Traveling Upstream vs Downstream?

[mapsd]

Any real advantage on what direction you travel?

Assuming downstream gets from port to port slightly faster, but any other reason to choose one over the other?

Make a difference that we're cruising in the fall, when water level might be lower?

 

[Daisi]

Some say that you get longer times in port travelling downstream, however we went upstream on our cruise and had lots of time in port.  Yes, we could have spent longer at some places, but you can say that about any places you go to.  We generally had a good 3.5 - 4 hours at least in the ports if that will help.  

 

I think the only way the water level will effect the tours if you have to bus to ports.  Depending on where you are docked will depend on the length of the bus trip.  If you do end up on a bus for part of the trip, just go with the attitude that you are seeing parts of the countryside you would have missed on the river.

[pontac]

1 hour ago, mapsd said:

Any real advantage on what direction you travel?

 

Not really. More important to consider journey to/from start/end point

 

However engines have to work harder going upstream so maybe more noise in cabins closest to engines.

 

Can't say I noticed difference, it wasn't an issue.

[Host Jazzbeau]

Lots of the cruising is done from dinner into the night, so plenty of time is built in to get to the next port by morning. But that’s why the extra noise can be a problem (folks on lowest deck and at rear may hear it while trying to sleep).