Ritabob

Hiccups,

If Irma(hotel manager) and Emma (purser) are still on the Queen, please tell them the Easter Bunny says "Hi", and the chocolates were sooo good.

I think you had better check first which lines travel through the Baltic. Those ships are usually much larger than the ones travelling along the rivers in Europe.

We were in Cat 2 cabins both times. (I like the colour red) Cabins are cozy (not large) but efficient. All cabins, except the suites, have the same square footage. What changes is the size of your window and the colour of decor.

Taking a bike out for a short ride can be lots of fun. Stay along the river's edge and you won't get lost. Most ports have pathways along the river. And with the map that is available from the front desk...no worries!

Go to the Uniworld website and look up the cruise companion for your particular cruise...you should find a fairly detailed itinerary. They will send you a copy with your documents a couple of weeks before departure, but it is nice to read up on it ahead of time...gets you excited for the trip.

Don't forget to get insurance for everything...medical and cancellation / interruption, etc...if you've got it you won't need it :)

We were on the last cruise of the season in 2012 (November) and there were not any organized bicycle tours at that time. We did however take advantage of the bikes whenever we could...in Basel we rode across over to France just because it was a novelty to be able to be in two countries with such ease....and in Strasbourg the ship was docked in the perfect location near walkways / trails along the river / canal. The bikes are comfortable and easy to adjust for your height. They come with locks and helmets.

In Breisach we chose to take the tour to Kayserberg and Riquewihr ...delightfully ..picturesque very walkable. Don't remember hearing about Colmar from others.

In Strasbourg we took the canal cruise which was followed by a short stroll and free time in town. Shuttle buses were available back to the ship a number of times during the afternoon as well as from the ship back into town, so you did have the oppotunity to have lunch on board and go back into town to explore for the afternoon.

Doreman, how well do you know these people? are you willing to be with them for about 16 hours a day? I mean, really WITH them? Cheek by jowl with them? That is what DIY and escorted bus tour would be. Hearding cats while trying to nail jello to a tree. You'll be asleep the rest of the time or trying to stay up and on top of the next day's itinerary. :D

At least with a river cruise you can escape once in while...pick a different walking tour, have breakfast at a different time, chat with other passengers and agree with your travelling companions you will all sit together at dinner, but the rest of the time not be in each other's pockets. Gives all of you the opportunity to meet and mingle with new friends and really enjoy your vacation.

there are pros and cons to all choices, it's up to you to decide what will be a great vacation.

Hiccups, we did the Legends tour on the River Queen a couple of years ago in the opposite direction, and were on the Queen earlier this year. Love that ship! If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to try and answer them.

Let's say you work in the service industry somewhere in the US. A tourist from Hungary leaves you a decent tip in Forints. Would you be happy? Of course not.

Please be considerate and pay them in their local currency.

We have been able to tour a number of river boats when rafted together or docked nearby, by presenting ourselves to the front desk staff and asking for a tour. If one of their staff members is available they very graciously show us around the public rooms.

Thanks for posting the information. We've taken advantage of the 2 for 1 offer and are booked !

eyeu, Rick

In answer to your questions about what to do....it all depends on your own interests and comfort level on exploring on your own. In Antwerp you could actually cover both options by going on the 'do as the locals do' with the guide and then set out on your own in the afternoon to see the church....ask your tour guide first thing in the morning about getting a pass to get into the church later in the day, or just pay the admission on your own. It is withing walking distance of the ship.

We picked Bruge over Ghent. It's a picture postcard sort of place, just hope for better weather than what we had.

One of us did the National Liberation Museum while the other walked in van Gogh's footsteps. Both were good, however felt as if not enough time was spent in Nuenen with van Gogh...more time spent traveling on the bus than seeing the sights.

Keukenhof gardens are not to be missed

If you have any other questions I'll try to answer them.

Have a great time!

We are presently on the River Queen doing the tulips and windmill cruise. Saw and toured the Maria Theresa a few days ago. Wow !

I'll answer your questions after we get home and take some time to review our trip and photos to remember what was where.....information overload right now.

....and when you are seated at the dining table no one will be able to see what you are wearing on your lower body, so make sure the waistband is expandable :-)

Uniworld does.

Los Pepes posted two days ago they were starting their cruise and would post updates...Hmmm? No updates yet. Must be having a great time!

Just know we are waiting to live vicariously through you. (big grin)

We traveled the Rhine and Mosel from Basel to Amsterdam on the last regular cruise of the season before the Christmas cruises started. That was in November. Loved it! yes it was a bit nippy and damp weather wise, but the grape harvest was in and you can't beat the scenery, no matter what time of year you travel. The tourist crowds were not to be found, either.

As others stated, your own comfort level regarding the weather might be the best gauge to go by. September into October would be glorious for the colour, if not the temperature. Enjoy !

Don't forget Uniworld

it depends on what your husband wants to do. Is he active? There is a small gym, but it would be much more fun to take one of the ship's bicycles and go for a ride. Or use the Nordic walking sticks for a power walk. There is a spa on board, so maybe a massage?

There is a small library, and a couple of computers. Other than that, sitting in the lounge or on the deck to watch the world go by. The bar is always open :-)

I would like to hear from those who have experienced multiple river cruise companies and then have chosen one to be their 'favourite'. And why.

Many of us have our favourites...tried it, liked it, no reason to change their allegiance ...but would like to hear from those who tried one line, then another, and maybe even a third to find the right fit.

We're not cheap...we're frugal :)

Thanks everyone for your posted photos and opinions.

We booked the trip this morning and hope Mother Nature will be on our side this year. And the trip is not all about tulips, there will be windmills, as well. And less tourists, maybe? :)

Anyone been on the Tulips and windmills cruise? We are thinking about taking the first one of the season on the River Queen and are wondering if the end of March is too early to see Springtime in this area?

thanks, Ritabob

As you said, cabin size is not as important as your being neat about putting things where they belong. :-)

We have been on numerous Uniworld ships and even though the cabins are a bit squishy,the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms well laid out with the shower stalls

being a good size. Don't bother with the french balconies, they eat up valuable floor space. The window 'ledge' in the non-balcony cabins are a great place to pile things on.

Enjoy your river cruise...don't sweat the small stuff (or the cabin size)

No shorts in the dining room for dinner...ever! :-)

I can only speak for Uniworld in France....Go in May...springtime in Paris is delightful.

Cabin size is a bit squishy but very well laid out. If you are going to spend time in your cabin reading are you apt to do it lying in bed or sitting on a chair? Bed is comfy, small chairs are not. With a maximum of passengers around 130, we never felt the lounge was crowded on those damp or cool days.

Bicycles are available and a great way to tour around a bit to work off your dinner and the wine and the beers. Don't remember there being an organized bike tour, though.

We were pleased with the wines served with meals, but not much selection in beer.

There was no problem bringing your own beverages on board. I believe they would serve it to you at dinner for a nominal fee, and keep it chilled if required. We kept ours in our cabin for consumption there. (And discreetly elsewhere on board)

Gratuities are now included with Uniworld, so no need to worry about that.

Have a great trip no matter which line you chose, just enjoy!