Hello, everyone.
Going a bit off topic here.I am a seasoned luxury cruiser in oceans (RSSC, Silversea, Ritz Carlton yacht,Crystal cruises…) but I’m considering my first river cruise in the AmaMagna in the same itinerary.
Some basic questions I have (any input would be greatly appreciated):
1- I am finding hard to justify paying around 1000 usd a night pp in a river cruise. I understand that it’s a very limited number of passengers, but most of the advertised perks don’t seem to justify that price. Most of the shore excursions seem to be a walk in the city center or a bus ride to some monument that frankly I could do by myself for a fraction of the price. Am I missing something here?
2- Regarding meals on board, unlike ocean cruise lines, river cruise lines seem to limit the amount of food, times and options you have when onboard. Frankly, when I look at the videos, the quality doesn’t seem that great; Any thoughts?
3- Some friends have told me they feel like river cruisers are almost like a guided excursion experience and they came back more tired than before they left. Does anyone feel the same way?
4- My partner wants to take Amawaterways since it’s advertised as a more active line. However, I feel like Uniworld and Riverside ( former Crystal river cruises) seem to provide a more luxurious experience. Would you compare them?
5- I understand I would get more space in the AmaMagna, but does it justify that there’s a major premium to pay if sailing on her instead of the others? My partner feels like the other ships would be too cramped.
6- For the dates I was looking up, there are only fixed window rooms available( which look terrible to stay in a river cruise where you want to admire the scenery).Has anyone had any experience staying in those?
I don’t mean to be controversial or rub anyone off the wrong way. I’m just trying to decide whether a river cruise, AmaWaterways and the Magna would be appropriate for my next trip.
I appreciate everyone’s opinions in advance.