bob brown

Thanks…I’ve only been on the R (Insignia), so far. Allura, next year.

I had a tentative reservation booked on board, when I took a closer look at the itinerary map, and decided to cancel. What changed my mind, was I noticed a dotted line between Grand Rivers, KY, and Paducah. This means you travel that segment on a shore excursion bus. The boat turns between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers at Grand Rivers. So you do not get to cruise the portion of the Tennessee between its confluence with the Cumberland, and with its confluence with the Ohio. Apparently, they don’t want to have to backtrack over that distance, which might add a lot of time to the voyage. It is probably not a big deal to most people, but it would bother me personally, in my quest to cover all the rivers. I guess I’ll have to do them on separate cruise to or from St. Louis or Memphis…🤷‍♂️

On some longer itineraries, there may be more Oceania Club members than they can accommodate at a single party. In such cases, they will divide into two dates. Those holding “elite status”, (Platinum and above), may attend both dates, if they desire. During the party, all drinks are complimentary, even if you don’t have a drink package. This is only in the party, in the Insignia Lounge, and unlike the Captain’s party, not in the other bars. And it ends when the party ends, usually around 6:30 or so.

Same currently.

I am sbout to choose this cruise on board… Looking for help in deciding whether to choose the more traditional style American Splendor, or the more modern American Symphony. Any input would be appreciated!🙂

Good points. I am on my first Pearl Seas cruise, and the experienced crew is absolutely wonderful. They are both a very happy cohesive bunch, while at the same time display the proper decorum I am used to experiencing on most ocean cruise ships. I have not sailed ACL as yet, but have been on the former AQV three times. Difference is very evident. The young, American crews are nowhere near as cohesive, some are obviously not happy in their jobs, not trained in proper service protocols. While many are friendly, sometimes overly so, and will speak to you more like a “buddy”, than as a customer.🤷‍♂️

You’re probably correct. The clientele of the “high end” lines in general are well-traveled, sophisticated individuals that are probably too wise to fall for the chicanery, and the cruise lines don’t want to risk alienating them…

We all spend our last night aboard, while docked at QC, but the next cruise sails later in the same day, most of us disembarks…

Here’s a new case to ponder… I am currently aboard Pearl Seas Cruises, Pearl Mist, (registered in the Marshall Islands), on a two week Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway cruise from Milwaukee to Quebec City. A few of our passengers are continuing on the next cruise, from Quebec City to Portland. I view this B2B as a clear PVSA violation, and asked the Purser if they indeed sell it, and they said that since “it’s two separate cruises, it’s okay.”🤔

Like every other business decision the cruise lines make, it is all about the bottom line. They balance the additional money they earn with promoting these vendors, against what they may lose from some disgruntled customers with buyer’s remorse, and choose accordingly…🤷‍♂️

I realise that not many passengers would want to do such a strange itinerary, but maybe just enough to fill a smaller cruise ship.

I’m trying to imagine a way for a”workaround” solution for a company like Viking. Are there any ocean-going ships that have a shallow enough draft to navigate at least to St. Louis? If so, they could sail to/from some place like Cancun, to satisfy PVSA. Either one way, or they could do a round trip loop from any US river port, so long as they call at a near foreign port, correct?🤔

Yes…unlike some other lines, they still issue disposable plastic bottled water in cabins, as well as at gangways. Most other lines now issue refillable water bottles, with filtered refilling stations around the boat/ship.

Do both, if you can! You will not be disappointed by either…😉

As others have mentioned, it is the engine control room, not the actual engine room that is on the paid tour. It’s been probably decades since the actual engine room was open for visitors. The control room consists of banks of engine room video monitors, and computer consoles.