Amakatarina Now

[Kellie Poodle]

I am new here. I am hoping to go to Russia next summer.

 

I appreciate everyone's input. Especially since a lot of what KelliePoodle posted doesn't seem to be right. Having others correct her helps us all understand what is right and what is not right.

 

I am now considering a land trip verses a river trip with hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg instead of staying on the ship the entire time. There are some ports that being on a ship doesn't make sense and I am starting to think this trip may be better as a land trip. For those who expressed that information I am grateful before I spent $10,000 on this trip.

 

I have definitely ruled out AMAWaterways as it sounds like they don't have their act together in Russia compared to some other lines. If it wasn't for this thread - I woud not have known that.

 

 

I definitely do not appreciate being called a liar when I am on the ship and you are not. AMA Waterways DOES have the boat with the largest cabins and the ONLY balconies on the Russia cruises. I have seen the other boats. I am here and, you, who seem to find it self-serving to insult me, are wrong. ALL the boats are owned and operated by Vodahod. The crui8se lines such as AMA Waterways, Viking Grand Circle, Croisi, et al, are getting the passengers and chartering the boats. None of these companies have any influence on things like Russian regulations on how food must be cooked to a certain temperature, etc.

 

Our staff have been wonderful. Out tours have been great. We were at the Hermitage this morning and didn't wait in any lines for a second. They have bent over backwards to make out trip special.

 

I'm typing this from my very comfortable bed on AMAkatrina while you are calling me a liar from where?

 

How can you possibly "correct" me when I am here and you are not.

 

I'll accept your apology any ti8me you are ready to offer it.

[Kellie Poodle]

Just a last word. I don't care who you are sailing with on a Moscow to St. Petersburg or vice versa tour. You will be on a Vodahod boat.

 

At most your cru8ise director will be an employee ofn the line you booked with. AMAWaterways is the only one who also places a chef consultant on board their boats.

 

Today we had lunch in a restaurant in St. Petersburg. It was not the same restaurant that was used in the previous cruises. The chef consultant, an employee of AMA Waterways, found the previous place to be sub standard. He was at the restaurant with us today making sure everything was up to their standards and it was. If that's not getting one's "act together" I don't know what is.

 

There are certain things that could be improved and certain things that should be improved but will not be improved due to Russian regulations and the mentality of the staff that cannot see any way other than to strictly adhere to those rules as they were raised under that system of government.

 

If you can't accept that there are cultural differences in this wide world, than stay home.

 

A gentleman we have befriended on this cruise has done over 10 river cruises and he says this one is the best he's been on. Not because of the food, but because he feels AMAWaterways has their act together when it comes to the lectures, entertainment and, most importantly, the excursions.

 

I don't own stock in the company and expressing my opinion will not ain me anything. I am trying to be helpful to others who are interested n Russian River cruises and I can assure you that the information I post is accurate.

 

I am not going to pot her any longer as I resent being called a liar and "corrected" by some one ho is not here while I am.

 

Anyone interested in accurate information without having to go through toe posts of a blow-hard are welcomed to email me personally at kelliepoodle@yahoo.com.

 

I have better things to do with my life than be the subject of discussions by know-nothings seeking to make themselves look important.

[Starfish55]

There are two companies that run boats in Russia. Vodahod runs the Moscow to St. Petersburg intnerary. Another ines runs ore souther Russia tours.

 

That's it. Non of the companies that own their own boats in Europe, Asia, tetc. Own the boats on the Volga Baltic canal run.

 

I think you have your facts wrong. According to Viking River cruises direct and several other sources, Viking does own their ships in Russia. They bought 4 of them in 1997: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_River_Cruises

 

 

I definitely do not appreciate being called a liar when I am on the ship and you are not. AMA Waterways DOES have the boat with the largest cabins and the ONLY balconies on the Russia cruises. I have seen the other boats. I am here and, you, who seem to find it self-serving to insult me, are wrong. ALL the boats are owned and operated by Vodahod. The crui8se lines such as AMA Waterways, Viking Grand Circle, Croisi, et al, are getting the passengers and chartering the boats. None of these companies have any influence on things like Russian regulations on how food must be cooked to a certain temperature, etc.

 

Our staff have been wonderful. Out tours have been great. We were at the Hermitage this morning and didn't wait in any lines for a second. They have bent over backwards to make out trip special.

 

I'm typing this from my very comfortable bed on AMAkatrina while you are calling me a liar from where?

 

How can you possibly "correct" me when I am here and you are not.

 

I'll accept your apology any ti8me you are ready to offer it.

 

I am not going to apologize. Several people have posted facts that contradict you. Other people who have posted who have sailed on this ship are not impressed. This company seems to have a bad reputation for not telling people the truth over the phone. That is a big warning for me.

[Kellie Poodle]

I think you have your facts wrong. According to Viking River cruises direct and several other sources, Viking does own their ships in Russia. They bought 4 of them in 1997: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_River_Cruises

 

 

 

 

I am not going to apologize. Several people have posted facts that contradict you. Other people who have posted who have sailed on this ship are not impressed. This company seems to have a bad reputation for not telling people the truth over the phone. That is a big warning for me.

 

 

Saw the Viking boat. It's a Vodahod boat.

 

AMA's staff has been bad at giving accurate information on the phone. I think it's because they aren't running the boats. For instance they told people there was a charge for Internet. There is none.

 

Go with Viking and have a grand time on a smaller, older Vodahod boat.

[Fonthill]

I definitely do not appreciate being called a liar when I am on the ship and you are not. AMA Waterways DOES have the boat with the largest cabins and the ONLY balconies on the Russia cruises. I have seen the other boats. I am here and, you, who seem to find it self-serving to insult me, are wrong. ALL the boats are owned and operated by Vodahod. The crui8se lines such as AMA Waterways, Viking Grand Circle, Croisi, et al, are getting the passengers and chartering the boats. None of these companies have any influence on things like Russian regulations on how food must be cooked to a certain temperature, etc.

 

Our staff have been wonderful. Out tours have been great. We were at the Hermitage this morning and didn't wait in any lines for a second. They have bent over backwards to make out trip special.

 

I'm typing this from my very comfortable bed on AMAkatrina while you are calling me a liar from where?

 

How can you possibly "correct" me when I am here and you are not.

 

 

I'll accept your apology any ti8me you are ready to offer it.

Another minor correction: Uniworld also have balconies on the ship River Victoria.

http://www.uniworldcruises.ca/Destinations/Ships/Russia/River_Victoria/Overview

[lalasea]

I'm a bit distressed at how nasty this thread has become. We should not be bashing people because of their opinions and experiences. It's different for all of us! I appreciate reading the good and the bad and then trying to form my own opinion. I am happy people (like Kellie Poodle) are having good experiences! But, I also appreciate hearng when things go wrong.

 

There is no need to call anyone a liar. Just do your own research and if you find out something different, present it to us in a respectful way.

[4774Papa]

I'm a bit distressed at how nasty this thread has become. We should not be bashing people because of their opinions and experiences. It's different for all of us! I appreciate reading the good and the bad and then trying to form my own opinion. I am happy people (like Kellie Poodle) are having good experiences! But, I also appreciate hearng when things go wrong.

 

There is no need to call anyone a liar. Just do your own research and if you find out something different, present it to us in a respectful way.

Concur completely. We may have differences of opinion, but no need to call someone a liar.

[Ozjohnno]

I know just how some are feeling about the tone of this thread having recently been called many vile and insulting names because I don't own a coat and by not wearing one I'm somehow going to bring an evening down to an uncouth level. I'm going to reserve my opinion on dress until I've actually done the cruise in early September and I would suggest those who are soon to go on their Russian cruise will do the same irrespective of what others write.

[shoshona2]

I have been on CC for many years and on this river boat board for several years and have never seen such fighting. I don't want the hosts to make this thread disappear so if you want to start a another thread, please go ahead and let Kellie post.

 

thank you!

 

sheila

[Island Cruiser]

Ozjohnno, I think I'm the one who the name calling was directed to, not you. The name calling is a natural reaction if you don't have an argument to stand on. Didn't bother me a bit. The subject of the discussion was dress. And dress is a matter of personal preference. And you can't debate preference. I hate beets. You love beets. We're both right. When you can't defend a preference and you feel you need to respond you attack. I think we might be seeing a bit of that here. But it's harmless and interesting and instructive isn't it? Carry on!

[zogrand]

I feel very badly that the discussions have come down to name calling. Kellie Poodle is having a wonderful time. That is what is important. I've been following this thread since it started. Kellie Poodle was very nervous about the whole experience even though she was looking forward to the trip. Happily, everything has worked out perfectly for her - except for CC name calling and pettiness.

We had a wonderful time when we went in 2007. In fact, I thought our Russian River cruise with Vantage was the best vacation we have ever had. We have cruised big cruise ships, small ships and done road trips through various countries. Long bus rides through Moscow and St. Petersburg gave me the opportunity to peek into the everyday life of Russian citizens. I saw them hanging out their clothes, working on their cars, rushing to work, and living everyday life. I found it fascinating. Cruising along the rivers and canals I saw a slice of life I never would have seen any other way. Did we miss a few major sightseeing opportunities - probably but I loved our trip. Was our ship the most modern, with the best food - definitely not - but I loved every minute. The food was fair, the beds narrow, and the cabins small but I expected this. I would go to Russia again in a minute and would do it in even more rustic conditions than before - it would be worth it! Forget the pettiness and have the experience of a lifetime.

Carol

[4774Papa]

I feel very badly that the discussions have come down to name calling. Kellie Poodle is having a wonderful time. That is what is important. I've been following this thread since it started. Kellie Poodle was very nervous about the whole experience even though she was looking forward to the trip. Happily, everything has worked out perfectly for her - except for CC name calling and pettiness.

We had a wonderful time when we went in 2007. In fact, I thought our Russian River cruise with Vantage was the best vacation we have ever had. We have cruised big cruise ships, small ships and done road trips through various countries. Long bus rides through Moscow and St. Petersburg gave me the opportunity to peek into the everyday life of Russian citizens. I saw them hanging out their clothes, working on their cars, rushing to work, and living everyday life. I found it fascinating. Cruising along the rivers and canals I saw a slice of life I never would have seen any other way. Did we miss a few major sightseeing opportunities - probably but I loved our trip. Was our ship the most modern, with the best food - definitely not - but I loved every minute. The food was fair, the beds narrow, and the cabins small but I expected this. I would go to Russia again in a minute and would do it in even more rustic conditions than before - it would be worth it! Forget the pettiness and have the experience of a lifetime.

Carol

Thanks Carol, it is good to keep things in a proper perspective. We are due to fly to Kiev and then to Russia four days later for our Vantage cruise. Can't wait.

[zogrand]

4774Papa-

Have a wonderful trip. Every vacation is what you make of it. While I'd love to go to Russia again, there are so many places and so little time! I love to read about everyone's experiences. It's like going all over again! Hope you write about your time when you return.

Carol

[MizzDEE MD]

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen........Sheesh, People!

 

This isn't an opportunity to preach/name call or belittle, but to post information as we get it and be helpful to our fellow travelers. As a business owner I can tell you that one unhappy customer makes 10 x the noise that 10 happy ones make. Let's all remember that Katarina is only on her first month in operation and ALL businesses have to adjust. Some information may not have been coming from AMA correctly, but this IS A NEWLY launched ship. I haven't found anything yet that makes me want to cancel. Yes, they need to improve their in house information, but if my travel agent had it all correct, then perhaps they just have some lazy employees that need to learn customer service? I choose not to pack and unpack over and over again, get lousy room assignments, have to schlep on my own...have honeymooner in the room next door....maybe I'm just lazy, too, but I'm going for the history and the people and the scenery. I look for the peace in cruising, and though an experienced traveler, chose to go down the river rather than on some other forms of travel in Russia that reportedly may offer much more excitement than I like.

 

Sheila.... we'll have a wonderful time...Kellie P's main complaint was the food, and I, for one, didn't sign up for this trip or any other based on what I was going to eat....although when we meet, you'll certainly know I haven't missed many meals in my lifetime. I may request a sleepover, however, if the all night danceathon and beer brawl in the Panorama Lounge is too noisy for sleeping in 235.

 

Not to open an old wound, but....I have been told that ALL ships that run in Russia are owned and controlled by the Russian government. I think Katarina IS the old Tolstoy, re-born.

 

KelliePoodle...glad it was wonderful for you.....look forward to everyone's

postings so keep 'em coming.

 

Dee

[Rxgrad98]

WOW! I can't believe where this thread has ended up. I TOTALLY agree with lalasea. Although I'm not sailing on the AMA Katarina, I have kept up with this thread as well as the other tread "AMA Katarina..lower your expectations" because you can always pick up good info. I must say, my eyebrows went up on some of the very first replies on the "lower your expectations" thread in respect to how certain posts were phrased as well as some that have been posted by some of the same individuals on this thread, so I guess I shouldn't be too terribly surprised.

 

I personally appreciate some of the posts describing the land tours vs. river cruise. I realize this is a cruise board and we're all avid cruisers and for many of us this may be a once in a lifetime trip; but let's face, this type of vacation isn't cheap and I'm sure we all want the best vacation possible. For some people, it may be a land tour; for others, it may be a river cruise. It's not my money, so do whichever you prefer. I researched both and had a hard time choosing. In the end, by the time we added in the extra expenses of food, transfers, and sightseeing tours (based on our spending habits & personal preferences), the river cruise per diem was much cheaper. My better half also preferred the fact that we would be escorted the entire time and all meals would be taken care of on the river cruise. Most likely we will sacrifice some sightseeing time, but in a country with a different alphabet and where English will not be as widely spoken as say Western Europe, we preferred the peace of mind that came with the river cruise. For those of you trying to make up your minds, these type posts provide valuable information in helping make an educated decision. I certainly don't mind the differing views as long as they are informative, constructive, and respectful.

 

I considered the AMA Katarina, but I questioned whether or not it would just be AMA Waterways passengers sailing on the cruise. I found at least one other "company" advertising this cruise. Now, rather this was just a travel agency or another company selling space on this ship, I don't know; they never mentioned AMA Waterways. Maybe some of the ones who have sailed on the ship can tell us whether AMA Waterways passengers were the only ones on it. I did contact Vodohod and I was told that for most of their ships they "sell blocks of space" and to contact one of those companies. For all I know, it may be this way on every ship that sails the Volga.

 

We ended up booking with Uniworld on the River Victoria (which, for the record, does have balcony rooms). Our main reason was it offered a day of leisure in Moscow with transfers to the city center. And generally, I've always heard good things about Uniworld.

 

Travel safely.

Tim

[laverendrye]

I hesitate to get back on this thread as it has taken a bit of a nasty tone. I certainly wish well all those who are or who are about to cruise on the AMA Katarina, and trust that the teething problems which some have reported from its maiden voyage have or will be corrected.

 

That said, I think it necessary to correct some statements about Russian river boats. These threads have a long life and others reading them later may be misled.

 

Kellie Poodle, without citing any evidence at all, has continually stated that all ships on the Russian rivers are owned by Vodohod. This is simply not the case. As I and others have pointed out, Viking owns its five ships: Kirov, Surkov, Pakhomov, Lomonosov and Peterhof. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_River_Cruises

 

There are at least four Russian companies which own and operate river boats and lease them to non-Russian companies such as AMA and Uniworld. Three of these, Vodohod, Vodohod-St. Petersburg, and Volga-Flot-Tour are part of the UCL Holding Russian shipping conglomerate. The fourth company is Mosturflot. For those who may be interested, one can check the list of ships owned/operated by each of these companies:

 

http://www.vodohod.com/

http://www.vodohod.spb.ru/

http://www.vftour.ru/

http://mosturflot.com/

 

On none of these lists will one find any of the five Viking ships, because they are not owned by any of them. (Don't confuse Mosturflot's "Surikov" with Viking's "Surkov". They are different ships). One will find, however Vodohod's "Mstislav Rostropovich" aka AMA Katarina (formerly the Mikhail Kalinin) and Morflot's "River Victoria", leased to Uniworld.

 

I should also note, as have others, that the River Victoria indeed has balconies for most of its cabins--the AMA Katarina is not unique in this respect, as Kellie Poodle seems to think: "AMA Waterways DOES have the boat with the largest cabins and the ONLY balconies on the Russia cruises." It's simply a matter of checking the deck plan for River Victoria:

 

http://www.uniworldcruises.ca/Destinations/Ships/Russia/River_Victoria/Deck_Plan

 

Why do I think that this question of ownership is at all relevant to someone who might be planning a cruise? Well, Kellie Poodle earlier stated: "I don't think the food would be any different on any other ship doing the same itinerary in Russia as they are all owned by Vodahod and I would hardly think Vodahod would order differently for each ship"; and, "The crui8se lines such as AMA Waterways, Viking Grand Circle, Croisi, et al, are getting the passengers and chartering the boats. None of these companies have any influence on things like Russian regulations on how food must be cooked to a certain temperature, etc. "

 

This is simply not the case.

 

Standards do vary. I am not in a position to comment on the food on any Russian river boat except the Viking Kirov, which I took last June. I found the food excellent. The AMA Katarina may be, as Kellie Poodle has stated, "the only one who also places a chef consultant on board their boats." However, for the Kirov, and I believe, the rest of the Viking Russian boats, has its own Restaurant Manager, whom I have met (Gunther, a German). He doesn't consult, he runs the operation. He definitely works for Viking and not Vodohod or any other Russian company. Other posts have commented on the quality of the food on the Viking ships, including this recent trip report on the Kirov:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1436140

 

I apologize if this all seems very tedious and repetitious from my earlier posts, but I felt it necessary to correct some of the misconceptions being aired on this thread and others, and as earlier statements of fact haven't seemed to clear things up, I have tried to cite references to substantiate what I have written. I hold no particular brief for Viking, other than to try to correct obvious errors in fact.

 

Once again, I wish all, including Kellie Poodle, a great and enjoyable cruise, no matter what line they choose. Russia is such an interesting place, no matter whether one travels by river boat or on land.

[laverendrye]

A small correction: it's "Mosturflot's River Victoria", not "Morflot's River Victoria". Morflot is, of course, the Russian federal Ministry of the Merchant Marine.

[M5M]

Thanks to all forthe interesting information to read as we try to sort out a trip to Russa.....I would be very interested to know a company that does land to Russia, because we would like to be nearer the city center. Any suggestions?

[shoshona2]

Thank you so very much for all the additional info. Now that you got Kellie off our thread, why don't you start a new thread with all your knowledge. This river cruise board has NEVER had so much anger and bitterness posted before and, hopefully, will go back to those of us who enjoy receiving info and passing it on to others.

 

Happy traveling and crusing!

 

Sheila

[pacmom]

Sheila, I think that as more and more people try river cruising, we will probably get "snarky" ones posting. Have always found this particular board to have some of the nicest well traveled people always willing to share info. Some of the recent posters have gotten rather personal in their replies. Going on a new boat or ship on the first couple of cruises is rather risky---got to gwet all the kinks out. What is wonderful for one is trash to another. Kellie's posts have been sooo good and seem to be unbiesed.

Have a wonderful trip with your granddauhter. We'll be in London in early Aug. before our cruise on the new Marina---16 nite Dover-Rome. Pat;)

[Rxgrad98]

Magar, check out General Tours "Discover Moscow & St. Petersburg." This was our runner up to taking Uniworld's River Victoria. You have your own private guide and driver for all tours that are included. You also have a half day sightseeing tour in Moscow with your driver and guide that you can pick what to do/see. When I was looking at land tours, GT seemed to offer the best mix between included tours and free time verses the land tours by companies suck as Trafalgar or Insight. Hope this helps.

 

http://www.generaltours.com

 

Tim

[MizzDEE MD]

Have you all found the docking locations for AMA in SPB and Moscow? I have them, if anyone needs the info, I will post if you let me know. SPB has a separate port for river ships. Haven't figured out Moscow yet. Anybody know this info?

 

Dee

[HDS]

Laverendrye, I appreciate your posting giving sources of information for potential cruisers to research and reach their own conclusions.

 

MizDee, the dock for Moscow-St Petersburg cruise boats is Rechnoi Vokzal about 10 km north of Moscow city centre. It's a ten minute walk from the northern terminus of the green Metro line. Metro is the fastest route to the centre of Moscow.

 

Enjoy Russia!

[MizzDEE MD]

Thanks, HDS.....that's a great tip.

 

Dee

[Fonthill]

Hi MizDee:

 

The boats dock at the North River Terminal in Moscow - here's a link http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.851092,37.466928&spn=0.01,0.01&t=m&q=55.851092,37.466928

 

The green arrow shows the boat docks and the red M is the Rechnoi Vokzal metro station.

 

You can also see a nice satellite view of the area.