KathyK13

I just looked at  cruise we are considering and the option to pre-pay gratuities is still there.  Darn!  Maybe Avalon is waving them for the cruise you are taking?

Thank you Daisi and Miss G!  I have no reservations now about booking those cabins!

Has anyone stayed in the Avalon  Aft staterooms?  We are looking at an Avalon Rhone cruise in June this year and trying to decide on a room choice.  This is my 4th cruise with Avalon, so we know their ships well and like their product!  We have had rooms in the middle of the  Royal(mid) decks in the past, chosen mostly because we thought they would be the most quiet.  However, those rooms are sold out on the cruise we are thinking of taking.  Our choices are the aft rooms on the upper or mid deck.  I'm looking for advice on which would be the quietest.  Do the mid deck aft cabins experience more noise from the engines?  Thanks in advance for any advice!

On 7/3/2023 at 1:01 PM, Got2Cruise said:

Lol. Sorry I confused you all. Maybe because my itinerary is unique, the Uniworld Po River there are such few reviews. Only one from last year. 
 

Also if you have the Delta app, they offer you upgrades. It varies and I keep a watch. It was ridiculously expensive and then all of a sudden was $399 extra to fly D1 which is Delta Business class. 

Do you have elevated status with Delta or the Delta credit card?  We use the Delta app and have never gotten an upgrade offer on the app.

On 6/16/2023 at 5:36 AM, notamermaid said:

As I indicated, I am bit puzzled by mentions of Nuremberg and Regensburg, as the former is on the Canal (not a problem area) and the latter on the Danube (navigation channel deep-ish and controlled by a lock). But I am not familiar with details in the Regensburg municipal district waterways.

 

Pfelling now at 286cm.

 

I see scattered showers on the radar over the Danube valleys and the immediate tributaries so that is at least a relief for nature.

 

By the way, if anyone is wondering how the Moselle is doing (there are a few itineraries going from the Canal and Danube to Trier), it is doing okay. This means that while figures may look low if you see them on a graph or you are concerned by the colour codes going to low water there is no need to be alarmed - almost never - as the navigation channel is deep enough and the authorities maintain a certain water level with the help of the locks.

 

notamermaid

 

On our December 2022 cruise from Vienna to Nuremburg our ship stayed in Regensburg.  Our CD said that while they could probably make it through, water levels were forecasted to drop over the next 2 days.  They were concerned that the next cruise starting in Nuremburg wouldn't be able to progress.  So we were bussed to Nuremburg for our planned excursions there, and they gave each person 30 euros for lunch.  Then they gave us several options for disembarking.  Some people stayed at hotels in Nuremburg rather than return to the ship, some were bussed, and some took the train from Regensburg.  Avalon covered the cost of all transportation changes.  Our poor CD was up all night making arrangements!  We were supposed to take the train to Munich from Nuremberg but chose to take the train from Regensburg instead.  Avalon paid for our train tickets as well as the cab to the train station.  Our excursions weren't affected and we were very happy with Avalon's handling of the situation.

8 hours ago, notamermaid said:

Brief news: accident on the Danube of a river cruise sailing under Swiss flag and with 190 passengers. Two injured, damage to ship amounting to over 100,000 euros.

Report from BR radio/television station in Bavaria: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/schiffsunfall-auf-der-donau-zwei-verletzte-hoher-sachschaden,Te2nNdX

 

Edit: Another report discloses that it is a Viking river cruise ship.

 

notamermaid

 

The photo shows a Viking ship, unclear whether it's a stock photo or the actual ship.  Fortunately injuries were minor and were treated on board.  Apparently even though the cost of damages is high, the ship was able to continue to sail towards Vienna.

On 3/21/2023 at 1:30 PM, notamermaid said:

Fancy a round of golf and cruising the Rhine? You can combine a trip along the river and that sport on a river cruise with Amadeus: https://www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk/river-cruises/detail/2023/golf-cruise-on-the-rhine-8-days

 

I can confirm that the Golfclub Jakobsberg has a great setting on a plateau in the Rhine Gorge. An exclusive but good vibe was at the entrance gate - I do not play golf but was up there during a day trip with short hike in the area.

 

notamermaid

 

Interesting!  An avid golfer, my husband would love this as he has not had the chance to golf on any of our European trips!  I would be happy to accompany him but I coudn't tell by their list of excursions if there would be other choices for non-golfers.  

Awesome photos!  Looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip

50 minutes ago, rahrah1950 said:

A small group of older ladies will be on the Avalon Tulip Time cruise in April.  Several in the group have a few issues with lots of steps, etc.  AMA waterways had slow walker group excursions but I have not found any info regarding slow walker tours on Avalon....Anyone have any info?

 

Our last cruise, Christmas Markets on the Danube last December, did have a slow walking group.

On 11/29/2022 at 11:04 AM, Roz said:

I'm concerned about walking long distances in waterproof footwear.  Does that type of boot or shoe offer enough foot support, and will I get blisters?  What kind of stores sell waterproof footwear?

After buying and returning many boots, I bought a pair of Ryka insulated ankle boots.  They are so comfortable, feel more like sneakers than boots and are lightweight.  I have many issues with my feet and these feel great.  They are labeled 'water repellent'.  Not sure what that means, so I sprayed them with waterproof spray.  Wearing tomorrow on our flight to Budapest!

I agree with Daisi that switching to the Sapphire deck would make sense.  We have done 3 cruises in rooms on this middle deck; definitely wouldn't spend the extra for an upper deck.  Although we will be staying in the upper deck on our upcoming Christmas Markets cruise in December, but only because it was a free upgrade!

What time of year do you plan to sail?  The Rhine and Danube were at historic low levels last month and boats couldn't sail the whole itinerary.  Companies with more boats on the river (Viking, Avalon, Ama) were sometimes able to do ship swaps.  Smaller companies like Emerald and Scenic might not have a 'matching' boat to swap to.  Also look at how the companies treated customers affected by low water.  I read several posts on an Avalon FB page that said they had to spend a night or two in a hotel instead of sailing and Avalon gave them full refunds for the days spent in the hotel, even though Avalon paid the hotel bill.  While disappointed that their cruise was impacted, everyone was very happy with Avalon's customer service.   I don't know how Emerald dealt with the low water because I don't follow them.  But worth you looking into.  

22 hours ago, Got2Cruise said:

Ohhh you’ll be there for the Christmas markets. Lucky you!

Yes!  Postponed from 2020, then 2021, hoping it happens this year!

On 8/29/2022 at 8:48 AM, Got2Cruise said:

River Cruising gives you an amazing amount of free time. If you don’t want to follow the guides when you get to the point of interest, just let them know. They’ll give you directions where to meet for the bus back. Or how to get back on your own. 
 

I’d recommend the Danube to try RC if you like to independently travel. Do a precruise in Budapest independently. Then a post cruise in Munich independently.  

Exactly what we are planning to do in December!  3 nights in Budapest before Vienna to Nuremberg cruise.  Then 3 nights in Munich.

I just read on a Facebook post that a Tauck ship traveling Amsterdam to Basel was able to sail through the middle Rhine to Mannheim this morning.  An additional captain with experience with low water levels was brought on to assist the ship's captain and they were able to make it through and expect to continue the cruise without interruptions.  Kudos to Tauck for making it happen!

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

A pity that you did not walk to the old town hall and got an ice cream across the square. But very understandable after that long day.

 

Engers has no independent town status by the way. It is a small and pleasant place. I see they have nice flower displays on the embankment. Really welcoming.

 

Avalonwaterways offered small concerts in the palace on some itineraries in the past. I do not know if they still do.

 

And wow, the river looks low in the photos. The Imagery II looks to have little water left under her.

 

notamermaid

 

 

We docked in Engers on our Moselle and Rhine cruise a few years ago and the concert in the castle was a surprise highlight of our trip!  We were the only boat docked there, so no rafting needed!  Very picturesque and peaceful.

1 hour ago, Wings55 said:

@Travel RHaving sailed with AMA, Scenic and Uniworld when it comes to excursions, in my opinion Scenic wins by a WIDE margin. 

Paul

Just interested in what you base this on.  Variety or quality of excursions?  Low tour group numbers?  Better tour guides?  I've only cruised with Avalon, so haven't experienced excursions on any of these lines.  Just curious

1 hour ago, PKNC said:

I appreciate the updates. We are scheduled to go on our first ever river cruise (Viking) in mid December, Basel to Amsterdam. Looking at the graphs, I'm not convinced that levels will be recovered enough by then for a cruise without buses, switching ships, etc. I believe that we can invoke a two-week cancellation if we need to for a voucher, I am going to start reading about options now so I'm ready to pull the trigger if I need to. It's so disappointing, I have been looking forward to this cruise all year!

While it's good to be prepared, I wouldn't worry too much yet.  There's likely to be more rain in the fall.   I am scheduled for a Danube Christmas cruise in December and am not too worried...yet.  

The FDA recently announced that both Pfizer and Moderna Omicron vaccines targeting the latest versions will be available in September.  Would you feel more comfortable if you can get the new vaccine before your trip?  

We will be taking a Christmas Markets cruise on the Danube, visiting Budapest before embarking in Vienna.  I'm curious about using credit cards at the Christmas Markets stalls.  Has anyone encountered stalls where cash was required? I know most markets were closed the last 2 years; our trip has been postponed twice.  So things may be different this year.  I will be bringing Euros left over from our last trip, but trying to figure out how many Florints we should get once we arrive.  TIA!

On 6/18/2022 at 9:55 AM, marieps said:

I just open a Charles Schwab checking account specifically for overseas travel.  It's an unreal deal.

Do you use the card as a credit card for purchases also?  I'm wondering if it's worth it for just the few times I would be getting cash...

7 minutes ago, KathyK13 said:

I think my DH took pictures, will ask him to look it up!  It was a cute little town and we were the only ones there. Several people walked around town after the concert and checked out a pub!

It was in Engers, looked it up in my notes!  I think the concert took place in a castle there.  Avalon does list Engers as a stop on the 2022 cruise although it doesn't show the concert as an excursion.  

57 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Now there is a puzzle, perhaps we can figure it out together .

 

notamermaid

 

I think my DH took pictures, will ask him to look it up!  It was a cute little town and we were the only ones there. Several people walked around town after the concert and checked out a pub!

Notamermaid,

We took the Remich to Amsterdam tour with Avalon in 2019.  I agree with you, I found the Moselle to be more scenic than the Rhine, at least the part of the Rhine that we saw.  Can't speak to the scenery south of Rudescheim.  We found the entire stretch of the Moselle to be stunning with all of the vineyards  along the way.  We did get to see the Rhine Gorge twice, on our way to Rudesheim and on our way back north!  We also found there to be less traffic on the Moselle and even though we were cruising in early June the places we visited didn't seem very crowded.  The only time we rafted on this trip was in Amsterdam and our room was on the opposite side of the boat so we were lucky!  We were in Rudesheim first thing in the morning and were able to tour with no crowds.  One of our favorite excursions on the trip was a surprise, not included in the list of tours.  We docked in a small town on the Rhine, not far from Rudesheim, and were treated to a piano and violin concert after dinner on the boat.  I think it was in a music school or small concert hall that we docked right in front of and were able to walk to.  The pianist a violinist were fantastic, and many of us told the CD that Avalon should make it a permanent offering.  I wish I could remember where it was!  

8 minutes ago, Roz said:

@KathyK13, I'm flying from Nashville.  The think the main reason the fares are so expensive is because I'm flying right before and right after Christmas. 

Probably.  Flights from our small airport are usually more expensive than most.  I was surprised that the cost for this December is the same that we paid last year.  

Where are you flying from?  I'm flying from Rochester NY to Budapest Dec 2, returning from Munich Dec 15.  plan to book within a week; I just checked and can fly United Premium Economy for $1287, about $100 cheaper than flights booked for last year.  Out of curiosity I checked for flights on the same itinerary you are doing and it was around $1600.