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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.
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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.
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