Ages on River Cruises

[GrannyLala]

DH & I are booked on the Viking Sky July 6 (Vienna to Amsterdam). What age of passengers should we expect? We have heard that on river cruises to expect an older clientèle. Does anyone have an opinion on this? Not that we care if others are a bit older than us ( most of our better friends are 15 - 20 years older than us anyway), just curious!

[webfoot]

As we are about to embark on our first river cruise, I cannot tell you what the ages of those traveling will be, but I am 60 and my husband is 66. On our last land tour, there was just one person younger than me ... but I had a hard time keeping up with some of those 'older' folks.

[pacmom]

I think as river cruising becomes more popular you will find people of all ages on them. They are not geared towards families with children. Some lines run special family cruises in the summer. You can only ocean cruise the same itineray so many times. We have met groups from college age up to their 90's. Such an interesting mix. Seems that not everyone needs or wants the grand evening entertainment and the casino. There is always something to see-even when cruising in the evening. The small size gives you a chance to met just about all on the boat. They are relaxing. Enjoy Pat

[bhb123]

Hi, I just returned from my first river cruise ever on Grand Circle. I was a little apprehensive at first as I am 60 but don't consider myself an "older, senior" person and don't want to be treated as such. Grand Circle is for people over 50, but there were some younger people, not families with kids. I had a great time. Understand that these "olders" are on these cruises because they have a real joy for life. They want new experiences and like meeting people. Most of them are well traveled and just love having a good time. Three of the most fascinating were 3 women in there upper 70's and one had celebrated her 87th birthday on the ship. One talked of donning a wet suit a couple years ago and shooting rapids somewhere. She was traveling by herself and was having a blast. The other two had been on the Amazon and Yantsee plus all over Europe. All three had traveled extensively with there husbands who all had passed away, but that is not stopping them. They were also the first in line when we went to take a walking tour of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. To sum it up, you will find a few in there 30s some in there 40s, more 50s and 60s and some older, but they can keep up physically, and mentally these travelers have an outlook and disposition to match any age. Of course you'll always find some grump which happens in any age group, so you stay away from those people. I hope this helps. Have a great trip, I'm sure you will. I wish I was going back with you.

[Paolosmom]

We just got off an 8 day Rhine River cruise, using the Viking Line. You will be the youngest on the ship by far. We had alot in their 90s', some in wheel chairs, some with canes, some on walkers.

 

This might be the crowd that Viking attracts, but this crowd was asleep by 9pm.

 

Good luck

[H2Otstr]

I agree with BHB. On our first river cruise my first impression when seeing all the cruisers was "these people are OLD", but once we started to converse with them we found they were all fascinating. Most were very were educated and well traveled. They had lots of life stories to share. We saw a few people with canes, but on the three river cruises that we have taken I have yet to see anyone in a wheelchair. Most of the people who were not up to taking the shore excursions just stayed on the boat and enjoyed themselves there.

Just go and enjoy yourself, age doesn't matter.

[steamboats]

I second that, age doesn´t matter!

 

I was 28 y old on my first river cruise and many followed. River cruises are tending to the 55+ crowd and it´s not rare you find even a 90+ on your cruise. I also made the experience that the conversations were much more interesting than with people of my age group.

 

Anyway when you know what to expect, you won´t be disappointed! I´m no party type so I don´t mind having not much entertainment. If you´re not interested in sightseeing and culture/archticture than don´t go on a river cruise. If you like it go whatever age you are!

 

steamboats

[tarredon]

My husband & I have just signed up for our 1st cruise also, and as of the cruising date, I will be 51 & he will be 58. We'll do the 1st one by ourselves and see what we think, but I am thinking that in the future we MAY take our teenage daughters with us for one of the shorter cruises.

[Tennessee Traveler]

I agree with everyone. The average age on the 3 Viking cruises I've taken has probably been 55-65. But I have met the most wonderful people aboard - Doreen & Desmond, Al & Donna, Mort & Toby, Neil & Renae, Lynn & Alan. It was great to meet so many great friends! It's not your age that matters,; it's how much you enjoy traveling and getting to meet so many new friends. Oh, and the river cruises (Rhone, Yangtze, & Russia) were terrific, too!

You should have a marvelous time on your cruises if you like to meet new friends while taking fantastic cruises.