My trip - Amsterdam, Uniworld Maria Theresa, Vienna, Budapest, Prague

Our Managing Partner, Susan Reder, recently returned from her amazing trip on the brand new Uniworld Maria Theresa. Follow her fantastic journey here!  

Amsterdam:
GREAT city! Loved it and there’s so much to do and see! Unfortunately we only had 2 nights (2 ½ days of sightseeing) so we did cram in a lot in a very short time…
Suggestions:
    1. Make sure you go online and purchase a Holland Pass. We did purchase the pass that allowed us to go to the top museums (front of the line entrance), a canal tour, and other stuff that we didn’t have time to experience.
    2. For those people that want to visit the Anne Frank House, you must go online as early as possible to purchase those tickets. I think I bought mine 5 months ahead of time and thank goodness we did, the place is so crowded and the lines are ridiculous. I had been there over 25 years ago and the tour has changed a bit, but it was still incredible.
Advice: If you have mobility issues, I would not suggest going on this tour. There are lots of stairs!
The Conservatorium Hotel
One word sums up this hotel - FABULOUS!!!! The hotel was amazing and the location was ideal; situated across the street from the Van Gogh museum. It was very contemporary but comfortable and inviting with a beautiful lobby and a great bar! The rooms were stunning with all the newest technology and plenty of lighting. My favorite part of the entire room was the large bathrooms with the ample counter space.
The staff was so wonderful - they couldn’t do enough for you. I had about 15 rooms booked for my group and everyone had nothing but praise for the hotel and the service.

In addition, the “FULL” breakfast (Signature amenity) was terrific.
Uniworld Maria Theresa
The ship is beautiful, very over the top. You definitely have to take a step back and remember why the ship is decorated the way it is; because you do think you are going back in time. I don’t think Uniworld left anything out. The artwork, furniture, and little touches that surround you are pretty amazing. The beds are also so comfortable that I would love to buy one!! The bathrooms have heated towel racks and a heated floor.. NICE!!!The food was spectacular and the service is probably the best out there in the marketplace. The wines were flowing at lunch and dinner.. and nice one’s! 
There is definitely also something to be said for an “all-inclusive” product.  It’s nice not to have to sign a check or think about much at all. They even had Grey Goose Vodka!
The shore excursions were plentiful and fantastic. They did break up the groups so if you wanted to move at a slower or faster pace, you could.
There are a few “choice” excursions that you could purchase but they are pretty reasonable. There were two excursions that we paid extra for; a World War II tour in Nuremberg that was really interesting, especially the tour of the courthouse where the Nuremberg trials were; and then my husband Marty went on a BMW Factory tour which was his highlight of the trip! When he did that tour, I went on a guided 24 mile bike ride along the river with a group of about 25 of us (no charge).
Which by-the-way, Uniworld does have bikes onboard which not all river cruises do.. a great added touch.
Unfortunately, we did have to get off the ship after eleven nights in Regensburg due to the low water in the Danube. The problematic area was between Regensburg and Passau and NO SHIP could make it through. 
Uniworld was terrific in planning the last minute detour land tour. We boarded a bus from Regensburg, stopped in Melk, and then arrived in Vienna for two nights.  Vienna of course is spectacular and we loved our short time there.
Ritz Carlton Vienna
Prior to my trip I did make arrangements to have a site inspection and lunch at the Ritz Vienna. I personally think this hotel is the best in the city?  I LOVED the Ritz. Beautiful rooms, stunning lobby, and a very good location.
Budapest
After Vienna we bussed about an hour and a half or so to Budapest and spent the night at the Corinthea. I was actually excited to see the property after hearing all about it.
It is a pretty hotel. The rooms are quite nice. I believe my room was an entry level room; VERY small but comfortable.  Unfortunately, they do not have the best location.
I truly think that there is no other hotel that can compare to the Four Seasons in Budapest. Some of the people in my group stayed a day or so after the cruise/tour and LOVED the Four Seasons. You cannot beat the price and the location is the best!
By-the-way, I hear the Aria in Budapest is supposed to be fabulous and very reasonable. Unfortunately because of the change of plans with the cruise I never made it there. I was supposed to have a site inspection... Oh well.. Next time!
Prague - Four Seasons
Marty and I left Budapest and had the most glorious three nights at the Four Seasons. OMG! What a fabulous hotel and what a wonderful location. I personally think it’s the best hotel in all of Prague. Our “Premier Deluxe River” room was magical. We overlooked the river and the castle. When we came back after dinner you couldn’t stop starring at the twinkling lights across the river.The first night at the Four Seasons we did eat at the restaurant in the hotel. I highly recommend it.. Fabulous Italian food!
All in all, it was a wonderful, magical experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone.

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