Seine River Cruise

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Well, ABD has formally announced the Seine river cruise on facebook. So I guess it's official now. I wonder if they planned to announce it today, or if IT forced their hands?

Sayhello

My guess is the latter. I would have thought they would have announced it in the morning if it had been planned. Too funny!

 

[AquaDame]

with the possibility of a single cabin Seine I'd be satisfied if IT just accidentally drops the Japan ABD... so many other outlets are talking about it coming down the pipe soon as well.

 

[Donalyn]

I think that the Seine sounds great! But it will have to go behind Italy, Rhine, Japan, etc.

 

[calypso726]

I loved our Danube river cruise. I'd actually do that same cruise again. I have the Rhine on the radar too for a future ABD. This new one on the Seine looks awesome. I'm glad to see another river cruise released even though it just adds more to the bucket list. We have Antarctica booked for 2019. There's no way for us to squeeze in two big ABD trips for 2019 on top of that. I'll be holding out to see if Japan is released.

 

[tink1970]

I loved our Danube river cruise. I'd actually do that same cruise again. I have the Rhine on the radar too for a future ABD. This new one on the Seine looks awesome. I'm glad to see another river cruise released even though it just adds more to the bucket list. We have Antarctica booked for 2019. There's no way for us to squeeze in two big ABD trips for 2019 on top of that. I'll be holding out to see if Japan is released.

Well, rats...keep hoping some day we'll be on the same adventure!

 

[calypso726]

Well, rats...keep hoping some day we'll be on the same adventure!

Me too!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I will be the lone wolf on this one and say that this cruise doesn't interest me one iota.

After our experience on the Rhine ABD I don't know if I'd consider another ABD river cruise. My kids enjoyed the trip (especially my daughter because there were several other teens her age and they really bonded), but I didn't. I didn't like the full buses with only 2 guides, the lack of family pictures taken (seriously I asked a guide in Amsterdam and she said "there isn't enough time" -- for ONE family pictures on the last day), the huge groups on "adventures" and the general lack of organization (one guide told us NOT to take either water or our cameras on a 3 hour zip line course with several uphill hikes between the lines in the exhausting summer HEAT -- the same guide also told us the bathrooms were "down the street on the left -- umm everything was closed so it was a wild goose chase -- turns out they were in a restaurant that was CLOSED). There were also many other little things that I won't list but when put together add up to too much for me to pay the $$ to give ABD another try on a river cruise. I understand ABD got most of these kinks worked out during the summer but for me it just wasn't worth it.

I did e-mail my concerns to ABD when we returned and never heard back from them.

 

[OhanaCuz]

Hard decision, definitely! I've been on the Danube and Rhine so the Seine is the next logical one, especially for a multigenerational girls' trip

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your Seine adventure. I would think that would be next after we conquer the Rhine.

So, having done both the Danube and Rhine what are your thoughts? Is there one you prefer over the other? I struggle because I'd love to do the Salt Mines, but my Mom is claustrophobic, so that would be out. She's also afraid of heights, so I think the option where you can participate in the tree path also wouldn't be an option. So, that leaves me thinking the Rhine would be an option. However, I'm holding out hope that my DH would join me on that one someday since he'd do the ziplining and would love the Mercedes and Porsche museum tour.

I didn't go to the salt mines and that ended up being one of my favorite days. Mondsee is staggeringly beautiful. I was thrilled to spend time there. I hate heights also and the tree path was no big deal. You're just walking along some boardwalks with a great view. There is an optional observation tower that I did not like. It was really high, cramped, and I could feel it swaying in the wind. Again that was optional. I don't remember if it was the apricot farm tour or a brewery tour but I'm positive there was another option you could choose at the same time as the tree path.

 

[sayhello]

I hate heights also and the tree path was no big deal. You're just walking along some boardwalks with a great view. There is an optional observation tower that I did not like. It was really high, cramped, and I could feel it swaying in the wind. Again that was optional. I don't remember if it was the apricot farm tour or a brewery tour but I'm positive there was another option you could choose at the same time as the tree path.

It was a brewery tour. The Apricot farm was in Krems.

Sayhello

 

[OhanaCuz]

It was a brewery tour. The Apricot farm was in Krems.

It all starts to blur together in my memory!

 

[FSU Girl]

I've never done an ABD before or a river cruise. My fiance and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon cruise and the August dates are exactly the same time as the cruises we are looking at. It looks really interesting and I like the all inclusiveness it has. Would this be something we'd enjoy when we've only been on the bigger cruises?

 

[calypso726]

I've never done an ABD before or a river cruise. My fiance and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon cruise and the August dates are exactly the same time as the cruises we are looking at. It looks really interesting and I like the all inclusiveness it has. Would this be something we'd enjoy when we've only been on the bigger cruises?

Prior to the river cruise on the Danube with AbD we had only been on larger cruises. I knew it would be very different and kept an open mind. I was surprised just how much I enjoyed the smaller more intimate experience. I definitely want to go on more river cruises. I won’t say that I enjoy them more or less than a large cruise. They are their own unique experience. It’s like asking what’s better, a Disney Cruise or going to Disney World. Apple to oranges in my opinion. It depends on what I’m in the mood to do.

 

[tink1970]

I will be the lone wolf on this one and say that this cruise doesn't interest me one iota.

After our experience on the Rhine ABD I don't know if I'd consider another ABD river cruise. My kids enjoyed the trip (especially my daughter because there were several other teens her age and they really bonded), but I didn't. I didn't like the full buses with only 2 guides, the lack of family pictures taken (seriously I asked a guide in Amsterdam and she said "there isn't enough time" -- for ONE family pictures on the last day), the huge groups on "adventures" and the general lack of organization (one guide told us NOT to take either water or our cameras on a 3 hour zip line course with several uphill hikes between the lines in the exhausting summer HEAT -- the same guide also told us the bathrooms were "down the street on the left -- umm everything was closed so it was a wild goose chase -- turns out they were in a restaurant that was CLOSED). There were also many other little things that I won't list but when put together add up to too much for me to pay the $$ to give ABD another try on a river cruise. I understand ABD got most of these kinks worked out during the summer but for me it just wasn't worth it.

I did e-mail my concerns to ABD when we returned and never heard back from them.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it and I thank you for emailing ABD, I'm pretty sure some of the changes we saw on the Holiday Rhine cruise must have resulted from your (and others') input. There was always water available (of course it was cold and most people were drinking mulled wine)...but departing the ship and I believe on the busses it was around; they were very good about taking photos (I hate having my picture taken so attesting to this-having to hide in a large group is easier than in a small group however); and in Amsterdam we had 3 activities in a row: canal cruise, our choice of Rijksmuseum or Van Gough museum and Anne Frank house. It felt very busy (too busy for me) and I remarked to my husband it must have been a result of earlier tours who didn't get their first choice. There was also an option to do the canal cruise and ice skating...I don't know if they did the Anne Frank house as well.

I just reviewed the itinerary and it looks like the Anne Frank house isn't an option for next years' cruise...interesting.

I do believe that the river cruises are quite different than traditional land based ABDs. The most disappointed passengers we encountered were those who had been on land ABDs on the best trip of their lives and expected this to have the same/similar small ratio of guide to guest (1 family had been to China with a total of 20 Adventurers), intimacy and Tinkerbell magic. (Please note, I understand your concerns...I'm just noting my observations of the unhappy Adventurers on our trip). The happiest fellow guests appeared to have never been on a land ABD (previous DCL families, as we were prior to the Danube cruise) or had been on the Danube and understood this was different type of trip.

Since the guides are ABD guides and it's part of the family, I don't know how ABD could differentiate these trips from traditional land. While I'm excited to do the Seine trip, since we'll be the first, I'll expect some hiccups and I appreciate your reminding me that it takes a trip or two for the kinks to get worked out.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I will be the lone wolf on this one and say that this cruise doesn't interest me one iota.

After our experience on the Rhine ABD I don't know if I'd consider another ABD river cruise. My kids enjoyed the trip (especially my daughter because there were several other teens her age and they really bonded), but I didn't. I didn't like the full buses with only 2 guides, the lack of family pictures taken (seriously I asked a guide in Amsterdam and she said "there isn't enough time" -- for ONE family pictures on the last day), the huge groups on "adventures" and the general lack of organization (one guide told us NOT to take either water or our cameras on a 3 hour zip line course with several uphill hikes between the lines in the exhausting summer HEAT -- the same guide also told us the bathrooms were "down the street on the left -- umm everything was closed so it was a wild goose chase -- turns out they were in a restaurant that was CLOSED). There were also many other little things that I won't list but when put together add up to too much for me to pay the $$ to give ABD another try on a river cruise. I understand ABD got most of these kinks worked out during the summer but for me it just wasn't worth it.

I did e-mail my concerns to ABD when we returned and never heard back from them.

You're not the only lone wolf. I took one look at this itinerary and thought "Are they serious?! Who would pay money for this trip?" I've seen other Seine River cruises with other operators that are much better and much more appealing, not that we're river cruise people.

Also not surprised in the slightest that you never heard back from ABD. Their customer service sucks when it comes to things like this. They just don't care. Their attitude is "suck it up and deal with it". We had an issue on a recent park visit over Christmas. I emailed Disney about it and they gave us a partial refund for our meal AFTER we'd returned home. You email ABD about an issue and they just blame you and brush it off. Didn't you know it was your fault that you couldn't find an open bathroom? Family picture? Why would you want a family picture? And who needs water in the summer.

Out of curiosity, do you remember who the guide was?

 

[tink1970]

I've never done an ABD before or a river cruise. My fiance and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon cruise and the August dates are exactly the same time as the cruises we are looking at. It looks really interesting and I like the all inclusiveness it has. Would this be something we'd enjoy when we've only been on the bigger cruises?

I think it's up to y'all...we have done 2 holiday cruises (Danube and Rhine) and I went in almost dreading the Danube because I just wasn't interested in it (we went because that year-not done in '17 nor scheduled for '18) the Vienna Boys Choir for Christmas Mass was part of the trip and DH had to go!
That said, we loved our trip. We took the Rhine Holiday this year because we enjoyed the format and it would give DD "built in friends."

I view the river cruises as expensive, European all inclusive resorts- you pay for food, a room and some entertainment (there isn't a whole lot of options-usually a performance or something in the late afternoon/early evening but no club/casino, etc. There is a bar though!) plus excursions. Wine flows freely at meals (if you're a wine drinker) and the food is good (note-not a foodie and often ate from the kids' menu...but I didn't hear complaints from those who have more sophisticated palates). The boats are much smaller but the common areas are well designed and the staff very nice. Honestly, I feel they are a lot like ocean cruising except smaller and go to different places...some of which are lovely little towns. It was very nice, for example, to get off in Passau and just wander around and look for presents for a German born friend of mine. In another town I was on a quest to buy diet coke and a pretzel (it had wonderful Christmas markets but my needs were very specific that day ).

Before we went on our first river cruise, I listened to a Dreams Unlimited podcast by John and Kevin about their Seine River cruise with Viking (I believe) and read every single trip report (thanks @sayhello, @calypso726 and others). It definitely helped with expectations!
Honestly, for a honeymoon 2 days in Paris (or more) sounds nice, then relaxing on a river cruise soaking up culture and spending time with your new husband sounds lovely.

I know you've been weighing all the options so I know whatever you choose will be great.

 

[FSU Girl]

Prior to the river cruise on the Danube with AbD we had only been on larger cruises. I knew it would be very different and kept an open mind. I was surprised just how much I enjoyed the smaller more intimate experience. I definitely want to go on more river cruises. I won’t say that I enjoy them more or less than a large cruise. They are their own unique experience. It’s like asking what’s better, a Disney Cruise or going to Disney World. Apple to oranges in my opinion. It depends on what I’m in the mood to do.

That's true they are really different. It would be something completely new for us, but looks really interesting.

I think it's up to y'all...we have done 2 holiday cruises (Danube and Rhine) and I went in almost dreading the Danube because I just wasn't interested in it (we went because that year-not done in '17 nor scheduled for '18) the Vienna Boys Choir for Christmas Mass was part of the trip and DH had to go!
That said, we loved our trip. We took the Rhine Holiday this year because we enjoyed the format and it would give DD "built in friends."

I view the river cruises as expensive, European all inclusive resorts- you pay for food, a room and some entertainment (there isn't a whole lot of options-usually a performance or something in the late afternoon/early evening but no club/casino, etc. There is a bar though!) plus excursions. Wine flows freely at meals (if you're a wine drinker) and the food is good (note-not a foodie and often ate from the kids' menu...but I didn't hear complaints from those who have more sophisticated palates). The boats are much smaller but the common areas are well designed and the staff very nice. Honestly, I feel they are a lot like ocean cruising except smaller and go to different places...some of which are lovely little towns. It was very nice, for example, to get off in Passau and just wander around and look for presents for a German born friend of mine. In another town I was on a quest to buy diet coke and a pretzel (it had wonderful Christmas markets but my needs were very specific that day ).

Before we went on our first river cruise, I listened to a Dreams Unlimited podcast by John and Kevin about their Seine River cruise with Viking (I believe) and read every single trip report (thanks @sayhello, @calypso726 and others). It definitely helped with expectations!
Honestly, for a honeymoon 2 days in Paris (or more) sounds nice, then relaxing on a river cruise soaking up culture and spending time with your new husband sounds lovely.

I know you've been weighing all the options so I know whatever you choose will be great.

This is so helpful thank you!

 

[Jess_S]

You're not the only lone wolf. I took one look at this itinerary and thought "Are they serious?! Who would pay money for this trip?" I've seen other Seine River cruises with other operators that are much better and much more appealing, not that we're river cruise people.

I'm curious about which operators you are comparing. I looked at Viking and the itinerary was very similar -- including the Paris land portion. I wouldn't pay money for the ABD, but only because of the Paris land portion and that's because I've lived in Paris and have no interest in revisiting standard tourist sights there with a group.

 

[BluesTraveler]

I have been looking at the Tauck Family Seine trip for a couple of years, because this is generally something we are interested in. I think ABD's offering seems like a pretty good value in comparison and a great itinerary overall.

This will stay on our watch list, but it's a no-go for 2019 due to the dates.

 

[d2lane]

just back from the Danube Christmas markets cruise, weather was miserable for us San Francisco bay area weather wimps, but now I'm looking at the Rhine fall adult food and wine vs the adult Seine.... which to do, which to do......

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I'm curious about which operators you are comparing. I looked at Viking and the itinerary was very similar -- including the Paris land portion. I wouldn't pay money for the ABD, but only because of the Paris land portion and that's because I've lived in Paris and have no interest in revisiting standard tourist sights there with a group.

We were considering the Scenic River Cruise actually. While it goes to many of the same regions and towns, it just seemed to have better touring options it's also longer and there are not days in Paris at the start. You arrive in Paris and board the boat. That's one reason we opted not to do the river cruise. I want to see Paris but there are other regions other than Paris and Normandy that we want to see that a river cruise doesn't cover.