Awesome first cruising experience

River Empress Cruise Review to Europe

CruiserCouple

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 88

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Castles Along The Rhine Northbound (Basel To Amsterdam)

Sail date: July 15, 2015

Ship: River Empress

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 203

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

We were impressed by the level of service in all areas -- from the front desk staff, to hospitality, the restaurant, and sailing staff. They couldn't have been more welcoming. It was wonderful exploring the cities with a knowledgeable guide and not having to move hotels to see so many places. We would love to go on more cruises.

I have a food allergy and was able to eat better on the ship than I do at home. At every meal they let me know exactly what was safe for me to eat and were willing to specially prepare most anything I could have asked for.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The dining experience was amazing. I required gluten-free eating and the wait staff and head of the dining room approached me at each and every meal letting me know what was safe to eat and what the chef could prepare alternatively for me when there was gluten in an item.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Chose not to participate much.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Did not participate much. I heard good things from other passengers.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Only issue was that we were below the lounge. In the evening (9-11pm) we often faintly heard the music from above. It would not waken us if we were asleep, but I tended not to sleep until after it stopped. Didn't think of using my earplugs until just now as I'm writing this review.

Ship tip

Small free laundry available -- they even provide detergent. Service throughout the boat was amazing -- from restaurant staff to housekeeping to front desk.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Basel, Switzerland

3 out of 5

Breisach Am Rhine, Germany

5 out of 5

Kehl (Strasbourg), Germany

5 out of 5

Germersheim (Speyer), Germany

5 out of 5

Rudesheim, Germany

3 out of 5

Only excursion was to wine-tasting estate. Not being wine drinkers, we were not interested.

Thumbs Up 0

Boppard, Germany

1 out of 5

Cruise Rhine River

5 out of 5

When leaving Koblenz, be sure to be up top right away to see the remaining couple of castles along the Rhine. It was easy to miss them while focusing on breakfast and getting around for the day.

Thumbs Up 1

Koblenz, Germany

5 out of 5

Cologne, Germany

5 out of 5

City tour was great -- loved guide Marcus! However, it left very little time to shop since the boat left Cologne at 12:15pm. Would have appreciated an extra hour or two (or start the walking tour earlier so we had time at the end).

Thumbs Up 1

Amsterdam, Netherlands

3 out of 5

1 Comment

WeCruiseToo 9 years ago

Thanks for the great review! Glad to hear you loved you first river cruise! Watch out though, it’s easy to get addicted! Where would you like to cruise to next?

Thumbs Up 0

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