alexandra cruiser

who recently died at age 19(while I was on a cruise)SADLY. I was SO upset that I posted this on a thread under Floataway lounge for animal lovers.They were SO KIND and made me feel a little better.

Also, good point about laws when ships at sea.Never considered THAT TOO.

Funny, about the IRS agent thing.Maybe that or an insurance agent,haha.

Strange about the heart attack passenger,but so glad he did alright.

Guess all the unusual stuff that happens on land,also happens on the sea.;)

First, find which companies doing cruise you want.Look at ea.website and determine all the details inc.,cabin type,dates,price,etc....

You mentioned Avalon being booked,we took them 3 yrs ago and booked over a year in advance.These are small ships and cabins go fast.As you re finding out.

Tauck and Vantage were both mentioned, first considered Luxury, next more middle of road(from all the comparisons Iv e read here on CC).All will get you where you want to go, just different levels of cabins,service,food,etc..Really depends on what s right for YOU.

I now prefer the higher end lines and can finally afford them,like AMA and Scenic.But still enjoyed the others,just different.

Good idea to book a few days pre and post tour also.Do check on getting own air,insurance,etc.Also, we use a TA and its no charge and we get better deals.With the luxury lines,our TA,give 5% cash back also.:)

but too late to change.

Agree about the "good samaritian law"but my sister in law is a malpractice attorney and shes always warning DH about some lawsuit or other.

She says in FL.there are technicalities that some try to use to get around the law,and bring a lawsuit anyways.

My DH has NEVER been successfuly sued in 30 yrs.of practice.Had a few filed but they were pure fraud and dropped.His sister successfully drilled it into his head, if its not written down,it didnt happen.

Again,sorry about your recent experience.:(

A lady on our xpedition cruise fell and broke her arm, and another fell and got a huge gash on her head which bled profusely. I was able to sort of slow the flow till we got her back to ship where she could get stitches. The trails are definitely rough on some islands.

 

Alexandria cruiser, I would have been fine with the baby delivering bit, but I once had to do a full code on a man on a trans Atlantic flight. You would not believe how well stocked their medical supply bag is on AA.

and it was so odd.They asked for a Dr.or nurse and 5 people showed up.We sort of figured out which one was the most experienced.One was a pathologist,other plastic surgeon,my surgeon DH and 2 nurses.Since I was the RN with ICU/ER training.(other LPN).They ALL deferred to us.Did find lots of equipment,used defibralator,but sadly man died.It was hard to get back into "vacation mode"after that.PS.we sometimes think its sort of "Fate"or something.Happens a LOT to us,have asked others and they agree.Strange,I know.

She could have gone into premature labour.

and I was referring to the fact I had no recent OB experience>just had to rely on training knowledge.Same with DH.

And flight crew DID help,as much as any of us could.

Also, agree with the Dr.that didnt want anyone to know>sometimes people feel its necessary to go thru whole medical history or even show scars,etc.Just like lawyers ,and many other professionals.Sometimes you just want to "Relax" .

Also, its not like on TV. When you have no equipment,supplies,etc.,its very hard to really DO anything,ex.basic stuff(no matter WHAT your training).

;)

The reason I ask is my DH is a surgeon and I m a semi retired RN)1 day/wk.Seems every time we travel,always SOMETHING.How about you?

Last time had a call on the plane to Europe for a Dr.or nurse to help out with emergency.A woman in labor, well DH has not done any OB work since school.Me,only my own child and observing during training.Really, not much we could do and she waited till we landed to give birth.

I could go on and on.Is it just us??

On cruise(a few yrs.ago)we had dinner with group.Naturally someone choked and DH did Heimlich manuver.

Guess these are not "funny" per se, but sort of odd situations.:confused:

we also REALLY enjoyed the room service.Always on time,generous portions,could add to printed menu.Fun to have breakfast in room or on balcony,even lunch after late excursions,want to have dinner there ONE TIME in future.PS only continental breakfast below concierge level(too me a drawback).But thats been discussed ad nauseum.;)

somehow hate to think we re now in the "slower group"but that MAY be true,whew.\

Funny,you said Dr. patching up people, may DH is a surgeon and I m an RN.so at least we ll have THAT covered.haha.PS.on most vacations we end up helping someone(even in air on way over,almost bizarre),worst was helping to deliver a baby on flight over ocean.My DH had not done that since med school and only experience I had was school and with my own.Thank God she waited till we landed,but it was close.I should start a thread about that.:confused:

Thank you Margot & Amyr for all the wonderful info. I'm going to pass it onto the rest of my group. Did more school shopping today ; going to separate into 2 bags so I have something for that school in Koh Chen.

Marilyn :)

to all of you getting all the above to pass out.When we were on the ox cart ride many kids follow you and sing,etc.I TRIED to give a few of them some of the things I brought and in ENGLISH they said,NO<MONEY,PLEASE.Ended up giving them BOTH.We thought it was sort of cute,but driver was upset and told them to leave.

So maybe they get TOO MUCH of that stuff??FIgure every cruise they get same thing??:confused:

Think I ll wait till SS completely in charge in 2014 before I attempt one of these type cruises.

We re in good shape for late 60 s,but wonder about age and condition of most passengers.??Hate to be the only ones that are somewhat slower and slow down whole group,may have to rethink this.

Guess I wanted a smaller version,luxury cruise with all the expected amenities in 3rd would country and this might not YET be it,right?:confused:

Hi folks-

We have just booked a Danube cruise on the Scenic Diamond. We are travelling with friends, and we got the last two cabins (334, 335) - in the stern, near the engine. The price reflected the fact that there will be engine noise, but I am wondering just how much noise? Has anyone traveled in the stern cabins, especially since the 2013 refurbishing of the vessel? And is the Danube deck any quieter than the Rhine deck, being slightly farther away from the engines (or at last that's what I'm guessing.)

 

And I am wondering how much actual cruising happens at night time, i.e., how much would our sleep be disturbed?

 

Many thanks for your input!

river cruise section,this is PORTs.Sort of limited.

Also, can use search engine and it will give you all the Scenic posts to read.

Another source,under roll call section there is one for Scenic cruisers.

That will give you access to numerous folks.

Hope that helps.PS. have been on 10 different river cruises and ALL have some noise from engines,thrusters,locks,etc. Some bothered more than others,I m a light sleeper and try for mid decks just to be on safe side.But if money is a REAL issue,give these a try,if NOT FOR YOU.Go more mid deck and higher NEXT TIME>Good Luck.PS.also check member review section to see if this has been discussed.Lots of resources here on CC to check.

here under cruise discussion on CC.Many helpful tips.

Lots of homework to do to find which one is best for YOU.Read a lot of member reviews when you determine itinerary.Much depends on budget.

We ve done 10 or so river cruises, all the major lines and met many singles.They make friends fast,inc.in everything,so don t feel like you d stick out or be on own.

I d stick with a 7 day cruise and then take a few days pre and post cruise in the cities that interest you.Like,start in Prague for 3 days take 7 day cruise and stay in BUdapest for 3.Then you can see whether river cruising is for you,not get stuck on 14 day one if its not.

Each line varies with each country,ship,crew,itinerary,etc.Hard to make a blanket statement which is BEST.But if luxury(all inclusive)with larger cabins and balcony for you,try AMA,Tauck,Scenic.More middle of road(but still nice)Avalon,Uniworld,Viking.I prefer not to take cruises that dont allow TA s,it s deal breaker for me.So have NOT TAKEN Grand Circle,Vantage,etc.But some seem to like them(older crowds,and smaller boats)too.

Let us know what you come up with.Hope that helps.:)

Scenic also inc.all transfers,tips,drinks,shore excursions and rooms look larger .

That s why I m giving them a try in June.

Vikings room were all very SMALL and we also upgraded to a suite(but it was far from luxurious).Bathroom smelled whole time like sewer.But think they now have new or upgraded ships.

yes, we stayed on ship in both cities about one half hr.bus ride from city center.

Re.of above probsl,still LOVED visiting Russia.Esp.the small ports in between both cities.People were friendly,food was pretty good,only sad part was many stray dogs.(fed them from ship)

Keep in mind that if you book flights with AMA - and you can request what you want without paying a deviation fee charged by most other lines - the travel insurance from AMA covers the whole package, which can be a significant savings.

and my TA said not available thru AMA.

Also, he(and on CC insurance site)its suggested to get you OWN travel insurance,not from same cruise company.For many reasons,like going bankrupt,etc.I always get mine thur TA and doublecheck on a few insurance sites.

Had a problem with this in past so to be on safe side get "cancel for any reason"on private insurance site.

Sure its fine most of time,but have had numerous problems so now avoid it by doing it ALL on own(with TA)back up.

If you read many of past posts,lots of people have also had numerous problems.

By the way, I LOVE AMA,and not saying anything against them.Just cruise air and insurance in general.;)

Probably not helpful if you specifically want to sail on Explorer, but Siver Shadow has an itinerary between Callao and Valparaiso in Januar 2015.

 

The cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale and then via the Panama Canal and down the west coast of South America.

and that timing would be fine,am booked up till 2015 at moment.Waiting for brochure to see all the details.Not even sure an expedition cruise would be our thing(good shape for late 60s,but not really into exploring on that scale).Like easy treks and more pampering. The area just looked interesting,sort of off the beaten track.After 20 yrs of cruising,have done many of the "NORMAL" ones.Alternate these ocean ones with river cruises,for best of both worlds.

Wonder how many SS cruisers take river cruises also??Seems Tauck,AMA and Scenic would be similar?;)

but it was 5 yrs ago.Was NOT impressed with ship or food(but see they ve upgraded).The crew and ports were great and loved the experience.

Would go with AMA or Scenic,if money is not an object.Seems you really DO GET what you pay for.

Would avoid GrandCircle(had bad BB reviews and ship s seem less luxurious).Don t like that Vantage doesnt allow TA s to help, mine give cash back,,plus LOTS of help. So many details to consider, I know.Everyone is different,so its what YOU decide.GOod luck.;)

in Chile?

Asked about this on another thread to get correct names,etc.Thanks to a Scottish poster I now know correct cruise/ship to research.

But put under Search engine here and could nt find info.

So ,,anyone.Love to hear the details.Saw a Travel Channel show with similar(but slightly different ports).:confused:

we ended up booking our own flights,better times,connections,and price by using Kayak.

Also,do check the cruise air section here on CC to explain it all.Very complicated(bulk rates,etc.)

Best to always doublecheck and find whats best for YOU.PS.we prefer to pick our seats way ahead,know exact details,etc.Its easy to get your own cab,no waiting for bus to fill or late comers.After long flight its WORTH it to us to get to hotel,not WAIT,to save a little money.;)

At the risk of repeating myself, do yourself a favour and check out some of the bad comments against Scenic and their offshoot companies.

 

Apart from the so-so daily issues, check out what happens wwhen things go wrong (like floods) and they force you onto busses!

 

There are many links on Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic discussing the poor customer service of Scenic!

 

Some links to read:

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10703-k6686276-o10-Scenic_Tours_Fail_to_Adequately_Compensate_Flooded_Cruises-Cruises.html#54123772

 

(Start reading this one from about the 2013 time frame, although the thread starts in 2009)

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i10703-k2821799-o460-Scenic_Tours_European_River_Cruise-Cruises.html#53627238

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1909837

 

Then there is our own opinion from the 2013 floods with a Scenic subsidiary (Evergreen Tours), although no recent comments have been to added to it, hence the thread has dropped out of sight.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1892421

and the last 5 member reviews on Scenic have been 5 star.

Seems many of the cruise lines really SCREWED UP with the flooding and do know that a BUS is a real possibility(says so in ALL the fine print on all the river cruises I ve been on).Lucky so far.But is IS A RISK.And that why most prefer river boat to a bus,been there done that.

The brochure is what convinced me to TRY it ,but will let everyone know my experience after.;)

We have cruised Vantage and AMA. Both were excellent.

I always price ship and always find Vantage beats Viking in price. Also, usually get more for less money. Especially on our China trip, there was a significant difference.

seems I read Vantage does NOT use TAs,is that right?If so, I d be very leary.

My luxury cruise TA only handles AMA,Tauck and Scenic.Said others ranked lower.Seems I also read similar here on CC in one thread,but cant find it to quote.

In my 10 river cruises,taking into account the big differences in EACH boat,EACH country,and ALL the many variables to consider.For the price,AMA has been my favorite.But giving Scenic a try next June.Like to experience more than one line,same with ocean cruises.But now chose luxury lines for all the perks and can finally afford them.:)

but was surprised by price on Explorer...for verandah,,,$9000 plus air.whew.

Seadream only 100 passengers,cabins have porthole only...need a balcony.Also,just shower,no tub.Hey, that s roughing it,for me.So,yes, size DOES matter,haha.Old Scottish saying,eh?

My grandfather was born in Glasgow,so I m a sort of Scottish lass(but have Italian Dad).quite a mix,

Spent many vacations there,got a railpass and went all over.But missed the Loch ness monster,sigh.Maybe I ll just pass on Chile and go back there?

We ll see...:D

If you have March free, it looks like you're in luck! 2nd March, Ushuaia to Valparaiso b2b with 13th March, Valparaiso to Callao on Explorer.

Just look at the "Plan your voyage" page and select "South America"

and will look into it.The ports just didnt ring a bell,but does sound like it.Will be now for following year.Have June river cruise and next Dec.on Marina in Caribbean.

Have never taken a SS ship,but looks great.Have loved Seabourn,some Regent,not SeaDream(too small) and Oceania,,,so far.

Will have to start reading all the info.

Thanks again.:)

sort of off the beaten path(not ones now listed).Guess its been dropped,but sure looked interesting.Already did the Rio,BA, one.Sorry did not catch the proper name of it.;)

it must have been an old show on Travel Channel.Sad,looked great and would have loved it.Looked at offered cruises and no longer find it.Wonder if it will ever be inc.again?Did anyone take it here?

Wish they had more TV programs on cruises,,hint ,hint.:confused:

and those on AMA will find the inc.tour is almost exactly like the Viking one described.So must be sort of a standard city tour,but ours DID inc.central market(where we could walk back to ship on own).

Going back to see all we missed on first trip there.

PS.anyone going should TRY to inc. a few extra days there before or after.We only did 1 and really missed out,thats one of the reasons we booked ANOTHER cruise to see it again.;)