Tell me about European river cruises? Are

[Anonymous]

They worth it? Did you enjoy the experience?

[Anonymous]

Hantavirus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They worth it? Did you enjoy the experience?

too soon

[Anonymous]

It was fine. I think it would be good if you had limited mobility because it is a convenient way to get around. Food was only ok.

[Anonymous]

I’ve only known old people to do this. They seemed to like it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve only known old people to do this. They seemed to like it.

Viking European River Cruises are popular with older people because they don't allow kids and the pace and activities are geared toward older people. It's also an efficient and cost effective way to see multiple European cities without having to do as much walking or deal with the stress of trains or planes between cities (or renting a car and driving in a foreign country).

The crowd is this mostly retirees, but actual ahea can range from 55 to 90. Average age likely more like 65.

I do know a woman in her 60s who takes them with her adult daughter every year though (daughter is late 20s I think, unmarried) and the daughter seems to enjoy them. But perhaps just embraces the geriatric vibes? Sounds like lots of reading on the decks, naps, and then sightseeing and meals in various cities. Tbh sounds relaxing but I have young kids so maybe that's why this sounds nice to me -- my vacations are not presently relaxing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hantavirus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve only known old people to do this. They seemed to like it.

No, old people aren't the only ones to do this. Even Disney and Tauck offer family river cruises. When we went on Viking, there were honeymooning couples in their 30s, lots of couples in their 50s, and my young adult children: 18; 23; 27.

[Anonymous]

Viking cruises are insanely popular among affluent older people. Because when you are old, you do slow down and the cruises offer a more frictionless way to travel. You're not rushing from hotel to hotel nor are you agonizing over where to eat or what to see. Everything is taken care of. Viking does a great job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve only known old people to do this. They seemed to like it.

Viking European River Cruises are popular with older people because they don't allow kids and the pace and activities are geared toward older people. It's also an efficient and cost effective way to see multiple European cities without having to do as much walking or deal with the stress of trains or planes between cities (or renting a car and driving in a foreign country).

The crowd is this mostly retirees, but actual ahea can range from 55 to 90. Average age likely more like 65.

I do know a woman in her 60s who takes them with her adult daughter every year though (daughter is late 20s I think, unmarried) and the daughter seems to enjoy them. But perhaps just embraces the geriatric vibes? Sounds like lots of reading on the decks, naps, and then sightseeing and meals in various cities. Tbh sounds relaxing but I have young kids so maybe that's why this sounds nice to me -- my vacations are not presently relaxing.

😆 Happy Mother’s Day if you’re the mom in this situation. Loved your description and I’m near the average age (not OP here)

[Anonymous]

Loved the easy access directly into cities. Just walk off the boat and you are there. Beautiful scenery along the way. The ships are small (about 200 people on ours), so none of the crowding issues of ocean cruising; this also means that the amenities are fewer. No huge spa, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Viking cruises are insanely popular among affluent older people. Because when you are old, you do slow down and the cruises offer a more frictionless way to travel. You're not rushing from hotel to hotel nor are you agonizing over where to eat or what to see. Everything is taken care of. Viking does a great job.

My parents LOVE Viking cruises. They travel other ways too, and still ski blacks for example so are still active (gave up waterskiing last year though). Early 70s. They like the access to city centers, the many countries on one itinerary, unpacking once, etc. I think they add excursions to be a bit more active than the average person on their ship but it’s so customizable.

[Anonymous]

A select few cater to families with children.

I know people in their 40s/50s who do a Christmas market River cruise each year with a big group of friends. They seem to have a blast.

Like anything, it comes down to your expectations and what your idea of fun is.

I haven’t done one yet, but I will hopefully do one in the next handful of years. I like the easiness of just walking off the boat and hanging out in a different place for the day. And I can entertain myself each evening. I suspect it will be very relaxing.

[Anonymous]

My parents (I’m 47) diamond last year and loved it. They met a bunch of other boomer Americans and they talked about their lives and their kids lives. The food is good, and try tour guides were great. They got to see a few cities. Honestly, I’d like to do one.

[Anonymous]

My in-laws do at least 2 Viking cruises a year. They’ll sometimes to a Tauck land tour as well if it’s somewhere better seen over land. That’s how they did Italy.