Best Cruise Company for ACTIVE adventurers???

[RamblingRoses]

We went on our very first cruise in November 2022 on Amawaterways for a week on the Rhone and a week on the Rhine, and had the most incredible time! The best thing about the cruise (aside from absolutely everything) was that at each stop, there were choices of shore excursions ALL included in the cruise. AND beyond that, within each tour, there were usually 3 activity levels (except for the biking excursions which were all considered active). For example, when we went on the city tours, there were local guides for "Gentle Walkers", "Normal Walkers", and Active Walkers", and we'd typically be in our own buses. So nobody who had needed to go slowly would be holding up those who like to go up/down/and all around at a steady pace to get it all in. And those who like to go fast wouldn't be frustrated by those who like to stroll, rise more on the busses, and sit on benches or pews while listening to the guides. Occasionally, there were only two groups, but this was rare. One excursion I selected was a 6 mile walk along the Rhine through a Vineyard, and even though only 3 couples chose this tour, they don't cancel. (Most of the others that day rode a tram to the top of the vineyard and did wine tasting:) We went truffle hunting, had a wine and chocolate pairing evening and also a visit to a castle at night lit only by candles!

The food was incredible from self serve or menu breakfasts, lunch with a sample of appetizers brought per couple while we ordered from the menu or the carving options, and dinner of four+ course meals from the menu. They were happy to bring me a large mixed salad every lunch to which I added cheese or meat from the cutting station. Happy hour of wine, beer and mixed drinks (Lemon Drop!), and wine and beer with meals.

I thought Avalon might be a good option, but when I called, they said they have active options (like a hike) while the regular option might be a city walk. I want to do the city walk...I just want to do it at a good pace. I could go on...

So, my question is really for someone like me, who isn't keen on a long bus ride with a short stroll at the destination, but want to do most of the city tours at the locations, as well as cool and unusual adventures, what companies would you recommend?

TIA!!

[Canal archive]

Take a look at Scenic, similarity’s between them and AMA three groups for excursions, bikes etc. I started off some years ago very much on the active list but I’m also a bit of a photographer so gradually worked my way to the gently paced group, now needed for my health as well. Don’t knock the longer bus rides, look where you could end up, maybe climbing the highest sand dune in Europe, an amazing paddle in the Ardeche, walking out to Pont du Hoc and surrounding area. Sometimes the best experiences aren’t on your doorstep. 
We took a very active friend to Salisbury once a beautiful city with an equally beautiful Cathedral she couldn’t see where her exercise was coming from until we had her climbing the spire okay not a mountain but those steps are something else and how many people can say they’ve climbed the highest cathedral spire in the U.K. 

[Got2Cruise]

Of the three I’ve used Ama, Uniworld, and Avalon, Ama had the most selections for active adventures. Uniworld did have choices in Portugal which was active also. I think one needs to really look closely at the offered excursions for each itinerary. 
 

 

[Daisi]

Avalon also has the varied walking tours, and offers multiple tours for same day excursions. I think what the spokesperson meant was their special active tours that they have started. Depending on which cruise, you will have biking, hiking, kayaking etc.  I prefer the slow walkers on the Avalon tours as it's great for photography. We see just as much, but our guides walk and talk instead of rushing us past places of interest and standing in an area where they will talk for a while telling you about what you just passed. We never had to sit and wait for others to catch up, it was a gentle stroll, but if you saw interesting things along the way, you could ask then and shoot a quick photo instead of trying to find your way back after. The only thing I think we missed out on was an extra 1/2 hr or so after (read 1/2 hr to shop instead of 1) after the tour for wandering around.

[tulok]

5 hours ago, Got2Cruise said:

Of the three I’ve used Ama, Uniworld, and Avalon, Ama had the most selections for active adventures. Uniworld did have choices in Portugal which was active also. I think one needs to really look closely at the offered excursions for each itinerary. 
 

 

I agree. Two of the Uniworld cruises through France included a lot of hiking with the fitness instructor on board. On one, the instructor was new and got us lost and it started drizzling. It was one of the most memorable and fun excursions I have ever had. There was only 5 of us on that excursion. We laughed about it between us the entire trip. (we were only 10-15mins pass return time so we weren’t that lost and it was summer so it wasn’t cold)

[Canal archive]

This may seem a strange question but as we’re on the subject of active cruising - does one really have to be taught to use walking poles. I’d like to know because the fitness instructor on board was teaching a group on our last cruise with Scenic and I forgot to ask on board.

[Host Jazzbeau]

21 minutes ago, Canal archive said:

This may seem a strange question but as we’re on the subject of active cruising - does one really have to be taught to use walking poles. I’d like to know because the fitness instructor on board was teaching a group on our last cruise with Scenic and I forgot to ask on board.

Before walking the Camino de Santiago [not the whole thing and not carrying a backpack or sleeping in refugios – but still the last 100 miles in 10 days], I bought a pair of Pacer Poles from the UK.  They are uniquely designed to be easier on the wrists and back.  The website gives some instruction on how to use them properly – and also warnings against the common type of hiking poles.

 

At first they seemed to help, but as the trip went on my back began to bother me more and more.  I don't know if it would have been worse without them – everyone in our group of 12 had some physical problems develop over the course of the trek.  I still use my Pacer Poles on hikes, and since I haven't done anything like the Camino again they have served me well and not caused any further problems.  [They are especially valuable on downhill stretches – I can use their unique handgrips to position the poles ahead of me and brace to take the strain off my knees and to prevent falls.] 

[Canal archive]

Thank you I can see it could be useful. I’m not surprised you had problems doing the Camino I’ve done short bits years ago and underfoot was not exactly easy going.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

@RamblingRoses you seem pleased with the variety of excursion offerings on your previous AMAwaterways sailing. Is there a reason you are looking elsewhere?  Unlike ocean cruising where “the ships the thing” the river ships have far fewer differences in their hardware/onboard product. AMA have quite a varied assortment of itineraries to provide consumer with multiple unique travel experiences with them.

 

That said, Avalon does offer a series of departures specifically labeled “Active and Discovery” that mirror many of their standard itineraries. You can find these itineraries on their website when searching by “special interests” and then selecting Active and Discovery. These cruises feature expanded port stops and unique excursions/experiences for those who are looking for more physically demanding, or in depth, exploration of a country or region. 

[chaub]

We chose Avalon, as some of their tours are specifically Active and Discovery, but the regular itineraries all offer an active component.   We are doing the Danube next month and each day there is an active component.     

[Canal archive]

Do let us know if it was active enough for you, sadly some of us cannot do active any longer but we do have family and friends who do. Have a great cruise.

[pontac]

On 3/14/2023 at 8:05 AM, RamblingRoses said:

So, my question is really for someone like me, who isn't keen on a long bus ride with a short stroll at the destination, but want to do most of the city tours at the locations, as well as cool and unusual adventures, what companies would you recommend?

 

If the city that is being toured is not on the river then no matter which cruise company you go with, since they all travel on the same rivers, passengers need to travel to that city to do the tour. So perhaps you should look at rivers where boats can moor in or a short distance from  major cities. I'm thinking Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris...

 

I can't help with cool and unusual adventures, tho'. 😐

[RamblingRoses]

On 3/14/2023 at 1:30 AM, Canal archive said:

Take a look at Scenic, similarity’s between them and AMA three groups for excursions, bikes etc. I started off some years ago very much on the active list but I’m also a bit of a photographer so gradually worked my way to the gently paced group, now needed for my health as well. Don’t knock the longer bus rides, look where you could end up, maybe climbing the highest sand dune in Europe, an amazing paddle in the Ardeche, walking out to Pont du Hoc and surrounding area. Sometimes the best experiences aren’t on your doorstep. 
We took a very active friend to Salisbury once a beautiful city with an equally beautiful Cathedral she couldn’t see where her exercise was coming from until we had her climbing the spire okay not a mountain but those steps are something else and how many people can say they’ve climbed the highest cathedral spire in the U.K. 

THANKS! Will look at Scenic. Oh YES! I don't mind the bus IF the payoff is adventure. In fact on one of the days, the bus ride was at least an hour, but the local tour made the time worthwhile with interesting information during the ride, and then of course an excellent location upon arrival.  I just don't want to simply tour FROM the bus:)

[RamblingRoses]

On 3/14/2023 at 9:07 AM, Daisi said:

Avalon also has the varied walking tours, and offers multiple tours for same day excursions. I think what the spokesperson meant was their special active tours that they have started. Depending on which cruise, you will have biking, hiking, kayaking etc.  I prefer the slow walkers on the Avalon tours as it's great for photography. We see just as much, but our guides walk and talk instead of rushing us past places of interest and standing in an area where they will talk for a while telling you about what you just passed. We never had to sit and wait for others to catch up, it was a gentle stroll, but if you saw interesting things along the way, you could ask then and shoot a quick photo instead of trying to find your way back after. The only thing I think we missed out on was an extra 1/2 hr or so after (read 1/2 hr to shop instead of 1) after the tour for wandering around.

So you are saying that on a stop in a port, there would be multiple "levels" to the same tour- like a city walk, but the'd be varied for the level of the participants? When I spoke to the Avalon Rep, they said they do differne tapers for active (like biking and hiking), but with the option for the city tour, for example, all would be doing exactly the same itinerary and in the same way. I repeated the question and they seemed to say they did not offer activity levels within a given excursion name. I had been excited about trying Avalon until then....

[RamblingRoses]

On 3/14/2023 at 1:40 PM, tulok said:

I agree. Two of the Uniworld cruises through France included a lot of hiking with the fitness instructor on board. On one, the instructor was new and got us lost and it started drizzling. It was one of the most memorable and fun excursions I have ever had. There was only 5 of us on that excursion. We laughed about it between us the entire trip. (we were only 10-15mins pass return time so we weren’t that lost and it was summer so it wasn’t cold)

Sounds like my kind of adventure!!

[RamblingRoses]

On 3/14/2023 at 2:21 PM, Canal archive said:

This may seem a strange question but as we’re on the subject of active cruising - does one really have to be taught to use walking poles. I’d like to know because the fitness instructor on board was teaching a group on our last cruise with Scenic and I forgot to ask on board.

Not in my opinion, but it might seem that way to somebody who hasn't tried. And if they thought they needed to be instructed and they hadn't had the opportunity, then they might never try them on their own.

I remember feeling "intimidated",  wondering how the poles coordinated with my steps...until i started using them and discovered it varies depending upon pace, slope, etc. Sometimes my poles alternate with my left and right, sometimes I uses them in sync both in front at the same time, sometimes I shorten or lengthen them when ascending or descending and sometimes i don't bother. Any way I use them, (and I usually prefer to use them when I'm walking on trails) I REALLY find they offer both stability AND a better workout.

[RamblingRoses]

On 3/14/2023 at 10:01 PM, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

@RamblingRoses you seem pleased with the variety of excursion offerings on your previous AMAwaterways sailing. Is there a reason you are looking elsewhere?  Unlike ocean cruising where “the ships the thing” the river ships have far fewer differences in their hardware/onboard product. AMA have quite a varied assortment of itineraries to provide consumer with multiple unique travel experiences with them.

 

That said, Avalon does offer a series of departures specifically labeled “Active and Discovery” that mirror many of their standard itineraries. You can find these itineraries on their website when searching by “special interests” and then selecting Active and Discovery. These cruises feature expanded port stops and unique excursions/experiences for those who are looking for more physically demanding, or in depth, exploration of a country or region. 

Only because there are deals on various cruise sites and Ama  isn't always the one being offered. (Our Ama trip was 2 river tour combined into one trip for less than the cost of one of the trips from AMA:)

[Daisi]

11 minutes ago, RamblingRoses said:

So you are saying that on a stop in a port, there would be multiple "levels" to the same tour- like a city walk, but the'd be varied for the level of the participants? When I spoke to the Avalon Rep, they said they do differne tapers for active (like biking and hiking), but with the option for the city tour, for example, all would be doing exactly the same itinerary and in the same way. I repeated the question and they seemed to say they did not offer activity levels within a given excursion name. I had been excited about trying Avalon until then....

 

Yes, when you go on the city tours, there are slow walkers, and regular or active walkers. You will see the same on the slow walkers, but you are more constantly walking so while no real "rest" until the end of the tour where you have free time (less than the more active walker). I am fine walking, but both my husband & I have problems standing for periods of time, so we enjoy the constant walking. Plus, it's great for taking photos, we had "lookouts" to keep eyes on the guide, so we could grab pictures and quickly catch up.

 

 

 

Avalon has also added an Adventure host to add activities for the times you will be on board sailing to the ports, and lead the active tours.

[pontac]

Regarding 'adventurous', we booked Viking across the Great Lakes, from Duluth to Toronto in September this year the found out it was too adventurous for us with paddling ones own canoe and trekking in virgin forest.. We rebooked a more sedate Rhone cruise.

 

Viking Expeditions..

 

They even have a submarine, but you don't get to drive it, they do that for you...

 

 

Just Saying......

[RamblingRoses]

2 hours ago, pontac said:

Regarding 'adventurous', we booked Viking across the Great Lakes, from Duluth to Toronto in September this year the found out it was too adventurous for us with paddling ones own canoe and trekking in virgin forest.. We rebooked a more sedate Rhone cruise.

 

Viking Expeditions..

 

They even have a submarine, but you don't get to drive it, they do that for you...

 

 

Just Saying......

Thanks. That certainly wouldn't be fun if one wasn't desiring that kind of excursions. I realize there are certain cruises that are specifically "active" as there are shore excursions on different cruises that are specifically "active". I was asking about companies that as a rule, offer different levels of activity for the same excursion such as a city tour, where the guests are separated by desired activity level and see similar sights in different ways. 

 

On Amawaterways, for example, we were in a city with a church on a hill, and the "Gentle" walkers rode to the top, explored the church, took in the view and rode down the the square. They walked a little, sat some, had a refreshment, while the guide introduced the info. The "Regular walkers", also rode to the top, I think had the option of riding or walking down, and then walked all around the square and town. The "Active" walkers were dropped at the square where we walked up to the church (past a historic theatre, roman ruins, cemetery...)saw the sights, walked back down to the square, all around the town, etc...before boarding bus back to the ship.

How great it was for all levels to get exactly what they wanted without feeling like they were being pushed or holding anyone up, feeling rushed, or feeling like they were walking too slow or not seeing enough! (And for me, not having to ride a bike through the countryside on an "active" tour when I really want to see the old cities and towns.

[Den7Cruiser]

Can anyone give rough pricing estimate for AMAWaterways?  Viking clearly posts rates so you can build out the entire cruise including airfare but AMA Waterways wants me to fill out a form online and a rep will call me.  

[CastleCritic]

1 hour ago, Den7Cruiser said:

Can anyone give rough pricing estimate for AMAWaterways?  Viking clearly posts rates so you can build out the entire cruise including airfare but AMA Waterways wants me to fill out a form online and a rep will call me.  

I think Im about to run afoul of board rules if I give an exact site but some of the big online travel sites can access their system directly and show an accurate price for a given date/cruise for their European cruises (and some of the others, not Egypt)

 

It will let you go all the way the room number

 

Ive never RESERVED one that way but I know what Im going to get and what the dates are before I call amawaterways.

 

But Ama like viking can get a pretty good price on flights as well when you call(never done the viking process but Ive done two airfare booked trips with Ama and knew the exact flights before I paid for them)

Edited March 19, 2023 by CastleCritic

[Den7Cruiser]

Thank you! It never even dawned on me that I could get pricing from those sites!!

[RobInMN]

3 hours ago, Den7Cruiser said:

Can anyone give rough pricing estimate for AMAWaterways?  Viking clearly posts rates so you can build out the entire cruise including airfare but AMA Waterways wants me to fill out a form online and a rep will call me.  

Yes, it's not super logical, but it's there. On the Ama site, don't click "Request a quote". You have to go through the individual ships. Either start with a specific ship, or go through the "River Cruises" and select a cruise. Once on a cruise, select "Ships", that will list all the ships that do that particular itinerary. You then pick a ship (doesn't actually matter which one).

On a ship's page, select "Itineraries", and from there, it will list each itinerary that the ship does. On each one, it will show "From $x,xxx pp), along with a button for "View Dates & Prices".

This will list all the dates and prices for that itinerary. This is where you want to get to. Note that this is actually the Dates & Prices for the Itinerary, not just that ship, so you have to check each listing to verify the ship (if that matters to you), and why it doesn't matter which ship you pick from the Itinerary page.

Each entry here will show you the base price for the cruise, the current discounted price (if applicable), the upcharge for any pre/post cruise extensions you can add and a button for "Staterooms". Here it will show you the up charge for every room category above the cheapest category.

Also, at the bottom of the main page under 'Site Links', there's a link to 'Brochures'. The Brochures having some pricing.

 

 

[Daisi]

Actually, on the Ama website, just select "Cruises", then select the cruise you wish to take. Once you have that open, on the top, there will be a series of buttons - overview, itinerary, ships, gallery, dates & prices, and connections. You can find pricing under the dates & prices.