Geosez

You did great! Perfect time to ask what I’ve been wanting to know: Where is the Thames Barrier in relation to the Greenwich or Tilbury docking? Andy? Jim?

Agree on location of the hotel. But if you’re doing independent tours, there’s no problem getting picked up there. In downtown you may have to go to another location to meet the tour. If you need a meal and are travel weary there’s a cafeteria type restaurant nearby. The kind « where locals eat ». There was a table full of local police when we were there. Go out the front of the Nordica, turn right then turn right at the next corner. Go up the hill, crossing to the other side when you can. IIRC, the place is a couple of blocks, close to the top but a little hard to identify. Food was basic comfort food but good and reasonably priced. Sorry, can’t remember the name.

Sometimes you just have to accept the “Nope”. And beware of those who make promises they can’t (or won’t) keep.

Mrs. Mum, you win the prize! C’mon, Jim, give the nice lady a « Huzzah! »

Heavens no! Unless you have timed tickets to go up the Eiffel Tower and people waiting for you to meet them there. I speak from experience ! 😉😂

You have only three days. Since Clay mentioned Rick Steves, I would highly recommend you get his Pocket Paris guidebook. It’s very portable and very practical - even where to find restrooms. Includes lots of maps. Tours based on how much time you have. You don’t want to waste time figuring out how to get where you want to go. For your next trip, get one of the more in depth books. Re Batobus: it’s less expensive than Bateau Mouche, you can get multi-trip tickets, it’s lovely traveling down the river BUT it is very slow!

We have done the entire Mississippi in two voyages on the iconic American Queen. We are also Viking fans so we understand the difference in the two lines and their ships. The Viking ship is beautiful but there’s just something about being on that river with that big red wheel churning along. Re the lower Mississippi : I would certainly recommend to Cruislvr04 that since like us you live in that part of the country, travel on your own and preferably by car. There’s just not much to see from the water in that section. But plenty of history.

Twitchly: Was it The Bristol? That’s where Viking put us for our pre-extension. If so, “Agatha Christie” nails it. Gorgeous woodwork, fabulous breakfast buffet. Only marred by street construction out front.

The Batobus is a very relaxing way to get from point to point. We enjoyed it very much. But translate “relaxing” into “very slow”! If you use it, be sure to allow plenty of time to get back to the pick up point. I’d recommend you get Rick Steve’s Pocket Paris primarily for the maps, ideas for short walks and practical advice like finding the nearest toilette!

« we just don't have any interest in going on the fake old paddle boats full of kiddies. « Jim: We’ve been on the American Queen twice. She’s a legit paddle wheeler as opposed to some of the younger boats. No kiddies. But by no means « Viking style « .

For those of you with a particular interest in the Tower, you might enjoy The Ravenmaster. It’s an autobiography of one of the Yeoman Warders whose job was to take care of the ravens. Great story. Available on Kindle.

We were advised to wait until we reach our Viking destination airport before putting on the “paper” tags. If the river cruise is the second cruise and you need to put luggage out the night before you get off the ocean ship, put them on that last night. They really are sturdier than they look though. (Pontiac: B2B is shorthand for back-to-back)

I have that tote - or its identical twin. Think I may have gotten it from Magellan’s. I put a small purse in it for airport use then the tote qualifies as a personal item. I highly recommend it.

Oh good. I was so hoping for a positive comment from you. Keep ‘em coming!