thestrand77

I am midway through an APT cruise Budapest to Amsterdam on the AmaBella. We have had a couple of changes due to low water. We departed Budapest earlier than planned (17 August instead of 18 August) and spent an extra half day in Vienna. We are now unable to get from Passau to Regensburg and so are going by bus to Nuremberg and swapping ships to the AmaVerde. On both occasions bus tours have been on offer - bus back to Budapest from Vienna, and day trip to Regensburg from Passau. These have been long days so few passengers have taken the original options, but alternative tours have also been arranged.

I had been following low water threads for the few weeks before leaving Australia, so I wasn’t taken by surprise by the changes and from my point of view, APT have handled the situation extremely well. Given the extreme dry conditions I think we have been very lucky so far. Most passengers have been similarly accepting, I’ve only heard a few grumbles about having to pack and unpack! I take my hats off to the staff and crew who must have a lot of extra work to do but continue to deliver great service with good humour.

I am on an APT cruise Budapest to Amsterdam on the AmaBella, which departed Budapest last night. The itinerary was changed - after boarding, we were scheduled to stay overnight in Budapest and have tours there today, but due to low water levels (which must have been falling) the decision was made to start cruising to Vienna immediately after dinner. An additional sightseeing option has been offered for a day trip by bus to Budapest from Vienna, but it is a very long day (at least 3 hours each way) and few people have chosen this option.

We were told this morning that the authorities “closed” that stretch after we went through it, but the AmaReina (which is doing the same itinerary one day later than the AmaBella) is showing on cruisemapper as having left Budapest, so perhaps it has reopened.

We haven’t been given any information about swapping ships near Pfelling, but judging from what has been happening recently with other APT cruises on this itinerary, that seems fairly likely.

The cruise director has communicated the situation well and I haven’t heard any real grumbles from fellow passengers- all are glad to be on the boat not a bus!

Food and service on board is fantastic.

Update on current APT Amsterdam to Budapest.

Today we were in Wurzburg. Now sailing to Bamburg.

On Saturday we change ships - AmaVenita and join AmaReina. Excursions go ahead as planned.

Originally we were to stay at Regensburg Sunday night. If river conditions don't improve we will stay in Engelhartszell instead - with excursions to Passau (half hour by coach) or Regensburg (2.5 hours by coach each way so very full day) on offer. After that - who knows?

If anyone knows more please share! Understandably our tour director is sharing information on a day by day basis.

On the upside - the trip has been fantastic so far!

Hi ohmuriel

Thanks for further update. I have been tracking the four APT ships that rae currently doing the Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse) itinerary and have been encouraged to see that so far they have managed to stick pretty closely to the original itinerary. Where will you leave the AmaVenita on Saturday- in Nuremberg?

The AmaBella (which is doing the same itinerary one day ahead of the AmaReina) has seemed to make it as far as Vilshofen. I hope it does not get stuck there! I guess it is preferable to have a longer bus ride than to risk having a ship stranded and unable to go back down river to Budapest.

How is the weather - have you had any rain on your trip? I am starting to get to the point where I am hoping for a rainy holiday, for the sake of the fish and the fire risk. Are tempatures cooling off at all?

Please let me know if I'm hogging this thread!

 

Tomorrow - leaving Andenach at 3.45am.Passing Koblenz at 6.00am. From there to Rudesheim we've been told to have earpieces in and cameras ready - Rhine gorge. Loreley rock about 9.00am. 4.30pm on way to Main River.

Sounds to me like everything is on track.

Great news, I am following your posts with interest

Back to making the best of this situation (the lemons and the lemonade). The Rhine gorge luckily for everyone is right in the heart of life and a busy artery for traffic, so if you cannot do it on your itinerary you can implement plan B and or C and or D. In brief: The excursion boats can mostly still run and have seating for anything between 50 and 500 passengers. A coach trip is also possible, I hope river cruise companies do not choose the fast route but take you along the Rhine. You can also take fast and slow trains on both sides of the river. A fast train on the main line will give you a view of the Lorelei and if you then wanted to see Marksburg castle on the opposite bank a ferry is available. That ferry is not directly at the foot of Marksburg castle so that needs a bit of careful planning but is doable via switching embankments at Koblenz for example. Long-distance busses are available but might not take in the sights, for that a local bus might be better (but that is time consuming). A rental car is also an alternative, of course.

 

 

notamermaid

Thanks notamermaid - appreciate this info

Thanks for the update ohmuriel! 1 hr later start sounds like a very acceptable variation to me...

I'm currently sailing on an APT river cruise (4th-18th August) from Amsterdam to Budapest - sailing today from `Utrecht to Cologne. We know we will be changing from the AmaVenita to the AmaReina at the weekend but so far no other indications of itinerary changes. Of course, anything can happen but so far all is fabulous!

That’s great news, I have been tracking the APT ships to see how they are going! Anxious to hear if you can get through the Rhine Gorge between Andernach and Rudesheim. Enjoy!

Yes hoping for rain!

Change of ship is not too bad! Fingers are crossed for you.

Appreciate this info, we are booked on APT Budapest to Amsterdam on 17 August. Keeping a close eye on this thread - any updates on APT cruises please post!