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Old 03-23-2013, 10:48 PM   #1
Pris
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Question European River Cruises?

DH and I are planning on taking a 2 week river cruise in 2014. We are looking at the Grand European tour from Amsterdam to either Vienna or Budapest (depends on carrier). Have any of you ever done one of these? If so, what cruise company and what was your experience? I'm leaning toward Viking, but don't know for sure.
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Old 03-24-2013, 01:21 AM   #2
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I've been researching these cruises as well and can't decide on a cruise line. Viking is so appealing for the prices and the promotions. From what I've learned, many of the cruise companies are good, but you almost have to choose not by the cruise line but by the ship. The newer ships are MUCH better than the old ones and have more of what we've come to want on a ship. My next step in planning is to finally settle on the itinerary-- I'm leaning towards the same one as you, with maybe an extra day or two in Budapest or Prague-- and then looking at which SHIPS go there. Then I'll research the reviews on cruisecritic.com. Sorry I can't offer more help. I think these cruises give you great value!
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Old 03-24-2013, 11:11 AM   #3
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Thanks, Laurie. I've been looking at Cruise Critic a lot the past few days trying to get insight on this, but it hasn't been as helpful as it is with the ocean cruises. I think Viking has its newer long boats on this particular cruise, which would be delightful. I looked at Grand Circle, but when I looked at the pictures of the boat, I decided we needed a little more luxury than that. I've read that Viking has great promotions, but I believe they hike their prices on the front end just so they can have those promotions. If we could pay in full by the end of May, then we could get a great deal, but that would involve cashing in some bonds, savings, etc. and I don't know if its worth that or not. We've still got this coming summer's vacation to finish off although it's mostly paid off.
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Old 03-24-2013, 12:15 PM   #4
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I agree with you about Cruise Critic for these cruises. I haven't checked out tripadvisor.com yet, but maybe they'll be of some help. The last time I checked Viking, the prices were very good, mostly because they included a very good airfare deal. It's true, though, you have to sign up by a certain date. This cruise is so appealing, though, and I love that the excursion costs are included.
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Old 03-24-2013, 06:25 PM   #5
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Viking really is the leader in river cruises. You won't go wrong with them! Tauck is another reputable company.
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