Just Back - S.S. Antoinette

We had a wonderful time on Uniworld's S.S. Antoinette, doing the Castles on the Rhine itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam. The ship was new and sparkling, the food and atmosphere were excellent, our fellow passengers congenial, and the itinerary outstanding. It was our third trip with Uniworld and the best one yet.

We had a wonderful time on Uniworld's S.S. Antoinette, doing the Castles on the Rhine itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam. The ship was new and sparkling, the food and atmosphere were excellent, our fellow passengers congenial, and the itinerary outstanding. It was our third trip with Uniworld and the best one yet.

That is so good to hear. I am currently in the process of looking and (probably) booking for next September 2013 the Castles of the Rhine river cruise with this ship but doing the cruise starting in Amsterdam and ending in Basel.

I would love to hear more details of your trip. Was there a lot of walking, (as I have had both my knees replaced within the last couple of years)?? What would you recommend as to things to bring?

Just as a point of info...... our initial intent is to do the Amsterdam to Basel river cruise....then train it to Frankfurt where we will possbly take an 11 day bus/train combo tour to Colonge, Dussledorf, Berlin, Nuremburg, Munich, Black Forest, and back to Frankfurt. Then we are trying to go to Regensburg to visit with an old friend of ours for a few days. Haven't put all the pieces of this together yet...but this is a preliminary plan at this point.

So....anything you can share/provide would be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

I'd love to hear more about this ship. What kind of cabin did you have, and how was it?

Hi, I suggest that for packing you have layers. It was 40-50 degrees during our trip and most days I wore a sweater and a jacket, sometimes a hat and gloves as well. In the evenings on the ship, people tended to wear casual clothing but there was a gala welcome dinner and a gala farewell dinner which were more dress up - sport coats for men and a dressy top/black pants for women. There is a lot of walking involved over cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. It is a historic area. On Uniworld there was a group for "slow walkers" who had mobility issues. I noticed some passengers took taxis from the ship to a point of interest, example: the Cologne cathedral which was about a mile from the dock. We had a cabin on the lower level of the ship. It was the same size as the others, just a flight down and with smaller windows. It was fine and we were very comfortable. You never hear noise from other cabins and if you want a wider view of the river, it's just a flight upstairs. We usually get a balcony cabin on an ocean cruise but didn't think it would matter on the river boat since the weather was cold and we wouldn't really use it. The beds are high enough that suitcases fit under them, and there is adequate built in closet and drawer space. The bathroom is small but modern and the ship provides bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and a hair dryer.

Any tips about Basel? Places to eat, or see prior to cruise?

Hi, I suggest that for packing you have layers. It was 40-50 degrees during our trip and most days I wore a sweater and a jacket, sometimes a hat and gloves as well. In the evenings on the ship, people tended to wear casual clothing but there was a gala welcome dinner and a gala farewell dinner which were more dress up - sport coats for men and a dressy top/black pants for women. There is a lot of walking involved over cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. It is a historic area. On Uniworld there was a group for "slow walkers" who had mobility issues. I noticed some passengers took taxis from the ship to a point of interest, example: the Cologne cathedral which was about a mile from the dock. We had a cabin on the lower level of the ship. It was the same size as the others, just a flight down and with smaller windows. It was fine and we were very comfortable. You never hear noise from other cabins and if you want a wider view of the river, it's just a flight upstairs. We usually get a balcony cabin on an ocean cruise but didn't think it would matter on the river boat since the weather was cold and we wouldn't really use it. The beds are high enough that suitcases fit under them, and there is adequate built in closet and drawer space. The bathroom is small but modern and the ship provides bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and a hair dryer.

Basel is a great city, but very expensive. We ate at an outdoor cafe and it cost us $94 for a Mexican dinner. We ended up getting coffee at McDonalds. The trams are free to tourists and Basel is also a great walking city. We did a day trip to Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus which was amazing. We loved Basel especially walking around the river. We stayed at the Schweizerhof Hotel near the train station. The trams run directly in front of the hotel and we liked the staff, breakfast and room. It was an excellent place to stay before our cruise.

Do you know if you can take the free tram from the train station in Basel to the dock? Thank you for any help!

We took the 2 day precruise offer from Uniworld and spent two nights in Lucerne. It was beautiful. The hotel, Wilden Mann, was in the historic area and everything was in walking distance. There was a local host, Mark, who met with us, gave us suggestions, and escorted us on a walking tour and boat ride on the lake. There were 22 people in the group. We didn't spend time in Basel because a bus picked us up the morning of the cruise and took us to the boat. As noted by another poster, Switzerland is expensive. It is not using the Euro, the currency is Swiss Francs. We had dinner the first night in a typical German restaurant - sausages, saukeraut - and it was $70 for two of us. The second night we had fish and chips in a British pub and it was $50. The precruise extension included the room, breakfast, the walking tour/boat ride, and transfers, so the two dinners were our only main out of pocket expenses. The breakfast buffet in the hotel was substantial so we just had a light - soup and salad - lunch.

Antoinette was docked in Rudesheim near Scenic Crystal. I nearly boarded it to check it out but I didn't want to be late for the Crystal Christening Ceremony. If you are a travel agent, they will usually let you onboard to look around by showing your business card/ID.

We took the tram #8 to the end of the line and walked 2 blocks through an industrial area of Basel to the boat. It was an easy walk and we were sure to check out where the boat docked before hand. Taxis are expensive and we were up for the adventure. We also took the free bus from the airport to the train station/hotel.

OK....another question....not that it is a great big deal....but was curious if travelling from Amsterdam to Basel on the SS Antoinette does it really made any difference which side of the ship was best to see ports on arrival and to book a cabin? Are the port landings anymore prevalent on one side than the other.

I for one kind of like to watch the dock areas when in ports...but again..just a personal preference for me.

Thanks for any thoughts.

I don't think it makes much difference. At some of the ports we were tied to another river boat and had to walk through its lobby to the pier, and at others our window was flush against the seawall (canalwall?). The best scenery is while cruising, viewed from either the lounge windows or up on deck weather permitting.

I don't think it makes much difference. At some of the ports we were tied to another river boat and had to walk through its lobby to the pier, and at others our window was flush against the seawall (canalwall?). The best scenery is while cruising, viewed from either the lounge windows or up on deck weather permitting.

Thank you.

Along with leaning toward this particular ship/cruise I am trying to figure all the possibilities. Next will be to figure what particular category/room - ship location my wife and I may want etc. especially with my 2 artificial knees to contend with.

Thanks once again for your insight.

I noticed there is a small elevator on the Antoinette which connects the inside portions of the ship. To go up to the observation deck, the only way to get there is outside stairs. One of the outside stairwells has a motorized chairlift. Since the ship is fairly new, I think it was built to be more accessible than the older ones. You could join the "gentle walkers" group for shore tours.

We had a wonderful time on Uniworld's S.S. Antoinette, doing the Castles on the Rhine itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam. The ship was new and sparkling, the food and atmosphere were excellent, our fellow passengers congenial, and the itinerary outstanding. It was our third trip with Uniworld and the best one yet.

I'm so excited to read this! We are going on the reverse trip (Amsterdam to Basel) next week! My question is on the regular walking tours do they make you walk really fast or is it more normal and relaxed? I like to take my time and if I see an interesting shop, run in for a minute or two. I will go in churches or museums from time to time, but my real interest is in the towns and trying local food/wine, etc.

That is so good to hear. I am currently in the process of looking and (probably) booking for next September 2013 the Castles of the Rhine river cruise with this ship but doing the cruise starting in Amsterdam and ending in Basel.

 

I would love to hear more details of your trip. Was there a lot of walking, (as I have had both my knees replaced within the last couple of years)?? What would you recommend as to things to bring?

 

Just as a point of info...... our initial intent is to do the Amsterdam to Basel river cruise....then train it to Frankfurt where we will possbly take an 11 day bus/train combo tour to Colonge, Dussledorf, Berlin, Nuremburg, Munich, Black Forest, and back to Frankfurt. Then we are trying to go to Regensburg to visit with an old friend of ours for a few days. Haven't put all the pieces of this together yet...but this is a preliminary plan at this point.

 

So....anything you can share/provide would be most appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance.

That trip plan sounds fantastic.The bus train combo trip after your river boat cruise sounds great. I hope you get it all worked out.The trains are a marvelous way to travel in Europe. We just got back from an Avalon Romantic Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam. After our trip we spent 2 days in Amsterdam and then took the train to Frankfurt where we rented a car. We drove through the countryside to the smaller communities of Marburg and Fambach for 2 days where we traced our roots. It was marvelous. Then we spent two days in Nuremberg and 2 days in Munich. Before we boarded in Basel we spent 2 days touring Switzerland by car and train. We ate lunch at the foot of the Matterhorn. Great train ride there too.

To answer the walking question. Yes, we did a lot of walking but with new knees you will do fine. Take comfortable walking shoes and start walking everyday now as much as you can. You will build up your stamina and be fine.

Suite Traveler, the walking tours are usually orientation type tours and then you are released for free time to wander on your own. They use a vox box, which is like a radio with an earphone so that you can hear your guide without having to stand right next to him or her, so if you get behind the group, it's easy to catch up.

Hi, we are looking at doing this cruise next year in May. We did a Uniworld cruise last year and loved it.

However the travel agent said it's cheaper to do the Viking one which is the same time and places. She also mentioned the new long ships which look great.

Any opinions between the two? It's early days. Will the prices get cheaper later? Is it worth the price difference? About $800pp at the moment.

Can I ask how much your trip was? or anyone else? I know from my last trip the price ranges people paid were huge. I know it depends on timing etc.

I find the pricing very confusing.

..... We just got back from an Avalon Romantic Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam. After our trip we spent 2 days in Amsterdam and then took the train to Frankfurt where we rented a car. We drove through the countryside to the smaller communities of Marburg and Fambach for 2 days where we traced our roots. It was marvelous. Then we spent two days in Nuremberg and 2 days in Munich. Before we boarded in Basel we spent 2 days touring Switzerland by car and train. We ate lunch at the foot of the Matterhorn. Great train ride there too.

What an Awesome trip for you.......

We were also looking at the exact same river trip starting in Basel using Avalon. One thing that concerned us was - that we were told travelling on Avalon that the Black Forest was NOT part of the cruise excursion. Is it true that the Black Forest was left off with Avalon??

Since I last posted we have changed our 'train' of thought so to speak. :D We are now thinking of this type itinerary:

Fly into Berlin, and spend 3 days there (partial guided and partial on your own tours). Then a train ride to Munich, where again you have both guided and on your own tours. After Munich we intend to make our way up to Regensburg where I have an old friend we hope to spend some time with, then on to Nuremburg for 2 or 3 days. After Nuremburg, we are thinking of taking the train to Basel where we board the SS Antoinette.

We also are thinking of spending an extra day or two in Amsterdam before we fly back to Arizona. We sort of decided while the bus / train allowed us to see some other sites, we thought that 11 days on a bus AFTER the river cruise may be a bit more tiring than we wanted. And trying to make it to Regensburg for a few extra days was also important to us to do.

So anyway.... this is the new plan. Anyone else done anything like this?

Thanks once again for all the responses and insights. It is great seeing what others have done.

Hi, we are looking at doing this cruise next year in May. We did a Uniworld cruise last year and loved it.

However the travel agent said it's cheaper to do the Viking one which is the same time and places. She also mentioned the new long ships which look great.

Any opinions between the two? It's early days. Will the prices get cheaper later? Is it worth the price difference? About $800pp at the moment.

Can I ask how much your trip was? or anyone else? I know from my last trip the price ranges people paid were huge. I know it depends on timing etc.

 

I find the pricing very confusing.

While I have no first hand knowledge about actually booking with Uniworld or Viking, I was personally told from a travel agent that books bunches of these river cruises who has also travelled on both lines, that she prefers Uniworld... (even with the price differences) NOT MY OPINION... it was hers.

I have found that booking this summer (before June 30) for next year gives me an $800 discount if paid in full for the Uniworld cruise...and I think a $250 using Avalon also with a set final date to book. Im not sure of Viking's discounts. While I don't like giving anyone my money for over a year in advance (in my case) saving $800 is hard to beat. Also the particular travel company we are using is offering us another $600 + in discounts on the Uniworld cruise. (guess I am not allowed to say what travel company).

I'm sure others have actual experiences ... this is what I have learned so far.

Another option to Uniworld and Viking is Grand Circle. No travel agent will recommend them, as they only sell direct and do no pay commissions to agents. All of the river cruise lines have similar itineraries, although we prefer the Grand Circle ones. We have found that they generally have more and longer stops. Their ships are not as fancy, but they are more reasonable priceswise. The trips are excellent. We have taken 6 of their river cruises. I have a blog on their Seine cruise if you want to read it, For the blog go to http://jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com.

how were the river levels?

Everything was fine, we had no itinerary changes because of the river levels. One afternoon, the top deck was closed because it had to be lowered to pass under some low bridges, but that's the only time the subject of river levels was even mentioned.

Suite Traveler, the walking tours are usually orientation type tours and then you are released for free time to wander on your own. They use a vox box, which is like a radio with an earphone so that you can hear your guide without having to stand right next to him or her, so if you get behind the group, it's easy to catch up.

Thanks for the information - that will make it more enjoyable to me. I hated the tours with NCL where they herded you all over town and then only gave 30 minutes for shopping! Especially in Brugge! Hey, tour guide! I wanted to buy chocolates and lace not see a bunch of churches.

The river levels are fine right now. Last fall it was dicey, but there has been good Spring rain.

When comparing river cruise lines, be sure to compare the price of EVERYTHING included or not included to get the TRUE price. Many people just pick a line because it's price is cheaper and later find out they didn't include things and the extra money added up to more than the other line in the first place. Compare the quality and the included amenities. Each of these lines has points of distinction. A river cruise specialist is a good place to turn to get your questions answered.

There are a couple of cruise lines that do not use travel agents to sell their product. (Grand Circle, Vantage) They choose to direct market themselves. The reason most TA's don't recommend them to clients is simple...they only sell one product and they do not train travel agents in their product.

Most other lines offer great education, experience and training to make it easy for us to distinguish each product for comparison. This makes it much easier to FIT clients to the product that best suits THEM. We sell what we KNOW. The last thing any TA would want is for a client to have a lousy trip and then the agent would not get any repeat business or referrals.

Just like the DIYer...they wouldn't buy a cruise they knew nothing about. The TA doesn't want to sell a cruise they know nothing about.