I may not use the gate one transfers in the future. Instead of our transfer dropping us off curbside he dropped us off in a parking garage for another terminal. He said it was a short walk. Well it isn't when you have all your luggage in tow. I also found from the guy in line in front of us 10 minutes earlier there was no line at the check in. Due to us not being dropped off curb side. We got to stand in line for an hour and a half to check in. If their transfers are going to do this they need to leave the boat earlier as we didn't have a lot of time by the time we got to the gate prior to boarding. The only other issue we had which they apologized for was they sent our bus off from a Christmas Market without the other busses due to a couple getting on the wrong bus. Unfortunately our bus driver didn't know his way back. Once someone finally figured out he spoke Romanian, someone got in touch with the cruise director. Who had to get someone to communicate to him that he had to drive all the way back to where we were to cross the river to drive back down the other side. The bus drivers should know where they are going & be able to communicate in basic English. Or have a sign what language they speak so we could have told him what he needed to do, so we were not sitting on the side of the road. Gate One apologized several times and made sure we had time at the other Christmas Market and dinner when we finally made it back. They also gave us a Christmas mug as an apology. Things happen but could have been avoided if he had the proper GPS for a bus.

Just as good as Viking

This was our first Gate1 River cruise, but many land tours prior. It was done in an excellent manner, staff, boat, buses, hotel the works! Good job Gate1 as usual!

Gate1 is the most pleasant travel surprise we’ve had. They rank very highly with us. We will definitely book with them again.

Gate 1 River Cruise with Monarch Countess exceeded our expectations in every way. Better than Vikings in quality of food and ship design (more public space alternatives). Price is half of Vikings price.

Before the trip when I told people we were taking a river cruise, their response was "Is it Viking?" I said "No, Gate 1" and they responded "who? " They are definitely a well guarded secret. I don't see how the more expensive Viking cruises could be better. Thanks to our agent for recommending Gate 1.

Was a terrific value! The staff both on the land and river portion were excellent and very knowledgeable. Will travel with them again.

Excellent trip - a little of everything. We've used Gate1 for land tours - this was our first river cruise - and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff was great, including the highly touted executive chef. Very good selection of gourmet dishes, including presentation. Could use a few more gluten-free items for those who are intolerant.

The guide was very helpful and a happy person. Expect stops in small charming towns. Normandy and Giverney were highlights

Outstanding service

This was the first time I went on a river cruise. it was fabulous! I loved Gate 1, they were so professional and the room accomodations were excellent. food also very good and the tour guides were very experienced.

The staff on this river cruise were amazing so very accommodating. The cruise director was able to handle an issue with my departure time( many phone calls later) and all went as scheduled.

The water level was not high enough to sail so we had tp complete the last few days via land travel. Gate 1 went out of their way to make the experience comfortable.

The tour director for the Amsterdam and Brugge part of this tour was wonderful: friendly, knowledgable, organized. The entire staff of the Monarch Countess, on the France portion of this tour was outstanding.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Affordable Tours/Gate 1. Having a direct flight as opposed to one stop over would have been welcomed as we arrived at Warsaw thoroughly exhausted. Also I would have welcomed the tours starting a little later in the morning. Overall the food, staff and accommodations were great.