We used Gate 1 Travel as it was extensively advertised and joined a group of friends for the Amsterdam to Budapest 14 day cruise. The day before boarding we were notified of a change of ship to the Monarch Queen from Baroness. That was not a problem for but our friends were expecting something more luxurious. The boat was as expected, certainly not 5 star but okay. Problems started arriving the next day when we were told that we had to vacate this boat (after fully unpacking) and journey by coach to a Day river boat and then another coach to join our original boat!!! Monarch Baroness was a.most the same as the Queen but I will leave that review until another time. The restaurant waiters Antonio and Roslyn were the stars and were friendly and helpful unlike many of the others. Melia was our house,aid and again very good. The food was fine and plentiful on all meals for the three days we were on.
This is certainly not a luxury cruise boat. Our major complaint is that they New well before we boarded that the boats could not get through on the river and that it would become a coach tour. This is not what we booked and paid $1000 a day for!! Gate 1 should tell guests beforehand with the option to defer their cruise or get a refund. We were informed that there was nor refund as Lo g as the ship could sail at least one day on the river it was classed as a RIVER CRUISE. We would certainly not use this company again. There is an old saying “pay peanuts, get monkeys”