European River Cruise in March?

[PattyPsch]

Is March an OK month (weather wise) to do a European River Cruise?

 

We are looking at one that starts in the Netherlands and goes through Germany and Austria and ending in Hungry.

Patty

[jpalbny]

We have done two in March, one extending into early April. So far so good but it is a gamble. Definitely not shorts weather; more like pants and light jackets. The Rhone was warmer than the Rhine which makes sense, given the location.

 

The northern part of this itinerary may well be chilly. But, on the plus side, fewer crowds and likely a cheaper fare.

[Floridiana]

Variable spring weather, warmer than in Rochester but still very cool. Night frosts likely. Bring gloves and hat.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Probably too early for massive tulip displays in the Netherlands -- but every year is different.

[PattyPsch]

I have heard that sometimes in the Spring the river level can get too high from rain or snow run-off. Has anyone had a problem with high water levels in spring?

[JVilleGal]

Is March an OK month (weather wise) to do a European River Cruise?

 

We are looking at one that starts in the Netherlands and goes through Germany and Austria and ending in Hungry.

Patty

 

 

Ok so you are looking at Amsterdam to Budapest? What company?

[PattyPsch]

Viking

[JVilleGal]

Viking

 

 

Be sure and check the prices & inclusions on the other river cruise companies too! They all have good sales for those early sailings. And Viking is the only one that wants to be paid in full "now" vs 90 - 120 days prior to the sailing.

[janecambridge]

Low bridges in Germany meant our sundeck wasn't open for 48 hrs and we were all either in our cabins or in the lounge. Too restricted for me...

Emerald has an all inclusive offer on at the moment...

[ural guy]

PattyPsch- As other people have said, weather this time of year is very changeable. I lived in Germany for 4 years and it can be cold, wet and grey in late March.

The Pro's are fewer people and the cruise price will be less costly.

 

If you were from Florida I wouldn't recommend it, but from Rochester you'll be fine....we're living in Watertown area for 20+ yrs so Germany might be a warm-up for folks use to Lake Ontario winters?

 

Bigger concern might be water levels in Danube due to snow melt? Maybe someone else can lend an opinion on that.

[4774Papa]

Is March an OK month (weather wise) to do a European River Cruise?

 

We are looking at one that starts in the Netherlands and goes through Germany and Austria and ending in Hungry.

Patty

We lived in Augsburg, Germany for four years and loved Germany, except for the long dreary winters. If you are looking for cold and chilly, take a river cruise like that in March.

Southern Europe is better. A cruise from Budapest to Romania would be better.

[caviargal]

The Pro's are fewer people and the cruise price will be less costly.

 

If you were from Florida I wouldn't recommend it, but from Rochester you'll be fine....

 

We are from Florida and prefer Europe between Oct and April. We are recently back from our first summer trip in 12 years and never again. Crowds, heat, prices - none were pleasant.

[Floridiana]

March is great for a Rhone river cruise in Southern France.

[jpalbny]

March is great for a Rhone river cruise in Southern France.

 

True... It was!

[UKBayern]

We live between Regensburg and Passau, and March is an iffy time of year for tourism. Last year, we had warm and sunny weather, but mostly in March, we still have snow and cold weather. I would not want to be on a Danube cruise in that weather.

[Casey12]

March is often cheaper for a reason. It can be cold and wet. I lived in Germany for a few years and we had both rain and snow in March.