leplap

We've just returned from our marvelous adventure in S.E. Asia, including an excellent cruise on La Marguerite from Siem Reap to Saigon. I will post more observations later; but we are at present concerned with inquiring about the one element of our cruise that was far less than excellent - that is, the extremely noisy dining room, particularly at dinner.

 

On most evenings, it was simply impossible to converse with anyone other than the person on one's immediate left or right. The others at our usual table for six were pretty much hors de combat (or at least hors de conversation).

 

We are wondering whether this unpleasant phenomenon is due to the basic design of the dining room or rather may have been related to the presence of a large group of passengers from Oz who were on an APT tour and were exceptionally loud and raucous in all venues on the boat. It appears that, since APT is a part-owner of AMAwaterways, people on APT tours sometimes have a rather insensitive sense of entitlement. That dynamic was reported by several passengers on AMA cruises in Russia this past summer, as well.

 

In any event, I would invite (indeed, implore) responses on this matter from anyone who has recently cruised on La Marguerite or AmaLotus on a full boat. We intend fully to enthusiastically recommend the AMA Mekong River cruises to anyone who asks our opinion, but wish to have a better sense of the necessity to warn potential passengers of the likelihood of a dining room din. Our "Bible" on AMA Mekong River cruising, the wonderful review of 2Flt, does not mention dining room noise as a problem.

 

Please understand that we would not tell people not to take this cruise because of this issue; but we were delighted to be able to have dinner off the boat on the two evenings we were in Phnom Penh, simply to have a quiet, peaceful dinner experience.

 

BTW, we found the food offered at dinner on the boat to be quite good and did not choose to dine in town in PP because of the food offerings on the boat.

 

Thanking you in advance for your observations on this issue, Cheers, Fred

Freddie; we just got back from the same tour, including La Marguerite, I actually thought the "noise level" in the dining room was not a problem, and think it was actually a good thing. Our "full" boat of passengers was very congenial...everyone got along famously and I thought the enthusiasm of the conversations a positive swing. If I wanted "peaceful" or quiet dining my husband & I (empty nesters) would have stayed home ! We are seasoned travelers, including several other river cruises, of all the tours we've been on we would recommend AMA WATERWAYS above the rest. The tours were conducted in an organized and thorough fashion, the 1 criticism was that 1or2 of the guides did not speak English very well. The excursions were well thought out & wherever we went, our tour director Tony, was always there & ready to help. The dining rm. staff was FANTASTIC, FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL ! It was a treat to party with the ship's staff New Year's Eve, that would NEVER happen on a traditional (ocean liner) cruise. As for the food, I am a very picky eater & planned on eating NOTHING as I did in on our trip to China, however the kitchen was very accomodating & presented me with just about anything I asked for, everyday they made a fresh plate of french fries for me in case there was nothing else I liked. The omelets were delish & the soups were great! I have nothing to say about this trip except we were sorry it was over...I highly recommend AMA Waterways if you want a great mix of land & cruising...no gliches, absolutely SEAMLESS !

sdianem

My husband and I are on the Dec. 20th as well...I have many of the same questions, hoping to get replies. We'll be on the Saigon Deck but hoping for a Category B to open up. We have been on many traditional cruises however, only 1 other river cruise to china with Viking...I am also concerned with the visa issues...typically we've been able to obtain the visas from the embassies in NYC, however I dont believe there is a vietnam or cambodian embassy in our city...I think I'm just trying to enjoy the rest of the summer before getting serious about the trip...maybe that's a bad idea :) if you have any experience with AMA I'd like to hear about it. Thank you, leslie P. (leplap)

P.S. sorry, did not realize you and I had already communicated ! I am still a bit of a novice on this board and how to navigate the "THREADS/POSTS" ... hope I can find you again once I sign out, have a great day, Leslie P.

sdianem

My husband and I are on the Dec. 20th as well...I have many of the same questions, hoping to get replies. We'll be on the Saigon Deck but hoping for a Category B to open up. We have been on many traditional cruises however, only 1 other river cruise to china with Viking...I am also concerned with the visa issues...typically we've been able to obtain the visas from the embassies in NYC, however I dont believe there is a vietnam or cambodian embassy in our city...I think I'm just trying to enjoy the rest of the summer before getting serious about the trip...maybe that's a bad idea :) if you have any experience with AMA I'd like to hear about it. Thank you, leslie P. (leplap)

hi Sylvia; it will be nice to chat during the planning stages...thank you for the information, it was very helpful. I knew it would be hot but I'm told it's the most beautiful in december. We've been to Egypt in August & it was no less than 103 deg. so that doesnt bother us. I heard that the wine/beverages are local and not good, but thank you for confirming that. Unfortunately we can't get to Hanoi a day early due to business obligations so there wont be much time there for us, but we'll be staying 1 extra day in Saigon..still not enough time I'm sure but we're happy to be going. We've done many cruises on the traditional ocean liners, Middle east, Baltic, Medit. Greece, South America, land only in the Czech republic and once on the Viking River cruise to China. We were trying to combine Thailand this trip as well but there's just not enough time so we'll have to go back ! We booked the Saigon deck...the B categories were filled so we had to take the A..on the waitlist for a B ! Which other river cruises have you taken besides prague? and also, so far I've read mostly positive reviews about the tour company and the boat...do you have anything you can add? I'd love to hear all about your experiences and hope we will keep in touch. I'm from NY but we have family in Az, so I'm aware of the heat situation, I'm sure you'll do fine. Stay cool, Leslie

Is anyone sailing on the Dec. 20th cruise on the La Marguerite? Looking to connect with fellow passengers. Can anyone advise as to the excusion situation? we are doing AMA's land and river but can't really decipher if all the excursions are included, if so...are they ample or should we suplement with additonal excursions? I would appreciate any helpful hints...it's not our first river cruise but first time with AMA...lastly, the beverage ie: beer, wine, soda, spirits, seems to be a bit of a gray area. Can someone clear up weather or not these beverages are included? Thank you in advance and happy cruising ! leplap :p