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Planning next river cruise

We took our first river cruise in April, the Rhine on AMA Waterways, and really enjoyed it. Of course, they have a repeat discount, and we pre-purchased a voucher as well for our next cruise. We are 99% sure we want to do their Danube trip, probably next May. My questions are these: 1. How far ahead should we commit? Obviously we are not guaranteed a spot if we wait too long. 2. Do we really need to use a travel agent if we are getting the discounts from the cruise company? Part of me says "yes" and part "no". 3. If we want to make our own "pre" or "post" cruise plans, are there companies (besides the cruise line) that have (say) 3 or 4 day packages? We are thinking of doing Prague or perhaps London or Paris since we have to fly there anyway. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated! Mitch

Commit as soon as you know for best price + pick of rooms as usually with exception of a ship not filling or last minute deal, your price is best early on with cruises.

No, there’s never a need for an agent. Some people prefer it, some agents offer a gift or incentive but in this day and age you’re perfectly able to travel and make your own plans without. (I’m a former agent)

You could… but if it was me I’d just do a few day or partial day tours not a whole organized thing.

Go ahead and book a cruise if you plan to go next year. You will have a better choice of cabins. We have never used a travel agent to book a river cruise. We always book it ourselves. One time out of the whole group of passengers on a river boat , eight of us were chosen to go off on a small, private junk with crew. The others transferred to a very large boat. Why were we eight passengers chosen? We had all booked directly with the cruise company. Why do you need a package for the cities pre and post cruise? Book a hotel and buy a guide book. Ask the hotels’ concierges to get you a guide if you want one.

We generally book around the six, maybe 8 month mark. The rooms on a river cruise are all nearly the same so early selection isn't critical unless you want a short walk to the bar. We haven't used a travel agent in a couple of decades. They really don't add much value but we do use Costco Travel sometimes. The rebates and cash cards from Costco can be significant.

Our normal pattern is to fly in early -- about three or four days so we can adjust to jet lag on our own. A good guide book and the internet makes that easy to do pre and post cruise planning. Then we often stay a week or more afterwards. Our last cruise ended in Budapest but we had to came home from Vienna because we had difficulty getting a return flight from Budapest. (That was caused by our normal practice of not booking a return flight until about week or so before we plan to come home.) Again the planning for the extended stay is pretty light as we often are not sure exactly what we want to do after the cruise. We generally use the open jaw or multi-city when scheduling flights. Makes it easier for us. It is generally cheaper and we don't have to worry about getting back to the start point.

Finem Respice; you didnt say which Danube Cruise and there are a lot by AMA, I noticed that AMA doesnt do any time in the start or finish city. Your cruise package starts the day the ship sails and ends when you dock at the last port. 8 out of 10 either start or end in Budapest. So, since thats the only place in the world I know anything about .....

Arrive in Budapest 3 nights early. You dont need a booking company or a package deal.

Most arrivals are late afternoon, so this gives you 2 1/2 days in a 4 day town, but better than nothing.

Stay in PEST, and if being too far from the dock makes you nervous there are a few nice hotels within about a 5 minute walk of the docks.

If that works for you, post on the Hungary forum and you will get a lot of hotel recommendations and ideas on how to spend your time.

And if you finish in Budapest, and are going on someplace else, check Wizz and Ryan; Paris for instance is under $150.

Thanks all!

After having posted this, I received an email from VacationsToGo offering all kinds of AMA Waterways deals. I assume these are what any travel agent would be able to offer. Will AMA offer these same deals if I call them directly? Mitch

Mitch you need to call AMA and ask directly.

Keep in mind that Vacations to Go is a third party vendor. IT is a travel agency. The cruise company go to them when they have a batch of slow moving rooms. Personally I would book with the cruise company even if you don't get all of the "extra benefits." And the extra benefits may be provide by Vac to Go rather than the cruise line.

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Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

Cruise ship top deck poolside

My TV crew and I just spent two weeks on a Mediterranean cruise, filming a one-hour special that will air on public television in January 2019. The show will present an honest look at the pros and cons of cruising and will equip travelers with the skills they need to be smart cruisers.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your next cruise. (And if you have cruising tips to share, please chime in as well.)

Right off the bat, I recommend getting out of your cabin (ship lingo for “room”) and exploring the ship: Study the ship’s cutaway models on the signage, walk each deck (ship lingo for “floor”), and find those many delightful little corners so you can take full advantage of your ship.

Cruise ship directory

I also recommend the “behind-the-scenes” ship tour (pricey at about $100, but an amazing two-hour look at how the ship and its crew manage to run the entire show in a parallel world that is invisible to the typical cruiser). Ship geeks will marvel at how these newer massive ships no longer use an old-style shaft and propeller. They are nimbly maneuvered by Azipods (pods with propellers that can rotate 360 degrees and, with the help of bow thrusters, can jockey a 300-yard-long ship into whatever pier is required).

A monitor showing a ship's azipod

At port, most cruisers simply book the cruise line’s bus tours (and are generally happy they did). However, setting up your own shore excursions is usually less expensive and gives you more flexibility. Stepping off the ship in Naples, we got to film the intense scene of hustlers, guides, and taxi drivers scrambling for business from cruisers venturing ashore with no firm plan.

Tourists outside of the port terminal in Naples

Everywhere you go on a cruise ship, they’re pushing squirts of Purell. I’m of the school of thought that sanitizing everything with antibacterial products just makes you less resistant and is counterproductive — so, I shun the squirts.

Purell dispenser in the cruise ship

rick steves river cruise

Rick Steves' Tips For Planning A Budget-Friendly Cruise Through The Mediterranean

A cruise on the Mediterranean sea might not be the first image that comes to mind when you think of a budget-friendly destination. But even though you'll be passing through some of the world's most iconic places, a cost-effective trip may be more accessible than you think. TV host, guidebook author, and European travel expert Rick Steves has a few tips to help you save money on a Mediterranean cruise via his blog Rick Steves' Europe .

His first tip is to stay in the loop about all the charges you're racking up, rather than looking at the bill at the end of the vacation. While it may seem like only a little here, a little there, all of the amenities on your bucket list cruise can quickly add up, from gift shop purchases to that extra drink at dinner. Set a daily limit for how much you want to spend, the same way you'd budget on land. Little changes can make a big difference. For example, rather than shopping on the ship, you can save your purchases for the port areas. After you disembark, be sure to venture away from the tourist zones for the best deals. You'd be surprised by how walking just a few blocks away from the "tourist traps" can keep your wallet fuller for longer.

Read more: Tips For Spending Less On Food When Traveling

Skip Shore Excursions For Solo Adventures

Shore excursions are a great way to mix up cruise activities and get a taste of each new destination. There's nothing more convenient than getting whisked away to snorkel in the Mediterranean or traverse around Roman ruins, without having to lift a finger. With that said, many of these tours cost a pretty penny. Shore excursions are another expense where it's easy to go over the limit. Instead, consider saving the money by venturing out on your own.

Before you get off the ship, take some time to do some research on Google, social media threads, trip review sites, or Rick Steves'  Mediterranean Cruise Ports Guidebook . Pick a handful of activities to do solo and figure out how to get there. Many cruise stops are easy to navigate, like Barcelona, Nice, and Venice, says Steves on his blog . The must-see landmarks are accessible by taking a shuttle bus, express boat, or pedestrian path. Save your excursion budget for activities that are hard to reach without a little guidance or the sites where you want the extra depth that only a guide can provide.

Take Advantage Of Free Amenities

While the specialty restaurants on board may be tempting, the standard dining room is a safer bet for your budget. Ask the server which drinks are included. Avoid branded items that will cost extra, like sodas and fancy bottles of water. If you still want to enjoy your favorite drinks on board, buy them at the store and store them in your room. Ask whether you're allowed to bring your own beer and wine on board, as that's another way to save some cash. Before you head to the port for the day, eat an extra large breakfast and snag a few fruits or snacks to keep in your day bag, says Steves on his blog .

Beyond food, get creative with free activities. Cruise ships are designed to entertain you , so there will be no shortage of fun things to do onboard. Skim the daily schedule and fill up your time with bingo, art, swimming, fitness, shows, lectures, and dancing to some live music. Instead of the arcade, see if there's a collection of board games somewhere. At night, rather than winding down with a paid movie, see what titles you can discover at the ship's library. Of course, while you can always find more ways to save a little cash here and there, don't let budgeting spoil all the fun. Be mindful of your spending, but do splurge when appropriate. After all, you are on vacation. And, as they say, when in Rome...

Read the original article on Explore .

Cruise ship off the Almafi Coast in Italy

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  1. Rick Steves' European favorites

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  2. Embark on a dreamy Seine River cruise on the evening of Day 3 of the

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  3. Castle-Studded Rhine River Rick Steves Video Tour This post describes a

    rick steves river cruise

  4. Rick Steves Raves About The benefits of Cruising Europe

    rick steves river cruise

  5. Rick Steves' Europe

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  6. Rick Steves' tips for European cruises: Eat in port, explore on your

    rick steves river cruise

COMMENTS

  1. River Cruise

    Olympia, WA, USA. 01/12/22 11:34 AM. 6383 posts. I took a cruise up the Danube some years ago with a company called Leuftner Cruises and enjoyed it. But, as noted above, it's a very structured and limited way to "see" Europe. Water levels can definitely be a problem, especially in late summer.

  2. Video: Cruising the Rhine River, Germany

    Join Rick Steves on a scenic and relaxing cruise along the Rhine River, where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the charm of the towns, and the taste of the wine. Learn how to make the most of your cruise experience with Rick's tips and insights on the culture, history, and attractions of this region. Watch the video and get inspired for your next European adventure.

  3. European river cruises

    Knoxville, TN, USA. 08/09/15 01:39 PM. 7209 posts. We jokingly refer to European River Cruises as "Seeing Europe from the privacy of your own bed and blankie". All Inclusive is not always good. A lot of the fun of seeing Europe is being "out and about" not confined to a floating bed. Posted by Betty. Missouri City.

  4. The Rhine River: Raging with History

    The Rhine River: Raging with History By Rick Steves. A riverboat cruises toward the Rhine River village of St. Goar. (photo: Dominic Bonuccelli) Rhine River robber barons used this island fortress — Pfalz Castle — to extract tolls from boat traffic. (photo: Cameron Hewitt) ... And the best way to see it is to cruise it. While some travelers ...

  5. Seeking Advice: Rhine River Cruise Itinerary and Pre-Post-Cruise Plans

    Seeking Advice: Rhine River Cruise Itinerary and Pre-Post-Cruise Plans. Hello, fellow experts! I've booked a 7-day Rhine river cruise for my wife's birthday in May. The cruise will begin and end in Cologne, and we're planning to arrive in Germany four days prior to the cruise at Frankfurt airport. After the cruise, we'll have seven more days to ...

  6. Danube River Cruise

    Their cruises are excellent. Check Avalon, Viking, Uniworld, Emerald, Grand Circle, AMA and if looking for a good budget cruise check Gate 1. Most of the river cruise companies include their tours (or at least 90%) in their prices. Also, most provide wine with lunch and dinner at no additional cost.

  7. Best Seine River Cruise

    Best Seine River Cruise. Jump to bottom. Posted by Bets (L'Occitanie, France) on 07/17/23 10:39 AM. We found it! After taking so many of these boats for fifty years, I can say that the little VEDETTES de PARIS filled the bill. We went on a family-oriented cruise with a French and English speaking trained guide who asked the children questions.

  8. A Day Out in the Danube's Wachau Valley

    By Rick Steves. The Wachau Valley, where the Danube River makes its way toward Vienna, is blanketed with vineyards and ornamented with cute villages. And the 24-mile stretch of the Wachau between the towns of Melk and Krems is as pretty as river valleys come. For a fine day trip from Vienna, catch the early train to Melk, tour its glorious ...

  9. Visiting the Rhine River Valley

    While the Rhine River is lined by scenic roads, train tracks, and bike lanes, the most relaxing way to enjoy the Rhine is by romantic old steamers. The first time I slept along the Rhine, it was in one of Europe's great youth hostels: Stahleck Castle. Imagine spending just $30 a night for your bed with breakfast, and ending your day with a ...

  10. rhine river cruise

    6092 posts. I would urge you to consider Steve's advice. The Rhine is a wonderful place between Koblenz and Bingen, the part of the river that K-D cruises focuses on with several boats per day, but otherwise makes for relatively uneventful sightseeing to the north and south. The other problem with a cruise is cultural.

  11. Planning next river cruise

    Planning next river cruise. We took our first river cruise in April, the Rhine on AMA Waterways, and really enjoyed it. Of course, they have a repeat discount, and we pre-purchased a voucher as well for our next cruise. We are 99% sure we want to do their Danube trip, probably next May. 1.

  12. Egypt: The River Nile & Luxor

    Exploring the Nile Valley from north to south, we see the highlights of Egypt. In the fabled city of Alexandria, we venture through a market wonderland, smoke a shisha, and stroll a Mediterranean promenade. In Luxor, we explore the pharaohs' tombs and temples before sailing on a timeless felucca. Then we kick back on a riverboat cruise, enjoying iconic views of palm trees, minarets, and rustic ...

  13. Germany's Rhine River and Castles

    And travelers cruise the river just to castle-watch. Tour boats come and go about hourly. Various lines each have their own docks and advertise their own schedules. Buying tickets from a kiosk before boarding, tourists can put together their own hop-on and hop-off tours of this most romantic stretch of the Rhine.

  14. Egypt: Cruising the Nile

    Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/9E0tESCskO4 Taking a multi-day Nile cruise gives you a firsthand look at some of the famous river's most scenic stre...

  15. Europe Baltic Cruise and River Cruise

    Rick Steves Classroom Europe® is a free resource allowing teachers to share the best of European art, history, and culture with their students and fellow educators. ... ricksteves.com . Make A Playlist: Add a video to get started! Europe Baltic Cruise and River Cruise 22:42. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Share. Published by: Jan Mack ...

  16. Cruise Control: How to Sail Smartly in Europe by Rick Steves

    Smart cruisers stop at the local tourist information booth, like this one in Livorno, to get unbiased information for do-it-yourself time in port. (photo: Rick Steves) I've spent the last several decades exploring Europe from every conceivable angle. And this includes checking out Europe the way millions of people do — from a cruise ship.

  17. Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour

    This trip is a dream come true. We have been a fan of Rick Steves since the 90's and finally Dream Fulfilled! Thank you Rick. Favorite "WOW" moment "For my wife, the Eiffel Tower, specially the River Cruise, me the Versailles. Also, the Virtual Tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral is Must Do until it is ready for tours.

  18. Rick Steves' Cruising the Mediterranean

    Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2018 | In this one-hour special, Rick sails from Barcelona to Athens, with stops in the French Riviera, Rome, and more. Ou...

  19. It's 6:30 in the Morning: Welcome to Civitavecchia

    b's comment reminded me of an ad I saw for a European River Cruise that was being done in conjunction with PBS's Burt Wolf. I don't know whether he still does them, but that cruise certainly looked like it would have more appeal to the kind of people who enjoy Rick Steves…smaller groups, no glitz/glamour, local musicians on board, lots of emphasis on regional good, etc.

  20. Nile Cruise

    Nile Cruise. Egyptians have always respected and loved their Nile. They say, "The Nile is our life, our water, our electricity, it fertilizes our land. Without the Nile, there would be no Egypt.". The 135-mile stretch of Nile from Luxor south to Aswan is the most touristed. Three hundred elegant river cruise ships are primed and ready to ...

  21. Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

    Here are a few tips for making the most of your next cruise. (And if you have cruising tips to share, please chime in as well.) Right off the bat, I recommend getting out of your cabin (ship lingo for "room") and exploring the ship: Study the ship's cutaway models on the signage, walk each deck (ship lingo for "floor"), and find those ...

  22. Rick Steves' Europe

    Watch Rick Steves' Europe, the most popular travel show on public TV, and explore the rich culture, history, and scenery of the continent.

  23. The Joy of a First-Time Mediterranean Cruise

    The Joy of a First-Time Mediterranean Cruise. By Rick Steves. A ship's glitzy design impresses first-time cruisers, or at least this one. (photo: Rick Steves) When you're cruising — especially in the Mediterranean — it's hard not to pay attention to the sunsets. (photo: Cameron Hewitt) Sailing away from our port of embarkation, I join my ...

  24. Rick Steves' Tips For Planning A Budget-Friendly Cruise Through The

    Many cruise stops are easy to navigate, like Barcelona, Nice, and Venice, says Steves on his blog. The must-see landmarks are accessible by taking a shuttle bus, express boat, or pedestrian path.