2-3 Night River Cruises in France or Germany

[Debate]

We are planning a trip to France and Germany next Summer - specifically to tour Paris and Munich but want to explore the region a bit as well. Are there companies that run short river cruises from these areas?  Our 16 year old will be with us so must allow teens.  I appreciate any advice or thoughts.  

[steamboats]

Usually short cruises are only done during the Advent season. During summer the ships are usually busy with 7 night cruises. But there might be some shorter ones but only with German based cruise lines.

 

All US/CA/UK cruise lines don´t do any shorter cruises as the people usually have to fly over and want a 7 night or longer.

 

steamboats

[NantahalaCruiser]

In the absence of short cruises, I suggest you consider one or more day trips on KD ferries - for example:

 

https://www.k-d.com/de/schiffstouren/nostalgie-route

 

 

Note: change to English language in upper right of website

Edited June 24, 2023 by NantahalaCruiser

[Daisi]

Avalon has a couple, but for summer time, they only run Austria to Hungary. They will have no problem with your daughter, however you will have to book 2 cabins. You may get the  single supplement waived if you find the right booking.

 

You may find something searching for the French barge cruises.

 

Edited June 24, 2023 by Daisi

[notamermaid]

Very, very difficult. Like on the Rhine (suggested above) you can do day trips on the Danube: https://ddsg-blue-danube.at/?lang=en

or this way:

https://www.donauschifffahrt.eu/en/kurzurlaub/

 

Could not find anything shorter than four nights (SE-Manon in June 2024 and A-Rosa on the Seine).

 

notamermaid

 

[CastleCritic]

3 hours ago, Daisi said:

Avalon has a couple, but for summer time, they only run Austria to Hungary. They will have no problem with your daughter, however you will have to book 2 cabins. You may get the  single supplement waived if you find the right booking.

 

You may find something searching for the French barge cruises.

 

Ya I know ama does something similar but it’s still 5 days Vienna to Budapest. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

Riverside has some short cruises this year, but they aren't showing anything shorter than 7 days for 2024.  Also they are the ultra-high end luxury with prices to match.

[steamboats]

BTW your 16 yo is no problem at all. My DD was on her first European river cruise at the age of 5 y. The main problem is to find a river cruise ship with accomodations for 3. Otherwise you need to book 2 cabins.

 

steamboats

[Canal archive]

Yeh there’s not much room even for a trundle bed in a river cruise cabin. Because thinking about it my grandson would love it especially with his - brother in trouble - I.e. grandfather.

[ural guy]

Notamermaid-  The Donaushiffart link may be perfect for the OP.

 

They have a variety of options where you can cruise from Passua to Linz or Vienna, stay overnight, return by bike or train...I noticed them when we were in Passua and went down a rabbit hole.  There are a few sailing options that don't show up in American web searches unless you are very specific in your query.  So very good of you locals to help out.  I always see ships on the river I've never heard of.  Thanks.