BillPizzaiolo

Hi all of you, many old friends,

We here in Ocean County NJ today are experiencing a stay at home shut down. Our little NJ Shore county today (Earth Day 22 April 2020) broke the 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19  and 244 deaths.  The number continues to grow.  DW and I haven't been in a grocery or any store since before Ash Wednesday.  Stupid us got ashes along with the crowd in church that day.  We were lucky didn't get COVID-19 yet.  It seems that it will only be a matter of time some of the virus will sneak into our home on a package or mail and infect.  Stay well everyone.

16 hours ago, aquidneck1 said:

They are extremely accommodating.  My husband did this multiple times in February.  They also would bring a dish for the center of the table so that we could taste it. 

++2  we've noticed that too

57 minutes ago, BillPizzaiolo said:

. Too much to worry about but fun to see how much time we can waste on line, trolling each other.   

11 minutes ago, Aloha 1 said:

My biggest concern is the system uses the desalinated water produced on board. That water has a much higher sodium content than the water found in Dasani, etc..That's a big concern for those who need to restrict salt intake. I cannot find anything on the Vero website that says they remove sodium from the water.

Are you sure of those facts?  From my experience desalinated water used on ships has no minerals and no salt because it is used in the turbines which would be damaged by those ingredients in H2O.  That's one reason why it tastes different from spring water.

Yes people could get germs from their own water bottles depending on who they kiss or if they touch a dirty handrail and then touch their face or touch the cap and threads of the bottle. Too much to worry about but fun to see how much time we can waste on line, trolling each other.   

8 hours ago, LHT28 said:

I put toothbrush in a glass with some mouth wash  figure the alcohol will kill any germs 😉

Better yet a nice bottle of Vodka or Grappa to wipe out any germs would work for me.  

On 10/25/2018 at 2:46 PM, BillPizzaiolo said:

Our first swap was Vilsofen/Nurenberg,  River Empress to River Princess.  As I can closely recall we sent a bag of laundry twice before that swap.  Did one bag of laundry on the Princess. Then we swapped, in Frankfort over night, toured us to Koblence, on to the River Queen. Two nights & tours on the Queen and the last bag of laundry before two nights in Amsterdam on the Queen.

In all cases they picked up the laundry in the AM and it was all pressed, folded or on hangers that evening after dinner. Fantastic turn around in my opinion.  We decided not to completely unpack on the River Princess or Queen. That worked out for us and helped us from wasting time packing and unpacking. Just took out what we thought we might need as we needed it.  I think we only missed one tour that we planned on but they substituted a city tour for it.

We must remember that the Captain of a vessel is completely responsible for the safety and well being of everyone on board as well as keeping the boat from being damaged.  The insurance company and the corporate offices also carry similar responsibilities after the captain.  When the Captain says the water is too low to take his/her boat through then changes must be made by the staff. 

At first it was a little daunting as no passengers ever experienced a ship swap except for many of the crew.  When the Captain and cruise Director showed up at one cocktail hour to explain how and why we were going to swap.  We were a bit apprehensive.   After we swapped and saw how easy it was, we became experts.Then a few days later the Captain appeared at another cocktail hour everyone knew what was coming. A second swap and it went off like clock work.  Little or no grumbling by the passengers but our comraderie was built up, making everyone feel as part of the team. The last night on board the Cruise Director (Preston C.) stood up to thank everyone and began to sing in operatic Italian & English, "Con te Partiro".  There wasn't a dry eye in the lounge.  He got a long standing ovation for it and everything.  The next morning we were all headed for the airport in Amsterdam.  Yes, travel can be exciting, interesting, and intense.  That's why we do it.

We vacation at the beach and at home port. 

To finally follow up on this trip.  Once we got home a letter from the CEO of Uniworld stated that we would get $1000 credit each on a future cruise.  The adventure on board was very interesting as to how things are done when a river runs out of water.  The extra $$$$ offered is a bonus.  No complaints here.

While you suffer the lack of rain and water Venice and much of Italy and parts of the USA are encountering more than usual. Weird stuff Mother Nature is telling us. I hope some are listening. 

She was the middle ship we swapped with a week and a half ago. Beautifully appointed great staff you’ll Love it for sure. Have a blast. 

7 hours ago, RDC1 said:

An alternative view, might be, depending upon the nature and tone of the communications, that they might have written you off and do not see a benefit in further communication. Especially if the file indicates that the communications with you have already communicated the companies official response.

+1

Our first swap was Vilsofen/Nurenberg,  River Empress to River Princess.  As I can closely recall we sent a bag of laundry twice before that swap.  Did one bag of laundry on the Princess. Then we swapped, in Frankfort over night, toured us to Koblence, on to the River Queen. Two nights & tours on the Queen and the last bag of laundry before two nights in Amsterdam on the Queen.

In all cases they picked up the laundry in the AM and it was all pressed, folded or on hangers that evening after dinner. Fantastic turn around in my opinion.  We decided not to completely unpack on the River Princess or Queen. That worked out for us and helped us from wasting time packing and unpacking. Just took out what we thought we might need as we needed it.  I think we only missed one tour that we planned on but they substituted a city tour for it.

We must remember that the Captain of a vessel is completely responsible for the safety and well being of everyone on board as well as keeping the boat from being damaged.  The insurance company and the corporate offices also carry similar responsibilities after the captain.  When the Captain says the water is too low to take his/her boat through then changes must be made by the staff. 

At first it was a little daunting as no passengers ever experienced a ship swap except for many of the crew.  When the Captain and cruise Director showed up at one cocktail hour to explain how and why we were going to swap.  We were a bit apprehensive.   After we swapped and saw how easy it was, we became experts.Then a few days later the Captain appeared at another cocktail hour everyone knew what was coming. A second swap and it went off like clock work.  Little or no grumbling by the passengers but our comraderie was built up, making everyone feel as part of the team. The last night on board the Cruise Director (Preston C.) stood up to thank everyone and began to sing in operatic Italian & English, "Con te Partiro".  There wasn't a dry eye in the lounge.  He got a long standing ovation for it and everything.  The next morning we were all headed for the airport in Amsterdam.  Yes, travel can be exciting, interesting, and intense.  That's why we do it.

We vacation at the beach and at home port. 

Men’s suit is un-needed. I wore my blue blazer to Capt’s reception and not once after that. The weather was in the mid 70’s but it might be cooler than that. We had free laundry as well. It was very convenient. Four stuffed laundry bags spread out over the trip for the two of us. Friends used the washing machines frequently. If I was doing it again I would just take minimum layers of clothes. I made very good use of a vest that had zip off sleeves and many large pockets. Never used our rain gear though that we would hope changes. If you don’t bring any that might gaurentee rain. Just keep it simple and minimal. You can always buy stuff you need in the many towns and markets. Traveling can be an adventure if you have that mindset. Good luck. 

I am surprised to read all the issues you all have had.  We just completed a Uniworld Budapest to  Amsterdam cruise this past Saturday. Albeit that we had to swap ships twice causing us to experience the cuisine of three ships staffs. They seemed to compete with each other to out perform one another in the food and service as well as offer us extra on board credit and a significant discount on a future cruise due to the issue of the swaps packing and unpacking.  I am assuming it is due to the local cruise director and how he/she handles the situation.  The captains we encountered and the staffs were excellent as well.  We knew well before we left late in September early October that there might be swaps and that the rivers were low.  Our rain dance and prayers were not effective it seems.

You need to take shovel and dig down a bit to discover old stuff. Even take a gold panning tray and pan for gold dust in the mud below. Especially in the Danube where it was possible to make a good living at it. 

5 minutes ago, Dance momma said:

We are scheduled for the Uniworld River Empress on November 5th, I would much rather swap ships several times then be on buses and hotels!  Im trying not to worry about it all and just roll with it!  Hoping they don’t cancel all together! UGH!  I may never do another river cruise!

Say hi to Preston, he was our Cruise Director.  He and the staff made everything happen wonderfully despite the low water.  It is a mixed blessing to have low water.  It  means warm sunny days and really good photos. Lots of days up on deck relaxing and enjoying the cruise.  That is until you run out of water. Hope you have a good trip.  We did.

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

Ooh, sorry. My memory is failing me here. As regards insurance I have mentioned lately that European laws are more favourable as regards problems with river cruising. ABTA is the organisation that is helpful for the UK.

 

With a bit more time and when I am on my computer I will try and find more.

 

notamermaid

 

14 hours ago, Begete said:

We are scheduled for Uniworld ‘s European Jewels, November 10, leaving from. Budapest to Amsterdam.

 

Despite writing to Uniworld, I have received zero information.

 

We cruise because I have a medical condition that makes me extremely allergic to all scented products. I can handle that on ships, as we did last year on Uniworld, but a long bus ride could, literally, kill me.

 

Has anyone heard or experienced anything recent from Uniworld?

The ship swaps we experienced were seamless. It also gave us a chance to experience three different Uniworld river cruise boats.  We started on the Empress, went to the Princess and then to the Queen.  The staff on each were over and above to make the switches as pleasant as they could. We were scheduled for various tours on the dates of the switches.  When we returned to our boat it was the next one at the next stop beyond the very low water.  Some folks hiked the distance, some rode bikes the rest rode in a bus at one of the swaps.  Hope that the water levels improve soon and that it doesn't become a new normal for that part of the world.  

It would be weird if Germany develops a climate like Sicily.  Could you imagine German olive oil as a new crop or hearty red wines replacing Riesling?

9 hours ago, Begete said:

Bill - we are supposed to be on the River Duchess for that same cruise with Uniworld, November 9.

 

Was there any word re expectations from crew regarding future cruises? Are water levels improving or worsening?

We are not sure of any future plans.  As far as the water levels improving. That would probably take lots of rain.  This time of year is usually very rainy in that part of the world.  However we had warm sunny days for every day of our river cruise. The last time we did this exact cruise it rained every day save one cloudy day and one snow flurry.  It is a serious drought impacting tourism and agriculture in a big way, though not being publicized significantly.  Do a rain dance and pray it might help.

We are finishing up our Uniworld cruise Budapest To Amsterdam tomorrow. It allowed us to swap ships twice. We started on the River Empress went on the River Princess and then on to the River Queen. Each one treated us excellently. We saw places on the Rhine where you could actually walk to the other side. 

I wish we could send you some of the excess moisture we are experiencing on the East coast of the US. It's been a very wet summer and fall here in NJ.

I hope the rain showers recently in Europe will help. We are about to take to the rivers starting in Budapest and ending in Amsterdam with Uniworld. We've done this cruise before, so this time, if we get a chance to experience a swap it should be an interesting adventure.

Hello BillPizzaiolo,

 

 

there is a thread on Uniworld changes to itinerary that you will find when scrolling down or on page 2 of the thread list. I cannot imagine Uniworld making you do the river cruise as a land tour. . .

 

...At this time in September we are still too far away from your sailing date to know what will happen with the water and the weather. But if nearer the date not knowing makes you nervous do try to get in touch with Uniworld.

Rain is coming to the area but nobody knows whether it will be a temporary relief (likely as of now) or be enough (unlikely as of now) to raise the levels enough to ensure cruising in late September and October. The Rhine could fare better than the Danube, but the rivers are on different sides of the continental divide and often react differently to weather conditions.

 

Hope this helps.

 

notamermaid

Thank you for the quick reply. We will keep an eye on the weather. It does look like two or three days of rain coming up. This will be our second Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise on Uniworld. The first with friends that have never cruised before. We are hoping for the best conditions.

Thanks again, Bill:cool:(y):wine-glass::champagne-toast:

Jay2018,

 

Sorry to read that. And welcome to cruisecritic. I hope we can help you in your situation a bit. I will give it a try. If I have understood it correctly you will travel to Cologne soon. In Cologne there is much to see and in a building site they have even found recently what seems to be the oldest library building in Germany. If you want to see the Rhine gorge you can do this as a long day trip from Cologne with train and then excursion boat from Koblenz. Phone Koblenz Touristik for times of sailings. They will speak English. Or you could head to the Moselle. Happy to assist further if you like when I am on my computer, I am on my smartphone with limited time and access right now.

 

I hope you can enjoy the Rhine valley.

 

notamermaid

We understand that you are most aware of the conditions concerning low water levels due to the drought conditions in central Europe. We are slated to leave Budapest October 5th on a Uniworld ship to Amsterdam. Are we correct in assuming that we will be spending part or all of the cruise traveling by bus?

I see that a thread was started for Crystal, so I thought I would start one for Scenic. I have found little information as to what Scenic is planning to do if the Rhine levels remains low. What I have found on other Cruise Critic threads regarding how the passengers have been rerouted/compensated has me somewhat concerned. Any other info would be greatly welcomed.

In the process of reading all the posts here but interested in river conditions mostly. And any information or location to go to for info on Uniworld ships especially Budapest to Amsterdam and the three rivers Danube, Main, and Rhine. Any current info will be appreciated. Sept-October 2018.

Does anyone know anything about the drought in central Europe currently. Are the rivers too low for boat traffic? It would be a shame to go on a river cruise and spend most of the time in a hotel and tour bus. Ugh!

Don't you also find that both the glasses and the dinner plates that we all use at home are much bigger theses days? I have some wine glasses that belonged to my parents and they look positively tiny compared to the ones I use now.

 

Returning to Happy Hour, if I order a Big O Martini during HH it comes in a special glass, which I think is a bit bigger, but one time when I ordered one after returning late from an excursion and outside of HH not only did I get the martini glass but the waitress left the cocktail shaker too, which contained yet more Big O Martini! I don't know if this usually happens or whether she thought I needed it!! I also wondered if they were trying to promote the cocktail shakers which are for sale.

 

Anyone else had the shaker and glass combo served?

 

I'm looking forward to a Martini tasting session on my next cruise. A girl has to keep up with current trends, don't you think?

Maybe that's why so many of us are over our normal BMI.

Look at it this way: you will only eat and sleep on board. The rest of the time will be having an adventure in various ports. Don't use the ship tours you will get stuck on a bus visiting sites and museums. Do some research on-line for activities you and your parents can book that are exciting and interesting. They should be less expensive than ship tours as well. This way once you are off the ship you can have a great time and meet like minded young people in Greece.

A much easier trip from EWR to Manhattan than from LGA. Newark should not take much more than 30 or 40 min. and LGA is a mess to get out of before you even reach the highway. Also the cruise terminal is on the west side not too far from the tunnel. Good luck.

+1 EWR access is much better than LGA. LGA could take hours and many ppl end up bailing out of cabs and walking the last 1/2 mile.