Monarch Empress

Attractive Design: Decor on The Monarch Empress feels like a nicely appointed, modern city apartment — never over-the-top, and equally suitable for relaxing with a cup of tea, listening to a lecture, or even partaking in a (small-ish) nighttime dance party.

 

Great Value: This new ship, which joined the Gate 1 Travel fleet in 2016, offers a cruising experience that feels high-end without an extravagant price. 

Guided Tours: Gate 1 Travel has a long history of offering every kind of land tour throughout the world, but especially in Europe. This is a real strength for the line, and the options — from simple included walking tours to farther-flug optional excursions — are plentiful, and will suit many interests and budgets. 

 

Owned and Operated: The Monarch Empress is wholly owned by Gate 1 Travel, not chartered. This means consistency of service between Gate 1 Travel’s land and river cruise offerings, and the ability to seamlessly weave your cruise into a larger guided Europe getaway. 

 

Friendly Staff: The affable onboard crew on this ship is delightful accompaniment to the sights and sounds of the Danube. They are eager to help, quick with a joke, and attentive without ever being overbearing or fussy. 

Couples: Older and retired couples are the core crowd here, with a few multi-generational groups and groups of friends. 

 

Those Who Like Traveling With Other Americans: Gate 1 Travel’s legacy of catering to American travelers is evident here. Most of your cruising companions will likely come from the U.S. 

There are No Spa Services: While other lines have spa treatment rooms or offer in-room services, it’s not available on this ship.