Hello Everyone:

My husband and I are now considering one of Globus's Riverboat tours, (Danube or Rhine - the ones that end up in Prague for 3 days, a must see for me) which I understand is the same as Amadeus Waterways. They sound beautiful, but we have a couple of concerns. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has taken one:
1. The most important - I get sea sick every time I have been on an ocean vessell - will river boat cruising be the same?
2. We have never been to Europe before - is this an appropriate way to see everyything or would a motor coach tour be better?
3. Do you feel like you're trapped on the boat and are watching everything you'd like to see float by? Or would it be the same on a motor coach anyway?
The idea of not packing every night is really appealing to us. Our other option would be Trafalgar or Globus' s tour for 11 days that goes to Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna (they have the same tour) - that one stays 2 days in Prague, and I have to include that in our itinerary. Any suggestions? We would appreciate the help.

I wouldn't think you would get the same sensation as you get on an ocean going vessel.

Have done two river cruises, one on the Nile and one on the Yangtze and thought they were great. We had shore excurisions and watching life on and along the river can be fascinating!

My husband, too, gets seasick and doesn't like ocean cruises. BUT -- we went on the Danube cruise from Nuremberg to the Black Sea in June of 2005, and it was the best vacation we have had. I strongly recommend seeing Europe on a riverboat. You do pass a few things you would like to linger over, but you get to stop and see beautiful villages and cities.

We look forward to our next riverboat cruise.

We cruised on the Artistry. It was a very nice boat with an excellent crew.

We also cruised on Artistry along the Danube and the Mein/Danube canal.
Lovely riverboat, lovely crew and, when we had enough rain to cause the river to rise and stop our cruise (10 days into a 14 day cruise) Globus provided the back-up to complete our vacation (albeit by bus) with everything we expected. They really came through and treated us wonderfully well. They chose fabulous hotels (only 2), enough buses so we had breathing space, and they threw in a couple of extras. We will travel with them again and again!
Regarding seasickness.. ..not a chance.. ..this is not ocean-going activity.. .. .

My words are probably two years too late.. ..you have probably already taken a rivercruise and seen for yourself!

Where is everybody?

We went on both the Artistry and the Poetry. The Danube on the Poetry was very nice, the Artistry for the Tulip Time Cruise was not very pleasing. Both times we had a cruise director, Astrid, who was just horrible. Many, many of the Tulip Time Cruise refused to tip her. We would have never booked that cruise after having her on the Danube.

So, I would take an Avalon riverboat on the Danube, but check who the crusie director is before paying any money!

In our humble opinion, "Buffet Barges" are not the best way to see Europe on your first trip there. We have taken 4 trips to Europe so far and Mrs Max has taken two more with her girlie friends. None of the trips so far have been on buffet barges and our next trip will not either.

Cheers

General Max

I disagree. I think it sounds great.The idea of only unpacking one time is very appealing to me.
I have taken 3 guided tours(coach) through Globus and traveled to London another time for a week on our own in June this year.

DH and I have just booked the Magnificent Europe river cruise,16 days from Amsterdam to Budapest for next June.We are really looking forward to this new experience .It will be really nice to only unpack one time and it sounds really relaxing.No more having to have suitcases out at 6 am for us. I loved the cruise on the Rhine that was part of the Scenic Delights tour.WE also enjoy our own boat that we use on the Cumberland,Tennesse and Ohio Rivers.
I agree that the whirlwind tours are a great way to decide what you want to go back to see later and a very good way to see a lot in a short time. I am so past that now and prefer to either travel on our own or give the river cruise a try.After next year I think we will either just rent a car or do the Italy Monogram on our ownwhich is mostly independent travel.. .

Max, you complained so much about your last tour that I am very surprised you want to do it again. LOL

None, and we don't intend to go on any. I understand the cabins are no bigger than a walk-in closet and the entertainment at night is very limited.

Wow,Your a lucky guy! I wish my closets were 17.2 ft by 10 ft. That is sure a lot bigger then many Europeon hotel rooms I stayed in on Globus tours.