kathywin53

Read part of this long thread and just adding our experience. Still feeling bruised. We are D+, never had any fairy upgrades. Got the bid offer before Harmony Dec 2019 two weeks before sailing.  Bid a low offer of I think it was $160pp from front OV to a neighbourhood balcony, fully expecting no luck.

Well behold,  got accepted, Centra Park, felt pretty satisfied. Got email notice of success,, room number cruise planner printed with new set sail pass but no luggage tags....since 5 days before cruise wasn’t too concerned.

On arrival at pier attendent could not find the upgrade on his list, put hand written tags to room on set sail pass, luggage delivered to that cabin.  At cabin found someone else’s name, visited customer serve desk, who told us this was not our cabin, we were in error...after several minutes of discussion, pulled out Ipad and showed confirmation. After checking in back apologized and offered free wow bracelets for compensationthat ( got charged on account anyway, another story).

Happily in cabin after good hour wasted, all D+ benefits delivered to previous room, no delivery of cc meeting, or level receptions. Did have delivery of offers from lady with Platinum benefits and paperwork of three other people. Makes one curious of privacy. 

Would I bid again, not likely the unknown just not worth the errors. If this is a new practice it needs some work. Certainly put a damper on the cruise.

Due to disembark Amaprima Nov 24 at the ungodly hour of 430 am for bus to Amsterdam airport for 700 am flight to Zurich and further on by bus to Basel hotel. All arranged and supported by Amawaterways personal along the way. We will get to enjoy the continuation of our planned vacation. Amawaterways has been very accommodating with information during the modified cruise. Stayed on the ship every night with no hotels so well fed and entertained. Excursions well run and interesting although cold weather a challenge. Only regret, did not see a castle but planning to use the compensation from AMA to rebook in future. Have had an acceptable cruise considering having not seen the area we travelled. 

Good luck everyone with your cruises.

Boarded in Amsterdam on Amaprima,  met  Coli and her mom....nice to connect. Several others from home area on board.  notified at briefing that first 5 days are planned but not the cruise we booked. Told we would be ending in Basel but transport to there could be determined later...? Plane, bus, train.

tomorrow tour Amsterdam then we leave for Utrecht NL. Excursions are being planned for stops but we do not know what they are.

wine specialist on board and will be doing presentations. I suspect there re no vineyards planned but will update if any arise.

10 hours ago, notamermaid said:

kathywin53,

it is sunny hear in Germany as well. Have a great time in Amsterdam. The mild temperatures will not be with us any more after this weekend, I am afraid it will get colder and there will be snow on Wednesday, even down in the valley possibly.

 

Would you like to share the name of your ship? Have you been notified of any disruptions to your itinerary?

 

Have a great cruise.

 

notamermaid

 

We are on Amaprima Nov 17 to 24, Amsterdam to Basel. Incidentally no communication from AMA or travel agency about any disruptions. Actually told that everything is good, thankfully we are prepared for disruption thanks to the

 people on this thread. Thoroughly enjoyed Amsterdam today, shopping for cheese and good wine.

Boarding tomorrow Amsterdam to Basel on first river cruise ever so whatever happens will be an adventure/experience. Today just enjoying Amsterdam and lovely weather compared to snow at home. So appreciate this thread and the shared information, anxieties, rescheduling thoughts and continued participation of posters. Another reason cruisecritic is such a benefit to all traveller.

12 hours ago, gadugger said:

It has been said: When it comes to travel, tragedy plus time equals comedy. The question is whether I have enough time left.

Amsterdam to Basel Nov. 17-24  Age - 69. 

You have enough time, just make good use of it to enjoy every adventure. Uncertainty of this trip is better than work.

10 hours ago, gadugger said:

I am on same cruise (our first river cruise). We have post cruise plans leaving Basel by train to Paris. Trying to get AMA to provide assurance that if they cancel our cruise , they will not cancel our air reservations as we plan to do our own Amsterdam to Basel trip followed by our already booked Paris trip if they do cancel. . Also trying to get them to indicate how many days notice they will provide. Will let you know what I find out. 

Thanks for the input. Also first river cruise and really hoping to keep some sort of river cruise in the vacation. We have independent air so that will not change if AMA cancels the cruise. Biggest issue might be finding best way to get to Basel, will AMA help with that as other companies have. Will post any updates.

11 hours ago, Coli said:

Looking at marinetraffic.com it looks like AMAPrima has changed her 10 day Rhine/Moselle to Rotterdam/Amsterdam. Her track also shows previous voyage was Amsterdam/Rotterdam.  At least passengers get to stay onboard for voyage. I’ve been following this thread as we’re scheduled to be on Prima for her November 17 Wine Rhine voyage. Do know things can change and I’m great at adapting. Very much appreciate everyone’s input on this thread.

On the same cruise and starting to wonder about alternate plans. Had hoped to stay extra in Basel for the markets. ? Waiting some notice from AMA, considering cancellation or adding transportation to Basel afterwhatever cruise we end up with. Continuing to hope for lots of rain. 

impressive video, certainly not what one expects on a river cruise.

Having visited many times, suggest getting off the ship, have a nice walk in the sand and water. Take some tome to watch the zip line over the water. Basically a beach day set up by the cruiseline. After walk....if not wanting to find chairs, go back to ship and enjoy your day on board. There is not really anything here “to miss”, again beach day.

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Most interesting encounter with a 90 yr old lady in Alaska who purposely sat with younger people in order to avoid her complaint son in law....she was so open and fun to be around. Some older people are downers, others are walking history and have never lost the wonder of life. We all get older one day.

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Oops sorry. I didn't see your post Kathywin. Lizzie is correct; it's the swing doors. The V category dividers can be opened with no interference to the doors. The entire divider doesn't open; just the front half. It folds back against itself and is locked in place.

No problem, appreciate the reinforcement of info. Looking forward to a new experience on NA. Thank you.

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Thank you for this info, was worried about being unable to use cabin door.

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Would someone comment on the balcony doors on Nieuw Amsterdam....regular swing door or sliding patio type. Also in v category can connecting cabin dividers be opened and still allow opening of cabin door, (have heard balcony at 42 sq Ft too narrow for opening cabin door if divider opened) thanks

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Would someone comment on the balcony doors on Nieuw Amsterdam....regular swing door or sliding patio type. Also in v category can connecting cabin dividers be opened and still allow opening of cabin door, (have heard balcony at 42 sq Ft too narrow for opening cabin door if divider opened) thanks

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Actually like this opening, the 2 cabins can socialize at the railing, while having some privacy. On a Princess ship opening was at balcony door needing both to be on one balcony for viewing and not semiprivate.

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The longer you wait to fix this, the less choice you may have.

Have been watching air from several airlines...still lots of choices. I never get too preoccupied with air until final payment. If air becomes an issue the cruise can be cancelled with fully refundable deposit.

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Same happened years ago to Anchorage. The flight showed up for a couple of weeks 9 months or so out, then disappeared only to reappear 3 months out at a lower rate.

Not too worried and waiting until cruise office settles down post hurricanes. The airline site actually shows a good many flight options at lower rates.

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Have used cruiseline air (Princess, Celebrity)with good success a number of times with being able to select best flights, book seats and a couple of days prior to cruise. Also many times organized from specific airline site.

Most recent experience not so good. Had booked with HAL, direct flights next April to Ft Lauderdale and return from Vancouver after 21 day cruise on Holland America. Apparently airline doesn't have the assigned direct flight to Fll so we were reassigned. So far so good and one stopover OK. Issue is while we are boarding in Ottawa the connecting flight is leaving Montreal with us arriving in Montreal well after the flight has taken off.

I only became aware of this because I had added my flights into the airline app and when just looking at bookings noticed it. On HAL booking original flexible booked flights are the original ones. Am leaving the flights on the booking until near final payment then will see if original flights reappear at airline.

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Thanks for the video. We are planning Panama Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver next year.

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Mary, we are currently doing research for April 2018 cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam covering a similar itinerary, but disembarking in Vancouver. Your blog is such a help understanding the ports. Thoroughly enjoyed the photos and comments. We are also hoping to do most of the ports on our own so found your ideas excellent. Thank you for creating and posting.

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Can not find any reference on multiple threads I have read, so could some comment on Nieuw Amsterdam balcony. Have booked VA 5107 and 5105 with connecting interior access. Do the balcony dividers open to provide access between the 2 cabins outside?

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As a first timer on NCL and did not have drink package(by choice), found it disturbing that all drinks on Getaway(March) were served in disposable plastic cups and glasses. I understand volume of drinks but would expect a paid drink to be in something a bit nicer than my backyard drinkware, reusable plastic even acceptable. Just my opinion and not a cruise breaker.

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Ship - Getaway

Deck -10

Stateroom #10188

Stateroom Category - Mini Suite

Starboard or Port Side - Port

Quiet Stateroom - very quiet, no inside cabins across hallway, close to forward elevator in forward midship area.

Balcony View - no obstructions,

Balcony Size - usual for mini suite / small. Contained 2 regular chairs, tiny table to hold a couple of glasses.

Any specific problems with this cabin - lack of chair in cabin required constant use of beds to sit on. With 3 in the cabin the sofa was made as bed and left as such daily ( our request for naps) but eliminated it as seating. A storage box under the desk functioned as storage, extra seat and mini table, just not sure how sanitary the concept is. Mini suite layout just longer than regular balcony so cost wise not much gain. Bathroom had messaging shower with bathroom and shower, space twice regular balcony cabin nice for person to change privately.

Any other comments - lots of storage but drawer under sofa difficult to open and one was used by steward as storage. Cabin very clean, exceptional steward.

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Read the cruise contract. I believe the next day after final payment the cancelation policy takes affect and the deposit is gone.

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