sizes on AMA compared to Avalon? Our cabin on the Panorama was really spacious compared to what we had on the Tapestry and we enjoyed having the bed face the French Balcony.

 

I hope water levels improve and you get to do your Christmas sailing on the Panorama, she is so lovely as are the staff. Dan is the Hotel Manager and he also plays musical instruments with Vesko in the Lounge at night, you will enjoy them and Peter is the Restaurant Manager and also very accomodating. I will say our Chef last year on the Affinity (Stefan) was a bit better then the Chef this year on the Panorama, I was a bit surprised in the food quality being the Panorama is their newest ship. Most thought the food was better on the Tapestry then the Panorama but that is what evaluation forms are for at the end of a cruise. Would still go back on the Panorama again for the comfort of the cabins or try the new ships for 2012 or look at AMA's new ships for 2012. Thanks again for your thoughts:)

[caviargal]

Thanks for your info, I will certainly keep this all in the forefront when selecting our next rivercruise. My DH and I enjoy are Foodies and really enjoy good food and wine so if AMA is better then Avalon, I know we would be pleased. We spend very little time in our cabin with movies or TV so that would not be of interest to us and we had great free WiFi capabilities for my IPad on both the Tapestry and the Panorama. Reception was sometimes a little erratic on certain parts of the river but always perfect when in port. Bikes may be of interest to us but we really just enjoy doing alot of walking, however overnighting in ports and having the option to go back into the city or port after Dinner would be great!! The entertainment singer/muscian on the Tapestry was pretty poor but we had Vesko (not sure if spelling is correct) on our 2 nights on the Panorama and he is excellent!! We had him last year on the Affinity also and were quite pleased to see him again on the Panorama. We enjoyed La Strada's performance last year on the Affinity, they are very entertaining.

 

How were the cabin sizes on AMA compared to Avalon? Our cabin on the Panorama was really spacious compared to what we had on the Tapestry and we enjoyed having the bed face the French Balcony.

 

I hope water levels improve and you get to do your Christmas sailing on the Panorama, she is so lovely as are the staff. Dan is the Hotel Manager and he also plays musical instruments with Vesko in the Lounge at night, you will enjoy them and Peter is the Restaurant Manager and also very accomodating. I will say our Chef last year on the Affinity (Stefan) was a bit better then the Chef this year on the Panorama, I was a bit surprised in the food quality being the Panorama is their newest ship. Most thought the food was better on the Tapestry then the Panorama but that is what evaluation forms are for at the end of a cruise. Would still go back on the Panorama again for the comfort of the cabins or try the new ships for 2012 or look at AMA's new ships for 2012. Thanks again for your thoughts:)

 

Stefan was our chef on both Affinity and Luminary and he was very good as well as the star of the crew show. Think fishnets and large balloons. :)

 

Last cruises with Avalon we paid for internet and it was really slow so nice that they have changed this.

 

As for in room music and movies, we like music while we are getting ready so that was nice for us. And DH is a night owl so enjoyed having movies to choose from when it was past midnight and the ship was closed down for the evening.

 

We had entertainment only 2 nights of our 11 night cruise on Luminary (not counting the piano player who seemed to have a repertoire of 10 songs only) so there were many nights when a movie in the room would have been welcome. We had 22 inches of snow that sailing so had to leave port early a couple of times and missed local entertainment that had been scheduled. There were no nights on AMA where we did not have something to do, whether an event in port or very good entertainment.

 

AMA's fleet has cabins of 170 sq ft standard but the new ships (we are now booked on AmaCerto for 2012) has cabin sizes of 200, same as Panorama suites. We were happy on all of our sailing with the layout and size of the cabin.