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Post by baymaxfan on Feb 29, 2024 11:49:00 GMT -5
And this is why, while I have heard that ABD are expensive, I would look at them as well since it's the total package, and experience, that counts.
Of course, if a reputable company had adults-only river cruises, that would receive a large boost in our assessment.
Cheers.
ABD offers adults only river cruises. If you go to their website, and look at the dates and prices, it clearly shows which are adults only. |
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Post by baymaxfan on Feb 29, 2024 11:54:29 GMT -5
Your experience comparing ABD to a regular river cruise is spot on. The regular river cruise seems much cheaper upfront, but by the end of the trip the costs are near equal. But with ABD, I can guarantee you will have a better experience.
Airfare to Europe has been a deal breaker for us. We look for cheap airfare and we never can find anything that I can stomach. Its even worse for me because any flights over 3-4 hours, I have to book Business or first class for Robin. She can not sit in a regular seat any more than that because of the injuries from the accident. This has made even going to Hawaii off the table. Business class prices can be shocking. These days, it's hard to get much better than $4k RT to Europe from the West Coast for a true lie-flat seat. Condor is usually less, but they don't go to too many places and they don't fly to southern California. Have you considered playing the credit card points game to rack up tons of points to transfer to airline partners? |
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Post by brp on Feb 29, 2024 14:18:51 GMT -5
Your experience comparing ABD to a regular river cruise is spot on. The regular river cruise seems much cheaper upfront, but by the end of the trip the costs are near equal. But with ABD, I can guarantee you will have a better experience.
Airfare to Europe has been a deal breaker for us. We look for cheap airfare and we never can find anything that I can stomach. Its even worse for me because any flights over 3-4 hours, I have to book Business or first class for Robin. She can not sit in a regular seat any more than that because of the injuries from the accident. This has made even going to Hawaii off the table. Business class prices can be shocking. These days, it's hard to get much better than $4k RT to Europe from the West Coast for a true lie-flat seat. Condor is usually less, but they don't go to too many places and they don't fly to southern California. Have you considered playing the credit card points game to rack up tons of points to transfer to airline partners? We have two trips to Europe from the West Coast (Bay Area) this year (Croatia and Strassbourg) and this is right in the ballpark of what we paid. These were on airlines where we have points accumulated and were able to upgrade to First on a couple of them. But the lie flat Business is the must have.
Cheers.
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Post by tomandrobin on Feb 29, 2024 15:53:06 GMT -5
Your experience comparing ABD to a regular river cruise is spot on. The regular river cruise seems much cheaper upfront, but by the end of the trip the costs are near equal. But with ABD, I can guarantee you will have a better experience.
Airfare to Europe has been a deal breaker for us. We look for cheap airfare and we never can find anything that I can stomach. Its even worse for me because any flights over 3-4 hours, I have to book Business or first class for Robin. She can not sit in a regular seat any more than that because of the injuries from the accident. This has made even going to Hawaii off the table. Business class prices can be shocking. These days, it's hard to get much better than $4k RT to Europe from the West Coast for a true lie-flat seat. Condor is usually less, but they don't go to too many places and they don't fly to southern California. Have you considered playing the credit card points game to rack up tons of points to transfer to airline partners? WE have played the CC game for years. But those business/first class rewards take a whole lot of points and flights are limited on availability.
Last year, we had first class, direct flights to the Virgin Islands. AA did a last minute change, cancel our flight from Philadelphia and moved us to Baltimore Airport. The new flight put us in economy. AA would not refund us the points when they downgraded our seats. So we have that "burn" now shaping our negative views with those flights. Robin made many phone calls and AA would not budge not mater who she called or how high up she went.
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Post by baymaxfan on Feb 29, 2024 16:03:26 GMT -5
Business class prices can be shocking. These days, it's hard to get much better than $4k RT to Europe from the West Coast for a true lie-flat seat. Condor is usually less, but they don't go to too many places and they don't fly to southern California. Have you considered playing the credit card points game to rack up tons of points to transfer to airline partners? WE have played the CC game for years. But those business/first class rewards take a whole lot of points and flights are limited on availability.
Last year, we had first class, direct flights to the Virgin Islands. AA did a last minute change, cancel our flight from Philadelphia and moved us to Baltimore Airport. The new flight put us in economy. AA would not refund us the points when they downgraded our seats. So we have that "burn" now shaping our negative views with those flights. Robin made many phone calls and AA would not budge not mater who she called or how high up she went.
Wow! I'm surprised they didn't refund part of the points or really try to do something. Then again, it is American. Even with Executive Platinum status, I get very little service. When Delta switched our flights this past summer, part of the leg (LAX --> DTW) went to coach. Not only did they refund the money, they gave us a $200 airline credit each for the inconvenience. And, I have no status with Delta. |
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Post by brp on Feb 29, 2024 16:06:57 GMT -5
We did sent an inquiry for not this, but the Danube cruise. I see a lot more dates for 2024 than for 2025. Safe to assume that dates get added along the way? They do have a Fall Adult Only sailing, but it will conflict with an annual race that we run here and don't want to miss.
Also, I asked them for further information about all-in pricing since I know that there a lot of added fees. Any ideas how much these tend to run with Disney?
Another thing to consider is that this includes all meals. Since we eat less than most, this added cost is likely lost on us. Are there good options (Disney or other river cruise lines) that are not as inclusive...especially dinner?
Cheers.
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Post by baymaxfan on Mar 1, 2024 10:57:06 GMT -5
We did sent an inquiry for not this, but the Danube cruise. I see a lot more dates for 2024 than for 2025. Safe to assume that dates get added along the way? They do have a Fall Adult Only sailing, but it will conflict with an annual race that we run here and don't want to miss. Also, I asked them for further information about all-in pricing since I know that there a lot of added fees. Any ideas how much these tend to run with Disney? Another thing to consider is that this includes all meals. Since we eat less than most, this added cost is likely lost on us. Are there good options (Disney or other river cruise lines) that are not as inclusive...especially dinner? Cheers. They add dates a couple of times a year. Usually there is an email if you are on the mailing list. I don't recall when these happen. There really aren't added fees with ABD - activities, food, gratuities are all included. They also include beer and wine with the meals on the ship. Even the multi-course Captain's dinner is included. In the evening in the lounge, there is usually one "daily special" drink that is included. Otherwise, it is a cash bar. That is not true for most other European river cruises - you will usually have to pay for gratuities and many of the excursions. That is why ABD river cruises really aren't that bad in pricing as they already include everything. Of course, you will need to purchase airfare and they don't cover anything you do on your own. If you do book, go through Costco and you will also get a fairly large Costco cash card rebate (rebate depends on what you paid) once the trip is over. Just typing this out makes me want to look into booking another one. I am not aware of any cruise that doesn't already include food (river or ocean). I'm sure there might be one out there, but I've not heard of that. We don't eat much either, so we just pick and choose what we want. You don't have to eat a full meal each time. |
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Post by brp on Mar 1, 2024 11:00:53 GMT -5
We did sent an inquiry for not this, but the Danube cruise. I see a lot more dates for 2024 than for 2025. Safe to assume that dates get added along the way? They do have a Fall Adult Only sailing, but it will conflict with an annual race that we run here and don't want to miss. Also, I asked them for further information about all-in pricing since I know that there a lot of added fees. Any ideas how much these tend to run with Disney? Another thing to consider is that this includes all meals. Since we eat less than most, this added cost is likely lost on us. Are there good options (Disney or other river cruise lines) that are not as inclusive...especially dinner? Cheers. They add dates a couple of times a year. Usually there is an email if you are on the mailing list. I don't recall when these happen. There really aren't added fees with ABD - activities, food, gratuities are all included. They also include beer and wine with the meals on the ship. Even the multi-course Captain's dinner is included. In the evening in the lounge, there is usually one "daily special" drink that is included. Otherwise, it is a cash bar. That is not true for most other European river cruises - you will usually have to pay for gratuities and many of the excursions. That is why ABD river cruises really aren't that bad in pricing as they already include everything. Of course, you will need to purchase airfare and they don't cover anything you do on your own. If you do book, go through Costco and you will also get a fairly large Costco cash card rebate (rebate depends on what you paid) once the trip is over. Just typing this out makes me want to look into booking another one. I am not aware of any cruise that doesn't already include food (river or ocean). I'm sure there might be one out there, but I've not heard of that. We don't eat much either, so we just pick and choose what we want. You don't have to eat a full meal each time. Thanks. We looked at Viking River Cruises as well. Lower price than ABD, reviews are at about the same high level. They are all adult only, so a strong plus, and they also include all fees and have beer and wine at dinner. Based on what they have available (more dates and more routes), this is likely the way we will go.
But we're not going to book anything until after we get back from a coastal cruise in Croatia in August with a bunch of friends. Similar seeming experience and we'll see if we like it before booking anything further.
Costco is an interesting thought as well. Looked: They don't do Viking and seem to fosuc less on River cruises, at least into 2025.
Cheers.
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