Shipping on the Rhine & Danube

On my recent cruise from Cologne to Budapest I spotted a few vessels of interest. Anyone for a Schottel drive?
 

Two different raised wheelhouses. On the Rhine, most shipping was motorised barges pushing non-motorised. Many more pusher tugs on the Danube.


Three old Rhine tugs


Finally a large paddle tug, now a museum on the Danube at Regensburg. Note the size of the rudder!


Barrie

Great pic's Barrie      

hi barrie

can you recommend these rhine holiday cruises. I have been thinking of trying one for some time, but I get the impression they look really cramped  compared to the big liners or is it deceiving.

david

David

It depends on the company!! I can recommend the Serenade 2 operated by Riviera Travel. Cabins are 16 sq m and the bathrooms have both bath and full shower cubicle. We have just been on Lord Byron, again operated by Riviera, but cabins are 1 sq m less. Still quite adequate and comparable to ocean cruisers - at least the ones we like  All have double beds - or split into twins. NOT bunks. We have been on other boats with tiny cabins - the Lady Ann and Rembrandt are two with small cabins.

I would suggest a Rhine cruise first. The attraction of the one we've just done is cruising across the Main but not too many places of interest, and on the Main and upper Danube the bridges are low (and locks narrow) so the sun deck is out of use. If you find you enjoy it, then this is a great cruise.



This is the forward sundeck on Lord Byron - it really is so low.

Barrie