{"id":5748,"date":"2016-05-01T07:51:00","date_gmt":"2016-05-01T12:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?p=5748"},"modified":"2020-12-28T13:08:57","modified_gmt":"2020-12-28T18:08:57","slug":"danube-river-cruise-may-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyingplates.com\/?p=5748","title":{"rendered":"Danube river cruise May 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This was my first river cruise! I had heard a lot about them but still had lots of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First off, let\u2019s talk about the price. River cruises definitely seem more expensive than oceanic cruises or rather they cost more upfront. But when you compare what is included in the price, then, the price difference disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a river cruise, you have more inclusions: wine and beer are generally included with your meals, as is the WIFI connection and your excursions. Those are big ticket items on oceanic cruises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The size of the ship is obviously different, while oceanic cruises can welcome between 2 and 5 thousand guests, a river cruise vessel will hold an average of 150 passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That translates into a lot less walking between your stateroom and the main gathering areas. There usually are three levels on the river cruise ship, plus a top outside deck, one main dining room and a separate bar\/snack\/lounge area. There is usually a small exercise room and a small hairdressing salon, there may even be a small pool and\/or hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of small, the staterooms are not large either, yet they have everything you need. Having a window or some form of balcony helps\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantage of river cruising is that you dock close to the center of the cities you will be visiting, so no long bus rides needed to get to the attractions. You can often walk off the ship and into town. Also sailing on a river you means always have a view of your surroundings: hills, villages, castles, vineyards\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truth be told, the pace is slower on a river cruise in good part because there are so many locks to go through. At times you will leave the ship in the morning and join back with it later, further down river, as they will continue moving while you explore, to save you some of those locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mind you, more and more lines offer excursions that are more active such as bicycling rides and hiking, for the more energetic passengers (bicycles are provided free of charge). As with oceanic cruises, it is important to choose a line that caters to your interests and energy level. Look out for themed cruises, like wine, or music, or gastronomy\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With such a smaller number of passengers you will soon know everyone as well as the staff. This can be a blessing or a curse. Traveling with friends can ensure you have like-minded traveling companions, but usually the mood is cheerful and you quickly find fun people to mingle with. We were very lucky on this trip as we met up with a great group and although we did not spend every minute together, we were always happy to meet up at supper time to exchange impressions of the day over a great meal and a nice bottle of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last general comment before I start with my story. The time of year\/ weather matter for a river cruise. If you choose to travel in August after a dry summer, the rivers may be too low for the ships to sail, so they will remain docked and you will be ferried by bus to the various planned ports of call… not the same experience. On the other hand, in early spring if there has been a lot of snow melting and rain, the rivers can be very hight, thus making it is a challenge to pass under some lower bridges… Although they can remove everything from the top deck and even lower the command post, it can impact your cruise as the captain may need to hurry before the river swells too much thus skipping some activities or shortening some stops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first two rivers to “host” river cruises were the Danube and the Rhine. A variety of other options have since been added, but I opted for the Danube for my first experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We boarded the ship in Regensburg, <\/strong>formerly known as Ratisbon,<\/strong> which turned out to be a wonderful discovery as we arrived ahead of time and had time to explore this lovely medieval city. (Some people got on earlier, further upriver, after visiting Prague).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stayed at a stately hotel which was interestingly outfitted in a modern decor: the Park Hotel Maximilian, within walking distance of the train station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On that first day we walked around getting a feel for the place…<\/p>\n\n\n\n