Amsterdam to Vienna: Spring or Fall?

[GrammieMame]

We have never river cruised and have finally decided on an Amsterdam to Vienna itinerary with Uniworld. Does anyone have ideas on whether spring or fall would be a better time? Don't want to go in summer because of crowds, heat, etc., but maybe early June would be good. Just need a little advice.

[beverlyjack]

Even if the temperature and rainfall is the same in the spring and fall, spring will always feel better coming out of the winter. Also, spring is more likely to have high water and fall. low water, both of which conditions can effect navigability. Low water seems to cause more problems, so I would vote for spring. We took Grand Circle on this route on October 2, 2009. We made it out of Amsterdam, but a Viking ship leaving after us could not make it upriver to Cologne due to low water. It was also cold and raw for most of the cruise, with morning temperatures in the 40s and light rain.

[JesterPlaying]

Don't forget the the flowers blooming in spring.