alexandra cruiser

it was sad,but very informative. We are both WW 2 history buffs and wanted to see at least one of the camps(least distressing than Auscwitz) since no crematoriums.

Do google it and you can see it and read history ahead of time.

Had great guides(one on bus from AMA and others in ea.bldg.)

It was handled very well by all.Glad I went,but do see in advance if its for you.

We had 3 days in Prague pre cruise and thus able to see most of the sites there,plus this .;)

because I ve see quite a few reviews and comments here.

As with all the lines, some really LOVE them ,others not so much.

I prefer ones that use TA,as above poster said.Like the discounts,advice,back up etc...so because of that and the cabins,ships,etc with that company(I prefer more luxury,like full balcony,inc.tips,on and on).

When I was looking at them,did check BBB site and found many complaints>But that was few yrs.ago and have heard hear its improved now.

So check them all very carefully and find out what YOU prefer,we are all very different.;)

and really felt closed in.But that s just me,thought engine noise and vibration bad.Must depend on ship,so maybe newer ones better?

I d do French balcony,on back of ship,rather than that one.Now you may get SOME engine noise,exhaust...but I ve never been as bothered by that.At least you get fresh air,light.

Others have said they re fine with first deck and window,,,but I d rather pay a little more and really have a great time,rather than just so so.

Now I go on ships with the full balcony,LOVE that perk but costs more I know.:)

its all inc.on page here,perhaps title not coming thru on your app?

Said Marriott..and rest you have

and that s what s inc.in our pre cruise with Scenic.Had seen it before and looked great. But can always check with many of the hotel sites and see if something else to your liking.

and just what WE LIKE,so suggestions only.

Nuremburg,,,WW tour

Regensburg,,walking tour(then go on own with guidebook)

Passau..walking tour,,and same as above

Melk..Abbey tour

Vienna..city tour and Palace,,both great.

Budapest...city tour, and glad you booked extra days.Great city and now going back in June since we missed so much with only 1 day there.

PS.Some liked the bike tours,but I passed this time.Good option in some places.:)

but the itinerary for Au/NZ looks the best.So will just have to deal with the sea,if rough.

Looked at other luxury and premium lines,but avoided the big,mass market ones that would surely take the rough sea better.

Everything a trade off,right?

Once you start with the best,its hard to go backwards.

Thanks for all the tips and info.CC really comes thru.:)

since I like it smooth.But will take my chances and just HOPE the Tasman sea is kind.

Have tried all the above remedies,but all either make me sick or don t work.

But glad to hear you felt safe.

but we also went to Portugal in May and had a cool spell.Lucky I brought a sweater,and light weight jacket.Many had to buy sweatshirts in ports.Sure it was rare,but to be on safe side pack in layers.

In Lisbon,(we spent 2 days pre cruise, DH glad he brought a sports coat.But never wore in on ship(wore his trusty cashmere sweater).

Do bring comfy clothes to wear up on deck,in cabin,etc. I had to learn that one.

Have also been on SeaDream and very similar re.country club casual.But I like the AMA cabins even better, have larger bathrooms and balcony.But food and service not as grand,but still good.

try to get hotels in old town section for easier walking,etc.Get a app with info if you can,we used old fashion book.Sort of standout as a tourist when carrying THAT everywhere..

Asked hotel concierge for rest.rec.that were within walking distance that HE LIKES(locals)and both were fantasic.Now always do that.

Budapest is fantastic and going back in June on cruise from there to Bucharest. .Budapest is like Paris when lit up at nite,people friendly, speak English,great food.

Will be interested in Emerald lines since offshoot of Scenic(which I m taking for above).

and have had NO SERVICE issues you speak about. Have been on all the major lines,remember EACH ship in EACH line is different.

You DO get what you pay for so look at all the details, tips?drinks?shore exc.and tips for those guides,etc....

Saw Burt Wolf on Travel Channel and he picked AMA, good enough for Me,I figure,,haha.

Trying Scenic next,like to see all the various lines and do my own comparison.

Remember, try ONE and if not for YOU try ANOTHER.That s what we did.

Everyone has their own must haves,and they tend to change as you get older and hopefully have more to spend.

I also will only take those that use a TA,some won t you know.Not worth the hassle to me and always wonder WHY,really>??:confused:

we ve stayed pre and post cruise depending on trip.Booked own hotel thru hotels.com,etc.Also used HOHO bus,then on own with guidebook.Stay in center of town.Boat is docked about 20 mins.from there.

Also,get own air on Kayak,or Matrix and can put in shortest time,rather than least expensive. Should have quite a few options PS..I ve even stayed at same hotel listed by cruiseling,on own,and gotten cheaper rates.Then they just let us get on bus for transfer to ship,but might have been a slip up since we didn't pay extra,or book with them.??

to me and my TA got the price decrease on SB with NO problem. I did NOT contact company,my TA took care of it all.

Maybe you can doublecheck,since I KNOW they do it.Got over $1000 off.

Unless this is something brand new???:confused:

go. We saw them gathered at bar,with piano player performing.They all seemed quite happy, no worries.

The couples tended to go off the boat,since dinner was early that nite.

to prevent that happening.

But, I m one of those who LOVE an outside full balcony,not French.

I DO spend time out there,in AM with AM coffee(can get from lounge or in next case on Scenic,,,Room service.

Like the views,fresh air,and just overall experience.Once I had one,I can t go back.Others say its not important,but I m NOT ONE OF THEM>

Even booked Scenic next time because I saw in brochure they have glass cover over balcony so it can be used even in rain,etc.BUt,a French is better than NONE.;)

when you guys said LAYERS,,you were REALLY serious.Will have to FIND a pair of warm gloves and hat from Michigan in closet.

Sounds like what I wore in Norway in June.

When you said COOL I never thought COLD(for us).

;)

you can see from above post,mine slept thru it.

The second time in Vienna we passed on it,but agree,YOU should try.Not necessarily your DH.;)

and it seems to be working for Scenic that way.

Then you wouldn t have to hunt for it, esp.with all the Viking ones,whew.

Once you find line,can then go thru for country,etc.

the Jan.6 one is $7800(I think,approx)for verandah rather than $9000.That s why I was questioning it here.

Yes, will have to dress in layers.But we did Vietnam last yr.and HOT in south,while COOL in north.So Im READY.

Plus, even in FL.we have cool weather in winter.Even some FROSTS in Orlando area.BRRR....but from Michigan and this is great.

Thanks all for such good tips.Really helps when CC ers give advice.:)

because I want to see the rest of the Danube.Have done Amsterdam to Budapest in sections.Loved Budapest and wanted cruise with a few days there.Picked Scenic due to best itinerary and ship for us.Also, excursion to Transylvania inc.,not extra like others I saw. Will be interesting to go to Black Sea,port of Constanta.Glad I didn't book reg.Black Sea cruise,what a mess that would be right now,right?:confused:

it seems.Just get an overview,but better than not going.We no longer enjoy the land based vacations since we prefer not driving ,and bus tours are out.Little to do but cruise,right?Did many of the other types when younger.

I was also concerned about the 3 sea days across Tasman sea,but looked at many other companies and similar(some 2).Have so many variables to consider,right??

If all the same,Jan.sounds as good as any for discount.;)

Caroldoll

Thanks for your comment. The OS on the Rivera is the suite I'm looking at and it is about 300 sf larger and about $6000 pp less expensive. The unlimited excursion package with Oceania is about $900 pp. Not much of a drinker so the unlimited alcohol on regent doesn't appeal to me. So the business class airfare is the biggest issue but I like you prefer a newer ship as the Riviera and feel it is a better fit for me. Great feedback. Thanks

own Regent and do own air.I find it much more convenient,also do read the sticky re.cruise air here on CC.Lots of info . I just got more back in refund for last O cruise than I spent.

Hope you have a good TA, with premium and luxury lines you should get many perks and cash back even.I do.They also have deals on above cruiselines,They let me know when one is coming up if I let them know what I m looking for.:)

and all the cruises I ve seen go to both N and S. islands in NZ.

Even with the big savings for Jan? :confused:

do compare the actual ship,not just the cruiseline.Seems ea.ship has good and bad points.PS.will not take Voyager due to vibration problem,but loved Mariner(but all cabins do not have tubs,check).

Have only been in PH on both O,Insignia and Regatta.Loved it and got TA to throw in free gratuities and dring pack.Good to ask.Did a few shore exc.with O and very happy(depends on country,etc.,,,do most on own).

So make a check list,you ll love both,just see which is best for YOU.

Have a cruise booked in Nov.on O, Riveriera.Itinerary is now the big thing for use after 20 yrs.of cruising.;)

of everything else,since families on vacation.BUt, we live near Disney world.After that, a few kids is no probl.HAHAH

Will just have to take into account and check for best prices in pre cruise hotels,shore exc.etc. Now that I ve made some decisions,will have to wait to book.Brochures not out yet for 2016.

Thanks all for your advice.Can t wait to finally get there,,been on bucket list for yrs. Had to save up to do it right. The flight over seems as much as the cruise(looking at air couch on Air NZ),business is a killer.;)