remydiva

A sad situation to be sure...

 

The commentary to the article above is even sadder... :(

The comments,....why oh why did i even read them....on the CNN board are cruel, callous, myopic, moronic, mean....i could go on and on.

It is indeed sad that the internet is used as a tool to spread, what the comment writers think, is banter and humour. Freedom of speech is a right but to use it so maliciously ..just because you can....seems unjust and wrong...just my opinion.

The few sympathetic responses to this sad incident were flamed. A very tragic final action by this troubled passenger.

And back to the original post" Are you kidding me, Viking?" We've just booked an identical river cruise through someone else for more than $2500 less per person. OK...we won't have a fridge in our cabin and we won't get beer/wine included with dinner, but the ports, excursions and sites are the same! For a two week trip, I can buy a LOT of beer and wine for $2500!!!!!!

Does the 'someone else' start with an 'A' or a 'V'?:cool:

Hi Remydiva: yes, I loved the Columbia and Snake River trip. the scenery and excursions were wonderful. However, I cannot in good conscience recommend American Cruise Lines (not to be confused with the American Queen Steamboat Company which has the same trip). Our cabin had a balcony and was one level below a suite so it was quite spacious and comfortable. The average age on board was 65 and up. The crew members were all American college students, most majoring in hotel and tourism, and worked very hard. The bad part comes with the dining room. the food was terrible and the service was worse, which was NOT the fault of the servers. The dining room servers also serve as housekeeping staff so breakfast can be a little rushed. I did a review of the trip on CC member reviews: American Cruise Lines: Queen of the West. If you want additionall info e-mail me directly at chydro564@yahoo.com.

thank you for the mini review and also for clarifying the two companies. Yes I had been looking into the other company American Queen Steamboat Company and didn't realize both companies did both itineraries. Since we live on the west coast, the Snake and Columbia is a good choice to try out a completely new way of river travel.

If I have any more questions I will contact you so thank you for the offer.

Vantage owns their own ships so everyone on board will be on the same tour. On occasion they charter ships and everyone will be on the same tour. On tours where they do not own or charter they will make that clear and generally make sure you all eat together and where possible put your cabins in a group. The tour managers all speak perfect English and everyone you come in contact with on the ship and excursions will as well. Since Vantage caters to the American traveler you generally have everyone on board speaking English and coming from the U.S. they do not use travel agents so you have to either visit their website or call them directly. I've been on 5 trips with them so far and have 2 more booked. I have never had a bad experience with them and I do not work for them!

I noticed you did the Columbia and snake river on american steamboat...tell me more...did you love it? Ages of passengers? Cabins, food,etc etc. pls and thank you for your comments.

2015/2016 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

2-FOR-1 CRUISES—OFFER EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2013

This was the heading of todays email from Viking that included the teaser of "$2000 per couple off airfare!"

I am NOT paying in full for a cruise that is 3 yrs off just to help Tor build another ship,

Just my two cents worth so pardon my venting...

There is nothing about alcohol on my luggage tags. Mine has my name, date of cruise, stateroom, and name of ship.

Look underneath Step 4 in the instructions how to fold the paper into a luggage tag...it is there plain and simple...just checked mine from last week's cruise

Step 4

Board the ship and escape

completely.

FOLD (DO NOT CUT) FOLD

ELITE

NAME

XXXXXXXXX

EMBARKATION DATE / PORT

September 28, 2013 - NYC

7R8TVDCB

STATEROOM

CXXX

SHIP

CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

F S

STAPLE HERE

FOLD (DO NOT CUT) FOLD

Bringing Alcohol

Onboard?

Please remember our

carry-on alcohol policy:

• One 750ml bottle of wine

or champagne per adult per

voyage, which will not be

subject to a corkage fee if

consumed in the stateroom.

• Additional wine or

champagne bottles are

welcome, but will incur a

$15 corkage fee per bottle,

irrespective of where they are

intended to be consumed.

• Other liquors, spirits or beers

are prohibited. Luggage is

subject to search.

NOTE:

You can print additional copies

Thanks Jimmy. Without getting into discussion of my wine taste preference :p, is my 5 liter box of white zin considered my one free 'bottle'? It doesn't need corking, just opening the spigot :D.

:eek: BOXED WINE??:eek:

I too shall refrain from passing judgement of your right to choose your favourite libation.....

But i wonder how Princess would do the math..if it is $15 ' corkage' fee for every 750 ml bottle in excess of the allowed ONE, would they have to charge $15 per 750 of liquid ( heh, i cant bring myself to call it " wine" ;)) for spigotage?

That would be approx $15 x 5.5= $84!!!

Now THAT would make me go EEEEEEKKKKKK:

DIST-THDR The stories re your trip have been relayed through the grapevine/internet to some on our boat. One fellow is texting with his friends who leave for their cruise in a week or so. Viking NA and their TA say they know nothing of this and also aren't aware of the rotating docks strikes.

 

The philosophy on our boat (so far) has been "when we know, you know". I did hear the director on the phone handling a weather caused issue (high water) and we was telling us what they were doing immediately.

 

Yours does sound like an unique experience. I hope they treat you and the rest of your fellow cruisers well.

It's hard to believe that a TA knows nothing about the strike given that it has been on going since early July...see the post started July 5 by Steamboats a CCer who lives in Germany. Given that it happened on the heels of the catastrophic floods in June, the rotating lock strikes gained a lot of attention at least here on CC.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1874991&highlight=lock+strikes

The major union Verdi has announced strikes of the lock staff for Monday and Tuesday (day is depending on the state, staff in Bavaria is called to go on strike on Tuesday).

So locks will be closed during the strikes which will affect all river traffic.

steamboats

As promised, Joost Ouendag did contact us this morning.

 

Our matter has been amicably resolved.

Glad to,hear you went from " 25%coupon" to " amicably resolved",

Hope DIST-THDR takes your lead and contacts them too.

You are right..better late than never! You will be so glad you found Cruise critic. But....

Once here however, you may become addicted! It happens :)

However, you will learn more about cruising around the world..free of charge...many posts with pictures that you just cant find anywhere else.

"Our" four german Ccers on the ground gave us up to the minute pics and info when the danube and other rivers were flooding this june. Very helpful to those needing accurate info NOW.

More accurate and more timely than the cruise lines themselves or TAs.

I am sorry your trip went from bang to bust due to the unscheduled rotating strikes at the locks. It has been an 'anus horrible' to badly misquote our Queen after the June floods and now the strikes.

My question is for not only '81 mg' but for others like them who, only AFTER their cruise went bust, did they seek out more information and 'stumble upon' Cruise Critic. The OP said in part:

(I wish I would have been aware of these message boards beforehand.)

I wonder what brought them to find 'us' here on Cruise Critic now, after the fact. If you google 'river cruise', the first thing that comes up is Viking River Cruises, then Uniworld and then at number three 'Cruise Critic'.

We have seen countless sad posts here, particularly after the June floods, with ever so many first time posters telling their tale.

i'm feel badly for them that they didn't google BEFORE they cruised...they would've heard from seasoned travellers and on the ground members here who always provide valuable information and especially during times of crisis.

I hope the OP follows up with the Viking response and is able to negotiate a better compensation than the original 25% one offered.

ps Thought I'd better check my own very first post here on cruise critic....way back in 2006. I was asking for suggested shore excursions in Jamaica on a caribbean cruise with my daughter. The very next week the ship we were on 'Star Princess ' had a huge fire off Jamaica and so I followed closely here on cruise critic as passengers posted their stories and photos that never did show up in other forms of media.

I

 

One reason why I'd avoid post-peak is that all it takes is one good storm and the leaves are gone quickly. From late September to mid-October, you'll see a wide range of color.

Yeah cuz we are going sept 28 to oct 5 so fingers crossed!

It's no bargain - even the $1 store is 3€!

 

Atilla, I'm interested to know if you took the Bratislava tour, and if so, what did you think?

 

I took the Bratislava tour and it was just an intro to the town and stop at the castle with some history tossed in. Slovakia and Czech republic separated into democracies on Jan 1, 1993 so we happened to be there on the 20th anniversary of going from communism to democracy.

The guide was very helpful in answering questions about how the change affected the citizens and that in itself was worth the tour.

After the tour, you had the choice of staying on the bus back to the ship or continuing on a walking tour with the guide through the downtown area.This is where the fabulous bronze statues are (google Bratislava bronze statues).

We just returned home last night from Avalon's Amsterdam - Budapest cruise on the Vista and had no interuptions at all. Eveything went as planned although we were told there was waiting time in some of the locks. Couple nights in the wee hours looked out the window when I knew we were in a lock and saw the Viking Thor right next to us.

Thanks for the thumbs up report:).

And you came back to nice HOT weather here in BC.:eek:

I copied and pasted this from:

Viking Cruises: Update on Central Europe Flood Impact

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1856202&page=7

Today, 09:18 AM

SALAD MUNCHER

Cool Cruiser Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: CUMBRIA ENGLAND

Hi everyone, just arrived back from our Berlin / Prague cruise and the good news is the whole trip went ahead as per the stated sailing itineary, with no problems! The Elbe, although looking a bit 'full' seems to be flowing well, with little problems. We did see signs of debris which had been washed up, but this was mainly branches and grasses trapped around chains and moorings and therefore no problem whatsoever. The Swiss Ruby was a fantastic ship and I can highly recommend her. As we left this morning she was waiting for her next group and was going to sail Berlin to the Keil Canal in Hamburg. Hopefully everything can now get back to normal and all trips can be enjoyed without worry.

Hi everyone, just arrived back from our Berlin / Prague cruise and the good news is the whole trip went ahead as per the stated sailing itineary, with no problems! The Elbe, although looking a bit 'full' seems to be flowing well, with little problems. We did see signs of debris which had been washed up, but this was mainly branches and grasses trapped around chains and moorings and therefore no problem whatsoever. The Swiss Ruby was a fantastic ship and I can highly recommend her. As we left this morning she was waiting for her next group and was going to sail Berlin to the Keil Canal in Hamburg. Hopefully everything can now get back to normal and all trips can be enjoyed without worry.

thanks for a good news post at long last...woo hoo:D

I also copied and pasted your post on the thread I started called 'Wanted: LIVE posts from any company any river' since others who are NOT on Viking may wish to read your review :)

We are currently on the Scenic Jewel in Durnstein after being on the Diamond since Monday. We were bussed from Vienna this morning to a Melk tour and then bussed to the Diamond. There is half of the lock open, but much traffic. We heard that cruise boats were being given priority over commercial traffic (initially). I believe we are on the last "catch up" disruptive cruise on the Danube. Melk had flood damage, but seemed back to full operations ( construction though in the town)

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Thanks for the post.

Now that we well into july, the may 29 floods seem to have disappeared from most cruisers radar and yet, as David found out cruising the elbe and now you, there are still problems, delays and disruptions.

And of course the residents will be rebuilding and cleaning for many months still to come.

Nice shot, where and what is it?

Agreed...Istanbul is an unbelievable port of call.

And it is featured in the newest Dan Brown novel 'Inferno' along with Florence.

Both are on the Grand Med cruise so maybe they will need to rename that cruise as the 'Dan Brown cruise'??:p:p:confused:

Instead of just copying and pasting, try using the image button in the menu bar above the message box. It looks like a mountain. click on it and insert the link to the picture. One thing to watch, the popup box already has the http:// in it, if the link is broken it means it's there twice.

 

Vic

just in case you are following this thread, thank YOU as your way is the only way that works for me. thanks so much.

The right click copy and paste way did not work for me and judging from other posters on that link, not for others too.

But another poster suggested copying the imagine link also available on SF then pasting into the 'square with a mountain' button after taking out the already there 'http:// and that worked like a hot damn!

yeah!

Now I hope I can remember. I always just used the paper clip or the globe with the google button and they did NOT work.

Remy, check out this thread. Maybe it will answer some of your questions:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1714741

thanks for the link...i read it and thought it looked pretty simple but...

Clearly I am doing something wrong...I followed the bring up in shutterfly (album) and right click to 'copy image' then right click to 'paste' and nothing..

Help?

Get a hosting site like Shutterfly or Photobucket

2. Upload your pictures there.

3. When your pix are there, bring one up on the site by itself. You can resize it, work with it if you want. Put your mouse pointer over it, right click to copy it.

4. Come to CC, and respond to a post, in the response, place your mouse pointer where you want the pic to appear, right click again, this time, paste it.

__________________

I just used my iPhone, but had to take multiples of some pictures as they turn out blurry sometimes, especially in low-lighting. I haven't carried a "real" camera in a while as it's another thing to lug around and possibly have stolen.

 

I use the Auto Backup feature in Google+ on my iPhone to wirelessly sync all my pictures to Google+ and just post from there. They have an auto-enhance feature that I use on some of them, which usually just lightens the picture a bit. Hope that helps!

Not to sound like beating a dead horse or hijacking your thread, but what steps are needed to upload from google + to CC?

When i click on the paperclip and " upload" pics whether from my hard drive of PC ( yes , gasp , not a mac) or from shutterfly, they only come across as those tiny thumbnails seen at the bottom of so many peoples posts.

Thanks!

It sure seems that way. Love your pictures.

Terri

agree with your thoughts about these threads becoming one topic only...enough!

And Attilathe fun, i may have asked you this already on your Grand Med review but what is your camera and what do you post your pics here on CC with to make them so big?

I did the Danube in Dec/ Jan and tour pics are WAY clearer than mine or maybe they just look better on my ipad screen.

My camera is a Canon Powershot A720 IS with imagine stabilizer but yours of the cathedral in Passau just look so much better!

I am in a suite, not a mini- suite. How is that different from a full suite? I know I receive a comp. mini-bar...so I cannot exhange it for the coffee card unless I am in a full suite? I didn't realize full suite was a separate cat.. We are not elite cruisers however.

I think when people say FULL suite it is just to distinguish from a MINI suite..so yes FULL suite= suite.

David is back and not a happy camper. check out this thread

Viking Cruises: Update on Central Europe Flood Impact

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=39012209&posted=1#post39012209

Today, 05:47 AM

DavidF1940

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Apr 2006

Posts: 15

Viking offer for no-cruise cruise on Elbe

I said (above) that I would report on any Viking offer of recompense. They have now offered a 50% of paid fare discount on any further cruise booked before end of 2015.

I am not happy with this. I am not at all sure I want to go with Viking again, and want a cash rebate. If they can afford to sponsor so much ITV "drama", they can afford something better than "buy one, and if it is not good, get second at half price".