Mark2

Hi Everyone,

 

Just got home from our cruise on Amacerto - Legendary Danube. I will post a review in the next couple of days.

Stay tuned. I have lots to say.

 

Susan

Susan

We are looking forward to your comments.

We are on AmaCerto in August: Bucharest - Budapest - Prague.

Mark

Wow. Thanks everyone. Didn't expect such quick responses. I will talk with AMA. Transfer without hotel would work as we can pay for a hotel with points. I looked at a train and liked the price but it was six or seven hours with connections as you mentioned. Driving was three+ hours. Also thought of renting a car. Worth looking into? Will check Germany section. Also considering going on Scenic, Uniworld, or Tauck so we'll see how they handle it but know the price will be high on all. Thanks again!!

Not sure which line you selected, or when you are travelling.

We are cruising with AMA this summer and will disembark in Vilshofen also.

We are doing our hotel arrangements in Prague privately, but have booked the AMA transfer from Vilshofen to Prague because the AMA transfer included an excursion to Regensburg on the way to Prague. We want to see Regensburg and it makes sense to us (and extra $) if it is part of the transfer to Prague.

We won't be purchasing the AMA's transfer as we plan to visit Prague independently prior to our sailing.

Although you are visiting Prague independently prior to the cruise, should you wish, you can purchase the AMA transfer from Prague to Nuremburg. You would just have to meet the departing AMA guests at whatever hotel they are staying at.

We are doing something similar at the end of our cruise in Vilshofen, Germany, as the post-cruise AMA transfer included an excursion to Regensburg en route to Prague. We have private arrangements to stay in Prague.

That said, I expect there are several other private options you could take to get from Prague to Nuremburg.

Mark,

We were on the AmaCerto for the Tulip Time trip in 2013 - another amazing trip! Ama does it right. I think you'll love Regensburg. We are on the AmaLyra Paris to Normandy this September. Can't wait!

 

Allyson

Allyson

After many ocean cruises, this will be our first river cruise and we are definitely looking forward to it. The second half of the itinerary is a Wine Cruise, which should be fun.

Family members were on AmaCerto Prague-Budapest about 4-5 years ago and loved it. By coincidence, AmaCerto is sailing on the itinerary, and date that fit in for us.

We are doing our own pre (Bucharest), and post (Prague), but are comfortable travelling in Europe.

We were in Prague 25 years ago, so curious to see what has changed.

Mark

The visit to Regensburg was on the way to Vilshofen from Prague to board the ship. We had several hours there - enough time for the walking tour, some sausages, mustard shopping, a pharmacy visit, visit to an ATM for currency, some coffee at a cafe on the way back to the bus. Lovely.

Allyson

Thank for your comments with regard to your stop in Regensburg.

We are on the Aug 14 AmaCerto Grand Danube cruise and will disembark at Vilshofen. We will likely take the Ama transfer from Vilshofen to Prague in order to visit Regensburg.

We sailed on the Ama Prima from Vilshofen to Budapest in late Summer of 2015. The masseuse took appointments throughout the cruise and all her customers seemed to enjoy their massage.

Thank you for your observation.

Hopefully our cruise will be similar to yours, in that appts are available, and can be booked during the cruise.

I recently read a very positive review of an AMA European cruise from a few years ago.The only point I was concerned about was that the reviewer mentioned they weren't able to book a massage onboard, because when they boarded all the spa appts were full - they had all been booked/taken before the cruise even began.

Wondering if anyone else had head anything like this?

Just saw this;

AmaWaterways unveiled a brand-new plan for Happy Hour that should make most folks very gleeful indeed.

Beginning in 2018, AmaWaterways will include a complimentary “Happy Hour” across all ships in the fleet, with soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits all available at no charge before dinner.

Allyson

It "should make most folks very gleeful indeed" ... less so for those of us on the 2017 itineraries.

Oh well, they do provide drinks throughout lunch and dinner, so I remain positive.

Hi, everyone!

My hubby and I are booked on the Romantic Danube cruise sailing July 31,2017 and we're spending 3 pre-cruise days in Prague. I'm working on the Prague planning at the moment because I think we'd appreciate doing something a little less structured than what is offered through the cruise line. Is anyone else going to be part of this sailing?

We are also considering options for Prague.

We aren't on your sailing, but will be on AmaCerto when it returns to Prague on 28 Aug at the end of the Grand Danube cruise.

We were in Prague many years ago, but look forward to spending time there again.

Back in April RCI announced that there would be two different packages: VOOM Surf or VOOM Surf & Stream. Each would be available for 1 or multiple devices - at different price points.

We are going on Anthem in Jan 2017 and the online check in offers only the Voom Surf & Stream for either 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 devices.

When we were on Anthem in Jan 2016, only the Surf & Stream Voom was offered.

Just curious if anyone knew if the two different capacity Voom options - at respective pricing, were being offered on Quantum class or just the VOOM Surf & Stream as detailed on the online check in?

Thanks for any recent observations/feedback.

We are big fans of Alan del Fierro, and no doubt those on Navigator will be well looked after.

Valley Girl of VA

Thanks for your comments on your (positive) experience with transfers.

It turns out the AMA rep I initially spoke with was incorrect, and subsequently the AMA VP clarified their policy - which does allow transfers from/to hotel to ship even if you do your own Pre or Post cruise tours.

Post #94 has the details (from AMA).

We will be taking our first river cruise next May - Amsterdam to Basel on the AmaSonata. "Excited" is a gross understatement!!

 

A question for the gallery: We are renting a car for a second week driving through Germany & Austria, and we have chosen to collect the car in Loerrach in order to save $500-$600 on the hire. Now all we have to do is to figure out how to get 4 of us, and our baggage, from Basel port to downtown Loerrach. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

Thanks in advance!!

If my search on Google maps is correct, Loerrach, Germany is only 21 min / 18 km (13 miles) away from Basel. +/- a mile or two depending on the pier location.

I would think 1 van or station wagon, or 2 taxis (depending on availability) would be the easiest way for 4 people, and avoid carrying luggage around.

Swiss cabs may well charge in their currency, Swiss francs(CHF), but they might accept € Euros?

We lived in Germany just north of Basel for a couple years 25 years ago, and at that time there weren't border access control points - as covered by the Schengen agreement for travel within Europe.

More recently some European countries have re-instituted border access control, so I don't know if that is an issue for taxis and passengers.

Happy to hear input from others.

It does get a tad confusing. We purchased the Lyon to Paris transfer(at end of our trip) as we were staying independently in Paris.No problem with the transfer HOWEVER all luggage goes to the (AMA post cruise) hotel.

Have a great trip

Carole

Carole:

Thanks for that observation / tip.

We'll keep it in mind for planning.

At least it won't be a concern if joining from the hotel to ship pre-cruise :)

Mark

A reply was posted from Kirstin (AMA VP) on a separate board today.

As I had suspected/hoped, the AMA transfers are available (although told otherwise).

Thanks for the helpful tips from those on this board.

Here is the reply:

Hi Mark,

 

I apologize for any frustration you may have experienced when calling to inquire about our transfer services. There may have been a slight miscommunication in what you were told so I hope I can help clarify.

 

AmaWaterways "long-haul” transfers can be purchased separately from our land extensions and will transfer guests from our pre-cruise land package hotel to the ship on embarkation day and conversely, from ship to the hotel we’re using for post-cruise land package on disembarkation day. This means that guests booking accommodations independently can meet in the lobby of the hotel at the specific pre-arranged time to catch the transfer to the ship.

 

To utilize our AmaWaterways airport transfers, we do require guests to be flying into/out of the airport on standard start/end itinerary package date.

 

I hope this helps and if you would like to provide your details to res@amawaterways.com, and reference this conversation, one of our reservation agents can call you to discuss your transfer options for your cruise.

 

We can't wait to welcome you onboard next year!

 

-Kristin

Kristin:

Thank you for taking the time to post to this board and clarify the transfer options with AMA. Your response makes sense to me, and is consistent with what other past AMA guests have posted.

Once we determine what we are doing Pre and Post cruise (with AMA, or independent), we will be able to arrange transfers.

Again, your prompt, and clear reply is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Mark

caviargal, doktor

Thanks for your comments.

That is why I was surprised when the AMA rep said it wasn't possible. I'll post if I get an update from AMA.

P.S. Our TA didn't have any information on this, so we called AMA directly.

This is a good question to ask on Q&A AmaWaterways - second thread.

Thanks for that tip. Hadn't ventured to those boards previously.

I have posted my question there.

I will copy the reply to this board if I get a response.

We are cruising on AMA in 2017 and were interested in transfers, separate from Pre and Post Land Tours.

We called AMA directly and spoke to one of their reps regarding purchasing transfers directly from them – without the corresponding Pre or Post Land Tours. We had read on other boards that this is possible.

We were told that:

1. We cannot purchase/join a transfer departing from their Pre-cruise Land hotel and going to the ship, and

2. They have transfers that depart direct from the city airport, but the only way you can purchase/join that transfer is if you fly in to the airport that day.

Therefore if you are in the same city pre-cruise, you cannot purchase a transfer and get on at the hotel, nor could you take a taxi to the airport and get on the transfer there.

Not sure why they would reject potential transfers from passengers, or perhaps the agent we spoke to was incorrect?

Thanks for any input.

I don’t know if anyone here has any information on this subject.

We called AMA directly and spoke to one of their reps regarding purchasing transfers directly from them – without the corresponding Pre or Post Land Tours. We had read on other boards that this is possible.

We were told that:

1. We cannot purchase/join a transfer departing from their Pre-cruise Land hotel and going to the ship, and

2. They have transfers that depart direct from the city airport, but the only way you can purchase/join that transfer is if you fly in to the airport that day.

Therefore if you are in the same city pre-cruise, you cannot purchase a transfer and get on at the hotel, nor could you take a taxi to the airport and get on the transfer there.

Not sure why they would reject potential transfers from passengers, or perhaps the agent we spoke to was incorrect?

I don’t know if anyone else has any experience or recommendations in this regard.

Thanks for any input.

We are booked on this 14 night cruise from Rousse, Bulgaria, to Vilshofen, Germany.

The 2nd week is a wine cruise theme, beginning in Budapest (21 August).

I have started a separate thread for that cruise, but we may be able to exchange more info here.

We have enjoyed many ocean cruises, but are looking forward to this river cruise. We have been to a few of the port cities previously, but most of the destinations will be new to us.

We are undecided on our Pre and Post cruise stays, but there is a lot of time to consider our options.

All staterooms include:

Services

• Our signature friendly, personalized service with a guest to staff ratio of nearly 2:1

• Twice daily service (makeup and turndown)

• Daily ice service in stainless steel ice buckets

Dining

• 24 hour room service

Amenities

• Robe

• Complimentary tote bag

• Custom blended bath products (shampoo, conditioner and lotion), shower cap, cotton balls and cotton swabs

• Water/wine glasses

• Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and pure cotton linens

• Hair dryer

Stateroom Features

• Private mini-bar*

• Interactive Samsung flat-screen television system to view and select shore excursions, order room service, and watch movies*

• Private safe

• Dual voltage 110/220AC outlets

*Additional charges apply.

In addition Concierge Class staterooms include:

Services

•NEW Dedicated Onboard Concierge desk

• Priority check-in

• NEW Concierge availability during pier check-in

• Priority disembarkation based on travel needs

• Exclusive pre-departure lounge

• NEW Exclusive Destination Seminar arranged by the Concierge

• Complimentary shoeshine service

Dining

• NEW Exclusive Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch in the Main Restaurant (11:30am - 1:00pm)

• Main and specialty restaurant seating time preferences

Amenities

•Welcome Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a commemorative label featuring exclusive art work

• Welcome fresh fruit

• Daily Delectable Delights

• Pillow menu to suit sleeping preferences

• Celebrity eXhale™ bedding featuring custom premium mattresses, plush duvets and pillows, and pure cotton linens

• Concierge Class Captain's Club points (5 pts per night)

• Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels

• Custom-blended bath amenities

• Extra handheld hair dryer

• Use of golf umbrella and binoculars

• Celebrity tote bag

• Celebrity embossed key holder

• Celebrity embossed notepad and pen

Stateroom features

• Hansgrohe® massaging showerhead

Ailetoile

Thanks again for your advice and tips.

Now I just have to figure out our port activities to see if we'll be back to dinner on time - we have Early Dining.

Even if we miss a dinner, I have no doubt that we can find sufficient food and drink while we are on the ship! :)

The wine package is basically a discount package when you commit to purchasing a certain volume of wine. It's absolutely available in any dining facility. If you don't finish the bottle on a particular night, it'll be kept by the sommelier and tagged with your name and room number. It'll be brought back to your table the following night if you're in the same dining facility, and you should be able to request it if you dine somewhere different.

Thanks for the advice on the wine package.

With regard to buying a Bon Voyage Gift of wine - do you know if the recipient can bring it with them to the DR - with or without a corkage fee? I suspect the price is about the same as a wine package, just curious.

We are on an Infinity Alaska cruise this summer. First cruise with Celebrity, but have sailed with Royal Caribbean and other lines several times.

We have a Concierge cabin, and do not have a beverage package but were curious about a wine package. The Celebrity website for beverages/pricing does not seem to be functioning at the moment.

We understand we can bring on 2 wine bottles per stateroom at embarkation, but if we take them to DR we pay corkage.

Also that we get 1 bottle of sparkling wine in our stateroom on Day 1 that we may be able to exchange for red or white, which we could drink in DR without corkage.

We aren't sure if wine packages (bottles) are still possible for use in DR? We don't want a beverage package.

Appreciate some of the wine-related posts on earlier pages - 1 excerpt copied here.

The beverage FAQ was great also!

Hadn't considered ordering wine as a gift (#5 below):

Thank you for any updates / confirmation of wine policy.

This really kind of depends on how you approach the situation. You have a few different options here:

 

1. You can buy bottles of wine individually. You will enjoy a 20% discount on bottles of wine because you have the Premium Package. It is important to note that the discount you receive from this package is MORE than the discount you will receive if you purchase the Build Your Own Wine Package.

 

2. You can buy the Premium Wine Package on top of your beverage package. The package starts at $149 ($175.82 with gratuity) for three bottles of wine, and you must choose from a list of available wines. If you're into truly good wine, I would maybe avoid this.

 

3. Please don't quote me on this, but I believe you can order wine through your butler by either the glass or the bottle to be delivered to your room, but this will not be covered under your beverage package in either case. It's possible you may receive the 20% discount on bottles of wine, but having never sailed in a suite or had any reason to ask about this I can't say for sure. I'd actually appreciate if you could give me an answer to this one when you return

 

4. You can help yourself out a little bit by bringing wine on board at embarkation. Each stateroom is entitled to bring two 750ml bottles of wine on board at embarkation. If you and your wife bring two, and your daughter and son-in-law bring two, that gets you an extra four bottles of wine that was purchased at non-inflated land prices to work with. Keep in mind, however, that while you won't pay a corkage fee to enjoy this wine in your own room and while you may leave your room and walk into a restaurant with a glass of this wine in hand, you will pay a $25 corkage fee per bottle to enjoy this wine poured from its bottle in a restaurant on board the ship.

 

I will take this time to admit that my husband and I (for science, I assure you) at one point put two bottles of wine in our luggage and carried another two bottles of wine on board by hand. This did work. I'll also add that this was way too much wine for us on our seven-night cruise, so we ended up giving most of it away and that this is technically against the rules so I don't strictly recommend trying your luck with it.

 

5. You can pre-select and pay for bottles of wine by sending them to yourself through Gifts By Celebrity. Doing this means you don't get your 20% discount since you've got to do it before the cruise, but it also means that you don't pay the 18% gratuity. I have no idea what quality of wine you can send yourself, though.