Travel

[TurnerGal]

Hi,

I just wanted to give out some information on our recent River Cruise.  We just completed a River Cruise on the Danube River with Gate 1.  This was a first trip with Gate 1.  They have some River Cruises and many group tours through out the world. 

There are lots of expensive other lines but if you are looking for a River Cruise and don't want to spend an arm an a leg this is a good option.  They have many sales and offers that will make the price about 50%  to 70% less than the other well known lines.  

What is different and why is it cheaper?  Their boats may be older than the top of the line boats.  We had a beautiful french balcony over looking the River.  Their trips include most things all meals, beer and wine with dinner, one tour per day.  Other cruises do include drinks at lunch but this one doesn't,  and you will need to pay gruatuities at the end of the trip.  The boat and staff were excellent.  The food was outstanding and the tours were given by same local experts as the other lines.

I also liked the other people on the boat,  age wise maybe average 60 ish.  The other people were many professionals (teachers)  many middle to middle upper class people similar to us.  I have heard on a few of the other lines some of the people are very wealthy and not very pleasant. 

I know there are some of you that want 5* and can afford it so this line is not for you. But if you have wanted to go on a River Cruise and didn't think you could afford it check them out.  We booked 2 months in advance on one of their "last minute specials" at their site and we paid $1300 each for the week and had about $200 in gratuities at the end.  We loved it so much we are going to do another one with them. 

[Kachina624]

@TurnerGal.  Great review, thanks!

[Love my grandkids]

@TurnerGal What a nice review. What is a French balcony?

[TurnerGal]

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@Love my grandkids wrote:

@TurnerGal What a nice review. What is a French balcony?

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It has a large sliding patio door that opens so you can see out but it doesn't extend out of that makes sense.  I will see if I can post a picture.  

[bargainsgirl]

Thanks!  I just recieved a booklet from Viking today and I will compare!

[Spacrazy]

@TurnerGal :  Sounds like y'all had an awesome time. I appreciate your post and pretty sure I'll give it a try.

[kaydee50]

We've been looking at river cruises in the US and also on the Great Lakes.  Although we could afford the prices, I cannot justify spending almost $1,000 a day for 2.  We have done cruises on the Rhine, Nile and Yangtze and they were way cheaper than the US cruises.  I guess it depends in part on competion and there aren't many cruise lines that offer US and Great Lakes cruises.

Currently ending a 14 day cruise to Alaska from Vancouver which cost us about $5,000.  Signicant difference from the river cruises!!

[Carmie]

@TurnerGal   Thank you for the review.  I have always wanted to do a river cruise and I agree that they're expensive, more so than an ocean cruise.

The price you paid is a steal.  I am glad you had a great time.  I will check them out.  I know many people who have traveled with Gate1 land tours and were pleased as well.

[proudlyfromNJ]

I agree with the River cruise. Just about the best vacation we have been on. We also did the Danube.

[TurnerGal]

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@kaydee50 wrote:

We've been looking at river cruises in the US and also on the Great Lakes.  Although we could afford the prices, I cannot justify spending almost $1,000 a day for 2.  We have done cruises on the Rhine, Nile and Yangtze and they were way cheaper than the US cruises.  I guess it depends in part on competion and there aren't many cruise lines that offer US and Great Lakes cruises.

Currently ending a 14 day cruise to Alaska from Vancouver which cost us about $5,000.  Signicant difference from the river cruises!!

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@kaydee50 What line did you use for your trip to Alaska?  There was a gentleman on this cruise that had gone on the Delta Queen in the US,  he said it was very nice but expensive.