Babcia7

Thank you for the review of your trip.  I'm hoping that by our cruise in August some of the kinks will be worked out.  It is a shame that the ship has not sourced some local seafood for their offerings.  Glad to hear that you had positive thoughts about the staff. We did not have a great experience on the American Queen on the Mississippi earlier this year, and we are really hoping that our trip to Alaska will far exceed that experience.  We have been on other expedition cruises with Lindblad Expeditions (on the Columbia River and in the Galapagos) and on other expedition cruises on the Amazon river, but we've never been to Alaska, so we are really looking forward to the adventure!

If you're on Ocean Victory's voyages this month, I'd love to hear about your experience.  Looks like a wonderful adventure, and we'll be on the Vancouver to Sitka cruise in August.  Looking forward to some reviews!

The on board booking agent (on the American Queen) told us that rain suits would be provided on the ship, but she suggested that we bring our own because they would probably be a better fit.  She did not say that the ship would provide boots.  It would be nice to have a suggested packing list from AQ, but I've viewed lists from other expedition cruise companies and I imagine they would be similar. 

We're also booked on the August 20th cruise from Vancouver to Sitka.  We're also doing the pre-cruise trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, Calgary to Vancouver.  Very excited about both!  I'm wondering if AQ will suggest a packing list for their expedition cruise.  We were told that they would provide rain suits and that we would each have a locker to store our boots, etc. Looking forward to the adventures!

Yes, the premium excursion was to the B.B. King Museum.  We did not do that.  The Bald Cypress swamp sounds interesting, but not offered at this stop on the AQ.  Since this was our first Mississippi cruise, we didn't do any additional research about the areas we would visit.  In hindsight, I wish I had.

Last August, my husband and I, along with two wonderful friends, booked a cruise on the American Queen from New Orleans to Memphis. We were on the boat from March 21-28th.

The boat was beautiful and the interior was well appointed and maintained.  There were many places to gather, and probably our favorite place to sit was the River Grill.  Our cabin (455) was large (for a river cruise), and had plenty of space for everything we brought on board.  I especially liked the sink and vanity outside the bathroom.  We loved the location of our cabin at first. Our friends had the cabin next to us, and only one other cabin at the stern was occupied by a staff member.

We realized the first night that the location of our cabin above the paddle wheel was subject to vibration.  The first night, it was similar to those beds at old motels where you inserted quarters to enjoy the vibration!  As the cruise progressed, the vibrating increased, making sleeping difficult.  We found out at the end of our cruise that one of the boat's generators had been acting up, and finally quit altogether.

The food on the boat was mostly delicious, and there was always quite a variety.  Breakfasts and lunches offered a buffet as well as items to order off the menu.

Most of the wait staff seemed like they were new and in training.  They tried hard, and there were exceptions, but service was definitely strained and the boat was only 3/4 full.  

We really enjoyed our tour of Nottoway, and our time exploring Natchez on the Hop on Hop off bus.  Our premium tour of Vicksburg, which was almost entirely a bus tour might have been better if our guide spoke more clearly.  As it was, he slurred many of his sentences so much that it was difficult to understand what he was saying. It was interesting to get off the bus and view the ironclad ship.  I was glad that in the morning we had visited the Old Depot museum, which had a huge diorama displaying the battlefield at Vicksburg along with some amazing artifacts.

There were two stops on our cruise where we rode the Hop on Hop off bus without hopping off.  The first was Pointe Coupe, and the second was Greenville.

Neither place offered anything of interest to us.  Greenville was one of the most depressed areas I've seen, with many businesses boarded up and closed.  Apparently the town's claim to fame is that Jim Henson was born there.  The main draw of the place seemed to be the casino, where most on our bus got off.

We did enjoy the presentations by the Riverlorian, and the evening shows were very entertaining.  We especially enjoyed the evening the staff sang songs from Broadway musicals.  All four vocalists were very talented.  The band was wonderful as well.  On two nights we were entertained by Michaelyn Oby, both of which were excellent.  The piano player at the captain's bar had quite a following, but after the first night we sought out a quieter place to enjoy our cocktails.

What was really quite a disappointment was the customer service (or almost complete lack of).  When we booked last August, the AQ website stated that covid tests would be provided at the hotel before embarkation.  This changed in late January, and we were directed to get a PCR test within 48 hours of departure. Again this changed to allow a test to be given within 72 hours of embarkation.  On March first, AQ again changed protocols to revert back to providing the tests at their cost at the hotel.  The week before our departure, I called AQ directly to inform them that our flight wouldn't arrive until after the hospitality desk at the hotel was closed for the evening.  I was told by the rep that we would be able to get the test the morning of embarkation between 7-9 a.m.  I had my travel advisor verify this information.  So on Monday morning, the day of embarkation, we arrived at the hospitality desk shortly after 7 a.m. No one was manning the desk, and as people gathered for testing and check-in, we just waited.  Finally about 8 a.m. an AQ rep came and asked how many of us were waiting for a covid test.  Most of us raised our hands.  She told us AQ was no longer offering the test at the hotel, and we would have to go into town to find a place to get the test at our expense! Needless to say, there were many disgruntled customers.  I told the rep about my contact with the AQ rep verifying that the test would in fact be done at the hotel.  Her response to me was: "Do you have that in writing"?  Luckily, I did, but I was insulted that she would even ask that.  We had to wait until the reps from the boat came to get things resolved.  They all seemed very frazzled and unorganized.  We were finally told to arrive at the boat at 2:45 and the medical staff onboard would test us at the dock before we boarded the boat.  All of this confusion should have been avoided.  There were other instances on the boat that also resulted in avoidable confusion.

I suggested to one staff member that they should experience a river trip on board Uniworld, to see what a seamless product they offer.  AQ could learn much from Uniworld's customer service.

That said, we enjoyed most of our time once on the boat, and while on board we booked an Alaskan cruise on the Ocean Victory in August.  We hope that by the time we take our cruise later in the season any kinks will be worked out.

On 3/12/2022 at 12:36 PM, amenuensis said:

A work in progress, I am trying to do travel blog about the cruise with photos here: https://wordpress.com/view/jackiestravelblog432753637.wordpress.com

Just saw your first blog installment!  Thanks so much for sharing.  We'll be heading to NOLA on Sunday for our river cruise on the AQ, so I'm really enjoying the pictures and reading your impressions of the trip!

22 hours ago, amenuensis said:

I am just seeing this. I will ask but I doubt it. We got our PCR test in NOLA testing site it was easy and close (on Canal St.) and we didn't pay anything because we chose the 24 Hour PCR test. The 15 minute one was $60. We took the test at 10:20 am and got our results the next morning via emailed PDF. I didn't even have to print it out I just showed it to the checkin person on my cellphone.  I see they are changing their policy soon? There was a couple there that hadn't gotten tested yet and they said they could get tested at the hotel for $20, which was news to us! 

 

Anyway we are on board and just completed the muster drill and so far so good. My only caveat is the Hilton room where we checked in was FREEZING and you're in there for awhile on one line then another, so wear a jacket! I had a sweater on and I was still cold. Also if you don't want to stray far from the hotel waiting to board the boat, there is a Riverwalk Shopping Mall that you can walk to without going outside, theres an inside walkway connecting the Hilton to it and there are lots of stores and food courts etc. It's a little convoluted to get there from the lobby but I just asked the concierge. I'll keep trying to post, the wifi seems fine but we are still docked in New Orleans.

Thank you for posting!  We are looking forward to our trip in less than 2 weeks and are so happy that the company decided to once again provide testing at the hotel. I'll be checking for any updates that you post! Have a wonderful trip!

Good news!

Thank you for the information!  I hope you have a wonderful cruise.  We'll be taking the same trip on March 21, so I'll be interested in hearing about your experience.

We booked this trip last summer, when we opted to keep our travels within the U.S., thinking that  it might be less of a hassle than traveling to Europe for another river cruise (we have done 9, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed, with the exception of our trip with Viking).  When we booked, AQ stated that they would provide Covid testing (at their expense) at the hotel before we embarked on the cruise. When I talked to a rep in January, this was still the case.  Since then AQ has modified that, making it the passenger's responsibility at their own cost and time to obtain the test, first stating that this must be done within 48 hours of embarkation and now allowing the test to be done 72 hours before embarkation.  I'm hoping that by the time we take our cruise they will lift the testing requirement completely.

This is my first experience with AQ, and so far I have been very disappointed.  In addition to the testing requirement changes, I also was told that when we disembark in Memphis we have to be off the boat by 9 a.m.  I fully expected to have to be out of our cabins early, but I was hoping we would be able to have a leisurely morning before heading to the airport.  Our flight doesn't leave until 1:30, and unfortunately the only excursion offered doesn't allow enough time at the airport.  I asked if we could at least store our luggage on the boat while we explored the area and I was given a definite "NO".  

I thought taking a Mississippi cruise with AQ would be a better option than traveling to Europe, but not only is it costing us almost twice as much as a 7 - 10 day European river cruise, just the experience of dealing with the company has been quite disappointing.  I'm hoping that once on board the boat I will be pleasantly surprised.

We are on the American Queen March 21- 28 cruise from New Orleans to Memphis.  When should we expect to get our travel documents?  Will the River Bar and Grill be open?  On the day we disembark in Memphis, the cruise provided shuttle to the airport departs at 8 a.m.  Since our flight isn't until 12:45, we're opting to line up our own transfer to the airport.  I'm sure we have to be out of our cabins early in the morning, but can we remain on the ship for a leisurely breakfast? What time do we have to be off the boat?

7 hours ago, jpalbny said:

What a nice trip that must have been! We've sailed on the SS Catherine's Rhone itinerary and really loved that trip. Glad it's still as nice as we remember.

 

Question - were you able to obtain the elusive and highly coveted "passe sanitaire" for France? If so, did you obtain it by testing upon arrival, or did you have your US CDC vaccination card converted?

 

Asking because we're supposed to fly into Nice in a week for a cruise around Corsica. In order to enter the port area to embark, we need the passe sanitaire. The application process has been anything but smooth. 😉

 

I was able to get my "Passe Sanitaire" online before we left for France, but my husband's pass never came through, even though we received confirmation that they received our request.  Several other passengers had the same experience. Good luck!

In Viviers, we had an amazing experience with our guide, Francis.  Great walking tour, but the highlight was being invited into her home and having wine, cheese and sausages in her terrace.  We were blown away by the Ponte de Gard in Avignon. Also enjoyed the Olive farm tour and tasting...

We just returned from 2 wonderful weeks in France on Uniworld's Grand France cruise. On the first week we were on board the Joie de Vivre cruising the Seine, and enjoying the sights from Paris to Normandy.  There were only 55 passengers on the ship.  We were all given the royal treatment, and by the second day most of the crew knew us by name.  This was our 6th cruise with Uniworld, and we found that they continue to be a class act. All passengers on board were fully vaccinated, and the covid protocols that we followed did not diminish the quality of the trip.  In fact, the measures taken by Uniworld, and enforced in France made us feel less at risk about taking this trip. 

We took the high speed train to Lyon for the second week of our trip aboard the SS Catherine, along with 12 others from the Joie de Vivre who opted for the Grand France itinerary. There were only 45 passengers on the Catherine.  Again, we were treated like royalty, but also like family. We had met several of the staff and crew on previous cruises and it was fun to re-connect.

Our guides ranged from good to great, and some were the best we've ever had on any trip.  They, as well as the Uniworld staff, were all so appreciative of all of us passengers willing to travel and expressed their gratitude repeatedly.  

Even in these uncertain times of covid, our trip was amazing and we look forward to sailing with Uniworld again.

Just got notice from my TA that Uniworld now requires all passengers to be fully vaccinated. They are no longer requiring a Covid test before boarding but are following the various protocols of embarkation countries.

Have a wonderful time!  Our first river cruise was the Paris - Normandy trip with Uniworld on the Baroness.  We'll be on that cruise again in August as part of our Grand France cruise.  Looking forward to reading your report when you return.  I'm wondering how different the excursions might be with covid protocols in place...

I agree with tfred, Crystal is far superior to Viking in many ways: service, food, excursions, etc.  My husband and I have experienced both lines, and Crystal proved to be above and beyond anything we were offered on our Viking cruise. Also, when considering costs, take a look at what is and is not included.  When we traveled with Viking drinks (except wine and beer with lunch and dinner), gratuities for ship's staff, drivers and guides were all extra expenses.  

We've taken most of our river cruises in late July, early August to coincide with our less busy times on the farm.  During our 2013 cruise on the Seine, we experienced a few hot days as well as some chilly, rainy weather.  On our last night docked in Paris, we enjoyed having drinks on the top deck bundled in Uniworld provided blankets...it was that chilly! Looking back at one of our Rhine cruises, temperatures varied from 60 degrees F. to 78 degrees F. I always pack for warm weather, but take a couple of sweaters for layering and always bring along a raincoat, just in case its needed!

We loved this cruise so much we did it twice!  It is not a typical river cruise, as much of the time is spent exploring Venice and the surrounding islands. We really enjoyed having lots of time in Venice, both on guided tours and on our own. It is such a unique, interesting place!  The bike ride in Chioggia was lots of fun, as was our luncheon visit to the off-shore platform where mussels are harvested.  Not sure if those excursions are still offered.  We also took the tour to Bologna which included a pasta making demonstration and delicious lunch.  Touring St. Mark's after hours was a real treat, as was time spent on Torcello and Burano.

Hopefully the virus will not curtail the tours Uniworld offers.  We are scheduled to take their Grand France cruise in August, and are cautiously optimistic that we will actually go this time around (we booked the trip almost 2 years ago, and because of covid, it has been rescheduled twice)!  

Yes, this was an embarrassing attempt.  Actually, this whole week has been fraught with embarrassing moments. I have always been more than satisfied with Uniworld's cruises in the past (6 cruises), and am booked for one more, but may explore other options in the future. Too bad that they didn't do a dry run to work out the bugs.  Sure didn't leave a good impression, especially for those who haven't experienced the usually wonderful product that Uniworld provides.

We rebooked (for the second time) a cruise on the Seine and Rhone for August 2021.  We originally booked for March, 2020, then August 2020.  Hoping and praying that a vaccine and treatment will be widely available by this time next year!

Thank you for your posts and pictures!  Brings back lots of good memories of our Uniworld trip to Spain and Portugal two years ago.  Such a beautiful part of the world!

Not surprised!  We took our first Crystal river cruise last summer.  It was a wonderful, top notch experience!

3 hours ago, Ladys Mom said:

We booked a trip from Budapest to Vilshofen in August, 1921.  This will be our first Crystal cruise.  We are very excited about it.  It is an itinerary we had planned to do and the sale made it too appealing to pass up.  Although we have done a large number of ocean cruises, mostly on Regent, we had only done one river cruise on Viking.  We really did not enjoy it and were reluctant to take another river cruise.  We have heard wonderful things about Crystal river cruises so we decided to give it a chance.

We took one Viking river cruise several years ago, and will not book with them again since our experience was so disappointing.

We usually book with Uniworld as we've always enjoyed those trips. Last year we took our first river cruise with Crystal and the whole experience was top notch: the service, the food, the excursions, the accommodations were all excellent.  Have a wonderful time!

In another topic, someone suggested that Uniworld is staggering their cancellations in order to more efficiently deal with refunds and rebooking.  Makes sense for the company, but leaves many of us in limbo about cruises that are still scheduled for the next couple of months. I expect our August cruise will be cancelled sometime in the next couple of weeks.