marketingmama

Thanks for all the great info. Making progress in that I've found a knowledgeable TA and she's working up a quote. Leaning toward AMA Romantic Danube trip but we'll see how the numbers look. I'll keep everyone posted!

I signed up for emails from all the cruise lines when I requested brochures (I find it easier to compare that way). I found our deal on Uniworld's site, but booked through a TA to get their "extra," which was a two-night pre-cruise stay in our departure port of Amsterdam.

 

Former Ardmore resident here, BTW :)

No way, Ardmore! My mom lives there! I'm in Media, Upper Providence.

I'll start joining mailing lists! Thanks much.

Hiccups, sign up for emails from the cruise lines? Did you book through them or an agent? Just confirming....

Thanks for the info! I appreciate all the advice. I am sort of reeling from the prices as I just got an online estimate from Avalon that was $11K, excluding air. Now granted I asked for a room with a balcony but honestly going in the cheapest room category will kill our plans entirely. Appears the summer months might need to be reconsidered :confused: --though I really would have a tough time managing cold or wet chill when touring every day.

Somehow thought our budget was sufficient. Certainly open to ideas!! :)

Oh, and yes, I've been through the threads and stickies. All very useful!

Hello all,

I've been reading for about 4 hours online trying to get my arms (and brain) around the various options for a desired river cruise summer of '16. We are two couples in our early 50s. Based in the US (major airport hubs). Each of us were thinking a $10K budget would be totally doable (but I'm thinking I may have been fooling myself).

So....we are also into luxury and enjoy great food, lovely ambience and like the all-inclusive idea. Good wine and beer are are nice to have but spirits aren't such a big deal. My ideal trip would take us to Budapest, Prague and Vienna but not sure that such an itinerary exists!

My husband is Dutch (has lived in the US over 20 years) and at 6'4", really wants a decent sized stateroom and bed (do any have Kings?). We also really enjoy a balcony that allows one to sit outside.

The lines that have sort of spoken to me are Tauk, AMA and Scenic but I'm afraid they're over our budget once we consider air (though not sure if the lines offer decent discounted airfare). Which leads me to booking and pricing. Is it best to get pricing directly from the cruise lines or is it more cost effective to work with a travel agent of some sort?

Thank you in advance for helping with my questions. It's very much appreciated!