KShuman

That's a great suggestion @gnome12. I knew I could buy a local SIM card, but just decided weeks prior to the cruise I wouldn't 'need' it. Of course, we were on the cruise when we found out about our family member's health issue and by that time - I wasn't prepared to go looking for a SIM card in our next port of call. Thanks for reminding us all that we do have options when it comes to staying connected!

I just returned from a Gate 1 Danube cruise from Budapest to Regensburg. We had no issues regarding river levels so we were thankful. We also had PERFECT weather so I am remembering May 25 - June 3 as a great time to cruise!

I cannot compete with @JordanF's eloquent review or great photos, but I was on the same Gate 1 River Cruise with Amy/Jordan and agree with his positive comments about the staff, meals, ship, etc. I thought all the staff was superb and as Jordan mentioned - Laura was a great activity director. Our tour manager, Martin went out of his way to help me with a transfer to Prague after the cruise ended in Regensburg. So he earns rave reviews from me as well. I did take the optional tour to Vienna to the Schonbrunn palace and really enjoyed the history (as well as the beautiful gardens). Because we learned a lot about Maria Theresa during the palace tour it was helpful as we heard more about her in other ports, specifically Germany and Prague. I also agree with @JordanF that the WiFi onboard wasn't great. We were have extended family health issues back in the U.S. while we were traveling and the poor WiFi caused some aggravation. If it had been a 'normal' vacation I probably wouldn't have cared as much about the lousy connection since I do really try to 'disconnect' while traveling, but the WiFi was one of the few things I would say needs improving. This was my first Gate 1 trip and first river cruise and my husband and I will consider another one since Gate 1 delivered such value - I really wasn't expecting to see so much in such a short period of time.

Our family of 6 adults is on Independence of the Seas which leaves Friday, 11/11 from Port Canaveral. Considering Hurricane Nicole is going to prob cause issues in the middle of FL as well as the coast - I am not sure my family can fly into Orlando on 11/10. Anyone have prior experience with something like this?