sanibel

It looks like Avalon has lots of satisfied customers. We used Avalon last year Basel to Amsterdam after doing Normandy with Uniworld the previous year.

We were unhappy with Avalon and would not use them again. We've just booked another Uniworld cruise.

It seemed to us there was a higher level of service in many respects for Uniworld both on the ship and on their local guides. The food is not a main point of contention for us as we're easily pleased but there was an obvious difference in the food served.

I think many are happy with Viking because they know no comparisons.

Different strokes for different folks.

Nice to have choices.

Hi Roz,

Glad you're joining us on the cruise! Looks like there's multiple opinions about the weather but all seem to agree its a great trip from Budapest to Prague.

We've sailed with Uniworld before and like them. Maybe they'll even have extra umbrellas!

Thank you so much for the information and thoughts. We've decided to do the cruise. That's the only time that fits into our schedule and we'll hope that we do encounter varied weather. We layer and we'll hope that it doesn't rain every single day!

The boat will be warm and snug regardless!

After all, Texas can be 106 in the summer and that's ugly in its own way!

We're considering the Uniworld Budapest to Prague in November. Has anyone done this and what did you find in November weather? Chilly but pleasant for the excursions?

Definitely Uniworld since we have sailed with them before.

Thanks for weather insight! I've looked at averages and it looks like low 60's.

We did a Uniworld cruise last year and just returned from an Avalon cruise.

We didn't feel there was comparable service, food, or excursions between the lines. There are many differences, some subtle and some not so. At the end of the week those variations add up.

Avalon may be a nice cruise line but we won't return to them and won't recommend them to friends.

Just our personal opinion,

We used Uniworld last year and thought they were warm, friendly, and very professional. The boat was delightful.

We're doing Avalon this year simply based on schedule. We always wondered why Viking spends so much on advertising.

We're waiting to book after we're on the boat. Last year we had friends who paid for several optional tours before leaving and then were too tired to taken them. Some days we were very glad to just get back to the boat and relax after doing the "included" excursion.

We have a special feel for Tar Heels. Our son did undergrad at UT and then graduate and law school at UNC. We loved Chapel Hill!

We had such a good experience with Uniworld that we're hoping Avalon is somewhat comparable. Several couples with us last year had done multiple Uniworld cruises.

We chose this Avalon Amsterdam to Basel based on timing.

Safe travels!

YoungDubFan, we did the Paris to Normandy on Uniworld last year. Nothing from good things to say. If there are any questions we can answer we'll be glad to try.

Hoyaheel, I have to ask --did a Georgetown partner with a Tar Hell??? Sounds as though you're Avalon fans. We're holding open minds!

signed,

a Longhorn!

We just booked the transfer with our travel agent. He apologized profusely for not alerting us sooner. The departure from the boat to the airport needs to be purchased two weeks before sailing. Our cruise ends on April 18 so we were under the deadline. While a cab probably would have taken euros and be cheaper we didn't want to bother with Swiss francs just for a taxi.

And yes, Uniworld simply includes the end of cruise transfer from the boat to the airport regardless of whether or not you purchased air from them. Good to remember!

Thanks again for the help!

Thanks, youngdufan. We're able to purchase the airport transfer on the cruise?

Cobbie- that is an advantage of their air but we usually do out own.

Last year we sailed with Uniworld and they arrange transportation to the airport where another Uniworld representative takes you to your airline.

This April we booked with Avalon and I can't find where they provide the same service. Could someone tell us if there's any help getting from Basel to the Zurich airport?

Help? I'm worried!

Hi Ken and Karin,

We're glad to see more Texans joining us!

The Roll Call for the cruise is active and we're gotten lots of good ideas. Looks like a nice group! Won't be long now!

sarah and bob

Austin, Texas

We took Uniworld last year and from the second we booked they were warm, efficient and very professional. Excellent customer service from booking day till we were taken to the Paris airport where a Uniworld representative met us and guided us to our airline.

This April we chose an Avalon cruise and so far their customer service doesn't compare. Very abrupt and short with a quick question. We're hoping service improves when we arrive in Amsterdam to their host hotel.

We took the Paris to Normandy cruise last April with Uniworld. I seem to remember the guide pointing out the Canadian cemetery but we didn't stop. We were at the American cemetery far longer than we would have wished. It is very large and quite emotionally moving. Flowers were provided to each of us that we might place on any grave of our choice. We'd have liked spending another 30 minutes to an hour at the landing beach where the museum is located. The museum is very small but has some interesting displays.

I would suspect Viking does much the same.

We're tentatively booking the Amsterdam to Basel cruise on Avalon in April, 2014. We sailed with Uniworld Paris to Normandy last April.

It looks like most of the companies are fairly equal, any thoughts? This choice was based on ports. We were very happy with Uniworld.

We like to arrive at least a day ahead because we're tired after the long flight from Texas.

We'd appreciate hearing from any who've done the Avalon Amsterdam to Basel cruise. In mid-April do we stand a chance of catching the tulips in full bloom?

We're thinking of the Movenpick for that first night. Any thoughts and what is the best way to book? It looks to be about $251 US dollars?

We're using a TA but like to hear from CC members!

Thanks,

We're considering booking a guaranteed room on HAL with balcony. Always before we've booked specific cabins but that was always on RCCL. Has anyone had experience with booking a guaranteed room on HAL- good or bad?

Thanks.