funexploring

With Scenic one has a choice of tours. The first couple of days are decided and submitted prior to the cruise and the balance are chosen within the first 24 hours onboard. So I imagine 515Kitty already knows what she is doing for the full day in Nuremberg. We did a walking tour of the old town ending with a taste of local specialties in a gasthaus. The other tour was one of World War II sites and documentation centre but I am not sure what was shown. These tours were in the morning and Scenic did use their buses to transport people back to the downtown for an optional afternoon at leisure. The last bus pick-up for return was at 4 pm. Also at 4:00 pm we had an on board Bavarian music & dance performance so sailaway was not until 4:45pm allowing performers to disembark. Each night at 6pm was a daily port talk and cruise overview. This evening was also the Captain's welcome gala at 6:45pm. Just an added note on meals, if you are interested. Scenic scores high marks on presentation but in my opinion this can take away from substance. So don't be hesitant to order all courses. They are small tasty morsels. Also, ask for a double amount when ordering if you desire as they will accommodate. Not sure all Scenic cruises are the same but we suffered, I believable from a lack of staff and had too many tables between them. They were all terrific but when the entire dining room is served one course at a time, it makes for a 2 hour diner. Wines are all complimentary but can be slow between pours. Servers bring around a suggestion for a particular wine to compliment the meal. Should you want something else they will have no problem finding that for you. Hope some of this information helps in planning.

Not sure if this is consistent with every tour but our buses did not leave Prague much before 12:30 pm, arriving in Nuremburg between 4:30 and 5pm. The welcome with cold hand towels, drinks and a rose for the ladies were a nice touch. The dock is on the outskirts of the city. We had a half hour break along the road at a MacDonalds. Upon arrival we had only a few minutes before a dinner buffet and then it was upstairs for a welcome drink and briefing of what the next few days would hold. I would say if you have an afternoon tour in mind you would be best to get to the city and dock on your own.

We were on this same cruise in May of this year. Scenic put us up at the Marriot which was quite central and convenient to a variety of transit options. On arrival night their guide took us on a quick 30 minute tour of area to let us know options such as restaurants, pharmacy, ATMs etc. The next morning we met for a half day walking tour. We were bused to Prague Castle, and walked with a guide though the complex and then down the hill, across the Charles Bridge and through the Old Town. I only say this so that you don't duplicate any tour you may arrange ahead of time. The balance of the afternoon, the following day and most of the morning on the third day was on our own. The Scenic guides manned a desk at the hotel for about 2 hours each afternoon and were most helpful with any tourist information that we needed. Prague is a lovely city and in many ways the highlight of our trip but it is super crowded. Get out early if you can. You will have a great time.