Looking to do Viking Cruise in Europe next year for our 35th anniversary. Looking at 8 day probably, but can't decide Rhine or Danube. Thoughts or experiences? We've only done Ocean cruises before.

Lots to consider in choosing between the 2 rivers. Would you say you are a history buff? Or do you love castles and wineries. I will be touring several vessels in the spring. If you are not working with a travel advisor my contact info is in my bio. River cruising is a lot different than ocean vessels

There's not a wrong answer. We've done both and loved both. We spent a few days in Switzerland before our Rhine cruise with Avalon, and another couple of days in Amsterdam on the back end. On our Danube cruise (with Viking) we did a long weekend in Prague and they bussed us to the river. At the end of the cruise, we spent another long weekend in Budapest. If you forced an answer out of me, I would say I probably preferred the Danube, but on the other hand, it was the last of the two, so there's recency bias. I would also say that while both cruise companies did a great job, Viking was a touch better to me. They seemed to go the extra mile.

Look into Riverside Cruises as well. They bought all of the river boats from Crystal when they sold them post-COVID. These are some great ships.

https://riverside-cruises.com/en/

Clavell said:

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Looking to do Viking Cruise in Europe next year for our 35th anniversary. Looking at 8 day probably, but can't decide Rhine or Danube. Thoughts or experiences? We've only done Ocean cruises before.

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my folks did a Danube Cruise while I drove from Prague / Bratislava/ Budapest meeting them on the way. they enjoyed it.

seems like you are old- so if you like being around other old people then you will enjoy.

I did a shorter Rhine River cruise but it was mostly Germany.

I prefer the Danube.

Thanks, the problem I'm having is I'm more the history guy so would lean toward the Danube, but not so much my wife. We've also not been to Germany, so maybe Rhine would still be ok. Oh well, don't think I could go wrong.

Side note: 65 IS NOT OLD!!!
J/k

Wife and I did the 8 day Viking cruise on the Danube in 2023. We had a wonderful time. Passau, Germany to Budapest. Stops in Linz, Vienna and Krems in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia. Highly recommended.

Both are great options. Just retuned from the Rhne in the south of France which was very nice..
We travel Uniworld and love it.
If you're a Costco member, use Costco travel and get the Costco rebates which are significant.

We have done both rivers with Viking and for me the Rhine seemed to go my more industrial areas than the Danube. Plus saw more naked sunbathers on the Danube.

I thought Costco stopped offering Viking cruises?