Reviews

would be helpful if maps were given to us before arriving so we could download to phones. especially since the routes did not match the open printed in the book

This was our first barge/bike experience. The barge accommodations were lovely and the meals provided a nice variety and were presented nicely. Coming from previous cruise experiences we were disappointed not to have at least coffee/tea available 24/7. We also were disappointed to be charged for water at dinner. After the first charge we avoided it on future dinners by bringing a water bottle to the table. The briefing for the bike routes were presented in English as well as German. I suggest the tour director make a point to remind guests about the navigation app that we have loaded on phones. We got lost on the last day and almost missed the departing boat. We totally forgot about the app and just by luck and our instincts we made it back in time. The route that included the visit to Melk needs better instructions for leaving Melk; many were confused. The bikes were in excellent condition and well supplied with the pack bag and repair kit that held our daily maps. One recommendation is to demonstrate to riders how to use the repair kit if needed. We would have had no idea if we had a flat tire! Overall we enjoyed the experience and would do it again and will recommend this one to friends.

Bicycling directions need improvement and more information regarding sites on the way.

Very nice experience – too bad that we couldn’t dance because of covid. Routes were the right length of cycling. Accomodation and food was excellend. Would like some fresh fruit or other healthy options for the afternoon coffee breaks.

good experience all round, accomodations, food and service on board was good. only negative was that some of the instructions/directions for the cycling parts could have been better, and a few of the cycling sections were on narrow busy roads.

GREAT TRIP. Everything was as expected. Petra was awesome. The biking, sailing,crew, and food were amazing. Went with a group of 20. I would recommend this tour.

We were on the Arlene 11 and had a great time. The ship staff, food and itinerary were great. We enjoyed our week long tour and were always treated well. Only issue would be a little noisy over engine area and not much ice for beverages. Thanks Bill and Cathy

We were mostly very happy with everything. We did feel snacks upon returning from a day of biking would have been nice, more than a small piece of cake. In the morning my husband asked for a second bottle of water and he was told he couldn t have it. We felt that was a little too cheesy.

Service was good but the food could of been a bit better.

“Loved it. Would/will happily do it again I’d just prefer to bring my own bike next time. The step through bikes are a bit of a tank. Can understand why they are used but as an avid cyclist would prefer a lighter more traditional bike with a cross bar. The 5KM stretch at the end in Bratislava was a bit unnerving. Cars going 80KM/hr 15 cm from you. Would be nice if a suitable alternative could be found there. Got lost on that route too. Apparently the bridge we were supposed to turn left on in the farmer’s field had been removed for repairs. Then again I thrive on those things as it becomes one more story to tell. Those using Garmin Edge 520’s had no problem but 10 of us had become separated from that pack and didn’t see where they turned. Oh, well, we all survived!!!! The announcement was made that there had only ever been 1 flat tire in 10 years.I’m proud to say it’s 2 now! I’ve changed a lot of flat tires in my life but never on the back tire of an internal hub drive. Managed to do it with the help of a friend but only had low gear after that. Felt like a gerbil on a treadmill for the final 5KM! 😉 (Another story to tell). Thank you to Jann, the cruise director, for the large beer in honour of the episode. Shared it with my friend. Being from Canada my phone didn’t have European roaming so couldn’t call for help. Maybe I’ll buy a “”burner”” next time. Was surprised at just how good the evening meals were and “”Pirate Night”” was outstanding. Crew were fabulous. So many names I didn’t know but noted were Tomas, Michal and Dominika. Entertainment fun and social (Thanks Bob and Api). It was a great experience and I’m sure the 6 of us will be talking about it for a long time. Thank you”

Bikes great, people awesome, excursions need some attention, food okay. Sending emails that we had not payed needs to be resolved. Boat accommodation excellent upper renovated suites are great. Thanks Karla Ingbritson

The value is definitely there when you compare to the bigger river cruises. No butlers, no huge food selection, entertainment-well????, you manage your own bags BUT you don t pay for those things either. Food was fine- (especially breakfast) you re off the boat to experience local cuisine often as well. No WIFI. I think they need to fix that. The room (the large with the patio door) was fabulous and worth the $$ upgrade. Personally I would not have been comfortable in the lower level. The staff was FANTASTIC and I always felt very safe and noticed. If you re cruising and not biking( because if an injury) they re not quite used to having you on board during the day so that took a bit of …. I didn t bike but the friends that did LOVED the experience and the efficient manner everyday was handled.