Roz

@pontac, thank you for clarifying.  I know there's a French exit and a Swiss exit,  so I wasn't clear where exactly the airport is situated. 

I was able to use euros at the Basel airport to buy a coffee and breakfast sandwich. 

In Amsterdam, you'll want some euros for incidentals and tips. I've had no problem using ATMs, and my credit and debit card don't charge foreign transaction fees. 

@Janie1229, why won't you get Delta points? When I've booked cruise air on American and United, the flights showed up in my online account. Does Delta prohibit it?

The recommended connection time between international flights is 1 hr. 30 min..

Now I'm totally confused. 😀

Based on what @Mary229 posted, it sounds like this 2nd bathtub does in fact have a shower and there's a sink.  I would think it would come in handy with 2 people in the cabin. 

@Mary229, does it have a shower, or is it truly a small bathtub?

@Janie1229, that sounds really complicated.  You have no guarantee you'll get a nonstop flight.  Maybe booking on your own is the way to go.  

Would someone explain to me what this children's bathtub is?  I've never heard or seen such a thing. 

I made 4 star right before a 31 day South American cruise.  The free laundry was a game changer as far as packing.  

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

On the laundry slip you have a spot to mark if you want things folded or on hangers.  I always mark "on hangers".  Everything other than socks and underwear comes back on hangers.  Socks and underwear are folded and in a nice basket.  

This has been my experience as well.  Never had clothes come back shoved in a bag.  How awful!

On 6/14/2024 at 1:54 PM, edgee said:

If we want to avoid long bus rides as part of our shore excursions, which itineraries between Danube, Seine and Rhine have attractions closer to the river, so less need for long bus rides? Thanks for any advice!

I've sailed Tauck and Uniworld.  In each port we had a choice of at least 2 shore excursions.  If you don't want long bus rides (there aren't many), the descriptions will allow you to determine which ones to avoid.

You mentioned being veteran ocean cruisers.  My advice is to forget what you know about ocean cruising and be open to the river cruise experience.  You're going to find there are few options for dining venues and times, and entertainment is limited.  

On 6/15/2024 at 12:13 PM, Janie1229 said:

As one person said here, I am very particular about flights and want a nonstop on the way to Amsterdam. I am planning on flying in at least one day prior, so I don't believe Viking Air would work anyway, since the dates are set for you to fly in/out the same day of embarkation/disembarkation? Unless booking a pre or post trip excursion?

 

Most cruise lines will allow you to book air thru them even if you fly in early or leave late, and you don't have to use their hotels or pre- or post- trip excursions.  

Whether I've booked thru the cruise line or independently, I've been jerked around by the airlines.  There's no such thing as having control over your flight reservations.  You're at the mercy of the airlines.  

@Janie1229, I assume you booked directly with Viking. Is that correct?  In retrospect, I think you and your sister could have benefited by booking with a full service travel agent, especially since you've never been to Europe and this is your first river cruise.  I noticed you've posed several question in different threads.  I'll try to help you to the extent that I can.

I would recommend making arrangements with your airline for wheelchair assistance for your sister.  Schiphol is huge, and lines can be long as well as distances between terminals and gates.  Have you thought about how your sister will navigate cobblestones and getting on and off tour buses? 

I'd suggest taking a canal cruise (unless Viking is already offering one as part of your itinerary) if your sister is able to get in and out of a boat.  There are several vendors around Centraal Station.  There is a company called Tours & Tickets on the lower level of Centraal Station that offers a variety of tours in and around Amsterdam.  You can go online and pre-book and pre-pay for your tours, then just walk over to Centraal Station and show them your tickets.  Another option is using Viator.  

A lot of North American passengers have very early flights, so it shouldn't be a problem at all to book an airport transfer with Viking.  You won't be the only ones with early flights.  

The doubletree is right across from centraal station.  No hopping, skipping, or jumping required. 

I was unable to get the AARP credit applied to my account because HAL says I booked under a Special Account Promotion offered by my TA's agency. 

You didn't mention your cruise line or ship, but if the trip is still a go (even if it turns into a land trip), your insurance won't reimburse you if you cancel. 

Not familiar with the term shore point. 

I forgot about that one.  Yes, very convenient.  Near the library.

@jimmymac613, Scenic was using the Doubletree when I was there last December. Is the supermarket you're referring to the Albert Heijn grab 'n' go in Centraal Station?  I bought salads and sandwiches there for a quick lunch or light dinner.  

I like the Doubletree Centraal Station.  It's reasonably priced and conveniently located.  

@kentuckycruiser, thank you for reporting back.  I'm glad to hear you got a full refund of the CO amount. 

Enjoy your cruise despite the stress and disappointment you experienced. 

@Ellen495, if you approach this cruise thinking you won't have a good time,  your wish will come true. 

What specifically is causing you anxiety?

Did you give your review a title?

@dobiemom, I did the same thing last month. 😉

Great review!  I've stayed at the Doubletree Centraal Station twice pre-cruise and highly recommend it.  Reasonably priced hotel in a convenient location. 

I've never signed a form to cancel a cruise. It was quite easy.