If you are contemplating a Rhine River cruise soon, this video which was created by Ama Waterways on their brand new ship, the AmaKristina, is a fantastic look on what you will be seeing, life onboard and so much more! Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave a comment once you’ve watched it. Thanks, Linda
Crystal River Cruises changing the world of river cruising!
Crystal Cruises entered in the world of river cruising two years ago and is upping the ante all around. They’ve just launched their 4th ship, the Crystal Debussy, which is a sister ship to the Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel.
All four ships will sail either on the Danube, Rhine, Main or Moselle with only 106 passengers (compare that to their same size longship competitors sailing with almost 190 passengers) which means more spacious cabins and more lounge space.
They have also introduced open seating dining in their Waterside restaurant so no more 7pm rush for a table. They also boast the following:
- The only all-suite river yachts in Europe; every suite featuring a King-size bed, most with walk-in closets and double sink vanities
- The highest staff-to-guest ratio among all European river cruise lines
- Michelin star-inspired farm-to-table dining, featuring Crystal’s acclaimed six-star cuisine with regionally-inspired menus
- Unmatched culinary choices with flexible open seating dining in each restaurant
- Wine sommeliers offering educational insight and endless pour of acclaimed vintages
- Unmatched collection of multiple Complimentary Crystal Adventures® ashore in each destination; cultural, active and overland
- High-tech in-suite amenities including: bedside iPad directory; interactive TV system with complimentary movies on demand, extensive music library; ambient lighting and temperature controls
- A full service, well-appointed Crystal Life Spa aboard each river yacht, staffed by dedicated, highly-trained professionals
- Crystal luxury motor coaches, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi and coffee bars
As part of their luxury all inclusive river cruising experience, Crystal includes:
- unlimited fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, beers, soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas and bottle water in-suite
- All gratuities both shipboard and shoreside
- Unlimited wifi/Internet plus electronic international newspapers
- Daily yoga and fitness classes
- Complimentary self-service guest laundry (so handy for those 15 day voyages)
- Use of eBikes for both excursions and on your own
- Complimentary airport transfers from the airport to the ship on day of embarkation/disembarkation
Here is a short video about these wonderful new ships
If you would like to view the deckplan seen in the video, just click CRYSTAL SISTER SHIPS DECKPLAN
I will be sailing on the Crystal Mahler in Sept so look for a new post with a full report upon my return. Cheers, Linda
Viking River vs AmaWaterways vs Tauck River Cruises
Without a doubt, the most asked question I get is “which company should I book my river cruise with ?”
So I thought I would pick out three companies and do a comparison (there are many river cruise lines out there but to keep this article from going overboard in length, keeping it at three)
They are Viking River Cruises, Ama Waterways and Tauck River Cruises.
I am going to use the analogy of an airplane going overseas that has three classes of service – economy, premium economy and business class. All three sections are going to the same destination but as you move up, you’ll get a bigger seat, better amenities and more inclusions (and a higher price of course)
I will be comparing a similar seven night Danube River itinerary in Europe for July 2016 departing from Budapest in a French Balcony category cabin (they all offer lower window categories and higher suite categories but will just be comparing the French Balcony)
On an airplane, economy class has the most seats for passengers then fewer in premium and even less in business.
For the river cruise ships, have listed the number of ships each company operates in Europe, the number of guests each ship carries and lastly, the square footage of their French balcony cabin category.
Viking has 58 ships
Ama has 16 ships
Tauck has 9 ships
Viking carries 190 guests*
Ama carries 164 guests**
Tauck carries 130 guests***
Viking cabin is 135 sq feet
Ama cabin is 170 sq feet
Tauck cabin is 225 sq feet
Just like what is included in each section of the airplane, each of the cruise companies offer more inclusions as the price increases.
Viking provides wine/beer/soft drinks with lunch and dinner, using the same wine throughout the cruise. They include most excursions with four optional tours (excursion group size is up to 20 guests) Gratuities and transfers are extra.
Viking Atla
Ama Waterways also provides wine/beer/soft drinks with lunch and dinner but they use different wines from each of the regions they are travelling through. They include almost all excursions with two optional tours. (excursion group size is up to 12 guests) Some of their excursions are divided into Gentle Walkers, Active Walkers and even a Late Starter group for those who prefer to sleep in. They also offer bicycles onboard that you can do a tour with or sign out on your own. Gratuities and transfers are extra.
Ama Serena
Tauck provides unlimited complimentary beverages onboard which includes regional wine, beer, soft drinks and premium spirits. They include all excursions, all gratuities to staff, cruise/tour directors (noting that most companies have one onboard but they have three) and even local guides. They often have private exclusive shore excursions such as an evening in Vienna inclusive of dinner and a private performance in a palace. They also have bicycles onboard and include airport transfers to and from the ship (even when you don’t book your flight with them)
Tauck Savor
For the compared itinerary, here is the per person price (based on two sharing) that each company has:
Viking River $3655usd
Ama Waterways $4198usd
Tauck River $5440usd
Just like many travelers who are unable to splurge on the luxury of business class, the higher price of the Tauck River cruise puts it out of reach for many but once you factor in their larger size cabins, fewer people onboard and everything that is included, you can understand why they are at the top of the market.
Although Viking has the lowest price, you will still have a enjoyable experience with them. Their new Longships feature a very contemporary Scandinavian design with several dining venues including the Aquavit Terrace which functions as an indoor/outdoor restaurant for Alfresco dining. They also purchased quite a few of their own docks in Europe so receive priority docking in some places.
Instead of building just one new ship a year like most companies, they went on a building frenzy recently which provided them with a lot of buying power plus they can keep costs lower since they have more people on each ship. They are the largest and most well-known because of their huge advertising budget with ads on shows like Downton Abbey, plus have a very aggressive print campaign (if you ever get on their mailing list, I swear you receive a brochure a week!)
Due to their middle of the market price range, Ama Waterways has been gaining popularity and fast becoming a guest favorite. Since they are family owned, it creates a very friendly atmosphere that resonates throughout the ship when you’re onboard. They have also introduced a new dining concept onboard with an intimate chef’s table restaurant that features a tasting menu.
So back to the question of “which company should I book my river cruise with?” As you see, just like when you are offered choices of where to sit on an airplane, there are many choices for river cruising too. All you have to decide is how much you want to have included within your budget, pick the best one for you and then relax with the comfort of realizing that all of the choices will have you floating past spectacular the scenery!
*Viking Atla July 10th sailing/ **AmaSerena July 10th sailing/ ***Tauck Savor July 9th (all three ships compared are 445 feet long and 38 feet wide)
Top Ten Travel Tips
1) As you begin your travel plans, check your passport expiry date. I’ve had many clients who didn’t check until right before they left and had to pay huge rush fees to get a new one.
Passport Picture
2) Buy travel insurance (both cancellation and out of country medical) It may seem like an extra cost that you don’t need but it sure pays for itself tenfold if you have to make a claim. You never think you’ll have a house fire or a break-in but most people buy home insurance every year.
3) Call your credit card company to advise them you will be travelling out of the country so they won’t be suspicious of any charges and possibly freeze your card.
4) Check the voltage and plug types for the country you’ll be visiting and make sure you have the appropriate adapter. (When my husband & I travel together, I even take a small surge protector power bar since we have so many devices between the two of us!) Plus don’t forget to pack your power cords in your carry-on bag as you never know if you’ll be delayed and need them.
5) If travelling somewhere that immunizations or preventative medication is recommended, make sure you start taking well enough in advance (For instance, the Twinrix Hepatitis A&B combo shot is 3 doses that takes six months to complete)
6) Tie a ribbon, bandana or something unique to your bags so they stand out at the luggage carousel and make it less likely that someone will take yours by accident. Also, make sure your bags are tagged with identification (and not just on the outside as those tags can get torn off, you should also put your contact information inside your suitcase as may help if it gets lost.)
7) Speaking of lost luggage, if you’ve ever been waiting and waiting for your bag only to realize that everyone else has left, then that sickening feeling hits you as you finally come to terms that your bag did not arrive, you’ll love this tip – before you leave home, take a picture of your bag with your camera or smartphone so when the agent asks you to fill out all the paperwork with the color, type etc, you have the info at your fingertips. I also take a picture of what I’ve packed inside because if the bag never shows up, it helps jog your memory on what to claim. (I could probably do an entire list just on luggage tips as I’ve lost many bags!)
8) Before leaving on your trip, find out what the luggage allowance is for ALL your flights – if you are changing to a smaller aircraft from an overseas flight, they can be vastly different. You don’t want to get caught with overweight luggage and huge excess charges at check in. In your documentation, make sure you have your booking reference numbers for each airline as they too can be different.
9) If making a few airplane changes which means going through many airport security check points, keep your outfit simple – wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, don’t wear bangles or other jewelry (or coins in your pocket) that might set off the machines. Have your laptop and see through bag of liquids (under 100ml or 3 oz) handy at the top of your carry-on bag.
10) The most important tip of all is to pack your patience!
Your flight might get delayed, your hotel room may not be ready when you arrive, your transfer might not show up, you may get lost, your cruise cabin might be under the gym (this one happened to me once and the cabin shook when one particular guy ran on the treadmill at top speed) and many other mishaps but travel is all about the journey, the destination and the troubles that turn into stories once you get home. Embrace them and be thankful that you’re able to be out experiencing the wonder of our world.
