Daisi

Can't speak for AMA, but if they have bikes on board they will usually let you take them off for tours....at least Avalon does. Most cycling "tours" are limited to #'s signed up at least a day ahead, in order that they can make sure they have enough bikes available. These are usually brought in from a rental company, not the ones they store onboard. For those tours, since you are out biking in a group, you may have to stick with the tour.

@jpalbnythere are probably many names for it, as notamermaid says. We had german on the weekend as well, threw an Octoberfest dinner for my Dad who turned 90.

That must depend on the cruise line you booked with. We booked our flight with Avalon after booking our cruise. We were able to select dates (we had a pre & post cruise, but they didn't provide transports because of this), air line, chosen airports, and, once the tickets were booked, we were able to go in and with a small fee that the *airline* charged, able to select our seats. Our insurance which was purchased at the time through Avalon as they had the best "deal" covered not only our cruise, but the 4 extra days we did on our own.

Firstly, congrats on planning a cruise, that's 1/2 the fun. If you haven't done so already, I suggest reading the "stickies" on the main page, there is lots of valuable information in them. Also, I would suggest finding a TA who is knowledgeable about river cruising, and sitting down to discuss what you expect and they will help you sort out what line suits both you and your budget. Unfortunately, the bad news is that July is a bad season for water levels, not every year, but chances are greater during the summer months. As long as you are prepared to do ship swaps or some bussing, you can still have a great time. I think the only rivers that don't have much problems with water levels are the ones in France, or the Belgium/Netherland cruises. As for balconies (french or regular), they are nice to have, but since most of the time when you have something to see, you will want to be on the top deck or in the public areas, not necessary. I prefer the balcony just so we can have fresh air in our cabin, but that's me. A lot of times, when you are in port, you can and most likely will be either docked up against the port wall, or another ship, so no view there. Don't forget that the ships are all the same width due to the size restraints of locks, so the regular balconies are actually deducted off of the square footage of the room, while the french ones are just the wall of the cabin as glass that opens. I know Avalon will be having a free happy hour in 2023 for those after cruise drinks, however you will have to pay for one after dinner. They also have active cruises where you can bike, kayak or hike included in the excursions, depending on the river you choose. Everyone will have their favourite cruise line, so be prepared to have a lot of comments on what is best. Do your research, and have fun.

Thanks Coral. It is a beautiful old hotel, we were there for a wedding reception once and it was beautiful.

I know what Snert is... but then, my DH is dutch! Mind you, I'm more used to the French Canadian version. 🙂 Sounds as if you are really having a great time.

@notamermaid, I hope you get your screen sorted soon, and things improve in your neighbourhood. Things seem to be coming in 3 for you, not nice. @Canal archiveyes, although we haven't been to England yet, we know those locks from friends of mine who have a boat on the Kennet & Avon canal. This is a picture I found online of the ones up in Ottawa, not as many, or as high. They are the only ones we haven't been to yet....

Lol... we've been to Dows, and when I was a kid, I skated the whole thing, but we've never made it to the final flight. You'll have to come up in the spring sometime, they have masses of tulips planted all along Dows & further down thanks to the Netherlands.

The Rideau has kept the original openings as far as I know, some of the stones have been replaced that form the locks, and obviously the doors. They are all built to original standards. In the winter, the city of Ottawa (which has about 8km of the canal running through it) floods and clears the ice for a skating rink. The longest flight is also in Ottawa, it joins the Rideau to the Ottawa river. Jones Falls (the one we go to most), which is the picture of the 2 locks with a flag actually consists of 4 flights that rise almost 18 metres, and the Narrows lock is about the smallest increase of just over 1 metre. We love to grab a lunch and take a day to watch the boats go through, either on the Rideau, or the Seaway where the ocean ships pass. Thanks. We are very lucky to live in this area, and we love the changing seasons.

Close to Jones Falls and Upper Brewers. Missed out on Lower Brewers as the road in is closed. 😞

Ian's remnants are headed up our way, so we did our lock visit a bit early in case we lose all the leaves. Here's a couple of pictures for you guys. They are all taken from the Rideau Canal, which we live along. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rideau_Canal

Unfortunately, with Viking, the french balcony cabins may be smaller than the ones on the lowest level. Viking moved their corridors over so that those who are paying more for the full balcony have a bit larger room. Makes sense, why pay premium to have outdoor space but a smaller cabin. Just checked online, the standard stateroom that you sail in is about 150sq ft., the french balcony one is 135sq ft., and the full balcony one is 205sq ft. I think the size would be my concern, as our Avalon cabin was 200sq ft., and we found no problems with 2 of us, but thinking 65sq ft taken away could make it a bit cramped. We enjoyed our french balcony as we were able to open the windows, and, like your DW, I would be unable to see outside while sailing. I know for any special areas you are on the top deck or other public areas, but it was still nice when waiting in our room for breakfast or relaxing a bit to be able to see outside.

We loved the Mechanical Museum, and yes, I also looked up and got some great shots of the ceiling.:) Sounds as if you are having a great time, we did the Rhine a few years ago, so it's nice to relive memories.

I'm enjoying his travels, and it's helping with my German. 🙂

Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing.

My 2nd parents used to spend winters in Naples, I hope all their friends are OK. We just went through my family getting hit with Fiona, fortunately, although some cottages & barns were destroyed, animals made it ok and they are now getting power back, and hopefully will get roads open again soon. I hope all in Fla (and those who will be in it's path) get their power back soon as well.

Phone agents may not be much help, as they can't say either. They *may* be able to tell you where the docs are, but if there is more than one dock at the ports, that still doesn't mean that you will get the priority one. As I said, it's the harbourmaster that decides where and when you dock, so it's usually not decided until the day before. As to shuttles, yes, there will be at least one in and out, as the tours of the town will require transit. I can't say if any operate multiple shuttles in a port, as we take the tours, so only use the buses when we are on them.

To all members in Florida, and in the path of Ian, hoping you are safe.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the harbourmasters have the decision as to where the ships dock. If you are there in a busy time, you may not get prime locations, no matter what line you are on. This is also a factor with river cruising becoming more popular, and more lines are adding more ships to their fleet.

As far as I know, all ships use the same docks, with the odd exception of Viking in some areas that have their own. Unfortunately, since there is no way of knowing which river cruise you took, or with whom, we really can't help. I know the Avalon Rhine does do most stops in the "old town" areas, however you have to consider that you are limited on rivers as to where they dock and if their older areas are on the river. We are planning the Danube next Sept on Avalon, and know that when we stop in Vienna, we will not be in the older section, and that going to Nuremburg we will also be bussed. However I believe those are the only 2 places.

I can't speak for Viking, by my TA will look at several different providers and we choose the one that has the best policy for us. We don't always choose Avalon's, and have had no problem sailing with them but dealing with a different policy carrier. I would think Viking's is the same, just check what is included and what isn't before deciding so you have the right one for you.

Lumagica sounds much like what we have here, except we drive through it. There is also a small one in Niagara Falls, and you can drive along the parkway there to see the trees all lit up. We also have our local Open Air Museum (Upper Canada Village) that lights up both for Halloween (pumpkins) and Christmas, where all the old buildings are decorated. Some neighbourhoods also put on elaborate displays, but that's more up in the city, and quite a drive for us to see.

https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/airport-guide/orientation/airport-map.html

Our guide with Avalon offered an extra tour after the general one in Colmar, where we viewed the Isenheim Altarpiece. Since we had just seen a TV show on it, we went. It was really good, and so glad we saw it.

@jsn55, yes, it's a new ship, smaller than their others. This is the one itinerary that we were thinking we may have to look at another line if we decided to go, now we can stick with Avalon.