Daisi

We have several 'on demand" ferries here, some are supposed to operate on a schedule, but if demand is high, they just go ahead. I have seen the cable ferries down east in New Brunswick, quite an interesting operation. Our ferries do take cars though. 🙂

There have actually been several reviews posted here. What river are you looking for? You can search and probably find one easily, of if you provide more information, we can maybe post links for you. Agree with Pontac, I have no idea what the last bit of your post means, but you sound pleased, so guess your plans are going well.

I am able to access Viking's UK site, and can get all the way to "request a quote". I do notice that terms and conditions are for UK residents only. If you were to go in and book using your parents name, address etc., that would possibly work *but*, once you get to paying with a CC, you would have to use your American card with American billing address. That would be a possible stumbling block. I would say if your parents know a TA they could arrange that you contact them, and you could have possibly see if the TA can help.

We're pretty much the same, we rarely unpack when doing our own land tours...possibly because I don't like having to re-pack! I do enjoy knowing that we don't have to find somewhere to eat every day though, that's one good thing, and not having to wake up in the night and remember the room layout!

When we arrived, right at the entrance, there was this bakery. The staff were waiting for us, with trays of macarons to sample. Of course, they knew we would have to go by to leave, and yes, there were quite a few shoppers. Not sure how much made it back to the boat, I know we snacked on some of our purchases. 🙂

@AliceS, the town we went to was Obernai. I wasn't overly thrilled with the winery (maybe because I've been to so many that they don't really impress me anymore.), but the drive was really nice. Here's some shots of Obernai to give you an idea as to what you may see:

Glad to hear they were able to bus you for the remaining 2 days...and that it was the last 2 days, not the first. Also great to hear that Emerald handled this so well. I know they all prepare for emergencies, but preparing and how they actually handle things are sometimes 2 very different stories.

Have a great trip. I finally have everything booked for ours, trains, hotel for the night we arrive back in Canada, excursions.... Now just getting the little things looked after and we are set for Sept!

I think the only European river that does day sailing is the Douro. I know (well, should say expect) we will have 1 day sailing from Budapest to Vienna as the first excursion is the evening concert. We will also have a few hours possibly sailing through the Wachau Valley. On the Rhine, we only had a morning from Amsterdam to Cologne as we arrived at Cologne at lunchtime (our cruise didn't go to Kinderkijk). I don't choose river cruising for the sailing (although the scenery on the rivers can be nice), I want to see the towns we stop at and have the convenience of being close enough to most ports that if I'm not out on an excursion, I can wander into town to stroll around on my own.

That site was really helpful for me when we were planning our trip back along the Rhine. I hope you enjoy your trip.

One one of our last stops on the Rhine, we had a Crystal ship raft with us, with them being on the outside. I was really curious to see the ship as had heard so much about them. when I looked at how they laid the "planks" down for the passengers to walk across, considered the height, and realised there was no railings, I was really glad that we never had to do that. I suffer from vertigo once in a while, and as long as I have a railing, I am fine on stairs. Walking just a couple of inches that high up, I'd be wanting someone (DH) very close to grab on to so I would be ok.

I've never sailed with Viking, but your age is getting close to the younger "average" now on cruising. Our first one was when we were a bit younger than yourselves, and never had a problem. Good thing you don't want crazy parties, as there is none of that on the river boats. May I suggest reviewing the stickies our Host pinned on the main board, and also meet with a TA to discuss if Viking will suit you. I am NOT steering you away from them, but there are a lot more lines out there and you may wish to compare all of them to see which one will meet your budget and expectations. The only thing I don't like about Viking is it's payment plan, they require full payment well in advance of any other line out there. Also, if you are going to be on the 2nd or 3rd level, book a balcony, as they shifted their corridor off centre, so the french balcony rooms are smaller than the ones on the lowest level. I hope you can find a cruise you like. Editing to add to articles that may be useful: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/bordeaux-river-cruise-tips

Lol @TMLAalum, Canada's Avalon : Small groups with as few as five travelers can save while groups of eight to 15, can save even more! Mind you, the "groups" button is for 8+, so I guess you would have to call to get the discount or go through your TA.

I read the book quite early, it wasn't required reading in our schools. I think I was about 9 or so when I read it. It still sticks in my mind today. Don't feel bad Canal archive, I'm not sure I've even seen up the the first "intermission", I've only ever seen the movie on TV, and couldn't get into it. I have been to the Trapp Family Lodge though.

@CPT Trips, great clip, hadn't seen that one yet. Not sure how much "celebrating" will be going on, we are back under a fire ban, and I hear that Gatineau (across the river from Ottawa) has banned even fireworks. We are back under heavy smoke again, and it's hot out. We need the rain, so if anyone cares to do a rain dance it would be much appreciated! Have a great July 4th weekend, like Gnome12, every day is a holiday for us. 🙂

Sharing a taxi amongst the 3 of you to the airport will be cheaper than Avalon's transfer, as they charge per person ($60.00 CDN for our trip each end) , taxi is per distance. Notamermaid is correct about the scenic route along the river if you can do it, we took the "milk run" train(s) from Basel to Amsterdam the day after our Rhine cruise, and loved the scenery. Of course note the *day*. We started around 9:30, and got to the hotel in Amsterdam around 5:00. We planned it so knew the time it would take, but it was well worth it.

I've never sailed with Tauck, but I'm going to assume that they work similar to other cruise lines. I've never used laundry, however I have hear that you put it in your laundry bag in the morning and it will be returned either that night or the next morning. May I suggest, so you are prepared for all possible happenings, you read the posts below? For this one, you only need to review the ones pertaining to the Danube : Also, the last few pages of this thread will help you understand just how quickly things can change on the Danube : Enjoy your cruise, it's nothing like an ocean cruise, but we love them.

Glad all are ok.

Avalon has a couple, but for summer time, they only run Austria to Hungary. They will have no problem with your daughter, however you will have to book 2 cabins. You may get the single supplement waived if you find the right booking. You may find something searching for the French barge cruises.

Not really, when I book with Avalon, I can select the cabin of my choice at booking. I book well in advance, and have never had a problem - and I'm fussy as I want a certain layout (my side of the bed against the wall). I just get the advantage of not having to pay in full until 90 days out.

At one point we had 7 beetles....one for each of us, a dune buggy with a parts car, one for running around the fields , and 2 parts cars. I don't remember any of them coming with a coffee maker. The gas heaters worked fine when they worked, but our cold nights made being out in them not much fun. Our worse memory was coming back from the ski hills in freezing rain, each of us with our arms out of the windows trying to keep the windshield clean. Needless to say, we didn't go home that night! We used to throw a canoe on top of ours when camping. I think I can still strip down a carb (and probably a lot of the engine) without a manual. 🙂

I'm seeing Avalon Impression down at Roth, pretty sure it was in Nuremburg last night. Envision is in Passeau, so hopefully things are looking up. @KathyK13, Avalon seems to have the ability to work well on the fly so to speak, really makes me glad we sail with them.

New reports from our Envision Chat. The passenger boarded in Vilshofen. Avalon has given them free excursions to make up for missing what they did. Hoping the rain is a good sign, at least enough to keep sailing.

Not saying they won't stow it if you have more than 1, but they can make you move it from your room to the bus. I have heard it depends on the driver. It's only the porterage that matters, so as long as AliceS is prepared, then she will be fine.

On Sunday, I was in contact with someone on the Envision. Their cruise was to end in Regensburg. They were stopped at Passau, and were taking busses to Regensburg for the tours on Monday. Those who were going to be leaving from Nuremburg were to be bussed there after the tours. The remaining passengers going on to Prague were to be bussed from Passau. They were given monies for lunch (and dinner for those going to Nuremburg) and also, to make up, everyone was given the tour to Saltzburg. Those who had paid for the tour were being re-imbursed. He didn't say, but I would assume that Avalon was also putting passengers up in a hotel in Nuremburg as they would be flying out probably on the Tuesday. He sounded very happy with how things were handled. Maybe now the waters have risen enough that they managed to get the ship to Nuremburg for picking up the next tour. Glad to hear that Avalon is still stepping up to the ball when things go wrong, especially since I have my tour with them on the Danube in Sept!