Christmas Market Cruise - AmaCerto

We are getting ready to leave for our Christmas Market cruise on AmaCerto. My DD says it's her "dream trip." I realize I've never written a review before, and there isn't a lot of information about river cruising for new river cruisers. Previous cruise experience is on Windstar, a couple HAL cruises, and one Paul Gauguin.

We fly into Frankfurt and then will be taking a flight to Berlin for a couple days, then back to Nuremburg to board our cruise.

I live in the Pacific Northwest, so we are used to rainy, snowy and cold weather. I'm going to list what I've packed; it will be interesting to see what I used and what I didn't. I'm traveling with a 22" bag, which I'll check, and will carry on my backpack, which will hold all my electronics, wallet, passports, etc., and a small bag, into which I putting our down coats, my camera, our trip paperwork, and anything else I can cram in there.

My packing list (including brand names for reference):

Two pairs skinny jeans (suspect I'll end up wearing only one) - J Brand and Vineyard vines

One pair ExOfficio black yoga type pants

One pair black knit pants (Eileen Fisher)

Two tunic length plaid flannel shirts (one blue and black plaid, one grey, black and white plaid), which I like because they are warmer than regular cotton blouses. (Garnet Hill)

One silk long sleeved black and white print blouse (also suspect this may go unworn) - think this is Nordstrom brand

One long sleeved white cotton T shirt (Lands' End)

One grey V-necked cashmere sweater (Garnet Hill)

One black merino crew necked long black sweater - both sweaters may be worn over both flannel shirts (Eileen Fisher)

One Smartwool quarter zip top (eggplant color)

One black watch plaid sheath dress (Vineyard Vines)

One Lululemon long sleeved top with a hood

Sweatpants and shirt for jammies (Pink)

Northface down black vest

Northface long down coat

Winter White cashmere knitted hat (Garnet Hill)

One burgundy felt wood hat (Helen Kaminski)

Two pairs North Face gloves

One wool checked green and blue scarf (Vineyard vines)

One baselayer set Smart Wool - top and bottom

One silk long sleeve undershirt

Undergarments

One pair black opaque tights

Wool socks - not Smartwool, I find those don't wear well. You can buy great ones at Costco that are, IMO, much nicer than Smartwool. Also bringing a couple pairs of thinner socks.

One pair dark blue velvet ballet flats (Kate Spade - suspect these may never be worn)

One pair Gentle Souls black boots that have gone all over Europe with me

One pair Mukluck moccasins (wool and fur) to wear on the ship when my feet are tired

On the plane I'm wearing a long white cotton blouse, a blue cashmere tunic length top, leggings and a Lululemon vinyasa scarf with my waterproof Uggs. Also, my Northface gortex raincoat. Two coats may be overkill, but if it's really rainy, I don't want to just have my down jacket. Also the gortex jacket has a hood.

Toiletries

Medications

Extra glasses - reading and a pair that has a sunglass piece that attaches

one travel umbrella - Eddie Bauer

Everything is packed in an Eagle Creek folding envelope and one packing cube - Sherpani. Undergarments and socks are in ziplock bags. Down items are smashed into stuff sacks.

I know this is detailed, but I always like to see what people packed. Will try and update as we go; we are leaving for the airport in a couple of hours and I'm not looking forward to that almost ten hour flight! At least it's not a red eye!

Looking forward to following along if you manage to update this thread as you go ... or at least hearing more about it when you return. Being new to river cruising, I appreciate the info. Christmas markets is on our list ... I would like to take my mother next year or the year after.

6rugrats

By the time you read this you should be in Germany!

Please post while you can/if you can - we leave one week from tomorrow for our AMASerena Christmas sailing (two pre cruise days in Munich). Can't believe ours is almost here.

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences as you sail!

Bob

I'll also be reading along, we board as you leave. I haven't managed to find the prices of the optional additional concert or excursion to Schoenbrunn Palace, so please post when they tell you, if you wouldn't mind.

Safe and fabulous travels!

Arrived safely in Frankfurt after uneventful flight on LH. Passport control was very fast, but been waiting for bags for over 40 minutes.

Then, off to our flight to Berlin, where we will spend the next couple of days.

Arrived safely in Frankfurt after uneventful flight on LH. Passport control was very fast, but been waiting for bags for over 40 minutes.

Then, off to our flight to Berlin, where we will spend the next couple of days.

For a European arrival with a connecting flight, your bags would normally have been checked through to your final destination if your flights were on the same ticket or a partner airline.

Maybe just check your bag receipt and make sure they were only checked through to FRA?

I booked separate tickets. Both flights were on LH. I asked at SEA if they would check the bags through to TXL, but they would only check to FRA.

Not a big deal, just a long wait for them to come off the plane. We just went up to the ticket counter and checked them in for the next flight.

Weather was rainy when we arrived, but it’s now snowing.

Glad they arrived OK.

It is a little irritating that Star Alliance and more recently One World have stopped requiring their members to check bags through one separate tickets.

Several One World members have decided to keep doing it anyway as it is a good service to customers.

I'm sure the day will get better once you get to your destination today.

Arrived safely in Frankfurt after uneventful flight on LH. Passport control was very fast, but been waiting for bags for over 40 minutes.

Then, off to our flight to Berlin, where we will spend the next couple of days.

Wishing you a wonderful trip:)

Thank you!

Note to self - when flying to Berlin on a domestic flight, stop at the baggage carousel and pick up your checked bags before leaving the secure area. Baggage claim is not after the exit!

Or, a very nice LH employee has to go through security and go through all the bags, looking for yours, as you aren’t allowed back through.

One point though for having a pad of paper to write the bag descriptions to hold up to glass wall, so previously mentioned employee can read what the bags look like and not have to sit and read all the tags:p

Thank you!

Note to self - when flying to Berlin on a domestic flight, stop at the baggage carousel and pick up your checked bags before leaving the secure area. Baggage claim is not after the exit!

Or, a very nice LH employee has to go through security and go through all the bags, looking for yours, as you aren’t allowed back through.

One point though for having a pad of paper to write the bag descriptions to hold up to glass wall, so previously mentioned employee can read what the bags look like and not have to sit and read all the tags:p

Sent from my SM-N910C using Forums mobile app

I meant of course to take a picture when you check it in.

[emoji6]

Sent from my SM-N910C using Forums mobile app

I'll also be reading along, we board as you leave. I haven't managed to find the prices of the optional additional concert or excursion to Schoenbrunn Palace, so please post when they tell you, if you wouldn't mind.

 

Safe and fabulous travels!

On our AMAStella cruise last month the Schonbrunn Palace excursion was $56 - and well worth it. The concert was over $100 - sorry I don't have the exact amount.

We spent the weekend exploring Berlin. It was snowing Sunday when we left on our flight to Nuremburg. Upon arrival, we took a cab to our hotel, Hotel Victoria:

https://www.hotelvictoria.de/

It was very nice, and a short walk to the Christmas Market, where we spent the rest of the evening. The temperature was around 36 degrees F, so not too cold. No snow or rain.

Boarding the ship today was at 3:00. We took a cab to the ship and arrived about 3:30. The cab was able to drop us off right in front of the gangway. Fare from the town center was ~€19.

Our bags were immediately taken and we were escorted onboard. We didn't have to show our passports, or complete any paperwork, just have our pictures taken, and then we were shown to our room.

We are on the Piano Deck. The room is small, but adequate. I am surprised at the lack of storage. There's one closet with hangers, and another one with some shelves, but there's not much room. I put my suitcase on the floor of this closet, and there's just space left for a pair of boots.

We have two twin beds; you can put your suitcases under one, but the other is blocked off and you can't put anything under that bed.

There are two small night tables, each with two drawers, two chairs and a desk area with a refrigerator and a drawer.

Above the desk is an Apple TV (?) and a keyboard. The desk area has three outlets with European plugs (two prong). The TV is plugged into one, the audio units you use on tours are plugged into the other, leaving just one empty outlet.

There's an alarm button, a safe and a phone.

The bathroom is well designed to make use of the space, and has a marble tiled shower with both a rainforest shower head and a handheld one. Hairdryer is under the sink. Bath products are shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bar soap, and shower gel, and the brand is "Hydro Basics."

There is another outlet in the bathroom cabinet, which has two small shelves. There's also a magnifying mirror on the wall.

After dropping off our bags, we went up to the lounge. From 3:00-4:00, they were serving Afternoon Tea, and there was an assortment of pastries, sandwiches, ice water and ice tea, along with tea and coffee. The bar was open. Drink prices seem to be about average for a cruise.

Welcome Cocktail is at 6:00 tonight, and will be followed by the mandatory safety exercise.

Under the second bed, that appears blocked should be a big drawer you can pull out and store items in. We were on the AmaCerto this summer and found this extra storage very helpful.

Under the second bed, that appears blocked should be a big drawer you can pull out and store items in. We were on the AmaCerto this summer and found this extra storage very helpful.

You're right! It’s stuffed full with an extra quilt/comforter though.

My DD’s things are in packing cubes, so I managed to get everything unpacked and the bags put away.

On our AMAStella cruise last month the Schonbrunn Palace excursion was $56 - and well worth it. The concert was over $100 - sorry I don't have the exact amount.

Price for palace is €56. Concert price is €70 per person.

Yesterday, we had an excursion to Nuremburg. We were divided into three groups, yellow, red and green, and given a small card that was our group color. When you leave the ship, you must scan your sign and sail card at the reception desk (not sure what they call the card) and then find your bus and guide.

Take your QuietVox device and earphone with you and the guide will synchronize it to his/her mic.

We toured past Third Reich buildings, the industrial area and ended at the historical area, where we got out of the bus for a quick walk up to the top of the castle.

We then were taken to the Christmas market and given a ticket for a free Gluhwein or Lebkuchen from a specific booth, and then had time to walk around on our own for a while.

Meanwhile, the ship was sailing to Roth, where we met up after our tour. When we reboarded, a fresh hand towel was given to wipe our hands. Lunch was served, which was a buffet. I was impressed by the suckling pig which, by the end of lunch, was pretty much picked clean. They also had pork belly, soup, salad bar, etc. As stated in another review, ice cream is offered (they scoop it for you), and there are various toppings.

Beer and a white or red wine is offered with lunch and dinner.

The menu is the best I've ever seen on a cruise for identifying possible allergens in each dish.

While having lunch, we began going through locks and it was interesting to watch how close we were to the walls.

After lunch, there was a lecture about construction and operation of the canal, but we didn't attend.

Tea is held every afternoon from 4-5 and there are various sandwiches and pastries available. There's a machine always available in the lounge for various coffees, but I've never seen hot chocolate. Also in the lounge you may find ice tea and ice water.

There's a bar in the lounge, which rarely seems open, not sure why.

We found a list of tours for the rest of the week in our cabin after lunch, so we completed this, and turned it in.

We just hung out and rested in our cabin until dinner, which is served at 7:00. There was a Tour Planning meeting in the lounge at 5:30 with the Cruise Manager, Bojan, for those who wanted more information about the various choices.

Random thoughts about AMA:

At the welcome cocktail party, where free champagne (sparkling wine?) was served, it seems ridiculous to charge a guest, who doesn't drink, for a Diet Coke.

Why is there at least a half-cup of foam on top of every soup? It's unnecessary and makes it look as if you are eating dish water. A gentlemen next to me dinner last night asked his wife, "What the hell is Mushroom Cappuccino soup?" It's mushroom soup with foam on top.

It's pleasant to have such a smooth ride; no waves = no seasickness.

You can hear everything that goes on in the hallway through the doors. Which can be quite annoying when a group of young adults decide 12:35 a.m. is a great time to have a loud party at the end of the corridor. Dial "9" if this happens, because there's no directory in the room or on the phone that gives you this information.

There are 147 people on this sailing, and this includes 10 children.

I miss being able to order room service.

Having excursions included made trip planning easier.

Why does it seem as if the bar is always closed? There's nothing in the refrigerator but bottled water.

Can you tell the people across from me woke me up at 5:00 a.m.?

Enjoyed your review. I did my first AMA river cruise this year.

Enjoying reading your comments... brings back memories of our trip just 2 weeks ago...

There's a machine always available in the lounge for various coffees, but I've never seen hot chocolate.

The hot chocolate was towards the bottom of the panel on the machine on AmaStella. It was really creamy and good!

There's a bar in the lounge, which rarely seems open, not sure why.

On AmaStella there was always someone around... if not, you could just ask at the front desk and they would get someone.

At the welcome cocktail party, where free champagne (sparkling wine?) was served, it seems ridiculous to charge a guest, who doesn't drink, for a Diet Coke.

That's not right... I just walked up to the bar and asked what if you don't drink... and could I please have a Diet Coke... lol... poured one for me right away!

Why is there at least a half-cup of foam on top of every soup? It's unnecessary and makes it look as if you are eating dish water. A gentlemen next to me dinner last night asked his wife, "What the hell is Mushroom Cappuccino soup?" It's mushroom soup with foam on top.

Yes, this was hilarious. They do like their beet foam and other garnishes...

I've really enjoyed following along with your journey. We were on Viking last week and my husband, who does not drink, was rarely ever charged for diet coke. Every night in the lounge during the briefings there was some kind of free drink and after the first night the waiter always brought him a diet coke or two, with out even asking. I though it was a very nice and not really expected. When offered a drink next time I would just mention you don't drink but could you get...

If it's Wednesday, we must be in Regensburg.

We awoke to find that St. Nikolas had left a gift in our shoes, which were placed outside our doorway last night. Said gift so excited guests across the hall, that their cries of delight were what woke me at 5:00 a.m.

Every morning, from 6-7 a.m., Early Riser's pastries and coffee or tea is available in the lounge. Late Risers will find the same items in the lounge from 9-10 a.m. Regular breakfast in the main dining room is served from 7-9 a.m., and there is always sparkling wine available for those who like an early morning drink.

Today was my DD's birthday, and after breakfast, we arrived back to our cabin to find an adorable "cake" made from towels and ribbons, a towel animal, and a card signed by several officers. She loved it.

This morning tours included a 16 mile Regensburg Bike Tour (don't know if anyone participated). There are bikes and helmets available for these tours.

There was also a walking Tour of Regensburg, divided into "gentle walkers," "active walkers," and "regular walkers."

We chose "regular walkers" and had a small group of only 11 people. Suggested tips for guides on these walking tours is €2 per person.

Also offered was a "Special Interest Tour" at no extra charge, called "Bavarian "Specialties."

The walking tour was 9:30-11:15 a.m. and afterward you could stay in the town center and go to the Christmas Market there, and return to the ship when you liked.

I asked our guide, Christine, about the authenticity of some of the Christmas Market items, as we saw some decorations in the Nuremburg Market stamped, "Made in the PRC."

She said if the item was too cheap, it likely was not German made, and you would find a greater number of authentic items at the smaller, less touristy markets.

We returned to the ship for lunch and a rest until leaving again at 2:30 for the Thurn und Taxis Christmas Market. This was the most charming Market we've attended thus far. For an interesting read, look up the family that owns this castle where the market was held.

Lots of food and authentic Christmas items. Most vendors spoke English. We bought several gorgeous glass ornaments from one booth. It turned out the vendor had been an exchange student in the US in the area in which we live, and knew our small town well. He spent two years working in a nursery I've often frequented. He took us next door to a Kaffee stand and treated us to Espressos. It was one of those special travel moments.

When it was time to return to the ship, the bus was about 15 minutes late, as it was delayed by traffic. I think our group consisted of several passengers with the maturity of four year olds. Such whining! They were going to make sure Bojan, the Cruise Manager, knew how unhappy they were. One person finally set off to walk back to the ship, and you can guess what happened! Of course, the bus then arrived!

Bojan was waiting when we returned to the boat, apologizing about the delay! No rain or snow and the temperature was about 32 or 34 degrees F so the wait for the bus was not that cold.

After dinner, my DD was treated to her own birthday cake, and staff singing "Happy Birthday" to her, which was very nice. They saved her uneaten cake for her.

Tonight we received Disembarkation forms for Monday. They will arrange a cab for you if you need one to the airport, or some other destination.

I arranged this in advance myself, as it will be Christmas Day, and we have an early morning flight.

We are on our way now to Passau, Germany.

If you have any questions, please ask.

Following along.

If you participate in a morning city tour - can you then stay on your own in the afternoon and then meet up with a later tour for the trip back to the ship or assume its get back to the ship on your own ;)

The city walking tours are in the morning. When they're done, you can take the transportation back to the ship, follow your guide back (depends on the tour) or walk back on your own, as long as you're back on board before the ship sails.

On this cruise, there haven't been later tours where you could catch a later ride back, except the Thurn & Taxis Christmas Market, where buses back to the ship left at 4:45 & 5:15 p.m., and you could take either bus.

You are free to not take any tours, or leave a tour whenever you please, to do what you like. Just get back to the ship on time! There are always city maps at the front desk, and if you really got stuck, you could take a cab.

Just saw this thread. Thank you for taking us along through your posts.

Keith