Grand Circle Riverboats

[NJblue]

We have been exploring riverboat cruising in Europe. From looking at other threads on this topic, it appears that there are a number of very good options available in terms of providers. We have been on the mailing list for Grand Circle for quite some time and it appears that their "fill the boat up" last minute deals yield quite a price advantage over the other companies.

While I don't doubt that other companies may provide a more truly deluxe cruise (at a price), our philosophy on this type of vacation is that the locale and sights are what we are going for - not necessarily the 5-star accomodations. We would rather take more 4-star trips than fewer 5-star trips. That being said, I have heard some things about the beds that Grand Circle uses that may be troubling - something about fold-out beds/couches. For those who have used Grand Circle, is this true? If so, are the beds comfortable for sleep? Is there anything else about Grand Circle that I should be concerned about?

One other question about riverboat cruising in general. It seems that all of the city excursions are walking tours. My wife has knee issues that make long and steep walks uncomfortable. Is this a dealbreaker for riverboat cruising?

[cathyw]

I have not traveled on Grand Circle but it is a highly rated cruise line. According to Travel +Leisure Magazine:

BOSTON, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alan E. Lewis, Chairman and CEO of Grand Circle Corporation, today announced that Travel + Leisure readers have rated the company's small-ship fleet as among the top five 2012 World's Best River Cruise Lines, marking the fifth year that the cruise line has been featured in the T+L World's Best Awards. Survey results of the 17th annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, which uncover readers' favorite cruise lines, hotels, airlines, cities, islands, tour operators, safari outfitters and car-rental agencies, are featured on World Travel Guides, Articles, and Information | Travel + Leisure (http://www.TravelandLeisure.com) now, and in the magazine's August 2012 issue.

This is the fifth year that Grand Circle Cruise Line has been included in Travel + Leisure's World Best Awards in either the Small-Ship Cruise Line or River Cruise Line category, where readers rate their experiences based on ships' cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities,