mozfoz

Sailed to Bermuda twice. First time was in July and there was a hurricane but we were in port, so no big deal. Second time during in first week of September. Weather was great. No rhyme or reason, so just go and enjoy.

Sailed Uniworld's Danube Christmas cruise from Budapest the first week in December. This was our first river cruise. Being truthful and not to diminish the experience, it was somewhat disappointing. The food on Uniworld was only ok. The ship was barely decorated but for the garland on the stair rails, a ginger bread house and a 12" tree on each table. No festive feeling. The markets were all as hoped, though except for Bratislava, they were all done during daylight. Daytime experiences were most disappointing. Dinner and sail time interfered with night time market visits. The first day in Budapest, while on the town tour, we were treated to a light coating of snow which was beautiful. We had rain in Vienna, sun and clouds the rest of the days. Not too cold, but just right for the holidays. The Vienna market in the rain was very nice and the exclusion to Salzburg was well worth it. It does get dark early, so next time I would be willing to skip a dinner and go eat at the colorful night market or two. Our best tip is to bring packets of hand warmers and lightweight water repellent shoes. We would love to do it all again.

Another grand palace or an another quaint town. Pick your poison. Have a great sailing.

Though I have only sailed Unworld, with no other ship to compare, I too feel the food was very disappointing. Yes, I did not go hungry, and yes I did go back for a second sailing, but the food is what makes me looking for a different line. Everybody says how great the food is, I was afraid to say otherwise.

Next week? A little late to ask or worry now. Just enjoy the cruise.

I agree 100% with you. We all know the definition of" insanity", but I thought I would at least try one last time.

We want to do the Seine for a number of reasons. We like the easy non-stop, round trip to Paris, the Seine is relatively stable with water levels, so no bussing worries, the towns appear charming with French influence, and of course while the day would be long, Normandy is of interest. No complaints about our Uniworld sailings, both actually very good, but we know there are other great lines. We thought why not try another and have something to compare. I read reviews, and take each one knowing they are subjective, which is fine. I was hoping to extract additional info as many of the reviews are of Viking and of the Rhine and Danube. Maybe value for money thoughts. Thank you for your responses.

I know the questions are all subjective. I know all food is regional. I know the different ship decors. I read CC daily. I know what all inclusive means or does not mean. I do look at You Tube and brochures, but all of that is staged advertising. Instead of telling what I prefer, maybe it would be simpler to have just asked your favorite line experiences, how well, and why you liked a line. We have traveled Europe multiple times, via land and ocean ship, but only 2 river cruises. I am asking for personal opinions on lines you were happy. Thanks for the replies.

We have previously sailed the Rhine and the Danube with Uniworld. While we had wonderful trips, there were things that we feel were missing. Maybe our expectations were too high. We are now looking at other lines for a Seine cruise to Normandy. Right now, Scenic and Tauck are looking as front runners, but we are asking for your help. We are open to all suggestions. All inclusive is not a requirement as we drink little. Town tours are fine, but churches, castles, and museums are no longer of interest. Attractive ship decor, attentive staff, good food is important and a little entrainment is welcome, though not local folk entrainment. Cabin size is also not important. Aquarium class or a French balcony is fine. Never done a suite! We would like to hear your prospectives and experiences.

Yes there is a chance, but the location may offset the "upgrade". I like knowing what I am getting and not leaving it to chance, even if it means losing the chance of a suite. Do you feel lucky?

My mistake. thanks for the correction. Still the best!!

I agree 100% The best sail-way IMHO is/was Venice via Grand Canal.

We have used them several times. Limo in Rome. Limoinrome.com.

Since you asked, yes.

Compare your sail dates with holiday dates. We had great weather Oct. into Nov., No crowds. Daylight savings ends in last week of Oct. and Nov.1 was a holiday. Most everything was closed. Happy sailing.