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Some people went on the tours to see the city we were in but did not get off the bus. Uniworld does advertise two levels of mobility for their tours so those with mobility problems do not feel rushed or overtaxed and those w/o such problems don't feel slowed down or impeded in their pace. The included trip already has several days in Amsterdam so on the days you added look to explore parts of the Netherlands the ship won't visit. Train travel in Holland is fast and convenient.

So, as the title suggests, I've never been on a river cruise before. I have travelled to Germany quite a bit but always on my own itinerary and by land. My wife and some friends have expressed an interest in going on a river cruise such as a Danube cruise from say Budapest to Nuremburg for instance.

 

We're in our 40's and are a bit adventurous and my main concern with the concept of river cruising is that I think we tend to be independent in what we like to do when visiting places and I think we might go a bit stir crazy being confined to a river boat every night all night. So I am curious to find out how this works.

 

When you are on a river cruise do you have a fair amount of freedom to leave the ship during the evening at least for a while or does it simply leave the dock at dinner time for the entire evening? I know there's time during the day at each location to get out and explore the city you are docked at but how much time is available typically? We tend to like to do our own touring around and would probably prefer some flexibility when exploring a city.

 

There are some things that sound appealing about a river cruise. The ability to relax and enjoy scenery while the boat travels along the route, staying in the same room every night and not have to pack/unpack checkin/checkout at different hotels at each stop, good food, etc. I have to weigh that against the possible negatives and to me the main negative is being confined and having to deal with a rigid schedule.

 

Any feedback is appreciated and any suggestions as far as what cruise lines might be best based on what I've said above. Thank you!

whether you are docked or sailing at night depends on the particular city you are in. That is some nights you are docked and free to come and go just as in a land based hotel while other nights you will be travelling. On many routes the stops are close together so that you could bicycle between towns. Once docked you are free to join the organized tours or explore on your own or do both!

Where did this notification of a price drop come from; Celebrity, a TA or a price monitoring site?

Cruise critic.

Was notified of a 66% price drop on a cruise I had already booked. Turns out the cost, in three different cabin categories, is higher than I paid with fewer perks. Is this a gimmick wherein the cruise line jacked up prices for a short time so they could then sell this "bargain" or am I missing somethig?;)

Hmm, so all inclusive would mean all alcohol, all restaurants, all spa services, all excursions, all on ship tours, internet, tips, and a partridge in a pear tree. Yes that would cost a pretty penny.

Generally blended with ice - some places will use ice cream....

do they have chocolate peanut butter ice cream to blend it with??? YUM!;)

Depends on the person....I am also sailing to Alaska next year and will

have a lot of obc. I plan on doing a private tour in Ketchikan and will

use the ship's tours in Juneau and Skagway....I want to use credits

up and so it will help pay for 2 excursions:)

This will be my 4th time going to Alaska as well. I might be in the

minority but I don't really care;).....I have credit I want to use up.

And from what I have researched, not all the ship's tours have 100

people on them. Hi Linda:D

I agree. I will be taking a small boat tour to Sawyer glacier in Tracy Arm and from what I've read you can only do that one by booking with Celebrity. I am taking a float plane tour and a helicopter tour and I suspect the size of the flying transport will be the same as with private tours. Ok the group walking on the glacier may be larger with the cruise line tour but from what I understand glaciers are pretty roomy so I think there will be room for everyone. I have read that private tours are cheaper but I have Not seen any posts actually documenting the truth of that assertion. What I would like to see is someone who will be on my cruise and who does private tours compare notes with me about my experiences and theirs. So far the roll call for my cruise has been very small (6 people) and Very quiet but we have 7 more months until we sail. Lastly the Alaska ports of call thread on CC has over 1100 Pages of entries-that's a lot to sift through.

how does one get OBC on a Uniworld river cruise?

Thanks for the response, JP.

Thanks for responding.

Are there single cabins on Solstice?

I'm sure I will probably be the only person who thinks like this, but I see that as mistake on X's part that could result in the loss of life.

everyone should be required to get their life jacket, and everyone should required to put it on. You never know when your life will depend on doing that.

I agree totally.

We were on the Rhine mid October with Uniworld and had beautiful weather. Our castles day was a little cool but Uniworld provided indoor viewing and listening or outdoors there were blankets heated with hot water bottles. Very comfortable!!!

 

Also when comparing pricing, remember Uniworld is ALL INCLUSIVE. That means all tips on the ship, the buses, the guides, your transfers, all beverages from the moment you wake up til you go to bed at night no matter what you drink whether it is hard liquor or a soft drink!!! Even all excursions are included, one per day (there may be 2-3 optional).

 

Diane

 

 

We did Castles in September and it was glorious, not terribly crowded and no need for blankets with hot water bottles!

 

Uniworld is truly inclusive, but keep in mind you're paying for all those perks!!

 

Actually in some ports there are Two included tours (AM & PM) and sometimes you have a choice of several included tours to choose from on a particular day. We love Uniworld and are super excited to be on the initial voyage of what will be the newest Super Ship the S.S. Maria Theresa.

Melissa McClelland has a song "God Loves Me" on her album ""Victoria Day""

The Catherine is lovely and quite comfortable. Staterooms have plenty of storage and are extremely quiet due to lots of soundproofing. Lots of glass and mirrors give the illusion of spaciousness. Two lively bars for gathering and a well-planned dining room made it easy to enjoy the ample food and beverage service aboard. The waiters and bar staff were among the best I've ever encountered. You get the feeling they really enjoy their jobs. Front desk staff was eager to assist whenever needed. I'm trying hard to think of a "negative" but am unable to do so. My favorite ocean-going cruise line is Regent Seven Seas, and I must say this is as close to RSSC as I can find on a river! Everything you need or want is already anticipated and included.

Thanks!

Even though Celebrity has tough anti smoking regulations there are a couple of spots on the port side where they smoke could go to a balcony, that is why many recommend starboard.

 

Kevin:

 

On our cruise we spent a whole day in the Pacific heading home, it wasn't just at night.

Thanks, makes me feel even better that I changed my cabin from port to starboard 'tho I did it for other reasons.

Good to hear. We are thinking of this itinerary for next spring. We liked the SS Antoinette very much and hope we can try this Super Ship as well!

How did you like the Antoinette? What was special about her?

We were on the next-to-the-last cruise of the season on Uniworld's Catherine..(sailing from Avignon to Lyon). In spite of high water forcing a couple of itinerary changes, this cruise was perfection! The staff onboard handled everything in a highly professional, friendly and caring manner. The Rhone river was closed for a day due to flooding. The captain and cruise director made sure that all passengers were in the loop as to what was happening and how it would be handled. Alternate plans were put into place and the result was a wonderful cruise aboard a truly lovely and gracious ship. I've been a Uniworld fan for years, but this experience really sets the bar quite high for river cruising. I will be happy to answer any questions from future guests.

Good to hear you had a great trip. I will be on the SS Maria Theresa next year and I am Very interested to read your opinions of the ship (the Catherine) itself. Thanks!

For me, in order of preference for a balcony, even if the shop could sail the entire inside passage: Starboard, aft, port.

 

And believe me, you will spend a LOT of time on your balcony if you have either of the first two options. Loads to see.

Why starboard over port?

That is because Shore & Land Excursions for next May are not currently available on the Celebrity website, but when they are available this excursion is listed under Juneau so it is assigned a number that begins with the letters JU on the Celebrity website.

 

The vendor is Allen Marine.

Here is a link to a description of the excursion on the vendor's own website, but you need to book this one through the cruise line.

 

Allen Marine Tours - Juneau Alaska - Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer

 

well you may want to check again because I've already booked mine for next July (2015) thru the Celebrity website.

They will make gluten free crepes on reqest. There may be a little wait. I usually let my server know I will be ordering a gf crepe when I am seated.

 

I do not think itwould be difficult to have them omit the nuts and dairy. The gf options include crepes, salads and sometimes the soup of the day. I sometimes order the savory crepe filling without the crepe and then enjoy the dessert crepe. You should be able to have the French dessert crepe.

Thanks for the info!

there are those who prefer to leave from Vancouver rather than Seattle because they go further north into glacier bay. Also taking a cruise + land tour would show you a lot more of Alaska if you have the time/funds. Others like the smaller ships like the Millenium class because they reportedly can go further into Tracy Arm or sail more time thru the inside passage or are smaller with less passengers.

Have you noticed more inebriated fellow passengers due to the more people with drink packages? I usually get the soda package and drink no alcohol on a cruise but I will have a basic alcohol package as a perk on my next cruise so I plan to drink a lot more:p Since I fall asleep after my second drink I won't bother anyone else. I guess the late night comics will appreciate a looser audience but no one likes a sloppy drunk.

Here we are, having a nice discussion about the EGG and someone wants to talk tootpicks...

 

Your first 5 words should tell you to start a new thread.

 

You are not supposed to use tootpicks in your eye or they'd be called eyepicks ...

actually it was tootHpicks no tootpicks. My first 5 words ( or so i was told) were Mama, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, and OK. I did know a guy who invented an instrument that was a cross between a guitar and a trumpet. Now HE coulda used a "tootpic"!

Sorry, but there is only one bedroom for the Century Penthouse. This is also true for the Penthouses on other Celebrity ships. As far as I know the only two bedroom suite on Celebrity is the Reflection Suite which is only on the Celebrity Reflection.

Here is the floor plan of the Century's Penthouse:

 

where's the piano?