AMA Bordeaux Cruise - Part Deux - Photos

Bordeaux Cruise - AMADolce Pictures

Rothschild Chateau

I have already added a blog about our River Cruise, but I thought it would be best to also add some highlighted photos.  We visited 8 Chateaus included in our cruise (no extra charges). We either arrived by walking, biking or Mercedes top class tour buses.

Passengers have their choice of excursions and excursion levels of difficulty.  There was definite something for everyone, every time! 

This picture shows our cabin set up.  Our twin beds were joined together to make a large Queen sized bed which was very comfortable. 

We also had two chairs and a small table which we turned in the other direction when we had the french balcony doors open.   

Desk with Apple computer (WiFi at no charge) and nice full length mirror on the outside of the bathroom.  This made it very easy for me to finish my hair and make-up while hubby was showering!  

          

Because the bathroom was configured on an angle, it seemed to have a lot more room.  It was very user friendly and the shower had multiple heads and extras...it was awesome!  

                                                                       

You don't even need me to brag about the food...it was the best ever!

The following are just some pictures off the ship.... to remind me of all the fun we had and places we went!

 

 

AMA Waterways - River Cruise on AmaDolce - AMAzing!

RIVER CRUISE !!!  Yes, I am shouting

Spoiler Alert:  Don't read if you never want to sail on a River Boat in Europe!

Well, we finally did it.  We braved the expensive and very long air flight to France.  The flight back and forth from a Europe cruise is really the only thing that stops most people.  It is a huge commitment to our wallet, time, patience and most of all, comfort.

AMA Waterways...where do I begin?  They are amazing from finish to end.

When we arrived in Bordeaux, two very well dressed, nice ladies met us upon luggage retrieval.  With smiles on their faces they took our tired and cramped bodies to a Mercedes and turned us over to a very nice, English speaking driver.  His cold bottled water felt good and the excitement started to rush through my veins.  We were "finally doing this"!

We got to the ship and we were greeted by the Dolce's staff who grabbed our luggage and took us onboard.  Ah...this is how boarding should be..no lines, no guns, screening, X-rays, etc.  We boarded directly into the main lobby.  Everyone we met was friendly, spoke great English and were very helpful.  The staff took us to our cabin just one deck up.  

Our cabin was a bit smaller than the ocean cruises we are used to but very well laid out.  We had a Mac computer/TV on the desk across from our Queen size bed. We immediately unpacked, using the shelves in the closet mostly, as the drawers in the desk are teeny. The suitcase fit under the bed and that is when we found the large sliding drawer under the bed! (not willing to redo everything, we used that for dirty clothes, purchases and items we were done with).  My favorite thing about our cabin (besides the Mac) was the bathroom.  So well laid out and the shower was awesome.

Our first night was the Captain's Party and meet and greet.  Captain Dany, young and gorgeous!  Our Cruise hostess, Annie and all the staff were introduced also.  Guests were dressed nice but not formal.  Champagne toasting and a great information was shared.  Our first dinner...amazing.  The service...amazing.  The selection, presentation, etc....amazing.  

Maybe I should go ahead and say it....for the entire cruise...the food quality, selection and presentation...the service and staff....they put the AMA in AMAzing!  Guest were all friendly and the dress is pretty casual.  I am sure there were some very wealthy guests onboard but you didn't have "all that".  It is a nicer attitude and class of guests.

We learned so much and went to so many places.  The tours were all top notch and very well planned.  When we could, we opted for the bike tours.  Even when we went in the buses, the ride was first class and the guides were...yep!, you guessed it...AMAzing.  (My only warning is at 5'2" the bikes were a little big for me.  I managed but I would have liked a smaller frame).  We were usually in 3 groups: easy walkers, intermediate and more of an adventure..lol.  They did a great job balancing the groups and we were never crowded or rushed.  

I think there is a very good reason AMA Waterways is voted #1 by Travel Agents so often.  I asked most of the 90 guests onboard a few questions.  Everyone who had sailed before loves AMA..and most had sailed with AMA in the past.  Most of the guests who had sailed other lines preferred AMA.  No one had anything negative to say.  As someone who books travel for other people...that is very nice to hear.  Vacations without anything negative are a win-win!

Other AMAzing items include:  You can bring on want you want to bring...we bought wine in port and brought it back without any hassle!  Never a wait.... low priced bar drinks (wine and beer no charge in dining room for lunch or dinner)....good snacks....homemade ice creams everyday...the Chef's Table experience... and a great schedule of time (they pack a lot in).

A few things to think about:  not the normal gift shop experience, no duty free alcohol/diamonds, cigarettes, etc....this ship does not have an outside bar on top deck and the nightlife isn't quite the same.

Will I do this again?  of course.  Was it one of my best experiences? yes
Was it worth that horribly long and expensive flight? yes
Would I recommend it to every client I have?  just about!!!

I will write more about France and the wine next!