Gourmet Gal

I read reviews here and on some other sites along with trip reports on CC and no matter where I try to read between the lines. I appreciate reviews that are prefaced with the traveler’s usual style of accommodation, travel and dining which really helps me to understand their perspective. If there are a large number of reviews then I think the average ranking carries more weight.

How does that compare to review trends in general. I would think with Covid and other challenges the reviews may have become more negative everywhere?

Yes, true but I meant 2 hours not jours. 🤪

I have never in my life anywhere waited 2 jours for an entree. I would have walked out long before. Perhaps they could have delivered it to your cabin.

Whatever

I sort within an airline’s options. I have my preferred airlines and I do not view them as a simple mode of transport.

I always sort the choices by duration of flight.

That’s what happened on our Moon cruise last Fall. There was a large group of attorneys who would take over the Observation Lounge or Panorama Lounge at the primo time we were hoping to enjoy those venues. The group was loud and obnoxious. They also booked up the spa on sea days so it was very difficult to book treatments and they packed the gym every morning. It was no surprise that by the end of the cruise most of them we’re wearing masks due to a Covid outbreak amongst their group.

The new ships are beautiful and they probably would not have been possible without the takeover.

On a long cruise it’s nice to have more dining options. The upcharge for La Dame isn’t exactly big bucks nor is it Michelin level but it’s good for a change of venue on the newer ships.

Also wondering if Silversea…..

Sounds like a good topic for a new thread.

Definitely research and submit your preferences to SSAir.

I think one advantage is that your airfare is refundable and changeable up to a certain window without penalty.

The Moselle is probably the most beautiful river for cruising in Europe with the possible exception of the Douro but personally I wouldn’t want to waste my time cruising the Rhine a second time when there are so many other great regions in Europe to explore. As for the River Queen, I did this itinerary on her a few years ago and felt the ship and especially the cabins felt crowded and small. I don’t care for the faux chateau decor either. There are certainly better ships out there but if you must take this cruise I would highly recommend booking a suite.

Glad it worked out. I’m assuming you’re flying from JFK or EWR. SS can be difficult for folks not flying from major hubs.

Yes, please do let us know what you decide and then let us know how you like the cruise. Just a note… Always surprising how excited folks get about “free” laundry!

All good responses. Can’t really add much other than to say that your requirements will be met on SS: interesting places, very good food (not quite exceptional IMHO), martini in hand with jazz in the background. The SS experience is mostly on par with Crystal but with a few differences. Entertainment and enrichment was superior on Crystal but the standard suites are larger on SS. Most of SS ships are newer and very elegant. No annoying photographer. I would not categorize either as an ultra luxury experience, though. Now that you know you want to cruise in a certain manner I think your needs will be met on SS, SB or Regent so perhaps your focus could be on itinerary.

It’s the first thread on the River Cruising forum. River Cruise line Articles.

Two things. You get what you pay for. Check out the stickies at the top of this River Cruising forum to see comparisons of the various cruise lines.

I found my current TA while talking to a gym acquaintance about travel. He raved about his agent so I gave her a call and have been with her for years now. Word of mouth is the best if you have friends with similar travel requirements.

Quite a premium but I’m assuming they have to make up for all that Covid lost revenue somewhere. The Owner’s and Grand suites are “just” another 10-12K PP and I would think the assumption is if one can afford 20K+ PP one can afford 50% more. SS must have looked at the airlines Business fares for inspiration.

Switzerland is incredibly easy to drive in. The roads and especially the tunnels are a dream. After disembarking in Basel we took the ship’s shuttle to the airport, picked up the rental and drove all over, stopping wherever we wanted on the way to Lake Geneva, followed by Lake Lucerne with a stop in Interlaken between. After several days in Lucerne we dropped the car at Zurich airport. Of course you can piece together the same itinerary by train and tour but we enjoyed the freedom after following a tour guide around for almost 2 weeks.

Does it include the Moselle?

You could try creating a roll call.