Before departing I had been warned about the noise in rear cabins so I contacted my travel agent to upgrade without success. I also emailed Globus (the parent company() re my concerns. I was assured that as the Impression was their newest ship this would not be a problem. After the noise of the first night I contacted the reception desk - their solution was to give me ear plugs. The noise was bad enough before we left Amsterdam but once we started to go through the lochs of which there are 68, we were almost driven insane. The noise and vibration from the reverse thrusting in the locks I can only relate to the take off of an A380 jet. To add to that we also had a massive water pump under our window as well. My second complaint was completely ignored. At no stage did anyone on board address this issue - which from a PR point of view I find appalling. These rooms of which there are at least 6 should not be booked or charged for.
I also found out once we boarded that other couples who were not happy with 1st level rooms had been upgraded on boarding.
It's hard to overcome this disaster and be positive at all, lack of sleep does that, but I will say I could not fault anything else. We had the BEST cruise director - Robert. Food was excellent. Shore excursions were great - would have liked more time in some but all places we called at were fantastic. Our cabin was nice aside from unbearable noise. Cabin and dining staff were fantastic - perhaps other crew members could take a leaf from their book re Customer service. Both Avalon hotels in Amsterdam - the Room Mate Aitana was within walking distance of the main square and Budapest - the Intercontinental where our room overlooked the Danube - were excellent. Boarding and disembarkation was smooth and well organised.
The noisiest cabin on the ship - noise levels totally unacceptable. Should NEVER be used or charged for. If I had wanted this level of noise I could have slept on an airport runway.
Our cabin steward Sam was excellent. The lack of sleep really affected my health. This is the reason my rating is so low.
Independently visited the Cathedral then met friends for coffee
Thoroughly enjoyed this City. After a tour to the Imperial Castle, we took advantage of the free time in the square to sample the local food - Weiner sausages, bacon beer and gingerbread. Watched the 12 noon clock at the Cathedral after looking inside.
Again lots of history. The only German city not bombed in WW11. Walking tour past the Old Town Hall, and down narrow streets. Lunch was included (for us) - a meal of German sausages ,sauerkraut and a beer or water at one of Germany's oldest restaurants the Sausage Kitchen - most returned to the ship for lunch after
What an interesting place. Initial visit to St Martin's cathedral. Views across the river to Hungary and Austria. A guided walk through the fascinating old town of cobblestone streets to the town hall. Visit to the oldest shop to taste local delicacy a pastry with a sesame seed paste in the middle. In the free shopping time we walked to a massive shopping centre.