Ritabob

The River Queen is my favourite Uniworld ship. Yes, the cabins are 'cozy', but each one of the crews were wonderful and there is just something about the ship ...!

Do you think the kids would be willing to post a review for us ? It would be delightful to read about the cruise from their perspective.

RB

We have made our own air arrangements and we have also let Uniworld do it. It all depended on what worked out as the best value at the time.

Check out flights on line and determine which ones you want...flight #s and airlines. Know what they would cost . Then check with your Uniworld rep. Sometimes they can do better, sometimes they can't. It all depends on the discounter's inventory.

Even if you go for your own booked flights if you let them know what flight you are going in on, they will have someone meet you at the airport. But not if you are flying in days in advance. 😉

RB

Rosethorn, keep the pictures coming !

We all enjoy reliving ourtrips or being inspired to take one.

RB

Please be more specific...are you asking about a shuttle provided by a cruise company...which one? Or are you asking about a private service?

RB

Many crew members (depending on the line they work for) do not have a lot of free time to go do their banking. Banking hours are not like they are in the US. And because they are constantly sailing from country to country they do not have a 'home branch' ,so they are penalized with bank fees and for foreign exchange rates.

It's too bad some cruise companies do not make it easier for their staff and crew and let the guests know the use of € is preferred in Europe.

RB

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Yes, tips must be given in cash. Recommended Euros, but I'm sure dollars would be okay too.

Just wondering why would you think dollars would be okay, too? The crew would have to go to a bank to and get dinged on the exchange rate .

RB

Brings back wonderful memories. Looking forward to your recap.

RB

Roz,

Do you usually use a TA or book directly through Uniworld ?

I have done it both ways, but want to know the most economical way to do it.

RB

would love to stay around the $5-$6k (including airfare) range (Is that even possible?).

Are you asking in total or per person?

We have had identified honeymooning couples on at least four of our river cruises...from mid twenties to fifty-ish in age. They all were enjoying themselves.

RB

So glad to know you enjoyed your first river cruise ....but that means there will now be two more people we will have to compete with for cabins on a Uniworld cruise 😉

I'm curious to know what hotel was used.

RB

There are some cruise lines ie. Uniworld that include tips in their 'all inclusive' fares. There are no envelopes at the end of your cruise to fill.

Crew / staff are well paid and they have a decent benefit package...according to some of the staff we spoke with.

RB

Check their website. I think they now show the plans for the 'new' SS version.

RB

The decision is totally up to you. Have you had to wait for a transfer in the past ? We have always been immediately met by a Uniworld rep and not had to wait for more than 20 minutes for the rep to gather everyone and get them in the van.

RB

While in Amsterdam if you have interest in the Dutch flower auction and you are an early riser...then a visit to Aalsmeer is worth it. It is huge !!!!! And the scent of all those flowers is so heady. Check it out on youtube.

Check out the public library...not far from the Centraal Station. Go to the top floor and the outdoor observation deck. There is also a cafe / cafeteria up there very resonably priced.

Take the free ferry to the north side....also very near the centraal station.

Stay off the red coloured pathways. These are for bicycles and they show no mercy for pedestrians.

Have great time and please give a report when you get back.

RB

Now is the time for you and your father to go to a TA and pick up as many different cruise company books and start reading. You can, of course, browse the websites, but I like to fold down page corners and slide in book marks for ease in flipping back and forth. Then sign up for emails for 'specials'. Unsubscribe if it gets to be too much.

Then read about high and low water levels...especially the Danube and Elbe. Then check out on how many stops or ports you can see things close by or have to climb aboard buses and travel for distances.

If your father decides to stay on board he will be in for a treat aboard 'his' river boat. The crew may be there to cater to him when everyone else is touring ashore.

Ask lots of questions once you start to narrow down your choices...that is a great thing about CC.

RB

If I thought they'd be disrespectful or disruptive I wouldn't have ever considered this arrangement in the first place.

Interesting where some people jump to. ...hmmm?

My first thought was...how wonderful...what an experience for young people...so much history, technology ( going through locks). Give them the chance to be independent,but not too far from parents. And yes, put them in aquarium class and save a few €. Then spend it on experiences they would never get in school.

There are some cruise lines that have multi generational cruises specifically for families with special tours and adventures....perhaps they allow putting under 18s alone in cabins ?

As an aside, I find the behavior of younsters is usually a reflection of those of the parents....have we not had adults on our cruises that whine about everything, are demanding, rude, and are not someone we want to spend time with?

Have a great time, whatever cruise line you end up with. Have the kids report on this board...would love to read about the trip from their point of view.

RB

Have a great trip.

May the only stress you experience from now on is which flavour of ice cream to have at lunch.

The River Queen is my favourite ship.

RB

Have heard different views on the direction this cruise - wondering if it really makes any difference?:confused:

Sailing down river is faster with the current, but waiting to get into locks can sometimes hold up the ship. My experience is no, not really much of a difference.

RB

... but it would have great to hear at least a few Canadian accents. LOL....

Whoa, we Canadians don't have accents, but everyone else does. 😄

Every cruise is different, so maybe next time you'll meet someone from the next block. On our last cruise I met someone I dated over 40 years ago!

RB

The standard cabins are tiny and the storage is not really adequate. The River Queen is one of the oldest in the fleet and while well maintained just feels small and crowded.

I guess it depends on how much stuff you have. We found storage space more than adequate. And the cabins on the River Ambassador were even cozier. The beds on all the Uniworld ships are some of the best we've ever slept on, so that makes up for the squishy size of cabin.

A comfy bed, a shower with good water pressure, plush towels, having someone make my bed, clean my cabin, scrub my toilet, do my laundry and feed me...hey, I'm happy, happy.

RB

We are thinking about this cruise. Do any of the cabins on the River Queen have couches ?

No.

Cabins are 'cozy'. Very efficient use of space, but not palatial. :D

It is true that the train from the airport to the city is easy, but why not stay in the city?

I don't know about Beejay, but for us, if we can save some £ or $ or €, on a hotel we will just use for sleeping then that leaves us with more spending money on things that are more important. Like the next river cruise. 😄

In Amsterdam the hotels at Sloterdyk station are half the price of those near the central station.

RB

The tour was an option on our Uniworld cruise. Thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I don't own a BMW. Be prepared to do a lot of walking...the place is huge.

RB

Thank you for taking the time to write this review.

RB

My wife and I have taken two Uniworld cruises and are booked for our third in January. Uniworld is outstanding in their service, food and amenities. I'd book ASAP so you will have a better selection of cabins. With Uniworld you have to book thru a travel agent.

We book directly through Uniworld, not a TA., so not sure where this poster got their information.

RB