molemaui

Thank you all-great advice!

Our cruise will end in Nuremberg so we are looking for suggestions on the best way for four to travel from Nuremberg to Prague? Also, costs.

We are most likely not purchasing the post cruise package from the cruise line so will need to arrange the transfer and hotels on our own.

thanks!

We're looking at booking either the Legendary or Discovery and wanted advice regarding doing "Cruise only" instead of purchasing the entire package.

1. Is transportation from Prague to Nuremberg easy to arrange? (or reverse if we begin in Budapest)

2. Is there any real value is letting AMA sell you the hotels? (tours, assistance, etc?)

I can either use points and stay at the same hotels for free or pay roughly half what AMA charges realizing that transfers to ship are not included. If I'm missing something that could be important, I certainly want to take that into consideration.

Appreciate all input-thanks!

Laundry package is fantastic. Every request (don't press, don't dry, etc.) was followed exactly. One of the really reasonable cost items of the cruise.

We were in 214 which is real close to where you enter and leave the ship. Absolutely no problem with noise at all. An added bonus, you are near the stairs and elevator for getting to the pool and restaurants. You should be happy with the upgrade.

I'd love someone to take a photo of the by the glass and by the bottle wine lists and post it. Giving serious consideration to sailing on the Surf next year and trying to see if the drink package would work for us.

I just purchased the beverage package today and was given a sheet which I hope posts properly. On the left in either yellow or black is what IS included in the package. On the right in red and black is what is NOT included.

The wireless on board seems to work but if the attachment doesn't come through, I'll try later in the cruise

First, thanks to all for the great advice.

By checking a link on a previous post, I learned our ship (Windsurf) will dock in Oldtown. Is that a good location for walking to the wall or should we get a taxi? Does the advice on entering at the Ploce entrance still stand for a late September arrival?

We want to walk the wall, ride the cable cars, have a nice lunch (least important) and go to the beach.

Can you suggest the order/best way of accomplishing this.

thanks again.

Thank you all for your replies and input.

AMA is a better experience, more included, less passengers. Look at the size of the cabins and passenger count. At the top of the River Cruise board is a comparison between lines.

 

 

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Yes, I saw that comparison but wanted to get a "wider sampling" of opinions along with what people thought of food, tours, inclusions, etc.

thanks.

I realize everyone may have different tastes and expectations but I'm trying to differentiate between AMA Waterways and Viking as I plan a river cruise for next year.

I keep hearing Viking has the newest, ships and is "value priced" and AMA is higher priced but includes more especially in the area of tours, etc. When I compared fairly similar itineraries, Viking was only $300-400 less expensive on the base fare. Some of the extra inclusions on AMA could certainly lessen that gap. Also, if $400p/p is the difference between something "nice" and something "outstanding", I'd rather pay extra.

If anyone has been on both lines, I'd really appreciate your views. Also of import is the quality of dining.

Thanks-appreciate all input.

Will be on the Surf week after next and will take pictures too. Definitely taking the drink package thinking if at worst I break even, I don't have to bother with signing, checking bills, etc. Plus, I should do better than break even!

Thanks for all the tips. Going to have some playing with them as I prepare for departure.

Thank you all! Great suggestions.

You are correct-we are on a 8 day cruise. Have wrestled with unlimited drink packages every time I've cruised and have concluded that at worse I may break even. Not having to hassle with individual drink purchases and reviewing several pages of charges at the end of the cruise is worth it to my sanity.

Another cruiser said even if you're touring all day you won't be drinking on the boat. If you have a couple drinks before dinner, wine with dinner and a couple drinks after dinner, you are in a break even position. I understand sodas and bottled water is also included.

Does anyone have experience how much data is used when you use the maps on your phone. (apple maps) ATT offers 200MB of data for $40 and 300MB for $60. Everything besides maps we can do at the hotel on WiFi so I'm just concerned about data usage for maps. I do not plan on making calls.

Besides the international options from ATT, does anyone have any other ideas?

thanks

The drink package is $993.60 per cabin. Both passengers are required to buy the package. This includes the gratuity which is based on the package price and not "per drink". I just purchased it.

I do not know the level of wines and drinks that are included (Gray Goose, Johnny Walker Green or Blue?) but am sure the top, top shelf are not. Same with wines. While there are pretty decent sparkling wines included, Champagne is not included.

Thanks for the expert analysis of the drink package. It seems to me that the package based on our drinking habits is break even to a little ahead.

Where I get confused is we have 6 stops on our itinerary. If we're spending that much time off the boat, will there be enough time on the boat to get enough drinking in?!

All is well, just need to justify!

We would like to see at least a little of Rome before the cruise so figuring out where to stay and the logistics are key. Thank you everyone for your responses.

We will be arriving in Rome a coupe days early and plan on staying at a Marriott or Hilton property. (free) What is the best way to get from the airport to Rome and then Rome to the pier? Windstar seemed to say that if I don't purchase the hotel from them, I can't get the transfers since I'm coming in early.

Also, are these good hotel choices location wise or should I just use the "recommended" hotels through Windstar and avoid the transfer hassles?

thanks!

Ray,

Thanks!

I was under the impression initially that RCCL made everyone in the stateroom over 21 purchase the drink package even if only one person wanted it. This was also verified at the RCCL website.

When booking the Oasis, I called and explained that while I drink, my traveling companion does not AT ALL and asked if it was possible for only one of us to buy the drink package. I was told there was a policy change and yes, only one can buy the package.

I cannot find this in writing anywhere so I'm hoping someone can clarify this issue for me.

Thanks!

The Skyward was also my first cruise. I think we went in 1987 or 88. I remember using Marriott points as payment and had the choice of Song of Norway or Skyward. We sailed out of San Juan and it was a pretty good cruise!

Thanks for bring back those memories.