Gate 1 Travel vs Viking River Cruises

Table Of Content

• Danube River Cruises
• Optional Excursions
• Rhine River Cruises
• Flexible Booking Options
• View Similar Trips
• Compare to similar trips

Gate 1 Travel also handles dinner differently than other lines. Each day the menu features a set appetizer, soup and dessert. The only choice you get is the entree -- a meat, fish or vegetarian dish or the "always available" choices of chicken breast with steamed vegetables and a baked potato or Caesar salad. Sometimes both the appetizer and soup are veggie, but on many days vegetarians will struggle and either have to go without, nibble on the bread basket or settle for a rather uninteresting green salad.

Danube River Cruises

The cruise could not reach its final destination, Regensburg, because of some heavy rains which caused the Danube to rise. Nevertheless on extremely short notice there was little inconvenience to us and our fellow passengers. The Captain, crew, service, food and staff on this ship were outstanding. The accommodations were much better than anticipated.

Optional Excursions

My husband and I took 2 cruises with Uniworld...more comparable to AMA, etc. We loved them, but when he decided he didn't want to go anymore I switched to GCT and have been satisfied. Their ships have pull down beds...perfectly comfortable to me but a deal breaker for many. Cabins are much more simple than Uniworld, etc.

Rhine River Cruises

There about tour guides for about every 40 passengers. If your guide is not available other guides are eager to help. I could be wrong but doesn't Gate 1 just charter boats or sells cabins on other companies boats? I would stick with a company that runs river cruises and not a tour operator like Gate 1. I can't answer about Gate 1 but can re Grand Circle. Grand Circle (GCT) is wayyyyy less expensive than the others you list.

Travel Themes

I should have mentioned the tour leaders on Grand Circle too. They've been great on every tour I've been on, river or land. They have several tour leaders on every ship so there is lots of personal attention for those who want it. Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Flexible Booking Options

Each year, cities in Germany and Austria offer a feast for the senses. Aromas of cinnamon, gingerbread, baked apples and roasting chestnuts waft through the air. Gaily decorated stalls brim with handmade ornaments, toys, and endless ideas for holiday gift-giving. Artisans are often on hand to demonstrate their crafts, carolers roam about the snowy squares, and stalls are decorated with the finest finery. It’s hard to find a more perfect place to ring in the holiday season than in Central Europe. Again, Gate 1 Travel comes out tops in this category as it has a daily stretching class hosted by the entertainment director and a small gym.

Vodohod Zosima Shashkov Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic

Vodohod Zosima Shashkov Cruise: Expert Review ( .

Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:30:28 GMT [source]

The onboard vibe during the daytime is very relaxed and casual. Most people change for dinner and wear something a little smarter, but jeans and casual tops are perfectly acceptable. At the final night captain's gala dinner, most men wore collared shirts -- some with jackets and ties -- with dresses, skirts, pants and elegant tops for the ladies. I would have to say that the on-ship experience greatly exceeded our expectations. We cant come up with a single disappointment in terms of food, quality of room, or service.

His evening meetings were always very informative, interesting, and humorous. We've been on over 50 worldwide cruises with Viking, Gate 1, Princess, Celebrity, Carnaval, and Holland America and he's the best Cruise Director we've ever had. We had a great time on our 9-Day Danube River Cruise- Aug 31- Sep 8, 2023.We went to very beautiful places, lucky to have good weather every day. We are happy with the Cruise Director and Activity host. Very satisfied with Gate 1 for this trip.Planning for another trip next year, Hope you could help us next time again.

Gate 1 Travel Stands Out Over Viking River Cruises' for Enrichment & Onboard Amenities

Viking River Cruises, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, is pretty much a household name thanks to its widespread marketing and position as the world's largest river cruise line. Gate 1 Travel, which was founded in 1981, is known more in the U.S. for its land tours. In 2016, however, the company debuted in the river cruise world with Monarch Empress, a vessel that it built and owns; the line also charters other vessels.

We could not be more pleased and honestly, cannot wait to take another river cruise or land tour with Gate 1! We felt so pampered and well-taken care of the entire time. It was a luxurious, first-class experience but one without pretentiousness. It felt very comfortable and was a family-type of atmosphere but with class.

CC has a very good description of GCT, its history and approach, that may help you decide if GCT fits your needs. Founded in 1981, Gate 1 Travel is known for offering quality vacations at competitive prices. Gate 1 has a wide selection of attractively priced escorted tours, river cruises and independent vacations in destinations worldwide. Gate 1 has provided quality, affordable escorted tours, river cruises and vacation packages for 40 years.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price. And if you’d like to celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe, then join us on a special Rhine and Main sailing from Basel, Switzerland to Nuremberg, Germany. The tourist crowds have long gone home as a chill in the air arrives, so you’ll feel less rushed as you explore. There is no place like Europe for the holiday season, and no better way to experience long held traditions of yuletide than on a Gate 1 River Cruise to the continent’s festive Christmas Markets. Old Town squares come alive with local traditions that conjure Christmases past.

So, if you enjoy sitting on a private veranda to watch the world float past, it isn't the company for you. Please note that you are accessing a website in the United States. The Gate 1 Foundation supports the education of the world's children by working with schools around the globe to provide resources that will enrich their days and nourish their minds. I really like the GCT trips, but the others might be equally nice.

Both lines sometimes require full payment at the time of booking if the fare is advertised as special. On other lines that include several excursions per day, you often end up "paying" for shore tours that you never take, maybe because you don't want to go or simply want to stay onboard and take a nap. Gate 1 Travel offers one daily excursion, plus optional trips if you want to up the pace and see more.

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO GATE 1S COUNTLESS RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCES

Table Of Content

• Monarch Empress
• Gate 1 & Viking River Cruises Are Both Squarely Aimed at the English-speaking Market
• Flexible Booking Options
• Other Gate 1 Travel Reviews

These two companies delivered everything that they promised and more. Sail through Holland & Belgium and explore the magnificent flower displays and visit Amsterdam, one of the greatest small cities in the world. Enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube and explore wonderful shops, parks, monuments and history. Sail through Europe and get a unique experience visiting charming towns and cities along the way.

Monarch Empress

Viking places a big emphasis on its included excursion program. Each day a large proportion of the cruise director's talk is a detailed rundown of the next day's itinerary, which often features up to two included tours per day. Viking offers pre- and post-cruise packages, which are usually two- or three-night city breaks. With both lines, U.S. travelers have the choice of booking cruise-only or fly-cruise itineraries. Both lines require a nonrefundable deposit, generally $300 per person for Gate 1 and $500 for Viking. With Viking, the balance has to be paid 90 days before the date of the cruise, and with Gate 1 it is 60 days.

Gate 1 & Viking River Cruises Are Both Squarely Aimed at the English-speaking Market

Gate 1 Travel predominantly caters to the North American market, and in recent years also started actively promoting its river cruises in Australia. Therefore, the majority of passengers are Americans, Canadians and Australians. Sometimes folks from other countries find the company's website and book up, so you may occasionally find a few Brits and other English-speaking nationalities onboard. You also might find a noticeably younger crowd aboard. Although many passengers are 55+ and seniors, there were some younger couples too. In addition to couples, there were some small groups of friends plus a few solo travelers, who quickly made new friends as a result of the ship's inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

Flexible Booking Options

The lower prices of the cruises are mostly reflected in the food and beverage offerings. More expensive river cruise lines include wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner and on Monarch Empress there are only complimentary drinks at dinner. Bottled water is provided in the cabin but it is not handed out for shore excursions.

Why Gate 1 Travel Is the River Cruise Line for You - Cruise Critic

Why Gate 1 Travel Is the River Cruise Line for You.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ganges Voyager II Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic

Ganges Voyager II Cruise: Expert Review ( .

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:51:54 GMT [source]

Closing invoices are presented to passengers for settlement on the penultimate day and payment can be made by cash in euros or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Traveler's checks and debit cards are not accepted. It should be noted that optional excursions booked on the ship are processed through a separate payment system, payable by credit card. The cost of the tours is shown in U.S. dollars, rather than euros, and will be administered through Gate 1 Travel's U.S. office and show up on credit cards as a U.S. transaction. Daily shore excursions are included in the fare and there are optional excursions -- usually four on a weeklong cruise -- that can be purchased in advance for a discount or once passengers are onboard.

Our tour managers were excellent particularly Betti who was efficient, caring, and very professional. More than that she was fun to be on a trip with, totally positive outlook no matter what. I would also like to specially mention our room attendant Nura on the Monarch Empress. Don't know how she managed to be outside our door every time we left our room, but she was and freshened it up even when we didn't realize it needed it. I don't know how she possibly could have been more attentive or nicer. She made our stay on board particularly pleasant and went above and beyond for all our requests although she anticipated almost all of them!

Poor customer service

All escorted excursions use audio headsets that are provided in every cabin. Trip ratings on this site are based on the quality of accommodations, the number of included meals and activities and the level of service delivered. Gate 1's vacations are categorized as first class or deluxe on the industry rating scale (budget, first class or deluxe). Throughout, you’ll find soothing blue and white interiors with cherry wood accents, top of the line furnishings and stylish décor. At mealtimes, you’ll have full outdoor views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Lounge on the sun deck and watch the passing scenery.

Gate 1 Travel Reviews & Ratings

Share a drink with fellow travelers in the lounge. Curl up with a book or surf the internet in our generously sized library. The MS Monarch Empress promises all the comforts and pleasures of a deluxe floating hotel. The beautiful MS Monarch Empress is the very first European river ship built to Gate 1’s specifications for our travelers. Come aboard our deluxe vessel and you’ll enjoy some of the most spacious and comfortable accommodations on Europe’s rivers. Cabins range in size from 144 to 210 square feet and include large bathrooms.

Gate 1 Travel vs. Viking River Cruises

What’s more, city centers and fairy tale village squares are a delightful stroll from every dock. Both Gate 1 and Viking River Cruises include daily shore excursions in their fares, which are typically guided walking tours around town and motorcoach trips to visit castles and sites of interest. Both lines use local guides and passengers are issued personal audio headset systems so they don't miss a word or have to cluster around the guide to hear what is being said. Both lines offer additional excursions, such as theater performances, for an additional fee.

History remembers Nuremberg most as the site of Hitler’s rallies and as the host of the post-war Nuremberg trials. But this historic and lovely city has a colorful side, too. Accented by half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and a history of crafting delightful toys, it rests on the Main-Danube Canal.

Both lines have elevators (not down to the lowest deck with Gate 1) free Wi-Fi and a for-fee laundry service. Viking has a high proportion of balcony cabins, and the balconies are furnished with two chairs and a small table. The Explorer Suites are proper suites with a separate living and bedroom area, rather than the larger one-room cabin on Gate 1 Travel.

Lunchtime features a buffet along with one soup, hot sandwich and dessert that can be ordered from the menu, but there is no choice. In the evening, there is a set appetizer, soup and dessert and the only choice is from three entrees -- a fish, meat or vegetarian dish -- or the two "always available" items. This can be a problem for vegetarians who often have to skip the appetizer and soup or make do with a simple green salad instead. Viking includes beer, wine and soda with lunch and dinner and Gate 1 Travel includes the same with dinner only. Both lines have 24-hour complimentary tea and coffee stations and neither offer room service. When it comes to fleet size, Viking River Cruises stands head and shoulders above Gate 1 Travel (and every other line).

His assistant, Joko, was the happiest person I saw every day. Same as Dino, attentive and always thinking ahead for my group. The housekeeping staff person, Desy, also made our trip more enjoyable. It's people like these that puts the overall experience in the A+++ category for me. I'll remember them all as we travel with Gate 1 again.

The best cruises from Galveston for every type of traveler

Table Of Content

• Regal Princess
• Regal Princess - December 27, 2023
• Exploring the Best 3-Day Cruise Options from Galveston
• Cruises from Galveston
• Caribbean cruises
• What to Know About Cruises from Galveston
• Need help planning?

One of three ships in the line's Dream class that date to the late 2000s and early 2010s, the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is no longer the newest or snazziest ship in the Carnival fleet. At around 130,000 tons, it's about 29% smaller than Carnival's newer Excel-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. Like all Disney ships, Disney Magic boasts many cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families. That's not something you'll find on any of the other Galveston-based cruise vessels. Designed specifically to appeal to families, the world's fifth-largest cruise vessel is chock-full of more family-friendly activity zones than just about any other cruise ship at sea. Embarking on a 3-day cruise from Galveston is an excellent way to escape the daily grind and experience a mini-vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.

Regal Princess

Based seasonally in Galveston from December to April, Disney Magic offers the best cruises out of Galveston for the Disney fan. It is, for the record, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that sails from Galveston. If either of those two attractions is a must-have for your next cruise out of Galveston, you'll want to book the Harmony of the Seas sailings that start in November.

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Galveston, TX 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises from Galveston, TX 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:33:34 GMT [source]

Regal Princess - December 27, 2023

Alas, Norwegian Prima only is based in Galveston seasonally for the winter, from December to March. It offers seven-night sailings to the Western Caribbean with calls in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. Disney Magic sails a mix of four- to six-night voyages from Galveston to Mexico.

Exploring the Best 3-Day Cruise Options from Galveston

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Breeze is the Galveston-based ship to pick when you're looking for a quick and affordable getaway — something that isn't a big commitment and won't break the bank. The Port of Galveston is located on the Gulf Coast in Texas and is one of the state's busiest ports. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 21st, 2024.

Cruises from Galveston

With Summer 2023 just around the corner, it's time to start planning your next adventure. And what better way to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the world than by setting sail from one of Texas' premier cruise ports? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, there's something for everyone at the Port of Galveston. In this post, we provide information on Port of Galveston Cruises Summer 2023, including tips for taking a summertime cruise and planning ahead for cruise parking with the Port of Galveston.

Caribbean cruises

We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Cruisers can secure a parking spot ahead of time with our online parking reservations. Oasis Class flavors, thrills and beats go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas®. And when the sun goes down, head to the AquaTheater or experience the Broadway hit Grease. Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel than you'll find on other Norwegian ships. It has more of the feel of the ships you find in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

Hands down, the 3,215-passenger ship offers the best Galveston cruises for luxury lovers. Carnival Breeze also offers a water park with waterslides on its top decks, a miniature golf course, a sports court for basketball and volleyball, and multiple pools. It dates to 1998 and is the oldest cruise ship regularly sailing out of Galveston. Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Galveston for five different types of travelers. I'm a big fan of this new Norwegian vessel's stylish design and upscale feel, and I love its luxurious Haven suite complex.

Summertime is a popular season for going on a cruise, and the Port of Galveston offers plenty of options. However, many people wonder if the hot temperatures and increased crowds make it worth it to go on a summer cruise. The port serves several different cruise lines with modern facilities like cruise parking garages and pre-boarding lounges.

Sitting just off the gorgeous Yucatan coast, Cozumel revels in its mythic white-sand beaches and world-class coral reefs. Yet Cozumel is also the last stronghold of the Mayas, who settled the island in 300 A.D. For would-be Galveston cruisers, Carnival Breeze serves as a sort of "test the port" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love the experience. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers, as well as Texas locals and Southerners who can book on short notice and drive to the port for a quickie escape. Based in Galveston year-round, the 11-year-old vessel operates short four- and five-night voyages to the Western Caribbean that are often on sale for under $500 per person or less.

From short trips along the Mexican coast to extended jaunts across international waters – there's something for everyone. The Regal Princess was built in 2014 and is amoung Princess's 17 ships in it's fleet. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Regal Princess vs all other Princess ships.

Snorkeling and diving are especially popular, and the opportunity to swim with and feed the giant, graceful stingrays should not be missed. Notably, the entire back of Norwegian Prima is devoted to an upscale luxury enclave for well-heeled travelers called The Haven. Most Carnival Breeze sailings out of Galveston stop at Cozumel, with some adding a stop at Costa Maya, as well. Disney Magic is also home to multiple pool areas and indoor children's zones that cover almost an entire deck, plus multiple themed restaurants that Disney fans will love. (In Disney Cruise Line tradition, passengers — and their waiters — rotate each night among three main restaurants.) The ship also has a large showroom for nightly Disney-themed shows. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights.

We offer two Economy lots with a free shuttle to the cruise terminals and three park-and-walk lots right across from the terminals (one garage and two outdoor lots). Royal Caribbean International is also scheduled to sail out of Galveston throughout the summer. One option in July includes a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on board the Allure of the Seas, with stops in Honduras and Mexico. There are several popular cruises departing out of Galveston in July 2023 that still have bookings available. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.