Viking River Cruises vs Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Tour companies compared.

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Viking River Cruises

4.7   Excellent  

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Discovery Tours by Gate 1

5   Excellent  

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Reviews & Ratings

Viking River Cruises logo

4.7   Excellent 41 reviews  

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 logo

5   Excellent 93 reviews  

Recent Reviews

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Viking River Cruise Capitals of Eastern Europe

Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostl...

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 logo logo

the absolute WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

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About Viking River Cruises

Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

About Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Red Hot Cruise & Travel

How Are Gate 1 River Cruises Compared to Viking

When it comes to river cruises, two prominent names in the industry are Gate 1 Travel and Viking Cruises. Gate 1 Travel stands out with it’s tagline "More of the World for Less," offering competitively priced itineraries that are often at least $1,000 cheaper than Viking. On the other hand, Viking Cruises prides itself on the slogan "Exploring the World in Comfort," promising a luxurious and comfortable experience for it’s passengers. Both cruise lines have their unique appeal, but how do they compare in terms of overall experience, amenities, and destinations? It’s essential to delve deeper into the offerings of Gate 1 Travel and Viking Cruises to determine which one suits your preferences and budget best.

Who Are Viking Cruises Aimed At?

Viking cruises are primarily aimed at older travelers who seek a luxurious and comfortable river cruising experience. With the purchase of KD River Cruises in 2000, Viking gained a significant foothold in the European market and increased it’s fleet to a staggering 26 ships, solidifying it’s status as the largest river cruising fleet in the world.

Recognizing the preferences of it’s target demographic, Viking has meticulously revamped it’s ships to offer unparalleled levels of sophistication, elegance, and relaxation. These cruises provide a refined and tranquil atmosphere, catering to the desires of mature travelers seeking a more relaxed and leisurely vacation.

In comparison to Gate 1 River Cruises, Viking is known for it’s superior quality and higher price point.

With it’s extensive fleet and commitment to excellence, Viking remains a top choice for those seeking a high-end river cruise experience.

Viking Cruises consciously caters to a specific demographic of travelers, primarily focusing on older individuals who’ve the luxury of time and finances. Rather than chasing after the younger generations, who tend to seek more adventurous and dynamic travel experiences, Viking aims to provide a refined and leisurely cruising experience tailored to the preferences and expectations of their mature audience.

Who Is the Audience of Viking Cruises?

Who’s the audience of Viking Cruises? While many are making ambitious efforts to woo younger travelers (including millennials and multigenerational groups), Viking is marketed primarily to older travelers with more time and money—those who’ve traditionally been the bread and butter of the cruising industry.

Vikings target audience is also generally retired or nearing retirement, allowing them the flexibility to take longer trips and explore multiple destinations. They’ve the time to fully immerse themselves in the places they visit, taking in the culture, history, and natural beauty with a more leisurely pace.

Furthermore, Viking Cruises attracts travelers who appreciate a more low-key and relaxed atmosphere. The onboard activities and entertainment tend to be more subdued and sophisticated, catering to those who prefer a peaceful and intimate experience rather than a bustling and energetic one.

They’re looking for a luxurious escape that allows them to explore the world in style, surrounded by like-minded individuals who appreciate the finer things in life.

The Luxury Experience: Discuss the Luxurious Amenities and Experiences That Viking Cruises Offers to It’s Audience, Such as Gourmet Dining, Onboard Spas, and Exclusive Excursions.

  • Gourmet dining
  • Onboard spas
  • Exclusive excursions

Source: Viking Ocean Cruises: What’s It’s Recipe For Success? – Forbes

River cruising has long been associated with a mature demographic, typically with travelers between ages 50 and 70 embarking on voyages. However, it’s worth noting that changes in travel preferences have led to a broader range of age groups partaking in river cruises in recent years. While the average age on a Viking cruise may still fall within this range, it’s important to recognize the growing number of younger travelers who’re also discovering the allure of these picturesque journeys along rivers worldwide.

What Is the Average Age on a Viking Cruise?

River cruising has become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting a wide range of travel enthusiasts. However, the average age on a Viking cruise tends to skew towards an older demographic. Compared to other cruise lines, such as Gate 1 River Cruises, Viking predominantly caters to travelers between the ages of 50 and 70.

The allure of river cruising for this demographic lies in the combination of relaxation and cultural immersion. Older travelers often have more time to dedicate to leisurely exploration and appreciate the slower pace of river cruises. With fewer crowds and smaller ships, river cruises offer a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.

It isn’t uncommon to see passengers in their 40s, 30s, or even younger on board. It simply means that the majority of passengers fall within the aforementioned age bracket.

The age range on a Viking cruise can vary depending on the specific itinerary, time of year, and destination. Cruises with more active and adventurous itineraries may attract a slightly younger crowd, while cruises during school holidays may see more families onboard.

Vikings reputation for exceptional service, cultural enrichment, and carefully crafted itineraries continues to attract a diverse range of passengers, offering an enriching experience for travelers of all ages.

Benefits of River Cruising for Older Travelers

There are several benefits of river cruising for older travelers. Firstly, river cruises offer a more relaxed and intimate travel experience compared to large ocean cruises. The smaller size of river cruise ships makes it easier for older passengers to navigate and explore the various destinations along the river.

Secondly, river cruises often visit cultural and historical sites that are easily accessible from the river, allowing older travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture without the physical demands of extensive walking or hiking.

Additionally, river cruises typically provide a higher level of personalized service, with attentive staff catering to the needs of older passengers. This can include assistance with embarkation and disembarkation, as well as accommodations for dietary restrictions or mobility limitations.

Lastly, the scenic beauty and tranquil nature of river cruising can be particularly appealing to older travelers seeking a peaceful and scenic vacation. The gentle pace of the river cruise allows for a more leisurely exploration of the surroundings, creating a serene and enjoyable experience.

Gate 1's "More of the World for Less" tagline speaks to the accessibility and affordability it offers to travelers, with their cruises typically costing at least $1,000 less than Viking. This makes Gate 1 an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly river cruise without compromising on quality. On the other hand, Viking's emphasis on exploring the world in comfort appeals to those who prioritize luxury and pampering.

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  • Viking vs. Gate 1 river cruise observations

Travel and Leisure

Editor's note: I've written this for those that might be new to river cruising, and due to Viking's extensive marketing, that's probably the only brand they have heard of. I'm not a travel agent, nor am I affiliated with Gate 1, so don't really care who you book with, but for those where a few thousand dollars saved is a huge deal, I thought I'd jot down what our friends told me. I have nothing against Viking; if you're a huge fan and want to keep sailing with them, that's great. I've not written this piece for you.

David vs. Goliath

gate 1 vs viking river cruises

Anyhow, as I've written about in a previous post , Gate 1 has become our current favourite river cruise operator (vs. Uniworld, Vantage, and Emerald). While on our Gate 1 trip, we made friends with a couple from the West coast as well, and they recently returned from a Viking cruise on the Rhine. I have always been curious about Viking, so I asked them, "how does Viking compare to Gate 1?"

Disclaimer: I'm just the messenger here; I'm quoting their comments to me almost verbatim, then offering my thoughts vis-à-vis the Gate 1 experience that we shared with them.

gate 1 vs viking river cruises

  • Viking air proved to be problematic; extra charge of $150 to use our airline; Gate 1 did not charge for that. This is an issue I've read about with Viking on the FB group; the one time we booked our air with the river cruise operator (Avalon), they booked with our desired carrier and flight selections at no extra charge.

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Cruising the World One Port at a Time

Gate 1 Travel

Philadelphia-based Gate 1 Travel was founded in 1981 as a tour operator, but only hit the river cruising market in 2016 with the building of their own ship Monarch Empress .  Their goal is to allow guests to see “More of the World for Less” by offering affordable vacations to fit almost any budget. Along with their own river vessels, Gate 1 Travel also charters additional river cruise ships to provide even more destination options around the world.

Ships:  4

How Many Passengers : From 138 to 146 passengers

Personality : Elegant and modern, with bright, light spaces and tasteful splashes of color throughout. Crew members are warm and cheerful, and there is a good mix of ages represented in the group of passengers onboard.

Fellow Passengers : Most guests come from North America and Australia, though you’ll find other English-speaking nationalities onboard, too. Many passengers are seniors, but you’ll find younger couples and groups of friends as well.

Cabins : Range from 140 to 260 square feet. All cabins are outside-facing and most feature French balconies. Each ship also has a small number of suites.

Dining : There is one main restaurant on the Gate 1 Travel ships. It’s set up more like a restaurant on land than a big dining room on a cruise ship, which means tables will be more intimate. Lunch is a generous buffet, and dinner is a four-course sit down meal. There is often only one soup and appetizer for everyone, and then a small selection of entrées to choose from.

Amenities : The river ships are equipped with a bar-lounge, sundeck (most with a jacuzzi), fitness center, wifi, an in-house musician, and a 24/7 beverage station. One of the ships also offers a putting green.

Best For : English-speaking guests, those looking for a more affordable river cruising experience, and couples both young and old.

Included Alcohol : Wine and beer with dinner

Gratuities : Additional

Where They Go : Danube, Rhine & Main, Yangtze, and Irrawaddy Rivers, along with the Russian Waterways and Holland & Belgium.

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  • Best River Cruise...

Best River Cruise Line

What is the best river cruise line for European travel? We are taking a Viking Cruise on the Seine this May, but have been told the food is only OK and the tours average. We also have been told that most cruise lines serve three meals a day and that's it. No "anytime dining" and if you miss a meal you're screwed. I notice that most lines offer the same itineraries, but some have better tour guides than others. Also the food service may vary widely. Any suggestions as to who's the best?

River cruises are different than Bahamas cruises with all the faux glitz. Grub comes three times a day at set times because they have to make sure you get to see the sights. There's a schedule to keep rather than the need to entertain you between straw markets.

I've passed on Viking in favor of Gate 1 Travel and Grand Circle Travel (based on dates, I think, it's been a long time). Had one friend tell me since that they were disappointed with Viking, but it was more of a personal thing. Tour guides probably change, but all were okay.

Jeff, kind of an interesting question. You are booked on a Viking but now you are asking about the best cruise line? I would like to know that also. We are just back from a presentation for Uniworld River cruises. They "seemed" very impressive with great photos. Have you looked on Cruisecritic?

I've looked at several sites, but nowhere is there a comparison among the various lines. You can find ratings on the big ships (Princess, Holland, NCL), but not the river cruisers.

Frank, Uniworld is a great company to travel with! A couple of their river ships are brand new (or within a couple of years old). In my experience, Uniworld is big on tour guide excellence and I wouldn't hesitate to go with them.

Have done two Viking cruises. Both were lots of fun. The one on the Rhone/ Saone was excellent. Great guides, lots of alone time, and a very nice ship. Did another ont eh Danube and due to extremely high water, we were shuffled to two boats, and then bussed around Austria. Not really Vikings fault, however.

I though that the food was comparable with an ocean cruise ship like Holland America, but better than a Carnival or Royal Caribbean. It is true, there is no "anytime dining." That was not a problem for us as we tried to dine in town when we got the chance.

We did a Rhine River Cruise with Uniworld in 2007. We had a wonderful time and were very happy with our choice. The food was excellent but you are correct, the meals are basically the only times to find food as opposed to larger cruise lines.

We traveled with our 2 daughters (18 &20 at the time) and they also enjoyed the trip even though there were not many others their age. The crew went out of their way to ensure our happiness (granted they're looking for a nice tip at the end of the cruise, but it's in a sealed envelopes so they don't know who gives and who doesn't or how much).

We would like to do another river cruise and I would certainly use Uniworld again.

See my post under "Viking cruise line?" for my thoughts. Neither Vantage nor Grand Circle deal with travel agents or cruise discounters; that's one reason their prices are lower. I've cruised twice with Vantage and Three times with Grand Circle. I enjoyed the food each time. The staff really aims to please and they do a good job. Breakfast is buffet style with a special each morning you can order and an omelet station. Lunch and dinner are usually table service, but a few buffets. Let us know how you like Viking! Enjoy your trip. JKR

I've done 2 river trips with Grand Circle, and both were excellent: Vienna-Amsterdam and Budapest-Black Sea. Delicious food [as Jodi mentioned, breakfast is a lavish buffet; lunch and dinner are at set times] and very good program directors. Most of the onshore activities are included as part of the cost, but there were usually 4-6 optional tours one could purchase [for example, a day trip to Heidelberg]. Have a great trip and let us know how it went!

Jeff, did you go on your river cruise? Did you take Viking? What did you like and not like?

I think it's generally best to speak to a near-expert before you part with so much money. I've dealt with Cruise.co.uk before and they encourage you to talk about what you like/ don't like and what to expect on each cruise so if you're still in need of info you can check out these travel specialists for cruises and just talk to them without having to book. I did book, but that's irrelevant :p I've heard some very good things for Tauck but still enjoyed the Viking cruise; they offered what I wanted from a holiday. Edit: Added the river cruise url link! Doh.

Two thumbs up for Grand Circle Travel. We did the Rhine/Mosel River cruise, food was far better than just "good". We also did their Scandinavian tour. Can't imagine a better time for either.

Why do you think Stuart, who is posting for the first time, dug up a three year old question. Duh!

Hmm? It may be an old question but I can still give my two cents. I found them useful. /shrug

I don't know why this has become such a hot topic after three years, but in the interim, I've gone on 1 Viking Cruise on the Seine, 1 AMA Cruise on the Danube, and this summer, I'll be taking a Uniworld Cruise on the Rhine. The Viking cruise was a disaster for too many reasons to mention. In fairness, others who had previously cruised with Viking said this one was their worst experience and should be regarded as an anomaly. The AMA cruise was wonderful, and we would use them again. The Uniworld cruise is being taken as a favor to our friends, but an almost identical trip on AMA was cheaper. We'll see if it is worth it.

Jeff, My father and took a Uniworld cruise, Budapest to Amsterdam, in the fall of 2007. Loved it! Although two optional day trips were offered along the way, no one on our trip took advantage of them. Each stop, we had a guided tour of something in the town with plenty of free time to explore a bit, shop or eat locally if we wished. Our stateroom was lovely, the staff terrific. The choices of attractions that we were guided to was very nice and some of the places we visited on that trip are not offered by any other group or are listed as a pay-extra excursion. The food was ok, comparable to cruises on the big ships, with some meals that featured local foods being outstanding. I would definitely cruise with Uniworld again but it will be a while. Hubby and I headed over to Germany and surrounding countries for a month-long backpack trip, leaving in ten days. Just us, no guides, very loose schedule. Hope you have a great time.

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  • River Cruising

Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

LauraS

By LauraS , November 16, 2017 in River Cruising

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Cool Cruiser

Having been on both, I can say that Laura's review is spot on. I did Viking's Rhine cruise (Amsterdam to Basel) in 2015, and Gate 1's Danube cruise (Regensburg to Budapest) this year, and enjoyed both. Overall though, I preferred Gate 1.

Breakfast was almost identical. Lunch as well, although wine and beer were not included at lunch on Gate 1. The dinner options on Gate 1 were not as varied as on Viking (one appetizer, rather than a selection between two, etc.) but the meals on both were excellent. Laura mentioned that vegetarians may not have as many options on Gate 1; I'm vegetarian and didn't find that to be the case. All of the meals had at least one vegetarian main course. For the soup and appetizer courses, I was always provided an option.

Excursions:

On both cruises, the ships docked in town in most ports. Both lines offered included, and optional, tours at each stop. On the Viking tour, I participated in most of the offered tours; on Gate 1, I mostly chose to explore on my own. I didn't do any of the optional tours on either cruise, so can't compare. Viking stopped in more locations; Gate 1 stopped in fewer locations, but stayed longer.

On both cruises, I booked a French Balcony room. The cabins were equivalent as far as space and layout. Cabin service was excellent on both lines. The crew was exceptional on both.

On-board activities

About the same. Both had a lounge with piano player, bar, etc. Both had trivia quizzes, and entertainment. Gate 1 had a late-night snack, and tea-time snack, which I don't remember seeing on Viking.

The majority of the passengers on the Viking cruise were from the US. The Gate 1 cruise had a more varied makeup, with passengers from the US, Britain, Australia, Malaysia, and other countries.

twototravel

twototravel

Thanks for the comparison. This opens up another river cruise option for us.

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gate 1 vs viking river cruises

What’s Next for River Cruising?

R iver cruising has become more popular than ever before, and with its rise in popularity and demand come some new developments in the river cruising world. 

From Botswana and Egypt to Colombia and the mighty Mississippi, river cruising is expanding rapidly across major rivers across the globe, thanks in large part to more adventurous, well-traveled travelers and well-known river cruise brands like AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. 

There are three new developments happening in the world of river cruising: new rivers and destinations diversifying a subset of the cruise industry that Europe generally dominates; an increased focus on themed or specialty river cruises, from classical music cruises to literary-themed cruises; and an interest in longer cruises or pre- and post-cruise stays that enhance a traveler’s overall trip. 

Christen Sellier, Travel Advisor for Travel Concierge Services LLC, a Dream Vacations affiliate who books primarily river cruises with AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways, predicts the same things: “I foresee continued rapid growth and increased interest in river cruising. I also foresee cruise brands targeting and marketing to a wider demographic.”

“We will probably see more brands launching their own versions of U by Uniworld to attract Millennials and Gen Z clients,” she continued. “I also predict more partnering with railroads and offering pre- and post-package trips. Special Interest cruise itineraries will become more abundant and in demand.”

New Rivers & Destinations

Perhaps the buzziest news surrounding river cruising lately has been the addition of new river cruise itineraries in completely new destinations — most notably, AmaWaterways’ new Rio Magdalena cruises in Colombia , debuting in 2024. 

But many cruise lines have been expanding into other destinations, too. Besides the Rio Magdalena, AmaWaterways recently expanded into the Chobe River in south-central Africa. Many, including Viking, Uniworld and Avalon , are also debuting or have already debuted new ships along the Douro River in Portugal and the Nile River in Egypt.Viking River Cruises, meanwhile, has also begun offering river cruises in the Mississippi River , while Uniworld is the first to offer cruises along the Peruvian Ucayali and Marañón rivers. 

It seems like the main driver for these new itineraries are well-seasoned travelers who’ve likely already cruised along Europe’s popular waterways and are looking for something more adventurous. 

“While most first-time river cruisers are drawn to the Danube and Rhine rivers visiting iconic cities like Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam and Cologne, we have a large following of repeat guests that are always looking to us to take them to a new destination further afield,” said Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder and President of AmaWaterways.

“Our unique sailings along the Mekong, Magdalena, Chobe and Nile rivers give guests an unparalleled opportunity to discover these off-the-beaten-path destinations with extraordinary culture, traditions and beauty, while simultaneously taking comfort in the luxurious amenities and customer care from start to finish that AmaWaterways is known for,” he continued.

River cruising in these destinations offers something that many other travel styles beyond traditional touring cannot provide: they often grant travelers access to in-depth explorations and guided tours of a destination’s culture, wildlife and historical wonders that traditional traveling might make more difficult. 

It’s likely there will be more rivers receiving their first river cruise ships and passengers in the future as the demand for more river cruising in different destinations expands. 

Specialty Cruises that Support Niche Interests

Some river cruise lines, such as Avalon and Uniworld, offer a wide variety of special interest and themed cruises ranging from itineraries focusing upon photography to LGBTQ+ oriented cruises, Jewish history cruises and multi-generational cruises. 

Some of the most notable include Avalon Waterways’ popular Storyteller Series cruises, which offer cruises hosted by storytellers such as Graham McTavish and Diana Gabaldon, giving cruisers an opportunity to meet and indulge in their love for their favorite books or TV series while also enjoying all the benefits of a European river cruise.Viking and AmaWaterways have also followed suit with a small selection of specialty cruises, such as wine-themed, foodie or classical music-centric cruises. 

“We are excited that our brand of destination-focused, active river cruising with a strong culinary presence continues to appeal to a more diverse group of travelers of all ages and backgrounds,” said Schreiner. 

“Younger travelers, groups of friends and extended families are turning to river cruising as a stress-free and convenient means to visit multiple countries and immerse themselves in distinct cultures while personalizing their experiences onboard and onshore,” he continued. “We also anticipate increased demand for themed cruises, like our Celebration of Wine, Soulful Epicurean Experiences and Latin Touch cruises.”

With travelers more interested in personalized travel experiences than ever before, including among the luxury traveler segment, and with the demographics among river cruisers changing following the pandemic, river cruise lines are responding with more special interest cruises, a selection which we anticipate will grow even larger. 

“I would say the favorite feature that clients rave about is the variety of shore excursions offered for every fitness level and point of interest,” said Sellier. “It definitely feels more personalized, which of course contributes to that enriching, elevated experience.” 

A Stronger Demand for Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays 

Popular especially in Europe are Viking River Cruises’ and AmaWaterways’ individual pre- and post-cruise stays, which are often specially curated for an itinerary in a selection of popular cities. 

One of these stays is typically two to three nights long and includes transportation, accommodation and included excursions which can round out a traveler’s stay in Europe.Viking River Cruises’ Executive Vice President of Marketing, Richard Marnell, identifies a growth in demand for these types of add-ons, as well as for longer voyages. 

“As our guests have returned to post-pandemic international travel, we have seen many of them increasingly interested in spending more time with us,” said Marnell. “Our 15-day voyages, such as the Grand European Tour and France’s Finest, remain very popular, and about 45 percent of our guests also add one of our Pre or Post land extensions before or after their voyage.”

So…What’s Next for the World of River Cruising? 

Chances are, we’ll see quite a few exciting new developments in the river cruise world in years to come. More specialty and themed cruises, as well as new offerings along other major rivers of the world, will likely entice both seasoned river cruisers and younger, more adventurous travelers, while expanded pre- and post-cruise offerings will encourage travelers to spend more time enjoying a river cruise line’s offering while off the ship. 

AmaWaterways Magdalena River

IMAGES

  1. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

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  2. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    gate 1 vs viking river cruises

  3. Complete Guide To Viking River Cruises

    gate 1 vs viking river cruises

  4. Why Gate 1 Travel Is the River Cruise Line for You

    gate 1 vs viking river cruises

  5. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    gate 1 vs viking river cruises

  6. Viking River Cruises

    gate 1 vs viking river cruises

VIDEO

  1. LIVE from Paris, France aboard Viking Radgrid with Michael Consoli

COMMENTS

  1. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    With both lines, U.S. travelers have the choice of booking cruise-only or fly-cruise itineraries. Both lines require a nonrefundable deposit, generally $300 per person for Gate 1 and $500 for ...

  2. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    On the Viking tour, I participated in most of the offered tours; on Gate 1, I mostly chose to explore on my own. I didn't do any of the optional tours on either cruise, so can't compare. Viking stopped in more locations; Gate 1 stopped in fewer locations, but stayed longer. Cabin/Crew. On both cruises, I booked a French Balcony room.

  3. Why Gate 1 Travel Is the River Cruise Line for You

    Here are 10 reasons to love Gate 1 Travel for a river cruise -- and a few that might mean it's not the right company for you. 1. Great Value. Gate 1 Travel offers fantastic value-for-money cruises ...

  4. Discovery Tours by Gate 1 vs Viking River Cruises

    About Viking River Cruises. Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail. We call this the Viking Experience. It's the way your bartender has your drink prepared at ...

  5. Viking River Cruises vs Signature Collection by Gate 1 Travel

    About Viking River Cruises. Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail. We call this the Viking Experience. It's the way your bartender has your drink prepared at ...

  6. Viking River Cruises vs Discovery Tours by Gate 1 Compared

    Easily compare Viking River Cruises vs Discovery Tours by Gate 1. See trusted reviews and trip prices. Find the perfect trip for your travel style and budget. ... Activities Cycling & Biking Small Ship Cruises Safari River Cruises Climbing and Mountaineering Trekking & Camping Hiking & Walking Train & Rail River Rafting Yoga, ...

  7. How Are Gate 1 River Cruises Compared to Viking

    When it comes to river cruises, two prominent names in the industry are Gate 1 Travel and Viking Cruises. Gate 1 Travel stands out with it's tagline

  8. Gate 1 Travel River Cruises Reviews

    Gate 1 Travel River Cruises: Read 24 Gate 1 Travel River Cruises cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

  9. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    Amazing World Cruises. A World of Endless Travel Possibilities. Home; Distinctive Voyages. Glamorous Gustavia 2024 Seven Seas Navigator December 13-23, 2024; Colorful Caribbean Shores Seven Seas Grandeur March 5-19, 2025; Play My Cruise

  10. River Cruise Companies in Europe

    Posted by ChinaLake67. NorthCarolina. 07/08/23 08:36 AM. 924 posts. We have River Cruised with Gate1, Viking, Uniworld, Tauck, AMA. You get what you pay for with Tour Companies. We have been on tours with Rick Steves, Tauck, National Geo., Road Scholar, and BackRoads - all great, just VERY VERY different. We have a friend who is a TA at AAA and ...

  11. Reversing Entropy: Viking vs. Gate 1 river cruise observations

    Viking's ships are almost identical, so if you like the look, you'll not be disappointed on any of their ships. Their French balcony room is small at only 135 sq. ft., compared to a similar room with Gate 1 at 172 sq. ft. Gate 1 leases most of their ships, except the Monarch Empress, which from the video, seems quite nice.

  12. Gate 1 Travel River Cruises

    Cabins: Range from 140 to 260 square feet. All cabins are outside-facing and most feature French balconies. Each ship also has a small number of suites. Dining: There is one main restaurant on the Gate 1 Travel ships. It's set up more like a restaurant on land than a big dining room on a cruise ship, which means tables will be more intimate.

  13. River Cruises

    Comparing our recent Gate 1 Rhein River cruise with another Legendary Journeys Danube River cruise gives me a basis for comparison. Your river boat has more amenities with 2 lounges,2 main outdoor seating/viewing areas, and 2 coffee dispensers. Gate 1's cabins have more storage and bigger showers. The food selection is better on Gate 1.

  14. Best River Cruise Line

    A couple of their river ships are brand new (or within a couple of years old). In my experience, Uniworld is big on tour guide excellence and I wouldn't hesitate to go with them. Posted by Mike. Tampa, FL, USA. 01/12/10 03:22 AM. 417 posts. Have done two Viking cruises. Both were lots of fun.

  15. A comparison of Gate 1 vs Viking

    Just took my 3rd river cruise. I did the first 2 with Viking(Rhine and South of France) and enjoyed them very much. This time we took Gate 1 down the Danube on their new ship. The Gate 1 cruise at the time we booked it was $1000 less per person than the same trip and dates on Viking. I couldn't f...

  16. Scenic vs. Viking River Cruises

    Viking's River Cruise Fleet Is Known for its Longships in Europe, Scenic Offers Space-Ships in Europe and Asia. When it comes to size of the fleet, Viking stands head and shoulders above Scenic ...

  17. Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

    Both had trivia quizzes, and entertainment. Gate 1 had a late-night snack, and tea-time snack, which I don't remember seeing on Viking. Etc. The majority of the passengers on the Viking cruise were from the US. The Gate 1 cruise had a more varied makeup, with passengers from the US, Britain, Australia, Malaysia, and other countries.

  18. Gate 1 River Cruise vs Ama waterways

    August 16, 2006. Florida. #6. Posted November 6, 2017. My wife and I have done over 30 ocean cruises, friends want us to do a river cruise. I want to do a Gate 1 because of the price, any input would be appreciated. We cruised with AMA Waterways this fall, Basel to Amsterdam, and I only have awesome things to say!

  19. 10 to Know Before Your First European River Cruise

    But a European river cruise sounded appealing: smooth water, a new city every morning on a small ship with less than 200 passengers, top-notch food and a customizable mix of culture, lectures and activities. Ten months later, we were flying to Budapest, Hungary to begin our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe on Viking Cruises.

  20. What's Next for River Cruising?

    Many, including Viking, Uniworld and Avalon, are also debuting or have already debuted new ships along the Douro River in Portugal and the Nile River in Egypt.Viking River Cruises, meanwhile, has ...

  21. River Cruises

    River Cruises. Experience multiple European cities for an affordable price by signing up for a cruise along the Danube, Rhine, and Main Rivers. See breathtaking landscapes and castles, superior European museums, and all the sites that travelers have only dreamed of seeing. Danube. Seine & Burgundy.