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!

Cruising Canada eh?

The Great White North... over the great white sands?

Canada is conducting studies and wishes to become a year round cruise port. At a recent Cruise Canada Symposium Travel Agent report:

• The Canada/New England region is bullish on its 10-year plan, which calls for becoming a year-round destination for cruise calls, representatives from the regional alliance said at the 19th annual Cruise Canada New England Symposium, taking place this week in Montreal.
• "By 2026, the region will be a premiere year-round destination ... with more than 1 million cruise visitors each year. Canada/New England will be a four-season cruise destination. We want to be open for cruise business year round."
• "Because we have four distinct seasons, there are four distinct opportunities to showcase our region and create authentic local experiences that are different at different times of the year," he noted. "Consumer demand will help fill ships."
• In 2016, the Canada/New England region saw 1,322 cruise ship calls from 21 different cruise lines, adding up to 2.4 million guest visits

Afterall, they can offer a lot of different experiences.  I know, I, for one need more than just an "island experience" since I have been on 50+ carribbevn cruises and was born in Florida.  I am over the beaches!  I like to sail the Caribbean for a bit and then do something different.  But there is no beating the value and relaxation of a cruise...so this is a great alternative.

• There is a new terminal at the Montreal pier and Holland America is already there!  The complete project, upgrading the Alexandra Pier, will be completed by September.
• MSC who hasn't been in these water in years is looking into Canada. With 10 ships on its orderbook through 2026, the privately-owned cruise line is eyeing the region on a seasonal basis
• Even Aida is joining in the new Canadian craze for the summer of 2018.  AIDA Cruises confirmed that the AIDAvita will spend the 2018 summer in Canadian and U.S. waters. That is in stark contrast to this summer, when the 2002-built ship sails in Northern Europe. It is also the earliest season ever for AIDA in North America. The German line typically sails a handful of fall foliage cruises from New York. The ship heads from Hamburg to New York on a 17-night crossing next June, with stops in St. John's, Halifax, Bar Harbor and Boston. After that, the ship sails 14 days from New York to Montreal, before two 14-day round-trip Montreal cruises. Following that is a 14-day open-jaw sailing from Montreal to New York on August 3.

We did a Canadian Fall season cruise a few years back.  Totally different and refreshing.  I thought I would only need to experience it once....but I am reconsidering that thought now.  We visited Quebec City for a Winter Carnival they hold every year and it was awesome.  But more awesome is the food!  I can just imagine sailing a cruise line that likes to use local foods onboard.

Yes it was a little chilly but it was so nice to do different things.  We went lobster fishing, saw fall leaves and all the splendor of their colors and again, did I mention the food up there?  Why don't we have charcuterie trays here in Florida?  Homemade jams, cheeses and meats with a great wine?  My mouth is yearning for that again as I sit here typing this.

I say...yes bring it on!  Everyone should do a New England/Canada cruise at least once.  It is a great way to see part of the two countries that otherwise you would miss out on.  For some, one day in each is enough...but for others like me....it was great to get a sample so I know where to go back to.  I say that in full honesty....I would go back to Quebec anytime.  

How about you, eh?

Packing List for cruises

Packing List for a Cruise

I always get asked to share my list so I thought it would be good to post it on here!

DON'T FORGET - in your Carry-On Bag:Passport or Birth Certificate (and copy)Boarding Passes and Cruise Documents (and copies)
Driver's License(s) (and copies)
Cash/Traveler's Checks (including plenty of ones for tipping)
Credit/Debit Cards (and copies; front and back)this is good if you lose oneCellphone & Charger
Pens, Highlighters
Sticky Notes
Camera Case, Charger, Memory
Addresses For Postcards and/or Emails
Eyeglasses & Case/Contact Lens Needs
Sunglasses & Floatable Cord
Jewelry for security reasons
Bathing Suit (in case you want to swim before bags reach cabin)Change of Clothes
Prescription Medications
Lanyard 
Wine (the bottles you are allowed to bring!)
DOOR DECORATIONS (you can do this while awaiting your suitcases)
in your Checked Luggage 
Ibuprofen/Aspirin
Toothache Remedy, sleeping pills if he snores,etc.
Seasickness Prevention/Remedy
Antibiotic Ointment
Cold & Allergy Medications
Lip Balm/chap stick
Adhesive & Liquid Bandaids
Indigestion/Gas Medication
Aloe Vera Gel
Sunscreen (check that expiration date)
Insect Repellant
Cosmetics
Feminine Hygiene Products
Deodorant/Antiperspirant
Moisturizer
Hairbrush
Hairspray
Styling Gel/Mousse
Hair Accessories
Hair Styling Appliances
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Denture Care Items
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Razor and Shaving Cream
Shampoo (or use what Carnival provides)
Hair Conditioner (Carnival does NOT provide)
Odor Neutralizing Spray
Disinfectant Spray
Disinfecting Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Two Gallon Ziplocs
One Quart Ziplocs
Travel Sized Toilet Paper (for use in ports)
Toilet Seat Liners (for use in ports)
Travel Sized Woolite (works for hand & machine washing)
Wrinkle Release Spray
Safety Pins
Scissors

Bathing Suits (at least two so one can dry while the other is being used)
Cover-ups
Sun Hat
Water Shoes
Sandals
Walking Shoes
MORE SHOES
Mesh Beach Bag
Cheap Plastic Watch (to attach to beach bag strap)
Drink Snugglies/Coozies
Large Thermal Mug(s) and water bottles
Inexpensive Rain Ponchos
Collapsible Cooler

Bubble Wrap (for breakable souvenirs)
Reading Material
Disposable Underwater Camera(s)
Over the door Shoe Holder (not for shoes…helps keep cabin uncluttered)
Extension Cord & Power Strip/Surge Protector (only one outlet in most cabins)
IPOD, CD Player & CDs or something for music
Duct Tape (too many uses to list)
Clothes Pins (to weigh down shower curtain & for drying clothes)
Bungee Cord (for balcony cabins to hold door open)

Coffee Creamer
Bottled Water
Soda
Corkscrew

I'm Jumping Ship!

Graduating to the next Cruising Age Group?

Not sure what to title this one....am I "jumping ship" or just graduating to a different "cruise age"?  Most of my friends/clients know that I am a Carnival Junkie....or was maybe. I finally made it to DIAMOND level and now that I am at the highest level, I don't really even care. I am not sure whether it is like the beanie baby craze....the thrill of the hunt, the challenge and the excitement ...OR... like a broken, sought after Christmas toy...disappointment and let down.

We all know I am getting older and less tolerant of younger generations :)  but it isn't just the "age of the passengers" anymore.  After cruising 13 nights on one cruise, I have realized that the things that are important to me are starting to lack.  I want to be spoiled, I want great food and I want to experience a changing cruise line. 

I have a cruise booked on the Carnival Magic for this September and I am sure I will have a great time.  However, my next Caribbean Cruise will be in January, on Holland America's Koningsdam.  I did a HA ship tour a few months back and I liked what I saw.  The buffet was at a whole new level for me and the dining service was impeccable.  In addition, HA is changing!

Bring on the Jazz, the Test Kitchen, dueling pianos and the wine experience, Blend.  I am ready.  That's right, HA is going after the 50-75 age group now and we deserve this!  From the HA website:

Launched in 2016, Koningsdam carries forward all of the tradition, nautical heritage, and signature service and style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. The 2,650-guest Koningsdam is the first of her class, ushering in a new era of Pinnacle-class cruising.  ....a mix of something contemporary and something classic: “Koning,” means king in Dutch—and is a salute to King Willem-Alexander, the Netherland’s first king in more than 100 years.....Light-filled spaces. Fluid curves. A sophisticated interplay of high technology and elegance. With beautiful architectural elements inspired by music. All woven together in a forward-thinking design approach.....Koningsdam’s central atrium is pure visual drama. Soaring three decks high, the space is graced by an airy stainless steel sculpture that evokes the feeling of a classical quartet, with strings, arches, and bows. The atrium is capped by a ceiling that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing high-definition projections. Look up by day to see wispy cirrus clouds floating overhead. By evening, the atrium takes on dramatic lighting hues or reflects the clear constellations of the night sky.

I still can't get into the big ships with over 5000 passengers but I am ready to sail on the new midships that are willing to take note that there is a new class of passengers, ready for some changes.  It doesn't take a ship with that many people to provide great entertainment, fun things to do and top class service.

And yes, I know it is still CCL...I did say I was a junkie right?  But actually, I am just someone who wants a great value and more bang-for-the buck.  To me it is not about the status of a cruise line, or any name brand hype.  Heck, I shop at Marshall's and TJMaxx.

Flying to a Port ?

Some people have to FLY to get to a cruise port?

I live in the Tampa Bay area in Florida so needless to say, when it comes to cruising we are spoiled.  We have 5 Cruise Ports within 4 hours.  That isn't to say I never fly to a port however.  I have flown into New York for a Canadian cruise, Puerto Rico for a Southern Caribbean cruise, Baltimore for a special Journey cruise to Panama Canal and I am flying to France in two weeks.

It’s never a good situation when you miss a flight when connecting somewhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaving or heading back home, delays in flights that cause misconnection are nothing we want to face.There are certain precautions one should make or have their TA make:

1. Check the itinerary to ensure the legal minimum connecting time is met.
2. Check to ensure there is no change of airports, such as getting to Heathrow LHR and getting a connection in LGW London Gatwick.  Sometimes people don't realize how many airports are in one city!
3. Ensure that connections are purchased in the same ticket to allow baggage transfer. Use your own knowledge about the connecting airport, or do some research regarding distance between terminals and how easy it is to go from one to the other. Consider your passengers’ age and any physical limitations. For example, it’s not the same to go from terminal A to F if a passenger is young and athletic versus if a passenger is a mother with two, small children or if the passenger needs wheelchair assistance.
4. If possible avoid tight connections, giving extra time to guarantee the connection will occur.  It is better to sit down and enjoy a meal (or drink!) between flights than to be stressed and rushing.
5. Have alternate flights handy in case the connection is lost, which will shorten your time when dealing with the airline with a last-minute request.  Make sure you check other airlines, not just the one you are scheduled on.  Most times the airline will be able (if willing) to protect them on the next available flight, but the next flight could be the following day so have alternatives, especially for their "partners".
6. Nobody is under control of delays due to weather conditions. When the season is known to be tough, suggest to book longer connection times.  In the winter, allow ample time for snow delays especially for small airports without a lot of de-icing equipment.  In the south you will have tropical storms, rain, etc. during June-October.
7. Prior to any trip, ensure you review details carefully and ensure involuntary schedule changes have not interfered in your original booking and connecting times.
8. Make sure you take all emergency phone numbers for your cruise line, your TA's cell phone, etc.  

Most of all, try not to stress in situations you cannot control.  

Have a great trip and a wonderful cruise!

Is it all about Control or Privacy or Fear?

Is it all about Control, or Privacy, or Fear?

To say that "not everyone will book using a Travel Agent" is an understatement.  To think that your "friends" will book through you to help support you, is a misconception. I have several friends who do not book through me.  Although the cruise lines have made it very easy and actually better to use a TA, there are several reason I hear:

1.  I like to be in control.

When using a TA, payments on your upcoming cruise are made through the TA.  Clients cannot actually see the financial part of their booking.  Clients like to log on just to see their balance for some reason.  

A TA can send you your balance and financial info in just a few clicks.  They can also be bothered to make payments whenever you desire.  I don't ever mind having a client call to make even a $10.00 payment.

Other control issues include:  dining times, seating assignments, cabin selection, etc

I assure you, I can help you get the best cabin available at the time of booking.  I will call in your dining requests...I will do as your request....

2.  I don't like giving so much personal information to a TA

Travel Agents are registered and every tiny bit of information we enter on your reservation is recorded in detail. 

Think about this....is your information safer and more private with ONE person or a company call center?  

It is no one's business what I pick out for my vacation.

A good TA (like me...LOL) doesn't judge either.  I understand your reasoning behind the cabin you choose.  There are times when even I want an inside cabin!  I look at it like a restaurant...there is a menu for a reason!  Not everyone has the same taste.  Furthermore, what you order this time may be completely different next time. 

3.  I don't want to miss a price reduction, upgrade, or perk

Some clients go online a check everyday to see if there is a better price, cabin etc.  Good!  I am glad you are looking to save and have a better vacation!

When you see a price reduction advertisement that you maybe entitled to- send it to your TA.  It is actually easier for your TA to get you a price adjustment than filling out the forms and waiting. There are times when your TA can get you a reduction even when you don't qualify for it.  The more you save the happier you are, the happier you are, the more you will give me a chance to serve you again.

And remember....When you are onboard a ship and there is a deal offered...go ahead and sign up.  Just transfer the reservation to your TA when you return home!  The cruise lines let you do this for a limited time.

Conclusion:  I know....some people will just book with whoever has the best offer at the time.  I would just love the opportunity the given a chance.  Maybe there is something I can offer too!  Either way, don't be afraid to use a TA.