Danube River Cruises

In April - May 2008 my husband %26amp; I with another couple are looking to do a river cruise.. Budapest to Prague. I have been doing some research and now I am overwhelmed by the many cruise company options. Could anyone help with us making a choice? I have looked at Uniworld, Amadeus, Viking, Avalon, Globus, Tauck ect....

The 4 of us are mid 30%26#39;s to mid 40%26#39;s and are expierenced travlers. We have all cruised together before on larger cruise ships but never on a smaller river boat cruise and not sure where to start on picking a ship %26amp; or company to cruise with.

Please help with any information you may have to offer ... good or bad.

Thank you!

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Just one remark:

the Danube river does run through Vienna and Budapest....but not through Prague...

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Thank you for your reply. I am aware that we will have to take a flight to Prague at the end of the river cruise. Most of the cruise companies provide 3-4 day extensions. I was just trying to find out which cruise company to use.

Thanks again.

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Have you looked at the cruise category on Fodors and / or cruise critic- some good information there to assist you.

I have not taken any of these cruises but spend many days of the year on or near to the Danube in Austria.

I simply provide my observations- take them for what you wish.

Physically the boats have similar size lengths, number of decks,widths and height - they must fit under bridges etc. and also through many locks on the river. Thus similar sizes.

Most have between 150 and 200 passengers maximum and nice upper decks to take the sun and sightsee.

generally all the boats seem well maintained.

Some big differences in passenger ages are apparent.

I should note that the average age of the passengers is generally 55 and much more-- but some younger passengers too

Deilman boats may have more german passengers- Viking , Tauck a good mix from Australia , US and elsewhere.

Uniworld and Viking perhaps more from US.

Tauck boats seem to be more deluxe from the outside - also the Peter Deilmann boat Mozart.

Viking not far behind.

I am often in Dürnstein and Melk, stops for many boats on the danube and have occasional contact with some passengers.

Most all Tauck and Viking people seem contented.

generally little complaint about food quality and quanity. some complaints about optional excursion costs.

Often comments about the noise of the bow and stern thrusters - small propellers that assist in steering the boat through narrow passages or when docking.

Those with cabins near to bow or stern say it can beannoying at night when trying to sleep.

Few amenities on board thse smaller boats but with all the sightseeing etc. I do not think one would miss it.

It looks like fun to do these cruises - great country views along the Danube.

If I did not live here would probably try it.

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Thank you so much for all of the information. I will

check out fodors and cruise critic.

Always good to hear someone local would consider taking the trip if didn%26#39;t live in the area.

One last question for you.. None of us have been to this area of Europe before and if you were to pick to stay an extra 3 - 4 days in one specific location would you recommend Prague or Budapest?

Again .. Thank you.

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Definitely PRAGUE!!!!

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We have been on Peter Deilman (Rhone)and UNIWORLD (Duoro). You can%26#39;t go wrong with either line. As someone else wrote, our Deilman boat had about 50% Germans, the rest from the UK, Francxe and Americans. The official language on board and tours were in German and English, each group with their own bus and guide.

Dinner and lunch was assigned seating.

On UNIWORLD, English was the only official language; no assigned seats.

Food tours and service were slightly better on Deilman, but that could have been a reflection of where we were. The Duoro valley has fewer prominent sights than the Rhone, but you see more countryside. Unlike the Rhein, Rhone and Danube trips, the boat moves only during daylight hours.

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We did a Passeau, Germany to Budapest and back river cruise 5 years ago with Viking River Cruises and loved it. We were 50 and 59 and our friends 56 and 57 and we seemed to be around the general age. A few younger people but mostly our age and up. Excellent food and staff. Young but very knowledgeable about each area. All guides spoke English. Alot of Germans, Americans and then a mixture of French, Norwegian and we Canadians. We are going next week on the Rhine river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam and would have picked Viking again but they were all booked up for this time of year. We started back in August/September looking so I hope you can still get something for this May. They book up fast as they are very popular. I think each company has it%26#39;s own merits but as the native writer said, the boats are very similar in looks, amount of passengers and what they offer inside. Just remember that they don%26#39;t offer alot to do inside because usually you aren%26#39;t on them for long because you are touring. There is usually a lounge area, a library and an upper deck for sitting up on if the weather is nice! I am sure that no matter who you choose you will have a great time. We did and love it!

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My husband and I just returned from the Paris to Normandy cruise on Viking. It was excellent. The food was wonderful, tours were very organized. I could not believe how much we got to see in such a short period of time. The room was very comfortable (bathroom very small) but overall would certainly use Viking again.

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My husband and another couple are also planning a rivier cruise for next summer (2010) - have you taken your cruise? How did you decide which company to go with? Most important question is how was it and can you offer insight or suggestions?

Thank you so much!

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Did you book your cruise yet? We took a Danube cruise with Amadaeus last summer (2008)and loved it. i have nothing but the highest praise for this line.