Viking River Cruises

That's what I heard, that is aimed for the older crowd. I honestly would love to go on one. Ha fh and I are not huge into parties so this would be awesome for us

Oh ok. We probably wouldn't mind too much either, but we want to explore and be more active and I think everything is already planned for you, so it might not be catered to us then. It's so tempting with everything included because it will add up if stay at hotels and eat.

Following. I'm interested too.

I did a lot of research and for the most part you can go and explore on your own you just need to make sure you are back in time for certain things.

I'd look at Viking and Avalon too. It seems slated that way because they are costly. I would love, love, love to go to six European cities and not have to unpack. Win!

Or you can get a private room in a hostel, cook your own breakfast and eat from farmers' markets for lunch, splurge on dinners and meet people from around the world your own age instead of a bunch of American retirees from gated communities.

Thanks @Randee that's great to know.

@Celia I know. The not packing would be the best part of it.

@Emilyg I really like that idea. I work for a hotel chain, so if I stay with them we might be able to stay there for cheaper. We might have to be flexible since the discounts are harder to get in Europe. Where do you normally research for hostels? Are they going to be on websites like Tripadvisor?

I love them! Even my parents love staying in hostels. Real printed guidebooks are your friend here- try your local library if you don't want to buy them. Lonely Planet is my go-to. Lots of folks like Rock Steves too (he also had great minimalist packing advice. Don't try to follow his itineraries though, you'll run yourselves ragged. My rule of thumb- one city as your base to explore plus 2 daytrips per week. Stick to one country. Otherwise you get travel fatigue, and one month after you get home, everything is a huge blur and you barely even recognize your photos)

Avoid websites like hostels.com like the plague, they're full of fake reviews and under the table hostels. Tripadvosor it's a good way to narrow down once you've got a shortlist from the books.

I've been on like 10 Royal Caribbean cruises and have always had a great time...if you're thinking about a different cruise line.

Hey Emily, us old people can be fun.

Emily - way to be ageist. "Old people" can definitely be fun too.

To the OP - I've had people tell me the same thing about Princess cruise line (that it is older for retirees) but I like to take 10 day vacations or longer if I can, and if I'm in the mood for beaches and islands then I like to cruise. If I'm looking for cultural things I tend to book land tours and find budget accommodations. My friend's mom and her friend went on one and said it was the best trip they've taken; I believe they were on the Danube.

@WolfWedding2016 and @Cathy thank you! I haven't known anyone that has been on one, but they look awesome. I think it would be a good compromise with FH because open oceans freak him out. He has said he isn't a big fan of cruises, but would like one of a river.