Part 2: A Great Time to River Cruise

Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

This is part 2 of A Great Time to River Cruise.

Neil and Ginnie just finished a 14 Day Danube River Cruise. They sailed starting on 26 September 2021 and ended their cruise on 10 October 2021.

She is such a good writer and so honest, I ask her permission to use her thoughts and put them into a question and answer format, just like part 1 of A Great Time to River Cruise.

We are also using their pictures to document their journey!

So, let’s explore together and learn about Ginnie’s thoughts in her own Words—you won’t be disappointed!

“The overall travel experience on our 14 day Grand Danube Cruise with AMA Waterways was superb!”

Question # 1: What did you think about your Stateroom?

“Our stateroom was great. We had a veranda and a balcony - what a pleasure it was to sit out and watch the Danube flow by. We often saw groups of swans in the Danube.

The rooms are not big but are very well designed. We slept well - the bed was really comfortable.”

Question #2: What was your thoughts about the Cruise Director and the Crew?

“Our cruise Directors, Pau (Upper Danube) and Florentin (lower Danube), were outstanding. They gave presentations on all the excursions so that we could pick the right one for us, which was very helpful.

We were always kept informed of any changes, issues, etc. They were both positive, upbeat and fun and brought a sense of adventure and excitement to the cruise.

I can't say enough positive about the staff we interacted with, mainly in the dining room. It was wonderful to meet so many from other countries and talk with them.

The professionalism of the service in every area (dining room, lounge, chef's table, etc.) was impressive.

My husband and I sat at the same table for every meal (one of the COVID protocols) and our server was Andy at every meal. He was fantastic - I think he could read our minds on what we needed!

The staff seemed thrilled to be working and enjoying having travelers on board again.

Our room was also kept neat and spotless - I certainly felt that I was in a high end hotel room (albeit a rather small one - LOL!)

Narcis was the crew member taking care of our room and his housekeeping was 1000% better than mine. I will miss the chocolate on my pillow every night.

We never met any of the engineering crew - the ones who keep the ship going! But I have to thank them - the cruise was smooth and easy.

When we experienced some wind towards the end in the lower Danube, the ship remained stable --this was important to me because I get seasick really easily - and I had no problem at all.”

Question # 3: How was the food and wine during your cruise?

“The food and wine were outstanding. At every meal there was an extensive menu of choices so everyone will find something wonderful to eat.

We also dined a couple of times at the "Chef's Table", where the Chef cooked a special meal for a small group of people - it was fabulous.

I'm depressed thinking about going back to my own home cooking!! The wine served at the Chef's Table perfectly complemented the food. What a unique experience!

At dinner we were always offered a red or white wine, and the wine steward provided details about each wine.

I should also mention that the portions were reasonable. I had recently lost 15 pounds and didn't want to get stuffed with food on the cruise. I was able to eat extremely well and even enjoy desserts (ice cream being a favorite) and not gain weight.

Of course, if someone wants a lot more, that's completely possible - you can order as much as you want. You want 5 desserts or 3 main courses - go for it!”

Question# 4: Did you feel safe during your 14 day cruise?

“Safety - both from a ship/sailing perspective and COVID were primary areas of focus by the Captain, Cruise Director, and crew members.

I recall talking to the Captain when we experienced some windy weather in the lower Danube for a couple of days. He did a superb job navigating through that area. He told me that he'd been on boats since he was 3 years old with his dad!

With respect to COVID, there were many protocols in place to keep us safe.

Every morning our temperature was taken.

Everyone on the ship was vaccinated.

We had to mask when walking through the ship and could only take it off when sitting to eat.

AMA also arranged for 2 COVID tests which were required by countries we were entering.

Everything went extremely smoothly - and everyone tested negative!”

Question # 5: We always tell potential clients that the primary reason to go on a river cruise is to see and do things. Did the included excursions meet your expectations—did you get to see and do things?

“A choice of excursions was available in each location. These included bike tours, hikes, and walking tours. Walking tours were available for regular and gentle walkers.

The local guides who took us on the tours were professional and knowledgeable. Some were also hysterically funny.

In Passau I decided to be adventurous and hike up to a fortress - it was tough but I made it. The view was superb and I was able to get some wonderful pictures.

My husband is more athletic than I am - he went on several bike tours and also he would often run through the local city in the early evening - he really enjoyed that.”

Question # 6: A river cruise entertainment is quite different than big ocean cruises. Would you please comment on the evening entertainment?

“On a few occasions we had special evening entertainment or events.

My husband Neil enjoyed a wine tasting event.

We had an "Oktoberfest event" in Vilshofen to kick off the cruise. Five guys in lederhosen-- I honestly thought it would be corny - but it was so fun! Everyone was rocking and rolling!

Beer on demand. :-)

Another event was Serbian dancers. Again, I thought it would be corny - but their dancing and moves were amazing I'm 69 with a bad knee so I could only dream of doing the moves they did.”

Question # 7: What did you think about the cruise itinerary?

“Cruising the Danube was a beyond superb experience.

The Danube is a calm river and it was relaxing and peaceful to cruise along. We loved seeing amazing places --castles and fortresses, older cities with unique architecture, the Wachau Valley (very special and beautiful), the Iron Gates, - too many to name here.”

Decbalus, the last prince Dracians (87-106). It is 40 meters high in the Iron Gates area.

“The visits to wonderful cities, both large and small, were fabulous - including Vienna, Budapest, Vilshofen-- too many to mention here.--We learned so much about the history of Europe. “

The Name of Mary Church in Novi Sad, Serbia with its famous Zsolnay ceramic roof.

Uncle Charlie Statue in Budapest—rubbing his stout belly is believed to bring you good luck!

Question # 8: Do you have anything to add that our readers might benefit from your experience?

“I’d like to give a special thanks to Hank Schrader!

When we first started thinking about a river cruise, trying to sort our way through all the various cruise lines and itineraries, it was daunting. Neither of us had ever done a river cruise.

My husband found Hank's website "Dream Destinations"--and we got in touch with him. His deep experience and personal knowledge of cruises helped to guide us to pick AMA Waterways.

To be honest, I'd never heard of them before. Hank takes the time to understand who you are, and what you want in your travel experience. He listened to us and gave us his thoughts and recommendations.

He NEVER "pushes product". He genuinely cares about his clients and wants them to have a fabulous cruise experience. He helps you work through any challenges to find the right solution. He is fast and flexible, and always available. “

My Final Thoughts

Wow—what a report!

I think you can see why we are in the travel business and specialize in Europe vacations and European River Cruises—it just is awesome to help folks have a great vacation.

We hope you enjoyed this report. Ginnie you are a ROCK STAR!!!

Perhaps, like Ginnie and Neil, you will love the chance to try the river cruise experience, then use us to help guide you and ultimately buy a future cruise credit after you finish your first river cruise, so you can go again.

I can’t tell you how much we appreciate this report and, as we always say. Thanks for your trust in us!

Thanks Neil and Ginnie for your trust in us!

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent

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