This was our first river cruise after several ocean cruises. I am now hooked on the river cruises, as they said I would be! With only 121 on board, it was easy to meet people which made it more intimate than an ocean cruise. Areas were never crowded. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Food, wine and beer (from the regions we visited) was excellent. Also, 24 hour coffee machine, including cappuccino and expresso was very appealing. The Chef's Table was a wonderul culinary experience!! When we first entered our room, there was a hat for my husband and gorgeous shawl for me. Champagne and rose from the captain- Free postcards and postage. Such nice touches. Lots of appetizers being served. All of the excursions were well organized and interesting, Loved that they were included in the price of the cruise, with a few optional tours where you were offered, at an additional cost, to go to places like the Schonbrunn Palace and a Strauss and Mozart Concert-fantastic and worth the money! The guides were well informed. Loved the QuietVOX, so there was never a problem hearing the guide. The pace in visiting the towns was good. Never having been through locks before, we were fascinated. Great local entertainment each evening! The evening cruise in Budapest was magical. Edward was a great cruise director! I can't say enough how wonderful this cruise was!! This was a fairytale cruise and I hope to cruise again on AMAWaterways!
Since we weren't in our cabin very much, we were very pleased with being on the bottom level. The room size was adequate, as was the bathroom. Comfortable bed and pillows. Very well kept and always very clean. Loved having the computer, WiFi, TV with movies access, robe and slippers, bottled water everyday. However, anyone who cannot go up and down steps shold not book this room, as there is not an elevator that goes down to the bottom level.
The sights, especially St. Stephen's Cathedral, were very interesting.
Intersting walk through town, including St. Stephens Cathedral. We drove by beautiful historic buildings, but did not stop. Having stopped and walked here would have been a better choice of excursions.
We went to a cooking demontraion in the Sheraton Hotel. So interesting and yummy.
Wine or beer, soup and potato type turnovers we got to fill with plum jam and press close. They even gave us an apron!
Toured both Buda and Pest. Heroes Square, beautiful park, Matthias Cathedral, Fishermen't Bastion-Wow!!