Nile River Cruise & Cairo, with included pre Jordan and post Israel connections

March

Pros: Destination scenery and our Egyptian guide, Hesham

Cons: not in the same color group as our traveling friends We were not assigned to same travel groups as our traveling couple as requested on pre-cruise. This affected flights within Egypt, daily tours and pre-purchased tour in Egypt. documents

Recommended: Yes

Disappointed that AMA Dahlia buffets were offered for all 3 daily menus. Breakfast and lunch offered very few ordered alternatives. It quickly became tiring and boring, although food quality was good to very good, depending on day and entrees selected from buffet. There appears to be a lack of coordination and timely communication to travelers within this program, for example the change in last day program for Cairo and the Israel extension not communicated until well into trip. Not being scheduled to travel with other couple pre-booked ( as mentioned under cons) although often hotel rooms assigned were next to each other was very disappointing. Travelers should have been advised before departure of all changes, not just the hotel change in Jerusalem. Understandable if last minute itinerary changes needed (for example the Israel protests), however flight changes and itinerary changes in this program appeared to have been made before start of program. It all worked out, however. Suggest that an AMA cruise manager accompany group on all pre & post connections, not just Cairo and Nile River Cruise portion. We were under the impression that pre and post options were also escorted, not just an assigned local tour guide at each location. Coaches in Israel did not match the standard of coaches in Jordon and Egypt. Although mentioned items were disappointing, we were glad we booked this cruise/tour. The management of the Vietnam/Mekong River cruise appeared to be better managed with regards to traveler communication and dining. These are the only 2 river cruises we have been on with AMA although we have done several river cruises In Europe with 2 other companies.