Virtual Ship Tour of Riverboat Cruise Ship with Award Winning Amenities. If anyone has cruised on Princess - (combination land, water, train ride), I would love to hear about your experience. In cabins with balcony, there's a ramp to access the outside space. All Rights Reserved. Alaska is a pristine state with unparalleled natural beauty that draws thousands of travelers from all over the world every year. Vikings new expedition ships have a protected slip that allows passengers to board small Zodiac vessels inside, as opposed to doing so while exposed to outdoor elements. The cruise was actually 9/25 to 10/2/2022 round trip from Seattle. If youre in a wheelchair, Princess Cruises are easy to maneuver. The line offers all-suite, ultra-luxury ships in both ocean and expedition categories. Holland America cruise line (HAL) has long been popular with seniors, both for the destinations where they travel and entertainment options onboard. Chair hoists are available at the pools on Ventura, Aurora, Azura and Britannia. A cruise is a top options for those that are looking to travel to different places without having to worry about constantly moving around and walking.Many cruise lines offer various accessibility features that can accommodate guests with all kinds of disabilities including seniors with limited mobility. As the states largest, Alaska is known for its natural beauty. Royal Caribbean. Seward also has many other sightseeing opportunities. If you're looking for a traditional, British cruise experience, aimed at more mature passengers, with comfortable rather than ultra-modern ships, and some imaginative itineraries, Fred. Not only will you get to see everything Alaska has to offer, but youll also enjoy all the onboard pampering. On your cruise to Alaska, you can explore the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park and all Alaska has to offer. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What to Expect on a Cruise: Boarding a Cruise Ship, Windstar Yachts vs. Windstar Sailing Ships. See the original Klondike Trail of 1898 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune. There are so many great ship options when it comes to sailing the Inside Passage, and you can choose the one that hits the spots you want to see most. Wheelchair accessible toilets are on Deck 10, by the Avon restaurants, and Deck 7, by the Neptune Lounge. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. All of Silversea's ships (except expedition vessels) accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Azamara also accommodates special needs passengers with accessible cabins. Weekend getaways and great cruise specials. Review for .css-nczv9q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;font-weight:500;}.css-nczv9q:hover,.css-nczv9q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nczv9q:focus-visible,.css-nczv9q[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Norwegian Sun to Alaska, Cabin Type: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom, Review for Serenade of the Seas to Alaska. Adonia, the smallest ship in the fleet, has particularly high door thresholds and steep ramps. Our partners who list cruise pricing on Cruise Critic are required to provide prices for cruise only or cruise packages, per person, double occupancy, and are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Accessible Cruise Ships (Photo: Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock). The ships pharmacy is stocked with basic medications, including seasickness medicine, aspirin, and other common remedies. The same applies to destinations like Greenland and Iceland, South America, and the South Pacific. Regents newest ships, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur are well known for their extravagant and massive Regent Suites. A cruise is an excellent way to visit the Last Frontier. Theyre particularly known for their cruises to Alaska, so you know youre in good hands here in fact, theyve won awards for their Alaskan cruises! After 12 adventure-filled days of up-close photo encounters with calving glaciers, grizzly bears, moose, singing whales, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and that mellow, neighborly creature known as "The Local," our Celebrity Alaska Cruise tour was already the vacation of a lifetime. There are wildlife/glacier cruises (Kenai Fjords) from Seward, about 125 miles south of Anchorage. On Alaska cruises to Glacier Bay National Park, enjoy privileged park access and talks from rangers and Huna Tlingit guides. (The transpacific crossing in this review heading was actually the following week from 10/2 to?? The same applies to destinations like. You can customize your Alaskan experience by taking interesting excursions like the flightseeing safari in Anchorage. Whether youre admiring the green hills of Ireland, getting up close to koalas and kangaroos down under in Australia, seeing the magnificent mountains and glaciers of Alaska, exploring the temples of busy Hong Kong, or unwinding on the white-sand beaches of a sunny Caribbean Island, youll sail to your destination on one of our luxury ships with fully-equipped and thoughtfully designed accessible features for seniors with disabilities. .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}P&O Cruises operates eight ships, with a ninth, a megaship, due in 2020. Here are the story and our tips for the best Alaska tours for . The 3,100-passenger Azura has 25 adapted cabins, including one of the top suites on Riviera deck, while the 2,016-passenger Oceana has 17, again, across all grades. Customer Support Hours. The quaint, historic village of Talkeetna is the base of activity for North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly McKinley). Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Valdez, Seward, Kenai Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Regions Western USA, Alaska Travel Style Family, Group +4 more Operated in English Operator Trafalgar -10% Tour length 10 days Price per day $382 From $4,239 US $3,815 You save: $423 Download Brochure View tour View Map Explorer Grand Alaskan Adventure Accessible shore excursions in private, adapted vehicles can be arranged via the cruise line, but you need to send in a questionnaire in good time before cruising. Disabled Tours in Alaska Natural Habitat Adventures The official conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, offering custom and small group tours to nature's greatest sites. Tauck also offers chartered expedition sailings to bucket-list destinations like the Arctic and Antarctica. MORE INFORMATION Call our Access Department at (866) 592-7225, or send an e-mail to special_needs@rccl.com, or have your local travel agent or International Representative contact us. Personalize your cruise experience with tasty Drink Packages, delicious Specialty Restaurants, exciting Excursions, pampering Spa Treatments and Internet Packages to share your adventures. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. CMV recommends Mobility at Sea as a supplier of equipment for disabled passengers, but includes a fairly strongly-worded warning on its website that older ships can be challenging for wheelchair users and passengers with other disabilities. Silversea has even been named the best cruise line for senior citizens, and the service is sure to leave you speechless. When not bent over her laptop or prancing around on stage, Dara can be found binge-watching Netflix, making endless to-do lists, or reading a sci-fi book. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Alaska Railroad Corporation. Whether you're looking for a cruise with great food, amazing views, or plenty . Olsen recommends Boudicca as the most wheelchair-friendly of its ships, as the adapted cabins are larger. Visit exclusive locations that were the recipients of the New Testament letters. A partnership with BBC Earth on some voyages brings extra enrichment on board. For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Scooters up to 56cm wide will only be allowed in cabins suitable for non-collapsible wheelchairs and scooters, while larger scooters will only be allowed in fully adapted cabins. From your veranda, you can go whale watching as you sail through the Alaskan waters! Shore excursions to historical sites and museums are common. Seabourn Cruise Line cruises the world from Australia and New Zealand, Asia, India, Africa, Antarctica, Alaska, and the Caribbean, to the Arctic, Northern Europe, and more. Enjoy the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary in Ketchikan or go on the Chilkoot Horseback Adventure in Skagway the choices are nearly endless! Then select the date for . One of the most peaceful places to live in Alaska is also one of the safest - Ketchikan. Most passengers are upward of 55 years, although you will see an occasional family traveling with younger children, making it one of the best cruise lines for seniors who want to take along the grandkids. On its small ship cruises, the Tauck guides help passengers figure out their expedition gear, for example, or coordinate logistics on a charter flight. Accommodation details for the new Spirit of Discovery have not yet been released, but we do know that all 540 cabins have a private balcony and there will be wheelchair-accessibility across most grades. Summer cruises to Alaska are great for a memory-making multigenerational vacation when the kids are out of school and parents can use up their vacation days. Spa Holidays, Package Tours, City Breaks, Cultural Holidays. 8. Many visitors opt to experience the park's coastal fjords, tidewater glaciers, and abundant marine wildlife aboard a day cruise. One of the most luxurious cruise lines available, Holland America goes above and beyond to show its guests a great time. Staterooms specially . Related: What It's Like Sailing the Great Lakes With Viking. Seniors who want to get their dressy duds out of the closet will be in heaven; the most casual nights onboard still require a cocktail dress. Read on for our list of the best cruises for seniors and find the line that checks all of your boxes before booking your next cruise. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. Youll appreciate learning about Alaskas rich history and Native traditions, feasting on some of the best Alaskan seafood, and visiting places you never thought youd see! Because a lot of the passengers are elderly, the crew are used to dealing with passengers with different abilities and are kind and sympathetic. Viking River Cruises endeavors to reasonably accommodate special access needs, but they cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so in all cases. Enjoy the perks of traveling on a cruise ship for guests with disabilities. Your email address will not be published. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Why Viking Is Great for Senior Cruisers: Viking goes deep on education, both with its shore excursions and onboard programming. Large print menus are also available in all dining venues. NOTE: Azamara paused cruises to Alaska due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they should offer Alaskan destinations again soon! Passengers need to share the type of oxygen cylinder, quantity, and delivery schedule before boarding. You'll also find resident historians that give lectures that relate to Viking's ocean itineraries. Fairbanks, Alaska's "Golden Heart City," is the last stop on the northbound Alaska Railroad. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of March 4th, 2023. GoldStar Dome Alaska Railroad cars, and the Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer private dome cars all have elevators to their second-level seating areas. Viking Cruises to Alaska provide opulent cruising to some of the worlds most picturesque places. EF Go Ahead Tours, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers small group tours with 14 to 38 guests. Because it begins and ends in Vancouver BC there is no need for a stop in Victoria. THE 25 BEST Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska We found you 192 cruise s Filter Sort: Popularity Cruisers' Choice Norwegian. Everything is carefully thought out, right down to highlighting which excursions are best for those who are less mobile. Passenger trains are wheelchair accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. And while it is still a remote, and oftentimes, wild place to visit, our tourism infrastructure has grown to accommodate travelers with mobility limitations. Took friends on a 12 day of Alaska to show them the advantages of ocean cruising and show off Alaska. With renowned naturalist guides, our goal is to provide life-enhancing travel experiences while supporting environmental and wildlife conservation. Ketchikan Pub Crawl This tour is rated 'easy' in regards to activity level but guests must be able to walk (or wheelchair) over the course . Call us at 1-888-441-7575 or book online. In this article, I'll show you the top 10 best Alaska cruises for seniors that will be enjoyable and memorable. Oxygen cylinders are allowed on board. Celebritys luxury cruise ships sail to over 300 destinations and 79 countries on all seven continents of the world. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. No prices currently available for this sailing. Not only are there accessible staterooms, but there are even accessible excursions! Depending on the ship, specialty restaurants include the French fare at Le Dame by Relais & Chateaux; Indochine and Seishin, serving Asian-inspired cuisine; or La Terrazza, honoring the Italian heritage of the family-owned cruise line. We recommend submitting an SRI upon booking or a . Top marks to P&O for having a clearly explained section on its website for cruisers with special needs, right down to sections on door widths on each ship and ports where the gangway might be too steep for a less mobile person to go ashore. Regent is our favourite cruise line and we chose this cruise to coincide with the celebration (a year late due to Covid) of our Golden Wedding Anniversary.Having flown into Calgary we stayed over before transferring to the Rimrock Hotel enjoying a day in the Banff national park before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for a two day journey from Banff to Vancouver prior to our Alaskan cruise. Assistance dogs are allowed on board cruises where all ports of call fit into the EU's Pet Passport scheme. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, has 15 ocean-view single-occupancy cabins. Dara is a travel writer, political news junkie, and part-time actress. Ever lasting forests as far as the eye can see. All adapted cabins fleetwide have wide doorways into the cabin and bathroom; sufficient floor space for manoeuvring a wheelchair or mobility scooter; wet room-style bathrooms; grab rails for shower and toilet; pull-down shower seat; and flush thresholds between bathroom and cabin. Enjoy exclusive senior savings and rates when you book a vacation with Carnival Cruise Line! The Myth of Europe in Accessible Travel Often when considering an accessible vacation, travelers can make the mistake of thinking "western world" equals comfort and ease for wheelchairs, walkers, and senior travelers. Our goal is to give the best life experience to our consumers by promoting independence and inclusion through travel. Explore the rugged Inside Passage and breathtaking Gulf of Alaska, and marvel at spectacular marine life and dazzling glaciers from the vantage of a magnificent Princess cruise ship. Top Accessible Cruise Vacations from Rome. Exclusive savings for Seniors, age 55 and older check the calendar below to find Carnival's best Senior fares, by date, for any stateroom type, departure port or destination. Raised toilet seats and extra mattresses can be requested at the time of booking. Seniors who like the arts and the finer things in life may enjoy a cruise to Alaska on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. And Princess' Midnight Sun Express railcars offer wheelchair. We are regular cruisers and for our cruise to Alaska we felt we would benefit more from the small ship experience. Regent only has a few accessible cabins, so make sure you book yours in advance of your trip - likely as soon as you book, just to be on the safe side. Culinary experiences include a partnership with America's Test Kitchen, up to five specialty dining venues, and on three ships you'll find innovative BLEND by Chateau Ste. 907.373.3494 Premium 10-Day Tours 10 Day Grand Discovery Youll enjoy a huge HD television in your cabin, as well as a balcony, mini bar, and a bathroom with a warm heated floor. Take in everything there is to see in Alaska, including the Tongass National Forest, the Hubbard Glacier, and the celebration of other cultures. It's a common cruise line and can be a solid opportunity for a wheelchair cruise, a cruise for seniors with disabilities, or even cruising with kids, as Carnival has a kid's club and many activities are geared toward children . Renting a wheelchair for your cruise couldn't be easier. Additional features, like lowered clothes bars in the closet, a roll-in shower with handheld showerheads, grab bars, and a fold-down shower bench are standard in accessible rooms, as are lower sinks and vanities, higher toilets, and ramped thresholds in the bathroom. These cruises offer a variety of activities and amenities that are perfect for those who are looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Alaska. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. P&O Cruises' homeport is Southampton, so there are year-round departures from here, as well as a comprehensive fly-cruise programme. For those with a disability, cruises offer a hassle-free and relaxing way to enjoy a far-flung holiday. You can pack your camera and snap photos of the mountains towering over the ship. Why AmaWaterways Is Great for Seniors: Senior cruisers on AmaWaterways will appreciate the extra attention taken to offer tours for every ability. These bus tours allow you to experience all Denali National Park has to offer, from spruce forest and tundra, to bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose. A visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska's prime marine wildlife rehabilitation facility, is a perfect complement to a day cruise. Disabled access provisions by cruise line Five of the Best Disabled Friendly Cruise Ships Tips Modern cruise liners are equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities to accommodate disabled or less mobile passengers - including specially adapted cabins, The trips focus on destinations or interests such as food and wine, adventure, safari and . Viking takes you on an incredible journey from the mountains to the rainforest. Arranging a holiday suitable for a Disabled Person can be difficult, and often extremely stressful. Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features, such as wider doors with removed door sills, which make for convenient wheelchair and power scooter access. All wheelchairs and scooters will have to be stored in cabins, rather than left in corridors, and no storage will be provided onboard anywhere else for mobility devices. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel These experts act as guides as well as historians, and they provide a local perspecitve. There may be local culinary experiences like a lobster bake while on American Cruise Lines coastal New England cruise, or a Cajun cooking demonstration on Mississippi River cruises. In 2019, Saga Pearl II will retire and be replaced by a new flagship, the 55,900-ton Spirit of Discovery, carrying 999 guests in luxurious, modern style, with a second new ship on order, Spirit of Adventure. Considering accessibility when accessing Alaska. Passengers who are heavily reliant on the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter may be severely restricted in embarking and disembarking at ports of call because Adonia doesn't have a low-level ramped gangway. On Boudicca, there are four wheelchair-adapted Terrace Balcony cabins on the Lido Deck (7) but no wheelchair accessible toilets in the public areas of the ship. What's interesting is that although this cruise line offers luxury service, they are listed in the class of small ships. Related: What It's Like to Sail American Queen's First Expedition Ship. Guests using peritoneal dialysis should have all the required solutions and equipment delivered to the ship at least two hours prior to sailing on embarkation day. For hard-of-hearing passengers, visual alarms can be requested in cabins, while most entertainment areas have hearing loop systems installed. But we may travel with 2 other couples so I'm trying to get as much information right now as possible. An accessible stateroom can also be customized for guests with sight or hearing special needs. This includes the Anchorage Museum, which can be visited at your own pace. For more information about our upcoming Christian cruises, call us today at 1-888-771-8717 or email us at info@livingpassages.com. Columbus, the flagship has six wheelchair-adapted cabins. In addition, Arcadia has a number of partially accessible cabins; there's less manoeuvring room in these, so they aren't suitable for full-time wheelchair users. To ensure that your cruise experience is perfect from beginning to end, youll get help with transportation from the airport to the pier, during boarding, and when departing the ship for cruise excursions. Accommodations and transfers are included in the package. Be among the first to know about special offers, exclusive sailings, and much more. Seeing three glaciers up close was just great! And no one wants to miss the traditional tea in the Queens Room, or the fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub. This breathtaking American state is as spectacular as you would imagine, with wildlife and natural attractions unlike anywhere else in the world. Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! The all-inclusive pricing covers all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and wines, onboard lectures, gratuities and -- on expedition cruises only -- excursions. Princess Cruises Diamond Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Sun Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Princess Cruises Regal Princess Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska, Royal Caribbean International Mariner of the Seas Cruise Reviews for Cruises for the Disabled to Alaska. Summer cruises to Alaska are great for a memory-making multigenerational vacation when the kids are out of school and parents can use up their vacation days. Seniors, experience an Alaska cruise in 2023. Braille signage is included in elevators and public areas throughout, while Celebrity Today, our daily newsletter, is available in Braille and large font. See monumental natural landscapes and diverse ports of call on an Alaskan cruise which include visits to Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Victoria. Book Now with no risk, your deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to travel with the purchase of our Worry-Free Cancellation Waiver. These cruises are only available on Holland Americas mid-sized ships, which are the ideal size for getting close to Alaskas natural beauty. A lot of cruises depart from British ports, so there's no need to fly, and there are some long voyages in winter to exotic destinations, again, with no need to board an aircraft. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. While most people tend to budget one or two days in Seward on their first Alaska, Best 20 Things To Do in Juneau (Must-Live Experiences), 15 Most Stunning Glaciers in Alaska That Will Take Your Breath Away, Itinerary: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Whittier, Anchorage, Denali (rail). The ships themselves are gorgeous, with high-end artwork and sumptuous furnishings. Princess Alaskan Cruises Alaska Full board Cruise liner Explore the rugged Inside Passage and breathtaking Gulf of Alaska, and marvel at spectacular marine life and dazzling glaciers from the vantage of a magnificent Princess cruise ship. For the hard-of-hearing, there's a hearing loop facility at Southampton cruise terminals and at the reception desks on each ship, as well as an 'infra-red' hearing support system in some of the show lounges. Contact us to find out more information on the oxygen storage requirements of each ship, since our policies differ depending on the ship. Extravagant Sunday brunches include Champagne and caviar. Your time on the ship can be spent dining at many included restaurants or relaxing in your stateroom, which is decked out in Carnival Comfort Collection linens. View All Deals. Ship was in good shape, staff was excellent, food ok, entertainment ok with a couple of excellent people. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees. Here is our pick of the best. On Braemar, the adapted rooms are very small for a passenger who is completely wheelchair bound. (Photo by Teddy Sczudlo/Getty Images) Disney. Rates are in GBP and valid for UK and Ireland residents only. CMV operates a fleet of older ships from its home base, London's Tilbury, as well as other U.K. ports. The line also has gentlemen hosts to act as dancing and dining companions for single ladies. I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. AmaWaterways' ships are elegantly appointed with expansive public areas for enjoying views of the rivers and shorelines. Cruises for seniors arent that different from cruises for younger generations. And for AARP members, it offers a 5 percent discount on any cruise booked at least nine months in advance. Treat yourself to a magnificent trip aboard this ship, which has a guest-to-staff ratio of 684 to 400, guaranteeing that you are pampered to your hearts content. We also offer extra assistance for those who want to reach areas of the ship that are not easily accessible. The lovely ship feature accessible staterooms and can accommodate passengers with vision and hearing impairments as well as mobility concerns. If youre lucky, you may even catch a shot of some of the spectacular wildlife calling the state home. For 2018, Fred. Trips, Inc. provides all-inclusive vacation packages for travelers 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Celebrity welcomes service dogs aboard for seniors with disabilities. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Terrific itinerary and amazing service on NCL Jewel. The Alaska Railroad provides wheelchair lifts at all stations. AmaWaterways does allow children over age 8, allowing for multi-generational river cruises with the grandkids as well. With special accommodations for seniors offered on most of the ships, there truly is no better time to book your cruise. These include Prince William Sound Flightseeing from Anchorage (requires getting in and out of a small plane), Turnagain Arm Tour (requires stepping in and out of a van, limited walking), and the Chinitna Bay National Park Bear Viewing Flight from Anchorage (requires getting in and out of a plane, limited walking on slightly uneven terrain). AmaWaterways has a fleet of 26 river ships, focusing primarily on the Danube and the Rhine rivers in Europe, but also offering sailings in France and Portugal. Anchorage, AK 99503 For example, you can book a Viking Rhine River cruise that starts in Paris, sails both the Moselle and the Rhine, then ends in the Swiss Alps. They also make sure that the mostly American passengers are comfortable; on a Ponant-chartered ship, this means having menus that appeal more to U.S. tastes than French, for example. You can take your time drifting on the Rhine through the Black Forest in Germany or pass castles on the Danube River in Austria.