[ 07-20-2003: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]

1) Are they English only onboard or will there be announcements made in 3 or 4 languages? While I love sailing on a ship with many nationalities - sometimes having to sit through the same announcement in multiple languages is tedious.

2) Are the ships smoking or non-smoking? Those with multiple nationalities tend to have a lot more smoking onboard compared to those catering to the North American market. If a ship is non-smoking - do they allow smoking at all? or just on the Sun Deck.

3) Are shore excursions included? Those lines catering to the North American passenger tend to, those catering to the European passenger tend not to.

4) Are all cabins the same size - even the minimum? With some lines - the only difference is the window size...while others do have smaller cabins for their lead-in prices.

5) Do the cabins feature hotel style beds (twins that convert to double)? Many river cruise ships have fixed twin beds that turn into sofas by day.

6) Do the ships offer in cabin safes? hair dryers? bathrobes? private bathrooms - in some cases only the newest ones do.

7) What drinks, if any, are included - some offer these - others don't.

8) Look at the number of passengers carried compared to ships of similar size - some may carry only 138 wheras a similar sized ship might carry 170 - meaning smaller cabins and smaller public spaces.

9) Where is the dining room located? A lot of ships have dining rooms in the middle of th vessel - look for one at the back - this allows floor to ceiling windows on 3 walls and not just two.

I would suggest you look at each taking into account the questions posed above and then make YOUR choice based upon what sounds right for YOU.

Looking at late April/beginning of June next year, probably Amsterdam-Budapest (14 days)!

For that itinerary next year, Viking is using the Viking Europe, Neptune and Pride...these three ships were all built in 2001. The standard cabins are only 120 sq ft and have a twin bed and a pullman bed. You need to go up to the next category - the deluxe cabins at 154 sq ft to get the hotel style beds. They carry 150 passengers and a crew of 40.

For the same itinerary next year, Uniworld is using the River Empress (built in 2002) and the River Countess (built in 2003). ALL cabins (even entry level) are 154 sq ft with hotel style beds. They carry 138 passengers anda crew of 34.

If a suite is more to your liking, the River Empress and Countess each have 4 suites of 230 sq. ft. with nice deep bath tubs. The Viking ships do not offer suites or bathtubs.

Also look at the dining rooms - the Viking Ships have the kitchen aft of the Dining Room - meaning only 2 walls of windows. The River Empress and Countess have the dining rooms at the very aft end of the ship with 3 walls of floor to ceiling windows - adding to your views and ability to have a table by the window.

The Uniworld ships also have an internet (e-mail) corner and sauna/ spa facilities.

I think another plus for the Uniworld cruises is that in 2004 each ship will have complimentary Clear Voice Headsets that allow you to hear your tour guide onshore up to 300 feet away.

While I know that Viking offers hairdryers I don't know if they offer the bathrobes in each cabin. I know that Uniworld does.

Not knowing your physical limitations (if any), I should also mention that there are elevators on both the River Empress and the Countess where as there are none on Viking.

As far as windows go - I know that on Viking the two highest categories have windows that open. Uniworld does not. However, open windows can lead to unwelcome visitors (either human, animal, reptile, or insect) so I don't know if there's a beneift to that. Besides we all sail on BIG cruise ships and don't mind if their windows don't open.

I know a number of travel agents and guests who have down the AMS-BUD sailing with Uniworld and have nothing but RAVE reviews.

Unfortunately, I am not sailing until November - am doing one of the Holiday Markets cruises with Uniworld - so I won't have first hand opinions until then. So can only present facts and the opinions of others.

With this type of product always compare apples to apples...once you do sometimes $1000 per couple ($71 dollars a day) may be worth it...you also know that July and August cruises on Uniworld are Music Theme Cruises (AMS-BUD) with many extra inclusions such as concerts or performances etc.

But again - work with your agent and remember that price shouldn't always be the deciding factor.

As for your question regarding discounts. Traditionally there has been little discounting until this past year on the River Cruises...look for such things as Group Discounts, Past Passenger discounts etc.

A smart travel agent - knowing that you want to go on this cruise would open a group on this sailing to promote to her other clients. This would allow him/ her to take advantage of group amenities offered by the line to give the best price to offer to their clients.

I've really narrowed it to the two, Viking & Uniworld.....and, in the last few days, I've received an e-mail and a mailing from Viking with "super" reduced rates, short notice!! I guess I'm inclined to see what mailings and e-mails I receive from each as we go into '04. THANKS!

If anyone else has interest in this topic, please post!! I'm so surprised that there has been so little interest in this "broad", but, interesting topic!

Possibly, Joe can add to this forum!

[ 07-31-2003: Message edited by: annnthony ]