alexandra cruiser

Besides those two,can also compare with AMA and Scenic for more hi end experience.I just put a hold on a Scenic for same area(next May)because I did a cost comparison and for ME it was a better deal.

If forced to make the other choice,would go with Uniworld just because my 2 experience on that line have been better than the one on Avalon.In every respect,better food,service,entertainment,etc.

But remember every SHIP in every LINE can be different in many respects.Also, ea.country seems to effect cruise experience too.

Thanks all,never heard that about Tripadvisor.I,too,was skeptical of that review..all BAD? no way.

Now we need a few positive member reviews from this yr.

Have been on 10 river cruises,so know what to expect and what not to.Think some go on them not realizing how different they are.

Just read an awful review on Tripadvisor for Scenic.They complained about poor food,lack of entertainment,poor AC and said not a five star experience.

Wow, we need some positive ones. Hope mine in 1 mo.will be MUCH BETTER.

Anyone??:confused:

Uniworld is "average"? There is certainly nothing average about the price and I didn't get the impression that most would rank it a such.

 

Here we go again.

As you can see I put "hi"average.Again only from MY experience and some member reviews I ve seen.When I took them they were not all inclusive,so may rate hi er now.

Would you now rate them "luxury"? Sorry, to each his own.AS I ve said.

That link doesn't open, but you've both given me a great start! Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

sorry, typed it wrong.,,,,http://www.cruisecritic.com/river.that should work.just tried it.hope it helps get you started.

PS.I prefer cruises that use TAs,since both Grand Circle and Vantage DO NOT,I avoid them.just me.Like the perks of a TA and like hotel style beds,not Pullman,etc.Must choose for yourself whats important.Others can only offer what THEY like.

Thank you for great review.

We also took AMA and LOVED it.

Wish I d had all these details before.

Hope you posted this under member reviews too.Many will find this very useful.

PS.we went in Dec.and also had no problems with bugs.

Thanks both - very helpful comments . Now I feel more relaxed about it. These things happen ...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You re much more forgiving re this mix up.I would be raising the roof and never use that TA again.Even if they did give a discount,or OBC.

A veranda is a MUST for me.Not sure if I would go,but guess if all the rest paid for??Maybe they can UPGRADE you later?:mad::confused:

Here is where a sticky above(or under announcement)would be of service to this type question.

Try using http://www.cruisecritic/river.com and should lead you to all the info you need.

Then when you have some idea of ship,itinerary,etc.We would be glad to answer specific questions.

Most rank them.Luxury(or premium)..Scenic,Tauck,Ama

then hi average.Viking,Uniworld,Avalon.

Lo end..Vantage,Grand Circle,Gate 1.

Look at all the extras,make a comparision sheet.Look at videos,google,lots of info out there.

Many on another Viking thread have complained that size of ship hindered where it could go,as compared to a Uniworld,etc.Others have said it seemed to be mostly bus tours.lots of time in Bordeuax.Is it worth taking RIVER cruise to this region?

See besides Uniworld,that Scenic will also be offering it next yr.So sort of an emerging market?

Will wait and see the various reviews.

A day to day review would be great,all details very helpful.Hope you have a great time.Let us know.

Thanks for tip, I ve tried almost every product.Never heard of that one.Will give it a try.

Terrific ideas -- and do want to share with you that all of our river cruise reviews, features, and port information is available to you here: cruisecritic.com/river. In fact we just re-designed the section, hopefully it's helpful to you.

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

I agree that has great info.The problem is getting to it.You need direct link of some kind,sticky,announcement,etc.so that newbies can easily find it.Or we can direct them to it with a click.Would prevent all the similar questions.

Going June 13.Have been to Budapest before.Loved it and wanted to go back and spend more time there.

Scenic had the best dates,itinerary,and ships for this area.Love the 5 star claims,HOPE its really true.

Even put a HOLD on N.France for 2015.The jr.suites (and above)go fast it seems.

Hope someone will let us know how this yrs.cruises are going??Need up to date reviews PLEASE>:D:D

THis made me smile.My hair is VERY curly and down here in FL.its humid,most of time.So I wake up with FRIZZ.Just as I do on cruise.

So instead of taking life long cruise,move down here.hahah:)

Not sure about Australia rules(or NZ) for TAs.But in US we often get extra discounts,OBCs ,tips paid,cash back,etc.Depends on which one.

Also, they can take care of any probls.,become your advocate.

I ve done it both ways and since it costs nothing and I get back things,always use TA now.

For instance,I too took a RCL cruise and had MANY cabin probs.My TA helped me get a credit for future cruise,and percentage refund.

No downside that I can see.

I m taking my first on that line in 6 wks.(Budapest to Bucharest) and wonder if any of you could post reviews of current season cruising?

Realize not as many go on this line(since it seems the thread is all Viking,all the time).

But would like up to date comments.

Thanks in advance.

ALso emailed host Dan,did not know about Host Jazzbeau being away.

Also know there is a website just for river cruises,,,can google river cruise advisor.or avid cruiser.

Give an overview and photos.

They did have separate cruise sections for awhile,but changed it back.

I agree its ALL VIKING,alll the time,it seems.??:confused::confused:

Re.putting together the sticky,It would be up to one of the HOsts of the website here to ask management,I m assuming.

Did email 2 of them,also started a thread re this.Just to make it easier to find the CC info.Good for newbies.Helps with overall questions.;)

This is exactly the reason we need a sticky for the great river cruise info on CC that is impossible to find.

To get a comparison of lines,,try going to CC main page and under SEARCH type river cruise info.Will give all the major lines and pricing ideas.Hope that helps.

Any of the main lines will offer more..like Viking,Avalon,Uniworld,etc.then can go up to more upscale like Scenic,AMA,Tauck.Will pay more and get more perks.THat might help.

I ve been on all the above,tend to get what you PAY for.BUdget is a main factor,lots of research under member review,too.;)

I agree but think that other one could be incorporated under Ports section.A little more narrow interest in that,I m afraid.

BUt this would really help to answer basic questions,to find it now you must type river cruise info on main page under Search.Not even listed there ,that I can see under Cruises.:confused:

They both usually list CRUISE ONLY price,so will have lower rates.

We have done this numerous times,look at brochure or web for separate listings.

Also, good TA can easily handle this.PS. we DID the Lisbon ext.on that one and worth the extra days,if you can swing the vacation time.Lovely city and nice scenic ride ,with stops to Porto.

Here s an update.Just rec d brochure and now has Jan.22 and Feb.7 cruises listed for lower rate.Only Dec.21 still hi er.

Guess it pays to wait till later to book?Sure they d give you that price if booked before,at least they did for me on last one.

No response to this?

Hope CC considers it.Hosts?

Also emailed them re this request,but still no answer.ODD>

I always do to get up to date info from others.

But remember ,,CC only known to a small percentage of cruisers.

Larger the line,more the roll call numbers,it seems.

Often not able to meet and greet when its held first day,right after lifeboat drills(which is often the case).Prefer doing it second day,or sea day, so not so much going on.

My DH is not as social and often times "passes"on it.

You can read about the current Viking cruise in that region here on CC boards.They had some problem with first one,but others seem to be going better.

We re thinking of this one too.On Scenic for 2015.BUt waiting for more feedback about that region on a riverboat.We ve done lots of France in car and loved it,but getting to point where we prefer NOT DRIVING anymore.So love the convenience on this type vacation.

We also do like Caviargirl and eat onshore when we chose.Not STUCK on boat ALL the time.

It varies with ea.port.You can get some idea from itinerary in brochure or website,but always depends on so many things.Cant count on certain times,due to weather,locks,ship traffic,etc.

Therefore, I never book a guide or tour that requires me to pay up front.Have missed entire ports and then had no luck collecting for missed tours.