Wings55

34 minutes ago, BPCruiser said:

 

Glad to hear that you were able to get in to all French sites with only having your CDC Card as that is what we will have for our upcoming Rhine Cruise in 2 weeks.

We spent 2.5 weeks in France and we got our Passe Sanitaire codes after a couple of days in Paris. We had to skip some restaurants in Paris and a few museums elsewhere but most on both river cruises got by just fine with their CDC vaccination cards. Enjoy your trip!

Paul

1 minute ago, terry&mike said:

I’m just guessing, but that sounds like a United route. If so, go to your booked trip on the United website, and at the top of the page with your trip details, click on Travel Ready Center, it will spell out specially what tests and docs, and when, are needed. 

Good advice. We followed the Travel Ready Center instructions and all went smoothly. Well, as smoothly as possible these days. 😉

3 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Ahhh...........once you go Business Class, it will be VERY hard to go back to coach! (Especially on those long flights).

@Lois R LOL! That's exactly what $cares me the most. Jane will confirm that I can be a bit... thrifty. 😉

@Lois RWe've booked a Med. cruise from Barcelona to Venice next May. Jane used to fly to CA and back every week and still had some upgrades available so for the first time we'll be 'up front' on the plane, Without the upgrade points I'm sure we'd be in steerage as usual. 😉

Paul

I think the Moselle is my favorite river. We've been there twice and I could easily go back again. Glad you had such a great visit!

Paul

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

@Wings55 A long day getting back. I hope you are able to have a good rest.

 

You indicated at the beginning of your Rhone cruise that at that point so far you preferred it to the Seine. Now that you have returned home would you still say so? Can you point to specific things or is it just overall impressions?

 

Any difference in service between the two ships? Do they acknowledge the different regions in variety of food and wine?

 

Thank you.

 

notamermaid

 

@notamermaidYes there were differences. The 'Lyra is older and the decor reflects that fact. Not trying to be nasty but I called the style 'Gramma's living room'. The 'Kristina is newer and a bit more contemporary in style and color. Still nothing like Uniworld's over the top fancy or Scenic's sleek and clean look.

The food on the 'Lyra was good but not great. The Chef's table dinner was fine but nothing amazing. On the 'Kristina the quality was a couple steps up almost every evening. I can't say the menu selections varied much from one river to the other but the wines were usually regional.

One downfall was our dining room waiter. I won't name names but the poor individual was always two steps behind and seemed very flustered I felt badly for him/her. If I ordered sausage with my eggs, I got bacon, and if Jane asked for a banana she'd get berries. The rest of the staff was seamless on both ships. Both cruise directors worked their tails off due to COVID restrictions and paperwork issues. Those folks were impressive. 

Highlights on the Seine were the Normandy beaches and Monet's garden. On the Rhone I loved Lyon and the surrounding region. Each has it's good qualities but overall the Rhone seemed prettier and more consistent. 

We thought we were going to get to try out Ama's newer double balcony staterooms on the 'Kristiana but that didn't work out. so we had the same size (170 sq ft) staterooms on both ships. On the "K" were way at the back on the middle deck. In the past I kind of dismissed those who complained about noise because we have always but in the middle or the front. I am now a believer! Going down stream on the Rhine when they had to slow the ship by reversing the azipods our cabin would shake and vibrate. Not good during the day but at night I thought we were sleeping on a paint shaker. NEVER again!! 

It's nice to be home but I'm already looking forward to another river cruise, maybe the Duro this time. Will we choose Ama again..? Probably not unless it's a smoking deal. I'm not a fan of Uniworld's frou-frou fancy style but they do an amazing job. If I feel like splurging I'd go for Scenic every time. I've not tried Tauck and know I can't afford Crystal so Scenic is my 'aspirational' choice. 

Paul

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Hi Paul. Welcome back and glad you had a good trip😀 as for the flights....they are what they are...

 

@Lois R Yes indeed, and without them we wouldn't be cruising in Europe so I really can't complain all that much. (except for the lady who reclined her seat with no warning and removed my kneecaps yesterday. 😮)

Paul

We got home late last night after a 26 hour day. I must say I can't find anything good to say about international airline travel these days. All the more reason to to spend a few extra days in Europe.

We had several connecting flights and some places wanted to see COVID test results and others did not. When boarding in Germany Jane had to show her test and while I did not. Customs was a mixed bag too. We had to wait in a loooong line in Frankfurt. Those who had tight connections probably missed flights. We landed in Chicago and the Customs folks there were super efficient and even friendly!

It's great to be home but I must admit I'm going to miss the good food and service and the nice people we met the last two weeks. 

I'll check back later to see if anyone has any last minute questions. To all those who will be cruising soon, have fun!

Paul

@terry&mike I look forward to hearing about your cruise in Portugal. That's probably our next outing once COVID calms down. Not sure we'll do Ama again but every says great things about the Duro. Enjoy your trip, it sounds terrific!

Paul

10 hours ago, Rexythree said:

Paul,

we are traveling on the Ama Mora in October, did you say both of your trips were about 55% filled ?

@Rexythree Yes, they were both between 55 and 60% so the ship have not felt crowded at all. 

Now that the dining room staff has to sever both breakfast and lunch I'm sure they appreciate the smaller crowd. They are kept very busy at meal times.

13 hours ago, DebbieActon said:

Hi Paul,we are on the AmaLucia in October.  Did Ama arrange your visit to the popup testing lab or did you just happen by and take advantage of the opportunity?  I am hoping it was prearranged, as we are under the belief it will be.  Thank you.

@DebbieActon Yes, our cruise director collected names, emails etc and arranged the testing for us. A few missed the signup but I believe he worked things out for them so they too got tested. I see I have my results in my e-mail inbox but my French is lacking (to say the least!) so I need a translator this morning. 🙂
Paul

3 hours ago, Daisi said:

Heading home is always the hardest...but just think of the trips you can plan on that long plane ride home.  That's what we did!

We are already planned for the Mediterranean next May but after that...... 

Paul

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Hi Paul, thanks for posting!  Hope you had 2 wonderful cruises👍

Thank you Lois! We've had a very good time. My only issue has been a cold that I must have caught on the flight over. I figure I'll shake it about a day after we get home. 😉

We toured Arles this AM and then visited a local 'pop up' COVID testing lab before going back to the ship for lunch. Most of us need a test to get back into the US so hopefully we have better luck getting results in a timely manner than a few of our earlier experiences. 🤞

The weather has been beautiful, the staff on board every helpful and the excursions most enjoyable. I am NOT looking forward to Thursday morning and the start of a very long day getting back to Dallas. 

Paul

Jane is usually up early to take advantage of the fitness coach's stretching or yoga classes. I'm normally in the lounge with a fresh coffee, my laptop, email and Cruise Critic updates. 😉

Paul

3 hours ago, LTC said:

Thanks for the reply Paul. Will be submitting it today so hopefully we'll receive it within a month.

Karen

Best of luck. We just had drinks with another CC couple and she received her P. S. within an 8-10 day window and he still hasn't seen his and we're four days away from heading back to the US.  We 'think' the key is to send each request from a separate email address but that may just be a quirk that worked for us. Wish I had a more definitive answer/solution to insure you get it on time. 🤷‍♂️

Paul

@LTCI haven't heard of it affecting an Ama organized activities but on a walking tour yesterday in Lyon our guide pointed out a museum that she recommended but mentioned a P.S. would be needed if we wanted to visit on our own. Earlier Ama mentioned they didn't know for sure if the French railroads would allow people on board with only a CDC car the end we weren't even checked when we hopped on the train. Hard and fast rules are hard to come by. It took us days to get our Passe Sanitaires; We submitted our paper on the day the US State Dept announced the program so we got in early. You'd be wise to allow some extra time to get yours. 

Paul

18 hours ago, need2travel1 said:

 

The weather here in Lyon has been absolutely stunning. A bit cool in the morning but low to mid 70's in the afternoon with lot's of sunny skies and puffy white clouds. Pictures of the countryside have been amazing and the views over Lyon from the Basilica this morning were wonderful. 

Last night we learned there are 91 passengers onboard so we're at about 58% capacity. I believe the 'swan deck' cabins are not being used on this sailing. Fifty-two of us were on the AmaLyra last week so there are a lot of familiar faces. That's mostly good news with a few grumpy faces who never seem to be pleased. 🤷‍♂️

As we discovered last week the use of masks has not been all that bad but those without a French Passe Sanitaire have been excluded from select restaurants and museums. On the ship temps are taken every morning prior to breakfast and what used to be buffet meals are served off a menu. It's worked out well with limited numbers of guests but I wonder how thing will go when capacities reach 90-100%. People have been very good about trying to follow the rules. We all forget our masks now and then but a friendly reminder is all that's been needed. People are all being good sports about the situation and Ama is doing their best. The staff and our guides have all expressed how good it is to be working again after so many month's of inactivity. We have tried to be a bit more generous with our gratuities after considering what these folks have been through. 

That's it for now. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

Paul

On 8/25/2021 at 5:15 PM, mapsd said:

Our search criterial was very similar.

Our short list came down to Tauck, AMA, and Scenic.

We went with Scenic since it trended to have more AUS/NZ travelers (when COVID doesn't keep them at home), and cruise dates fit our schedule better. 

 

I truly think its hard to make a bad decision!

We too chose Scenic for our first cruise based on price Vs amenities and found a nice mix of Aussies, New Zealanders, Brits and Americans. 

We've tried three lines (also Uniworld and Ama) and felt Scenic was the nicest. 

Good luck with your search.

Paul

2 hours ago, need2travel1 said:

Please give us a review when you have the time, we'd love to hear details.  Have a great cruise!!

We're just getting started but so far, the Rhone has impressed more the Seine last week. 

Pauo

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

I hope you get to see the Pont du Gard.

 

Have a great time on the Rhone.

 

notamermaid

 

I'm sorry to say I don't believe we signed up for that. I was interested but 'someone else' (ahem!) suggested an alternate excursion. 

I know on which side my bread is buttered! LOL

Paul

6 hours ago, boblerm said:

Have a great time!  This is a fabulous itinerary.

Do you know what would have happened to someone who tested positive?  I assume they would have to quarantine in Lyon.  Do you have any idea how long the quarantine would last, for a fixed period, or until getting a negative test?

@boblermThat's a good question but I haven't heard any specifics. I assume you'd be put off the ship to quarantine in a local hotel for 10days to two weeks. So much for a much anticipated cruise!

After a very enjoyable week on the AmaLyra cruising the Seine River, we are now on the AmaKristina headed for Avignon on the Rhone. Yesterday morning we were up EARLY to put our bags out so the crew could transfer them via truck to Lyon and the new ship. At 10am we hopped on TGV high speed train for the two hour ride to Lyon. I was very impressed how smooth and quiet it was even at speeds approaching 160 mph. We had lunch on our own in town and then enjoyed a quick tasting of local products before boarding the 'Kristina. 

One thing we didn't expect was another round of COVID tests. Many who didn't have a Passe Sanitaire signed up for tests a few days before just in case the railway authorities asked for proof. We had our passes so didn't take a test two days ago. Ama has a new policy that those who transfer from ship to ship be tested so many of us had a rapid Antigen test when we got on the ship. That was my third test in three weeks.. I'm pretty sure I do NOT have COVID at this time. 👍

The new ship is very nice; it's newer than the 'Lyra and that's clear in the décor and the amenities. I don't have a headcount yet but I would assume we are near 50-60% full based on last week's experience. One disappointment was we did not get one of the double balcony cabins. When we booked the trip last Nov our TA indicated we would be assigned the larger option but we are waaaay back in #230. Oh well, we will still enjoy the trip but it would have been nice to sit out and enjoy the beautiful weather we are expecting this week.

Paul

I'm glad PhD-va still had her copy. Once we received our Passe Sanitaire, Jane deleted the email from her file. 

@TFree I never received an email, only the phone call that arrived waaaaay late. I'll ask Jane to check her mail to see exactly what it said.