AMA Paris-Normandy, Save $2000+ till August 31--a great deal!

[sueswny]

Hi. I just started to look at info about the Paris-Normandy river cruise, and I didn't see anyone mention the special deal currently offered by AMA Waterways. So I am sharing this info with everyone. I am going to book this cruise for sure, but I am still trying to figure out which date in 2013.

On the Paris-Normandy cruises in 2013, you will get $1000 per person discount if you book by August 31, 2012. Plus there is an additional 10% off this discounted price, and $100 pp additional discount for past passengers. It makes it a very good price indeed. And if you compare the itinerary and what's included on the AMA cruise, I think it's a better option than Uniworld or Avalon.

And at the discounted price, it's a better price, too.

[AliceS]

Will be on-board the 9/27/13 sailing. It's a very nice deal, even better with I booked with UET, University Education Travel. We went with AMA before and booked with them and it worked well. Alice

[gatoruf]

Hi. I just started to look at info about the Paris-Normandy river cruise, and I didn't see anyone mention the special deal currently offered by AMA Waterways. So I am sharing this info with everyone. I am going to book this cruise for sure, but I am still trying to figure out which date in 2013.

On the Paris-Normandy cruises in 2013, you will get $1000 per person discount if you book by August 31, 2012. Plus there is an additional 10% off this discounted price, and $100 pp additional discount for past passengers. It makes it a very good price indeed. And if you compare the itinerary and what's included on the AMA cruise, I think it's a better option than Uniworld or Avalon.

And at the discounted price, it's a better price, too.

is the $1000 off of the online rates or does the online rate already reflect the discount? tried to call them, but they are closed today.

[Keystonetraveler]

is the $1000 off of the online rates or does the online rate already reflect the discount? tried to call them, but they are closed today.

 

The original offer was a discount on the prices you can now see online. However, I wonder if it is still available. You'll need to check with them when they are open. And, of course, let readers know what you find out.

 

As a recent traveler with AMA, I received the brochure on this deal, which I have in front of me as I am typing. It was $2,000 off a room if double occupancy was booked. It also waived the single supplement for solo travelers. The offer applied to most, but not all, travel dates. Clearly some great deals if you still can get them. However, the brochure says the bookings must be made by July, 31, 2012. Of course, good deals are sometimes extended.

 

I might add that I did a similar cruise with Uniworld three years ago, and it was great. I thought it was the best of the six western European river cruises that I have taken. There a variety of places visited, varing from the old (Richard the Lionhearted's castle and the place where Joan of Arc was barbecued) to the more recent (the World War II sites of Normandy and Monet's home and garden). The actual length of the river is also short, and this resulted in their being time in various places to take liesurely walks or bicycle rides. It did help that the fall weather was perfect.

 

My first and only cruise with AMA was last year, and they did a great job. I have no hesitancy about traveling with them again. I think the reason for their offer is that this is a new cruise itinerary or them. I personally recommended it to a couple friends who like to travel. Unfortunately, they didn't pay attention to my advice. They have never been on a river cruise and already have decided they don't like them! They don't realize what they are missing.

[id est]

Viking does same 7 night cruise for $1,356 pp before discounts. Am I missing something? How is this deal for $1,699 better than what Viking offers?

[nana541]

Viking does same 7 night cruise for $1,356 pp before discounts. Am I missing something? How is this deal for $1,699 better than what Viking offers?

 

Sorry just can't help myself..... Viking is not AMA!! I am thinking it would be like saying all cruise lines are the same...

 

Long time lurker... I'll go away now :)

[sueswny]

I checked on the Viking vs AMA prices. Here's what I found:

Viking does indeed have some cabins for $1356. But they are for November and December dates. AND...this is in their E cabin, which I can tell you (from personal experience) is VERY small and uncomfortable. One bed is actually a Pullman bed that flips down from wall (narrow, with thin mattress). The other is a sort of sofa by day, made into bed at night--again narrow and uncomfortable. I would not book less than a D cabin on Viking, and the price for this is $1856 in Nov and Dec. (AMA in November is $1614.

 

I am actually looking at a summer cruise, and Viking's price is $2356 in an E category and the Viking D is $2856, (vs. $2089 lowest price on AMA with the discount, or $2639 with a French Balcony). The lowest price on AMA has regular beds, is 170 sq ft. (The windows are shoulder high, so no real view, but cabin is very comfortable.)

 

The AMA itinerary is much better than Viking, in my opinion.Example:

--Viking's first day in entirely in Paris. You get a half day bus tour, but nothing else. (I am adding 2 nights in Paris, and I am able to do it for a very reasonable price. I prefer to have 2 days on my own instead of includint this one day with Viking)

--AMA inculdes an extra day in Rouen with a CHOICE of visiting Honfleur or the Route of the Abbys.

--AMA has a choice of two tours in Conflans (Chateau Malmaison or Artist Walk tour), which Viking does only a walk in Conflans OR a trip to Versailles (at an additional cost).

--AMA does add port charges $147 to the cost, and I think it's included with Viking. But even if Viking comes out to be a little less expensive, I will book on AMA. I agree with NANA 541 that all cruises are not created equal.

 

I've traveled on both AMA and Viking more than once. I definitely think AMA is much better. More comfortable cabins, better food, better (free) wines, good tour directors and local guides, and overall a nicer cruise.

 

I know that UET sells this cruise. But I'm not sure what kind of discount they give. I do know that my travel agent always is able to match (or beat) any price that I find elsewhere, so I won't save any money with UET.

 

Wow. This did open up some serious discussion. I did want to let people know about this special promo, since I didn't see much news about it on these boards. I hope this has helped anyone who is looking at this criuse.

[Keystonetraveler]

I agree with you, sueswny. And I have traveled with both lines. AMA is using a nicer ship on this river. Beyond the lowest level, they have French balconies in the rooms, whereas Viking has picture windows.

 

I did post last night that my brochure said this good deal must be booked by the end of July. That is an accurate statement about the brochure. However, I now notice that the AMA website does say by the end of August. So, the great deal is still there.

 

I might add that if one looks at the popular cruise dates, such as September, AMA is significantly less expensive for all categories of cabins if there are still rooms available.

 

One final comment. I tend to travel solo, and for solo travelers the waiving of the single supplement is a fantastic deal.

 

For those who want to see the Seine or are looking for a well priced river cruise, this is deal worth giving serious consideration. I'm glad you brought it to readers' attention.

[sueswny]

I forgot to add this. The $1356 price on Viking is AFTER all the current discounts are included.

The price on the AMA website are BEFORE the discount.

[sueswny]

Yes, AMA is extending the promo through the end of August. That's good!

[AliceS]

UET said the discount would be until the end of August.

 

I have only done one river cruise and it was AMA. It was very nice. My friends didn't like it as much because they were used to an ocean liner with shows and a casino, etc. I loved getting into the small cities on the rivers and I loved the time that we had in Prague.

[sueswny]

GRAND CIRCLE vs AMA

I talked yesterday to a friend about doing this cruise with me She mentioned the "great deal" on Grand Circle. So I compared it to AMA, and I was surprised at how well AMA compared, cost-wise. I know that there is no comparison when it comes to quality, but I actually though GC would come out a lot less expensive. Not so.

On Grand Circle, you are on the ship for 10 nights, yes. But the first night is just overnight in Paris, then 2 nights docked in Paris with optional tours. Last night of the "cruise only" is actually a night in a hotel at the airport. So you actually get a 7-night cruise in NOrmandy. AMA cruise is 7 nights, with the first an overnight in Paris, so it's essentially 6 nights cruise.

I looked at high season (July-August) and if you take advantage of the $1000 off deal, AMA is actually LESS than the GC price (even with the early booking discount). It's about $1000 pp less for AMA, believe it or not. Sure, you don't get the extra 2 nights in Paris. But you can book a very decent hotel for about $175-200 night, total for 2 people. Add some $ for meals, and it might come to $300-400 pp max. Since GC doesn't include any tours on these 2 days, that doesn't factor in. So you would save at least $600 per person if you book the AMA and add 2 nights in Paris on your own.

And the cruise itself on AMA is so much nicer. First, the ship is much nicer. And beds on AMA are regular hotel beds, not the Pullman type beds on GC. Tours on AMA are also much more extensive, with choices offered on a few days. GC has several "optional" tours that will cost you more money, which is a hidden extra cost.

I was surprised myself to see this cost difference. I honestly thought GC would turn ou to be less expensive, and I was going to convince my friend that the extra cost on AMA was well worth it. But since AMA actually came out to be less expensive, she had definitely decided to go with me on this trip. Now we just have to decide on a date before the August 31 promotion ends. I actually made my deposit already, but I can change dates until the end of the month.

[binky5]

yes, you are missing something - you compare the Viking cruise in DEC with the AMA cruise in April. Viking in April is $ 1956. Ama cruise in April is $ 2699 - 1000 introductory discount - 5% early booking discount (deposit only) = $ 1614. You may nget an even better price if booked through UET.

[id est]

I forgot to add this. The $1356 price on Viking is AFTER all the current discounts are included.

The price on the AMA website are BEFORE the discount.

Not true. The $1356 price on Viking is BEFORE all the current discounts are included: e.g with past guest discount I can book it for $1056 pp. With my TA's discount I get it for $956 pp (all taxes included). If paid by E-check - $927 pp. I doubt you will ever be able to beat this price with AMA. :)

[sueswny]

Laperuza--You're right that the $1356 didn't include a past guest discount. The $300 applies if you book and pay by the end of this month. (AMA's past guest discount is $100)

But all the other discounts and promos are included in the $1356 price.

So the December sail dates would indeed be $927 with the past guest discount, your TA discount, and paying by e-check. Good deal. (But it's in a smaller cabin with those uncomfortable Pullman beds.)

But I want to go in a warmer month. In August, for example, Viking would be $2356-$300 past guest = $2056. vs. AMA $2199 - $100 past guest= $2099. (AMA doesn't include the $147 port charges in this) If you TA gives you about a 10% discount (as mine does), then the price is very close--but AMA has comfy beds in this lowest price category, and I do think the interary is better and it's all inclusive (no "optional tours" at an extra cost).

I have sailed on both AMA and Viking. Both are good cruise lines, but I definitely give higher marks to AMA. So with the price so similar for this Normandy cruise in good weather months, I will book AMA.

This just points out that it's SO important to compare cruises, itineraries, and special prices. Overwhelming at times!

[id est]

If you TA gives you about a 10% discount (as mine does), then the price is very close

That's a good discount! Is it OK to ask what travel agency are you using? I'd switch to it too.

[sueswny]

Let's talk! Email me at sueswny@yahoo.com. That's sueswny at yahoo dot com

[AliceS]

apearl129 at Verizon dot com

 

I am very pleased with AMA and will give you the details. Two couples that I know are coming along. Yea.

[Mooneydiva]

I can't believe what I missed being offline for a few days. . .

 

This special is what made me pull the trigger and book a river cruise. I happened to walk into our AAA office a few hours after the special was faxed to them. I really wasn't even looking at AMA or Normandy at the time. I was interested in Amsterdam-Basel until I saw the special.

 

We are leaving March 29 and signed on for the 11-day cruise/land trip. (Actually, it's 10 days since one is a flight day.) The discounts we got included $1000 pp due to the special, $500 pp full payment discount, and $150 pp AAA member discounts. We couldn't pass up a deal like that.

 

I'm so anxious for the next 7 months to pass quickly.

[thepoint]

We saw this sale and booked right away for Sept 19, 2013. We did the Luxembourg to Amsterdam last September and loved it. That was are first river cruise and we thought AMA was fantastic. We can't compare it to any other river line, but my husband will not even consider another line. AMA was first class all the way. The food was terrific, the wine was great, and the tours were fun. Looking forward to Paris next year.

[waverly]

I also saw this sale, but waited too long - must have confused it with some other e-mail I got from AMA and thought the deadline was end of February. wanted to make reservations last week and got disappointed - no more space available. I guess we have to wait for next year now.

[kaerofan]

AMA has a great deal going on now for their Christmas Market cruises. The one I have on hold is 40% off, will it go lower if I take the risk and wait a little?

[waverly]

this sounds like a really good deal. I have not seen this - are there any restrictions ?