I took a river cruise - how was it?

Thank you for your report. I always find your posts, judgements and perspectives helpful.

Happy travels.

Thanks for the trip report/perspective. I've thought about a river cruise at some point, maybe Budapest to Bucharest, as this isn't an area I have researched and might make it easier. I also think that with such limited time at each stop, I would end up staying in town and having lunch, thus 'paying' twice, but would give a little more time to see the location.

Bugtrackin7s post reported.

I liken river cruises to bus tours. The only difference really is the mode of transport and having the same room every night. It works great for some people and not for others. My experience is it leaves you wanting more time in some places (add to the list of future trips) and less in others. Our next river cruise will be a budget blow out 50th anniversary trip next fall on Scenic from Budapest to Amsterdam

Thanks for your report Carol. I’ve often thought that a river cruise will be a good alternative as I slow down. Not quite there yet.

Curious about your solo experience. Were there other singles? Did they mingle? Were couples friendly and inclusive?

I wrote in my TR in June that while I enjoyed our river cruise I didn't feel I got enough value for the price. Ours cost $843pp per day not including airfare. The biggest disappointment was how far we were from the centre of town at each dock and had to be bussed up to an hour in some locations and rarely had a full day off the ship. How did Gate 1 compare to my disappointments?

Allan, the 9 day Gate1 out of Budapest starts at less than $2200. Thats $244 a day. A mid range hotel in Vienna costs that much. Carol, mesls and booze included? And i dont think there is a single supplement. At those prices I might try one if I can get a traveling companion. I think Carol now retired chose well. Particularly with the end point of course. I've noticed the Gate1 boats tend to park not in the center of town, so do download a Travel Card.

Thanks Carol! Glad you are having fun!

Thanks Carol, that's good to know. I like the low passenger load. That makes me more inclined to consider it, especially as a way to get a sample of future places for a more in depth visit.

To answer questions:
There were some other solos aboard but it really didn’t matter as everyone was friendly and inclusive. People got to know your name and you could simply join any table at a meal and feel welcome with good conversation. What made the river cruise work for me as a solo was purchasing it during a time when they waived the solo supplement fee.

The cost included all meals. Beer, wine, soft drinks were included with dinner, cost extra the rest of the time. Coffee, tea, water and ice tea were always available. The cost also included some sort of tour at each port, often a walking tour. In addition there were some optional tours and concerts available for an additional fee if desired. You can pay a lot more for a river cruise on some of the highly advertised brands, but you will go to the same places on a similar ship.

We docked within walking distance of the old town in most towns. The ship offered free shuttle bus service in Vienna.

Excellent. Thank you.

@Mr E. Gate 1 usually has twice a year when they waive the solo supplement on new reservations. Often in March and September. If you think you might be interested, you can sign up for sale notifications.

Great info! Thanks for posting.

Carol, thanks for your report. So glad you enjoyed your cruise. Does Gate 1 charter the entire boat or are there other groups/passengers on board?

@ JeanM. They have their own fleet of ships. Everyone on the ship has purchased through Gate 1.

https://www.gate1travel.com/river-cruises/europe-river-cruises

We did the Gate 1 Travel river cruise on the Danube from Regensburg, Germany to Budapest (also then a 6 day bus tour of Romania).
The cruise was great, inexpensive and the bus tour of Romania was great as well.

We always compare prices and itineraries with other river cruises. Gate 1 is hard to beat.

Carol now retired, I looked at prices when I saw your post, and the single supplement was zero. Thats a good deal, but more enjoyable if I bring a roomie. Unlike you I dont do well with strangers in public settings.

I never realized one could do this so economically. I can't thank you enough.

Thanks for posting. I don't think Gate 1 can be beat for value at a moderate price.

Thank you, Carol. How many hours did you have in most ports?

Such good info, thank you Carol!

How often did you find your ship parked side by side with other cruise ships at a port so that you were unable to see the sights out your room window? When watching YouTube videos about river cruising which we have never done, we were dismayed how often that happened.

I love river cruises and have taken some with Uniworld, Grand Circle and Gate 1. The value and product of Gate 1 is so high, I doubt I will travel with anyone else now.
There is no reason to be disappointed about the amount of time in each city. The ship’s itinerary is always available before you book a cruise. It clearly states which days you are in each city.

More answers to questions:

Time in port varied from 7 hours to 16 hours.

We were “double parked” maybe 3 times and not for an extended period of time. Usually only impacts one side of the ship. It really didn’t seem like that big of a deal.

Unless it is your side of the ship

Carol now retired, I looked at prices when I saw your post, and the single supplement was zero. Thats a good deal,

If there's no single supplement I'd consider booking two rooms for Chris and I -- since we both snore!!! Plus an extra bathroom would be nice in the morning!

Carol n.r. you inspired me so today when I had to do my steps I headed for the river. Okay, i headed for one of my favorite wine bars near the river in Buda. 4750 steps door to door or 11000 round trip (steps are never as efficient after a few hours in a wine bar). Outstanding.

Afterwards I walked back across the bridge and began walking up the lower embankment. They close the road in the summer and turn it over to pedestrians. Its pretty sweet. Pop up bars a few brick and mortar bars and restaurants, great views across the river with public seating to accommodate ..... and a way to count the ships. From the Chain Bridge down river not less than 20. Some parked 3 deep. I didnt see them this trip, but upriver past the Parliament there is usually another half dozen or so. So lets say 25 ships total today. I suspect thats 4000 tourists all crammed on Vaci utca and District V.

Someone said the port authority assigns where to park. I suspect there is more to it than that because Viking is always in the same place and its pretty prime. Brands I never heard of like ARosa and Travel Marvel which was a stunning ship called Polaris. Then there was the 1AVista Reisen with Ukrainian registration. They had two ships docked. Maybe who I take for purely political reasons. Looked nice too. Didnt see a Gate 1, but I know where they park and its not bad, not Viking, but still not bad.

Thank you, Carol, for this trip report. This is truly the first time I have been tempted by the price and the itineraries. I did not know Gate 1 had river cruises too.