I am considering booking a cruise from Prague to Budapest in October. Is this a good time? I understand there have been problems related to low water levels in the Danube/Rhine. The whole point of the
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I am considering booking a cruise from Prague to Budapest in October. Is this a good time? I understand there have been problems related to low water levels in the Danube/Rhine. The whole point of the trip is the cruise, so if that was not possible, when could I expect to be notified? Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
In the brochures, on the web sites, and on your contract if you have already booked the cruise, the companies make general, and in some cases specific, comments about what happens if low water or other conditions beyond the control of the company prevents completion of the cruise as advertised. Frequently it involves motor coach transportation around the obstruction. If that happens there is frequently some compensation offered, at least a discount on a future cruise. Read what you can find and then call the company representative and ask the specific question.
We cruised the Rhine in late October and the Danube last year in mid- November. The only problem we encountered was low water in Nuremberg, our embarkation port. We were bused down river a ways to Berching, Germany. The cruise line notified us via e-mail of the change. Those without internet access while abroad, learned of the change when they arrived at the port in Nuremberg. Fall is a lovely time to cruise in Europe, no crowds, temperate weather and ships that are 2/3 full. I would highly recommend a fall river cruise.
I took the Vantage River cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam twice. Both trips were in the fall, the first the end of Sept. then into Oct.,the second one mid-October to the end of the month. On neither trip was low water a problem, however, the captain was always mindful of that possibility. Fall is such a beautiful time to be cruising the Danube and Rhine. If you want to do some stunning photography the fall colors are lovely and there are many fewer tourists. Hope you have a wonderful cruise!
I have an additional question to ask here. My husband and I have never done a river cruise and we're concerned that we will not get a good taste of the cities, that the cruise will be more like a "drive by". Neither of us are shoppers so we're not interested in the shopping areas of a city; we are more interested in enjoying the culture, arts, people, etc. We wonder it there is enough time to get a real experience in any one place. I'd appreciate hearing your comments on such travel. Thank you.
In the brochures, on the web sites, and on your contract if you have already booked the cruise, the companies make general, and in some cases specific, comments about what happens if low water or other conditions beyond the control of the company prevents completion of the cruise as advertised. Frequently it involves motor coach transportation around the obstruction. If that happens there is frequently some compensation offered, at least a discount on a future cruise. Read what you can find and then call the company representative and ask the specific question. Posted by Captain Larry
Actually, most companies are very clear in their brochures that they reserve the right to make changes to transportation and/or itinerary based on water levels. There were a number of people this past fall who indicated on the Cruise Critic river cruise forums that they ended up with bus trips, and there was no refund or recompense offered.
Fall is a wonderful time to cruise the rivers in Europe - and we have done 2 river cruises in the fall months - but we did so realizing that the rivers may end up too low to sail.
I have an additional question to ask here. My husband and I have never done a river cruise and we're concerned that we will not get a good taste of the cities, that the cruise will be more like a "drive by". Neither of us are shoppers so we're not interested in the shopping areas of a city; we are more interested in enjoying the culture, arts, people, etc. We wonder it there is enough time to get a real experience in any one place. I'd appreciate hearing your comments on such travel. Thank you. Posted by jmacdona2@aol.com
We have done 4 river cruises so far... our 5th booked this May. We find that we enjoy the "taste" of each stop. - realizing there usually isn't time for "in depth". There is usually a walking tour included - with free time to follow. The local guides are very knowledgeable - and we find we learn quite a bit about the local geopraphy, culture, history etc.
When I took my last river cruise it was in winter for the Christmas Markets. The big worry then was water being too high. The group right before us had to do most of the tour via bus because of high waters. Fortunately everything turned out great for us. Saw a fair amount of the cities with lots of spare time to wander. And because the boats are right at the river age you can come and go as desired. I am taking my 3rd river cruise with Uniworld this April for the Tulips & Windmills with the Floriade as an added bonus.
All river cruises are at the mercy of Mother Nature. You could potentially face high water in the spring and low water anytime...if there is drought. Most times...the levels are not a huge problem. Of course...this Fall was the exception for a little while. All lines need an 'escape' clause in the cruise contract in case of low levels. The rivers can change in short period of time and you may not get much notice. Not much different on any ocean going cruise either...rough waters can keep ships from tendering and hurricanes can completely change your itinerary. Insurance is as vital as an open mind when cruising. A good travel agent can be worth their weight in gold.
