Wings55

18 hours ago, Cali Viajera said:

Considering river trip from Amsterdam to Budapest. Which side is best to book a room with best room view?

We sailed from Budapest to Amsterdam with Scenic waaay back in 2016. I had the same question as you so we booked a cabin on the port side and our friends booked theirs across the hall. In the end, as has been advised by others, we did all our sightseeing on the top deck or from the lounge. 

@Host Jazzbeauoffers good advice to choose your cruise line carefully. Most claim to be all-inclusive but services and quality varies. We prefer the true all-inclusive lines but if the extras aren't important to you, there's no sense in spending the extra money. Do your homework. 

You've chosen an excellent itinerary and I am sure you'll enjoy a marvelous vacation.

Paul

I can't speak to this tour, but we took a shore excursion with Scenic that utilized their E-bikes. Jane and I were looking for the exercise so we pedaled almost the entire trip. Others barely pedaled at all and let the bike do the work. There was one short steep climb and the extra 'oomph' provided by the battery power made for a quick easy climb. The bikes were great fun and we enjoyed the tour. Enjoy!

Paul

3 hours ago, CPT Trips said:

🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for that news . . . seriously. 
My phone was a gift some time ago and it came with an Otter case already on it (DD knows I drop stuff). I have never seen the “naked” phone. Now to figure out how the case comes off. A brief attempt a few minutes ago was futile; there must be a trick. Off to Google . . . 

@CPT TripsNot sure which case you have but my Otter has a rubbery outer cover that you 'peel off' and then a harder piece below that pops off easily. Good luck! 🤞

Paul

@saz25We have sailed with Uniworld and Scenic and I agree with those who have already posted. The suggested dinner attire would be casual slacks rather than shorts but certainly not dressy.

Both companies offer a great product but given the choice we would choose Scenic. Their shore excursions were superior, the regional wine selections were more interesting, the decor was more 'our style' and our Aussie traveling companions were delightful. 

No matter which company you choose, enjoy your river cruise!

Paul

10 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Let's hope it stays open until my Silversea cruise in Jan. 2024!

@Host Jazzbeau Maybe we'll see you there! Jane has decided we need to visit AU/NZ at that time to celebrate her retirement. No reservations yet, but I'm shopping. 😊

Paul

10 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

In fact, I'm thinking that repeating a river cruise itinerary might be a good thing – because then I could declare a 'sea day' when that repeated schedule starts to wear me down!

We sailed twice with Uniworld on the Rhine/Moselle. There were different excursions to try and as you said, we could also take a day off and not feel like we missed out. 

Paul

On 2/5/2022 at 8:32 PM, Dolebludger said:

.....(aka MDR). Now we are not snobs about decor, but what we had was like “Oscar’s Diner” here in Durango CO, and we would hope for better than that, given the cost of a Scenic river cruise. We are also considering Uni World, and their site shows decor in the public areas that is actually a bit too fancy. So we hoped Scenic had gone beyond “diner” class, because we liked everything else about it. If you have cruised Scenic since 2017, please respond here;

Oscar's looks like a fun place but I don't blame you it this is what you encountered on a cruise ship! 😊

We sailed on the Jasper in 2016 and I was very impressed by the contemporary decor throughout the ship. I choose the Jasper because it was new and the photos looked great. I would love to sail with Scenic again, but time and funds have not allowed. 

We sailed with Uniworld twice. I agree with the OP the Uniworld style is a bit over the top for my taste, but the quality and service made up for my opinion of the style.

More recently we took two AMA cruises and while they too were wonderful, I found the ships not as impressive as Scenic. 

JMHO
Paul

On 2/3/2022 at 9:29 AM, lenetere said:

We're on Scenic in May.  I know their requirements for having a Covid test prior to the cruise.  But I don't yet know if the beginning date is when we're met at the airport in Paris for our 2-day tour, or if it's when we actually step onboard the ship.  I'll get a definitive answer from Scenic, of course, but I'm wondering if anyone here already knows that answer.

I would guess the date is when you are met at the airport. The daily guide or printed itinerary should clarify the dates for you. We enjoyed a Seine cruise this past year and thoroughly enjoyed the vacation. We've also sailed with Scenic, and they remain our favorite line among the three we've sampled. You'll have a great trip!!

Paul

4 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Thank you for your kind words.

Now that is tempting. Where are you thinking of going?

 

notamermaid

 

@Canal archive @notamermaid Yes, please tell us. Scenic spoiled us on our first cruise and I'd love to sail with them again if I can find a good deal. (I've been accused of being 'thrifty'. 😏)

Paul

8 hours ago, Canal archive said:

Yup CPT Trips, Mods, and lyndarra that’s my bike a Lambretta GT 200 but no lights or wimp screen. I’m not to sure now how I drove it wearing a micro mini skirt and kinky boots. The members of our scooter club where also volunteer ‘blood bike drivers’ another name ‘emergency bike drivers’ along with the local Rockers!

OK @Canal archiveI think that post now requires a photo! 😊

On 1/19/2022 at 6:33 PM, ldtc2 said:

So, we are planning on a Rhine Riverboat cruise mid October 2022 ( Amawaterways). I can't seem to find where I would post my question. Specifically it is: if we stay an extra day in Amsterdam ( while on the ships post cruise extension) and we test positive for Covid - who pays for the quarantine? 

 

I am assuming that if we are tested on the ship before we have to take off for the USA, and are positive, then the river boat tends to cover you? 

Or is there a hotel we can stay at in Amsterdam that covers you and your partner in the event that you test positive? 

 

I asked Ama but they had no idea. Also, I don't see anywhere that I can post this question for Amawaterways? Can someone provide me a link? 

TIA

You would be responsible for hotel/quarantine expenses along with any costs dues to travel plan changes. This is why travel insurance is so important these days. Do your homework and shop carefully to make sure you get the coverages you need. Hopefully by October things will have calmed down. 

Enjoy your trip!!
Paul

On 1/17/2022 at 7:16 PM, Kris36 said:

Hi, I'm new to Cruise Critic and to river cruising, so I hope this question is okay

 

I'm scheduled to take a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel this spring. I'm a little confused about how the ports at Koblenz, Rudesheim, Speyer, and Heidelberg work. It seems like we'll be in one town in the morning and then another in the afternoon? Do we lose part of the day in sailing? Are we able to go back and forth between the 2 towns on our own? 

 

I'm trying to plan what to do in these ports so it would be helpful to better understand the time frame.

 

Thank you so much for any info you can share!!

 

 

We've been to those towns during several river cruises with other companies and they are all very interesting. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you choose to do. Enjoy your trip!

Paul

On 1/8/2022 at 11:49 AM, JaynBNA said:

..........

 

Second major miss was on their early AM departure, when her departure group was taken, again by a single Viking rep, to the Marseilles airport. Instead of being dropped off curbside, Viking must be cutting corners by dropping off its customers at remote parking lots. This forced the group into a long walk, dragging their suitcases across a large, dark parking lot being led by a sprinting Viking rep.  It was a really insulting way for their cruise to end.  

 

We took this same trip last Aug but with AMA instead of Viking. We too were bussed to a distant parking lot, but our AMA representative was very good about gathering the group and leading us to the airline counters and insuring everyone understood where they needed to be. I curbside drop off would have been nicer but I gathered that was not allowed by the airport authority. 🤷‍♂️ I agree Viking could have done a better job.

Paul 

7 hours ago, Canal archive said:

Wings55 now absolutely green with envy, I want one! Or maybe I can dress my Mini Cooper up its white with a black roof so loads of scope!

Here's 'Matchbox', the real one but no antlers.

On 12/20/2021 at 5:27 AM, hoosier2017 said:

Ritabob, we were on an AMA cruise in November.  All aquarium class passengers were upgraded.  

We sailed on the AmaKristina in August and there were folks down on the Swan Deck despite open cabins on the upper decks. 

Paul

I love Christmas and I love my Mini Cooper so this combines both.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Paul

On 12/15/2021 at 3:58 PM, rcaruso said:

....  Numbers going up here too.  Merry Christmas, let's try and enjoy what we have at our homes and stay safe.

Yes indeed, let's all try to find the good news among the sad. And Merry Christmas to you too from next door in McKinney!

Paul

15 hours ago, mapsd said:

...

Was great to visit all the usually crowded sites and have no crowds at all! 

The locals were so glad to see us and we had great service everywhere.

 

IMO, if you're OK with going without all of your friends, its worth it.

We had a similar experience this past August during our AMA vacation in France. Crowds were smaller and the local shops & guides couldn't have welcomed us more warmly. 

Good luck with your decision.

Paul

@crashdox I agree with Coral, a trip to Europe needs to be at least 10 days to make the flights and time differences worthwhile. We took our first river cruise in 2016 and like Coral, we booked a 2-week cruise and loved it. When it came time to fly home, I was ready to stow away on the ship and sail back the other direction for another two weeks. 

Since then, we've taken two different10-night cruises and recently we booked two 7-night cruises back-to-back to make one 2-week vacation. Good luck with your search and have a great trip no matter what you decide. 

Paul

@sjde If you prefer not to repeat the Danube, I suggest you concentrate on the Moselle. You might see parts of the Rhine again but how bad can that be?? 😊 Let us know what you choose. 

Paul

What a shame. Hopefully you'll be able to reschedule and enjoy the trip at a late time. Hang in there!

Paul

38 minutes ago, kk20 said:

I’m totally with you on the slight ocd thing! I started with a chart on paper, but now have moved to a formal spreadsheet with our top contenders (crystal & scenic vs emerald & avalon) 🤓

That's an interesting list you have there. I have my thoughts so I'm curious to hear what you decide. Good luck with the decision-making process and be sure to let us know what you decide. 👍

Paul

@Ja9ClayWow, that sounds like an amazing trip and I'm sure it will be well worth the delay. Two of our favorite cruise vacations have been coastal Norway and our first Scenic river cruise. I will be looking forward to a full report after you get home next summer. Congratulation. 

Paul

@kk20 Because I'm a bit OCD I like to make up a spreadsheet to compare options and prices. I start with the cost of the cabin category for each cruise line and then add prices of various upgrades I want. It could be drinks, upgraded excursions, tips & gratuities, laundry etc.. Then by comparing the bottom-line prices for the various companies I find it easier to make a decision. 

Our first river cruise was with Scenic and I'm afraid they set the bar rather high. Since then we've enjoyed several Uniworld trips and lately two AMA cruises. Whie the AMA experience was very nice it just couldn't match the level of quality and service offered by the others. On the other hand, the price was lower too. Good luck with your decisions.

Paul