Grand Circle Travel Reviews

The two optional tours we took (to Rothenburg and a concert in Vienna) were a lot of fun and well worth the money. The home visit in Wertheim was very enlightening, as were the on-board talks about the destinations on our route. We missed a few activities because we needed to rest. A few things to note: all the cabins have twin beds, and they can’t be combined to make a king. Beds are put up during the day, leaving a small couch (comfortable for sitting, but too small for naps). We are seniors (69 and 73), and many of our fellow passengers were older. However, most were extremely fit and active. The Grand Circle website is very informative about the physical requirements for the trip. We did a lot of walking. I sometimes opted for the “gentle-paced” tours, which were easier for me.

Once we stepped onto the boat, we were greeted by the guy at the desk. He took us to see the lounge, dining room then to our cabins. Each cabin door had a small Christmas stocking on the front. Then he brought each of us a sandwich & salad which was very much appreciated. We each settled into our cabin for the night. In the morning we walked to the dining room for breakfast. They have a really wonderful buffet, fresh fruit, an assortment of hot items, juices, cereals, danish and then there was a guy making fresh omelets which were yummy, Lunch was also a buffet of a guy making something different each day, fresh breads, salad fixings and specials on the menu which you order.

At dinner the table has a basket of bread or rolls with butter and your waiter will come over to take your order. Everything was plated so nicely and the flavors were perfect. Then there was dessert and coffee. After you walk over to the lounge where you will find fellow cruisers and music to enjoy. There are nights where the crew does a show with skits which were amazing, we had a children’s singing group come in to sing German Christmas songs to us, then 2 songs that we sang with them. There were walking tours, bus tours which were wonderful. They kept us very busy. Highly recommend. You won’t be sorry.

The program directors were exceptional. The depth and breadth of their knowledge from the lectures given onboard (ship and bus) to the walks they led in various villages and communities--they were all quite extraordinary! The food was like dining in a 5-star restaurant due to the quality, variety, and freshness. The chef was amazing. There were always several choices at each meal including a vegetarian one and the chef would fix a modified plate if needed. The desserts were works of art! The wines were from different regions as were the nightly cheeses after dinner.

The cruise ship was immaculately cleaned, the rooms extremely comfortable (as were the beds) and the ship's crew were all friendly, professional, accommodating and did all of their work with a "joie de vivre" attitude. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience. In fact, there were several travelers in my group on this cruise and we are already planning to take another OATS/GCCL cruise to the south of France. Grand Circle has made me want to be a lifelong customer!

Service: The wait staff in the dining room were unbelievable. We would walk in and our iced tea and wine were waiting for us. My wife eats gluten free, and after they knew that, they had gluten free toast waiting for her at breakfast, and gluten free bread at other meals. They took such good care of my wife. The cruise itself was very good, however you must remember that when you travel to Eastern Europe, you are going to learn a lot about communism, tragedy, heartache and cruelty. You will also learn how the people in these countries overcame the evil and returned to the proud countries they used to be.

The Program Directors were just incredible. They literally became our family. I can’t believe the depth and breadth of their knowledge for countries they have only visited, although each of the four directors were citizens of one of the five countries that we visited. This cruise is different than “The Great Rivers of Europe” cruise that I went on eight years ago. This cruise centered around learning rather than just sightseeing. The people they brought on board to teach us about their country were amazing. It always generated great conversation.

After ten days on board, we reached the Black Sea. After a champagne toast and a dip in the sea, we were put on a bus to Bucharest, Romania. We stayed in a beautiful Sheraton hotel and had wonderful meals served to us that included local wines. From start to finish, this was a class act. It was also VERY reasonable. I know for a fact that a friend who is in Europe today on a competitor cruise spent more than three times what I spent for this cruise. I cannot see how the accommodations, food or service could have been better on another cruise line. Grand Circle Tours definitely goes the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. You won’t be sorry you booked with them!

I was impressed with the fact that the Program Director, Amin **, sent me a long email a few days before my departure, with some current advice about weather and plans with reminders of appropriate articles for me to pack. During the trip, Amin's knowledge, compassion, enthusiasm, management skills, and keen sense humor was the spark that lit up the entire trip. A true gentleman and professional. GCCL is noted for the quality of their employees, and Amin is right at the top. The lounge at the bow was large and comfortable with a well-stocked bar with enough bartenders to keep us all happy. Evening entertainment was always fun and the discussions were timely and informative. There was never a reason to spend time in my cabin (except to sleep).

The Dining Room at the stern was served by a small galley run by 3 Chefs, 2 Cooks, a Pastry man and 2 Kitchen Stewards. The meals they produced were simply amazing, artfully plated and always prepared to perfection. They were delivered by waiters whose skills and competence made every sitting a successful one. GCCL has the right to claim to be the best. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. YES, I would and have recommended them to friends.

Our program director was well-organized and ensured all special requests from various group members were met. She was positive, energetic and ensured all group members were being included and happy. Our local guides were outstanding, knowledgeable and happy to answer any and all questions. I would highly recommend this "active" adventure to anyone looking to see ancient cities, beautiful blue skies, blue water, green rolling hillsides and enjoy delicious and unique foods and beverages.