Thanks bettyk. I didn't see your response until today.

Pam, as you would expect, there was a variety of styles onboard the ship. Some people were dressier than others but, generally, at dinner people were a little more put together. I tried to dress a little nicer for the Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner but other than that I just wanted to look nice. No shorts, etc., at dinner. We only saw one or two men wear jackets. Most men just wore nice polo shirts and slacks.

I tried to pack mix and match outfits (as well as a few scarves) with a couple of nicer pieces thrown in for the dressier dinners. I saw quite a few women with Chico type outfits with nice capris, top and a jacket that could be mixed with other pieces for a different look during the day.

Oh, you are welcome kybourbon!

Thanks Betty. Always so helpful to hear from others who experienced this. I don't think I'll be wearing capris in October. But it's the tops and scarves that make the difference! P.

We are looking to do that cruise in 2015. I know, I know. but we are all booked up for 2014 and starting in September-October 2014 is when they offer some great deals, so we want to be ready to jump on them.

Question: is it better to go Budapest east (to Germany)? Is supposedly is "rougher" to go against the "tide" but in reading varies articles, am not sure what that means. Thanks.

A friend who travels solo a lot uses Gate 1 for her trips. A nice way to travel for her. I would do this over the big cruise ships. Did you have free time in the cities you visited to eat out? What was the age group average?

jan47e53, we started our cruise in Nuremburg and ended in Budapest and felt no roughness whatsoever.

flpab, we did have free time in most of the cities we visited but usually chose to return to the ship for our meals since they were included. We did find time for coffee, pastry and/or ice cream stops however!

We are 63 and 64. There was one couple we ate with on several occasions in their early 80's but they did all the walking, climbing, etc., that everybody else did! Of the 120 passengers on our ship, probably 75% were 50 and over with the remainder anywhere from late 20's to 40's.

Thanks Betty-- we too appear to be neighbors as we live in Austin. Did a thorough review of the info I have and you answered a lot of my questions, especially about the food. Do you recall what complimentary beverages were available--tea, lemonade, juice? Very interested in talking about your cabin--you say you had a window that opened. Do you recall what category that was? I would manage with the cabin with the small windows but hubby would like more. Did your window just open or was it a sliding door type window?

Do you have any information regarding gratuities for the staff and guides?

We too are as young as you and travel for a minimum of a month at a time but with only a carryon each. From what you say I believe this still might be manageable as we will be in Germany for a time before the cruise. Any info on laundry facilities that you recall?

Going through so many countries I think the Euro is valid in all. Except for soveniers and treats, did you find there was much need for Euros?

Thanks so much as I tend to obsess over the small details?

Loving the thought of casual attire. Hubby doesn't feel comfortable in suit and tie! Sounds like you don't have to dress up much. We have friends who want to do a river cruise with us, but probably not as soon as 2014. 2015 is more realistic for us. Looking at several options, including Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel. We are late 60s, early 70s, and have traveled to Europe too many times to count! Don't need all the sight seeing, just prefer to chill and do our own thing in the ports.

jan47ete (sorry, I noticed I messed up your name earlier!) I'll try to answer your questions.

Water, juice, tea and coffee were all provided at lunch. Not sure if they had lemonade. At dinner, you also had complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks as well I believe.

We had a large panoramic window that you could slide open. I believe it was a “B” Category room. On our particular cruise, it was an additional $250 pp but we felt it was worth it.

Regarding tips, Gate 1 will provide you with guidelines in the information packet you are given before you depart for your cruise as well as before disembarking at the end of your cruise. In fact, you can also find this info on their website. I remember that we were able to charge the crew tips to our room, but the Tour Manager tip was payable in cash directly to the Tour Manager.

You can get laundry done on the ship just like at any hotel. But they only do laundry and not dry cleaning although I believe they do pressing.

Because we did a pre cruise in Prague, we had to buy Czech Krowns as well as Hungarian Forints because we stayed a couple of extra days in Budapest. Otherwise, we were able to use Euros in Germany and Austria. The occasional restaurant may not take credit cards so in that case you may want a little extra local money.

Simpson, we lived in England and Vienna in the early ‘80’s. Prior to that, we took 2 European tours and then traveled once on our own. After returning to the US in 1985, we didn’t go back to Europe until 1999. Since then, we have been every year except for two.

We really enjoyed the local guides that the cruise line used. The city tours usually lasted less than 2 hours and almost all were after breakfast so we could return to the ship by lunch time. The guides were very knowledgeable and we always had free time at the end to explore a little on our own or have a coffee.

Depending on which cruise you take, you make not always moor close enough to walk into the city center. I know in Nurmberg, we were well outside the city center. Since Melk and Vienna were the only towns we had previously visited, we found the included sightseeing most interesting.

Great reports and info, we are doing Prague to Budapest in July 2014. this will be our 2nd river cruise and have in the past always done our own travel in car or mini van, been either 2 or 3 couples, now in my 65th year and the planner and organiser of our last 5 trips to Europe in last 8 years it was nice to do a 8 day cruise with not having to worry or think about anything but just relaxing and having fun. Yes cruising is a little dearer than doing it all yourself, but not as much as you would think, when you compare standard of accommodation, meals, free wine etc, free tours. That why we are doing 13 day cruise next time.

I agree kiwipete about a river cruise being a lot less work. And we also hope to do another river cruise in the next year or two.

Betty, My sister just left today for a Mediterranean cruise. This is significant because she's married to a retired airline pilot, and in the past they've done many rent-a-car trips abroad. This is their second cruise in a year's time.

I think when one gets to a certain age, sleeping in the same bed every night without having to move luggage starts to look very appealing. I'm looking into river cruises myself.

David really liked getting a break from all the driving and having to lug the suitcases in and out of the car! All of our transportation was arranged before we left the US so we just had to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Thanks bettyk. I've often looked at this particular Gate 1 itinerary and am seriously considering it for 2015 after reading your detailed report. I'm vegetarian, would there be sufficient options for me, mainly at dinner? Thanks again:)

Yes, geetika, I believe they had vegetarian options at every meal. I know there were salads and pasta dishes at the buffet lunch, as well as fruit and vegetable dishes.

Thanks bettyk, will definitely look into this.

<I>"I think when one gets to a certain age, sleeping in the same bed every night without having to move luggage starts to look very appealing. I'm looking into river cruises myself."</I>

AMEN!!!

Robyn :)>-