vada_9

We have not been on the Zambezi Queen, but have been on the Princess’s. ( The smaller boats also owned by The Mantis group when they were the Ichobezi Houseboats.). All the boats cruise the same parts of the Chobe River swapping moorings. We were there in June 2015. Winter similar temps to home in Brisbane. Cold mornings but pleasant days. Winter was good - had no rain (think we were away in Southern Africa 5 weeks) and the grass is dying off so easier to spot wildlife. The houseboats were the last part of our trip and we would highly recommend the River Safari. Different view point than from land. From memory we could either go animal spotting, visit local Village or Tiger fishing on the Tenders. We did it all with Sundowners of course.

The number 2 tram goes along the Pest riverside.

2 minutes ago, lilli said:

Thanks for sharing. So you just walked by the outside?  How many people are in the tour groups--roughly?  and did you attend the concert and if so, what was your opinion/thoughts?

Yes just walked by outside. With lots of stops on the way. I’ll have a guess maybe 20-30 in the group. Think there were 4 options of tours for the morning - a couple may have been inside visits to museums. We had never been to Vienna - so good introduction for us. Also meant we could use bus to get to city centre for our own planned touring. Did not attend concert - so can’t comment. 
As you are doing a Christmas Market cruise - I would guess the evening markets would also be an option if staying late. Remember it will be getting dark around 4pm.

In June 2022 , the morning walking tour in Vienna went as follows. Bus dropped us off near Opera House, we then walked past Albertina, Lipanzer Stables/Palace then down pedestrian street and ended near St Steven’s.  We left at this time as we had pre-purchased tickets to The Spanish Riding School show. We made our own way back to ship via metro and walking plus extra site seeing. (This was the evening of the concert- so plenty of time to plan your own afternoon activities). To answer your question- all outside viewings.

I have sailed with neither company, but assume both would supply a great experience, have sailed on the Main for the markets. I suggest you do some “googling” of the various Christmas Markets - there are websites that will give info re opening times and days and what to expect. Compare this with your itinerary - and one may suit you better.

On 5/29/2024 at 4:19 AM, screwsmcernst said:

Next question...  

 

What is the nationality breakdown of European River cruises?  Will it be mostly Europeans?  or a healthy mix?  (Just curious.  No real reason.)  

I come from Australia, and back in the day when you had to go to a TA and pick up a brochure to book we could get them from the following companies. ( In no particular order). Viking, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, APT - who use the AMA ships ( on odd weeks), Travelmarvel. And some Croise Europe. Now with the Internet and being able to book direct - can use anyone we like. Also see Emerald advertised these days. 
On cruises we have been on have had folk from US, UK, Canada, NZ, Aus, Thailand and maybe Japan.

I am not sure about which pass, but I suggest you buy your card from the folk in the Cruise terminal. There was a stand there.  We arrived Nov last year and needed to get to Sth Melbourne then a day later to Flemington. They were very helpful with what to buy. I just checked our CC and we spent $42 for the 2 of us (adults) for the passes. When we got to the tram stop there was a huge queue to buy tickets from the machine - we were able to walk straight on. Not sure if you know but trams are free to ride around the city centre.

9 hours ago, cocruiser66 said:

Unfortunately, I'm unable to access the link to the thread you posted because it says I do not have permission to read it. I'm new here, so I'm unsure as to why that would be. Perhaps you could post the title and I could search for it?

Sometimes, when you are not “signed in” ie just looking you can’t access other threads etc.

Many years ago we cruised Siem Reap to HCMC. We thought this was a good way to go, as we visited many many temples during the cruise and trip. This way we saw “the best”  (Angkor Wat)of them first, before becoming “templed” out. Others like to build up to the “ best”. This of course is all a matter of preference.

On 5/20/2024 at 12:52 PM, Blackduck59 said:

Thanks @vada_9 for your suggestion from 3 years ago. In the same post you mentioned the Sorento to Queenscliff Ferry. We will be taking that voyage, it will be interesting to experience that service. Also the Cape Otway Road for Koalas

Wow, I don't remember this post - but glad you can use it. I am not a regular contributor but a regular reader. 

Don't underestimate the drive along The Great Ocean Rd - it always takes longer than you think and there are lots of interesting things to see even before you get to the Apostles.

It was in 2013 when we were last there - we were staying in cabins at Bimbi Park just off the Cape Rd - here are a couple of photos we took in the trees near there and one of the lighthouse.

Enjoy your time here down under.

I have not cruised on the Brahmaputra, but have done some research over the years. (It is on our list, but not sure when). There are several boats on this river. Pandaw is now there also from memory the Assam Bengal shipping co (I think) plus a couple more.

These are all small boats maybe 30 people. There is info if you use your good friend google.

We skipped the included tour and went to the Szechenyi thermal baths instead - we had been in Budapest several days before the cruise. I would check with the cruise director as to the order of the tour as the Szechenyi thermal baths are about 500 meters from Hero's Sq - so you may be able to leave the tour there (if it's at the end) to save backtracking. We also overnighted (June 2022) on the ship and sailed at 6pm following evening -before the lights came on. 

Again check with the CD.

I have done both tours with Avalon - but on different river cruises.

Ended a Christmas Market tour in Prague - we were bussed up to the castle  -looked around the grounds and saw the guards change as we were leaving. Saw Cathedral and went inside. Bussed back down and walked through Jewish area to Astronomical clock (saw it strike 11am). On our own from then. I think some folk chose to walk down from the castle. We were staying at The Intercontinental.

In Vienna we were bussed to the Opera House then walked to the Hofberg passed the stables. Then down the pedestrian streets to the Cathedral (did not go in). We left at this time as we had tickets to the Spanish riding school. 

On 3/11/2024 at 6:19 PM, bubbulz said:

Just took another look at the schedule and Row Venice sounds like it could be fun on the last day. Great reviews on TA!

My husband and I did a morning with Row Venice (back in 2014). We really enjoyed our morning learning to row a Batella (slightly bigger than a gondola) through the back canals and out into lagoon. If you get the chance, try it as it is not touristy. 

If you decide to visit The Last Supper - remember you need to book in advance. They are timed admissions.

On 2/14/2024 at 6:47 AM, JM B said:

I am not sure if it really matters, but still trying to make sure I do not have any problems.

I don't know if it matters and I am not condoning this. But, keep a couple of extra US$50 in your wallet.

It worked for a couple on our river cruise many years ago that had the incorrect entry date on their visa.

I would assume your cruise director will be able to help with this.

A couple of points to consider - I have flown Ryan air out of Stanstead (pre covid) to Ireland. The flights are fine, but they now charge for all luggage - both checked and/or placed in overhead locker. There is no assigned seating, so you are not guaranteed to sit together (if that is important). I remember we used a minicab to get to airport as we had an early flight. We used the transit bus on our return - I think it went to Kingscross Station - but you would have to check that.

6 hours ago, Khareef said:

 

Just one question: I always like to book a suite with the bed facing the direction of motion, I don't like when I have sleep the opposite way (same in a train :-)). Do you recall on Emerald what suite have the bed facing the bow (odd or even)?

I can't answer your question re beds. But, you will probably find that there is very little "night time" cruising on the Mekong maybe a couple of hours during dinner. From my memory we were either moored mid river or tied up alongside at night.

As you are going in August, be prepared for an afternoon downpour each day - generally lasts about 15 mins -1/2 hr.

If it was me, I would stay in Regensberg. I have never been there and I assume you haven’t either. I am sure there would be interesting things to see and do. Would just need to do some research. 

Make sure you are comfortable with having your shoes washed. Most asian river ships wash your shoes on your return to the ship. It helps with keeping the decks clean. Sneakers may not dry in the humidity between wears. Also you will probably need to remove shoes ( and socks) for temple visits. I take a pair of thongs - easy off and on and dry quickly.

A few years back we went sailing out in the harbour on an America’s Cup practice racing yacht. You could participate if you wished or just sit back and enjoy. Ticket included entrance to Maritime Museum. There are also 1/2 day tours to the western winery’s that also visit the Gannets ( at this time of year the babies are on the nest).

Short answer - yes. 
Once you know your docking location ( and you may only find out just before), you will be able to work out how to get there. 
Taxi/Uber public transport/ private transfer is fine.

Depending where you stay in Amsterdam, you may even walk, as the main docking area is just next to Central Station, before the cruise ship terminal.

Check Google street view and you will see the river boats lined up.

29 minutes ago, Mike R 2018 said:

...Just one reason we enjoy vacationing in Europe.  

 

I've found a pic that I took that evening.  This was taken at just one of the city squares in Cologne we walked through...

 

 

As much as I love outdoor dining ( and we do it often here). We don’t usually in Europe as smoking is still allowed at outside tables. And that is a big turn off.

On 11/1/2023 at 3:54 PM, bazzaw said:

Is the Disney cruise brand going to work in Oz? 

Short answer, yes.

On 11/1/2023 at 6:58 PM, JJK2008 said:

Disney Wonder is leaving Sydney OPT as I write this.

We were on this cruise. It was full. Disney is not about the destination it is about the experience. 

We are a senior couple and travelled without our family. We participated in a fish extender group and pixie dusted. There were family groups, couples of various ages and singles as well - both male and female.There were a lot of Asian families - cheaper to fly here than the states. There was lots to do for every age group. (If you choose). Dining was up there with the best we have had on a ship. The shows were excellent. We didn’t line up to meet characters but saw a few around the ship. Staff were all happy and helpful. Prices are high for drinks and merchandise. But you can take on alcohol and softdrink and coffee machine are free.

Lucky you getting to go on the fast boat through the falls. When we were there in July on Le Laperous, that option was cancelled. Originally it was an extra cost excursion. The fast boat tours were happening, but I think Ponant was waiting on the outcome of last years accident.