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@sharkster77 and I am sure there are a lot of choices of east coast to AMS flights. I will have to say that in Basel we were there early and decided to find the dock for the next day. We started talking to the crew and telling them we will be on the boat the tomorrow. They invited us to go on the bus tour, and we did. The cruise was going the other way, so it wouldn’t have been our excursion. The main reason I love river cruise vacations. Much more personal experience.

I agree that it is not worth the stress trying to fly the day of anymore. Now I just stress do I go one or two days early.

I have only had butlers on Regent and it was two very different experiences. The first time was perfect. We asked for different beverages in our mini refrigerator and bar set up, but other than that we are very low-key and would let them know if we needed them. She was great. However I agree with @hbbae that the second one was there every time we went to our cabin. Very nice but not comfortable with that much individual attention. On Uniworld, we once had a suite with a butler but this was just when the river cruises started back up in Europe and there was only 49 passengers on our cruise so almost 3 staff to passenger. I prefer a good cabin steward which we always have on river cruises. We even had a steward that had a glass of champagne on the table waiting for me when we would dress for dinner. Knowing I would bring one to the room the first couple of days. And that was on Viking with a swan window. (did not charge us for the glass).

So glad you recommended this one. We have been looking into that cruise for next year.

I agree. Two of the Uniworld cruises through France included a lot of hiking with the fitness instructor on board. On one, the instructor was new and got us lost and it started drizzling. It was one of the most memorable and fun excursions I have ever had. There was only 5 of us on that excursion. We laughed about it between us the entire trip. (we were only 10-15mins pass return time so we weren’t that lost and it was summer so it wasn’t cold)

@Lois RGood to know about SS. I haven’t had a chance to try them but dates are our main issue when booking so I always need alternatives.

I agree with the luxury lines that Coral offered. I have been on Regent and Seabourn. Both were excellent cruises but Regent was the closest to a Uniworld experience for me. Regent has smaller ships, great excursions, good food, most if not all cabins are at least balconies and everything is included in the price. We ended the cruise with a zero tab. We also enjoyed Seabourn. And want to try Atlas, which seems to be a line I would enjoy.

Taxi is fine and usually a little cheaper than a car service if only 2 people. Just make sure you get a real taxi from the taxi stand. There are some fake taxis that will stop and tell you they can take you to your destination and they will charge a ridiculous amount. Real taxis are regulated with prices from airport to the city. The train is easy and fast but if you are staying near the Opera, use the Roissy bus if they are not on strike.

@Lois Rif you end up on 8/5 AMA, we will see you in Paris. 😁🥂

I like Hotel 31. It’s near the Eiffel Tower and not far from the ports. The location is safe, a lot of restaurants and more local area then tourist. I usually stay in smaller boutique hotels. Plus they will arrange a car service from airport if needed. The train as mentioned before is easy.

shuttle@saintlouis-hotels.com This is the car service I have used a couple of times. It is associated with some Paris hotels. I am not sure all the hotels that work with them but they have always been very friendly, on time and a fair price.

I have been on 3 Uniworld cruises and they are wonderful. I like the all-inclusive. The only other I have been on is Viking and even though it was a wonderful cruise, I get tired of the “cabin number or name” question. For the price difference, they were very close to the Viking end price. I am excited to try Ama. And yes, I love Paris. So much to see and do and eat.

I was on the Normandy river cruise with Uniworld in 2021, and I am going again on AMA in August. I loved the itinerary. Monet’s house is not to be missed. The beaches and Memorial are bittersweet. The shopping in Rouen was the best I have had in France. Honfleur was beautiful but very crowded and a lot of tourist shops. This is my 8th trip to Paris. I love the city. I am going again because my husband didn’t get to go with me in 2021 so we wanted to go after all the pictures. I never turn down a river cruise. This is my first AMA and I have heard only good things.

Please report back on your cruise. We are taking our first AMA in August, but 5th river cruise. I wanted to do Bordeaux but my husband thought it would be just like the southern France one we took from Lyon. I am hoping next cruise we book, I can convince him differently. (We loved the Providence cruise)

I have been on Uniworld, Viking and this time we booked Ama. A lot is decided by the itinerary, dates and price. I have never been on a bad or regrettable river cruise. I have been in a suite and in a cabin where the swans can look in the window. River cruises are nothing like ocean cruises where “luxury” has more to do with the experience. Nothing beats a river cruise and pulling into a city center and grabbing a pint with the locals. River cruising is the most relaxing at the same time busy vacation you will experience. (oxymoron intended) With that said I do love the Uniworld all inclusive. If you have been on Regent cruise, it gives close to the same vibe.

Thank you. I wish you the best cruise and I hope you get Guru and Nileash as your servers. They were awesome. I will be jealous as I am washing clothes and cooking. It is really hard to have a bad vacation when you don’t have to do the dishes. 😁

I will disagree with your comment about only one port is mainly locals on the ship. We have sailed from Long Beach to one port and it was not mainly California locals. We just enjoy talking and meeting people from different countries and states. This cruise had a lot of large groups from NY or NJ. In fact, a lot of people not from that area must have thought the same thing as we would meet someone from a different area they would make the joke that we were the first people not from NY or NJ. It wasn’t meant as an insult but that I enjoy talking with people about their city. Large groups tend to stick to themselves.

Recap: A clothes line in the bathroom on deck 8 concierge class. Bring clips as it’s not the strongest for shirts and shorts. I used heavy duty magnets to hang damp (not wet) swimsuits on the wall to finish drying. Worked well. appetizers delivered to the room were gross. In looks and taste. Get to the Martini bar early for a seat. Go to Horseshoe Bay on the last day. We heard the ships pool was crowded, Carnival had left, and NCL was leaving before us. At 9am we took a taxi for 5 people it was 42.00. The driver gave a great tour with the drive. We were able to get umbrella and chairs 45.00 and had a pick of where we wanted to be set up. The beach was not crowded at all. At 12:30 we took the 7.00 per person shuttle that filled up quickly. We were back on the ship 1:00ish. I think most people stay around the ship since we have to be back by 330 and NCL by 2. Go to St. George’s by ferry. Bring a swimsuit as there are a lot of little coves. You can get to St Catherine’s beach for 3.00 per person. Not a big beach and no facilities but it was clean and empty. A large hotel is part of the beach but their part is private and busier. Food on the ship was okay. You won’t go hungry. Bring a couple of protein bars when you go into Bermuda. You will walk a lot and I had wished I had one on me. One thing that I didn’t like was the stores had more activities than the ship at times. I also didn’t like that it wasn’t a large variety of people. Most of the guest drove to the cruise and seemed to have come from large groups. Glad I went and I know that I am going to get slammed on this board for saying this, and it is only my opinion from one Celebrity cruise, but Celebrity will not be one of my choices unless the price is really good.

A storm is a brewing

I have not heard of any outbreak. I haven’t noticed a staff shortage or guest missing.

Staff seemed shorter during dinner. They have not announced anything new. We were invited to the helipad for send off. Had a good time at Horseshoe Bay. Took a taxi, 5 people was 42.00. Stayed about 3 hours. The rental of 2 chairs and and umbrella was 45.00. Took the 7.00 shuttle back.

They just announced the staff will need to wear masks

Silent Disco on the pool deck last night.