AMA Waterways -- Suites vs. AA Cabins

[Neuhoftraveler]

We're considering a Low Countries ("Tulip Time") cruise next April on either AMA Certo or AMA Sonata, and wondering whether there are any significant differences between the "suites" and the AA cabins (other than cost). We've never been on a river cruise, but have sailed in and enjoyed higher-end cabins on the small ships of Star Clippers, Windstar, Regent, and Silversea. Can anyone who's used both a suite and a AA cabin on either of these AMA vessels or their sister vessels provide an experience-based comparison?

[nana541]

We're considering a Low Countries ("Tulip Time") cruise next April on either AMA Certo or AMA Sonata, and wondering whether there are any significant differences between the "suites" and the AA cabins (other than cost). We've never been on a river cruise, but have sailed in and enjoyed higher-end cabins on the small ships of Star Clippers, Windstar, Regent, and Silversea. Can anyone who's used both a suite and a AA cabin on either of these AMA vessels or their sister vessels provide an experience-based comparison?

 

 

You do know that complete photos and details are on the AMA website.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[aldukenew]

We're considering a Low Countries ("Tulip Time") cruise next April on either AMA Certo or AMA Sonata, and wondering whether there are any significant differences between the "suites" and the AA cabins (other than cost). We've never been on a river cruise, but have sailed in and enjoyed higher-end cabins on the small ships of Star Clippers, Windstar, Regent, and Silversea. Can anyone who's used both a suite and a AA cabin on either of these AMA vessels or their sister vessels provide an experience-based comparison?

 

This does not answer your question, but we did this exact cruise last year on the AMACerto and absolutely loved it! We were in a C cabin with a French balcony and were not disappointed. The weather was too cool to even it upstairs on the deck, so a balcony would have not been useful. We took 2 bike tours and loved every minute of it. You will enjoy it regardless of the cabin.

[caviargal]

My mom had an AA on AmaCerto and we had a BB. Loved her AA cabin! The bathroom was spacious and the additional 20 sq ft or so of interior cabin space was noticeable. I did not see any of the suites but they do come with room service and have tubs and I believe the beds are larger as well.

 

We have an AA booked next year on AmaSerena as we really were impressed with the cabin overall. We have had C categories as well and these were comfortable but the AA's are really very nice! I do not think I would spring for the suite after spending time in the AA.

Edited September 7, 2014 by caviargal

[KLRDUKS]

We were in a Suite on the AMAPrima last May and I would say that unless you plan to use your balcony a lot, it is probably not worth the additional fee. Yes, there is more room and the big plus is the balcony is deeper so you have plenty of room for two chairs, ottomans and a small table. The AA balconies are only big enough for two chairs and a small table.

 

We are on the AMASonata this December for a Christmastime cruise and are in a AA cabin. Since we will probably not use the balcony much, we felt it was a better value.

 

Hope that helps.

[Neuhoftraveler]

Thanks to all who responded. These are exactly the kind of report I was hoping for. Glad to hear also the good report of this particular itinerary on Certo.

 

Aldukenew, what was the date of your chilly Certo tulip trip? Did you catch the tulips in full bloom?

 

PS to Nana: Yes, I do know that the AMA website has pictures, but I also know that professional publicity pictures sometimes are better-looking than the reality. And in any case, what I asked was not what the cabins look like, but what's it like to be in them. Thanks again for your thoughts, though.

Edited September 9, 2014 by hoftraveler

[aldukenew]

Thanks to all who responded. These are exactly the kind of report I was hoping for. Glad to hear also the good report of this particular itinerary on Certo.

 

PS to Nana: Yes, I do know that the AMA website has pictures, but I also know that professional publicity pictures sometimes are better-looking than the reality. And in any case, what I asked was not what the cabins look like, but what's it like to be in them. Thanks again for your thoughts, though.

I think you replied to the wrong person. I did not say anything about pictures on the website, just that we enjoyed this itinerary last year and it was too cold to enjoy the outdoors while sailing.

[CPT Trips]

Do AMA ship's cabins with balcony have smaller bathrooms than the cabins without balconies?

[caviargal]

Not on the ships I have been on so far. But there are two sizes of twin balcony cabins and the larger ones (235 vs 210 sq ft) have larger bathrooms. This was on AmaCerto so I assume the same for sister ships in that class.

[caviargal]

We're considering a Low Countries ("Tulip Time") cruise next April on either AMA Certo or AMA Sonata,

 

We did this itinerary in early April. Weather was quite nice most days and on the day we were in Keukenhof, it was warm and sunny. Gardens were 85% in bloom due to short winter. It was stunning!

 

The scenery on this itinerary was quite industrial and the least attractive of the itineraries we have done so far. We enjoyed the ports and are glad we did this but it was not our favorite.

[aldukenew]

Thanks to all who responded. These are exactly the kind of report I was hoping for. Glad to hear also the good report of this particular itinerary on Certo.

 

Aldukenew, what was the date of your chilly Certo tulip trip? Did you catch the tulips in full bloom?

 

PS to Nana: Yes, I do know that the AMA website has pictures, but I also know that professional publicity pictures sometimes are better-looking than the reality. And in any case, what I asked was not what the cabins look like, but what's it like to be in them. Thanks again for your thoughts, though.

Sorry about my recent post. I read it wrong :-(

 

Our Tulip Time cruise was April 15th of last year. The tulips were a little late but there were tons in bloom! Keukenhof Gardens were spectacular!

[nana541]

Hoftraveler, I just thought the website was a good place to start.... Another place would be Youtube as many travelers post personal Video tours. Tripadvisor also many times has personal photos posted by reviewers.

 

Gathering info from many sources. Sadly so few river cruisers actually find their way to Cruise Critic!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums