Imagine Cruising

<p>In September 2016 we decided to book a cruise on the Danube which included 3 nights in Prague with Imagine Cruising (IC). With the first phone call of enquiry there was very aggressive marketing from the person to whom I spoke. I was told that to confirm the booking as it was moving very fast the deposit of half the cost had to be paid within 24 hours, preferably less. When we boarded the boat 8 months later we discovered that it was less than half full! Within hours I was receiving e-mails on their other offers and have received these daily since. I will not deny that the service received from IC Cape Town thereafter was excellent - prompt, clear and all questions answered. Although my request Bland Meals had been arranged with Emirates my wheelchair as an assisted passenger had not.</p> <p>On arrival in Prague we were met by a guide and taken by coach to the Penta Hotel which we dsiscovered (I already knew) that it is situated well outside of the city but on the tram and metro routes. We presume that the hotel was chosen as a cost factor as all the staff appeared to be under 30, the Reception is part of the Bar, none of our key cards were ready for us and we could only get these when all 29 guests had registered. The room was very pleasant but hanging space consisted of a crossbar standing on the dresser. As all of us were Senior Citizens we did not consider this a truly suitable place to spend just 2 days in Prague. Travelling into and from the city added to both costs and touring time.</p> <p>We received a letter from IC on arrival at the airport saying that another guide would meet us at the hotel from 4 - 5pm. In that limited time we were expected to decide whether or not to go on a guided tour. Not surprising that they did not get the required 14 bookings. We only arrived there at 3.30pm so this was rather ridiculous as registration took ages and we were tired from travelling for almost 24 hours. Suggestion to IC - have your guide available from 08:00 - 10:00 the following day but have the info about tours available at the hotel for passengers on arrival.</p> <p>In Passau on Sun 23 April 2017 we learnt that we had to wait another 2 hours in a freezing wind before being able to board the boat as there had been a tummy bug on board. Fortunately a sister boat was berthed next door and we were given permission to sit inside that one. We have no idea as to whether IC was aware of this problem but we do know that they were told later in the week and we have yet to receive any kind of apology or complimentary 'refund'. When we registered on board we were given a letter from IC stating that Tips were not included even though I had been told that "absolutely everything was covered." IC train your staff better in their knowledge. There was no rep from IC at the boat. We had not received anything with regard to off-s**** tours.</p> <p>During the boat trip it became obvious that the virus had not been completely removed and a number of passengers and crew fell ill. As a result we had to leave the boat hours early and, once again, due to a lack of communication, we did not get a complimentary tour of Passau to which we were told IC had agreed.</p> <p>This is a long review but most of our group of 30 were very disappointed in the lack of communication or follow up from Imagine Cruising.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>