tiggis
May 12th, 2009, 03:17 PM
Here, somewhat belatedly, are a few comments on our recent Danube trip on the Mozart. It isn’t a full review because others have done those and as the trip is always the same, much about it won’t vary greatly.
The first thing to say is that we chose this ship (and voyage) because haemodialysis was available on board, which my partner requires. Being satisfied with that was probably the most important aspect for us, and indeed the treatment was excellent. In fact, the only other English passengers on board were also having dialysis, but there were also a number of Americans and it was a truly bilingual voyage – on the tours as well as on the ship
Our trip was the first of the season and the boat was barely half full. A guide in Bratislava told us that her bookings generally for the summer were well down on previous years.
Overall, we much enjoyed our trip. Other have commented on how spacious Mozart is compared to other river vessels, and that certainly shows, not least in the provision of large cabins (virtually all the same size) as well as a swimming pool and associated health suite.
Food was excellent - imaginative menus and well presented. The breakfast buffet was especially impressive. Others have commented that dinners tended to be a bit prolonged, but if anything we found the opposite, with the (many) courses following on in quick succession. We also found 7pm to be a little early for dinner, but I imagine that one reason was to finish in time for the evening entertainment.
That entertainment was a little variable (and inevitably didn’t suit everyone every night) but was generally of a high standard.
Two aspects that may have changed for the better this year are:
The price now includes a tour in each port. That could be worth at least Euro 200 per person. The tours we went on were very good, with informative guides. Most were provided in separate English and German-speaking groups – though that isn’t guaranteed if numbers are small.
Second I think that the hairdryers may have been replaced. Certainly my partner was satisfied – and she is usually critical of what is provided in hotels.
Finally, as others have said, standards of service are high and all the staff were keen to please.
John
The first thing to say is that we chose this ship (and voyage) because haemodialysis was available on board, which my partner requires. Being satisfied with that was probably the most important aspect for us, and indeed the treatment was excellent. In fact, the only other English passengers on board were also having dialysis, but there were also a number of Americans and it was a truly bilingual voyage – on the tours as well as on the ship
Our trip was the first of the season and the boat was barely half full. A guide in Bratislava told us that her bookings generally for the summer were well down on previous years.
Overall, we much enjoyed our trip. Other have commented on how spacious Mozart is compared to other river vessels, and that certainly shows, not least in the provision of large cabins (virtually all the same size) as well as a swimming pool and associated health suite.
Food was excellent - imaginative menus and well presented. The breakfast buffet was especially impressive. Others have commented that dinners tended to be a bit prolonged, but if anything we found the opposite, with the (many) courses following on in quick succession. We also found 7pm to be a little early for dinner, but I imagine that one reason was to finish in time for the evening entertainment.
That entertainment was a little variable (and inevitably didn’t suit everyone every night) but was generally of a high standard.
Two aspects that may have changed for the better this year are:
The price now includes a tour in each port. That could be worth at least Euro 200 per person. The tours we went on were very good, with informative guides. Most were provided in separate English and German-speaking groups – though that isn’t guaranteed if numbers are small.
Second I think that the hairdryers may have been replaced. Certainly my partner was satisfied – and she is usually critical of what is provided in hotels.
Finally, as others have said, standards of service are high and all the staff were keen to please.
John