Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic

[pego02155]

I'm interested in what would be my first river cruise and will probably be traveling solo. Any advice you can provide on cruise lines, itenerary, solo traveling would be welcome. Should this be split into more than one cruise? What would be ideal season(s) for this? Thanks.

[beverlyjack]

I'm sure that some cruise lines may do it, but Switzerland and The Czech Republic in one cruise will limit your choices. Most companies do a cruise with the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Also, despite most companies listing a cruise with Prague, it is not on the cruise itself, but by bus from Linz, Germany or some other port city, as Prague is not on a river navigable by most cruise ships. Traveling as a single, you have to figure on a single supplement. These can vary significantly. Grand Circle has among the lowest. For their Prague to Budapest 12 day cruise, in April, it is $595, in the ball park of 20%, depending on cabin choice, of the cruise only price. They also can get reasonable air fare. There are no single cabins on their ships, so the cabin is a double cabin. They will also do roommate matching if you wish. We have taken 5 river cruises with them, in addition to 9 other trips. Their web site is http://www.gct.com. They also do not sell through travel agents.

[steamboats]

One of the "main itineraries" is Prague - Budapest although you´re embarking in Nuremberg and have a several hour bus trip from Prague to Nuremberg.

 

Prague is on the Moldau river (which is merging with the Elbe river). On the Elbe river you can go South as far as Hamburg or via the canals to Berlin. But no way to go to Austria or Switzerland.

 

The Nuremberg - Budapest itinerary covers all except for Switzerland. The only part of Switzerland you can make on a river cruise is Basel which is the turn around point for Rhine river cruises. So you can do Amsterdam - Basel (or vice versa) on the Rhine river. But then you won´t have Prague or Austria.

 

All in one is not possible... You may decide for Budapest - Nuremberg ending in Prague and then take a flight or train to Switzerland. Switzerland is easy to travel by train.

 

steamboats

[beesKate]

Uniworld has 2 cruises that get you close to all your destinations, but as mentioned above, adding Prague (or the Czech Republic) increasing the difficulty factor!

 

Uniworld's Rhine Discovery & Prague goes from Basel to Nuremburg on ship, then you have a bus trip to Prague. (But no Austria)

 

The Danube Discovery & Prague goes from Vienna to Nuremburg with a bus extension to Prague. (No Switzerland)

 

Uniworld's Grand European Discover travels from Basel to Vienna, but no stops in Prague -- and actually mentions it a combination of the 2 above without the side trip to Prague.

 

Uniworld sometimes waives their single supplement, it does tend to be shoulder-season cruise times and ships they are trying to fill, but it's worth looking into.

[alexandra cruiser]

here under cruise discussion on CC.Many helpful tips.

Lots of homework to do to find which one is best for YOU.Read a lot of member reviews when you determine itinerary.Much depends on budget.

We ve done 10 or so river cruises, all the major lines and met many singles.They make friends fast,inc.in everything,so don t feel like you d stick out or be on own.

I d stick with a 7 day cruise and then take a few days pre and post cruise in the cities that interest you.Like,start in Prague for 3 days take 7 day cruise and stay in BUdapest for 3.Then you can see whether river cruising is for you,not get stuck on 14 day one if its not.

Each line varies with each country,ship,crew,itinerary,etc.Hard to make a blanket statement which is BEST.But if luxury(all inclusive)with larger cabins and balcony for you,try AMA,Tauck,Scenic.More middle of road(but still nice)Avalon,Uniworld,Viking.I prefer not to take cruises that dont allow TA s,it s deal breaker for me.So have NOT TAKEN Grand Circle,Vantage,etc.But some seem to like them(older crowds,and smaller boats)too.

Let us know what you come up with.Hope that helps.:)

[ingo_e]

There is no cruise that covers all of these countries. You can go Basel - Vienna (or Budapest), but that would leave Prague out. Or do a cruise from Prague / Nuremberg to Budapest and you'll miss Switzerland instead.

[notamermaid]

Hello pego02155,

 

I agree with the other posters that there is no possibility of doing all the countries in one cruise. The options are almost endless as regards excluding countries or a combination of cruise and train journey. If you are happy travelling with luggage on trains check out the European lines on http://www.raildude.com/en/

 

You could fly into Prague, take the train to Budapest or Vienna, take a cruise from Budapest or go to Passau on the train and take a cruise from there, etc. etc.

 

For travelling solo perhaps also check out the Arosa ships for next year or CroisiEurope, as they have slightly different itineraries and offers from the other companies on the (American) market.

 

Season is a question of preference as regards temperature, landscape in bloom, hours of sunlight, activity level (like optional cycling) among others. I personally would not choose a March cruise due to statistically higher risk of flooding and late winter landscape before bloom.

 

notamermaid