DAVE'S As TO YOUR Qs

Truly, you can not go wrong on any of them. However, each river has a unique aura.

The Upper Danube harkens back to the days of the Hapsburg Empire with stops in Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and the gorgeous towns and villages along the way with their old abbeys, delightful cultural displays and bridge to a bygone era.

The Lower Danube brings you through the Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, of one of the most diverse parts of Europe and along the natural beauty of jaw dropping landscapes like the famed Iron Gates.

The Rhine is dominated by castles and fairy tale-like history. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you thru the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its river banks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike: bookended by the excitement of Amsterdam and the majesty of Switzerland. Connect the Rhine with the story book beauty of the Mosel or the Main and you have truly mesmerising trip.

All the French rivers combine historic Chateaux and gardens, culture, culinary treasures and the sun kissed vineyards that have made French wines the envy of the world. Whether Bordeaux, Burgundy, Normandy or Provence you can’t go wrong.

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country.

Egypt and the Nile give you the chance to explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and much more.

Our crown jewel journey gives you the chance to explore Africa by river, rail, bush and water safari. From Cape Town to Johannesburg, Victoria Falls to Kruger Park, not only will you experience the best of what Africa has to offer, from the Big 5 to incredible culinary experiences, but you will be pampered every step of the way.

Cruise along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life. Combine this with a trip to Angkor to experience the wonders of the ancient world.

There are so many choices, none of them wrong, and I can help you find the best choice for your tastes and dreams.

Everyone has different tastes and budgets and the Rive Cruise King has options for everyone. Want to stretch your budget because you’re more interested in the overall cruise than the cabin? Than the entry level cabins are right for you: I will tell you which lines have the nicest ones. Do you need to have fresh air, but still want to stretch that budget? Than the a nice French balcony cabins give you floor to ceiling windows that you can open. Love the idea of a step out balcony? Many lines offer a step out balcony to give you endless viewing pleasure regardless of the weather. Some lines have both! Want more space? Step up to the highest level class cabins for more room and different bathroom configurations. Of course, there are also suites with butler service and luxury amenities. I can send you in the right direction to the right line, ship and cabin!

Would you believe that the change of seasons changes your experience on each river so that you can sail the same river during different times of the year and it will be a different trip every time. Spring time is when the flora and fauna are bursting forth after the long, dark Winter. Summer is the time of the great outdoors: cafes, nature walks, gorgeous weather. Fall ushers in the harvest and the gorgeous colours as the hills turn red, orange and gold. Christmas markets dominate the landscape during the Advent season and snow flurries give you the holiday feels.

If the ships are sailing, it’s a good time to go!

From time to time the rivers can be too low or too high for ships to complete their journey as planned. Some lines combat that problem with ships that can sail ín very low waters so they cab continue their itineraries while their competitors are moored.

However, if it happens that water levels affect your trip, cruise lines first will do everything possible to continue your vacation as scheduled, but will give you a very generous credit for any missed ports or activities. They also will sometimes do a ship swap and trade guests from one ship on one side of the low water to a ship on the other side. This allows guests to continue cruising.

Most lines start and ends every river cruise with a specially designed land package that shows off the highlights of its embarkation and disembarkation city points. These land packages are generally hosted by the same cruise manager that will lead your cruise and tours and transfers are included. Some people like to do their own thing in each city which is also fine / some people do a combo by adding extra nights to allow for private touring, too.. While some others will do an cruise line arrival package and their own post or vice versus. Be sure I can help you decide what is best for you.

While the cruise line does everything they can to accommodate those with mobility issues, many venues that are visited by the tours are not accessible for those with severe mobility problems. Some ships have elevators that take guests from the lowest passenger areas to the top floor, however most elevators can't reach the top Deck.

Many lines also offer scooter rentals which can be arranged ahead of time, however, it must be noted that due to the way that river ships often dock side by side, the passenger contract insists that guests be able to embark and disembark the ship on their own. If you have concerns, let me know and I will give you my honest feedback.