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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

River Cruises

10 replies

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 21/08/2026 15:50

I love them. I've "done" most European rivers, +Nile, Yangtze, Mekong.
Any others, either worldwide, or unusual European, that you can recommend, please ?

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pinkishtongue · 21/08/2026 17:31

Can’t recommend any but I’m interested to know, what has the age range been on your cruises? I always imagine they’ll be all over 70’s.

SeaGlassDreamer · 21/08/2026 17:35

Coincidentally Dh and I have just been discussing cruises. I think maybe one day I’d like to try them. Dh is not interested.

What do you enjoy about them?

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 21/08/2026 18:34

I'll generalise about them, but some companies are obviously better than others.

I'd say mostly 40+, & I've never seen a child on one.

The cabins are just like an hotel room - but better designed. You visit a lot of places, but only unpack once.
Usually 120-180 passengers, & enough space to be sociable or reclusive if you wish.
Food is usually terrific, emphasis on fresh, local produce, & always options for dietary needs. Usually buffet for breakfast & lunch, a la carte for dinner. Drinks are often included, or sometimes a package is extra.

You're off the boat every day on an excursion - usually included in the price.
The excursions are always to interesting places, perhaps a guided walk around a town or village, an artisan olive oil producer, a famous cathedral, a stunning display of bareback horsemanship etc

Evening entertainment is very low key, which suits me. Often an on-board pianist, perhaps a fun quiz, & usually a local folk song and/or dance group.
Or sit in your room & watch a film.

I'm sounding like an advert !

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SeaGlassDreamer · 21/08/2026 18:39

Sounds nice. The excursion bit I’m less keen on as I prefer to explore on my own but don’t mind the odd group activity. I like the sound of only unpacking once as we travel around a bit and it can be tiring. I like the idea of relaxing in the evening and not having to do anything.

Which cruise was your favourite and why?

Learningdutch · 21/08/2026 18:42

Only been on one and didnt like the lack of lounge type area except where there was entertainment. So nowhere to socialise.

ohtowinthelottery · 21/08/2026 19:15

How much time do you spend ashore? I hate the idea of ocean cruises as they mostly get very limited time for sightseeing (and there's far too many people on board for my liking). I want more than a few hours to discover a place. Do river cruises give you full days/overnights at destinations?

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 22/08/2026 07:15

My friend went on a River cruise 2 years ago (Sept) and the boat didn’t run on the River due to low water levels (Danube?) They had to be taken to hotels in a coach. So I’d go early season in Europe.

Id look at itineraries to check all aboard times. Most will be before dinner I expect as they sail in the evening. Most people take the excursions because they have paid for them and ditto the meals. They are not the best holidays for those who want lots of time exploring and you only see a highlight or snapshot of where you are. Large cruise ships are the same and most excursions get you back for lunch and they cost a lot!

ChimneyPot · 22/08/2026 07:23

I did a boat/bike one on the Danube and took a 15 year old and 21 year old who reduced the average age considerably.
There was one other teenager aboard but after that 40-80 was the age range.
We would get off the boat after breakfast and cycle to the pick up spot.
They provided a packed lunch but we preferred to find a restaurant along the way.

I really enjoyed it but would research carefully before doing another one because low water levels have become an issue.

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 23/08/2026 18:23

Bump.

Any answers to my question, please ?

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