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nicest ship but not so expensive as viking.


sillysoup
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Hello sillysoup,

 

what you need to know about river cruising is that the ratio can never result in a river cruise coming close to what you are used to from ocean cruising. People have travelled with Vantage, Gate1 and CroisiEurope that all offer a certain level of luxury but from what I remember work out less as regards a daily price than Viking. But you want to compare Avalon as well. A good idea might be to read the stickies at the top of the page and make a spread sheet comparing what is included in the river cruise and what is not with the different companies.

 

Quite a few people on this board have travelled with more than one company and I am sure they will quickly help you with some of their experiences. :)

 

notamermaid

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I would start with the stickies at the top of the page. River cruises are much more inclusive than ocean cruises, and this accounts for part of the higher price.

 

As far as price, look at AmaWaterways wine cruises. Quite a good sale right now.

 

Robin

 

 

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We did the Rhine on Viking two years ago, just completed the Danube on Gate1. Gate1 provided an experience that we found as good as Viking at a lower cost. Currently in Budapest. We are staying in the same hotel as Viking cruisers.

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CroisiEurope offers the least expensive product, but as they are a French line, sometimes Americans are not as comfortable on these sailings as the offerings are not as "familiar" as they may be expecting.

Keep in mind river cruises often offer deals on international airfare, and they include tours, and wine/beer with lunch and dinner, making the value a bit better.

You'll do best to find a river cruise specialist to book with, as they are an entirely different product than ocean cruising.

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"You'll do best to find a river cruise specialist to book with, as they are an entirely different product [from] ocean cruising."

 

I agree.

 

Ira

Edited by I_r_a
correct grammar
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At first look, river cruises are more expensive. But, you need to consider what you like - and what you are willing to pay for it.

 

If you travel outside of "prime" season, costs are lower. If you aren't determined to have a balcony (real or French) - entry level (or, Aquarium Class) cabins are usually a better price.

 

Lots of great sales on right now for 2018. Some companies offer a reduced price on air (some are giving free air). Extra nights before/after the cruise do add to the price - so perhaps look for a cruise that is just 7 nights - and do before/after stays on your own. Of course, if you do that, transfers will have to be arranged by you. Some companies (ie: Scenic, Emerald, Uniworld) offer free airport transfers on day of embarkation (and disembarkation) even if you don't purchase air through them.

 

Most (if not all) include beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch & dinner. If you tend to order a glass of wine (or two) with your meals, this is a saving for you. On our most recent cruise (with Avalon) I could order a latte after my meals (instead of a regular coffee). Loved that...

 

But a word of warning... if you enjoy the "Big Ship Amenities" (ie: shows with glitz, gambling --> or dressing for dinner), then river cruising may not suit you. We didn't enjoy the "big ship experience" which is why we moved to the rivers.

 

 

There are included excursions every day (or almost every day) - so this will save you money. Some lines include gratuities - again, a cost savings. If you choose a line that does not - the amount you leave as a tip is not automatically added to your final on-board bill. You leave what you wish to leave - based on the service you receive. We have always left the recommended amount - or more - as the service is great.

 

We have just completed our 12th cruise - with #13 booked. We have travelled with Avalon, AMA, Uniworld, Viking, Scenic & Emerald --> we are obviously not brand loyal. We look for itinerary, then dates, then prices. Have always managed to find a sale - which is why we have been on 12 so far!!

 

Please feel free to post any specific questions - will try to answer.

 

Fran

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At first look, river cruises are more expensive. But, you need to consider what you like - and what you are willing to pay for it.

 

If you travel outside of "prime" season, costs are lower. If you aren't determined to have a balcony (real or French) - entry level (or, Aquarium Class) cabins are usually a better price.

 

Lots of great sales on right now for 2018. Some companies offer a reduced price on air (some are giving free air). Extra nights before/after the cruise do add to the price - so perhaps look for a cruise that is just 7 nights - and do before/after stays on your own. Of course, if you do that, transfers will have to be arranged by you. Some companies (ie: Scenic, Emerald, Uniworld) offer free airport transfers on day of embarkation (and disembarkation) even if you don't purchase air through them.

 

Most (if not all) include beer/wine/soft drinks at lunch & dinner. If you tend to order a glass of wine (or two) with your meals, this is a saving for you. On our most recent cruise (with Avalon) I could order a latte after my meals (instead of a regular coffee). Loved that...

 

But a word of warning... if you enjoy the "Big Ship Amenities" (ie: shows with glitz, gambling --> or dressing for dinner), then river cruising may not suit you. We didn't enjoy the "big ship experience" which is why we moved to the rivers.

 

 

There are included excursions every day (or almost every day) - so this will save you money. Some lines include gratuities - again, a cost savings. If you choose a line that does not - the amount you leave as a tip is not automatically added to your final on-board bill. You leave what you wish to leave - based on the service you receive. We have always left the recommended amount - or more - as the service is great.

 

We have just completed our 12th cruise - with #13 booked. We have travelled with Avalon, AMA, Uniworld, Viking, Scenic & Emerald --> we are obviously not brand loyal. We look for itinerary, then dates, then prices. Have always managed to find a sale - which is why we have been on 12 so far!!

 

Please feel free to post any specific questions - will try to answer.

 

Fran

 

Agree. As I like to travel frequently, as well as do all of the travel planning and booking for my Mom and her sister who also like to travel a lot, I need to find good deals to keep us all on the go often. I tell my travel agent that I am interested in X or Y for next year, and can go during this time period range, sometimes giving multiple options. She keeps a watch out and when a deal comes along that fits what I'm looking for, or similar, sends me an email so that I can jump on it. For finding a good sale, I find booking early and having some flexibility to be essential.

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I would check out Grand Circle Travel. It has been my experience that they are the most affordable of the lines tailored for the American traveler. They have great food, fantastic service, and visit the same places as the more expensive lines. Many do no like the fold down Murphy beds. If you need a queen bed then GCT is not for you. Their ships do not have all the bells and whistles (like a pool or spa) and are older but you would not know it once you board. A great selling point for me is you deal directly with GCT since they do not use travel agents.

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You don't have to limit yourself to lines that cater to Americans. As mentioned by others, you have to consider the "all in" costs: airfare, cruise, optional shore excursions, tipping, beverages. Then you have to consider the itinerary. The style of the ship is important to some people ex. Modern versus elegant; neutral colors versus vibrant colors. Unfussy style versus more formal. When you take everything into account, some lines that seem expensive turn out to be competitive.

 

 

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We love Grand Circle, and especially how great their air dept is to work with. We went on two small ship cruises with them...Dalmatian Coast and Panama Canal. Both boats were very nice. We have done trips on Viking and find the main difference is the hotel accommodations on land. Grand Circle uses nice hotels (not super luxurious) in convenient locations where you can walk to restaurants, shops, and sights. Have not done a European river cruise with either company.

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I would just like to mention the air travel to get to & from Europe or wherever you choose to cruise. Keep in mind the duration (I notice you are from NJ) is anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of flight time to Europe. Seat pitch (distance between rows) can be tight. In the case of DW she is 6 feet and long flights can be very uncomfortable in cramped spaces. There has been a recent thread concerning upgrading tickets issued by a cruise line. It is easy to say, "Oh, I'll fly business of comfort" but the additional expense is something you have to factor into your plans as well.

And finally, don't let any of our comments discourage you from a river cruise. We have done both and the river cruise experience is ENTIRELY different than ocean cruising. Personally, I like the fact there are less than 200 people as opposed to an ocean cruise where there are more than 2000 people.

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