Viking cruise

[CascadeClone]

How old are your folks? We're 71 and have our own health issues. How much walking you do depends on the shore excursions you book. Some cruise lines offer indications of how much effort is required on a given side trip (easy, moderate, strenuous) so you can use those guidelines.
Remember that many streets over there are cobblestone or the like, and sidewalks are not exactly even. If your folks use canes, make sure the canes have a wide base on them to keep from slipping. You can also choose to take a cab to a specific sight you want to see in a town...the ship concierge can often help you with procuring a cab, We found Uber to be iffy at best.

Also, river cruises tend to market toward older folks Many of them require passengers to be at least 18, and on the cruises we went on, most were 40, going clear up to mid 80s. On a river cruise, your folks might enjoy just sitting and watching the shores go past.

Thanks, this helps. They are 78, just had their 56th anniversary. Dad likes to use a big walking stick, like he is some kind of shepherd lost at WalMart. Rough streets would be tough for him. Mom could probably manage OK.

My biggest challenge might be mom would want to go, but dad wouldn't...

 

[CyclonePigskin]

A few years ago we cruised the Mediterranean on one of Oceania’s “small” ships. Absolutely top drawer IMO, and very accommodating of older clientele, but not limited to older folks. Very good food, no formal attire required. Amenities included a nice little library (in which I discovered Dennis Lehane), a couple of bars, one with nightly entertainment, a casino, a small, front deck swimming pool and hot tub. No children aboard, I think I recall by some policy or rule for that ship, perhaps that cruise. Elevators for guests to traverse floors. Conseirge treatment of baggage.

Some of the shore excursions involved travel by chartered bus, others were just a set period of time ashore with optional guided experience or time on your own.

 

[isufbcurt]

We just booked a Viking cruise for December. Company states average age is early 70s. They also will tell you they have little to no tolerance for individuals who cannot keep up on a tour and are not afraid to send you back to the boat for the day. Probably to as much detail as you are looking for but maybe a starting point.

Their customers service rep probably spent close to 3 hours on 3 different calls going over details before we booked and we felt he was pretty candid.

Sounds like a great "business trip" to make new contacts or even a nice "company trip" to reward the employees for a job well done. Cough Cough

 

[mramseyISU]

I would recommend spending a couple days on the front end of your trip exploring Switzerland. I've been all over Europe and it's one of my favorite countries.

 

[dmclone]

We were in Budapest a few months ago, and I was surprised that the Viking cruises almost seemed like the budget ones there. Having heard what they cost, I can't imagine what the high end boats charge. Maybe this is just a danube thing?

 

[cyhawk3]

Thanks for you guys input. We are mid 50's so like things a little slower paced. We are doing the extension in Lucerne and hopefully doing the gondala up the mountain(if I can convince the wife)
Also doing premium economy for the flights.

 

[CHim]

Not to step too hard on your joke, but Viking does run cruises on the Mississippi. Longest one goes from St Paul all the way to New Orleans. 100% not my thing to float past Dubuque, St Louis, etc., but I think they are pretty popular.

Yours seems more like a scenic ride, I was referencing a pleasure boat.