Have a Question?                                                                     If you have a question about our trip in cruising on the Danube River, email me at sandy@52Best.com or phone me 972-702-0000. I will answer your question and then share it on this web page (but not your name - unless you would like me to).

1. Question - Weather: The cruise sounds like fun but isn't it very cold in europe this time of year? Answer: In early November on this portion of the Danube the average high is 50 degrees with an average low of 38 and 2" of rain per month. The Danube here is on the same 49 degree latitude that Seattle is on and Seattle's temperature this time of year is a 51 degree high and 40 degree low - about the same - except Seattle's average rain during November is 6" which is 3 times more rainy. So definitely leave the swimsuit at home and bring a couple of sweaters, but it is not unbearably cold. Good time for a warm coat, be on the upper deck with a fine glass of wine, and watch the German forests and Austrian mountains sail by.

2. Question - Insight on Cabins: Since you have been on this cruise ship previously, I would love more insight on the differences between the cabin types. I just want a bed to sleep in and a bathroom.                                                                                                                                                              Answer: Categories A, B, C, D, E Cabins are all the same floorplan and the same 170 square feet in size. What makes for the difference in price is: 1) French Balcony or Fixed Windows. You can go to the Ship Deck Plan by clicking here and see photos of the two cabins. If one only sleeps and showers in their cabin, perhaps Cabins D & E would be just fine. On the other hand if one enjoys spending time in the cabin, likes the extra sunlight, and enjoys watching the European countryside go by, then Cabins A, B, C might be better. 2) the higher the deck, the more the cost because the higher decks have better views and are closer to the onboard activities and dining. 3) front, center, or aft of ship. The front and center Cabins are further away from the engines and have less vibration - and you get there first.

3. Question - Single Traveler: Do I need to find a roommate or will you be able to match me with a roommate?                                                                                                                                                Answer: Three answers 1) Most of the time people have been able to find friends and/or family that will join them on our trips, but if not then 2) each trip there are 4 to 6 people traveling as a single that I have been able to match up. About half the trips I have been a single and travel with another person and it has worked out very well. And, uniquely for this trip 3) AmaWaterways has the "Guaranteed Share Program" which is available on request with the Category B Cabin. They guarantee you a roommate and if they don't find one for you, you travel single on the cruise for a double rate.

4. Question - Onboard Credit: I have traveled on cruises before and at times they provide a Onboard Credit. Do we receive any on this cruise?                                                                                          Answer: Our agreement with AmaWaterways does not provide for any Onboard Credits. However, you bring up a good point so I contacted our Rep and she answered me back: "Please note that I am already giving you a $339.00 per person discount and this is a special Wine Cruise which we normally do not discount at all. We have discussed this further and since your group did sail with us before, we will provide a $50.00 onboard credit to every one of your people that book their Air with us."

5. Question - Not a Drinker: I am not much of a drinker. I don't mind an occasional winery, but is the emphasis of the trip WINE? I'd just as soon miss the wine lectures and tasings and sightsee.             Answer: The "Wine" part of the "Wine Cruise" is a plus - not a minus. The lectures will be on the ship and we may attend or not attend. When we go to the wineries for the tastings there are normally two tours offered so it is possible to take the other "none wine related" tour. That being said, the wineries are BEAUTIFUL and in great locations with very interesting histories. Worth the visit even if one does not sip the wine.

6. Question - Own Airfare and Transportation: If we arrange our own airfare but are on the same flight with the group from London to Prague, I know it will cost me but can I still get transportation with you from the airport to our Prague hotel?                                                                                                   Answer: Sure. There is $90.00 for transportation in the "Taxes, Fees, etc" for those of us that that pay for the AmaWaterways arranged international airfare to take us in Prague from the airport to the hotel and then from the ship in Budapest to the airport. Perhaps for half of that I am sure it can be arranged that you ride with us in Prague to the hotel.

7. Question - Why AmaWaterways?: We haven't traveled the inner waterways of Europe before. Why are you using AmaWaterways for the cruise?                                                                             Answer: Our trip in 2009 was on the Danube from Bucharest to Budapest using AmaWaterways and we were MOST happy with this cruise experience. For its description click here. I contacted my AmaWaterways Rep and asked her if there were any real differences between Ama and other Danube cruiselines and this is what she emailed me: "Here are some things that set us apart: 1) We pride ourselves on the quality of our food and wine. Our wine is complimentary with dinner, and of great quality. Many of our guests are wine connoisseurs and compliment us on our wine selections. 2) Our cabin accommodations are luxurious and functional. We feature marble bathrooms with glass enclosed showers and three showerheads. Recessed lighting, flat-screen TV with On-Demand movies (free of charge), etc. 3) Complimentary bicycles on board the ship (we were the first to offer this service). We feature bike tours as well as walking tours. 4) Complimentary WI-FI across the ship with Infotainment Systems in each cabin that allow internet access without having to bring a laptop from home. 5) We have free AmaWaterways postcards that will be mailed free of charge. This is just a small list of features that we build into our program to offer quality, luxury and an overall pleasant experience without making clients feel that they are nickel-and-dimed."

8. Question - Who are you?: I love your Friday stories and have been a Reader for a number of years, but who is Sandy? Are you a travel agent?                                                                                            Answer: I graduated a long time ago from Stanford Law School, am a member of the Texas bar, and am active in investment activities in China and the U.S. I love travel and each year since 2000 I have arranged a trip with friends to visit the world. This is my disciplined way to make sure that at least once a year I go to a part of the world that I have not seen with a bunch of folks with whom I enjoy traveling. For our prior trips click here.