River cruises

[Candycane83]

Hello, question about river cruises. It’s going to be myself DH and DS5... I’m really looking at this for future reference. I asked for pricing for Christmas 2020 and was quote over 20k with category AA or AB. I noticed there was pricing for other categories that were slightly less expensive. I was wondering if it’s because there’s 3 of us that the categories available were just those 2? Also, does anyone know when opening day is for river cruises? I would really consider this for 2021 when DS will be 7 thanks!

 

[sayhello]

Yes, only certain cabin categories can handle 3 people. They have room for a couch that turns into a bed. Most of the other rooms can only accommodate 2 people. So they were offering you the categories that can handle a party of 3. If you look at the Rate & Dates tab for that cruise on the ABD website, and click on 'View Pricing by Room', then under the category name it will say something like:

235 sq. ft. with French Balcony and Outside Balcony

for 3 guests

The only rooms on the Danube Christmas cruises for 2020 that say "for 3 guests" are the AA and AB categories. The more expensive STE category says "for 4 guests". All of the other categories say "for 2 guests".

The opening day for the river cruises for 2020 departures was on January 29th this year (for Adventure Insiders). I assume they will be a similar date next year for the 2021 departures.

Sayhello

 

[Candycane83]

Yes, only certain cabin categories can handle 3 people. They have room for a couch that turns into a bed. Most of the other rooms can only accommodate 2 people. So they were offering you the categories that can handle a party of 3. If you look at the Rate & Dates tab for that cruise on the ABD website, and click on 'View Pricing by Room', then under the category name it will say something like:

235 sq. ft. with French Balcony and Outside Balcony

for 3 guests

The only rooms on the Danube Christmas cruises for 2020 that say "for 3 guests" are the AA and AB categories. The more expensive STE category says "for 4 guests". All of the other categories say "for 2 guests".

The opening day for the river cruises for 2020 departures was on January 29th this year (for Adventure Insiders). I assume they will be a similar date next year for the 2021 departures.

Sayhello

Thank you!! I’ll definitely look at it on opening day!

 

[tink1970]

@sayhello is correct. Traveling with my teen I’ve found it’s cheaper to book 2 of the lowest category rooms. We’re headed off on another Friday

 

[Candycane83]

@sayhello is correct. Traveling with my teen I’ve found it’s cheaper to book 2 of the lowest category rooms. We’re headed off on another Friday

If you book 2 rooms, do they charge you single supplement for that?

 

[tink1970]

If you book 2 rooms, do they charge you single supplement for that?

Yes, for ABD and for us it’s still cheaper! Plus, with a teenage girl 2 rooms so 2 bathrooms= peace.
Something to consider since the travel agents won’t mention it (or my 3 haven’t). I know your LO is younger so the downside might be sharing a room with your child instead of your spouse.

IIRC, Tauck traditionally does not charge a single supplement on their lowest room category.

 

[Candycane83]

Yes, for ABD and for us it’s still cheaper! Plus, with a teenage girl 2 rooms so 2 bathrooms= peace.
Something to consider since the travel agents won’t mention it (or my 3 haven’t). I know your LO is younger so the downside might be sharing a room with your child instead of your spouse.

IIRC, Tauck traditionally does not charge a single supplement on their lowest room category.

Yes that’s true. It would be fine if it were connecting, it’ll be just like a bigger room. I will look into it! Thanks!!

I will look at Tauck too. Not sure which would be better. Do you have any experience? thanks again!!

 

[tink1970]

This Friday I’m boarding my 3rd ABD River Cruise so I like them- although I do prefer the ones over the holidays.

IIRC the AMA Waterways cat D rooms do NOT connect which is why your LO’s age could be a challenge. I slept in DD’s room when she was 16 on our last trip. Happily she’s 18 so she can be on her own!

 

[Bobo912]

Yes that’s true. It would be fine if it were connecting, it’ll be just like a bigger room. I will look into it! Thanks!!

I will look at Tauck too. Not sure which would be better. Do you have any experience? thanks again!!

I've taken the Tauck Bridges Danuble cruise. It was fantastic. I've only done ABD land trips, but the TB cruise was as good as any ABD I've done and better than some.

 

[Candycane83]

This Friday I’m boarding my 3rd ABD River Cruise so I like them- although I do prefer the ones over the holidays.

IIRC the AMA Waterways cat D rooms do NOT connect which is why your LO’s age could be a challenge. I slept in DD’s room when she was 16 on our last trip. Happily she’s 18 so she can be on her own!

Thanks! Yes my little one would probably be 7 by the time we actually do this! Sounds awesome though. Which rooms do you recommend for the holidays? Would the lowest category be good?

I've taken the Tauck Bridges Danuble cruise. It was fantastic. I've only done ABD land trips, but the TB cruise was as good as any ABD I've done and better than some.

Awesome! I’ll definitely look into TB too and probably see which dates for better. Doing TB for Costa Rica though and super excited about that!

 

[tink1970]

The only category where we found we could save money booking 2 rooms with ABD/Ama is cat D.

We did TB in Italy for Christmas one year- it’s a great company!

 

[Candycane83]

The only category where we found we could save money booking 2 rooms with ABD/Ama is cat D.

We did TB in Italy for Christmas one year- it’s a great company!

Awesome! I was looking at that too for Christmas 2021 maybe if we don’t do river cruise, or 2022 seems like a great way to celebrate the holidays!