Bet & Peg

Carolyn ~ it's the New Yorker in me!!!!!!!

Thanks SO much for your detailed comments & reviews!! I think you're making many of us -especially me!! - breath a big sigh of relief regarding this cruise!!!!

Sign-ups hint ~ usually DH and I both went to the early evening briefings - great to also have a pre-dinner cocktail! It wasn't by accident that our favorite area of the lounge was the sofas near the bar - we could see where the CD would stand, have good access for getting drinks and also allow me to sneak out to run down to reception to put our name on a list!!

My suggestion (for any cruise and especially this one) is know ahead of time the optional tours offered and what you "can't live without" and then sign-up ASAP!!! (Friends we made on the Rhone River cruise had never thought about seen Pont du Gard and when they decided to book the tour it was filled. They lucked out because of a cancellation and afterwards said it had made their cruise! So check out the optional beforehand!!!)

remydiva is correct - Viking optional tours are booked onboard during the cruise. However, sometimes tours do "book-out" or filled tours open up when people change their minds. Have seen both. So a suggestion - if you really want a specific tour Sign-up ASAP - maybe talk to the CD when you first arrive!

Not sure what "extras" will be offered on the Chateaux cruise since it's SO centered around the tours, but both our other cruises have offered "trips" to the wheel house and galley - both very interesting - but also requiring a sign-up that fill up quickly!

Have a fantastic cruise!!!!!

Hurray for Viking in offering the transfer service - for some people who are getting older and having difficulty dealing with their luggage it's a god sent!!!

Quite honestly, 5 years ago I would have thought it way too expensive and something we could easily do on our own. But times changed as HD has developed a foot problem and now walks with a cane!

Two years ago we took Viking's Portraits of Southern France and no transfers were available since, like ninaks, we stayed pre in Paris and post in Nice all on our own. It was easy to take the train from Paris to Chalon - until it broke down mid-way and we had to exit with all our luggage! A call to the ship resulted with a return call from the CD and at that moment we fell in love with Viking all because of CD Kurt!!!! He told us French train breakdowns were common, explained about the next train & resulting transfer, and reassured us the ship didn't sail until the next morning and they'd be waiting for us and the almost 30 other stranded passengers - at least 4 of whom had tried like us to but transfers!! Interesting side note - our 2 friends were also on the cruise, had done pre-cruise in Paris with Viking and reported their bus going to Chalon from Paris was almost empty!!

When we returned from a fabulous cruise, I posted our "adventure" here on CC which resulted in a call from Viking. I explained that I thought they were foolish not to SELL transfers in certain circumstances - like Paris to Chalon. While not all passengers would like tem or need them, there are some passengers for whom it could become a "breaking" point. I'm not taking credit for their "new" policy but I think enough of us making comments here on CC may have helped them see the light!!

In many cities its fairly easy to get a cab for a short ride to the port - did it last year in Basel - but other times its a long haul and those bags get heavier every year even though we're packing lighter so I say "hurray" to Viking!!!

Carolyn ~ hurray - sounds like a different cruise!!!!!! SO happy to hear about the food - first meal sounds fantastic!!!! Hope the good news continues!!

Keep enjoying your cruise!!!!

tuelia ~ we traveled Celebrity in 2008 so I can't speak for your cruise line but usually the tendering process begin as soon as the ship clears the port process and many times its before the posted time of "arriving". We usually do small group tours - like 8 people - on ocean cruises. We usually all meet and go together to the tender location - you'll probably be given the info in your daily paper. Depending ont he ship's size they may have more than one place - and maybe one just for their tours. Leaving the ship the there's ususally a few tenders and, when one is filled, it takes off and another takes its place. They're pros at getting everyone off ASAP!!

Hope this helps!! Enjoys your trip!!!

stefanny28 ~

First, don't worry about asking all your questions - most of us were there at one time!!! We took our first cruise in "modern times" in 2008 and I accidentally discovered Cruise Critic when asking train questions!

As for the train - we did exactly what you want to do in 2008 - I think we bought the tickets at a window - but not sure about the platforms - I'm sure they were marked somehow. just remember that when you get of the tender, if you stand with the water to your back facing the train tracks, Nice is to you left. We may have asked which platform - just know if we could do it anyone can!!! I'm not sure how often the trains run - but if you use the "search this forum" on the upper right hand area and put in "Nice train" you should be able to find more recent info.

Now all that being said, her's something else to think about. What are you planning in Nice? It's a great city - we were there in 2008 for a day during a cruise and then post-cruise spent 4 days there last year. Another mode of transportation goining or returning could be the bus 100. If you check Nice on a google map, it's a distance from the train station to the water - there's also a tram you can take. The bus stops much closer - google it and read about it on Trip Advisor - Google Bus 100 and there's atimetable and map. Just a thought - the bus gives you fantastic views and last year was still one Euro.

Enjoy Nice - don't miss the flower market - fabulous!!!!

Carolyn ~ Thanks SO much for taking on this "task" of a daily report!!! I thought I could do it last December on the Rhine River cruise but found time the greatest enemy!!! Also was the first time I was using my tablet abroad and thought it was at fault - but many had a problem sending large photo attachments when the ship wasn't docked. There seemed to be no problem with just regular e-mails.

So Good Luck with time and internet - I'm sure all of us are looking forward to fabulous reviews!!!

As for questions ~

Blaye - is there any way to just go to the town of Cognac??? Our guys want to "make" their own Cognac but us gals would just love to see the town - heard from my SIL its oen of the most beautiful in France.

Bridge - is the ship able to go under the bridge?? Just wondering!

Archachon - its still on my list - but I also want to see Bordeaux! If you don't go could you listen for reviews of others plus name of the restaurant when lunch is served.

Have a fabulous trip!!!!!!

CelticMutt ~ have a fabulous trip!!!! We did this as our 1st RC in 2012. We were on an older ship - the Neptune - and I feel in love with RCing - came home and booked 2 more cruises almost immediately!!

Lyon is a great city!! If you can have lunch there - wonderful restaurants!! And its the city for silk! I had NO intention of buyong any silk and then came home with 3 scarfs!!!

Hope your ship does a Provence Lunch one day - it was a delicious, fun event!!

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PS - where does the Celtic come from?? We're going to Ireland (non-cruise) in June to visit my Great-great-grandparents' grave! And our son lives in Eatontown - OK, not really the Jersey Shore but closer then we are!!]

tipsygirl ~ THANKS for the added info on Libourne day!!! The Chateau is on our list!!!! And thanks for the tip about the bus - and about the fact that there are taxi's in St. Emilion - we won't plan on being late but good to just in case!!!

Bordeaux ~ everything I'm reading on this thread seems to indicate that its a fabulous city! I tired to get the other 3 feloow passengers (including DH) to look into the city on the internet as I thought we should arrive a day early or stay one or two days post-cruise. But no, they weren't interested! So I predict now that all 3 will be sorry we're not staying! I should have gone with my original instinct, made air reservations for 2 days post cruise and not told DH!!!! UGH!!!

Elizabeth ~ many thanks for your comments about Libourne and the Chateau! I really want to go to the Chateau but also want to see Libourne and Saint-Emilio. Your post made me feel much better about being able to see all three!!

I was able to buy a bottle of Chateau Siaurac wine recently! We haven't had it yet but can't wait!! We've gotten back to drinking Boudreaux again with this trip coming up!!

Thanks again for your review, comments and suggestions!!!

itchyfeetx2 ~ I think you are on the roll call - please check back just to make sure!!

Cabin outlets - Elizabeth, you are SO right about the outlets! On the desk/counter there are 2 outlets: 1 110-volt and one European. The outlets are on the closet side of the desk/counter and very easy to see reach.

On one side of the bed there's a 110-volt and on the other is a European - both in the wall over the night table and very convenient! We bring our adapter so we have 2 110-volt plugs on the desk/counter - but that's still not enough nowadays!! So I also bring a small power strip!!! DH plugs his iPhone by the bed to use as an alarm.

I also take a 3 in one plug just in case a hotel isn't as generous with convenient outlets!!

id4elizabeth ~ WOW - what great info about the wine shop!!! A know a certain person - DH - who'll be very happy to hear about it!!!

As for posting a photo - I'll try and help - and hope I get it correct!!

Post Reply and then go under the box where you write to "additional options" - click on "manage attachments" and a small box should pop up. Click on "Browse" and your folders should come up, go to folder with your photos, then chick on the one you want and then click on open. The name of your photo should then appear on the line next to "Browser". When you're finishes listing the photos you want then click on upload. Note that you can't uoload too many large files - attachment key is below.

I hope this makes even a little sense - hope I haven't forgotten anything!!! Good luck!!

I know there's another way of uploading from a program but I can't remember how!

If you can't make sense out of my gibberish maybe someone else can jump in and help!!

Got2Cruise ~ I'm in your camp - DH enjoys beers, especially traveling in Europe - but I'm just into wine! Most beer houses in Germany - except at the Octoberfest - also serve wine - at least the ones we've been to!!

In Cologne I can highly recommend Peters Brauhaus on Muhlengasse - last December we asked our guide for a "real" local place for lunch and that's what he recommended. I thinkw e were the only non-Germans in the place and the soup was fabulous!! DH enjoyed their beer - not sure what kind and I had wine. It is also close to the river and ship!

Enjoy!!!!

caviargal ~ GREAT thread!!!!!! I'm sure it'll be a help to many!!!

Hoyaheel ~ thanks for mentioning Belgisch Restaurant Lieve! Almost forgot about it! We also stayed in the neighborhood and wandered in to experience a fabulous "different" meal! But ours was with wine!!

id4elizabeth ~ thank you also for your great review!! Between all of you a fabulous picture is emerging!!! While I can't wait for this cruise, I also know it'll be over much too soon, so really enjoying the reviews!!

We really enjoyed our 2011 Portraits cruise so happy to hear that you feel this tour is better!!

Happy to get the 2nd Chateau name - will have DH research that one also!

Not happy to hear about the different stories regarding the bridge - nowadays the truth is better - with all the social media it'll come out in the end anyway! Hope it issue is resolved soon!!!

Good to hear the food was very good!!! And also the Arcachon trip!!!

Thanks much!!!

Chesapeake Sailor ~ wonderful to hear another positive review from the April 26th sailing!!!! As for the "floating hotel" - from looking at the cruise map we know we're not taking a long cruise so I'm sure that part will also work for us!! And we've always encountered fine service on Viking - one reason we booked this cruise!!

Glad the fake French village has been eliminated!! (Although we did enjoy the "much debated" Black Forest tour on the Rhine River - but maybe that was because, thanks to CC, we had been alerted beforehand!!!)

Good to hear about the Arcachon!! Still on my list!!

You're 100% correct about the "soft opening" - restaurants do the same - maybe we should volunteer for future new itineraries!!!!! (have done my share of restaurants!)

And thanks for the restaurant suggestion - going on my list! - and info about Bordeaux!!! SO happy you had a great cruise even with the missed ports!!!

travlbug ~ sorry we've never been to Haarlem - planned it in 2011 but it was a very rainy day in Amsterdam so we did the Hermitage Museum. But Haarlem looked very interesting and doable!!

Oh tipsygirl ~ HURRAY - fabulous review!!!! I think a lot of us - including Viking - can rest a bit easier!!!!

Thanks for the "heads-up" about the 4 chateaux four wine tasting - will have to try and get the other names - although DH is impressed about going to Lynch Bages!!!

You also answered my question about Libourne and Saint Emilio and lunch at the Chateau!!! Looking forward to all three!!!!

Sounds like we'll need a week's vacation after this cruise - but exactly how I enjoy a "vacation" - we can rest at home!!! I agree with MalibooNewYork - I'm getting excited also!!!!!!!

One - I hope - last question - did you hear from anyone who went to Arachon???

marazul ~ thanks for the truffle info, but we're really not interested in hunting truffles - agree the area might be nice but also agree with Jazzbeau would be much more interested in eating them!! And I know the exact place for that - Casa Lever in NYC often has a truffle dinner - and best part our daughter is a manager there!!

I'm more interested in the other three Day 4 tours - Libourne, Saint-Emilion & Chateau Siaurac. And since we just bought a bottle of the Chateau's wine I'd really like to see that!!

Just too many places to go and things to see!!!

Carolyn ~ a million Thanks for your - and Viking's - answer to my question about day 4!!!!!!

I was really asking it in a "confused" way and not angry! I'm the one who wants to do everything!!! And reading that slide show left me wanting more days on this cruise so I could do "everything"!!!!! Everything sounded SO wonderful!!!

But thanks SO much - have a wonderful cruise and please come back full of information to share with us!!!!

…help us assemble an accurate “picture” of this cruise by posting answers to the following:

1. how many ports, if any, you missed due to river conditions

2. how would you rate the Forseti’s food (from 1 to 5 - poor to excellent)

3. any comments you would like to add on excursions, service, etc."

April 12, 2014 ~ id4elizabeth – ports missed Cadillac

April 12, 2014 ~ Go Pack – ports missed Cadillac

April 26, 2014 ~ tipsygirl – ports missed Cadillac & Blaye

April 26, 2014 ~ ChesapeakeSailor – ports missed Cadillac & Blaye

May 10, 2014 ~ editor@cruisecritic: Carolyn

May 17, 2014 ~ kidfixer: Linda

May 24, 2014 ~ MalibooNewYork Theresa

May 31, 2014 ~ ABQcruiser

June 28, 2014 ~ Le bon vin

July 5, 2014 ~ magellan2022

July 12, 2014 ~ vcgeno

July 12, 2014 ~ SueFrankuk

July 19, 2014 ~ loge23

Aug. 16, 2014 ~ lovetocruise17

Aug. 23, 2014 ~ MABoat

Aug. 30, 2014 ~ roebud; Rose & Gary

Sept. 6, 2014 ~ indianrider - CANCELLED

Sept 13, 2014 ~ smokinmike

Sept. 20, 2014 ~ zmjh45

Sept. 27, 2014 ~ parkie

Oct. 4, 2014 ~ FotoPeg: John & Peg, Tony & Linda

Nov. 1, 2014 ~ Laffey724

Nov. 22, 2014 ~ itchyfeetx2

Nov. 22, 2014 ~ sable16

megallen2022 ~ SO happy you could get your tickets - did you use SNCF.com??? Any problem paying for them??? I was going to use PayPal - seemed like that might be the best!!!

And a big THANKS to Hlitner (Hank) for his advice!!!

I'd also like to THANK Cruise Critic Editor Carolyn for posting the link to story about the Bordeaux excursions!!! Nice story and photos!!!

But looking at our itinerary leaves me with a question - Day 4 - Libourne - do we have to choose between tour of Libourne OR Saint-Emilion OR Chateau Siaurac OR Truffle Hunting???? Hope we'll soon hear from those on the cruise so some of our questions can be answered!!!!

This past year we sailed Viking the beginning of December to enjoy the Christmas Markets on the Rhine River - a fabulous trip!! We did have a few grey days but no rain and above normal temperatures! But our trip wan't limited to just the CMs as we also enjoyed most of the normal included tours on the cruise.

Now that I'm retired and no longer limited by a school schedule we like to vacation in the "off" season - spring and mostly fall!!