We were going to try Viking, but then the Uniworld came on the horizon, and we thought: Why not try something else? The experience started out on the wrong foot. We were supposed to be met by a representative outside the customs area at Schiphol airport upon arriving Amsterdam, but no one was in sight to meet us. After a fruitless search for the evasive rep, we hailed a taxi and arrived at the main train station 80 Euros in the red. The driver did not know where the boat was, so we had to lug ourselves and the luggage another quarter mile to the boat. Luckily, Uniworld stepped up to the plate and reimbursed us for the taxi fare, and it was smooth sailing from there on.

The ship is lovely, but a little reminiscent of grandma's house with swag curtains and brocade chairs. And you have to seek high and low for a chair that is comfortable to sit in, everything was rather straight backed all over. The cabin was small, but with ample room for our wardrobe, comfortable beds and a fabulous shower in the miniscule bathroom. Service was outstanding all over. Everybody was friendly and helpful and willing to tend to all our needs.

The food was probably the among the best we have had on any cruise, and there was plenty of it. The wine flowed freely, and wherever you were sitting on the ship, a waiter was sure to find you and make sure you had a drink in your hand. The tours were arranged in comfortable buses with informative guides, and there was always enough time in every port to do some wandering around on one's own. The entertainment was rather mediocre, but then again, who needs to be entertained all the time with all the beautiful scenery. All in all, a very satisfying experience.