John99

Hi. Tell us, in our poll, which is your favorite river cruise line (you can vote for more than one). Feel like telling us why? Please share below. Thanks.

 

Carolyn

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

Just curious. How many people voted for more than one cruise line? How will that effect the count?

We, retired couple are looking at a river cruise for the first time (after many ocean cruises) and find the polling and comments very interesting. Looking at a Danube cruise with either AMA or Viking with AMA our current preference.

I think the recent change in the poll numbers reflects the size of Vikings fleet. Plus, the Viking ships on average carry more passengers per cruise. The bigger the fleet also equates to more passengers that have travelled on the line. Consequently, more voters. Probably 60 to 70% reflected in polling numbers. Just a educated guess. Yes, that many votes (for Viking) coming in a short amount of time does raise some questions.

But, maybe the Viking cruisers finally realized there is a poll and they need to vote. Another point, Viking as been around since 1997 as one comment alluded too. Exposure of their product over time is important. Finally, the mass marking of Viking cruises seem to be much more active relative to the others. Again exposure of the their product. How much this plays into their popularity is anyone's guess. But it's a factor.

It's only a poll which seems unscientific.

AMA 17 ships which also includes Asia, Africa, Russia

Avalon 12 ships both Europe and other locations

Viking 26 ships both Europe and other locations

Uniworld 18 ships both Europe and other locations

(Source of info: From their web-sites)

John

After read all the comments, it appears the most important criteria for choosing a cruise line is itinerary, quality of product and attention to detail but very few mention price. I wondering why? Is price not that important?

John