nelsjay

Thank you for all the helpful replies. We have booked our next cruise on the Pursuit!i

We always took cruises as a family, so went on the big ships for their children and teen programs. When the kids grew up and we became empty nesters, we tried an Azamara cruise and decided we liked the smaller ship environment. Since then, we have been on an Amawaterways river cruise, and sailed Windstar and Crystal. We are currently deciding upon our next cruise and it will surely be on one of the smaller vessels.

Thanks for the reassurance. These are the reviews which gave me pause: https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=1288

A few years ago, we did a Mediterranean cruise on The Quest and loved it. Other than Azamara, we have cruised on the mass market lines, Windstar, and Crystal. We choose our cruises mostly by itinerary, avoiding the mega ships these days. The Pursuit has an attractive itinerary for us next summer, but we are a little hesitant reading the few reviews here so far.

Is there cause for concern?

When I first booked the cruise for next May, the economy airfare quote I received from my TA through Ama was close to $400 less than I could get on my own. That's the main reason I was considering it, but didn't book since they wouldn't be able tell me the itinerary until shortly before we left...as I said above.

Amawaterways offers attractive airfare for our river cruise, but will not release the final itinerary until shortly before the cruise date. I am concerned that the number of stops and travel time may be significantly longer than if I was booking on my own. Anyone with experience booking their air with with Ama? Pros and cons?

Thanks for all of the replies.

Great blog and photos, Valley Girl! I almost feel like I've already been on the cruise. ;)

We're interested in cruising the Danube on one of Amawaterways newer ships, but the only cabins available are the lowest level. We have been on many ocean cruises and usually book mid level rooms, sometimes with full balconies. This would be our first river cruise.

How much of a compromise is a lower level cabin? Our alternative would be choosing a less desired ship, itinerary, or doing a land vacation.