catskier

We just placed a deposit on Iberian Treasures for April 2016. Almost a year out.

This will be our third time on Seabourn. I am so excited, I wanted to research what shore excursions are possible. Which ports I would rather do on my own or go with the group. Also to make spa appointments for the day at sea.

Currently I am not able to book appointments, and excursions are not available. Does anyone know when I might be able to start to see this information?

I did the opposite direction last October, so we went from Passau-Vilshofen.

They do a little beer tent for the ships and an oppha band, kind of fun.

The town is tiny, a small church, not really any tourist shops. Went into a restaurant to find a "bar" for a german beer, no bars per say, but sat at a table and had a beer. It was quite charming, and pretty, there is a monastery up on the hill. But you will not need much time to see this town.

I did the romantic Danube on the Sonata. Not sure the question. But had a wonderful time, would not hesitate to recommend.

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I also think the parliament is a great place to see, short enough that you don't waste the day, but very interesting. The illumination cruise is beautiful, I've never seen such a beautiful city at night.

We did the ruin pubs, fun place to hang out at night.

The underground site near the castle is the hospital in the rocks. I wanted to do this. I found it interesting, but damp and kind of long. I found it more interesting then most as I work in medicine. Others might find it dull. I did enjoy walking over the liberty bridge and walking up Gellert Hill, see the statue. It is a easy hike, a beautiful area with walking trails, and the views. It was nice to get away from the crowds and the noise, a hidden oasis. As we walked down we ended up across from Gellert bath, and walked in. We only took a cab from the four seasons to the ship. Otherwise walked miles everywhere, felt safe, very clean, plus interesting sites & buildings along the way. Even at night.

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You'll have a great time, one night we did a night cruise to see Budapest, it was cold & they have blankets in rooms that you take on top. we sat out for awhile. You could use on balcony too. There are tables for 2 but right next to another. The special restaurant you really were paired up with another. Again it is such a small boat after the 1st couple days you know the other travelers. And know who you want to sit with and who to avoid. Luckily we liked the people we were paired up with. We have only traveled Seabourn before, so we are use to smaller ships, but this was more intimate, we met more people. But the level of service was right up there. Most of them knew our names, and what we prefered ( red or white)

Beware the servers at dinner really like to refill your wine. I did not stop him either.

One to many time I had to scolded my guy the next morning for making me feel this way. That was funny.

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I was on AMA sonata in October, they have tables for 2 but there right next to another, it might as well be a 4 top. So you are sitting next to other people. Where it's rude not to acknowledge them. We're not big on force socializing, but these people we met were very nice and enjoyable. I think when your on a higher end cruise, not mass market, you meet many others like you. There was a good age range. We found everyone we met a joy. One morning after too much wine, we asked the host could we please sit alone, we just can not socialize. He did. By the end of the trip we were asking to sitting with the people we meet along the way.

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This was my first river cruise as well. I did like the double balcony. It was cold in October so I never really sat out on it, but I loved to poke my head out to get air, see the river flowing, and the scenery. I liked looking in the other ships windows while in a lock. Without even having to get out of bed. As most were in the middle of the night. I don't sleep well, so loved being inches away from the balcony window, and watching everything go by. The rooms were very tight. But comfortable. I never really "used" the inside balcony, they have a table there, I would write in my journal there, but the drapes never seemed open. I know I could of opened them, But we never seemed to be in room long enough. Change and sleep. Might be different if warmer. The top deck is really nice, but again only used once, last day we had a beautiful day, there was a group of 8 of us one on top. In fact me and another braved the weather and jumped in the pool. You'll have a great time.

The wine was good, it was always local. We picked up a couple bottles before departure to have in room, for off times. I bought 1 screw top, the next was a corked bottle, the bartender walked to our room and opened the bottle for us. We just asked for a opener.

We really thought the food good, the steaks I would not order, just the local dishes were better.

For lunch you could do the crazy buffet, which is good, but busy. We found they did a light lunch option in lounge, which had a soup,dessert, salad, and something light. Way better. Not crowded, you could take on top to eat, or sit alone quietly in lounge.

Most of the time you were seated with others, which is great fun, but at times we really wanted to be alone, and not share our day. We meet so many great people, had loads of fun. If your a biker sign up ASAP, the bike trips filled up day one. We were on a wait list for the one I had to do. Lucky the weather was cold, so people backed out.

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Catskier, we are taking our first River cruise (many ocean cruises) on the Sonata in March. Did you by any chance have one of the double balcony cabins? If so, can you share your experience? Also, how was the food and wine on board?

 

Any other info on the Sonata is much appreciated. We are doing the Tulip Time AMS-AMS cruise. Any must see, can't miss suggestions? We will have time in AMS before and after the cruise.

 

Thanks!!!

 

PS, Hi Caviargirl, long time no post for me, but you have always been such a help to me in the past!!!!!!

 

 

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I saw your ship too, In fact one night we were in a lock together. ( I think) or we docked together early am.I noticed you staff, in a tiny room, last level, smoking around a chair, It was funny. That morning our neighbor witnessed the same thing, and we both laughed about it. It seemed like a private moment that we witnessed, the staff being themselves. They work so hard, and its nice to see them relaxing prior to their long day.

We also looked into Avalon,I think I ended up choosing AMA because we stopped in Bratislava. I am glad Avalon is a good choice and they were proactive as well as handling the rough water.

A happy wife is always a good thing. Whats that saying? a happy wife=a happy life

I wanted to do a Tauck, but sold out. The research I did showed they were the best, included all you tips, drinks all the time ( if I am remembering correctly) we just retuned from our trip on AMA, and we had to walk through a Tauck. While our ship was brand new and beautiful. This was jaw dropping, my partner asked why we did not go on that ship. I told him sold out.

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I just did it last week. It is tight. We were in economy comfort so off the plane before 200 other people. So that help. As others posted you do have to go through passport control ( can be a long line) as well as security at the gate. They were making sure all cords to electronic devices were out ( not just computers) camera, etc, it really was slowing down the process. This is more going into the US, not the other way around. It is doable, but be prepared to miss your flight if you have any delay.

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Have a great time.

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Let me know if you two have any questions about the ship or ports. We really had a good time, we worried a river cruise would be too sedate for us. We were so wrong. They fed you too much, the wine servers over poured. (Not that those are bad things)

The bike tours filled up really quick, not sure in your weather. But we did way too much. But you make it what you want to.

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Traveling Budapest to Vilholfen (up river). I find people post what a company does in the crisis that helps them plan which river line they choose. I can say We barely noticed the problem. The 1st day we set sail we noticed how fast the river was flowing & how the boat sounded like it needed more effort to travel. We wondered if this was normal, being our 1st river cruise. We also noted trees floating down the river. Not branches huge trees. We were late getting into Bratislava by an hour?

After our tours the cruise manager called a special meeting and announced the river was closed due to high water & flooding. He said " a wall of water is coming"

I though "oh boy you hear about your river trip turning into a bus trip."

We were stuck in Bratislava for the night. They quickly set up a tour of palace with wine tasting about an hour away. All free, we took the tour.

Then next morning it announce we could sail later but it would take so long to get to Vienna so they bussed us to Vienna. (you could stay on board if you choose) After in Vienna we all were to meet at noon at St. Stephansplatz to gather our lunch money. Here he is in the busiest part of town handing out each person 20E for lunch money. (Since we were not able to dine on board.) We had a great day in Vienna. At 5:30 we all met up again & we were bussed back to the ship.

The rest of the trip went off perfectly, the river was very swift & trees were still flowing down & took us a bit longer to get to each port. Each port the guide would show us the mud on the sidewalks, and tell us it was due to the flooding a couple days ago, or show us how high the water came.

It was a great trip & AMA was good choice, the staff works so hard & also always had a smile on their face.

Glad the review is helpful. Our AMA trip sold our very early even though it took place during the less popular summer season. I know they were running a waiting list months out from the sailing. We booked 15 months out. I'm sure you would be happy with either line.

 

The review on Borlabor should be posted any day - it has been submitted. We did not go to Cafe Kor. As always, the reviews and rankings do need to be taken with a grain of salt, paying careful attention to the "one review wonders".

 

 

 

 

I saw the review on TA, I will keep this on my list of places to eat places. I love wine, and food. Looking for something not over rated. We were lucky :AMA was just about sold out, the cruise we booked had 2 cabins left.

I am glad you enjoyed and shared. It was helpful.

Thanks for all the information, I am doing the same itinerary in October. Never river cruised before, and more of an DYI person. So this has really helped me to realize that I will probably not take advantage of the group tours, which is ok with me. We were looking for the best company to travel with and narrowed down to AMA & Tauck (was sold out this year)

The BOr la Bor sounds great, waiting for your review on TA. Can't remember if you said you did Cafe Kor? If so is it really that good? So many places are recommend, I feel as though it is a popularity contest. Thanks again

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I just can't wait to take my trip, as yours sounds so wonderful. I have a couple questions if I may?

Why did you not like the tour of Vienna? Was it the group bus thing?

I have mixed feelings about the group tours, it seems like you get bused to locations, and you can see them as you go by, some times you get out.

Is that true? example: Bratislava : you had a tour, but had to go back to go into the sights, do the guides give you that much information that it is worth it? Or would I be better off getting guide book & strolling along seeing what I want, spending extra time in a bar or cafe? I am young and able to get around and walk for miles, I have always done mostly private tours when traveling alone or on a cruise. I know it is subjective, but wonder if I should take the tours, only to have to back track? Do you get that much out of them. I love history and getting that side. Thanks.

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I am also going to be on the Sonata in October. Love hearing the review. My 1st river cruise.

I was worried about the weather in October, looks like does not matter

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Reading this I have to agree about Seabourn, I can not say a bad thing about either one of my two cruises with them, (and my only cruises)

I booked a cruise this fall with a river cruise. Yikes. I am afraid, as I am hooked on the Seabourn experience. I am going to miss my baths Seabourn will pour, the food,etc. River boats do not have tubs, or even room service. I still dream of more with them. But we are trying something different. However I Still enjoy reading the blogs about Seabourn. Keep sending all your enjoyable trips. I am so glad you enjoyed yourself. Thanks for sharing. I agree you never go

hungry with wonderful food.

I See it is too late. What did you choose? Just back from Sicily,and really enjoyed Segesta, a very pure temple, no reconstruction. But it does not take long to visit. We really enjoyed Selinunte, we hired a driver/guide & did both the same day. Selinunte we spent a couple hours at.

Art work, I always get something to hang on a wall. In Athens bought a religious icon. I am Not a very religious person, but it reminds me of all the churches we saw, and they sold them in every other shop. May have been more then $100, but it is a life long piece for your home. Better then a cheap t- shirt.

Has to also be olive oil.