Peacemkr59

I disagree...the OP said it didn't ruin their cruise, but it certainly impacted their enjoyment. I wouldn't drop it, because I think if we (everyone who cruises on RCI) lets blatant rules violations slide without holding the company accountable for enforcing their policies, then the selfish few will negatively impact the enjoyment of the majority.

 

 

 

Whether it's smoking, chair hogging, running in wet areas, or making a lot of noise late at night, all the rules are there for a reason -- some multiple reasons. Smoking? It's a fire hazard and the majority of people don't like it. Noise? It disturbs people when they're trying to sleep. Some rules are for safety, some are for comfort and enjoyment, and some are for both. I think we as passengers have the right to expect the cruise line to enforce the policies they've implemented.

 

 

 

By the way, I WAS the principal!:) As such, I'm a fan of the rule followers!:D

 

 

 

Well said!!!

This is the post above (by OP) that seemed to indicate RC was at least moving in the right direction to remedy. Any by "so far so good", I assumed the smoking, for the time being, had stopped.

Thanks, I somehow missed that post!!!

Just curious. Would you also be willing to accept this advice yourself had your next door cabin neighbors blasted rap (or any kind really) music from 1am - 6am daily? I'm just saying, telling the OP to just drop it is pretty silly. The OP paid what we can only assume is a hefty price for their cruise. They paid for a balcony that is being rendered useless because RC, thus far, has been unwilling (not unable - simply unwilling) to remedy the situation. The good news, though, is it sounds like from an earlier post that RC has actually stepped up and taken measures to remedy this. It's unfortunate for the OP, though, that it took so many complaints for this to be resolved.

Did I miss something? Did RC do something about the smokers? I'm very curious to hear what ended up happening.

Not looking for compensation & I will not change cruise lines. I love Royals product, but I can't believe they will not fix this.. I have mailed Bailey but no response yet. The officer met with U.S. In the concierge lounge on night # 2 with Nadja ( who has really tried to help), but I guess they are afraid to confront

 

them . I don't know what else to think!

It's just sad that they are afraid to comfort them. Money shouldn't trump the rules and others comfort.

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate all the information. It helps a lot!! Glad you enjoyed your trip!

As promised, I will post a bit about my thoughts on Prague.

 

We had been there before - 6 years ago - at the end of a Danube cruise. The weather was miserable at that time, so was looking forward to visiting in nicer weather.

 

Last time, our hotel was close to Wenceslas square - so old town was walkable. However, this time, the hotel (Corinthia) was further out - so was anticipating having to take public transit. However - Viking had shuttle buses available that ran into old town a number of times each day - so didn't have to use transit.

 

The first day, we took the shuttle into town - and walked across the Charles Bridge towards the castle. The bridge is very touristy.... +++ people, many in groups with guides, lots with selfie sticks (hate those things...), lots of stalls with art (drawings, photos etc). Hard to figure out what was unique - and what was massed produced. We were on our way to find the KGB museum.

 

The KGB museum is a funny little place - not that much that is different or unique - but the man who runs it is a hoot. It is almost like a stand up comedy routine. And, you can try on hats and pose with weapons (definitely more of a treat for the men in the group....). Not cheap - but a fun way to spend an hour.

 

Next door is a pottery place that sells Polish Boleslawiec pottery - so I picked up a bowl for me - and a small piece for a friend. Very glad we stopped - although it meant I had to lug the pieces along for the remainder of the trip!!

 

After we walked back to Old Town, we went looking for a toy store we had found on our last visit - and I wanted to try and find a store I had visited before that sells ornaments made with garnet chips. Along the way I shopped for garnet earrings (on my "to buy" list) - and did find a pair.

 

All garnets come from the mine(s) at Turnov - so the jewellery is much the same in many stores. I found one pair that I loved, but the studs were more clips than posts - and they didn't fit my ear. (Yes, they all let you try the earrings on!! Actually, encourage it!! ) I went into 2 other stores before I found some that I wanted. You do need to look close - as some of the garnets are glued on - instead of being mounted with small claws. This store weighed the earrings - and charged by weight (so, more stone and metal = higher price). I got a better price by paying cash....

 

The one toy store was gone - but we found the other one. And - I found the jewellery store that sells the decorations.

 

The Granat Cooperative takes left over shards/"bits" of garnets, mixes them with epoxy and puts them in metal frames - similar to the children's sun catchers you make by putting plastic beads in frames and melting them in the oven. They sell them for 60 koruna a piece. I bought a few when I was there last time - and bought quite a few more this time to give as gifts. Glad I was able to find the store - as I didn't see the ornaments in any other place.

 

Food overall in Prague was good - although we didn't get into the Kolkovna as planned. I think I will put my food observations in another post...

 

Fran

Hi Fran,

All great info!! Do you remember the name of the store you bought your Garnet earrings?

And do you know how much you can expect to pay? I'd love to buy a pair but don't want to overpay!!

Thanks!!

Thank you so much for the great review. Can't wait til it's our turn!! 22 miles scares me a bit but I guess I'll try the first one see how I do!

We're on the first cruise for this itinerary, 5/19. We are not doing Prague or Paris, but spending some time in Munich, Colmar and Freiburg.

Can't wait to hear about your trip!! Any helpful info would be appreciated!!

I would email the guy from that thread and ask for more pictures. He put his email in the thread so can't hurt to ask.

Just did and thanks again!!!

Are these the cabin numbers? If so, this thread says they are connecting.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2167696&highlight=12638

Yes thank you so much for the link! They do sound nice and I like that they brought them a table for the outside at least!!

The balconies will connect giving you the exact same space as before when it was the PS and access to both cabins. Have the divider opened.

While in theory, its the same amount of space, its being used differently and obviously to their advantage. They have eliminated the dining table in the cabin as well as on the balcony which would have been perfect for the family gatherings. Can't do anything about it now...it doesn't exist anymore :(

Looking at the new deck plans and it does show that they connect, but I was told that they didn't. Wish they could give you accurate information in a timely manner...is that too much to ask for?

I wonder if they would consider letting you move to a Freedom class ship, which still has the PFS?

Don't think that would work as we are 20 people leaving out of Barcelona, don't think they will pay for the Business class airfare that several family members have already purchased as well as hotels and private tours!! I understand that they must make changes but 3 weeks is just not an acceptable amount of time to give people!

So you are now in one RFS? Did they give you any compensation?

No we were 8 people in the Presidential Suite so they put us in the two Royal Family Suites that will be replacing the Presidential Suite, they do not connect!! And of course there is no large gathering space in either suite which we were using for a family reunion/birthday celebration!!

They removed it from the Oasis too. Here is a thread from someone who lost their cabin too.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2130155&highlight=presidential+suite+oasis

That was my response to them. They did it to the Oasis, knew the Allure was going into dry dock with similar changes, yet waited til 3 weeks before the sail date to let us know?? Really? They said they were sorry!! They reduced the price and gave some shipboard credit. But this is a large family reunion and were using this cabin for family gatherings and a birthday celebration. They have ruined it for all 20 of us, not just those in this cabin.

Its just wrong and not good business....they knew!!!!

Royal Caribbean just called me about the Presidential Suite not being available anymore, 3 weeks before sail date!!! They are replacing it with two Royal Family Suites. Has anyone else had this happen to them?

I know that I'm in the minority in that the size of the room is really important to me and an actual all weather balcony such as Uniworld and I believe Scenic as well(Don't know about AMA) is a big selling point to me but not for just the scenic aspect of it. I am quite an early riser compared to my wife. Some of my favorite parts of the trip was to get a cup of coffee and go on the balcony and shut the door and read for an hour or so or watch the scenery pass by. We also found the extra space really nice as my wife takes a great deal longer to get ready for dinner and again I could take a beer(or two) on the balcony and just relax without being in the way or looking anxious. Just a slightly different view on the subject.

I'm not sure what you mean by an all weather balcony. Are you speaking of the French Balcony? All river cruise ships in Europe are the same width due to the locks they need to get through. So a cabin with a balcony in which you can step out onto and close the door behind you takes space from the interior of the cabin. They have to get the space from somewhere. I loved having the French Balcony but if it means you can't afford to go then it's not worth it. The Sundeck is pretty nice!!

I've stayed in Category D as well as a Category A cabin on AMA and I found that the cabin size is identical 170 sq. ft. Obviously the size of the window is much smaller. When we sailed in the summer on the Danube we did use the French Balcony quite often. However, when we sailed in late March on the Rhine we were in a Cat D and I don't think I would have opened the French Balcony as it was freezing outside!! If you can afford it and the weather is agreeable go for the upgrade, otherwise in my opinion it's not worth it!

Jane, that sounds like an incredible trip!! So many things to see in both Budapest and Paris! One thing I remember in Budapest was the market with food, spices, etc. Can't remember the name of it but it's a huge indoor market. I'm sure you'll also do a night time cruise in Budapest to see the buildings all illuminated!! Amazing sight!!! Enjoy!

Possumcat, thanks so much for the information!!! I'm even more excited about the trip now that I know there are included guided bike tours!!! When are you leaving? Are you doing the land extensions in Prague and Paris? We're doing them but on our own!

Possumcat, I hope you'll come back here and tell us how you liked your trip!!

Bamberg - enjoyed my 2 visits there. Good sized town. We docked away from the center and bused in.

 

Würzburg - really enjoyed this city. The Residence was impressive and the town itself lovely. Lots of great walking areas along the river. This was a bus ride into the city as well.

 

Wertheim - tiny town and a short walk from the dock. We walked all the way up to an old castle at the top of the town, on our own. Not much to do here but it is quaint and we found a great pub that we visited both trips.

 

Of the others, we really enjoyed Luxembourg and flew into this city and overnighted there before our cruise. Took public transport to meet the boat.

 

Koblenz is a larger city. We walked all over from the boat. Lots to see and all around a nice place to spend a day. There are some lovely spots along the river for lunch or a beer.

 

Mainz was a surprise. We flew into Frankfurt two years ago and spent the day and night before the cruise here. Stayed in the Hilton, which is very nice. Totally enjoyed Mainz and will be there for NYE in just 9 days.

 

Zell was very small and we did a wine tasting there on our AMA cruise. Easy walk from the dock.

 

Cochem, also small and picturesque and walked to town from docking location.

Caviargal, did this cruise have any bike tours? Is there enough time in any of the ports to take out a bike and do some exploring on our own after the included tour AMA provides?

When are you going? We just booked for the 7/28 sailing!!

Hi, I'm thinking of booking AmaWaterway's Europe's Rivers & Castles Itinerary for my first river cruise (ports listed below) and wanted some feedback on the Main river ports (bolded) on the itinerary (also if you've done this particular cruise, comments on that would be wonderful).

 

How close to town does the ship dock?

 

What did you like/dislike about the port?

 

Thank you very much! Itinerary (doing cruise only):

 

Nuremberg

Bamberg

Schweinfurt

Kitzingen

Würzburg

Wertheim

Mainz

Rüdesheim

Koblenz

Cochem

Zell

Trier

Luxembourg

Possumcat, did you end up booking this cruise?

Thanks for taking the time to do this awesome review. We will fighting the crowds on Allure for our 3/29/15 spring break,anniversary, & birthday cruise.

 

Do they still serve Lobster one night in the MDR? If they do, do you remember what day that was? I am going to book Chops for our anniversary, but my wife would shoot me if booked it on Lobster night.

Lobster night was the second formal night!

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