franski

It really doesn't matter...It isn't like Europe - where you can walk off the boat into town. You are often moored in the middle of the river - and tendered to shore. Fran

Are all excursions listed as wine focused? It may be that they have some extra excursions that deal with wine - or perhaps have some wine tasting on board?? We did a jazz themed cruise in the south of France The day-to-day never changed - we just had jazz musicians (single and group) as our entertainment in the evening. Fran

If you are just looking to wander, you might enjoy the Sint Annatunnel. https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2019/03/13/the-scheldt-tunnel-in-antwerp/ Interesting walkway - under the river - accessed by very steep wooden escalators. We wandered over to the other side - and just sat on a bench seeing Antwerp from a different perspective. Fran

No - Just said that they can be A or C types... I was texting with the director of sales at the Anatole in relation to another matter... and asked him about it. He sent me a picture!! Which is great, so at least I know what to expect there. It seems that either the A (flat prong - NA standard) and C (round pins - European) plugs will work. So may just take a couple of the European adapters with me. Fran

Thank you... Doesn't seem to be a cut & dried answer. Even the cruise documents are vague. I may have to take a variety of adapters!!

Hi - Just starting to pack - and not sure what adapters (if any) are needed for Vietnam/Cambodia/Bangkok. Did a quick google search - but the info is a bit confusing. So - thought I would ask here - and hope that one of the recent travelers can answer this question for me. Thanks so much. Fran

Thank you so much for your prompt reply... and the great tip about taking US bills (instead of using a credit card...) I am taking some with me - but will make sure I have enough to purchase at this shop. Great gift that takes up little space or weight!! Your scarf is beautiful.... Given that this excursion is optional (and an added expense) I may not have to jostle too many people to get to the scarves!! Fran

Do you have a TA? If so, get him/her to reach out on your behalf. My TA has no issues getting in touch with Scenic (or Emerald) when needed. Fran

TriMomma - Is the dress code on board similar to the ships in Europe? ie: no jeans at dinner? How did you find the air conditioning on the ship? Would a light shawl/sweater be useful in the dining room?? Fran

I think we will be doing the silk farm tour... Can you remember what the prices were for scarves and other items? You mention the prices were excellent. Wondering if this might be a good gift to take home... Fran

I understand Tauck has some rooms for 3... the 3rd person sleeps on a pull-out couch. But, you do have to share a bathroom. Fran

We did Transylvania before our river cruise last September. We had previously booked - twice - with Avalon, and the trips were cancelled. This last one was with Scenic - as the price was better. Transylvania is fascinating. We had 4 days there - but, to be honest - would have been happy with the 2 nights offered on Avalon - with the extra days on the boat. With Scenic, we moved every night - but with Avalon, you stay put for 2 nights. Enjoy!! Fran

That is my experience as well. The lower rooms are more than adequate - especially if you are travelling with other people - as you tend to spend more time in the lounge with them. We were comped a "better" room on our 2nd cruise, and didn't feel we enjoyed it any more than the aquarium class cabins. We have only updated twice since... In China - when I was set on a sailing date, as well as direction (wanted to start in Beijing)... we got the last cabin, and it was a junior suite. And - our cruise coming in early next month - Vietnam & Cambodia. I do *not* do well in the heat, so figure if I need to head back to our air conditioned cabin, I can at least see the outside. The cost difference wasn't that much when we booked - so it was an easy decision. The cruise coming up with be our 17th river cruise, so have cruised with an aquarium class cabin more than a dozen times - and never regretted it. Fran

Don't know if this will help, but I can share personal experience from dates September/October of this past year. We arrived in Bucharest in mid-September. I had packed layers - and a mix of sandals & closed toed shoes. I did not put on my jeans and closed toed shoes (and socks) until we hit the beginning of October. I wore mostly short sleeved tops during the day - and had on a light hoodie/jacket for some of the evenings. And this was a over a month after your scheduled trip. I expect that you will have *hot* weather on this trip. The first time we sailed this itinerary (starting in Bucharest) we went in late April - and the temps hit 30 C along the way. We were not expecting that. The boat will be air conditioned, but we have found the AC in buildings in Europe to be questionable in our past experience. Fran

Kurt - We are actually travelling with Emerald for this cruise - but, given that they are part of the Scenic group, I expect that many of the stops will be the same. We won't get the fully open bar - and may have to pay for some of the excursions (if we are interested in something other than what is included) but this thread was quite helpful and interesting for us. We fly out on February 1st (arriving on the 2nd) but our tour doesn't start until the 5th. We are taking a couple of extra days to acclimate before the tour starts. Fran

That would be good... And an interesting trip for sure. For me, I was happy with the sailing experience - the scenery was the primary draw, so the shorter times on land weren't a disappointment. We did spend some extra time in Bergen, and were happy with that. To each his own. Lots of ways to sail!! Fran

Kurt - When we booked, our TA sent a link to a website where we could look at all of the travel restrictions (including immunization requirements) worldwide. There was nothing for either Vietnam or Cambodia. We are just travelling with our (full) Covid vaccinations. Wondering where you are located in Ontario? We are just east of Toronto - in Whitby. Flying EVA air both ways as it seems to have the best connection times. You?? Fran

We actually did the coast of Norway with Hurtigruten... Very different experience - travelling on a "working" boat. We don't care about the "luxury" on a boat, as much as the experience. So - Hurtigruten was good for us!! May be worth a look?? Fran

Thank you so much for your in-depth review... We are doing this cruise with Emerald in February - and it will be interesting to see how much (or how little) the "little sister" to Scenic emulates the itinerary. Some of your included excursions are optional for us - so it will help us decide whether or not we want to spring for the extras. We have travelled with Scenic a couple of times in the past (Tulip Time cruise, the Danube - Budapest to Nuremberg and Eastern Europe - including Transylvania) and have always been pleased with them. We have friends who are considering doing this itinerary in the future - with Scenic - so I will make sure to show them this thread. Fran

Many people suggest staying on the Buda side - but it is not as accessible to many of the attractions. Yes, you have the Fisherman's Bastion, and St. Matthias Church (plus the Hospital in the Rock if you are so inclined to visit...) - but much more to see on the Pest Side IMHO. We were just there in October - and stayed at the Prestige Hotel. It isn't far from the Chain Bridge - and there was lots within walking distance. You can walk to the Parliament, to the Shoes on the Danube, down the Vaci Utca to the Central Market (you really need to see this!!)... We walked to the Opera House, and the Dohany Synagogue. And an easy walk to our *favourite* restaurant... We discovered the Cafe Kor on our 1st visit to Budapest, and make sure we go every time we go back. It is a small place - so you need reservations. But - it is authentic Hungarian food --> and SO good. Prices are reasonable... It is just down the street from St. Stephen's Cathedral. On one of our trips, I booked a tour to Memento/Statue Park. They picked us up at our hotel in an old Trabant --> my husband was ecstatic!! And then - they let him drive!! A fun tour. So much to see & do in Budapest. We have also visited the Cave Church (not far from the market) and the House of Terror (very sobering...). Enjoy your planning... Happy to answer any questions you may have. Fran

Seems like you have a busy year ahead!! We are doing the Mekong with Emerald next month... really looking forward to it. We did Egypt and the Nile just before the world shut down with Covid. We also spent time in Israel & Jordan after we left Egypt. It was an awesome trip!! If you get a chance to do Abu Simbel - it is pretty amazing. And - if you can somehow wrangle a visit to Garbage City while in Cairo - it is something to see. Enjoy!! Fran

Welcome to Cruise Critic - and to the world of river cruising. But, as I have said to many in the past - be prepared... it is addictive (just completed #16 in October - off for #17 in February!!) We have travelled with most of the lines, and we do like Avalon. I think your plan to fly into Munich and spend a few days there before heading to Deggendorf sounds good. As far as time to board --> if you arrive before your cabin is ready, you can usually hang out in the lounge when you arrive. Or - touch base with Avalon to see about their transfer from Munich airport. You might have to pay for it - but it might be worth it. If you are able to take a few extra days, do spend some time in Budapest It is so easy to do on your own. We have been there 4 times (beginning or end of a river cruise) - and always extend. Happy to offer hotel and dining suggestions!! Or - what if you started in Budapest?? Go in a couple of days early - easy to find the boat on your own. Then, when you end in Deggendorf, get a transfer to Munich and spend some time (a day or two?) before flying home. Just a thought... Enjoy your planning!! Fran

We are booked with Emerald in February this year - the same trip as TriMomma did. Vietnam/Cambodia has always been my husband's dream trip - but I wanted to make sure that I got to Ha Long Bay. And - I got to sail the bay - not stay in a hotel and do day trips (as some companies do...). One thing about Emerald is that their boat actually sails right into HCMC. Many of the boats dock outside the city and you are bused. Fran

I actually agree with you... We are experienced river cruisers, and almost always add extra days on at the beginning and/or end of the cruise. But, Prague is one I would seriously consider doing with the cruise line. Our 1st time there was after a cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg --> and I felt that the extra cost was worth the convenience of not having to plan the transfer and the hotel. We stopped in Karlova Vary on the way - so we got "more" than just the transfer and the hotel. We also did have a couple of tours with guides provided... so a good choice IMHO. Fran

Have enjoyed reading about your trip... We leave in a month for Hanoi - doing Hanoi/Ha Long & then a cruise starting in HCMC --> with Emerald. Tonle Sap is an extra (ie: not included, but available) excursion on our trip. Is it worth the time and money to go? We are stopping in Bangkok on our way home for 3 nights. Any suggestions on "must see" things while we are there? We have booked a hotel right across the river from the palace. Fran