Which river cruise/line/ship to take? Suggestions?

[imwmn913]

We are contemplating taking a river cruise next (2012) Christmas Market season. I have read some of the postings regarding various soon to be taken river cruises.

 

We are looking for input - so, would it be possible for you to list your favorite line/ship and why?

 

On our own we have traveled to Prague, Budapest, Vienna, - trying to cover the "Christmas Market ports".... We have heard wonderful things about Nuremburg as well.

 

Thanks!

[Wormy53]

I son't have any specific answer to your post, as I have also been looking at river cruises - but next spring or fall. I did, however, find this post about Christmas Market River Cruises. Hope it helps.

[Talisker92]

I can recommend Vantage, as we have been on 2 of their river cruises. They are middle of the road as compared to Tauck, which is high end.

In comparing cruise lines, you have to compare apples to apples. Are airfare, transfers, excursions included? How much does it mean to you to have complimentary wine with dinner?,etc.

[franski]

Many people are "brand loyal" - and can tell you why they enjoy travelling with a certain company.

 

If you have already done Prague, Budapest & Vienna on your own - perhaps you should travel the Rhine - as you will visit different ports. Or, do the Danube and Main rivers (ie: start/end in Vienna - and hit Regensburg and Nuremburg).

 

We have travelled with AMA, Uniworld and Scenic --> and would travel with all of the them again. We tend to look at itinerary first, and then dates etc.

 

We did the Rhine with Uniworld last year - and really enjoyed it. We find that they have a consistent attention to detail that we enjoy... and this is one of the reasons that we have returned to them as repeat customers.

 

Fran