Yep... a great product -- whether it be River, Ocean, OR Expedition. Reach out to us when you're ready to book again. We can always add goodies not available on Direct bookings.
@713devereux7 күн бұрын
I love the view from the Starbucks, makes my little local Starbucks view a little plain😊
@PamperedCruiser6 күн бұрын
Yep... views everywhere in Switzerland
@jessescruggs172611 күн бұрын
Cool, is this the case on ALL the Viking ships?
@PamperedCruiser11 күн бұрын
Yes... They've thought this out. The river ships in Europe are all identical, so they'll be exactly the same. The Ocean and Expedition ships have much different (larger) rooms, but there are lots of power outlets in all of them.
@pauf938016 күн бұрын
Thank you. This was helpful. Going on a Christmas Market cruise in December 2024.😊😊
@PamperedCruiser6 күн бұрын
Enjoy! We did some Christmas markets in France in 2023, and really enjoyed it.
@erics60720 күн бұрын
They actually do enforce the clothing rules for the specialty restaurants. It just depends who the Maitre d' is, and if they feel like enforcing the rules or not.
@richardparker94023 күн бұрын
Nicely done! Thank you
@PamperedCruiser23 күн бұрын
Glad you found it helpful.
@rtremper100Ай бұрын
Perhaps wrongly, I was under the impression that all guests were entitled to wine and beer with lunch and dinner. How Is the Simply More beverage package different?
@PamperedCruiser29 күн бұрын
Simply MORE does mean that beer, wine and champagne are included with lunch and dinner. Previous to Simply MORE, the O-LIFE price option gave people a choice of drinks OR shore excursions OR an OBC. That structure has not been available since June 2023. Simply MORE started July 1, 2023, and since then ALL guests receive the beverage package, a shore excursion credit, and wifi. Simply MORE is not the beverage package but rather the name of the pricing structure inclusions.
@jerryferren9018Ай бұрын
Is only coffee provided for the pod machine? I'm a tea drinker. Should I bring my own?
@PamperedCruiserАй бұрын
Tea is available too. If you're particular about what type of tea you would like, it might make sense to bring your own.
@erics60720 күн бұрын
You can get tea in the World Cafe, and I'm assuming you can get it at the bar in the atrium next to the piano. They have a coffee bar there with snacks throughout the day. I have never seen anyone getting tea there, but I'm sure you can. They also have afternoon tea every single day in the Wintergarden, and if you're walking through the Explorer's Lounge in the afternoon, they will usually have coffee and hot water sitting on the bar so you can make your own tea. If you want to do it in your own room, I'm sure you can ask your room steward about having tea and a kettle of hot water in your room every single day.
@bebedeluzАй бұрын
That’s Viking Saturn. I can recognize all my r*tarded coworkers
@cathyrowland81162 ай бұрын
Thanks for this informative video, Bob. I've been interested in this itinerary and now I know more of what to expect. Traveling in December sounds like it might be the way to go. Now I just need to convince Charley to put this cruise on our list.
@bobkonkel63442 ай бұрын
Bob nice video! Looking forward to our voyage on Venus that we booked through your company!
@jerryferren9018Ай бұрын
I like your name!! My maiden name is Conkle.😉
@geograph-ology43432 ай бұрын
Ama has won us over with their service. Is water level as big an issue on the Rhone as it is on the Rhine and Danube?
@PamperedCruiser2 ай бұрын
Any time we're discussing weather, there's a wide margin of error. The Rhine and Danube both really struggled in 2022 (worst year on record), but even there, more than 95% of river cruises that year went without any adjustments to the itinerary, so I'm not sure I'd attempt to plan around high or low water. We've never had clients impacted by water levels on the Rhone, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. We HAVE had clients subject to itinerary adjustments on that river because of a broken lock, but that's the luck of the draw.
@NejBk3 ай бұрын
There's no right cruise to Antarctica. You are destroying it by going there. Shame.
@EdEDrummer3 ай бұрын
We greatly enjoyed this same Ama cruise last year, which Bob & Sue arranged for us. Ama always does a first-class job with excellent food, attentive service, and top-notch facilities. I especially love the fact that they provide bicycles for their guests, and they're not just reserved for their "official" bike tours -- you can take them out on your own which I did a number times, cycling around the charming riverfront towns that are part of this itinerary -- simply delightful! In addition to the wonderful places that Bob highlighted, I'll mention one other as a potential add-on (not part of the actual cruise) at the northern end of this itinerary: the town of Dijon. If you have the time, I'd encourage you to take an extra day before/after the cruise (depending on which direction your ship is headed) to experience Dijon. We visited Dijon as part of an Ama land extension package that primarily focused on Geneva (which was also lovely) but you could certainly visit Dijon on your own as it's less than an hour from Chalon-sur-Saône at the northern terminus of this cruise.
@PamperedCruiser3 ай бұрын
Thanks Eddie... completely agree about Dijon -- it is well worth a visit. If you're in the region, there's so much to see, so you should take in as much as you can.
@coolbreeze2533 ай бұрын
Disagreement on how to pronounce Oceania. No "ia" on this one.
@haroldcarrow38933 ай бұрын
It would be more impressive if you pronounced the name of the cruise line properly as in Ooooceeeaneeea not oceana
@PamperedCruiser3 ай бұрын
Thank you for your comment. I've asked Frank del Rio this question directly, and he said people in his office pronounce it both ways. You'll also notice if you hear him speak, he has personally used both pronunciations... but I do appreciate that you watched the video.
@donalddigison72933 ай бұрын
Pampered Cruisers are our Travel Agent team. Exceptional service from Sue and Bob. Onboard Explora very soon.
@PamperedCruiser3 ай бұрын
Thanks Don! Y'all are a pleasure to deal with. You'll love the entertainment on board Explora I next month!
@HilmonStigler3 ай бұрын
Thank you
@philbailey18793 ай бұрын
Amsterdam to Basel or the other way- which is best?
@PamperedCruiser3 ай бұрын
Lots of opinions... no definitive answer. Three things to consider: 1) There are NO direct flights to/from Basel and the US, so there will be a connecting flight at that end of the trip. Some people prefer that longer travel day on their way TO their vacation, others on the way home. 2) If you want to travel with the current you should start in Basel. I personally don't think this makes ANY difference, but some people would disagree, and say you should travel in the same direction as the river. 3) What you wish to do pre and/or post cruise may determine which way makes more sense for you.
@cwboom4 ай бұрын
Is this video available in 4k?
@PamperedCruiser4 ай бұрын
We shoot our videos with an iPhone, so the resolution is lower than it would be if we used professional recording equipment. If you want to see the flashy stuff, the cruise lines all post such videos on their websites and KZread channels.
@cwboom4 ай бұрын
But most iPhone are capable for shooting in 4K 😉.
@Carolfoasia4 ай бұрын
You said there was a link below about the expeditions with the SOB, kayaks, sub, etc, but I am not seeing it. Where is your separate Great Lakes Video?
@PamperedCruiser4 ай бұрын
Yep... working on those videos. Will post when we can.
@Carolfoasia4 ай бұрын
@@PamperedCruiser Thank you.
@hom2964 ай бұрын
What if I like to enjoy a top shelf cocktail (ie old fashioned or martini) before dinner and a good bottle (or glass) of wine with dinner. I presume that even though we have the included beverage package, we are required to pay separately for cocktail and top quality.
@PamperedCruiser4 ай бұрын
Oceania's liquor inclusions (like many other cruise lines) is for beer, wine, and on Oceania, Champagne. Spirits or top end wines would be subject to additional fees. Cruise lines like Explora, Regent, Seabourn & SilverSea have more choices for included liquor, and the average fare per day is also higher.
@RobertaHanscom4 ай бұрын
Company closed, Chapter 11. Feb 2024
@PamperedCruiser4 ай бұрын
Yep... unfortunately.
@PamperedCruiser5 ай бұрын
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. It is our hope that someone buys their river boats and puts them back into service. Viking Cruise Lines also operates on the Mississippi River System
@PamperedCruiser5 ай бұрын
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. Viking Cruise Lines operates on the Mississippi River System
@PamperedCruiser5 ай бұрын
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. Viking Cruise Lines operates on the Mississippi River System.
@PamperedCruiser5 ай бұрын
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. It is our hope that Ocean Victory will be taken over by someone else, and will continue to travel to Alaska.
@Paradise-on-Earth5 ай бұрын
great clip!!
@DaveM-FFB5 ай бұрын
I've concluded that the slight increase in their cruise pricing makes the Simply More package a good value for most people. We're not big drinkers, but we occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner. Any shore excursion benefit is appreciated. We would probably only use the airfare option for international flights with limited options. However, they have travel restrictions. You must fly within 3 days of embarking or debarking. You must also use their preferred hotel (instead of your preferred hotel) in order to get the paid transfers, unless you're flying on embarkation/debarkation day. Also, the "Free Wi-Fi" is not streaming speed. It's okay for web browsing and checking email. Streaming Wi-Fi is extra.
@GlobalAdventurer5 ай бұрын
Would you compare Oceania and Explora Journeys as being similar?
@PamperedCruiser5 ай бұрын
Oceania's 3 larger ships are about the same size as Explora (although Oceania holds more guests). The smaller Oceania vessels don't compare as closely. Both have a strong focus on culinary. Explora includes an open bar and gratuities, where Oceania does not. Oceania offers a shore excursion credit (usually between $200 and $400 per guest), where Explora does not. Typically, Oceania will cost less on a per-day basis. Ultimately, our clients make their decision based mostly on the itinerary. Explora only has one ship in operation currently, so the number of itineraries is limited. They are bringing on a 2nd ship in August 2024, and then approximately one ship per year until they have 6 ships.
@GlobalAdventurer5 ай бұрын
@@PamperedCruiser Thank you so much!
@musicwithmisspepper45866 ай бұрын
I need to take this cruise!
@PamperedCruiser6 ай бұрын
Yep... if you love Northern Italy, this is a great way to see it. Contact us at 1-800-876-0168 or [email protected] whenever you're ready.
@rebeccastewart94186 ай бұрын
AMA seems to have a younger cruiser 40-50. As well as older. Thoughts?
@PamperedCruiser6 ай бұрын
AMA does a number of things that draws a younger clientele to river cruising a) They allow children (although we don't see them very often), b) they have adjoining rooms, c) they have more active shore excursions, bicycles on board, and a fitness instructor, d) they have rooms that accommodate a 3rd guest. So yes... AMA on most cruises likely skews younger than its competitors. River cruising in general attracts an over 50 crowd, so even on AMA you'll see most guests over 50 as opposed to under 50. There are probably exceptions.
@rebeccastewart94186 ай бұрын
@@PamperedCruiser thank you so much for replying. That was a huge help!
@cedar-builtgreenhouses70596 ай бұрын
Thanks. Which months are best in which you do'n't risk the rivers being too low.. or too high?
@PamperedCruiser6 ай бұрын
Anytime you're trying to predict the weather, there is a high margin of error. Also -- in 2022 - the worst year on record for drought -- well over 90% of river cruises sailed without incident. High and low water DOES happen, but not nearly as often as the TV "news" would have us believe. With that as a back drop, high water is most likely in the spring (after the snow melts), and low water is most likely in the fall. It is difficult to be more precise than that because there's really not enough data to point to specific trends. It is also problematic to talk about Europe as one-place. It is much larger than the United States, so one river might be just fine when another is experiencing high or low water.
@tacollins19836 ай бұрын
Niiiiice Review!!!
@brianmcdonald20456 ай бұрын
We toured with APT in 2015 which use Amawaterways from Amsterdam to Basel which included the Moselle river. We then went by bus though the Swiss alps to Lyon with a stop at Lake Geneva. We then boarded another ship to Arles. It was a great trip. we went in July.
@arthurbalcita48517 ай бұрын
Hurtigruten expeditions are very informative and their ships are “all /usually icebreakers unlike those regular cruise ships. One way to escape the Drake Passage is to deviate or go to the Falkland Island and South Georgia or take trip from New Zealand. If you start the trip from New Zealand ,there’s the chance to see US station McMurdo. By Amelia
@arthurbalcita48517 ай бұрын
Also don’t forget to bring your bathing suits and swimming trunks because at Deception island your can swim at the water in the lagoon. By Amelia
@leecoleman8227 ай бұрын
🍑
@geograph-ology43438 ай бұрын
Excellent video and good advice! We did a pre-extension on our own to Lucerne and Zurich. I think I found Switzerland more memorable than the Christmas market cruise we caught in Basel. Nature's beauty combined with history in the Aldstadt in each city is breathtaking...and then the chocolate...and the food!
@phillipparker41388 ай бұрын
was the worst cruise i ever took this guy an outright liar and paid well im sure to hype this cruise line up ....food was horrible...service was horrible...rooms filthy...broadway shows? ship was a ghost town at 9:00pm...land tours set up for nursing homes....you could have an all around better time in a public restroom
@jaqmartial77829 ай бұрын
As of today the Simply More choice does not seems to be completely implemented for the excursions. Using the on-board cruise option is but the extra 25% discount when you book 5 an more excursions is not. You need to call them to activate. The fact that you also do not an on line inquiry on your balance is also frustrating. So some good and some bad but like many cruise lines they need some improvements in their technology service to the customer base.
@DaveM-FFB5 ай бұрын
I highly recommend that everyone use a travel agent that specializes in cruises (with particular knowledge of Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas) to address inquiries and receive the most perks.
@user-uh2hg2gm3l9 ай бұрын
Cool! 😊
@jayoneill153310 ай бұрын
As I don’t drink alcohol, on my next Oceania cruise I’m glad I can subsidize the rest of the guests who do…
@PamperedCruiser10 ай бұрын
Yep... that's certainly a valid concern. We deal with all the cruise lines, so there are others that may be more appropriate for you. Having said that -- if you're looking for a small ship experience just about all of them include drinks. Also keep in mind that the beverage package (on Oceania and the other small ship lines) includes specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, virgin cocktails and other things you'll pay restaurant prices for on the mass-market ships.
@jaqmartial77829 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind help on this.. :)
@lcam166510 ай бұрын
One element missing from O-Life is the on-board cruise credit option. It may not seem like much if one plans to use Oceania's excursions. You imply use the credited dollars to offset your excursion budget and utilize your unused budgeted excursion dollars for on-board spending. However, if you prefer to book your excursions with third party operators directly, often at a much lower price, then this program is a huge handicap. The cash credits offered by Oceania would not be able to be spent on board as had been able under the O-Life program. This then translates into an attempt by the cruise line to force its passengers into using the cash savings to fund its own higher cost excursions, rather than at the discretion of each individual passenger. Seems a better program, but largely for the benefit of the cruise line.
@PamperedCruiser10 ай бұрын
You are correct that the shore-ex credits are not transferrable, and for that reason, you might want to consider other options. If you're looking for small-ship experience, then I would look first at the price, and see if there's anything else in the ballpark, and then consider the shore-ex credit. It may very well be that a different cruise line is a better option for you. We deal with all of them, so happy to chat this through.
@caveman531910 ай бұрын
2023 with 2013-resolution video, WOW!
@charlesredick942410 ай бұрын
We thoroughly enjoyed our Milan and Venetian lagoon cruise with Uniworld. What was very good is now great, following the incident where the huge MSC bully crashed into it at the debarkation dock. We finished our journey precisely one week before that kick in the pants. Venice now says no more huge ships like the MSC.
@PamperedCruiser10 ай бұрын
Yes... the larger ships have had to find alternative docking stations around the Venetian Lagoon. Some are not far away (close to Venice Airport). Others are further afield -- Chioggia (about an hour away), Ravenna (about 2 hours away), and a few others. It is very nice on Uniworld to be docked right in Venice.
@SHADOWS111 ай бұрын
Antarctica??
@angieharris801511 ай бұрын
Champagne (not Champaign)...just saying...lol
@spinandmarty11 ай бұрын
Need trips to the Ross Sea side. My best travel experience Ever was an ice breaker expedition there (with another company) 20+ years ago! Sadly they- along with all other major companies- don’t offer such a voyage now.
@amylau640911 ай бұрын
Do u think worth trying the La Reserve? Thanks …. I will be joining them in Oct
@PamperedCruiser10 ай бұрын
There are several different events at La Reserve -- most of them focused on wine tasting and pairing. Yes... I think for people with an appreciation for wine would get value out of this.
@organgrinderted11 ай бұрын
How do you keep Referring to this vessel, as a ship? It is not a ship, it is a boat. A steamboat!
Пікірлер
We only sail with Viking.❤❤❤
Yep... a great product -- whether it be River, Ocean, OR Expedition. Reach out to us when you're ready to book again. We can always add goodies not available on Direct bookings.
I love the view from the Starbucks, makes my little local Starbucks view a little plain😊
Yep... views everywhere in Switzerland
Cool, is this the case on ALL the Viking ships?
Yes... They've thought this out. The river ships in Europe are all identical, so they'll be exactly the same. The Ocean and Expedition ships have much different (larger) rooms, but there are lots of power outlets in all of them.
Thank you. This was helpful. Going on a Christmas Market cruise in December 2024.😊😊
Enjoy! We did some Christmas markets in France in 2023, and really enjoyed it.
They actually do enforce the clothing rules for the specialty restaurants. It just depends who the Maitre d' is, and if they feel like enforcing the rules or not.
Nicely done! Thank you
Glad you found it helpful.
Perhaps wrongly, I was under the impression that all guests were entitled to wine and beer with lunch and dinner. How Is the Simply More beverage package different?
Simply MORE does mean that beer, wine and champagne are included with lunch and dinner. Previous to Simply MORE, the O-LIFE price option gave people a choice of drinks OR shore excursions OR an OBC. That structure has not been available since June 2023. Simply MORE started July 1, 2023, and since then ALL guests receive the beverage package, a shore excursion credit, and wifi. Simply MORE is not the beverage package but rather the name of the pricing structure inclusions.
Is only coffee provided for the pod machine? I'm a tea drinker. Should I bring my own?
Tea is available too. If you're particular about what type of tea you would like, it might make sense to bring your own.
You can get tea in the World Cafe, and I'm assuming you can get it at the bar in the atrium next to the piano. They have a coffee bar there with snacks throughout the day. I have never seen anyone getting tea there, but I'm sure you can. They also have afternoon tea every single day in the Wintergarden, and if you're walking through the Explorer's Lounge in the afternoon, they will usually have coffee and hot water sitting on the bar so you can make your own tea. If you want to do it in your own room, I'm sure you can ask your room steward about having tea and a kettle of hot water in your room every single day.
That’s Viking Saturn. I can recognize all my r*tarded coworkers
Thanks for this informative video, Bob. I've been interested in this itinerary and now I know more of what to expect. Traveling in December sounds like it might be the way to go. Now I just need to convince Charley to put this cruise on our list.
Bob nice video! Looking forward to our voyage on Venus that we booked through your company!
I like your name!! My maiden name is Conkle.😉
Ama has won us over with their service. Is water level as big an issue on the Rhone as it is on the Rhine and Danube?
Any time we're discussing weather, there's a wide margin of error. The Rhine and Danube both really struggled in 2022 (worst year on record), but even there, more than 95% of river cruises that year went without any adjustments to the itinerary, so I'm not sure I'd attempt to plan around high or low water. We've never had clients impacted by water levels on the Rhone, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. We HAVE had clients subject to itinerary adjustments on that river because of a broken lock, but that's the luck of the draw.
There's no right cruise to Antarctica. You are destroying it by going there. Shame.
We greatly enjoyed this same Ama cruise last year, which Bob & Sue arranged for us. Ama always does a first-class job with excellent food, attentive service, and top-notch facilities. I especially love the fact that they provide bicycles for their guests, and they're not just reserved for their "official" bike tours -- you can take them out on your own which I did a number times, cycling around the charming riverfront towns that are part of this itinerary -- simply delightful! In addition to the wonderful places that Bob highlighted, I'll mention one other as a potential add-on (not part of the actual cruise) at the northern end of this itinerary: the town of Dijon. If you have the time, I'd encourage you to take an extra day before/after the cruise (depending on which direction your ship is headed) to experience Dijon. We visited Dijon as part of an Ama land extension package that primarily focused on Geneva (which was also lovely) but you could certainly visit Dijon on your own as it's less than an hour from Chalon-sur-Saône at the northern terminus of this cruise.
Thanks Eddie... completely agree about Dijon -- it is well worth a visit. If you're in the region, there's so much to see, so you should take in as much as you can.
Disagreement on how to pronounce Oceania. No "ia" on this one.
It would be more impressive if you pronounced the name of the cruise line properly as in Ooooceeeaneeea not oceana
Thank you for your comment. I've asked Frank del Rio this question directly, and he said people in his office pronounce it both ways. You'll also notice if you hear him speak, he has personally used both pronunciations... but I do appreciate that you watched the video.
Pampered Cruisers are our Travel Agent team. Exceptional service from Sue and Bob. Onboard Explora very soon.
Thanks Don! Y'all are a pleasure to deal with. You'll love the entertainment on board Explora I next month!
Thank you
Amsterdam to Basel or the other way- which is best?
Lots of opinions... no definitive answer. Three things to consider: 1) There are NO direct flights to/from Basel and the US, so there will be a connecting flight at that end of the trip. Some people prefer that longer travel day on their way TO their vacation, others on the way home. 2) If you want to travel with the current you should start in Basel. I personally don't think this makes ANY difference, but some people would disagree, and say you should travel in the same direction as the river. 3) What you wish to do pre and/or post cruise may determine which way makes more sense for you.
Is this video available in 4k?
We shoot our videos with an iPhone, so the resolution is lower than it would be if we used professional recording equipment. If you want to see the flashy stuff, the cruise lines all post such videos on their websites and KZread channels.
But most iPhone are capable for shooting in 4K 😉.
You said there was a link below about the expeditions with the SOB, kayaks, sub, etc, but I am not seeing it. Where is your separate Great Lakes Video?
Yep... working on those videos. Will post when we can.
@@PamperedCruiser Thank you.
What if I like to enjoy a top shelf cocktail (ie old fashioned or martini) before dinner and a good bottle (or glass) of wine with dinner. I presume that even though we have the included beverage package, we are required to pay separately for cocktail and top quality.
Oceania's liquor inclusions (like many other cruise lines) is for beer, wine, and on Oceania, Champagne. Spirits or top end wines would be subject to additional fees. Cruise lines like Explora, Regent, Seabourn & SilverSea have more choices for included liquor, and the average fare per day is also higher.
Company closed, Chapter 11. Feb 2024
Yep... unfortunately.
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. It is our hope that someone buys their river boats and puts them back into service. Viking Cruise Lines also operates on the Mississippi River System
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. Viking Cruise Lines operates on the Mississippi River System
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. Viking Cruise Lines operates on the Mississippi River System.
American Queen Voyages ceased operations as of February 20, 2024. It is our hope that Ocean Victory will be taken over by someone else, and will continue to travel to Alaska.
great clip!!
I've concluded that the slight increase in their cruise pricing makes the Simply More package a good value for most people. We're not big drinkers, but we occasionally have a glass of wine with dinner. Any shore excursion benefit is appreciated. We would probably only use the airfare option for international flights with limited options. However, they have travel restrictions. You must fly within 3 days of embarking or debarking. You must also use their preferred hotel (instead of your preferred hotel) in order to get the paid transfers, unless you're flying on embarkation/debarkation day. Also, the "Free Wi-Fi" is not streaming speed. It's okay for web browsing and checking email. Streaming Wi-Fi is extra.
Would you compare Oceania and Explora Journeys as being similar?
Oceania's 3 larger ships are about the same size as Explora (although Oceania holds more guests). The smaller Oceania vessels don't compare as closely. Both have a strong focus on culinary. Explora includes an open bar and gratuities, where Oceania does not. Oceania offers a shore excursion credit (usually between $200 and $400 per guest), where Explora does not. Typically, Oceania will cost less on a per-day basis. Ultimately, our clients make their decision based mostly on the itinerary. Explora only has one ship in operation currently, so the number of itineraries is limited. They are bringing on a 2nd ship in August 2024, and then approximately one ship per year until they have 6 ships.
@@PamperedCruiser Thank you so much!
I need to take this cruise!
Yep... if you love Northern Italy, this is a great way to see it. Contact us at 1-800-876-0168 or [email protected] whenever you're ready.
AMA seems to have a younger cruiser 40-50. As well as older. Thoughts?
AMA does a number of things that draws a younger clientele to river cruising a) They allow children (although we don't see them very often), b) they have adjoining rooms, c) they have more active shore excursions, bicycles on board, and a fitness instructor, d) they have rooms that accommodate a 3rd guest. So yes... AMA on most cruises likely skews younger than its competitors. River cruising in general attracts an over 50 crowd, so even on AMA you'll see most guests over 50 as opposed to under 50. There are probably exceptions.
@@PamperedCruiser thank you so much for replying. That was a huge help!
Thanks. Which months are best in which you do'n't risk the rivers being too low.. or too high?
Anytime you're trying to predict the weather, there is a high margin of error. Also -- in 2022 - the worst year on record for drought -- well over 90% of river cruises sailed without incident. High and low water DOES happen, but not nearly as often as the TV "news" would have us believe. With that as a back drop, high water is most likely in the spring (after the snow melts), and low water is most likely in the fall. It is difficult to be more precise than that because there's really not enough data to point to specific trends. It is also problematic to talk about Europe as one-place. It is much larger than the United States, so one river might be just fine when another is experiencing high or low water.
Niiiiice Review!!!
We toured with APT in 2015 which use Amawaterways from Amsterdam to Basel which included the Moselle river. We then went by bus though the Swiss alps to Lyon with a stop at Lake Geneva. We then boarded another ship to Arles. It was a great trip. we went in July.
Hurtigruten expeditions are very informative and their ships are “all /usually icebreakers unlike those regular cruise ships. One way to escape the Drake Passage is to deviate or go to the Falkland Island and South Georgia or take trip from New Zealand. If you start the trip from New Zealand ,there’s the chance to see US station McMurdo. By Amelia
Also don’t forget to bring your bathing suits and swimming trunks because at Deception island your can swim at the water in the lagoon. By Amelia
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Excellent video and good advice! We did a pre-extension on our own to Lucerne and Zurich. I think I found Switzerland more memorable than the Christmas market cruise we caught in Basel. Nature's beauty combined with history in the Aldstadt in each city is breathtaking...and then the chocolate...and the food!
was the worst cruise i ever took this guy an outright liar and paid well im sure to hype this cruise line up ....food was horrible...service was horrible...rooms filthy...broadway shows? ship was a ghost town at 9:00pm...land tours set up for nursing homes....you could have an all around better time in a public restroom
As of today the Simply More choice does not seems to be completely implemented for the excursions. Using the on-board cruise option is but the extra 25% discount when you book 5 an more excursions is not. You need to call them to activate. The fact that you also do not an on line inquiry on your balance is also frustrating. So some good and some bad but like many cruise lines they need some improvements in their technology service to the customer base.
I highly recommend that everyone use a travel agent that specializes in cruises (with particular knowledge of Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas) to address inquiries and receive the most perks.
Cool! 😊
As I don’t drink alcohol, on my next Oceania cruise I’m glad I can subsidize the rest of the guests who do…
Yep... that's certainly a valid concern. We deal with all the cruise lines, so there are others that may be more appropriate for you. Having said that -- if you're looking for a small ship experience just about all of them include drinks. Also keep in mind that the beverage package (on Oceania and the other small ship lines) includes specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, virgin cocktails and other things you'll pay restaurant prices for on the mass-market ships.
Thank you for your kind help on this.. :)
One element missing from O-Life is the on-board cruise credit option. It may not seem like much if one plans to use Oceania's excursions. You imply use the credited dollars to offset your excursion budget and utilize your unused budgeted excursion dollars for on-board spending. However, if you prefer to book your excursions with third party operators directly, often at a much lower price, then this program is a huge handicap. The cash credits offered by Oceania would not be able to be spent on board as had been able under the O-Life program. This then translates into an attempt by the cruise line to force its passengers into using the cash savings to fund its own higher cost excursions, rather than at the discretion of each individual passenger. Seems a better program, but largely for the benefit of the cruise line.
You are correct that the shore-ex credits are not transferrable, and for that reason, you might want to consider other options. If you're looking for small-ship experience, then I would look first at the price, and see if there's anything else in the ballpark, and then consider the shore-ex credit. It may very well be that a different cruise line is a better option for you. We deal with all of them, so happy to chat this through.
2023 with 2013-resolution video, WOW!
We thoroughly enjoyed our Milan and Venetian lagoon cruise with Uniworld. What was very good is now great, following the incident where the huge MSC bully crashed into it at the debarkation dock. We finished our journey precisely one week before that kick in the pants. Venice now says no more huge ships like the MSC.
Yes... the larger ships have had to find alternative docking stations around the Venetian Lagoon. Some are not far away (close to Venice Airport). Others are further afield -- Chioggia (about an hour away), Ravenna (about 2 hours away), and a few others. It is very nice on Uniworld to be docked right in Venice.
Antarctica??
Champagne (not Champaign)...just saying...lol
Need trips to the Ross Sea side. My best travel experience Ever was an ice breaker expedition there (with another company) 20+ years ago! Sadly they- along with all other major companies- don’t offer such a voyage now.
Do u think worth trying the La Reserve? Thanks …. I will be joining them in Oct
There are several different events at La Reserve -- most of them focused on wine tasting and pairing. Yes... I think for people with an appreciation for wine would get value out of this.
How do you keep Referring to this vessel, as a ship? It is not a ship, it is a boat. A steamboat!