Primer?

[Got2Cruise]

There are some things about river cruising most folks don't realize until they've booked their first rc.

 

1. The boats are often tied up in port so that means that even though you are in a balcony room you might not be able to use the balcony

 

2. You will go through many locks which are sometimes noisy and you might not be able to use your balcony

 

3. You might have to travel by bus if the river conditions make it impossible for boat to sail. Yes it's in small print right there in the brochure

[Host Jazzbeau]

There are some things about river cruising most folks don't realize until they've booked their first rc.

1. The boats are often tied up in port so that means that even though you are in a balcony room you might not be able to use the balcony

2. You will go through many locks which are sometimes noisy and you might not be able to use your balcony

3. You might have to travel by bus if the river conditions make it impossible for boat to sail. Yes it's in small print right there in the brochure

 

This is all true. You can minimize it by taking the Amsterdam to Basel (or vice versa) itinerary, which most river cruise lines offer. Not very many locks (and we didn't even notice them on the few occasions we went through at night). And less chance of flooding affecting your itinerary (at least based on this year).

[notamermaid]

Hello,

 

This is all true. You can minimize it by taking the Amsterdam to Basel (or vice versa) itinerary, which most river cruise lines offer. Not very many locks (and we didn't even notice them on the few occasions we went through at night). And less chance of flooding affecting your itinerary (at least based on this year).

 

Basel-Amsterdam (or vice versa) is - I believe - the tour with the fewest locks, yes. If you choose an itinerary that does just Cologne and the Middle Rhine valley (not many do that type for the American market) there are none.

 

As regards the water level: it is not possible to say whether the Rhine or Danube might be less likely to flood in any year. Statistics also slightly change with every year that has passed, of course. No way of knowing. All anyone - including experts - can tell is the overall tendency towards more flooding. And what the situation will be like in the next week...

 

notamermaid

 

Temperature 43F now. Getting a little sunnier. No need for snow boots. :D