tracyasu

Have always chosen River Cruising but now considering ocean.
I get mildly seasick with motion. Would a Mediterranean Cruise be a good option?
 

We had a couple day cruising on Scenic recently (Budapest to Nuremberg) was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it.

We didn't use our balcony on our Viking Cruise due to bugs and weather but a week ago we were on Scenic Amber and used our balcony almost every day, we loved how it was an extension of our bedroom and became a sitting room and because it had a slide down window and a slide down screen bugs were never an issue. They even have a glass partition you can close so you don't have to use the screen. Will book Scenic again due to this feature.

Good site to see where ships are at all times and if they are moving:

http://www.cruisemapper.com/?mmsi=256306000

This is a great site as well to see where ships are currently:

http://www.cruisemapper.com/?mmsi=256306000

Yes, knee high shorts were ok. We visited a church in Cesky that was very strict on covered shoulders and I had on to the knee shorts and they were ok. I wore short sleeves most days and had a light jacket in my backpack for a just in case moment. Most places do not have air conditioning so you want to be comfortable. I purchased a couple bamboo shirts prior to the trip and they helped out a lot. The ship is pleasant and in the evenings, during dinner/in the lounge or outside, I needed a light shawl or jacket as I get cold. Most mean wore shorts during the day and slacks at night. Jackets were worn during the concert in Vienna and most ladies had on a nice dress (like what you would wear to church). Capris/knee high shorts were the norm for most ladies. Bring your bathing suit too for the days you are cruising a dip in the pool (small pool) is refreshing.

Enjoy.

We too booked late, in April, I am not one that can plan a year out and just can't wait for things. We bought during a 2 day sale so got a pretty good deal on the diamond deck so we jumped on it. This was only our 2nd cruise, our first was with Viking in 2014 (the year after the huge floods) we lucked out then but it was in April so it was a bit cool, rainy and over Easter, which I had no idea that so many things are closed from Th-Mon during Easter..... won't travel over that time again.

It doesn't happen often (high/low water) but since it has I think the cruise companies know how to adapt and have contingency plans in effect so you should be fine. The good thing is you have found out in advice via this website so you are not blindsided. Prior to our cruise we received no info in advance but since I had been following posts, on cruise critic, leading up to our trip (7/19-29) I was prepared. On day one I asked our Cruise Director his thoughts on our trip would be altered and he said no.....

Just glad I was aware so that when the announcement came I wasn't blindsided like a lot of folks on our ship. Fingers crossed yours works out well....

And pack cool clothes because you are right it was HOT!!! We survived and were thankful that we missed the 110+ degrees we had in Texas when we were gone

Thank goodness for the pool on Amber~!!!

ENJOY

We also did Gems with the Prague extension. We did get to tour Nuremberg, We were bused there about 20 mins or so and then had a couple hours touring both on the bus and on foot with about an hour or so of free time. We headed for Prague early afternoon and got there about 5pm. Had a wonderful guide in Nuremberg as well as on the bus to Prague (Martin). Martin was the guide and liaison while we were in Prague.

We did the tour with Martin the first full day we were in Prague then scheduled a tour, through him, of Terrezin (about an hour + drive) and that was wonderful. Martin is so organized during the bus ride he gave us a program with all of our tours while in Prague it also included additional tour advice, restaurants to try and all sorts of info. He also gave us all a currency converter chart (way helpful). He is a wealth of information and very detailed. Places we tried while there:

La Republic for dinner-awesome the roast duck is so good but share it as it is SO MUCH food.

Last night we were a bit overloaded with sausage and heavy food so we tried an Asian Fusion right next door to the Marriott, it was outstanding and a referral from Martin. You will love Prague and your cruise.

Skip the winery tour, we have already toured Melk Abby on a previous cruise but wished we had done that instead of the winery. And the bike ride is so great, the Ebike makes it fun. But if it is a beautiful day and you haven't cruised the Wacou Valley you might want to do that.

In Budapest on the first night they will cruise up and down so you can see the city lit up, if you are not familiar with the building take your Tailor-made and listen along.

If you are able to order room service I highly suggest Breakfast on a day or two on your balcony and drinks one night before dinner.

If you are on the Amber and on the Diamond deck look on your bed there is remote as the beds are adjustable... didn't find that till night 2.

Enjoy!

We were on the Amber last week and we switched after the excursion to Salzburg/Cesky Krumov and were bused to Stauling where we boarded the Jade. The transfer was very organized and good except that leading up to the transfer of ships we had the bus driver from Hell, he had real issues with his driving and then proceeded to get us lost. What should have been a 2.5- 3 hour bus trip took 4 lonnnnng hot hours. What would have been seamless was overshadowed by the anxiety created by the bus driver.

Our new ship was docked in the middle of nowhere..... since we were exhausted and just wanted to change for dinner we didn't care. What we discovered was that the Jade is not the Amber, even though they are sister ships the Jade is 2 years older and the rooms are missing some of the things we really liked about the Amber (adjustable beds, screened in patio, large TV, lots of storage, wonderful closets and bathroom) so it truly felt like a step down.

The things we did like about the Jade were that they had a better lounge performer than the Amber (who we really didn't enjoy) and we were able to keep our very organized and very calm cruise director.

Our first night on the Jade was our scheduled night at Portabello's. That meal and the service were by far the best meal/service we had on the cruise.....

That first night we cruised and ended up in Regensburg after the morning tour we were bused back to the ships new location. That afternoon we cruised to Nuremberg which was a nice afternoon except you couldn't go on top all afternoon due to low bridges and locks.

Overall we were able to see everything we had been promised. The switching was done very well and very organized. We did miss some of the crew on the Amber and we never really felt part of the Jade since we were only on it 2 nights. For what they were dealing with it was well done and much better than some of the nightmares I have heard of in the past. The one thing I did feel is that my cruise was the tale of 2 ships and it did feel cut up and disjointed which left us feeling a bit let down.

Hoping yours goes as well and you have great cruising

We are currently on Scenic Gems of Danube Amber. Could not get to Reggensburg so was bused there after tours in Salzburg and Cesky. Not ideal and had to switch ships now on Scenic Jade. Bus took us 4 hours from Cesky due to driver getting lost. Will add more later.

This has been a very helpful site:

http://www.cruisemapper.com/?mmsi=249288000

Thank you for the updates, not really what any of us are wanting to hear or experience and sorry you are having to go through it and hopefully it becomes a minor inconvenience and your trip was wonderful.

I do see rain in the forecast, not sure if it is enough to change the situation any time soon but hope it does. We will be in that area around the 23rd on Scenic. I have cruised from Budapest to Passau and was hoping to get to Nuremberg without issue fingers crossed.

We did Passau to Budapest in 2014 on Viking and in less than a week we are doing Budapest to Prague on Scenic, so repeat of river, different direction, different travel partners and different cruise line so hoping for a different experience, will let you know.

I am aboard the Avalon Panorama right now. Info is from the cruise director and captain. It sounds like one or more of the shallower draft ships going downstream are getting through.

Thank you

We are cruising the Danube on Scenic 7/19 from Budapest to Prague so very interested in the river levels esp in Passau and Regensburg. Any updates and info are greatly appreciated.

I am cruising the Danube mid July and had thought about a shorts as well, the shorts I am considering are actually to the knee, would these be acceptable during the day and would they be acceptable for most tours?

What a great review/post. We will be going in April to several of the cities you visited and the information/insights will be invaluable esp. when we get to Budapest.

Thank you! I just recently purchased a Rick Steves book and read about the train. I think the bus/train situation with a lot of bags is one we want to avoid. If we can take a cab from the hotel to the train and go nonstop that sounds like a great plan.

THANK YOU again for the links and info. I will use the links and get some additional prices.....

Wow I will check into that, the company I had found was quoting us 350-360EU for a party of 6. Thank you!

Here is the company:

http://www.city-airport-taxis.com/

The train is still a great value even using cabs to the train station from the hotel and from the station in Passau to the port. But with all the bags we have the Van is more appealing.

Yes, thank you I did see the post from Viking and had just finished an email to them when I read your reply. In addition to the email today, I had also placed a call to the sales dept right after we booked the cruise, while I was deep into securing a hotel and looking at transfers, and was told look into the train and they couldn't give me any names for transfers. I also sent an email at that time and got an email back that said we should look into the train or private car, the email did give links to both the train and info on the port but nothing for private transfers.

Of course, now looking back, I have learned that if I had had the additional vacation days to use then it would have made better sense to take the Viking pre trip to Prague and make it one stop shopping. But, with the limited time off and with 6 couples wanting to reconnect after 18yrs we really thought a day of rest and visiting prior to the cruise made good sense, it is a bit of a hassle, but it will great once I we get this final square filled in.

And from all the responses/resources it sounds like the train is the most popular response, thank you.... but I still think want the option of a private transfer.

Gosh, I am learning a lot of lessons as a newbie to the cruise world.... Thank you again for all the help.

And again, if anyone knows a good transfer/ground operator in Munich please post.

PS: I did email the Germany Transfer Company that was recommended above.

Thank you as well for all the information and the positive thoughts on the train. tml1230 I too will check on the link you provided. Have a great cruise, look forward to hearing all about it. Can't wait to get this adventure started and glad we only have 3 months from booking to sailing, not sure I could wait any longer.... Our neighbors are now looking into the same river cruise for themselves and another couple just the following year. Fun Times.

Any idea on what we can expect for weather mid/late April?????? And what is the dress day/night on a Viking cruise?

Going on first River Cruise, Viking Danube Waltz and will be arriving a day early in Munich. It is my understanding that it is Viking's policy to only provide transfers for those arriving on the exact itinerary dates, or when using their pre/post tour trips. This policy even applies to those, like us, that have booked their paid air through Viking and also paid a fee of $100 per/person to come in a day early. I have asked Viking for names of transfer companies and/or to even contact who they use to see if we can book through them but they have given us nothing. We have even asked if we paid to get ourselves to the airport on the day we were due in Munich (based on their itinerary) would they transfer us, but it was a NO. :confused: I know there is money in the price of the cruise to cover these transfers plus we paid an additional $200 (a couple) to make this change and are getting nothing. I would think we would should have gotten at least a refund for the transfers on not charged $200. Anyway...... this is the only glitch in what is hopefully going to be a great trip.:)

So....does anyone know of a good transfer company to use? We have considered the train but with baggage, unseasoned European travelers like us and a tight schedule we think it might be better to use private. We would need a van as it is for 3 couples and lots of baggage.

Thank you