All Things Vantage

[Iluv10is]

Hi.. we are also on this cruise and this is our first river cruise so I have no idea what to expect. I am reading through some of these posts to get any information.

 

We are happy with our flights - we specifically asked if they could book us on American and/or their partners and they did.

 

But, that is about all I can say about the trip so far.

 

Hi,

My wife and I have signed up for the Best of Burgundy, Beaujolais & Provence river cruise at the end of October. This is ourfirst Vantage cruise, after having taken several river cruises with Grand Circle (Rhine and Moselle, Great Rivers, Paris to Normandy and Russia).

We are wondering what to expect on a Vantage cruise that is different from what we experienced on Grand Circle, and are hoping that some of you who have taken voyages on each can share some differences. These might have to do with the ship itself, food, activities on board, service on board, amenities on board, entertainment on board, walking and other included tours, etc. Anything to help us set our expectations.

Some specific questions we have include:

Do we have a dedicated small group Program Manager for the entire trip as GCT does for groups of about 35 - 40?

Does the Program Manager go out of his/her way to be helpful as we experienced on GCT?

Are the tours and guides as knowledgeable, friendly and helpful as on GCT?

How do the tour and headsets used compare?

Does Vantage provide maps of all the towns/cities we visit?

Are the “informational” sessions about each port useful, or are they simply commercials for shopping, as is the case on ocean liners?

We may have more questions, but these suffice for now. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Car-Stan

PS: If you are on this cruise, we would love to hear from you!

[CPT Trips]

Hi.. we are also on this cruise and this is our first river cruise so I have no idea what to expect. I am reading through some of these posts to get any information.

 

We are happy with our flights - we specifically asked if they could book us on American and/or their partners and they did.

 

But, that is about all I can say about the trip so far.

 

The 10/30 Rhone cruise will be our first on Vantage, but we have done five on another line. Ask any questions you have and I'm sure one of us here can answer.

 

If you haven't already downloaded your final documents, you might want to go to the Vantage website, log in to "my portfolio," and get yours. Our final documents are, as we expected, correct. But it's always best to check them. You can check the itinerary and research which tour you might prefer on those days when we have a choice.

 

Where do you fly to from JFK? And wow, seven from Cruise Critic on the same river cruise, that's a first for us.

[TravelerThom]

You mentioned several long bus rides to vineyards...were these vineyards worth the time you spent on the bus, or would you rather have done something else during that time? Were there other options - e.g., just wandering around a town?

Do you remember which bus rides/vineyards you wish you had not taken or visited?

I thought I had responded to this yesterday but don't see it:(

You always have the option to not take the bus ride, but I thought they were all worthwhile. I just reviewed my photos to refresh my recollections. Usually we visited several places on the same outing. As an example the visit to Cluny included a tour of the monastery, free time to walk around that town, an included restaurant lunch and a wine and goat cheese stop where you could play with the goats if you wished. In general I thought the pacing was good (neither too slow nor too rushed).

 

IMO there is sufficient time to do your own thing. I have photos of when we joined a parade of several hundred high school students dressed in Halloween costumes (this was in April and I never determined the occasion - it was down the middle of the main street of the little town were we docked and had police on bicycles escort). In another town we had nothing scheduled after dinner, so four of us went out for a walk; before long we found ourselves in the middle of a Grand Circle walking tour and went with them for awhile until some French women who had drunk their dinner approached us wanting to practice their English (at first I thought they were trying to pick us up, but they just wanted to talk). So the trip is well organized, but not to the extent that you can't have your own adventures.

 

I wish EVERYONE about to sail the Rhone happy sailing. ENJOY

 

Thom

[TravelerThom]

...How did you like the Vantage/Hurtengruten trip? We're doing it, leaving Dec. 1st. on their Nordkapp. Really looking forward to a great experience rather. Would appreciate your input.

I'll chime in since I did this trip in May 2011 and 2012. In 2011 the ship hit a rock before we boarded; we had nice bus tour (but it was still a BUS tour) while Hurtigruten tried to fix the ship; then it was announced that the trip was cancelled:mad: and that we would get a full refund:). Despite my skepticism, we got back every penny we had paid up front plus our individually purchased air tickets plus air change fees plus parking costs at our home airport:D A week in Norway at no cost except tips for our excellent tour director. Over half the group returned in 2012, same week, same guide (the group stayed actively in touch and specifically requested that guide). Hurtigruten had been on my bucket list for a long time and I was not disappointed. Truly beautiful.

 

We had 5 days with no sunset; you will have a number of days with no sunrise but should have lots of Northern Lights.

 

If you have not been to Norway and like to have a drink, bring lots of money! When we were there, a glass of house wine was $18:eek:

 

Thom

[Car-Stan]

Traveler Thom - Thanks for the info re. the bus rides, etc. Your brief story about the women who drank their dinner reminded me of a time I was in Vegas with a guy who had been a minister and was there for the first time. We were walking down the strip, and a car with 2 women stopped by us and asked us if we wanted to party. I told them we were tired, so "no". After they drove off, my friend said, "Wow! What an amazing, friendly town. People you don't even know invite you to their party!" I felt I needed to disillusion him right then, before he got himself in trouble!

 

CPT Trips - Thanks for alerting us to the docs. They seemed to be accurate. I printed out the 2 pages with flights, and will put the whole pdf on my laptop just to have it with us.

 

Iluv10is - Glad to have you with us. It is rare to have so many people on a river cruise here on CC. People who do not use CC miss out on so much - both info and friendships.

 

Stan

[notamermaid]

That is so great to read about you lot happen to book the same cruise. I am sure there will be lots of hellos, merriment and laughter.

 

Have fun.

 

notamermaid

[CPT Trips]

In the belt and suspenders mode, I printed everything after downloading . . .

[CPT Trips]

Stan, think we can get delivery in time? http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/index.php/2016/10/04/would-you-use-these-embarrassing-travel-pillows/

[Car-Stan]

Stan, think we can get delivery in time? http://www.independenttraveler.com/blog/index.php/2016/10/04/would-you-use-these-embarrassing-travel-pillows/

 

 

As ridiculous as these are, I am almost tempted, as I sleep so poorly - if at all on these flights. I used to fly regularly from Raleigh to Gatwick in London in either business or first class (work was paying...not me!). I did everything I was supposed to to get some sleep - no booze, eat right after boarding, took sleeping pill (not Ambien, as I did not want to wake up and find myself flying the plane), etc. - and still got almost no sleep. After landing, there was a car and driver waiting to take me about 2 hours north of Gatwick to where my meetings would be. I got more sleep during that car ride than I did during the 7 hour flight! Nothing seems to work for me.

 

Stan

[zogrand]

Good luck with what ever the hurricane does. Wishing you safe and easy travels. How did you like the Vantage/Hurtengruten trip? We're doing it, leaving Dec. 1st. on their Nordkapp. Really looking forward to a great experience rather. Would appreciate your input.

 

Happily for us, Matthew seems to be leaving New England alone so our trip won't be disturbed. It certainly isn't avoiding the South though - keeping them in our thoughts.

 

We loved the Hurtigruten tour with Vantage. Our ship was very comfortable, cabins were basic but had everything we needed. Bathroom floors were heated - loved that. If you like fish the food was great. For those who didn't, alternates were provided and our friend was very happy with what they received. As stated earlier, alcohol is very expensive. Our tour guide directed us to liquor stores where we bought boxed wine - still expensive but less than by the glass on the ship. Even at the briefest of stops our tour guide would give us a short walk and orientation to the town - something you would miss if doing the trip on your own. We took a couple of optional tours but most were included and were very enjoyable. Bergen is delightful and is worth a longer visit than included. We have been able to visit again on another cruise - thankfully. Be sure to dress warmly! We traveled in September and it was chilly! Of course you may get to see the Northern Lights, something we only got to hope for. Our trip was 5 years ago but if you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them.

[zogrand]

Well, I've printed out our travel documents. Have discovered our cabin has been upgraded to a better position on the ship - too bad they didn't give us a suite but I'll take what I can get. We've signed up for two optionals - Pont du Gard and the Village of Perouges. Now all we have to do is pack! Glad we're traveling through Frankfurt. We've traveled through Frankfurt in the past. We have a 3 hour layover so better be fine. I should be able to post a few trip highlights as we go - as long as the free WIFI is up to speed!

 

Snonomo - have a safe trip. We'll try to leave the ship in good condition for you.

[Car-Stan]

Well, I've printed out our travel documents. Have discovered our cabin has been upgraded to a better position on the ship - too bad they didn't give us a suite but I'll take what I can get. We've signed up for two optionals - Pont du Gard and the Village of Perouges. Now all we have to do is pack! Glad we're traveling through Frankfurt. We've traveled through Frankfurt in the past. We have a 3 hour layover so better be fine. I should be able to post a few trip highlights as we go - as long as the free WIFI is up to speed!

 

Snonomo - have a safe trip. We'll try to leave the ship in good condition for you.

 

 

Hope you guys have a great trip!

 

Stan

[TravelerThom]

...I should be able to post a few trip highlights as we go - as long as the free WIFI is up to speed!...

In 2015 the internet speed was plenty fast for email. Might be iffy going through locks. The River Discovery II had one passenger use computer on a desk at the bottom of the stairs to the "aquarium".

 

I have never seen so many people on CC going on the same river cruise in close time proximity. In retrospect there could have been a thread just for the Vantage Rhone trip.

 

ENJOY

[CPT Trips]

Aww. Three weeks and we'll be out of your hair.:p

 

But seriously, thanks for all you information.

[Iluv10is]

The 10/30 Rhone cruise will be our first on Vantage, but we have done five on another line. Ask any questions you have and I'm sure one of us here can answer.

 

If you haven't already downloaded your final documents, you might want to go to the Vantage website, log in to "my portfolio," and get yours. Our final documents are, as we expected, correct. But it's always best to check them. You can check the itinerary and research which tour you might prefer on those days when we have a choice.

 

Where do you fly to from JFK? And wow, seven from Cruise Critic on the same river cruise, that's a first for us.

 

Good to know that the final documents are in. We are flying to London from JFK on American. Our flight is at 7:25. The connecting flight is on British Airways.

[Iluv10is]

Traveler Thom - Thanks for the info re. the bus rides, etc. Your brief story about the women who drank their dinner reminded me of a time I was in Vegas with a guy who had been a minister and was there for the first time. We were walking down the strip, and a car with 2 women stopped by us and asked us if we wanted to party. I told them we were tired, so "no". After they drove off, my friend said, "Wow! What an amazing, friendly town. People you don't even know invite you to their party!" I felt I needed to disillusion him right then, before he got himself in trouble!

 

CPT Trips - Thanks for alerting us to the docs. They seemed to be accurate. I printed out the 2 pages with flights, and will put the whole pdf on my laptop just to have it with us.

 

Iluv10is - Glad to have you with us. It is rare to have so many people on a river cruise here on CC. People who do not use CC miss out on so much - both info and friendships.

 

Stan

 

It is nice to know there are other people on this cruise. I hope we do get to meet each other. Just as an FYI - my husband's name is Stan also.

[Car-Stan]

It is nice to know there are other people on this cruise. I hope we do get to meet each other. Just as an FYI - my husband's name is Stan also.

 

We are scheduled to arrive in Lyon from Madrid via Iberia Air at 10:30 AM.

 

When do you arrive in Lyon?

 

Stan

[pbnjrockette]

Well, I've printed out our travel documents. Have discovered our cabin has been upgraded to a better position on the ship - too bad they didn't give us a suite but I'll take what I can get. We've signed up for two optionals - Pont du Gard and the Village of Perouges. Now all we have to do is pack! Glad we're traveling through Frankfurt. We've traveled through Frankfurt in the past. We have a 3 hour layover so better be fine. I should be able to post a few trip highlights as we go - as long as the free WIFI is up to speed!

 

Snonomo - have a safe trip. We'll try to leave the ship in good condition for you.

 

We did the Paris to Provence portion of this cruise in 2014. Both the Pont du Gard tour and the Village of Perouges were well worth it. Be sure to tour the museum at the Pont du Gard and eat the free cookie and candy samples at Perouges!!

 

We chose not to take the bus tour that included the goat farm and instead stayed in the small village that day and just walked around the small shops, bakeries, churches and sites on our own. Very relaxing. Enjoy your river cruise!! pat/pbnj

 

p.s. The wifi was great! I published my blog as I went along!!

Edited October 7, 2016 by pbnjrockette

[Iluv10is]

We are scheduled to arrive in Lyon from Madrid via Iberia Air at 10:30 AM.

 

When do you arrive in Lyon?

 

Stan[/quote

 

We are scheduled to arrive at 10:35 on a British Airways flight.

[TravelerThom]

We are scheduled to arrive in Lyon from Madrid via Iberia Air at 10:30 AM. when do you arrive in Lyon?

We are scheduled to arrive at 10:35 on a British Airways flight.

Unless one of you is significantly off schedule you should be on the same coach transfer to Chalon (although the BA flight will have to clear Schengen immigration).

[Car-Stan]

Unless one of you is significantly off schedule you should be on the same coach transfer to Chalon (although the BA flight will have to clear Schengen immigration).

 

 

I thought we would be on the same coach to the ship. If we can find a CruiseCritic sign or something we had made for a cruise some time ago, I will have it visible so you can recognize us both in Philly and in Lyon.

 

pbnjrockette - thanks for the info on our stops. I was going to ask a question about the Village of Perouges optional excursion.

 

Anyone else want to share their thoughts on the Village of Perouges excursion or any of the other excursions or choice points?

 

Stan

[zogrand]

It was great to hear about the two tours we signed up for. Thanks!!

 

To those following us - watch the optional tours on line. When I signed up for the Village of Perouges there were only 2 spots left on the tour - after us. It's the first time I've signed up ahead of time for an optional and was surprised to see how few spots were left.

[pbnjrockette]

It was great to hear about the two tours we signed up for. Thanks!!

 

To those following us - watch the optional tours on line. When I signed up for the Village of Perouges there were only 2 spots left on the tour - after us. It's the first time I've signed up ahead of time for an optional and was surprised to see how few spots were left.

 

Just reread my page from my blog and I was confusing Perouges with another tour. No cookies there! But eat some "galette" (it smells so good when you walk by you won't be able to help yourself!) It's a sweet cake pie that looks like cheese pizza!

[Car-Stan]

It was great to hear about the two tours we signed up for. Thanks!!

 

To those following us - watch the optional tours on line. When I signed up for the Village of Perouges there were only 2 spots left on the tour - after us. It's the first time I've signed up ahead of time for an optional and was surprised to see how few spots were left.

 

I have 2 questions...

 

Where did you find a video of the Perouges optional excursion? I looked at most of the videos, and did not see one re. Perouges.

 

Also, does Vantage send anything out by mail before we sail...like luggage tags, name tags, who will be meeting us, etc.?

 

Stan

[CPT Trips]

The emailed doc's we received are it.

 

I ass u me, and hope, that we'll see someone with a Vantage sign outside the baggage pickup. Without a nametag with a logo, we'll need to find them; they won't find us. Given we know of at least seven at our arrival time I expect a coach. Hopefully we will not have to wait too long for them to depart. 🙏

We are opting for additional time in Lyon rather than their extra tour, thinking of a meal there as that was a part of the tour we booked. But we are doing Pont du Gard; seems like a must see.