DON'T CRUISE With AMA or Viking Before You Watch This! Affordable European River Cruise Options

There is a bit of insurance in Viking. While we cruised 2 weeks their was a barge that blocked the Danube near a bridge do to grounding, cruise boats could not get through. On Viking we simply packed our bags, went on a tour, and were swapped to another Viking ship that was blocked on the other side. both ships simply switched direction. We got the same room as all ships are the same. Other ships could not continue, and were canceled mid cruise. Try finding a hotel in August in Europe for that many people, or nearby airports (if you booked your own flights you had to find way home)! Viking has so many ships heading in both directions they can easily do this. Other lines are not as busy and can't do the swap.

I have cruised the Donau/Danube and Seine AMAWaterways and the Rhein/Rhine on Uniworld. My impression was that the cheaper lines were basically floating hotels, errrr… make that motels. By contrast, I would compare my cruises on AMA and Uniworld to visiting all-inclusive resorts with very good restaurants, comfortable common areas, entertainment, amenities, and included tours. They were environments that engendered interactions with other passengers. I would suggest taking a cruise on AMA and Viking, lines with two very different “philosophies,” and then updating this video in a manner reflecting those experiences. You could then at least partially answer the question about whether AMA and Viking are worth the cost difference. FWIW, I might consider a cruise on one of the cheaper lines, but I’d likely experience some regret and frustration. Also, consider revising this video to include more about on-board food, on-board entertainment, common areas, interactions with other passengers, WiFi, ….

Thoroughly enjoyed your video! I’m going on a Viking cruise in November and paying a fortune, lol! I’m a senior and travel alone, not that that’s a problem for myself but sure hate paying extras for being single. I’m definitely going to be looking into the different more budget options and “THANK YOU SO MUCH” for doing this video, as I’m hoping to be able to take many more River Cruises but, not at Viking prices. Just had my passport renewed for “10 years” and I’m 80, lol! Lookout everyone, here I come! ❤😂🥰🤣👍

I am from the UK and have just come back from a Main / Rhein river cruise from Nuremburg to Dusseldorf over 9 nights. It cost £1600 for the top grade cabin, but this was all that was left. It also included return flights from UK to Germany and chauffeur pickups from our house. All drinks with meals were included and all excursions, although there wew a few added optional ones. I would say this was a 4* experience, not quite 5*, but the price reflects that. Definitely targets the more mature passenger with the youngest being about 55 and the oldest 88+, although you do have to physically capable of the walking and stairs etc. Some of the gangways to get ashore were very steep as the water level was so low. The company was Titan and all passengers were from the UK. I would definitely use them again, although the Viking and other ships did look smarter to ours. However, we had a great time and saw loads of lovely places, ate plenty of lovely food and drank copious amounts of excellent German wines

We’ve cruised with Uniworld, Avalon, and Viking. We enjoyed the service, the attention to detail, and the food. We get away to relax and be pampered and we did just that. 😊

So i think there's another perspective here. The "cruise" is far more than just the vessel itself. Perhaps if you are coming from an ocean-going cruise, you perspective might emphasize the physical ship and it's amenities like swimming pools, shows, casinos, etc. In contrast, pretty much all the river boats in Europe essentially look the same. The ships are limited in width, length, and depth by the locks, bridges, and shallow rivers. The cynic in me makes me think of all the ships as glorified river barges. So, instead of touting the ship itself, the cruise lines differentiate themselves on service, inclusions, activities, and, to a minor extent, decor. Where the difference between the cruise operators comes in is: The quantity, variety, and quality of the tours. The inclusions. The dining experience. The professionalism and attentiveness of the staff. From my past trips, it's plain to see that the target market tends to be people who are interested in seeing places of cultural, religious, historical, and governmental significance. It's a different crowd than you find on an ocean going cruise. Your AMA ticket includes several levels of activity at each port of call - from gentle walking tours, faster paced tours, and even bicycle tours. There are often several morning and afternoon tours to choose from. The tour guides are licensed by the location you are touring and may have an express privilege to help you skip long lines so you spend more of your time touring instead of waiting around in line. The staff on AMA has always been excellent - friendly, hardworking, caring and go out of their way to ensure your needs/requests are being met. On board laundry is very inexpensive and you get your clothes back the same day. You don't have to pack suitcases full of clothes. The food on board is amazing. Meals reflect the local cuisine of the region you are in with fresh seasonal produce used in the preparation of the meals. Meals are beautifully prepared dishes by the chefs from a menu that usually includes several special dinners for the night with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. You are free to substitute, exclude, pull in items off other menu choices.... There are also the "usual" items for when you want to eat simpler fare. There's complementary coffee and tea all day, some kind of mineral/fruit water to fill your bottles. Beer and good wine are included during meals - including sparkling wine at breakfast. The AMA boats are all in good repair - the sailing staff are constantly maintaining and polishing and cleaning. House keeping is immaculate. There are pre-touring briefings to help you decide which of possibly many included activities you might want to join the next day. There are local musicians and performers that come on board to entertain. It's not a large production, just something local performed with pride and authenticity. So, when I pay all that money to get to Europe, take that precious time off work, and deal with the stresses and uncertainties of international travel, I ask myself, is it worth saving $1500 and continuing the uncertainties or do I just want to get on with an amazing vacation that I'll remember fondly forever?

I feel like watching this video has already saved me thousands of Euros. I always thought river cruises were all very expensive, but you’re showing how affordable they can actually be. This video is awesome!

Morgan, I appreciate what you are doing, I see it as showing those of us that are priced out of the 'Big Brand Name' river cruise market that there are options. It is opening river cruising to a market segment that would have never cruised AMA or VIKING, not trying to get people to change. We are avid and seasoned ocean cruisers and have been interested in trying a river cruise but have not been even remotely close to booking one because of the very high pricing. We are loyal Carnival cruisers and are very happy with the product for the price we pay, not everyone would be (or are) and that would be the same with river cruising. When you did your Viva videos I was really excited to learn that a more affordable option existed for the English speaking cruiser and presented us with options we were not previously aware of. VIKING or AMA will not have lost a customer if we do cruise with VIVA or NICKO as we would have never paid that amount even knowing there are 'extras' included. Included items only bring value if they are used or needed. Once again thank you for showing us new things and options. Edited to add that we see ads here in Atlantic Canada for Viking, AMA and Avalon for Europe and Viking and American Cruise Lines in US and a few in Canada on the Great Lakes.

We’ve been on 5 Viking River & ocean cruises & will stick with them. I can only compare them to the large cruise lines like Celebrity, Holland American, & Carnival. No kids, no casinos (don’t gamble or desire all that noise). Once you repeat a Viking cruise, you get many perks & discounts, so that’s an added bonus. All excursions are included daily but you can purchase added activities or just explore on your own. So much freedom. The staff is friendly & they really do get to know all your individual “likes”. Food is phenomenal & on Ocean cruises, you have other restaurants to choose from without additional charge. Many times, the airfare is offered free! There’s no formal dining, all is very casual. If there’s hiccups on the trip (water levels too high or low, timing issues, etc), Viking always has a plan B that seems effortless for them & many times was actually better than the original plan. Also, since the ships are smaller with less guests, the staff to guest ratio is high. You really get to meet the other guests & pretty much know everyone by the end of the trip. Can you say that about the oversized cruise ships out there? Viking has it down! I won’t stray.

If round trip airfare, all excursions, drink packages are included, then the value comparison changes. What you don’t see in the brochures, is the brand name and reputation, dealing with issues, compensation with travel issues etc. Sometimes you can’t put a price on that, my friends on a Viking Cruise were compensated for low water conditions on a Viking Cruise, alternate transportation were provided for them.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I found this vlog about 5 weeks ago. So I started researching immediately. I have always wanted to go on a Daneu or Rein River cruise, but I could not justify 7-8k for 7 night cruise. I am happy to say we booked on the Nikko Melodie which is the sister ship that you were on, Nikko Symphonie. We booked the top level so we could have the full length window and sliding door. We depart on 29th of September in Basel and visit 4 countries. Our cabin was $1100 pp. yes I will add the drink package for another $190, but will not add the excursion package. In my book you are a true influencer. I am so so glad that we found you and this discussion. Thank you, thank you. I will report back to you when we return. Did I say how happy I am to return to Amsterdam !!!

Thank you for mentioning that the food on Nicko was better than Tiara. With all the food we ate for 14 days, I only gained 1 pound. I’m convinced they are putting something in the US food to make us gain weight! Been home 2 weeks and already fighting to not gain weight.

Thank you for pointing out the price differences! I would love to do a river cruise in Europe but I knew they were expensive. However, this makes me feel like it is a possibility! Thank you Morgan!!!

Another thing you might look into are river barges. My sister went on one in France and loved it! (For those who are really cost conscious!)

I am glad to see your river cruise comparison. I booked a Russian river trip with Viking just mainly to see Russia, the ship was old and cost more, well then the War with Ukraine started so my trip was cancelled by Viking and changed to France to Basel. I look for Business class flight to France and the Viking air Department quoted a high price, I found myself a much better rate on air France, so do not trust their air department! On arrival to France, Had to wait a long time to get my room in the Hotel, it was somehow chaotic with the Viking staff. On arrival to the River boat, everyone was invited to the welcoming talk, drinks were offered, I do not drink alcoholic drink so I just ask for a coke instead, the waiter immediately asked for my cruise card and charged the coke..? I had to go to front desk to correct the charges. Regarding their tour, some local guides walk fast, talk fast and was a marathon to chase the tour guides, I did not enjoy the fast pace on uneven european road. Food was not exceptional. I was not impressed with Viking. I will explore other venues in the future

We did this cruise on Viking in June of this year. We received round trip airfare from Virginia, airport transfers, excursions and beer and wine at lunch and dinner. The airfare was a big decider for us. The fare was 3200 each and it was great. The food was also fantastic per my wife.

I’ll always take an AMA river cruise. The whole experience was beyond excellent. Large cabins, excellent food, wonderful staff.

Awesome info, thank you!

Avalon is one we see a lot of advertisements for as well. (Located in Delaware, USA). The price point for Viking leaves me with my jaw on the ground. I have over 25 Ocean Cruises, including 3 trans atlantic, and have sailed with MSC, Norwegian, Oceana, Princess, Celebrity and Carnival. I am a "bargain cruiser" (Think Emma), and choose to look for the best deal on the itinerary that interests me. Thank you for sharing what you consider to be an affordable river cruise option. The air fare would drive our price point up, but I like to see these options. One of the wonderful things about the river cruises, is that you can explore on your own!

We have cruised four times on Croisi River cruises, a family-owned French line with great food and beverages included. There are always some English speaking passengers, and the crew is multi lingual. Tours are frequently included, and prices well below Viking and other “premium  lines