Petesh

Thanks all. Sounds like this may be a good option for us. We went on a gate1 cruise down the Danube a couple of years ago and this soundas about the dsame standard. It was very good for the price and went where the others went. Not subsidising the drinkers on board and not having prepaid unnecessary excursions can make a huge difference to the overall costs.

In relation to excursions do CroisiEurope offer a good range of excursions to choose from?

I have a minor concern about the set plated meals as Carol does not eat seafood but I am sure this is a problem which can be quite easily overcome.

Thanks again for your advice

Peter

I am Australian and have just found an Australian company offering a 3 river cruise with hotel, train and other land transport. 28 days $8999AUD which includes air fares. Compared to $6400 for one river 10 days with uniworld. This makes it a seemingly good deal. Carol and I are well travelled and accept a number of inconveniences but like to be aware what these are before finding out the hard way. We generally keep to ourselves and are not over worried about mixing with different people at meals, we do like to go on some excursions, which we like to choose ourselves but are happy to sort ourselves in smaller places. We drink very little. Thus all inclusive itineraries are not really our preferred option. I do have concerns about some issues raised in different places.maybe someone can comment on them.

1. the vessels are weak build and noisy, in that you can hear everything that goes on in the cabins around you

2. the crew speak very poor english, at best

3. tea and coffee, outside of meal times has to be paid for

4. meals are fixed plate with no alternative offered. (any commenton the quality of the food?)

5. offered excursions are sparce and expensive

Any comments on the ships will be greatly appreciated

Peter