vada_9

We visited some of your ports this past August so can give some suggestions.

Tromso -Think we were there about 4/5 hrs. We were walking to catch the bus to the cable car and a taxi came by, we asked him how much? and it was only a few nok more than the 2 of us on the bus - we took it got there early before the bus tours then walked back via Arctic Cathederal/Bridge. Had a beer in Mac's Olhalen pub. We were docked in town.

Honningsvarg - there about 10 hours. Hired a car from Nordkapp Bilservice - they bring the cars down to the dock. Drove to Gjesvaer for a bird cruise(prebooked) and then to Northcape Hall.

This was the first time we have driven on the right, so even though roads are not busy, we were a little tense.

Hello vada 9,

 

how lovely for your to be able to make your way over to Europe. I read in your signature box that you will be on the Avalon Tranquility II - just before Christmas then? What is your itinerary?

 

I must admit, as much as I love travelling, I could not spend December in warm temperatures, it always feels wrong to me when it is warmer than 8 degrees, which has happened in recent years in the Rhine valley. When it gets as warm as 12 degrees the Glühwein looses its appeal.

 

I have spent December and Christmas away from home, that is fine, but without the cold - no, not for me. But January or February away in mild temperatures, now that would be great. :)

 

notamermaid

Mermaid, we are flying to London to visit our daughter (who is on a working holiday) for 5 nights, then Eurostar to Frankfurt for the cruise to Nurenberg, then 2 nights Prague then return home. Away just over 2 weeks. Home for Christmas with our grandson.

 

If you love Christmas, you would love the markets. Just is it worth spending thousands to see while freezing>

Papa, when you live in a place where winter is warmer than many other's summers, it is worth it. After visiting Canada for Christmas a couple of years back - I could finally appreciate and understand "Santa hats". That's one of the reasons we will spend 24hrs flying to the other side of the world to visit the European Christmas markets this year (and be back home again for Christmas with cold drinks and a swim in the pool)

we found we were able to "Tap" for almost everything with our credit card. Only really needed cash for the market stalls and by September they may or may not be there.

We just did the Fjords with Azamara - 15 nights Amsterdam to Amsterdam. Went to the North Cape and back. Approx 700 passengers, able to dock close to towns and cruise through the Troll Fjord in Lofoton islands. Basically all inclusive - selection of beverages included. We were able to book during promotion - balcony for an inside. Norway is all about the scenery.

Kitty,

We were also on the train August 2016. From memory tickets for 2016 went on sale during November 2015. We had booked an early departure and managed to fit in the minibus tour to the Stegasen lookout as well. Buses leave from the carpark next to the station. There is a large toilet block at the station/information centre as well as a toilet in the train carriage.

Just off the Quest and were in cabin 6064 - no noise whatsoever from below. From the video shown on board it appears food is prepared on deck 4 and brought up to deck 5 by escalator.

I see Noble Caledonia has a couple of dates for 2017. I am interested in this for 2018.

Hi Mark,

I had seen that Pandaw had a partner agreement with Misr, but on checking just now it is saying all dates sold out.

"Just one point for Vada. Pandaw are restarting the Borneo cruises in 2017 - hence my interest - and have allocated the Tonle Pandaw for the first year."

Richard, Just thought I would clarify - originally Pandaw were cruising on the Rajang river in Malaysian Borneo. I beleive new itinerary in on the Kapaus river in Indonesian Borneo.

Have cruised twice with Pandaw as you can see by my signature, and will most likely cruise with them again in the future. We were a group of 11 in Malaysian Borneo - Pandaw no longer cruises there. Pandaw cruise the popular Asian routes and several unique locations. We did the Irrawaddy relocation cruise can't remember how many, but was not full. Pandaw include local drinks -beer,spirits, softdrinks throughout the day. Most of the crew are Burmese and will do anything for you. Guests mainly Australian with a few sprinkling of others -English/European/American. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Esilef,

firstly, I think you may find it hard to find a Christmas Market river cruise this late - most sell out 12 - 18 months in advance.

secondly, and please don't take this the wrong way, I think the other guests would probably shudder seeing a 7 year old board, unless, (it was one of the specific family friendly cruises) or if he is the type of child that can sit quietly and amuse himself during the down times.

We also did the walk in May, 2014. We caught the cable car to the top and after exiting the top station walked out to the Caldera edge where everyone was takng photos. We then made our way uphill following the path with the Caldera on our left till we left the town. (Maybe not "the correct path") Once out of Firosteni the pathway was always fairly obvious ahead. -There are a couple of signs along the way - once out of Fira. Had lunch in Oia - hardest part was finding where to catch the bus back to Fira.

The Rick Steve"s Europe Smart Phone App has 3 walking tours (including the Red Light District ) that you can download for free.

Thank you both for your replies.

Hi Bonnie,

Just wondering if you can confirm our docking on the Quest on the August Norwegian Fjords Cruise (15th August,2016). The itinerary says we are tendering but the Aurland Harbour Ship arrival 2016 pdf says that we are "kai" quay. Just wondering which is correct.

thanks

A couple of photos of the Quest arriving in Brisbane this morning

I have checked the Avalon website and their new ship does look very nice plus they seem to cruise the entire way to/from Siem Reap so that the bus ride is not needed and when/if water is too low they FLY....thus cutting out a day long bus trip!

Not sure if there is anywhere to fly to. We travelled early August - monsoon season and water was still too low (from memory either the cruise after us or the next were able to enter the Tonle Sap Lake). We were told that the shallow part is on entering/exiting the lake.

We travelled by bus - about 6 hours in a large coach on a bitumen road - about 1/2 way to Phong Penn (check out google maps). We had a technical stop and met the coaches coming from the cruise and collected lunch packs for everyone. Then 2 other stops - 1 at a large roadhouse? toilets were western -not sure if they had doors though. Other was in Spider village - did not use toilet as didn't look too good from outside - but the little market was amazing. The village children would come up to you and pop a tarantula on your shoulder without you knowing - those scared of spiders stayed in the bus. the children were selling cut pineapple and bananas. The bus ride was a good way to see part of the countryside. When we arrived at the boat fingerfood was served.

Re rain - we had a downpour most afternoons lasting about 1 hour.

Was on the Heritage Line - Mekong Explorer/Jayavarman in 2010 when she was a new vessel. They now have the Jahan as well. Have been with Pandaw on Irrawaddy and Rajang. Saw their boats on the Mekong. With both companies we have had fairly small groups. Mixture of Aussies, Kiwis, Brits, French, Swiss and US. Each time we have combined an independant private tour before and after the cruise portion. There are many boats on the Mekong now. Most cruises tend to go to the same/similar villages.

some extra info - have shoes that are easily removed (thongs/flipflops) as you may have to be bare foot in some temples etc. Also your shoes will be washed on returning to the boat after being ashore. Think your shoulders and knees were to be covered in the palace in P Penn.

Did this cruise in 2010 on the Jayavarman (Mekong Explorer) from Heritage line. Back then all the companies basically followed the same itinerary - and think that is still the same - by looking at current brochures etc. We would often be leaving a village and another boat would be pulling in. Were moored next to Le Mageritte in Pnong Penn (think she is leased now). My advice is to see what you get for your money - some include your drinks etc. Our cruise didn't include drinks - there were daily specials , but we had a fridge in our room and it was no problem buying drinks to bring back on board and consume in your room or balcony.

We did some cruising at night and people in the rear cabins said they could hear the noise/vibrations. Also, I beleive that you could smoke on your balcony (would need to check policies) and those cabins aft were affected. We were in a front cabin and could hear the anchor being raised or dropped. You tend not to spend much time in your room so either deck is fine.

It is always hot.

Emerald is Australian - part of the Scenic family. Scenic, Emerald, Travelmavel.

Not sure if you have looked on the Fodors/Asia travel forums. If you do a search for Brahmaputra a few reviews appear along with links to blogs. They are several years old - but I assume not much may have changed.

To give you some idea of timing, on our cruise last year we departed Istanbul at 12 midnight to be cruising the Dardanelles from approx 8am to 10 am.

The answer to this is yes, but depends on your river. You will note that Pandaw only offer their Chidwin River cruise during rainy season. The Irrawaddy - towards the delta is a great flood plain - but probably only a metre deep but maybe a kilometre wide in places. There were local river guides that would join the boat - and the crew were often out with a bamboo pole measuring depths. There is no need to worry about low bridges as there are very few river crossings on both Irrawaddy and Mekong. On the Mekong you can not enter the Tonel Sap lake when the levels are low (hence the bus ride to/from Siem Reap). You can get the specifications of how much water the boats draw on the web sites.