Bet & Peg

Francis M ~ happy to know my rambling posts were a help!!

Enjoy the schnapps - they'll be good in all the ports and markets! We enjoyed "comparing" the glug/mulled wine at all the CM we visited last year - just a necessary hardship of the trip -lol!!

Your blog is great!!!

Francis M ~ I'll be reading your blog with interest and nostalgia! Just a year ago we - my favorite husband and I - were in Basel enjoying the CMs and waiting to board the Rinda for a Rhine River cruise - WOW - how times flies!!!! We're thinking of the Danube for our next adventure - just not sure yet what time of year!

Enjoy your trip and soak up every moment!!!

IF you're just taking the RC, them Marseilles would be much closer to both Avignon and Lyon so I think I'd try to fly in/out of it since it has to be a smaller airport then CDG! Is it also convenient to the train? A lot depends on how much luggage you'll be traveling with and ability to "move" it on/off train. But the European trains are very passenger "friendly" with storage areas at the ends of each car. We've used them a few times but I've never seen any assistance from train personal - only from other passengers.

As for buying train tickets - there's a thread about using SCNF.com directly where the tickets are much cheaper than Rail Europe.

Also the further out you buy the tickets the lower the price - tickets are usually available with 3 months of the trip.

ashvb ~ thanks for sharing your review - especially since your age is "out" of the demographics! Younger people often ask about RCs and your review will be very helpful - even our kids who are a bit older than you guys!!

We took the Rhine River cruise last December to see the Christmas Markets and everything was very lively - especially Rudesheim! I guess the town was "off" preparing for the following weeks!

Thanks again!!

Vinelvr ~ WOW - congrats!!!!! What a fabulous upgrade!!! Wonder if you won a lottery or being a "voice" on CC helped!! Either way ENJOY!!!! And please, Please, PLEASE come back to tell us all about the suite & the cruise!!

Not sure if its been mentioned but tickets are available to purchase 3 months out - we were taking the train Oct 4th and on-line tickets went on sale July 4th. Before that you can put in a "false" date (3 months from when you're looking) to get an idea of pricing.

But take heed of Hlitner's advice - I did last year and came out a hero for the $$ I saved!!! RailEurope's price for our 2nd class seats, Paris to Bordeaux, was $67 pp! On SCNF.com I got 4 2nd class seats for $16pp - printed out the ticket with the seat number for each person!! The earlier you buy tickets the lower the price. I have to add that the low price was also a special "multi" (3 or more) rate but one/two tickets would have been $19 still a big savings!!

Our train was not high speed but very enjoyable though not very scenic - but then we were spoiled by our ride through the Alps a few years ago.

And a thought - our trip was just over 3 hours and we found 2nd class more than adequate. Very comfortable seats with room at the doors to stack luggage and an overhead rack for smaller items. We has 4 seats facing one another with a table between us. I think those with just 2 seats also had some kind of table.

Haveva great trip!!!

Beware ~ TAs are a touchy subjest on CC since there's no advertising, recommending or promoting which is realy a good thing!

That being said - before I discovered CC I used a local TA, and actually wondered why since I had done all the work - finding the exact cruise I wanted, knew the cabin, etc. But the few people I knew used TAs so I also did. I think our TA gave us a dinner in the special restaurant as a "Thank You" - and I was thrilled! Then I found CC and began reading about the On Board Credits people were getting!! Next step - I quickly found an on-line TA and also began getting perks!! RCs seem to work a little different without such big OBCs but I'm still with the same TA.

If you want more info you can e-mail me - my name at aol dot com.

If you book air through Viking then transfers to and from the ship will be included.

If you book your own air, then you might be able to purchase Viking transfers or you'll have to provide your own. As Shmoo here suggested you could look into train service from CDG into Paris and there's also bus service, shuttles, pre-booked cabs or taxis at the airport.

A lot depends on how you travel and manage luggage, etc. But I'm sure you know that from your Ocean Cruises.

As we're getting older (did I really say that!!) we're beginning to rely more on taxis rather than trains. We spent 8 days in Paris this past September before a Viking Bordeaux Cruise. We made taxi arrangements with a company that was recommend on the Ports site and I'd also highly recommend them: Paris airport shuttle inter services [Cdg,Orly,Beauvais,City tour day and nigh It was wonderful getting off the plane at CDG and seeing our name being held by the driver!!

A lot depends on what you're planning - just the cruise or a pre/post trip.

Before the end of the cruise, the Viking Cruise Director had asked anyone needing transportation to talk to him and we arranged for a taxi to take us to the airport - we agreed on a time convenient for our flight. He told us exactly what the fare would be - I think 50euro - which was also the price mentioned on these boards. Viking was selling their transfers for 60euro per person - I didn't feel the difference was justified so we went for the private taxi.

Hope this helps - any other general questions just ask away - we've sailed three times with Viking and just love it!! But we've never taken the Normandy trip.

Have a great time!!!

JandCM ~ have a wonderful trip and fun birthday!! Hope your flights are smooth and your transfers easy!! Can't wait to hear all about your cruise!!

Vinelvr ~ receiving that travel package makes the trip SO real!!!

DH and friends really enjoyed the Cognac trip - they had fun making their own blend! and said samples flowed very freely!! They also bought great small bottles for about 6euros as gifts and received a lovely small bottle from Camus as their gift for making the Cognac!

Would love to hear about - and even see photos of - Christmas Bordeaux!! I wish we had spent more time there - it seems to be a lovely city!!

Have a wondereful time!!!

Hi MalabooNewYork ~ its Peg from the Bordeaux cruise - how interesting it is that you're looking at the Danube Waltz for next fall - we're looking into the Romantic Danube, we'd like to combine it with a trip to Werdau where DH's grandfather came from!

The little I can add to your questions is:

Cabins - we've stayed in both D, the French Balcony and B, the Balcony- both times on the middle deck. Both rooms were very quiet. On the Forseti our cabin was 205 and I think 208 on the Rinda for our CM cruise, Dec 2013. I usually try and get cabins near the reception area because DH has a walking problem. Be aware that there were some complaints on CC about the walking/jogging noise on the top deck. We've never been on main deck as DH wants a big window. Also, the French Balcony room is tight!! But, then we never spend too much time in it so we survived!!

Airports - we flew out of Munich but just a transfer to CDG (now that's a challenging airport!!) and in/out of Frankfort but also within Europe. Had no problems either time but they weren't international flights. I try to avoid CDG at all costs - leaving Bordeaux we flew into Amsterdam to change flights - much easier IMHO!

Direction - I'll be interested in answers to this question since its one that's also in my head! Jazzbeau, thanks for your info! I think for us it'll depend on timing - I'll like to spend extra time both pre and post so we'll work that out and then see about fitting in the cruise!

Glad to hear another RC is in your future - it does become addictive!!!

Welcome cruis_theglobe ~ Welcome to Cruise Critic and Welcome to the Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Thread!!

If you're interested in this cruise, then please do the whole thread OR at least from May. This was a new 2014 itinerary and had a bumpy beginning! But things - tides, ship clearance, personel, etc - took a trun for the better - much better! - about May. With the exception of the week going too quickly, my only complaint was the first part of the first excursion in Pauillac, and I made my feelings known here on CC and also to Viking on their survey - hopefully it'll be smoother next year!

But otherwise this was a fabulous cruise, especially for those interested in wine! The optional excursion to Chateau Siaurac with Paul Goldsmith was an experience we'll remember forever and our friends enjoyed the truffle hunting! My DH can't wait to open his bottle of self-made cognac (has to age for about 4 months!) - he plans on sampling it on our Anniversary in February!

Now if Viking can only improve on their tour of the Medoc area....

magellan2022 ~ it's been a pleasure to be involved with this thread - especially since we cruised so much later and thus had the opportunity to learn SO much from all you earlier passengers!

And I do indeed remember the earlier days - seemed very bleak! And the river does control everything in that area!! For those about to travel - wait until you see the difference in the tides!!! And the infamous bridge you sail back/forth under for Cadillac!! (On our trip we passed under it going about 5am but returning to Bordeaux was about 3-4pm - deck was full of passengers taking photos! Seeing it makes the necessity of a clearance run understandable!!)

I completely enjoyed our other Viking RCs - but this one I'd go on again in a heartbeat - if just for the food & wine!! If you're looking to take home a bottle or two - check out the little store in Pauillac - the "Cave" on the first street paralleling the dock on the right side - great selection, wish we had bought more! And there's also a nice looking store on the left side. Both were open even though it was a Sunday! And there's just time for a quick walk after docking or between lunch and the excursion! St Emilion also has a "million" stores - our guide told us they all work together and have fixed prices - it'd be impossible to see the town and also check out all the wine stores!

JandCM ~ "low to mid-50s" - I think our weather predictions were about 10degrees higher but I found the wind along the river made it seem much colder - not freezing, but I think I'd plan on bringing layers, just in case!! Balye especially was very open, damp and windy, especially the walking tour through the Citadel. That morning I wished I had brought gloves and a heavier scarf!! When we were planning, the temps in Bordeaux were always higher than Paris, yet Paris was felt warmer because it wasn't so open!

Everyone - have a fabulous trip!!!!! Please come back and let us know your thoughts & experiences!!!!

lionsfan99 ~ glad you enjoyed the info and advice! This cruise is fantastic - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!

JandCM ~ happy you posted and glad you've enjoyed reading the reviews! Enjoy the cruise and Happy Birthday - that makes it really special!! If you haven't done so already, mention the birthday to the maitre d' when you board - they'll help you "celebrate" at dinner!!

I hope you both come back and give us your comments here on CC - they'll be more traveling this year and next and everyone's reviews and suggestions and advice help. So please come back and post!!!

Have a wonderful cruise - I'd take it again anytime!!!

lionsfan99 ~ WOW, 10 more days and you're in Bordeaux - am I ever jealous!!! And that travel package makes it REAL!!!!

And I applaud you for going by yourself - whatever the reason - good for you!!!!! Im sure you'll enjoy and make many new "friends"!! And try to "connect" with the other two CC couples on your cruise: itchyfeetx2 and sable16!

And please say "hello" for me to the Hotel Director Michael Stamm - he'll be easy to find since he's all over!!! Please tell him "hello from FotoPeg" - we were on the October 4th trip.

Have a wonderful time - I'm SO jealous, I'd return in a minute!!!!!

Any last minute questions just ask away!!!

We were in Nice four days in late October 2012 and stayed at the Hotel de Suede on the recommendation of our daughter an SIL. We found it centrally located and very convenient for the tram and buses. We didn't have bk there since it was just around the corner from the Rue Massena which had a little café that was perfect for coffee and croissant.

Nice is a lovely city and an easy bus ride to Monte Carlo, St Paul de Vence and many other places. And don't miss the open-air flower market!!! Have a great time!!!

sable16 ~ Yes - we were able to book optional tours on board. But, some sold out very quickly!

We knew what we wanted to go on beforehand - talked about it with our friends - so we were ready!! Sunday, the 1st day, there was a Welcoming Briefing at 6pm; dinner was at 7pm. During the briefing the Optional Tour form was given out and the tours explained. We filled ours in immediately and I went down to the reception desk and handed them to the woman working there - as I was leaving she was putting the time on the top. I know by the following morning the Cognac tour was filled and there was a waiting list!

Some of the Opt Tours are limited and I don't think by Viking but by the places they're going. Our friends went on the truffle tour and said they were told that only 40 were allowed since the farmer and his wife don't have room for more! They also heard that the tour had been cancelled a few weeks earlier since they had a problem getting help that week preparing and serving lunch. We went to Chateau Siaurac and I there were 7 tables of 10 each set up for lunch - so I guess that is also "limited". I think only one bus went to Cognac and about 35 of us to the Bay of Arcachon - the boat could have held a few more.

So my advice - turn in that form ASAP if you really want to go on a tour!!!

Host Jazzbeau ~ great explanation and I completely understand and agree that its best to hear from those traveling on the same cruise line as you're using. Glad you explained to the OP about starting a thread - I hope kopi99 does begin one and gets responses from past & future passengers.

However, all that said, I'll still be willing to share anything I've learned about the area or what my line did - just as a point of reference.

I'm a born, bred, and schooled New Yorker - but I'm just trying to be helpful to a new CC member.

I've often met other passengers on cruises - especially RCs - and they'll ask me how I knew about something on the trip, and I'll answer it was discussed in CC and they get a "look" and say they've look at it but everyone seems to complain or try and push their opinion or want to argue with others. Now I'm sure we've all run into posters like that but I've also found, most times, people really do try to be helpful.

I remember my early posts - asked a question about formal nights - I was SO excited about our forth coming trip I wanted to know every detail I could get! Someone wrote back and told me "don't worry" about the night - I wasn't worrying just looking for info! Thank goodness I persevered - I've found tons of info on these boards to enhance our trips - everything from OBCs to saving $ on train tickets to packing advice to.... you name it. And I also think "paying back" is important - even if the person is one another cruise line!

OK - off my "soap box" and back to my NYC kind of way!

kopi99 ~ Host Jazzbeau is correct that this is a Viking thread - but if I can help with any advice about this area I'd be happy to. First this is a new cruise itinerary for Viking and I think also for Uniworld so I'm not sure how many might be active on this forum.

We did see the Uniworld boat - looked very nice! - a few times during our cruise - we crossed each other's paths often since there's not too much river covered on this cruise. But I don't know anything about their itinerary or excursions.

From what I understand, you are correct about having to make arrangements to visit most of the Chateaux. The best way might be to go through a wine-centered tour guide. I'm sure the Bordeaux Tourist Information Center could give you a list of recommendations. You could also try going into the ports area of Cruise Critic to the French part and searching that forum for info on wine tours.

One thought - contact Uniworld to see if you can get a list of times when they are in ports so you know exactly how how long you would have to do your own tour. And also remember that the area is greatly effected by tides - we were lucky that the river cooperated and we were able to get to all our ports - but it was easy to see the great difference in high and low tide. Rains - too much or too little - can greatly change things.

If there are places you feel you must visit - what about a pre or post-cruise trip? Bordeaux is a lovely city - I had wanted to stay post-cruise but wasn't able to convince DH or our friends - I think they regreated it after seeing Bordeaux!

Good luck - and ask away with any questions about the area - however, I don't know specifics about your cruise.

RoseBud ~ your upcoming cruises sound fantastic!!! Enjoy!!!

Laffey724 ~ I am SO jealous!!!! This is one cruise I'd do again in a heartbeat!!!! Just rest up now - you won't want to miss anything on board!!!

Any questions just ask away - I don't tire talking about our adventures!!!

Hope you're weather is good!!! And have a GREAT cruise!!!

Just want to "report" that the 12euro pp tickets I bought for our Paris to Bordeaux trip worked perfectly!!! The prince on RailEurope was something like $57 - a BIG difference! We had the printed tickets with our seat #s on them but still I was a bit nervous - seemed too good to be true!!

But NO problem - and our seats were even facing each other - perfect for conversation! I became the hero of the trip!!!

So Hank - Thank You again and again!! Tickets were a big savings and we rented an apartment through VRBO and had a great time in Paris!! Your advice and hints are always "right-on"!!!!

If anyone's interested, here's my slide show of Paris - be warned! it's about 16 minutes in length!!

Paris ~ 2014 Slideshow | TripAdvisor™

Ohhh Rose ~ what cruises??? 4 of them - hurray for you guys - sounds just wonderful!!!!

Save the photos for retirement! Or start decorating with them!!! We re-did our bedroom just before we left for the our trip - crazy I know! Now I have a space between our 2 windows so I just ordered a long, thin (12"x36") canvas print of the Eiffel Tower - can't wait to get it and see how it looks!!!

Fill us all in on your future cruises!!!