Uniworld River Queen Rhine and Moselle Cruise was great

[dancer11]

We thoroughly enjoyed our first river cruise, after many larger cruises and a world cruise. Even on Crystal Cruises I have not experienced such great service from the entire staff, and the food was great. We usually do as much as possible on our own, but this time we participated in almost all the organized tours and enjoyed them.

Our cruise tour director, Bart, was loved by all the passengers. With a great sense of humor, he kept us well informed, and was often seen checking on our local tour groups on his bicycle. When a fertilizer plant fire caused delays on the river as we travelled towards Amsterdam, he arranged for buses to meet us at a city 40 minutes from Amsterdam and take us in for a night cruise of the canals, while our cruise boat went on and met us in time for us to go to bed.

The only criticism voiced by the majority of people we dined with (and we changed tables nightly) was how noisy the dining room is at night. Too many people and a room that desperately needs some sound proofing. This was particularly bad for the many men with hearing aids, but everyone complained.

If I could change one minor thing, it would be to have all the gratuities included in the cruise pricing. Having to tip every local guide and driver, plus a heavy tip for staff and tour director is off putting. I want them paid for their excellent service, but have it as part of the price of the trip.

The beautiful sites along the Moselle are the best part of this cruise. While a shorter cruise is available for just the Rhine, do take this cruise for the Moselle is well worth the trip

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info ..

[abredt]

What category room were you in? Is it true that the windows do not open, even on the top floors?

 

Planning, cb

[Paulinda]

If you are in the 'upper' cabins you will most likely have a French Balcony or possibly even a small balcony to sit on. The doors will slide open in those rooms. If you are in the lowest water line category of cabins the windows will not open. If they did you could possibly sink the ship.

[abredt]

Have you been on the River Queen? The deck plans do not say "balcony."

cb

[Paulinda]

abredt - apparently the older Uniworld ships do not have opening windows. Below is the 'expert's' review:

 

 

River Queen Expert Review

By Jana Jones, Cruise Critic contributor

Uniworld Grand River Cruises' River Queen, launched in 1999, set the standard for the company's new-builds for the next four years. Big sister to River Empress and River Princess, both debuting in 2001, and River Duchess (2003), River Queen was the first to boast an elevator, a launderette, and the first with three passenger decks plus sun deck.

 

Unlike the earlier and later ships in the fleet, though, (River Ambassador, River Baroness, River Royale and Douro Queen) staterooms on these vessels, including the four suites, have no windows that open. Otherwise, the cabins are well-equipped, with flat-screen televisions, DVD players, international direct telephone service (outbound only), air conditioning, hotel-style beds, two armchairs and a coffee table. Standard staterooms measure 151 square ft.; suites have an additional 65 square ft. of living space, and suite guests get additional amenities such as slippers, sparkling wine and fresh fruit.

 

The onboard ambiance is casual, with guests congregating in the lounge or on the sun deck. There is a library for quiet time, a beauty salon, a sauna, small gymnasium and a computer station from which outgoing e-mail can be sent (2.50 euros each); incoming e-mail goes to the reception desk and is printed out for the passengers.

 

Open-seating dining offers fresh regional cuisine, with wine available for purchase. Dress is resort casual with the exception of the Captain's Gala and other occasional "formal" events, which on this vessel means jacket and tie for men, cocktail attire for women.

 

River Queen was refurbished in 2005, but it retains its charming "riverboat" look, with an elongated prow and abundant use of woods.

 

All interior space on the ship is smoke free; smoking is allowed on the sun deck only.

 

Suggested gratuities total 13 euros per person, per day

[abredt]

Thanks for the info about the windows.

 

BUT - the website says that wireless internet is free and the ship was remodeled in 2010.

 

cb

[franski]

Thanks for the info about the windows.

 

BUT - the website says that wireless internet is free and the ship was remodeled in 2010. cb

 

Hi -

 

We travelled on the River Queen in early December 2010 - after the most recent refurb. The internet was free - although it was spotty in places... (not unusual on a River boat).

 

We loved the fact that there were washers and dryers on the River Queen - although, as past passengers of Uniworld, we were offered the opportunity to have laundry done once - free of charge. Couldn't believe how quickly it was returned!!!

 

BTW - we were in the cabin right beside the laundry room - and did not find that it was noisy at all. They ask that people refrain from using the washers/dryers after a certain time - and people were very respectful of that.

 

Fran

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the comments.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Sounds like a nice ship ..

[newlondon]

Dancer11, I hope you will correspond or call Uniworld about the tipping policy and even about being all inclusive, because once tips go into the price there's not much else. We have done so and I know from talking with personnel on board it's being discussed. So much better experience.

 

The windows on both RB & RR open don't know where info to the contrary came from.:eek:

[franski]

The windows on both RB & RR open don't know where info to the contrary came from.:eek:

 

Hi -

 

The windows on the River Queen do not open, which is the vessel that abredt is asking about.

 

There are windows that open on the Baroness and the Royale since the refurb... they were fixed windows before that (although the windows in Cat 2 & 3 are very large, so lots of light!!)

 

Fran