This entire thread is interesting. As a seldom user of CC, I didn't know to look for the "number of posts" by posters, but it does look like certain travelers were encouraged, while other travelers were not.
Our 3 river cruises with Grand Circle were terrific (1. Normandy to Paris, 2. Rhine and Mosel, and 3. Danube Prague to Budapest. and scheduled Florence, Tuscany and the French Riveria) The drivers for us going to GC were the itineraries and price. However, after cruising with them, the service is excellent and like most of the posters, we found no reason to change. We always were able to find pretty deep discounts, that based on our comparisons, left us well under the price of traveling with other firms, notably Viking, which has an excellent reputation. Even considering optional tours and tips, etc., we felt that the prices were much better than Viking. We did not compare other lines beyond Viking.
If I was to be picky, while the breakfasts and lunches with GC were very good, I think the dinner quality could be picked up a little. Also, GC is correctly known for it's older clientele (probably marginal vs. other river cruises, but even older), and if I was 30 or 40, that maybe something to consider.
But the service is exceptional. I think river cruises are representative of the push for much improved customer service internationally, but in particular for U.S. travelers. The cruise lines know that they must provide excellent customer service or be left behind, and we are the rightful beneficiaries of it...since we are paying the tab. And you see the results in most of the river cruise travelers enjoying their trips very much, irrespective of cruise lines.
Vote: Which is your favorite river cruise line?
in River Cruising
Posted
This entire thread is interesting. As a seldom user of CC, I didn't know to look for the "number of posts" by posters, but it does look like certain travelers were encouraged, while other travelers were not.
Our 3 river cruises with Grand Circle were terrific (1. Normandy to Paris, 2. Rhine and Mosel, and 3. Danube Prague to Budapest. and scheduled Florence, Tuscany and the French Riveria) The drivers for us going to GC were the itineraries and price. However, after cruising with them, the service is excellent and like most of the posters, we found no reason to change. We always were able to find pretty deep discounts, that based on our comparisons, left us well under the price of traveling with other firms, notably Viking, which has an excellent reputation. Even considering optional tours and tips, etc., we felt that the prices were much better than Viking. We did not compare other lines beyond Viking.
If I was to be picky, while the breakfasts and lunches with GC were very good, I think the dinner quality could be picked up a little. Also, GC is correctly known for it's older clientele (probably marginal vs. other river cruises, but even older), and if I was 30 or 40, that maybe something to consider.
But the service is exceptional. I think river cruises are representative of the push for much improved customer service internationally, but in particular for U.S. travelers. The cruise lines know that they must provide excellent customer service or be left behind, and we are the rightful beneficiaries of it...since we are paying the tab. And you see the results in most of the river cruise travelers enjoying their trips very much, irrespective of cruise lines.