Saberk9

Looks like your Australia and New Zealand in January 2024 will be a go. It also looks like ours at the end of February will also be a go. After that, it is my understanding that the Spirit will not be sailing those itineraries after March 2024. Not sure if you have checked your pricing for your sail date in January, but we noticed ours for February 2024 have been reduced and we were able to get the lower rate and still keep our same balcony room extra. Have a blessed sailing.

It appears that NCL Spirit will do her last cruise from New Zealand to Australia at the end of season of 2024. We are fortunate (at least so far) to still be able to go Feb/March 2024 with NCL Spirit. And yes, the prices were originally high, but it was the only one that went to several ports in both places in the time frame we were interested in. With that being said, our final payment is due this week and the price has been reduced twice since our original booking for a balcony room!!! In total it is about 3K less. They were very accommodating in make the adjustment both times. It would have been more impressive if they would have notified us but obviously they are in it to make $$. It pays to monitor your trips and pricing. Airfare is cheaper now too and got a nice credit. Whenever you go and cruise line you choose, have a super blessed trip! Cheers.

I have checked many cruise lines and selected NCL Spirit because for a 12 day cruise as it was the most port intensive cruise with less days at sea that covered both NZ and Australia. That may not appeal to some, but it was our goal. Our other consideration was Viking Ocean cruise which was considerably higher with very limited onboard options/entertainment. (But, highly recommend Viking for River cruises.) We leave Feb 2024 and just checked pricing again to find it is over $2K cheaper now than when we initially booked. Since final payment was not due yet, they changed the pricing and kept our balcony room etc all the same. Do I appreciate the pricing game....NO! But as everything, money drives our world sadly. Just was glad we double checked. Would have been very upset otherwise. BTW, same with our airfare (so not just cruise lines).... $900.00 cheaper and now have air credit good for one year. As far as the age and size of the Spirit, I understand the refurbish was done nicely and smaller ships can navigate better into more ports than the larger ships. Even though we tend to be mega ship cruisers, I am looking forward to this cruise equally a much.

Leaving tonight from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland on Viking. First thing Captain says “if you heard about low water, don’t worry about it. No issues”

Rhineforcast.com was what I looked at. I prefer your narrative. Perhaps I should stay in my lane and let those of you that are more experienced report of this. lol. Thanks so much Notamermaid for your followup.

I find that I am putting myself through an emotional roller coaster watching the Kaub levels. Agreed, grateful for Viking ship swaps and know I (nor any of us) can control the water level. Just such a disappointment that the occurrence could be at the most scenic portion of the Rhine. Otherwise, the swap wouldn't even be a concern for John and I (actually me....he is cool with no matter what. lol) We should be sailing that portion of the river July 29th (Koblenz & Rudesheim) and the current projected water levels look extremely low. From what I can make of the forecast, the 28th is well below 80cm. But, nothing good happens when you think the worst. So positive vibes. Blessed to be having this opportunity and need to be more focused on packing. lol. Sunday will be here before I know it. So now I need to determine is it "shorts" weather for this Florida girl or warmer clothes. 😊

Is it fair to say that 70cm or above would allow for the Viking longships to sail Kaube? Or, is the "90cm" the crucial number and left to the individual captain?

What is the maximum and minimum water level to prevent the longships from sailing the Rhine?

Thank you so much for this news notamermaid! We head to Amsterdam next Sunday (July 23) and get on the Viking Sigrun on the 26th. This bit of information has made my day! Praying smooth sailing for us all.

Kaub gauge don’t fail me now….. Just two and a half weeks to go!!!

We too are leaving from Amsterdam. So definitely fingers, toes etc crossed for us all. And of course prayer. Notamermaid's posts are like the old commercial "When E. F. Hutton talks, everyone listens". So appreciate having info providing updates (even though sometimes it stresses me out-lol). No matter what, it will all be good.

The 26th will be here for John and I before we know it. Don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade (so let’s hope it happens while sleeping lol), but hoping for some good downpours so that the Kaub water levels offer smooth sailing for us all. Need to start checking on the temperatures so I know how to properly pack. Thank you Notamermaid for all your information and will continue to look daily for your updates. So appreciated!

As I do July 26th. Fingers crossed for us all.