alexandra cruiser

for longer ones @$2.oo per couple.Few short hops $1.00,but really seems to vary among passengers from what I saw.They seemed happy to be tipped anything,it seemed.;)

I always check out each port,country,etc.tourism website.They give lots of info and further sites to look at.Also, ask for brochures they send free.I end up with so much info, have to really par it down.PS. this is another tip, when pressed and need specific info re.walking to site,or restarant.I llcall the toll free number of hotel in area and ask questions,have had lots of good info given to me that way.;)

generally.Yes, drivers get tips.Don t worry about names, you ll be informed ahead of time about everything.Just have plenty of $1 bills.Re.school supplies,can dole them out as you see fit.No need to leave all at 1.I ran out early and gave my samples of travel soaps,shampoos,etc. Kids appreciate anything.

I was there last yr.at this time,and had so much fun.Would love to go again,one of my favorites so far.We even took a few pm s off from temple viewing and wandered on our own,swam in pools,had nice lunch in town,etc.Sometimes you need a little down time,very intensive and can be exhausting in the heat.;)

and have been on 11 river cruises with the major companies.In general,you get what you pay for.Find out whats important to you in your budget range.

We started on mid range lines like Avalon,Viking,Uniworld,etc. Now prefer the top range(can afford them finally).like Scenic,AMA,Tauck,etc.

Look at websites,get brochures,look at DETAILS and itineraries.

Remember, can always switch to another line next time.I use a TA that helps too.

I m one who has no FAVORITE line per se,ea.ship,country,itinerary, can be different in same line.Big job ahead of you,but have fun.;)

What's your specific issue with Seabourn's formal dress night? The dress code is Formal Optional on SB.

he doesnt even like to wear a sports coat,happy in shirt or sweater.

Never stopped complaining about having to "dress up" on SB.

So like the country club casual route.;)

Azamara seems to be the one for you.

Thanks for the smoking update on SB.That makes a big difference and may look at that line again.Ex.for that, I LOVED IT>now if they d only change the formal dress nite,haha.Have been sailing with Oceania and Regent for those 2 reasons.;)

also look under roll call section for same.Can get lots of info on both.

I ve used the shore excursion program on O, and sometimes good,depends on ea port.On roll call,many will get together and do exursion together,privately.Look at all your options.Do list them on O website ahead of time to determine,plus cost,etc.Lots of info,just have to research ahead of time.:)

and just a reminder,acc.to lists I ve read,Seaborn is a luxury line while Axamara is premium. So some perks on one,not other.Have to really look at all the details.But it its first experience up from mass market lines,agree you ll like either.

Ive never been on A,but did SB.Loved MOST of amenities,but NOT THE SMOKING ,allowed on SB in cabins,balcony,some bars,etc.That s a deal breaker for us,NOW.Have you looked at Regent,Oceania,also premium and luxury®, love both of them too?:)

re status of wait list exc.Almost all of them we were able to get on.Can always call and ask a little before.Think they try to make arrangements for extra people,more buses,etc.if they get a lot for 1 particular exc.Seems they tend to also extra ones after we re onboard,and have changed to those on a few occ.;)

Thinking of taking this and wonder how you like it.Any details re ship/cabins,excursions,food,ports,etc...would be great.:)

Thanks JKLC123.

Have you been on Viking?

that section here on CC and the reviews for ea.line and ship.

To get the Regent experience, I agree you almost must get a suite.The closest I ve found so far is Scenic(trying my first this June).Booked a jr.suite with tub,butler,balcony,room service,tips,drinks,et...all inc.

The next closest IMO would be AMA long ships.Viking is considered mid range,along with Uniworld,Avalon.Another luxury line is Tauck.But they only have french balconies,no tubs,and some amenities missing.

Even then,you ll see the difference in quality of above services,but boats are small,cabins too.Must get thru river locks.PS.they book up WAY in advance,most 1 yr.minimum.EVen put a refundable hold on Scenic for 2015.I alternate between ocean and river to get the best of both worlds.:)

its fine by me.Hate that and won t go on lines that require it anymore.

Or at least make it OPTIONAL.But that has been discussed ad infinitum on many posts.

And I would have NO problem at all on new Insignia.Do get a brochure from company for many pics and lots of info,besides its website.:)

and realize there are negative reviews as well as positve.

Since I ve already put a deposit down,will just have to HOPE for the best.

If its a bad experience,I won t go again.Plus, will post a review.

My TA said this was a "luxury line" and giving them a try due to best itinerary for area I want.Brochure looks GREAT,but do know they had their ISSUES with the river flooding and ended up with bus trips.Guess a few companies handled it much better.

Having been on 10 river cruises with all the top companies, I realize every ship,country,crew,etc....can be different,,,seems a roll of the dice sometimes.;)

You'll love Oceania! Most people report almost no noise from above in the PH and for some:)the space and butler are worth it.

assoc.with the PH on the R ships.Like the bathtub,hot room service full breakfast,butler,extra dining res.in spec.rest,etc....I find the reg.cabins a little small.Not like the larger Oceania ships were we can book concierge level.

We like the lack of long lines for buffets,shore exc.,pool chairs,etc...also LOVE the no formal nites.Once you go small, you never go back.:)

Oh, have never had loud noise from above in PH.

we LOVE the smaller ships for many other reasons.

The piano player is always GREAT,no matter which ship,it seems.

Also, like the small string orchestra in hall at nite.

We DO go to the song and dance shows,but tend to avoid the magicians,comedians,etc.Plus, venues are NOT PACKED like the big ships.

Give it a TRY,see if its for you,good luck.:)

I get a kick out of reading and sharing them.

and that makes me feel better,the thought of poor food for a week is not too appetizing.

Know its not up to ocean ships,just due to size,I guess.But in 10 river cruises its been pretty good.Some better than others,of course.Odd but the BEST I ve had was on AMA in Vietnam(and I wasn t expecting THAT).

All in all, the best way to see much of the world.

But nice to get what you pay for and expect.:)

of river cruising,it seems hard to believe that a LUXURY line would be serving frozen food.How can it be rated 5star if thats the case?

Surprised more people haven t complained about this.

The crew is important,but there should NOT be that big of a difference between ships.

Anyone else have comments?:confused:

and it was awful. Sounds like same cruise,odd such different opinions??

Anyone else have this experience?

When I read these negative reviews,makes me second guess my choice.

Then I read a good one and feel better.

Guess I ll just have to give it a try in June and see for myself.:confused:

and found it TOO SMALL for us. Not enough variety in dining,lounging,entertainment,etc. So this one would most likely be the same.

Like the 400 to 700 passenger size the best.Like Regent,Seabourne,Oceania.;)

go first. We wanted a jr.suite and only 2 avail.so can understand those being booked far in advance.

Have never taken this level on river cruise and want to try it and see if worth the money.Like the bathtub,full balcony, and room service ..

usually go for mid cabin,mid deck.:)

and spent 3 days in Madrid on own before,agree 2 days in Grenada would be ideal,at least.

I don t speak the language,so it would be a help,but most people spoke enough English that we did ok.

My DH won t drive anymore in Europe, so ex.for train,will stick with cruises as we have done many inland cities before. ;)

Aren't you glad we did Egypt when we did? I checked out the Vantage Douro trip and it looks nice but I need to go to the Alhambra and it sticks pretty much to northern Spain. I am interested in the Celebrity cruise though. Either way I have to do a pre or post trip to either Madrid or Grenada. I really hate these important decisions :)

we went soon after the Cole bombing and read about travel warning in the airport on our way there.Had armed guards and great security,but was strange.So glad I went tho,would be very afraid to even attempt it now.

Re.Madrid and Grenada,we did those on land based tour and LOVED them,stayed extra days in Madrid just to see art galleries,enjoy tapas,etc.Out river cruise started in Lisbon, stayed extra days pre cruise and loved that city too.Started cruise in Porto,just 1 of my favorite out of 10,so Far.

:)

What I like about Regent is that their least expensive cabin is 350 sq. ft. The production shows are very professional. They use Jean Ann Ryan productions. They are extremely well done. However, if you don't drink---I might not recommend them, as you will be paying for others drinks!

that many of the luxury lines tend to attract an older cruiser.We started when in 40s and had no problem,but keep that in mind.

Also, examine each cabin, I like full hot breakfast room service,bathtub,balcony,etc. Make sure you don t have to pay more for these,for instance,I had to upgrade to a PH on the 2 Oceania boats to get these.Lots of details to go over.

We go strictly on luxury or premium lines now and based mostly on itinerary,but we ve been doing this cruise stuff for 20yrs.

Remember ea.ship in ea.line can be different,might like 1 but not all.Try working with a TA that specializes in premium or above lines(mine give 5% cash back too) and lots of helpful info.Just google for them.Can t give out names.:)

info.Lots of post and threads re this.

Use internet,can google .May refer to specific sites on that section.;)