Gate 1 Monarch Queen Review Prague to Budapest Jun 26 2024

[kacruise2]

Recently took a Danube River Cruise on Gate 1's Monarch Queen.  Cruised the Danube River starting in Regensburg Germany and ending in Budapest, Hungary. Also had 3 days pre cruise in Prague and 2 days post cruise in Budapest. Ship was in great shape, staff was wonderful, food was very good, beautiful presentation and right size portions. Cruise Director was very helpful. The port stops in 4 different countries were beautiful and easily walkable from the ship.   The included port tours were good, but sometimes too much information to absorb in a short period of time.

The cabin (#302) was on the second tier. Room was in great shape with lots of storage and a good size bathroom. 2 bottles of water were added to the room each day, but it would have been better if there was a refrigerator in the cabin. Thought we might have a noise issue as it was only one cabin away from the lobby, but the cabin was very quiet. Room attendant serviced the room twice a day, did a great job, but interestingly never introduced herself to us.

The entertainment at night was mostly the Activity Director leading games. On the first night there was a local musician and the last night was an operetta. Both were very good and the 'games' were fun. There was even a talent show one night the was quite successful!

Gate 1 truly delivers 'More of the World for Less'. I would not hesitate to take another river cruise with them.  I would be happy to answer any questions.

[JordanF]

We took this trip last year in the opposite direction.  It was great--and I'm glad yours was as well!

[CruiseIreland]

Mirrors our own experience on this ship and itinerary last August. As a matter of interest, who were your CD and Activities Manager?

[kacruise2]

16 hours ago, CruiseIreland said:

Mirrors our own experience on this ship and itinerary last August. As a matter of interest, who were your CD and Activities Manager?

The cruise director was Chris from Budapest and the Activity Director was Laura from Poland.   Both were very good.  The activity director always does a morning stretching class which I could never get up to go to, but was well attended.   On a previous Gate 1 cruise there would be only 2 - 8 participants' each day.

[JordanF]

The Laura in the pic below?  She was ours as well--she was excellent.

[kacruise2]

13 minutes ago, JordanF said:

The Laura in the pic below?  She was ours as well--she was excellent.

Yes, same Laura....she was terrific

[ural guy]

kacruise2-  Thanks for posting this, my spouse is on a Gate One tulip sailing next year, so nice to hear good things about them.  We sailed on the Queen twice when she was with Vantage.  A very comfortable ship.

[deec]

19 hours ago, ural guy said:

kacruise2-  Thanks for posting this, my spouse is on a Gate One tulip sailing next year, so nice to hear good things about them.  We sailed on the Queen twice when she was with Vantage.  A very comfortable ship.

we miss Vantage!

[JJ2sail]

Thanks for the review!  We are booked next spring on the Monarch Queen 14 night Amsterdam to Budapest.    Do you remember if they offered any kind of drink package?   Or did you just pay as you go?

Thanks!

[JordanF]

1 hour ago, JJ2sail said:

Thanks for the review!  We are booked next spring on the Monarch Queen 14 night Amsterdam to Budapest.    Do you remember if they offered any kind of drink package?   Or did you just pay as you go?

Thanks!

On our Gate 1 trip (Danube, May 2023, Budapest to Regensburg) there was no package.  Wine, beer and soft drinks were included at dinner.  There were also some happy hour drink specials.  Otherwise, pay as you go.

[RPVTravelGuy]

Anyone have a Category A cabin? I can’t find pics or floor plans anywhere.