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We flew into Budapest a day before the river ship left. Budapest is beautiful. I wish we had more time to explore. The Intercontentinal was great. Right on the river with a beautiful view of the chain bridge. Their breakfast was great also.
The boarding on the river ship was fine. They didn't even take a credit card until the last day. There was a meeting before each day to explain the next port. On the first day you have to make up your mind for optional tours. The daily ports are very exhausting. There was a tour we probably would not have taken if we knew the pace.
There is open seating in the dining room. A Lot of people come in groups and know each other. They take tables very fast. Joining groups gave you a feeling you were intruding. Some groups quickly dominated the cruise. I felt like I was in high school again with all the "groups".
The excursions were OK. But the cost of a river cruise is a great deal bigger than an ocean cruise. So when we paid $400. extra for optional tours, It felt like a lot when they advertise excursions are included. They were tours we really felt we needed to take to make our port experience the best. We will probably not get back to most of these ports ever.
The entertainment was fine. They brought people in from the local ports. We are not big drinkers so the evenings were dinner and bed.
The biggest surprise was the tipping. You tip the crew and then the cruise director. I am not saying they didn't deserve it. The crew were the best. But it was 168 E plus $55. for the cruise director. We did not anticipate this.
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