Deilmann President Joins AMA Waterways

[mike35]

This from the 9/1/09 edition of Travel Weekly.

 

http://www.travelweekly.com/cruise/article3_ektid202350.aspx

 

We loved Peter Deilmann river cruises, and this key addition to AMA Waterways' senior management team bodes well for what is already a great product.

[Coral]

I hope he raises the bar on AMA!

[hattack]

I hope he brings over alot of his Deilmann employees..they were absolutely super on our river cruise this spring

[MomC]

I am very impressed with the forward thinking approach of this cruise line. If you look at their senior staff, you will see a wealth of experience from other lines. They are seeking excellence, and I, for one, believe that their product is top notch already. I am escorting a group of 8 couples on their European Heartland Cruise next week. After extensive research prior to booking this group, I have no doubts that I found the right ship and cruise line. Their staff is top extremely knowledgable, and Chris isthe best group agent I have ever worked with in over 15 years of booking travel. Congratulations, AMA! It's a pleasure not only to sail with you, but to watch you grow.

[Coral]

They are seeking excellence, and I, for one, believe that their product is top notch already. I am escorting a group of 8 couples on their European Heartland Cruise next week. After extensive research prior to booking this group, I have no doubts that I found the right ship and cruise line.

 

I would probably wait until you sail their line before you comment

"on their top notch product". I did plenty of research also (and am very traveled myself) and was very disappointed in AMA when I sailed them. Their interests in the passengers "travel experience" was not on the top of the list on our cruise. A lot of information I was given before the cruise proved to be inaccurate. Many people who sailed 2 years ago also commented on their negative AMA experiences (on several boats). I have friends who have sailed on many lines and their AMA experience ranked below lines such as Viking and Avalon. Heck, after comparing stories with friends who did similar trips - I wish I had chosen Viking or Vantage (and I am young and would have preferred Vantage).

 

AMA has a lot to improve on before their become a Deilmann. They may have grown too quickly and there may have been a lot of growing pains in the process.

 

I wish them success in the future but I think they have a lot to learn and am glad their hired a very knowledable person.

[Shorex]

Evaluating cruise lines is always subjective, but I'd like report our experience on AMA. We had extensive ocean cruising experience before trying AMA last year for the Istanbul-Budapest itinerary. Most of our ocean cruising is now on Crystal or Silversea, but we will be on Regent and Seabourn in 2010. We have cruised to all seven continents, including taking an expedition ship to Antarctica.

 

My planning process for any cruise is guided by this approach: cruise satisfaction is all about expectations being met -- BUT -- starting out with realistic expectations is critical. We are always looking for value in our cruise selections, and value is that elusive perfect combination of service, itinerary and price.

 

I spent hours culling through the various posts on this board, both to get an overall subjective sense of various river cruise options, and to get more objective information. The objective side includes cabin specifications, design of the boats, etc. And I drew from other sources as well.

 

After that process, we were satisfied that AMA was the right match for our first river cruise. We knew going in that Tauck, Deilmann, and Premicon Queen were higher end than AMA (or Avalon or Viking or Grand Circle), and so we did not expect the level of service or cuisine that the high end lines provide.

 

Bottom line -- we were very pleased with the entire experience and would book AMA again any time we are looking for a river cruise in Europe. Actually, when we can find the right time I would love to cruise the AMA charter ship that does the Mekong River.

 

The entire process was smooth -- the documents as delivered were complete, accurate and informative. Our pre-cruise hotel (the Ritz Carleton in Istanbul) was expecting us and check-in was easy and quick. Our cruise director was there to shepherd everyone through the orientation time and pre-cruise sightseeing.

 

The staff on the boat were uniformly friendly, helpful and professional. The local entertainers brought on board at various stops were delightful. I would not hesitate to recommend AMA to our friends -- with full disclosure that river cruising has little in common with ocean cruising, but they should enjoy and appreciate the experience for what it is.

[Shorex]

I am very impressed with the forward thinking approach of this cruise line. If you look at their senior staff, you will see a wealth of experience from other lines. They are seeking excellence, and I, for one, believe that their product is top notch already. I am escorting a group of 8 couples on their European Heartland Cruise next week. After extensive research prior to booking this group, I have no doubts that I found the right ship and cruise line. Their staff is top extremely knowledgable, and Chris isthe best group agent I have ever worked with in over 15 years of booking travel. Congratulations, AMA! It's a pleasure not only to sail with you, but to watch you grow.

 

Please do report back after (or even during!) your cruise with AMA. The Heartland itinerary looks very appealing. Prague is on our list of "must visit someday" cities and cruising on AMA will likely be the way we do it. Happy sailing!

[franski]

I have to agree with Shorex - evaluating cruise lines is subjective. When I was looking into river cruising (I felt that we really didn't use all of the ship on our Alaskan cruise, and wanted something "smaller") my TA warned me that river cruising was "slow paced". Someone described it to her by saying they wanted to get off and walk along the shore, as it might help relieve the boredom of the slow boat. I was quite happy booking something slow paced --> thought that sitting back and watching the french countryside along the Seine was a good way to relax and unwind.

 

I was never bored. The food exceeded my expectations (again, Shorex hit the nail on the head --> you have to have reasonable expectations...). The guides were knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. I am hooked on river cruising!!!

 

We went with Uniworld the 1st time - and would have re-booked with them, except things just didn't come together the way we wanted. We are sailing with AMA in October - and I am very excited. Already, the experience is positive - as GLP Worldwide (the company that markets AMA here...) - has bent over backwards to make this a great trip --> and we haven't even left home yet ...

 

I will post when I get back about the trip - and how it compares to Uniworld. Although - fair warning - it will be completely subjective!!!:D

[webfoot]

I would hope that everyone who rates their river cruise would use reasonable expectations. The pace is slower, food is often not 'gourmet' (whatever that really means ... each of us probably has a different meaning for that word), and local guides aren't always as good as we think they should be ...

 

Our first cruise we had no expectations since this was a new experience for us. Our second cruise was the first time the particular trip was offered and it was on a ship who was having its maiden voyage. Our only complaint was that some of the local guides weren't as good as the ones we had the first cruise ... and in one town, the guides didn't use the headsets and should have. We made note of this on our evaluation.

 

I love reading the reviews that are posted here ...

[stired]

I am very impressed with the forward thinking approach of this cruise line. If you look at their senior staff, you will see a wealth of experience from other lines. They are seeking excellence, and I, for one, believe that their product is top notch already. I am escorting a group of 8 couples on their European Heartland Cruise next week. After extensive research prior to booking this group, I have no doubts that I found the right ship and cruise line. Their staff is top extremely knowledgable, and Chris isthe best group agent I have ever worked with in over 15 years of booking travel. Congratulations, AMA! It's a pleasure not only to sail with you, but to watch you grow.

 

 

We will also be on next week's AMA European Heartland Cruise (2 couples traveling together) and are really looking forward to our AMA experience. We are well aware of the differences between river and ocean cruising and I believe our expectations are realistic. Really looking forward to our trip and I will write a review on AMA when we return (if there is time, perhaps a post or two from the ship).

[MomC]

Mom C here. We are from Fort Collins, CO. Where are you from so we can look for you?

This is my second river cruise with AMA. I look forward to a relaxing river cruise which I will enjoy and share with friends.

 

Look for Linda and the Fort Collins group.

[Coral]

My expectations were not unreasonable on Amadeus - the majority on our cruise were disappointed with the cruise (while my first river cruise, there were at least 2 large groups onboard of people who had done many river cruises and thought the same). I also was not comparing my river cruise to a large cruise line.

 

There were simple things that other lines in the area did that Amadeus did not do. I really thought Amadeus cut many corners on our trip for profit sake when other lines went the extra mile.

 

Ironically - my "cheap high school trip" to the same area many years previously saw far more then my expensive river cruise. Go figure.

 

I am extremely well traveled (land and sea) and if my expectations were unreasonable - so was everyone else on our boat because there were many negative reviews and comments on our sailing (justifably so). I compared a lot of notes with those who had gone on Vantage and Viking that same year and I really think I picked the wrong line. I learned my lesson and will pick a different line in the future.

 

I do find it funny that people who have never sailed on Amadeus are saying my expectations were too high or unrealistic or that I was comparing it to a cruise ship. You were not on my sailing. Most of the reviews of Amadeus the first half of 2007 were quite negative. I was not alone. About 6 months previous to my trip, I traveled with a group of travel agents on a trip and several in that group had been on Amadeus that year and they were not impressed and did not recommend the line. I went ahead with the trip anyway as I had already arranged air and I had hoped that their experiences were isolated (different ship, different region, etc...). The last thing I did was say "their expectations were unrealistic" like many of you have stated about my comments. I am a better person then to judge someone like that with out knowing about their trip or what their expectations were like.

 

Maybe they have moved past their growing pains - I personally am not willing to put out several grand on a line again that I wasn't impressed with. I hope their new hires help improve their line for future customers.

[nyfeds]

Coral,

 

I have to concur with your statements.

 

My husband and I are very seasoned travellers, having taken numerous cruises and land trips. We cruised with AMA last year and had a less than stellar experience in several respects. Lack of consistency with food preparation was a major deal breaker for us. We decided to not cruise with AMA again, unless things took a very serious turn for the better.

 

In 2006 we took a river cruise with Deilmann and were blown away with their service and cuisine. First-rate in every respect. We were saddened to hear about Deilmann's departure from the river cruising business.

 

I hope Mr. Santangelo raises the bar substantially for AMA. If they can bring over Deilmann river cruise staff, we would seriously consider cruising with AMA in the future. Until then, we will go with Tauck should we decide to river cruise in the immediate future.

[Coral]

Coral,

 

In 2006 we took a river cruise with Deilmann and were blown away with their service and cuisine. First-rate in every respect. We were saddened to hear about Deilmann's departure from the river cruising business.

 

I hope Mr. Santangelo raises the bar substantially for AMA. If they can bring over Deilmann river cruise staff, we would seriously consider cruising with AMA in the future. Until then, we will go with Tauck should we decide to river cruise in the immediate future.

 

I only wish I could have sailed Deilmann as the reviews were consistently high about their river cruise vacations. With Deilmann gone in this industry, Tauck would be my first choice also.

 

I really hope that Mr. Santangelo makes a significant impact on AMA. AMA has a lot of potential if given the right leadership. I think this hire is a very positive move on AMA.

 

The interesting thing is that I really liked the concept of river cruising. I love the small ships, I love sailing where cruise ships can't go and watching the scenery go by as you leisurely sail by. I am impressed with the entertainment on river cruises - I am a history buff and cultural buff so entertainment on river cruises impresses me. I loved going through the locks and being so close, I could touch the sides. I liked having just a few hundred people on a ship - it gives one the opportunity to get to know others. I am in my 30's and really enjoyed the passengers on our sailing - they were generally older then myself but were generally very well traveled and educated. I loved exchanging travel stories and hearing what others had done. I really want to do another river cruise in my future.

[stired]

Mom C here. We are from Fort Collins, CO. Where are you from so we can look for you?

This is my second river cruise with AMA. I look forward to a relaxing river cruise which I will enjoy and share with friends.

 

Look for Linda and the Fort Collins group.

 

Hi Linda,

 

We are from just north of San Francisco. We are Ralph, Patrice, Jim and Megan.

 

Since it's a small ship, I'm sure we'll all meet up. Looking forward to it!

[nyfeds]

I only wish I could have sailed Deilmann as the reviews were consistently high about their river cruise vacations. With Deilmann gone in this industry, Tauck would be my first choice also.

 

I really hope that Mr. Santangelo makes a significant impact on AMA. AMA has a lot of potential if given the right leadership. I think this hire is a very positive move on AMA.

 

The interesting thing is that I really liked the concept of river cruising. I love the small ships, I love sailing where cruise ships can't go and watching the scenery go by as you leisurely sail by. I am impressed with the entertainment on river cruises - I am a history buff and cultural buff so entertainment on river cruises impresses me. I loved going through the locks and being so close, I could touch the sides. I liked having just a few hundred people on a ship - it gives one the opportunity to get to know others. I am in my 30's and really enjoyed the passengers on our sailing - they were generally older then myself but were generally very well traveled and educated. I loved exchanging travel stories and hearing what others had done. I really want to do another river cruise in my future.

 

Hi Coral,

 

We, too, enjoy river cruising. I do think it incorporates the best of both cruising and land touring. AMA does have good potential, but inconsistencies really soured us. We compared that cruise with our Deilmann cruise and there was no comparison. Sorry you were unable to experience Deilmann.

 

I will be eager to see how things develop with Mr. Santangelo joining AMA. I am hopeful that this will be a very positive move and AMA gets the direction they sorely need. If things take a huge turn for the better, we would go back to AMA. However, in the interim, we will set our sights on Tauck. We've done land touring with them and have plans for a land tour through New Zealand with them for 2010. They're a very class act.

[mimie]

Hi, NyFeds,

 

I have to agree with you. I hope the new leadership will have a positive impact on AMA. We cruised AMA in 2007 Budapest-Prague and were not overwhelmed for many of the reasons you cited. We are planning to take a Tauck Belgium/Holland Tulip cruise in late April 2010. We are looking forward to it.

[shoshona2]

Hi Mimie and nyfeds,

 

Just returned from a fabulous Tauck Egypt/Jordan tour with a three day Nile River cruise. This was our 12th Tauck Tour and was so well done and top notch that we booked a Rhine/Moselle River cruise for July 2010. Tauck does such a wonderful job of satisfying their customers. I keep telling everyone to check out all the other companies and find out what is included and what the total cost will be. Tauck includes everything but the airfare.

 

Sheila

[stired]

I think for those of you who sailed AMA a couple of years ago, you may want to give AMA another chance and realize that things change, especially since they are a fairly new company. We sailed with them this September (2009) and we had a fantastic experience - as did all the others onboard we spoke to. First class all the way!

[jaybell]

Our Danube cruise on the AMA Amadante in late August 2009 was so excellent and first class all the way that I am reluctant to cruise any other line.

[rogerdawhip]

AMA Waterways is not a fairy new company. The were started in 2003. I also had problems sailing with them their first year. Most of the problems were due to their chartering of the Amadeous Symphony and not having their own ships. I want to travel with them again but as a single traveler they have out priced me. I am still sticking to Grand Circle for their overall value.

[stired]

not to be argumentative, but 2003 is fairly new actually. Especially compared to lines such as Viking, etc.

 

 

AMA Waterways is not a fairy new company. The were started in 2003. I also had problems sailing with them their first year. Most of the problems were due to their chartering of the Amadeous Symphony and not having their own ships. I want to travel with them again but as a single traveler they have out priced me. I am still sticking to Grand Circle for their overall value.

[Coral]

Hi Coral,

 

We, too, enjoy river cruising. I do think it incorporates the best of both cruising and land touring. AMA does have good potential, but inconsistencies really soured us. We compared that cruise with our Deilmann cruise and there was no comparison. Sorry you were unable to experience Deilmann.

 

I will be eager to see how things develop with Mr. Santangelo joining AMA. I am hopeful that this will be a very positive move and AMA gets the direction they sorely need. If things take a huge turn for the better, we would go back to AMA. However, in the interim, we will set our sights on Tauck. We've done land touring with them and have plans for a land tour through New Zealand with them for 2010. They're a very class act.

 

My AMA experience was less then stellar also, but given improvements, I really would like to do more river cruises.

 

I think my next trips will be land based (just got off a very large cruise ship that was very crowded) and will look at what Tauck offers. I have never read a negative review on Tauck. I considered Tauck awhile ago and then switched directions. I think it is time to look at them again.

[nyfeds]

Hi Mimie, Coral and Shoshana2,

 

Mimie, I really would love to hear of your thoughts and impressions when you return from your Tauck river cruise. We are seriously considering river cruising with them sometime in the near future.

 

We've booked a Tauck land tour through New Zealand for November 2010 and can't wait. We haven't toured with Tauck in several years, opting for ocean and river cruising, as well as private land touring. We are very eager to tour with them once again. They're very much a class act.

 

We would have to think very long and hard to go back to AMA. We cruised with them in 2008 and based on that cruise experience; specifically, dismal dining, we would be hard pressed to cruise with AMA again. However, "never say never." Given that they are now in the hands of Mr. Santangelo, this may make a significant difference. I hope so for their survival in a very competitive market.

 

Coral, I do hope you will give Tauck land touring a try. I think you will be tremendously pleased.

[letsgo39]

I don't know if you travel on your own or do tours. If you take tours I suggest you take a look at Globus. DH and I do a combination of touring on our own and traveling with Globus. We have taken 5 land tours with them and have always been happy with their tours.The reason we started rivercruising with Avalon was that they are owned by Globus.Globus expertise really shows in the way that Avalon handles unusual situations.Many of the CD on Avalon were former land tour TG and they are very good at what they do.