We're getting a group together for a crusise from Moscow to St. Petersburg in June 2011. I would appreciate any feedback on Grand Circle and AMA. We've traveled with Viking and we know what they can deliver. GCT and AMA are unknow quanaties to me. I also see that there are several Russian Cruise lines but I'm reluctant to use them.

We did the Viking Russia and were very satisfied. We have also done the Rhine River Christmas Cruise with Grand Circle and the Seine River cruise with Grand Circle. They were also good. The food was better on Grand Circle and so were the cabins. However, I think that had something to do with the fact that it was Russia. Don't believe you can go wrong with either. Grand Circle included air and I think you can get cut in price if you are putting a sizable group together.

Thanks Southeastern. That is helpful. especially about the food. We thought Viking did a great job on the food on the two cruises (China and Europe)we took.

My cousin went on a river cruise in Russia with Grand Circle and was very happy with it. She has been on 4 cruises with Grand Circle and liked every one.

My friends did Amadeus and liked it. They got free wine at every dinner and large cabin. Don't know about GCT but also heard good things about Uniworld, just not sure if they do Russian cruises. You may check with my agent Alex at [email protected] he's very good and will find you the best option.

Our TA, who has thoroughly researched River Cruise lines in Europe is escorting a Russian River cruise on the new AMA Katrina in August 2011. We trust her unequivocally, so even if the time frame isn't good for you, I'd take a look at her Web site for useful information http://www.bkrivercruises.com/2011_AMAKatarina.htm.

We're going on a Danube River cruise on AMA this September that she is also escorting.

Brand new ship then for AMA plus they are the Best for Value & Service. From the wines to the free Internet! The BEST!

We did not get free wine with Viking but did with GCT.

Going 6/2/11 "Russia Revealed". Never did river cruise before, but hear great things. GCT is 2 days longer and $ less than Viking. WIne included. Heard stories about passengers with limited mobility, etc. Will we feel like we are traveling with my mother?

Strausberg-We think GCT is a really good company to travel with. Have only done business with them once, but were very impressed. Not only with the river cruise itself, but with the company's attention to detail before the trip even began. They are really professional and on top of things. We hope to take a riverboat cruise in Russia one of these days. Will be anxious to hear your impressions and experiences. About "traveling with mother", we never felt that at all. There were passengers younger than us and older than us. I'd say most were in 50's & 60's, most were fit and energetic.

Thanks for the info about age and energy.

By the way, a travel agent never recommends Grand Circle Travel because they can't book them. You have to book directly with grand circle.

southeastern - I booked through GCT. So far all seems fine, only problem, they have us booked on flight home that leaves at 7;30 a.m. from St. Pete to florida. Called and said there is another flight with same airlines that leave at 9:30 am, but they were not helpful. Guess we will have to get up at 2 in the morning, doesnt make sense. Air on our own would be more $ and transfer to ship even more.

They do the early homes because it's cheaper for them. Globus, Viking, and other companies do the same because of price. Think of it this way, you can sleep easier on the plane because you are so tired. We have booked a trip with their sister company on their small ship (50 people) to Croatia in December. Hope you have a wonderful time. We have done the same trip but with Viking. It was a 2 for 1 price and we used frequent flyers to go business so it ended up being a very cheap trip. We enjoyed it.

Southeastern- Did London(been there) Rome (been there) and Paris (new) with Trafalgar in June got major past travel discout and used air miles. Made it super cheap. Originially booked Russia with VIking 2 for 1, but found GCT was 2 days longer , same quailty ship and $1700 less. SInce still paying tuition for kid, it helps.

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We went on the GCT Russia Revealed River Cruise in October 2009. We loved the trip. The program directors and tours were outstanding. The program directors were very helpful and very forthcoming in discussions about Russia. They provided so much information about the history and present day of the country. We sailed on the Rossia and all of the staff were so sweet. The food was delicious. We did have complementary wine with dinner. The trip was so much better than we had even anticipated.