Gate 1 MS Deutschland/April 20, 2007

[Movin along]

My husband surprised me with a river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam for our 25th Aniversary. He knows how I like a great deal and this trip surely fits in that category. Of course now, after research, this boat is never mentioned anywhere! I'm sure it will be an adventure! We have been on 30+ cruises(including the Med.) and he shot for something different. He did not do his homework and now I'm sorta concerned. Anyone ever on this boat? Or traveled with Gate 1 agency?:confused:

[cmthomas]

Suggest you click "Search this thread" and put in Gate 1. There have been several posts about them.

Clarence:)

[steamboats]

Movin along,

Gate 1 started selling cruises by last year. They obviously partly charter boats and partly sell cruises (like the ones from Deilmann).

The MS Deutschland used to be the MS Viking Deutschland until the end of 2006. Viking River Cruises replaced this vessel. I definitely don´t know whether you have to face an old worn out vessel or whether they refurbished this boat. Obviously it was too old for the Viking fleet which doesn´t have to mean it´s a bad ship.

steamboats

[joek]

As steamboats said, Gate1 is new to river cruising and is leasing ships. Here is a web page for the Deutschland, http://www.europeanrivercruises.com/view_riverboat.cfm?shipid=430

There are two members on Gate1 Bolero in Holland right now and we'll be watching for their comments on the Gate1 operation. We go on the Bolero 4/13.

[p598738]

Also booked Gate 1 MS Deutschland. For Sept 21. I would love to get a review. Thanks.

[wtm]

My husband and I are also on the April 20 cruise. This will be our first river cruise, but we've been on a number of ocean cruises. We are really looking forward to this itinerary.

[vinoman]

My wife and I are on the 9/28 cruise. I noticed on *************.com (where I booked it) that all the Gate 1 cruises for the year are sold out. My wife and I got one of the last spots on the ship for that date. Let's all keep in touch and compare notes!

[Movin along]

WTM: Looking forward to meeting you. We are getting really excited. I'm packing the bags today! 2 weeks to go. I love an adventure and this river cruise "stuff" sounds like fun. I'm very tired of ocean cruising, I hope my husband enjoys himself...or were back to salt water cruising.!

[Movin along]

:) WTM: Looking forward to meeting you. We are getting really excited. I'm packing the bags today! 2 weeks to go. I love an adventure and this river cruise "stuff" sounds like fun. I'm very tired of ocean cruising, I hope my husband enjoys himself...or were back to salt water cruising.![/quote]

[wtm]

Movin along:

Looking forward to meeting you too!! My husband and I are in our 40s and we are really looking forward to this cruise. I haven't started packing yet, but I have my lists all ready of what to bring. I will have to pack light for a change with only one checked in bag per person!!

[remydiva]

And before it was the Viking Deutchsland, it was the KD Deutchsland. I took the same cruise in 2001 Sept 14 (3 days post 911 with obvious problems) as KD had just been taken over? by Viking. The ship was old then so unless it has been refurbished, it will be even older now.

However, I had a fabulous time. The food was superb, European staff excellent and, maybe due to 911 and many Americans being unable to make the flights, the ship was mainly full of Europeans and us 6 Canadians. But that is why I chose this line in the first place..to experience the full European influence. Our dining companions were an Egyptian ambassador and his beautiful wife who had served all over the world and were on their way to see children in Monacco. Omar Sharif was a family friend. The other couple was an elderly English professor straight out of Fawlty Towers and they were a hoot.

Tours were great, you can walk anywhere from the ship, I had too much wine at Boppard but think it was beautiful (LOL) and of course the castles on the Rhine were too die for.

Needless to say I'm currently planning my next river cruise as I need a break from ocean cruising (ok, so after one more to Alaska this Sept). I'm leaning towards Amadeus Waterways as their ships are newer.

But enjoy your trip and I know you will.

[p598738]

Refurbished 2001:

http://www.europeanrivercruises.com/view_riverboat.cfm?shipid=430

[p598738]

We are on the Sept 21 Basel to Amsterdam voyage. I am trying to figure out how much time is spent at each port as to budget and plan our time. Can anyone who has taken the trip help me ?? Thanks very much.

[steamboats]

And before it was the Viking Deutchsland, it was the KD Deutchsland.

Yes, KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer) has been bought by Viking River Cruises. Viking took over all river cruise ships. There are still excursion boats running under the name of KD like the only sidewheel steamboat Goethe which is running from Koblenz to Ruedesheim and back. See www.k-d.com (http://www.k-d.com)

steamboats