LoneStarCruisinCouple

The refunded the port charges and airfare, everything but the cost of the insurance (understand that). The amount of $ was listed on the voucher so that is the amount I expect to apply. The new cruise cost us an extra $2000 anyway. Hopefully it will get resolved soon put I probably won't use Viking ever again. Unless they really impress me somehow and so far that hasn't happened.

So sorry for your troubles that you are having I guess one reason as to why last year Viking lost its rating with The BBB and then all of a sudden it reappeared even JVilleGal remembers that.

Viking has more issues than any other cruise line out there and yes maybe they do have some good points but have yet to find them.

In Amsterdam we stayed at the Toren Hotel and in Budapest we stayed at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel. Both rated number 1 by TripAdvisor.

With Scenic they place you in Amsterdam at the Double Tree and in Budapest the Marriott. Both for us was like staying in an Americanized hotel and qe wanted to experience the European Botique experience and then the most Luxurious hotel in all of Europe and Fourth in the World. Both were what I would say were FANTASTIC.

In Amsterdam we used Toms Travels for private tours and was absolutely wonderful. Not only rated as one of the best tour guides but is rated as one of the Best Travel photographers in Europe, so as you are either walking or riding he is taking photos of you.

We went one evening and took an evening dinner cruise with Jewel and also an Indonesian Rice Table at Tempoe Doeloe. For the last 22 years booked solid every single night.

In Budapest we had Tom Zelenyanszky, he does all the private tours for the Movie Stars that stay at the Four Seasons and I can see why. tom.budapestguide@hotmail.com

The one thing that if anything would be to go to and make reservations at the Fisherman's Bastion. I also made arrangements for a Horse and Carriage to take us and bring us back.

What ship are you cruising on? We were to be on the Opal but because of Low Water Levels we cruised on the Jasper.

We were in a Royal Panorama Suite all the way in the back of the ship but oh my gosh what a magnificent view. With the evening spent in Amsterdam and Vienna and Budapest. Wow

Yes we have gotten hooked as we shall be cruising also in 2017 and 18 both with Scenic.

One called the Spectacular South of France with Paris and we are adding Nice and Monte Carlo and then on the New Eclipse for Cuba in Depth October of 2018. This year we are getting ready to leave for Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii as we are in the process of looking and fact finding as to possibly relocate.

Wishing you All The Very Best and if I may say so you have done your homework as Scenic beats Viking any day of the week hands down.

How Viking stays in business is beyond me. Nickle and Dimming there customers.

I would take Scenic over Uniworld or Tauck.

Wishing you Smooth Sailings

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

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We are undertaking our first river cruise next year and are about to make our booking on one of the Scenic ships.

 

I am wondering if there is one side of the ship that has a particular advantage over the other, when traveling from Amsterdam towards Budapest?

 

TIA,

 

John

Morning John,

Lisa and I did the same itinerary on The Jasper last September in a Royal Panorama Suite and we were in cabin 337. It seemed that we were facing out into the river most of the time in port but not always as it is probably 60 - 40 %. The thing that was so very nice that you shall find at least in our case as being in the very back of the ship was that of the Private Butlers. Bringing Coffee and Orange juice and every once and awhile setting up Breakfast out on the balcony.

If I had to say you have certainly made a GREAT choice in choosing to cruise with Scenic. Simply Impecable, from having Limo transfers between the Airports and Hotels to Ship , To The The Private Butlers , The Mini Bars Stocked Daily, The Private Concerts, The Glasses never going empty, and just the overall experience of ALL Inclusive, no nickle and dimming you for this and or for that like some of the other cruise lines do.

Have you already arranged for your hotels or are you going to be staying in the hotels provided by the cruise line? We stayed in The Toren in Amsterdam and at The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel in Budapest. Both Rated number one by TripAdvisor. Have you made any sort of plans for your cruise as to possibly private tours and or restaurants? Just full of questions aren't I.

Yes was such a wonderful experience as with cruising with about in our case 100 Aussies,40 Canadians, and the rest of us were a mix. Myself I grew up my younger years in Melbourne so I was at home with all.

Yes we have gotten hooked as we ourselves are booked for two more at present one being next year like you on The Sapphire doing The Spectacular South Of France ( Wine Country ) with Paris and we are adding at the end Nice and Monte Carlo and lucky as the folks that were in the other Panorama Suite are again cruising with us and also we both are booked into The Panorama Suites and we are both booked on The New Eclipse for 2018 and doing Cuba in Depth.

If you may have any questions as to Tour guides and or restaurants just holler.

Would recommend in Amsterdam doing a Dinner River cruise on the canals in the evening and we used Jewels and in Budapest for sure take your lovely wife to The Fisherman's Bastion as the sun is setting. It is located up on Castle Hill and the view oh my the city is at your feet.

Take Care

Smooth Sailings

LoneStarCtruisinCouple

Lisa and Gary

We were cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest in the Explorer Suite and changed over to Royal Panorama Suite .

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Kathy is that an invoice from Viking or your TA? And if it's from Viking does it give a specific date (5 months from now).

AMA and the others typically req the balance due 90 to 120 prior to sailing.

Howdy JVilleGal,

Kathy, Re: Viking We sailed last year with Scenic a week before JVille Gal and had booked back in November of 2013 and originally booked with Viking but they wanted FULL PAYMENT 16 months prior to our cruise. Our cruise with Scenic was and are you sitting down $10,000 cheaper than The Nickle Dime Viking and we had Limo Transfers, Private Butlers, All Inclusive with Private Concerts in Vienna and Budapest and had a cabin that was out of this world Royal Panorama Suite. Only paid $1000 each to book and final payment wasn't due until 90 days prior to the cruise..

Saw lots of Viking ships that weren't getting through because of low water issues and so folks were having to change ships in mid stream.

Wishing you

Smooth Sailings

LoneStarCruisinCouple

I totally agree with what you are saying as there are getting to be way too many River Cruise boats. Yes I understand all to well in what you said about going out on your balcony as to enjoy and have a libation or two but when you have another ship's balcony starring you in the face sort of puts a damoer on things. Was fun however as we were on the Scenic Jasper in a Royal Panorama Suite and our counter parts were on a Viking ship in an Explorer Suite and they were amazed at our cabin and we shared in a glass of wine together.

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Hi

My daughter and I are sailing on the Viking Kvasir Basel to Amsterdam on June 29th. We have booked a post cruise extension with Viking in Amsterdam. The extension includes a walking tour on the first day, but we would like to book a tour of Amsterdam on the second day. Has anyone used a tour company in Amsterdam? We have used Viator in other locations and been happy with their tours. When I contacted them about their Anne Frank House and Jewish Historical Museum tour they emailed me back that they were contracting new rates from their supplier and didn't know when they would have updated information. I have read that Anne Frank House tickets go quickly so I would like to book them as soon as possible. Any ideas about Amsterdam tours and other sightseeing tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

Howdy hdcnm:

This is LoneStarCruisinCouple and we cruised last yearin September with Scenic Jewels of Europe Amsterdam to Budapest. We had three days in Amsterdam and used Toms Travel Tours. http://www.tomstraveltours.com

Not only is he rated as one of the best travel guides in Amsterdam by TripAdvisor he is also rated as one of the best travel photographers in Europe. Is really very nice as while you are exploring he is also taking photos of you and your tour and gives them to you when finished. Also if you have time try out Jewels Dinner Cruises and if you might like to have a nice view of the city try out the RoofTop Bar on top of the Doubletree Hotel.

Smooth Sailings

LoneStarCruisinCouple

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Hi - so glad to hear about The Toren - we booked there for our Rhine River cruise coming up in Aug. - mostly based on TripAdvisor reviews. So looking forward to it. Thanks for the tips - I was thinking about a dinner cruise.

Morning Cyber Kat,

All I can say is that you and your Husband are in for a very nice Treat. The Toren is so very Romantic and the location is excellent with not only having the Ann Frank Huis right around the corner maybe a 5 minute walk if that you are also very close to Winkle's and The Best Apple Pie in All Of Amsterdam, nothing at all like what we have here so all I can say is if you are out and walking around sight seeing it is well worth your While to stop and try.

Kelly and Priscilla are so very attentive to all of the needs of the folks that are staying at The Toren and one can see why very quickly as to why they are rated number one by Trip Advisor.

Depending on your time that you have but something that is also very nice is to go up to the cocktail lounge that is located at the top of The Double Tree called The Roof Top, the view in the evening as the sun is setting is very nice and the drinks aren't bad either.

If you are planning on having a dinner cruise I would recommend that you contact which ever one it is that you may decide to use and make a booking reservation with them as they tend to fill up rather fast.

If I may ask as to where is it that you are going to be cruising too? Going down The Rhine ,Main, and Danube to Budapest? If you are going to Budapest and have an evening as to spend having dinner Lisa and I would also Highly recommend The Fisherman's Bastion. Is located up on Castle Hill and the view in The Evening as The Lights of the city start coming on is well it is like a Fairyland with all The Twinkling Lights of The City at your feet and the food and service EXCELLENT. I had also hired a Horse and Carriage to pick us up at The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel and to take us to The Bastion and then take us back to our hotel. What an evening.

Hoping that this may help and wishing you Smooth Sailings and a FUNTASTIC Cruise.

Lisa and I are getting ready to spend April and May over on Maui and The Big Island of Hawaii so no cruise this year but have already booked for The Spectacular South Of France With Paris and Monte Carlo for September of 2017 with Scenic. The service that one gets is just so so very nice with having Limo Transfers to the hotel and then from the hotel to the ship and visa versa and The Private Butler as to bring you coffee and Orange Juice or Breakfast which was so very nice as we were in what was called a Royal Panorama Suite all the way in the back of the ship. The Sun Loungers and The Tailormade GPS systems and The E Bikes and everything was included. Not an Empty Glass on The entire cruise and the Private concerts just an unbelievable experience on a Top Notch River Cruise Company.

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

I have two questions for anyone who has traveled with Viking River Cruises:

 

How far in advance did you book your flights? I'm going coach. Trip is in late September, early October (Avignon-Lyon). It's only been maybe 2 weeks since I put down my deposit. I'm just curious what the average time is for booking flights.

 

Also, I am paying for an add on package, French Riviera / Nice. If you booked this package, did you get the hotel mentioned in the brochure (Le Meridien, I believe) or was it something else?

Howdy zitsky,

This is LoneStarCruisnCouple, Lisa and Gary from Sugar land,Texas where life is simply just a little Sweeter.

We are booked for a similar trip for September of 2017 but is with Scenic and is called Spectacular South Of France with Paris. An Evening in Paris at The Scribe hotel by Sofitel and then by TGV train To Chalon-sur-Saone with a Twelve day cruise down to Tarascon and then over to Nice for a return Flight.

Our Trip also like you includes Airfare but this is for coach only. If you should choose you can either get a credit towards your cruise in our case is $1000 each and or get $1500 each towards an upgrade into Business Class. Most airlines is normally about seven months out as to making reservations.

We like you are flying over to Paris several days ahead of time but staying at The same Hotel that Scenic uses so we won't have to pack and relocate. At the end similar to you we are spending several days in Nice and also at The La Maridian, also used by Scenic. Our trip is for September 15,2017 thru until the 28th but we are flying out on the 11 arriving into Paris on the 12 and having the extra days there and flying out of Nice on October the 2 returning back into Houston.

We have cruised with Scenic before and like the ALL Inclusive as not being Nickle and Dimmed to Death and like the Transfers and The Private Butler and The Sun Lounge that all Balconies have and The E Bikes and The Tailormade GPS systems.

Looking forward to another Great and Wonderful Cruise.

Yes the cruise that we are going to be sharing is Terrific, with all The Wineriies and the Tastings,but it is about the Folks That You meet and The Friendships that are Formed as Those Ships Shall Sail Forever.

Hi JVilleGal, Not long now..

Gary

Howdy Everyone,

This is LoneStarCruisnCouple and on our last European River cruise Amsterdam to Budapest with Scenic we stayed at The Toren Hotel rated number one on TripAdvisor and The Four Seasons Gresham Palace also rated number one.

The Toren was impeccable and was located in The Jorrdan District with The Anne Frank Huis Right around the Corner of which if you are planning to go be sure and get your tickets on The internet as the Lines just unbelievable.

The Rooms,The Service,The Food all Top Notch. If you are looking for a Private Tour Guide can highly recommend Toms Travel Tours. Not only very well versed in The city itself but is also one of The Best Travel Photographers in all of Europe and while you are on a tour he has his camera and is catching you and your wife or husband as you are discovering Amsterdam on your tour.

Be sure if staying over in the Jorrdan Distict to go by Winkles and try a slice of Apple Pie unlike anything here. Rated as The Best Apple Pie in Amsterdam. Would also recommend Jewels dinner Cruises as to take an evening cruise of The Canals with your loved one. Guys very Romantic. Also while in Amsterdam may want to experience what is called an Indonesian Rice Table. Recommend Tempoe Doeloe. For The last 23 years booked solid every single night.

If in Budapest recommend for one evening going to Fisherman's Bastion for dinner. The View just so beautiful with all the Lights of Budapest at your feet and if needing a guide Tom Zelenyanszky. He is the guide that is used when The Movie Stars are coming to The Four Seasons. tom.budapestguide@hotmail.com

Hoping this may be of some help to those of you that are trying to figure out as yes the planning is a big part of any trip and yes the cruise is Great but it is the folks that you meet and the friendships that are formed as those are the ships That Shall Sail Forever.

Lisa and Gary

Lone StarCruisnCouple

We are looking at a Tauck cruise for May of 2017 and our agent suggested Scenic. I've read quite a bit about Scenic so know about their history and passenger demographics being mostly non-American (which sounds nice.) I did see some complaints about how they handled low river a year or two ago (realizing low river affects all boats but it's how the line handles it that is important) and the quality of the food. Any one have personal experiences such that they would or would not recommend Scenic? Thanks.

Morning stirod,

What can I say about Scenic other than Lisa and myself had nothing but a Great and Wonderful time. The service was impeccable, the cabin we were in was simply stunning Royal Panorama Suite, and in being with a bunch of folks from Down Under was unbelievable. Those folks do certainly know how to enjoy life to the fullest.

Yes I guess it was the food or should I maybe say the lack of having enough folks to wait on everyone all at once that was or seemed at least to me to be a weak link. have been told that they have addressed there problem so I guess we shall see as we have booked for another cruise with them for September of 2017 for The Spectacular South Of France with Paris and Nice.

I guess in having a Suite on board did give us some extras but all in all with having the private Butler for all was a very nice touch as we were all the way in the back of the ship and having him to bring coffee and orange juice and sometimes breakfast was nice. The Limo transfers that were given to us as in from the airports to the hotels and then onto the ship and visa versa, just the size of the cabin as we were on one of the newest ships in the fleet The Jasper and our cabin was 475 Sq Ft. huge. We had a cocktail party the first evening and had 14 folks and there was still room to spare and that was with an extremely nice table of wine and cheeses that the Butler had set up and did all of the serving during the evening. All I can say is Yes Yes and Yes I would recommend Scenic to anyone. In fact we were booked for Viking but cancelled as they not only were 10,000 more expensive than Scenic but they had wanted full payment 16 months before our cruise instead of the standard 90 days.

From our experiences from last September when the rivers were low our ship got through without any problems at all as compared to most having to change folks over to other ships

during the coarse of the cruise.

Anyways all I can say is that I am sure that all cruise lines have there good and bad points and it is more a matter of what is best for you. Maybe whether it be price and or itinerary or whatever it may be. The biggest factor is to go and have FUN. Yes the cruises are Great as for us and most a lot more intimate and more enjoyable than the large Ocean Cruises but the thing that is best is the folks that you meet and the friendships that are formed as those are the types of ships that shall sail forever.

Smooth Sailings

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Lisa and Gary

Oh if you are doing Amsterdam and Budapest would highly recommend The Toren in Amsterdam and The Four Seasons Gresham Palace in Budapest both rated number one by TripAdvisor.

Howdy, and yes like the rest of you we as well have caught that very contagious River Cruisin Bug.

So stress free and so so much more intimate than that of Ocean Cruising.

We did our first last year with Scenic a company out of Australia and just had such a Great and Wonderful time. Our Cruise was The Jewels of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest and we spent three days in both and enjoyed to the Fullest.

Scenic was an ALL Inclusive and didn't Nickle and Dime you to death as in the case with Viking.

From Limos picking us up at The Airport and taking us to our hotels and taking us to the ship, to Private Butlers , to all excursions, to never having your glass go empty, to swimming pools on the new ships Jasper ,Opal,and Amber ours was the Jasper to having the largest current cabins on The Rivers at 475 SQ. Ft in The Royal Panorama Suites and also having there Electric Bicycles, and also what is called Tailor made GPS systems. All Just top notch from start to finish. Also nice was having about 100 Australians and 40 ish Canadians and the rest a mixture. Those Australians just know a secret and that is in how to enjoy Life to the fullest. So much FUN.

All I can say is that I am sure that all the various different cruise lines have there good points and there bad points and I'm sure that depending on whom you may talk with that they have there favorite for us Scenic as they could only do EXCELLENT.

Yes we have already Pre Booked for another unfortunately not until September of 2017 as we shall be spending April and May in Hawaii. Is called Spectacular South of France with Paris and Nice. Ahh I can certainly Taste Those Wines Now..

Hoping and Wishing For All Smooth Sailings and Most importantly is

All For Fun and Fun For All. ENJOY!!

Loungin" Laughin" Lovin" n Libations"

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Jeb_bud, Have a call into Scenic and wanting to talk with a particular person that is off today. Is a supervisor up at the office in Vancouver and did our last booking last year.

Looking at Romantic Rhine with Moselle and Switzerland in September of 2017. The two dates that I see posted are for just cruise from Amsterdam to Basel leaves on the 4 and from Basel to Amsterdam leaves on the 18th which is really the one that we prefer as we want to spend more time in Switzerland than Amsterdam.

Don't see any pricing plus we are looking at The Royal Panorama Suite once again. Just wanted to let you know. Maybe you may be interested?

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Lisa and Gary

dakota242@windstream.net

We are not booking through Scenic. All they offer on their program is coach. As we have become older, we just won't take coach on long trips. Would rather stay home.(the ever shrinking coach seats have some to do with that too.) We booked all international legs first class on Icelander, and in fact will spend a couple of days there on the way over. Much less expensive. While lacking "lay flat seats" it at least has decent space in its regular first seats. And we can do a 45 minute flight from our home in Durango, and get on Icelander from there. Of course, I can't comment with accuracy on Icelander until late next summer when I have experienced it.

Hey There Dolebludger, this is Lone StarCruisinCouple, Where in Durango do you live as we are looking at a home at The Glacier Club but have property over in Pagosa Springs and have a realtor going today to look at and give us a report on that is already built. We go to Carver Brothers when we come up to ski and coming up later this year to do some looking and talking with some builders.

Lone Star

I think rafting is or should be a non issue. The fancy balcony cabins are certainly not able to be used as people intend and that ladies and gentlemen is where the issue is.

 

These folks see the beautiful commercials on TV and that is exactly what they expect..... Reality is somewhat different on the river!

Research and adjusted expectations is what Cruise Critic provides and hopefully you do that research before leaving and not after the fact!

Very well said Kathleen, Hoping that you are feeling better.

Gary

Currently in Budapest, arrived on the Avalon Illumination sailed from Amsterdam 9/11 and "Sailed" (not bussed) into Budapest 9/24 on Thursday morning. We did not have any bussing and was able to sail thru the troubled low water spots but just before Budapest was advised of not only low water but a broken lock. Miraculously our fabulous Captain was able to sail us into Budapest when we had originally been told it was not possible and that we would "Disembark" an hour outside of Budapest and be bussed.

 

We got very lucky as did the Avalon Panarama who arrived Budapest the day after us, each cruise lines boats are capable of different low water navigation. Apparently Viking long boats need more/deeper water.

Morning

Like JVilleGal we were on The Scenic Jasper September 2- 16 and had no issues at all with the Low Water Levels however did see and talk with a lot of folks that were on Viking ships and like some of you enjoyed expensive bus rides to get to various different ports and excursions.

Yes it is a shame that some of the ships are having issues but then again it isn't the fault of the various companies as they are relying on Mother Nature.

I can also side with those of you that are experiencing having to be bused here and there as that isn't what you have paid for or traveled so far to have to wind up in doing.

River cruising is a New Venue for most but it is also such a Great and Wonderful way as to see some of those out of the way places that most only ever get to read about.

There is certainly a lot of companies out there as to try and figure out which one is the Right One. I guess what it boils down to is The Time that you may want to be traveling and what it is that you want to experience while doing so as various companies offer so much more than others.

For us we were booked on a Viking ship key word is were as we cancelled On The Lif and rebooked with Scenic. They are truly a Luxury River Cruise Line in every sense of the word and in our case didn't want their Final Payment 16 months prior to departure. How insane plus if some of you are really doing your homework not to long ago The Better Business Bureau rating for Viking had been revoked and then seemingly overnite was back. Makes one wonder.

Anyways all I can say is I hope that all that are getting ready to go and for those of you that are in The Planning Stages I wish all a Great and Wonderful Time.

Yes the cruise is oh so very nice but it is the folks that you meet and the Friendships that are formed as those are The Ships that shall Sail Forever

Wishing All Smooth Sailings

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Howdy there Ladies,

This is Lisa and Gary LoneStarCruisinCouple and we are flying out tomorrow afternoon for Amsterdam.

Seeing that we shall be celebrating our 27th Wedding Anniversary while on our cruise and my lovely wife shall be dressing up for me I thought it was only fitting that I dress up for her as I am taking along Two Sports Jackets, Three Dress Shirts, couple pairs of Dress Slacks, some ties and figured also doing up for the Concert at Liechtenstein palace.

Yes I know maybe packing way too much but better to have too much than too little. Shall be cool in Amsterdam as while in Budapest at least for now shall be nice and Post Toastie. Hot.

So excited and just can't wait for all of the plans that we have made to start falling into place.

Good Afternoon Doreman,

Sounds to me as if you had a very enjoyable first time European River Cruise.

Lisa and I are set to fly out of Houston on the 29th of this month so getting very close now and we are scheduled to be boarding the Brand new Scenic Opal on September 2,2015.

We are doing the Jewels of Europe 15 day tour Amsterdam to Budapest and we have three days at each end of the cruise that we booked ourselves.

In Amsterdam we are staying at The Toren and in Budapest we are staying at The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel and looking forward to our experience at both as they are rated by TravelAdvisor as number 1 in each city.

I have been doing a lot of planning as yes like you this is our first river cruise but we are also celebrating our 27th Wedding Anniversary while on the cruise and just trying my best as to get Brownie Points. At my age I need all the help that I can get. Lisa is 60 and I am 64.

First question as what would you say was the median age of the folks that cruised with you?

Second as what was the dress code like? Maybe what one would consider cruise casual. Like Slacks and a nice Polo. Did anyone wear jeans? What did the ladies wear.

You had made mention of not getting the full use of your Butler. What do you mean as we are all the way in the very back on the Diamond deck in what is called a Royal Panorama Suite. Do know that we have a Mini Van that is meeting us at the airport and taking us to our hotel and then picking us up at our hotel and taking us to the ship and the same in reverse when we get into Budapest. Do have a bottle of Bubbly waiting in our cabin when we board.

Have arranged already with the folks at Scenic as the day of our Anniversary we shall have the Butler not only bringing flowers but also serving breakfast out on the balcony and also bringing along a pitcher of Mimosas and that evening dinning at Portobellos.

Third how was the food? Did you have a good selection as to choose from on the menu? How was Table La Rive?

Seeing that you were from the USA how did you get all of your items like cameras and cell phones and razors all charged up??

Do they furnish Binoculars? Did you try the Electric Bicycles?

Sorry for so many questions but I guess seeing that you are the Pro now that maybe you might make some recommendations.

Oh in Budapest we are doing the Fisherman's Bastion with a Horse and Carriage taking us and bringing us back to our hotel. More Brownie Points..

Hoping that you can give us some much appreciated pointers.

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Yes, very much looking forward to reading the full review. Ours is Amsterdam to Budapest next September, still a long wait but still nice to hear about part of the trip.

Hello Wendy ,

This is Lisa and Gary LoneStarCruisinCouple and we are just days away now from going on our Scenic Jewels of Europe Cruise on The Opal. We set forth on our to be Awesome Cruising Adventure on September 2,2015. We are staying at The Toren Hotel which according to Trip Advisor is the number one hotel in Amsterdam and in Budapest staying at The Four Seasons also rated the number one hotel in Budapest on TripAdvisor.

We are lucky as we are in one of the brand new Royal Panorama Suites on the opal. keeping our fingers crossed as hoping that the recent rains have put enough water into the Danube that the ships can get through without having to do any ship swaps.

So excited as we are celebrating our Wedding Anniversary while on the cruise and have dinner reservations at The Fisherman's Bastion and also have a Horse and Carriage picking us up at the hotel and waiting while we have dinner.

I would recommend if you have a chance as to also look into doing the Jewels Dinner cruise in Amsterdam

Wishing you Smooth Sailings and a Fun Filled Fun Packed Adventure on your cruise.

We just got back from 2 weeks in the Baltics on Celebrity. Had a blast. Great mix of ages and very interesting people.

 

Asked several couples about river cruises and they all said NO because the age group on a river cruise is much older and often less mobile.

 

Is that correct?

 

We'd like a river cruise with active, well traveled, well read FUN people

 

Ideas?

Fogfog,

Interesting name,

anyways for me to say one is better than the other would be a mistake as Lisa and I are getting ready to take our first.

I would say it is all a matter of personal taste and as to when and where it is that you may want to cruise to.

For us we had originally booked with Viking however when they were $10,000 more expensive than Scenic and wanted paid in full 16 months prior to our cruise we cancelled.

I chose Scenic for several reasons but one for sure is that they are an Australian Company and I have lived in Australia and when you said you are looking for Active and Fun folks well all I can say is the folks from Down Under certainly know how to enjoy life to the fullest.

In my opinion and it is an opinion I would venture in saying in reading and comparing that Tauck, AMA, Uniworld, and Scenic would be up towards the top of the list. Just a mater of when you want to travel and where it is that you want to go

and what it is that is important to you. Re what each cruise line has to offer.

We are fortunate to be booked into what I would say is one of if not the largest Suites currently offered on the river and that is what is called a Royal Panorama Suite. Yes all the way in the back of the ship but with 475 Sq Ft of space and a View that is so very hard to bet I would certainly recommend.

If you get a moment and go to a Website called Scenic.com.AU and over on the Left hand side go to where it says All inclusive and go down to where it says our 5 Star Ships and open. Next page go down to where it says All Inclusive Luxury yes that's right ALL INCLUSIVE there is a picture of a lady standing in front of one of the new ships called the Jasper and it is a 4 minute Video of not only our Cabin but it also will give you an idea as to what to expect.

You had made mention of active! Well I am 64 and I would say that when I get on that ship I become a young Whipper Snapper of about 29 and my wife becomes a Hot Chick of about 26. Could possibly be because of the drinks already in our hands but all in all yes I would say that River cruise do have a tendency as to have a more Mature lot of folks cruising as a little more expensive than that of Ocean cruises with the cost of Airfare and All.

Lisa and I are celebrating our 27 Wedding Anniversary and are doing a 15 day Jewels of Europe going from Amsterdam to Budapest with 3 Days in both cities. Booked into the Toren Hotel in Amsterdam and into the Four Seasons Gresham Palace hotel in Budapest.

Will maybe give you a little insight and all I can say is you shall never know until you at least try once..

Wishing you Smooth Sailings

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple:):)

I booked a Emerald River Cruise for June next year under the sale puff that this was a special book early deal never to be repeated. Now they are offering an even better deal and its still 11 months before the cruise. I have asked for this better deal to be applied to my booking and they have refused. This is not a last minute bargain deal to fill the boat but 11 months in advance. So if you want to get the best deal do not book early with Emerald. They will only ever catch me once and I will never use them again

So sorry to read of your bad experience with Emerald as I would of thought that with being a brand new company and all that they would be just about willing to bend over backwards as to help establish a new market. If I was you I would get their corporate offices involved in solving your issue. Did you book directly though them or a TA? Can't hurt as to try and I think that you may be surprised in seeing what a phone call and or an email to the right person can do. Emerald is a part of Scenic and if you don't get any satisfaction I would go to the Corporate offices of Scenic in Australia.

Hoping that this may help .

Gary

Howdy to All From The Land From Down Under,

This is going out to any of you that may be possibly cruising with us on the Scenic Opal.

The point of advertising is to put your product in the best light possible light. Just because other lines choose not to advertise should not be a reason to criticize Viking. I think all cruise lines have enjoyed an increase in business because of Viking's ads

Just saying Hi and I agree in what you had said. Everyone doesn't have the same taste and what may appeal to one person may not be the others cup of tea. It is simply about having FUN and enjoying . Sure some cruise lines offer more than others but it is what one feels comfortable with. Myself Viking No but that is my opinion and for Lisa and I Scenic for sure YES. Like you you like Uniworld and Kathleen likes Avalon. Big World and Lots of ships so I agree trade ideas and info but that is what it should be about is for the enjoyment of all.

Good Day To One and All,

This is LoneStarCruisinCouple Coming at you live this morning from Sugar Land,Texas.

Just wanted to say that I am still hoping that some of you that have been lurking all this time may finally come and say howdy and join in as we get ready to set sail.

Good Afternoon QueenofEverything,

We like most were originally booked on Viking in an Explorer Suite but when we saw all the Perks that we are getting and being $10,000 cheaper plus didn't have to pay 16 months ahead of time well for us just a No Brainer. We have three days in Amsterdam prior to our cruise. Staying at the Toren Hotel and three days in Budapest post after our cruise and staying at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace. Oh if you get time go onto your computer and look at a Website scenic.com.au

Over on the left hand side All Inclusive go down to our 5 Star Ships and open.

On that page where it says All Inclusive Luxury there is a lady standing in front of the Scenic Jasper and is a 4 minute video of Scenic's ships but more so the cabin they are using is our Cabin. Royal Panorama Suite. I think we are like you said going to have fun as with a boat load of Australian can't help be fun.

Any pointers you may recommend?

Like you said lots of walking.

Sorry not big into sports. Someone has to win and someone has to loose. All overpaid..

I am retired from Continental airlines and Lisa is a Neo Nurse Practitioner at Texas Children's Hospital downtown.

She is 60 and me I'm 64.

Looking forward to showing all some True Texas Hospitality..

Yippee.