First River Cruise - Avalon Felicity II in October - Rhine River

We are going on our first ever river cruise this October. We have been on many cruises on the large ships, so this will definitely be a change!

Our cruise is on the Rhine, starting in Zurich and ending in Amsterdam.

Any helpful tips we should know, from those of you expert travelers?

I understand the dress for dinner is more casual and all expeditions are included.

Anything you think helpful would be appreciated!

Ruth

Hi Ruth,

We did a very similar cruise this past September on this ship from Amsterdam to Basel. Absolutely wonderful time and we were fortunate with fantastic weather. Have only been on 3 river cruises so far after many years of ocean cruising. You're correct in that dinner is more casual than on ocean cruise ships. The whole atmosphere is more laid back & casual. All and all, its a terrific way to see cities, towns, & villages close up and a nice change to get off a ship in be in the center of town in many cases. We're doing another Avalon cruise on the Rhone ending in Paris this September as well. Enjoy your trip!

Bob

Avalon does not include ALL excursions, just some, FYI.

Pack layers so you can add and subtract as needed.

I recommend two pair of walking shoes, so you can switch for comfort. Mine for fall are waterproof.

Research your stops in advance and get off the beaten path. Enjoy the local food and experience as much as you can.

We have done the Rhine twice with AMA and love the mix of large cities and smaller towns.

Enjoy!

From your name I deduce that you like chocolate? :)

In Cologne most ships dock at a convenient (walk or take a short taxi ride) place for visiting the chocolate museum: http://www.chocolatemuseum-cologne.com/

I have not been in myself. However, my tastebuds prefer other brands of chocolate. Belgian, for example. There are quite a few local chocolatiers in the towns you will visit. Two of my favourite cafès: 1. http://www.cafebaumann.de/das-cafe/das-cafe.html Address is Löhrstrasse 93 in Koblenz (in the Prussian town extension, a 25 min. walk from the ship) 2. http://www.cafe-reichard.de/index.html Address is Unter Fetthennen 11 in Cologne (close to the cathedral).

In October it could be chilly on the river, pack layers, and small binoculars for the Rhine gorge if you want to look at things close up. You might be able to sample the new wine called Federweisser or Junger Wein in Germany. It is still fermenting, so drink with caution. :D

In Koblenz take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein, or a taxi if you do not like heights. Fantastic view, beats a guided tour in the town centre in my opinion. If they offer this, go to the Mendig optional tour, described by sleep7: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=51542711

Very unusual.

Be prepared for double docking and potential low water issues. Read the stickies on top of the river cruise page. They will prepare you well.

And then, have fun! :):)

notamermaid

We did this itinerary on this ship 2 years ago. Are you planning to spend a few extra days in Amsterdam post cruise? I highly recommend it. Also I wish we spent pre cruise time in Zurich and Basel but our schedule just didn't allow it.

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Hi Ruth,

We did a very similar cruise this past September on this ship from Amsterdam to Basel. Absolutely wonderful time and we were fortunate with fantastic weather. Have only been on 3 river cruises so far after many years of ocean cruising. You're correct in that dinner is more casual than on ocean cruise ships. The whole atmosphere is more laid back & casual. All and all, its a terrific way to see cities, towns, & villages close up and a nice change to get off a ship in be in the center of town in many cases. We're doing another Avalon cruise on the Rhone ending in Paris this September as well. Enjoy your trip!Bob

Thanks Bob! We are really looking forward to this trip!

Avalon does not include ALL excursions, just some, FYI.Pack layers so you can add and subtract as needed. I recommend two pair of walking shoes, so you can switch for comfort. Mine for fall are waterproof.Research your stops in advance and get off the beaten path. Enjoy the local food and experience as much as you can.

 

We have done the Rhine twice with AMA and love the mix of large cities and smaller towns.

 

Enjoy!

Thanks for the info and tips! Really looking forward to our trip.

From your name I deduce that you like chocolate? :)In Cologne most ships dock at a convenient (walk or take a short taxi ride) place for visiting the chocolate museum: http://www.chocolatemuseum-cologne.com/I have not been in myself. However, my tastebuds prefer other brands of chocolate. Belgian, for example. There are quite a few local chocolatiers in the towns you will visit. Two of my favourite cafès: 1. http://www.cafebaumann.de/das-cafe/das-cafe.html Address is Löhrstrasse 93 in Koblenz (in the Prussian town extension, a 25 min. walk from the ship) 2. http://www.cafe-reichard.de/index.html Address is Unter Fetthennen 11 in Cologne (close to the cathedral).

 

In October it could be chilly on the river, pack layers, and small binoculars for the Rhine gorge if you want to look at things close up. You might be able to sample the new wine called Federweisser or Junger Wein in Germany. It is still fermenting, so drink with caution. :D

 

In Koblenz take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein, or a taxi if you do not like heights. Fantastic view, beats a guided tour in the town centre in my opinion. If they offer this, go to the Mendig optional tour, described by sleep7: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=51542711

Very unusual.

 

Be prepared for double docking and potential low water issues. Read the stickies on top of the river cruise page. They will prepare you well.

 

And then, have fun! :):)

 

notamermaid

You are exactly right! I am a huge chocolate fan! Looking forward to some wonderful German chocolate on this trip. Thanks for the links and tips on where to go!

In Koblenz take the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein, or a taxi if you do not like heights. Fantastic view, beats a guided tour in the town centre in my opinion. And then, have fun! :):)notamermaid

If you like nice views, you might also consider the cable car up to the Niederwald monument in Rudeshiem. For us, the town got old pretty fast, and we enjoyed the ride up to the monument and the walk back to town through the vineyards.