River Cruise Comparable to Regent?

[annierie]

Good topic of discussion.

I have river cruised with AMA, Uniworld and Tauck. I have ocean cruised with Regent and Crystal. AMA and Uniworld are third rate in several areas. Tauck runs circles around AMA and Uniworld. You do get what you pay for.

 

 

Been on Tauck and Regent. Have no desire to lower my standards and cruise AMA or Uniworld. My TA also wouldn't put me on them because she knows my standards and those two don't meet them.

[Down Under]

Has anyone tried Scenic? I know it's an Aussie company but I believe it is sold in the US. Their new boats have small balconies compared to the 'pretend' ones of AMA etc. They only have one lounge but do have two restaurants. All my friends who have been on them speak very highly of their experience. I doubt it would be anywhere near the experience of Regent but it sure beats coach travel! I plan to try it next year.

[Hambagahle]

I personally think that you did a great thing, TC!! Well done!! This is jsut the kind of research one needs to do before comparing cruise lines be they river or ocean.

 

I bemoan the fact that Peter Deilmann is no longer running river cruises but your comparison leads me to take a look at Uniworld! Thanks...:)

[shoshona2]

Hi,

 

Having just read this thread, I would like to correct the number of 300 sq. ft. suites on Tauck's riverboats -- the brand new Jewel has 14 300 sq. ft. suites not 1.

 

Sheila

[annierie]

I personally think that you did a great thing, TC!! Well done!! This is jsut the kind of research one needs to do before comparing cruise lines be they river or ocean.

 

I bemoan the fact that Peter Deilmann is no longer running river cruises but your comparison leads me to take a look at Uniworld! Thanks...:)

 

So research by someone who has never used the services is better than actual experiences with the companies?

 

Uniworld is mass market, albeit a higher end of mass market.

 

Tauck is luxury.

 

Maybe I should get the brochures for you of HAL or Princess and tell you by reading what they "offer" that they are better than Regent or Seabourn.

 

If you read the entire thread you will see that many including Host Dan have personal experiences with the companies. I have not been on Uniworld specifically because my TA advised against them compared to what I have received from Tauck.

 

When looking for recommendations, I would rather someone who has personal knowledge of a product tell me the differences than rely only on quotes from the brochures and web sites, but just to provide the complete info on the newest Tauck riverboats, which they had built for them, check this link --

 

http://www.tauck.com/journeys/travel-type/river-cruising/taucks-riverboats

 

 

We haven't been on the newest boats, just the older ones. Our closest friends last fall did the Romania to Hungary segment on the Swiss Emerald. They are devoted Regent cruisers about to go to Alaska with their whole family this summer for their 50th anniversary, and they only use Tauck for small ship, land and river trips.

[Travelcat2]

So research by someone who has never used the services is better than actual experiences with the companies?

 

Uniworld is mass market, albeit a higher end of mass market.

 

Tauck is luxury.

 

Maybe I should get the brochures for you of HAL or Princess and tell you by reading what they "offer" that they are better than Regent or Seabourn.

 

If you read the entire thread you will see that many including Host Dan have personal experiences with the companies. I have not been on Uniworld specifically because my TA advised against them compared to what I have received from Tauck.

 

When looking for recommendations, I would rather someone who has personal knowledge of a product tell me the differences than rely only on quotes from the brochures and web sites, but just to provide the complete info on the newest Tauck riverboats, which they had built for them, check this link --

 

http://www.tauck.com/journeys/travel-type/river-cruising/taucks-riverboats

 

 

We haven't been on the newest boats, just the older ones. Our closest friends last fall did the Romania to Hungary segment on the Swiss Emerald. They are devoted Regent cruisers about to go to Alaska with their whole family this summer for their 50th anniversary, and they only use Tauck for small ship, land and river trips.

 

First off, I do respect your opinion. However, I believe that one cannot receive too much information -- both from experience and research. Many people who have sailed on a ship - Seabourn for instance -- feel strongly about that particular cruise line. They share that information with posters. When someasks for a comparison of Seabourn vs. Regent (another example) they do a great job describing the feel of the ship, what their personal opinion is about the food and service and other things they have experienced. Few think of mentioning the fact that, prior to mid-2009, the ships carried 209 passengers vs. Regent's 490 - 700. This doesn't make one better than the other -- it is something a prospective passenger may want to know and may not have the time to research.

 

CC has always appreciated contributors that make an effort to assist others. . . I am one of many who find pleasure in doing this.

[easy dad]

I have sailed with Tauck and Uniworld. The level of service etc. on Tauck is far superior to Uniworld. Tauck also attracts a more well traveled, well heeled passenger base. I would never consider another Uniworld cruise. (solely based on the passenger mix, service and ambiance)

 

Host Dan

 

I have not sailed with Tauck. I plan on taking a tour with them in the future. Everything I've read is that they are first rate. That in itself, does not guarantee a great experience however. I've met some pretty obnoxious people on Regent. I have sailed with Uniworld, albiet 5 years ago. I am a retired Navy Captain (0-6 with 28 years service) and a retired senior Program Manager at Northrop Grumman Corporation. I am not "well heeled" and I very much enjoy meeting people. I found the passenger mix on Uniworld to be much like myself and very much like people on Regent. I don't think I would like to cruise with people who who wear their family money on their sleeve. If I wanted that, I would cruise on Crystal. On my Uniworld cruise, my wife and I spent considerable time in the pilot house with the Captain who made us feel quite welcome as we "helped" him guide the ship through the locks. As was mentioned earlier, if you have a good experience on a cruise, you will recommend it to whom ever asks. If you have a bad experience, you will pan the company. One aspect that I particularly liked on Uniworld was the Cruise Director, who would take passengers on impromptu walking tours of a town after the ship docked and after dinner. Unscheduled, no cost. My wife and I could not have asked for any better of an experience as we had on that cruise. The term "mass market" has been used on this board to define NCL, Carnival among others and has a certain appeal as a negative descriptor to some. River boats do not have continuous feeding, large swimming pools with multi-colored slides and wave machines, huge electronic tv screens, casinos and karaoke. I wouldn't describe any river cruise as "mass market". River cruising is different - not "mass market" - meaning for the "mass cruising market" - who, incidentally, may or may not be "well heeled".

[petlover]

One thing I forgot to mention (if it's important) is that on our AMA cruise there is a computer in each cabin and free wifi through out the ship for those that brought their own laptops. We got good connection on the cabin's computer most of the time, others said theirs was more spotty. It is always nice being able to check emails while away without paying any internet fees.

[annierie]

I have not sailed with Tauck. I plan on taking a tour with them in the future. Everything I've read is that they are first rate. That in itself, does not guarantee a great experience however. I've met some pretty obnoxious people on Regent. I have sailed with Uniworld, albiet 5 years ago. I am a retired Navy Captain (0-6 with 28 years service) and a retired senior Program Manager at Northrop Grumman Corporation. I am not "well heeled" and I very much enjoy meeting people. I found the passenger mix on Uniworld to be much like myself and very much like people on Regent. I don't think I would like to cruise with people who who wear their family money on their sleeve. If I wanted that, I would cruise on Crystal. On my Uniworld cruise, my wife and I spent considerable time in the pilot house with the Captain who made us feel quite welcome as we "helped" him guide the ship through the locks. As was mentioned earlier, if you have a good experience on a cruise, you will recommend it to whom ever asks. If you have a bad experience, you will pan the company. One aspect that I particularly liked on Uniworld was the Cruise Director, who would take passengers on impromptu walking tours of a town after the ship docked and after dinner. Unscheduled, no cost. My wife and I could not have asked for any better of an experience as we had on that cruise. The term "mass market" has been used on this board to define NCL, Carnival among others and has a certain appeal as a negative descriptor to some. River boats do not have continuous feeding, large swimming pools with multi-colored slides and wave machines, huge electronic tv screens, casinos and karaoke. I wouldn't describe any river cruise as "mass market". River cruising is different - not "mass market" - meaning for the "mass cruising market" - who, incidentally, may or may not be "well heeled".

 

By mass market, I mean, not including virtually everything. Our experience on Tauck has been similar in content to Regent. No nickel and diming, or added expenses that other tour companies would have. Tauck is similar to Regent's all-inclusiveness.

 

We are very close in our backgrounds. I am retiring in 10 weeks after 30 years working for my heavily in debt, formerly rich Uncle, years of it in Crystal City -- and I had lots of O-6's as coworkers. :) I spent lots of time on boats and ships. Know who I worked for???? ;)

 

My favorite cruise using Tauck was on Le Ponant. Got to dine at the Captain's table after the social hostess found out I was an engineer and loved ships.

 

We had a great conversation about SOLAS. Also, got to spend lots of time on their open bridge as long as I was OK with the French Captain chain smoking -- he was funny and apologetic, but he did say, "You are most welcome to watch, but we smoke here in our 'office'."

 

And, I agree, there are obnoxious people who will look down on us for not being "well-heeled". My worst was one lady on Regent who after finding out my spouse and I were civil servants during a conversation at dinner, never again acknowledged us or said hello when our paths crossed. Almost everyone else, though, was wonderful to interact with, and similar to the clientèle on Tauck. I greatly enjoy Tauck's knowledgeable tour directors, their enrichment lectures, behind the scenes tours, and their small groups. We were in Malta on Tauck on a national holiday when everything was closed, but Tauck made arrangements for an employee of the WWII museum to take us into the museum for a personal tour of the site where Eisenhower worked during the planning of the Africa campaign.

 

A very good friend, retired, executive civil servant, who became one of our local Beltway Bandits ;) did a Canadian Rockies tour on a "mass market" tour company (with lots of added expenses) and lamented the fact that hers was nowhere near as nice as our Tauck tour the same summer. She now only uses Tauck for her ventures into foreign lands. Her previous touring buddy won't pay Tauck's prices. Our friend, though, now refuses to stay outside of towns in lesser known hotel, and have to pay extra for "excursions". She has switched to Tauck, with their in town hotels, mostly included meals, all included excursions, and smaller groups with great tour directors.

 

If you do choose Tauck, you will probably see why they are highly rated.

[old grump]

Well, if everyone will just hold on until the end if August, I will give you my comparison:D. Did the AMA Budapest to AMS in Aug 07, and doing the Tauck Prague to Budapest in Aug 10. The AMA cruise was nice and at that time was supposed to be a cut above the others on the river, but I don't think Tauck was in the river boat business then. Internet was not free on AMA then and my laptop only worked at the end of the boat. I understand the internet is free now on most lines.

By the way, I have done a couple of Tauck land tours, and didn't meet a single monied, snotty, upper crust type person. Just a nice mix of folks, the like of which I hope and think will be on the Aug adventure!

Based on the Tauck land Tours which were well planned and first class in everything, I expect the same of the river tour.

But, everyone is different, so expectations and actual experiences will be different as well.

[sundial]

I would love to try river cruising and it is wonderful to hear the opinions of those who have been on the different lines. I can do my own research but it is no substitute for actual experience.

[Goofyisme]

I would love to try river cruising and it is wonderful to hear the opinions of those who have been on the different lines. I can do my own research but it is no substitute for actual experience.

 

So very true. I am finding all these experiences most interesting. Thanks to all for sharing your onboard experiences.

[easy dad]

We are very close in our backgrounds. I am retiring in 10 weeks after 30 years working for my heavily in debt, formerly rich Uncle, years of it in Crystal City -- and I had lots of O-6's as coworkers. :) I spent lots of time on boats and ships.

 

Annie, We should swap some sea stories on a cruise some time. Our next cruise is Regent Baltic 7/18/2010.

[nyfeds]

Well, if everyone will just hold on until the end if August, I will give you my comparison:D. Did the AMA Budapest to AMS in Aug 07, and doing the Tauck Prague to Budapest in Aug 10. The AMA cruise was nice and at that time was supposed to be a cut above the others on the river, but I don't think Tauck was in the river boat business then. Internet was not free on AMA then and my laptop only worked at the end of the boat. I understand the internet is free now on most lines.

By the way, I have done a couple of Tauck land tours, and didn't meet a single monied, snotty, upper crust type person. Just a nice mix of folks, the like of which I hope and think will be on the Aug adventure!

Based on the Tauck land Tours which were well planned and first class in everything, I expect the same of the river tour.

But, everyone is different, so expectations and actual experiences will be different as well.

 

Oldgrump,

 

I will be looking forward to your Tauck/AMA comparison.

 

We have cruised on Regent several times and had taken a Deilmann river cruise a few years ago. Regent and Deilmann cruises were excellent. We took our first AMA river cruise in 2008 in the hopes that AMA was comparable to Deilmann. It was anything but. AMA was a disappointment; specifically, sub-standard dining experiences.

 

My husband and I are taking our 2nd Tauck land tour in November and we can't wait to return to Tauck. Our travel wish list includes a Tauck river cruise. Many great posts in regard to Tauck river cruising.

 

I seriously doubt that we will return to AMA. Better options for us - hopefully, Tauck river cruising. Sure wish Deilmann river cruises were available. They were very much a first-rate, class act.

 

IMHO, I find it somewhat surprising that any TA would recommend AMA to Regent/Tauck clients. There's simply no comparison for us, based upon our personal experiences.

[Travelcat2]

Oldgrump,

 

 

IMHO, I find it somewhat surprising that any TA would recommend AMA to Regent/Tauck clients. There's simply no comparison for us, based upon our personal experiences.

 

Our TA (a top Regent TA) recommends AMA, Avalon and Tauck since no one line can meet the requirements of all clients. Our TA has been on the various river boats and feels that AMA meets the requirements of many luxury cruise clients.

[nyfeds]

Everyone has expectations, opinions and freedom of choice. I, personally, would not recommend AMA to anyone who is expecting a luxury experience. My personal experience -and I stress personal experience - on AMA, did not meet my personal expectations and criteria of luxury. It may meet others expectations, criteria and definition of luxury; however, it only ranked just an "OK" experience to me, personally.

 

My suggestion to those wishing to try AMA - Book an AMA cruise and give it a try for yourself and reach your own conclusions.

[Ste. Michelle]

Everyone has expectations, opinions and freedom of choice. I, personally, would not recommend AMA to anyone who is expecting a luxury experience. My personal experience -and I stress personal experience - on AMA, did not meet my personal expectations and criteria of luxury.

 

I appreciate the fact that your opinion is based on personal experience. We have a Tauck land/river tour scheduled this fall. I will be happy to share my personal experience after we return.

[nyfeds]

I appreciate the fact that your opinion is based on personal experience. We have a Tauck land/river tour scheduled this fall. I will be happy to share my personal experience after we return.

 

Hi Ste. Michelle,

 

I have no doubt that you'll have a wonderful time on your Tauck land/river cruise. We haven't toured with Tauck in several years and are looking forward to returning to Tauck for a land trip this November.

 

I look forward to your honest and personal impressions of your Tauck land/river cruise, as we will give Tauck river cruising a try.

 

What itinerary have you selected? Enjoy every moment!

[Travelcat2]

Shawski: Have you checked out the board for river cruises? Here is a link in case you haven't. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=191

 

For some reason this thread has gone off track as it no longer is comparing Regent to anything. If the river cruise board doesn't help, you might try asking the same question on the Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal.:)

[Andromeda93]

I have been researching Regent extensively for planning an upcoming trip. Although we have not cruised on them yet, from the research I have a sense of the areas in which they excel.

 

My family and I cruised on AMA Waterways in April/May 2009 on the Amsterdam-to-Paris trip, and our experience was generally very, very good. We made our own air arrangements as we went earlier and came home later than just the cruise itself. There were some passengers who joined the boat a day late who had been flying to Amsterdam directly to board; not sure if their air was AMA-arranged or independent. AMA attracts mostly non-smoking English speakers as guests; on our voyage was about 60% American, 20% British and the rest mostly from Australia or New Zealand.

 

As others have noted, there is variation in the quality of guides; ours were all great except for one 'droner.' In that case we politely excused ourself from the (walking) excursion and explored the village on our own before returning to the boat. The balance of the excursions were interesting, insightful and the guides genuinely qualified for the job. AMA's radio broadcast headsets also worked well and provided a nice way to hear the guides while still exploring or photographing a bit away from the group.

 

Regarding cabins, we had a group of three Violin deck "A" cabins (308-312) a few doors down from the suites. We chose AMA because of the newer ships and (relatively) spacious standard cabins for river cruises. We found the storage more than adequate for a 3-week trip to Europe and the pushed-together king bed extremely comfortable (we did not notice the 'seam' where the beds were joined).

 

If you prefer to spend much of a cruise in your cabin, the standard size might be a bit small. We found it pleasant for the time we were there, which was never too frequent given all of the excursions included in our 7-night cruise. Be aware the floor space is more cramped if you choose the two-twin bed configuration. The French 'balcony' (e.g. large sliding door) was wonderful - the best way I can imagine to watch the beautiful castles and vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel drift by. Fresh air, birds chirping, people biking past along the river - wonderful. Regardless of line, choose a provider w/ balcony or sliding door option if possible, you will not regret it.

 

The public spaces were wonderful esp the panoramic views of the countryside sliding by from the main lounge. There were also outside, covered spaces in the bow with teak tables/chairs, in addition to the open sundeck running the length of the top deck. The in-room free Internet was a welcome option; also WiFi worked on our netbook both in the room and in the forward lounge; very convenient. Skype for phone calls back to the US was great.

 

Bathroom - small but great. As taller people I wondered how the shower would be, but it was more than adequate - multiple jets of endless steamy water, shower head high enough to be convenient. Very nice granite-tile finishes and storage above and below the sink. The room was spotless.

 

Regarding dining, in contrast to some posters we found the cuisine delicious and varied over our seven-night cruise. Not sure if over a 14-day voyage it might grow repetitive. All six family members agreed overall experience of the cruise portion of our trip was excellent.

 

My only true criticism is in regard to the Paris 'extension' of the trip, which we had all purchased (transport to and three days in Paris w/ optional excursions). Not sure how Tauck would have handled this, but if plans include a pre- or post-cruise land extension, I recommend checking with the cruise co regarding hotel providers and also check Tripadvisor or another source for current hotel 'news.'

 

Our overland bus trip from Trier to Paris was fine (and included a wonderful walking tour of Luxembourg). However, the main Paris hotel used by AMA last season (the Crowne Plaza Hôtel Paris-République‎) was plagued by a semi-permanent protest 'village' encamped on the Place de la République, directly in front of the hotel. There were police there daily and the protestors' bullhorns were in use virtually around the clock. The tarps, tents, garbage, laminated violent photographs/posters all showed the action had been underway for some weeks or months. There was no sanitation available in the encampment.

 

Although we are long-time city dwellers, I felt our personal safety was in question walking through the protest in the plaza. We could not avoid doing so as the Place contains the main Metro stop for this part of Paris. After a few very unpleasant experiences we started using an alternative Metro stop despite added inconvenience. Two members of our party were over 70 and the additional distance was a burden to them.

 

Although the protest was clearly out of the hotel's and AMA's control, I felt they should have offered an option to change to another hotel. The protest was inescapable and could be heard in all the hotel rooms, the breakfast room/restaurant and the lounge. Basically it made the 'included' breakfasts and the time we spent in the room pretty unpleasant. We also had to choose between keeping the windows closed to reduce the protest volume (with a resultingly hot room) or open them for fresh air but crushing noise.

 

Sorry for the long post, but I thought it might provide some helpful things to consider when searching for a river cruise provider that would compare favorably to prior Regent experiences.

[Jim B]

We did the Paris to Amsterdam river cruise on board AMA Amacello this past December.

This was our 1st river cruise so had no idea of what to expect.

1st thing we noticed was how casual the embarkation was. Just walk on, they ask your name, cross it off the page with yellow marker and someone takes you to your cabin.

Luggage almost arriving right behind you. 170 sq ft cabin was very comfortable and plenty of storage.

Meals were a little different. Not very fancy but good. More like "home cooking" I guess.

Disappointed in lunches. Wish they would have done themes of the regions but not to be. Hamburgers were available but only made the mistake of ordering one once.

Included walking tours were fantastic. Guides were excellent. Really really enjoyed them.

To cold to be outside but going on the Rhine river and sitting at the front of the ship inside

was extremely enjoyable.

Liked this cruise very much. Considering doing the Prague to Budapest on AMA.

[cruiseluv]

Shawski: Have you checked out the board for river cruises? Here is a link in case you haven't. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=191

 

For some reason this thread has gone off track as it no longer is comparing Regent to anything. If the river cruise board doesn't help, you might try asking the same question on the Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal.:)

 

"Off track"?? I have read the whole thread and found only a couple of posts that maybe had little to add to the topic, one of them being yours (have you even been on a river cruise?). Are you now an official monitor of this board, deciding when a thread should be closed?

[Travelcat2]

"Off track"?? I have read the whole thread and found only a couple of posts that maybe had little to add to the topic, one of them being yours (have you even been on a river cruise?). Are you now an official monitor of this board, deciding when a thread should be closed?

 

Host Dan has already removed posts from this board (and from the look of things will be removing more). CruiseCritic is not about judging people or qustioning their posts. Members can post what they like -- on topic -- other members may post opposing views.

 

This post is a perfect example of a member (from another board) making a post with the only intent being to bash another member. If CC ever changes it's policy and allows rude comments, I will personally make a point to post that fact on the "other board" so that all of you will be aware of it. Until then, you may want to reread CC's guidelines:cool:

[cruiseluv]

Host Dan has already removed posts from this board (and from the look of things will be removing more). CruiseCritic is not about judging people or qustioning their posts. Members can post what they like -- on topic -- other members may post opposing views.

 

This post is a perfect example of a member (from another board) making a post with the only intent being to bash another member. If CC ever changes it's policy and allows rude comments, I will personally make a point to post that fact on the "other board" so that all of you will be aware of it. Until then, you may want to reread CC's guidelines:cool:

 

No bashing, just asking a straight question. You are making my point . Indeed, members can post what they like and no poster should be the self elected judge about a thread being or not "off track", and asking the OP to go to other boards, thus chilling participation.

[Travelcat2]

Cruiseluv: "Chilling participation"? While most would call the link to river cruises helping the OP, you have the right to your opinion.

 

CC members regularly try to save threads from being removed by getting it back on track. Calling me out on that makes no sense -- unless you are monitoring all the threads and make the same comment to others who do the same thing.

 

Had you really read this thread, your "question" was answered on page one. When this thread began, about 4 months ago, I looked up some information regarding luxury river cruises and shared what I learned. From that one post, the same group (from the other board) felt it necessary to make negative comments about the post. What a bloody waste of time. As I said, some of this has already been removed by CruiseCritic.

 

There have been some wonderful posts on this thread -- from both people who have and have not sailed on Regent or a river cruise. It is truly a shame that some feel it is more important to criticize than to be of assistance to other members.