Ritabob

Just an aside about suitcase weight. Quite often the gym on board has a scale so you can easily check to make sure you are not over your limit.

6 weeks ago on the River Ambassador, more than half of the passengers were River Heritage Club Members! I guess it depends on the itinerary? The ship ?

Ah, well, more caviar for you....we didn't get any.

RB

Usually coins...50 cents or thereabouts. Some are on the honour system, some manned by 'Madam P P'.

Your guides usually will let you know where the free ones are.

Bill, do you shop a lot ? Enjoy sitting in a cafe? Plan on eating at expensive restaurants instead of on board? All sorts of things to consider before coming up with a € amount.

In Hungary it is true, a lot of places do accept the euro, but many times the exchange rate is very much in the merchant's favour instead of using forints, the local currency.

Are you travelling with a company that includes the gratuities or will you have to have money for drivers and guides every day ? And does your cruise company want cash or will accept credit cards for the on board gratuities...if not already included.

Your US $ are of no use in Europe.

RB

How was the train trip ? Did Uniworld do anything for you during the trip ?

RB

Karelowe,

I just got back from a river cruise that began on the 2nd of April in Amsterdam. Weather was a bit of everything from windy cold drizzle (8°C) to sunny and beautiful (20°C). If you are prepared for the worst and hope for the best you have nothing to worry about . Every one of our European river cruises has been at the beginning or the end of the season. Yes, it is a bit cheaper, the ship may not be at full capacity, and there will be far less tourists in the ports. A win, win, win situation!

Have a great time,

RB

Daphne,

I can only tell you about Uniworld...so perhaps finding a good TA who has experience with both lines would help. Also , read the stickies above with lots of good information about the different lines.

Jeans and tennis shoes are fine for day time. And even evening meals with a nice shirt or top .

I know Uniworld does waive the single supplement on many of their cruises, so perhaps you and your friend could each have a cabin to avoid the different waking hour dilemma.

The ships are not large, and there are staff / crew members around at all times ,so if you are wandering, there is no need to feel uneasy about being alone.

There are many videos on YouTube you can watch to get an idea of what to expect on board.

And the language used on board is English.

Happy planning !

RB

If you would like to save a bit of money, look at hotels near the Sloterdijk station. This is one train stop away from centraal station going in the direction of the airport. It has metro, bus and tram stops. Easy to get anywhere.

RB

Hi,

I promised my son a ride on the autobahn, he's a teenager now and want to do it now while he is young. Is anyone familiar with a cruise itinerary that stops at a port accessible to the motorway and we could rent a vehicle. I have no idea of the geography but if the BMW factory was part of it that would be even better. Any suggestions, im thankful.

Uniworld's delightful Danube and Prague does have a tour to the BMW factory. Something not to be missed.

mlbcruiser,

Not sure if having experienced only 2 ocean cruises and 7 river cruises qualifies me to answer your questions, but I will give you my opinion.

I did not enjoy either ocean cruise. Various reasons, but the major one is the at sea days. I find them boring. If I want to sit out and catch some rays I'd rather do that at home in my back yard. Then I don't have to listens to others whinging. If I am paying for a vacation I would rather go somewhere and do something. I also found the sheer number of passengers was overwhelming. The dressing up to the nines is also not my idea of pleasurable.

Sure there is a greater cost to river cruising, but I've been able to work with an excellent TA, watch for discounts, and as a repeat client get upgrades. There are cruise companies for every pocketbook.

BTW, we are about to board #8 the day after tomorrow. :D

Everyone has their own priority list and likes and dislikes. That is what makes this human race so wonderful. I can't imagine meeting my clone.

RB

Now, if we could just ride the bikes to the bakery and the cheese shop...that would be a good outing.

RB

So glad to hear things are going well. Was the optional trip to Waterloo mentioned in the cruise companion ? Did you go on it or hear from someone who did ?

Who is your captain and hotel manager ? Cruise director?

Thanks,

RB

Still anxiously awaiting the itineraries and pricing for U by Uniworld. To stick to their "this month" promise, we should see it this week!

We've heard they will cater to the 18 to 30 year Olds, with an emphasis to staying in ports late or overnight so passengers can experience nightlife with the locals. The cruises will not be all inclusize, nor as luxurious.

We did the Tulips and Windmills cruise two years ago and were surprised to see people who were not prepared...and oh, the complainers. Our canal cruise in Brugge was a fiasco in the pouring rain. It was hilarious....with all the umbrellas no one saw a thing, and they were all sitting in puddles. My raincoat is long so at least my butt was dry.

Weather forecast is looking good for you , so enjoy !

How are things in Brussels? The weather ? Enjoy your cruise !

Oops, what happened to the photos ? We are all waiting with so much anticipation :p

Mozfoz,

I have only cruised with Uniworld, so can confidently say the beds are wonderful. As far as how they are made up is your choice. We prefer having two individual duvets. Others prefer having their bed made up 'American-style'. Sheets and blankets. Have a chat with your room attendant or housekeeping. They want you to be happy.

Your cabin thermostat is easy to use and quick to react. We like it cool at night, and we usually travel early or late in the season, so there is a real feeling of cozy nesting. :D

RB

Happy Travellers, you're going to be getting off the Ambassador as we are going to be boarding! We're going to be in Amsterdam for 5 days prior, so could be able to give you some up to date information if you take your time getting away,

The River Ambassador has the smallest cabins in their entire European fleet. They are 'cozy', but very efficient use of space, and the bed...Oh, the bed ! The staff will be fabulous and you will want for nothing...except maybe warmer weather and more Tulips at Keukenhof.

If you have time to do reports every couple of days I'd really appreciate it.

Have a great trip

RB

My 2018 price list says port charges are included, so not sure where the discrepancy is. I have not looked on the Web site, just the new catalogue.

RB

As far as I know, the only change is there will no longer be free upgrades if there are any cabins available in the next category. Bummer. We have been fortunate to get that upgrade on 5 of our cruises. One advantage to cruising at the beginning or end of the season for any particular itinerary. We've been able to save a bit of $ to put toward the next cruise.

Counting down to cruise #8 in a few weeks. Yipeeee!

RB

Loving your travel tales and photos. The mausoleum entrance photo really puts the size of the building in perspective.

Also good to know (so far) you didn't have to speak to Ralph on the big white porcelain phone again :D

RB

Yipeeee, time to start dreaming about next year. Just got our 2018 Uniworld catalog. Finally one book that has all itineraries in one .

And one month to go for our next cruise. Double Yipeeee!

RB

What cruise line are you going with ? I know Uniworld has washers and dryers available free, on some of their ships. They also provide the washing powder.

RB

Always have some euro coins for the public toilets.

RB

Something to add in Nuremberg....wish I could remember the name of the tour, but it was a walking tour underground. There was an entire interconnecting world under the town and a lot of artifacts were stored to keep them safe during the war. I'm a bit claustrophobic, but it wasn't too bad....

Prague is a must do. And hey, if you don't have a problem paying a bit more to have your cruise company take care of the planning, go for it !

RB