miltonplane88

On 7/9/2022 at 2:18 AM, StartrainDD said:

Here are a few photos from Miltenberg.

 

 

Is that the Miltenplane88 Clocktower?

6 hours ago, StartrainDD said:

Our friend Milton is doing just fine. Enjoy the last few days with your granddaughters!  Sorry the town with your name was not quite perfect!

😀

18 minutes ago, StartrainDD said:

Tuesday, July 5, Cruising the Main River & Miltenberg Germany

 

No reason to rush out early this morning! I did go to get coffee and tea at about 7:45 and there were few folks yet out and about. We went to breakfast at about 9:30 and finished just in time for the 10:00 Live Glass-Blowing Demonstration in the lounge. The glass-blowing demonstration was a lot of fun. Of course there was an opportunity to do some shopping and we did make a few purchases.

 

Afterwards, we found a table in the Aquavit terrace and waited for lunch while taking in the scenery. Today the chef was grilling Norwegian Salmon, so DW added a slice of salmon to her salad. I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich and it was very good.

 

We were running a little behind schedule. The Eistla stopped in Freudenberg to disembark the guests for the tour of Miltenberg or one of the optional tours and we left the ship at about 3:20 PM. We had to take coaches back east a short distance to Miltenberg. We had an enjoyable enough tour showing the old buildings, some dating back to the 14^th century, as well as some newer constructs. Our guide explained how all the buildings had their lower floor replaced with stone as due to previous floods the original wood beams would eventually rot.

 

Our tour ended at about 5:00 and we were to rejoin the buses at 6:00. If we hadn't already been so well fed there were opportunities for Bavarian pretzels, ice cream shops, beer or wine. I tried to follow a sign to a supermarket but we never did find it. The historic tourist area was very clean and tidy. Once we ventured outside of that area however we found the town to be dirty with trash strewn about, like no one cared. We arrived at the bus meeting spot at 5:50 and two buses were waiting. We boarded the same bus we arrived on and found it to be nearly full. Leaving just after 6:00 we arrived at Wertheim about 30 minutes later to rejoin the ship but it had not yet arrived. At about 6:45 the Eistla arrived and by the time everyone boarded it was after 7:00.

 

We were in our cabin when the program director said the dining room was open and the port talk would be held at 9:00. We then went to dinner and found our new friends and enjoyed a very nice dinner. DW and I both had the recommended Duck entree and it was very good. My dessert with the Apple Sacher Tart which was superb.

 

The port talk about tomorrow was a bit disappointing. We are to arrive in Wurzburg at 1:00 with the tours leaving at 1:45. The main attraction is the Wurzburg Bishops Residence (Palace) and we were told that 1: they still require masks; and 2: No photography is allowed. We may just do our own thing in Wurzburg as Rick Steve's has a nice chapter on Wurzburg in our Germany tour-book.

 

Afterwards we took a few photos off the front of the Eistla as every bend in the river has more interest and called it an evening.

 

I have a few thoughts about some surprises we've encountered and I may have time to write them up and try posting a few photos tomorrow morning.

Are you saying the OLD Milton is good but surrounded by garbage???

3 hours ago, StartrainDD said:

Here is the report for July 4 so far.  Happy Independence day to all in the USA!

 

Monday, July 4 – Koblenz, Marksburg Castle, and the middle Rhine

 

What a difference a day makes! We enjoyed our usual morning routine to be ready for the 8:45 walk to the buses for the Koblenz dock. The parts of Koblenz that were actually seen appeared to be very clean and tidy. We didn't realize how close we were docked to the point where the rivers meet or we would have left the ship early to see it and take photos, like a few others did.

 

As I was boarding our bus I noticed a large building nearby with a few statues on the front. So I left the bus with the camera and walked down to take a few photos. I was not able to find on Google maps what that building actually was. I also took a few photos of the boats docked on the Rhine and returned to the bus still long before the last folks were arriving.

 

We had a quick 20 minute or so bus ride to Marksburg Castle. Named after St. Mark this is the only castle on the Rhine that claims to have never been captured or taken in battle. Rick Steve's informed me that technically wasn't true, as the Allies captured the castle in 1945, but they did so without a 'battle.' The castle is said to be original as it was in the middle ages inside. I was impressed and really enjoyed the visit. As I posted a few photos on FB, I dedicated this day to our late son Kevin, who loved all things medieval, knights, and weapons of the time. The castle included displays of many weapons and I know Kevin would have loved to see this. In a video game he helped develop, he said he was just a “Simple blacksmith” but really was a fierce warrior.

 

.After touring the castle we had time for a cup of coffee before heading back down the hill to meet the Eistla at a dock in Braubach. Reaching the dock, much to our surprise there was a different Viking boat docked, waiting for their guests. Apparently their tours were running late. We stood about 30 minutes until the dock was clear and the Eistla could pick up nearly all it's guests. We were literally the first folks back on the ship and headed straight for the Aquavit terrace where we chose a mostly shaded table for lunch and to enjoy the river views.

 

After ordering lunch the views kept getting better and better. For the 4^th of July the chef was cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill. The afternoon just flew by as we passed castle after castle and lovely riverside towns one after the other. We saw many bicyclists, trains, and vehicles on the trails, rails, and roads lining the Rhine.

 

At 3:30 the ship offered a “German tea time.” The treats seemed to be very similar to those at the Dutch tea a few days before. We were offered a glass of local brandy in addition to tea or coffee. It was hard to break away at any time but we did take a few minutes to freshen up for the evening. Tonight we are invited, as repeat guests, to a Viking Explorer Society cocktail party at 6:15.

@StartrainDD--Missing you guys back home in Florida

On 6/26/2022 at 9:23 PM, StartrainDD said:

It doesn't seem like there are many "Live" threads on this board, but I will attempt to do one on our upcoming Grand European Tour.  it has been challenging to get a lot of information since we've booked.  As an example I bought the Rick Steve's Germany tour book and several of our 'ports' Rick has nothing to say about.  I understand docking times can vary based on lock passage and such, but we don't even have a tentative schedule to work with.  As a planner, that is a bit challenging.

 

In any case, I will attempt to post reports when I am able.  Here is our "Getting ready" posting.  I will breathe a big sigh of relief if our first flight takes off on schedule on Thursday!

 

"Pre-travel:

 

We booked this river cruise very 'last minute.' We were on our last day of a Celebrity cruise on June 11 when an e-mail popped in from Viking with a “Flash sale.” Concurrently, the US finally dropped their covid test requirement to fly back into the USA, which allowed us to consider a European trip this summer.

 

Once we were back on land we contacted Viking and our T/A, and completed the booking. Being booked only 17 days before embarkation, there were no options to do a pre or post cruise stay, and no option for air deviations. We are at Viking's mercy.

 

Within a day we received notice that our air had been booked. On the positive side, we are flying from our preferred smaller airport, Palm Beach International. Parking there is very reasonable and it is the closest airport to our house. The flight to Amsterdam is almost something I may have chosen myself, in more 'normal' times. With the current challenges for air travel, I would like more time between flights in Philadelphia (oddly enough, our prior home airport). For the week+ before our June 30 flight I've been checking our PBI-PHL flight, and one time it was delayed to the point we would have missed our Amsterdam flight. Checking American Airline's website, should we miss that flight, there is no other direct flight to Amsterdam, and any potential connection would get us in very late in the day at best.

 

The booked return flight from Budapest is not something I would have chosen, but we will live with it and roll with the punches should any delays occur. I'm sure we will be leaving the Mimir at 3:00 AM to make out 7-ish flight. I was able to update our seat assignments twice so that we do at this time have isle seats assigned on all five flights. American would not let me pay to move to Economy Plus. If they still have any such isle seats at check-in perhaps that will be an option?

 

So for now there is little we can do except continue to monitor flights and keep our fingers crossed that all goes well. We put out most of our clothes on our guest bed today to get a head start on the packing. The next three days are very busy and we do have appointments for Wednesday mid-day for covid tests, even though Viking does not require them any longer."

Bon Voyage!!

Just saw your post we are on for 11-18-21, no news...

On 10/9/2021 at 9:42 AM, CeleBrat said:

Rent a car and drive to the "back side" of the island.  It's so beautiful and remote!  Stopped for a drink at a beachside bar.

 

We also once did an ATV excursion which was fun.

What is the best rental agency--are they available at the cruise port?

thank you Jim!!!

DrKoob- ??I read that Teva type closed toed sandals with velcro straps don't work well in the Galapagos, can you comment on that?? Mine have a Velcro heel strap...I was going to take them with my waterproof ankle high lightweight hiking boots.

Thank you!!

We were booked for this in 11-2019 before the Xpedition hit the rocks, old Steam train that leaves from Quito not far from the hotel, website is down now.

Thanks, did you by chance do the Train of the Volcanoes excursion in Quito?

6 minutes ago, sippican said:

 

For future cruisers,  the JW Marriott was fantastic! 

Sippican- Did you guys finally get to go? I remember your posts from the Galapagos Problems forum (Xpedition issues), we are set for 11-18 on the Xpedition

Dr. Koob's suggestions have been invaluable to our planning, anything you can add would be appreciated. If you are still in Quito can you see if the Train to the Volcanoes is back running, and their contact information.

Thank you!!!!

5 minutes ago, Pilgrim70 said:

 

Marriott is open. We’re staying there now. Saw the Xpedition sailing by when we were on the Flora last week. 

I see you live in South Florida were you able to get the direct AA flight MIA-UIO or Jet Blue FLL-UIO flight? (we are in Jupiter)

12 hours ago, Pilgrim70 said:

We are now in our last day in Quito   We actually had an 11 day trip. Something to do with air changes. 
our last day here only includes breakfast but on our own for rest of the day. Breakfast tomorrow before leaving for airport. We have eaten so much on this trip we are going lite today. 
i might add that when dining off the ship that beer, wine, cocktails are not included. You are charged. No big deal IMHO. 

ON Flora all was covered. Great bar service just like everywhere on the ship. 

Do you know if the Xpedition is also sailing again, we are on the 11-18 trip, Marriott open? Thx

On 8/7/2021 at 8:26 PM, taylortime05 said:

We just booked a last minute 10 night cruise on Equinox departing 9/17.   We will be in Aruba for 2 full days from 8:00 AM on Monday to Midnight on Tuesday.  We were in Aruba a few years ago and did the Trike excursion and that was a lot of fun.  Do you have any recommendations for tours, restaurants, sight seeing, etc to see the best of Aruba in 2 days?  

Thank you for your feedback!

 

 

6 of us booked on Trike tour day 1 (Monday)-same cruise as you looking for ideas as well

4 minutes ago, DrKoob said:

 

I am going to do another set of questions as the next post so I will add that there. This may be the first trip where I took NOTHING that I did not wear or use and pretty much wasn't missing anything (except one pair of shorts that I left in Wellington by mistake) that I did need. I did the entire thing out of my camera/computer bag and a 24" carryon.

Thanks!!

Thank you, I saw you were in Wellington on Tuesday, had I known I would have bought you lunch and picked your brain (Office is in Palm springs very close by). I did send a request to your website for a copy of your packing list for Gpagos (see you are a list guy also!!)

Thanks

awesome pic's cant wait till 11-17 to go!!! Where did that hat with the covering to the neck come from?

Thanks

great blog thank you!!!

On 3/5/2019 at 1:00 PM, Budget Queen said:

Rent a car.   I simply walk and pick one up.   A cab is not going to be cheap,   Superior to have your own transportation and add a whole bunch more touring.  plus make good use of your port time.  

 

Very simple "small town"  driving.   No traffic etc.   I've rented cars multiple times in this port,  including a few weeks ago.  

What is the rental car agency you use in Punta Del Este,? approx. cost/day? are they pretty fast getting you on your way?

Thanks

Hey John and Diane, Happy Birthday, too bad you missed Sicily, love Taurmina and Mt Etna. Looking forward to meeting you on the 24th! ???We are on the Sundeck 11, do you know if they serve any breakfast items at the explorations cafe? Do they sell any kind of prepaid coffee/tea card?

Leaving for Italy on Monday (19th)

Scott and Marilyn

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Sounds great can't wait to meet you guys when we join the ship on the 24th

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