Moo_Cruiser

On 6/25/2019 at 4:53 AM, JRice said:

Amanda 

Answers to some of your questions

1. Red and white wine and draft beer are served while seated during lunch and dinner. You can take a glass with you when you leave the dining room.  

2. No problem bringing your own on board.

3. We stayed at the Prestige Hotel in Budapest after our cruise - it is close to many walkable tourist spots.  I highly recommend pre-purchasing tickets to visit the Hungarian Parliament building which is within walking distance of the Prestige. It is an amazing building - it gives the Vatican a run for its money.

4. Emerald does not provide transfers unless you use their hotels.  But, taxi's and car services are not expensive.  

 

Tips-

1. Emerald has on board laundry wash, dry, fold services.  I forgot what we paid, about 15 Euro per bag.  Bags were the standard size found in hotels.

2. The only paid tour we took was to Chesky Krumlov - it was well worth it.

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

Following is a copy of the review I wrote when we returned in 2017.

We liked the cruise so much we took the Rhone River Arles to Lyon cruise in May. 
Also awesome.

Have fun.

This was our first river cruise after many ocean cruises because we wanted to visit central Europe and to experience the difference of  a river cruise.  The cruise was 14 nights from Amsterdam to Budapest.

 

We flew to Amsterdam to tour for 2 days prior to the cruise and I would recommend others to arrive at the embarkation city a few days in advance to adjust to jet lag as well as to enjoy the city.

 

We chose Emerald because of their full itinerary.

 

The embarkation process was as easy as could be, it took no more then 3 minutes to get our room keys.  We choose Emerald because their ships are at most 2 years old, they visited all the towns we wanted to see, their pricing was significantly less than their competitors, they had an included excursion at every port, all staff gratuities were included as well as airport or hotel transfers.

 

The ship's interior was very contemporary, lots of glass and chrome decor and wrap around windows in the lounge and dining room making it easy to have an uninterrupted view of the scenery. Our cabin was well designed with plenty of storage in the cabin and bathroom.  The exterior wall was all glass to maximize viewing whereby you could lower the top half of the glass wall when weather permitted. 

 

Dining:  

Breakfast was always a large, varied buffet accompanied with made to order eggs and omelets.  There was every sort of cereal, yogurt, deli meats and cheeses, breakfast meats and baked goods.  Everything was of high quality and tasty.

Lunch was also always a large, varied buffet and once again everything was of high quality and very tasty.  Many lunch items were regionally oriented.

Dinner was sit down served by waiters with a different menu every day and comprised of a choice of appetizers, a delicious soup of the day, choice of 3 entrees and 2 desserts.

Overall the dinners were more creative than found on ocean cruise ships and it was plated with an artist's eye for color and flair.

 

Included daily excursions were conducted by professional local guides that spoke perfect English, were well worth the time and were informative. 

 

On board extra activities included local talent and demonstrations - ie. a glass blower, an Ompha band, zither player, dancers, etc.  

 

Our cruise director Jana was a GEM!  She was as pleasant as could be and arranged for a MD to come aboard to treat a few of us for colds.  She even went to the pharmacy in port to pick up the prescriptions the MD ordered.  NOW, that is service!

The rest of the staff did their best to please the passengers.

 

We can strongly recommend Emerald to anyone who want to experience a river cruise.

 

Jerome Giambalvo
jerrygiam@verizon.net

 

 

Thanks Jerome, really helpful information 👍

Hi Everyone

We are from Australia and just booked our first river cruise on Emerald Destiny Budapest to Amsterdam on 24 May 2020.

We're very excited and really keen for any tips re Emerald in general and pre and post cruise hotels.

Keen to know did anyone book the hotels through Emerald or did you find your own? If you do your own thing, are transfers included with Emerald?

Also re drinks onboard, after dinner can you take drinks from the dining table to the lounge area; are they strict with the cut off time for the free drinks with dinner? And can you bring your own duty free alcohol or wine from a port and drink it on the deck?

Thanks everyone for your help. Would love ideas for hotels too!

Cheers

Amanda

Thank you for this additional. There will be too many ships/passengers in port the day we are visiting so our goal is to get away from all that. :rolleyes: Do you recall if there were multiple ships the day you visited?

 

Also did you pay taxi in USD? We are hoping to see some of the island first thing in the morning (first time in Antigua) and then travel on to the beach. What was your drive time to the port from Limerz?

 

Thanks again!

I think we were the only ship in port. I'm sure it's fine to pay a deposit and pre book the loungers. I just chose not to have the hassle of having to give out my credit card number before we left.

You can arrange the driver through Gail for whatever time you want. Gail can even give you a quote for the driver to drive you around a bit first if you like. We were going to do that initially but then decided to go straight to the beach. We had a 10 am pick up and looked at the shops around the meeting point for a while first. We paid in USD cash.

Cheers

Amanda

I have reservations for our trip in early January. Gail has been just great to interact with via email.

 

I take it Amanda that you chose not to do the full package and just ordered what you wanted? I think that is the direction we will take.

 

You mentioned that it is a small beach, however it appears on pictures to have the opportunity to walk quite a distance beyond?

 

Really glad to see your post. Thanks for taking the time.

I wasn't keen on pre paying a deposit for the sun loungers so we reserved them we we got there.

We paid for the sun lounges and paid for drinks and food as we went rather than the AI. Cocktails were equivalent to about $8USD and meals up to about $20USD from memory, so pretty reasonable. They charge in Caribbean currency and the menu is in this too...I didn't realise at first and got a fright when I saw the prices, lol. You can pay in USD.

We paid the driver cash direct.

I am not sure how crowded it gets at times but was quiet when we were there so no prob with sun loungers. Gail will guide you with whether it's best to pre reserve them.

The beach was smallish but the boys walked to the end; it's about a mile and took about 10-15 mins to walk there and back. It's actually a perfect size beach, not tiny but not too huge.

I loved it there; felt like I was in paradise!:)

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Amanda

Thanks for all this info! Can anyone tell me if there's good snorkeling off this beach by any chance?

 

 

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Not really, the water was lovely but nothing really to see!

Thanks Amanda, Did you do the AI at $60 per person or pay as you go? Do you think it best to pre-arrange with Gail to guarantee lounge chairs & umbrella?

Hi Bev

I wasn't keen on pre paying a deposit for the sun loungers so we reserved them we we got there.

We paid for the sun lounges and paid for drinks and food as we went rather than the AI. We paid the driver cash direct.

I am not sure how crowded it gets at times but was quiet when we were there so no prob with sun loungers. Gail will guide you with that.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Amanda

I thought I'd let everyone know how our beach day at Antigua went.

I pre-arranged our day at Beach Limerz restaurant and beach with Gail by email for our day trip from our cruise ship in April 2017.

Gail arranged everything for us; a booking at the restaurant, sun loungers on the beach (for a fee) and for a lovely young driver Anthony to pick us up near the port and take us back. Everything went smoothly and we had an amazing day. Gail, her husband Barry and their staff were all really lovely; they greeted us like old friends when we arrived!

The quaint little beach is steps from the restaurant and is just stunning; like something from a postcard. The four of us were the only ones around so it was like a private piece of paradise!

The beach is not steep with no rocks and is easy to access from the restaurant area. There was a slight swell but the sea wasn’t too rough and it was easy to get in and out of the water, with no sharp drop-off like other beaches in the area.

There are a few stairs to the restaurant; they are solid timber with good rails either side.

Staff bought cocktails down to the beach for us so that made it really easy. After time on the beach, we changed in the restaurant bathrooms and had a great lunch in the amazing beach style restaurant overlooking the beach. You can eat inside the restaurant or there are tables outside under umbrellas.

I think this beach and restaurant are a good option for people with impaired mobility, providing you can manage stairs and are comfortable getting in and out of the water with waves coming in.

Happen to answer any questions.

Cheers

Amanda

Anther huge vote for Beach Limerz!

I pre-arranged our day at Beach Limerz restaurant and beach with Gail by email for our day trip from our cruise ship in April 2017.

Gail arranged everything for us; a booking at the restaurant, sun loungers on the beach (for a fee) and for a lovely young driver Anthony to pick us up near the port and take us back. Everything went smoothly and we had an amazing day. Gail, her husband Barry and their staff were all really lovely; they greeted us like old friends when we arrived!

The quaint little beach is steps from the restaurant and is just stunning; like something from a postcard. The four of us were the only ones around so it was like a private piece of paradise!

There was a slight swell but the sea wasn’t too rough and it was easy to get in and out of the water, with no sharp drop-off like other beaches in the area. The beach was easy to walk on with no slopes or rocks.

Staff bought cocktails down to the beach for us which was very decadent and made it very easy for us. After time on the beach, we changed in the restaurant bathrooms and had a great lunch in the amazing beach style restaurant overlooking the beach. You can eat inside the restaurant or there are tables outside under umbrellas.

Food and drinks were reasonably priced and the huge burgers were amazing! The restaurant is very clean and well looked after.

Loved this place and would definitely go back!

Happy to answer any questions.

Cheers

Amanda

I was looking for this type of information before our day at Antigua, so I thought I'd let you know how we went.

I pre-arranged our day at Beach Limerz restaurant and beach with Gail by email for our day trip from our cruise ship in April 2017.

Gail arranged everything for us; a booking at the restaurant, sun loungers on the beach (for a fee) and for a lovely young driver Anthony to pick us up near the port and take us back. Everything went smoothly and we had an amazing day. Gail, her husband Barry and their staff were all really lovely; they greeted us like old friends when we arrived!

The quaint little beach is steps from the restaurant and is just stunning; like something from a postcard. The four of us were the only ones around so it was like a private piece of paradise!

The beach is not steep and is easy to access from the restaurant area. There was a slight swell but the sea wasn’t too rough and it was easy to get in and out of the water, with no sharp drop-off like other beaches in the area.

There are a few stairs to the restaurant; they are solid timber with good rails either side.

Staff bought cocktails down to the beach for us so that made it really easy. After time on the beach, we changed in the restaurant bathrooms and had a great lunch in the amazing beach style restaurant overlooking the beach. You can eat inside the restaurant or there are tables outside under umbrellas.

I think this beach and restaurant are a good option for people with impaired mobility, providing you can manage stairs and are comfortable getting in and out of the water with waves coming in.

Happen to answer any questions.

Cheers

Amanda

Thanks everyone for your feedback!:)

I have been to a couple beaches in Antigua. They all had the drop. But Valley Church beach is really beautiful.

 

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Thanks Claudia, I recognise your name from our roll call!!:D

At least I know they all have a steep drop, so it's just a matter of dealing with it.

Is Valley Church your top pick??

Hello

I've been researching for our day at the beach in Antigua and notice many people mention some of the beaches have a steep drop off into the water,

I have impaired mobility and am looking for a beach which is easier to get in and out of the water with less of a steep drop off.

Can anyone recommend the best beach to go to??

Or better still, if you have a mobility impairment and can give feedback about your experience on the beach and access into the water, that would be great!

I am considering Valley Church Beach but the drop off does look steep in videos.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Amanda

Hi all

Since we're talking Deli's, can anyone recommend a great New York Deli experience to an Aussie couple?!

We are staying at Novotel Times Square pre cruise and would love to find a good deli a close walk from the hotel.

Thanks to all the deli die hards!

Cheers

Amanda

You don't wait for the bus to get full. There is a host in the Hilton lobby that you are instructed to check in with. Bus gets there, host walks you to it, load the people up and leave.

 

Bus left at 11am from Manhattan, the time we arrived there was absolutely no line inside the terminal.

 

Hop off the bus, you don't take your luggage but you do identify it and take the tracking tag.

 

I was on ship within minutes of getting off the bus.

 

Only down side of the rccl transfer is luggage, if you don't stay at Hilton and don't feel you can manage it from where you plan to stay.

Hi all

Just an update re the RCCL transfer option, I rang RCCL and they said the transfers are only available to those who stay in a pre cruise hotel booked through RCCL.

Thanks again for all the info, this will be a big help to cruisers.

We will be booking a private car transfer.

Cheers

Amanda

Tolls will be $15-20 depending on the route taken and the day/time. So figure tunnel $15 and turnpike $4 or less for the maximum scenario.

Thanks Carol.

Dial 7 online base quote is $50 for a sedan so with tips and tolls we'll be looking at approx $85 for a private transfer I estimate.

Still waiting to hear back from my TA re the RCI transfer option.

Thanks again to all for your suggestions.

Cheers

Amanda

Personally, after a recommendation from someone in another forum I always use Dial 7 and have had great service. You might pay a few dollars more, but you can arrange it in advance and be sure of the price and of the vehicle you're getting. They've always been right on time, whether I'm getting picked up at the airport or a midtown hotel, always friendly and polite and I'll continue to rely on them.

Thanks Meg.

As you done this before, are you able to let me know what the total cost might be from NYC to CL with Dial 7, including tolls and fees, thanks.

When I do a mock booking, it doesn't tell me the total cost with tolls, so I just want a clear idea.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Amanda

We stayed near times square on our cruise. RCCL offers a service form the Hilton on 43rd and 8th. Only $35. It was really convenient.

 

We were concerned wiyh luggage but went for it, not sure how close you are to that but we each hauled a rolling suitcase from Fairfield off 40th and 8/9 with no issues about 10am.

Thanks for the info; I will contact RCI and look into it!

Cheers

Thanks guys....that is really valuable information for cruisers needing transfers!:)

I did check with Embassy suites; they only offer an airport shuttle, not a shuttle from the port after the cruise.

I am happy to pay the costs for the transport service and the cab from the port as after all, it is all part of the expenses for the trip!

Thanks again for all your help with this.

Cheers

Amanda

My niece ubered to my house in NE NJ, and I believe it was around $50? ETA, that was on a Saturday afternoon, it took 20 minutes. I expect it would be more expensive on a weekday.

Thank you!:D

What date are you doing this?

 

IMO neither is a good option. NYC taxi regulations don't cover NJ trips, so you are at the mercy of whatever the taxi driver chooses to charge. Tolls are expensive depending on the route and time of day - at least $15 +. You need to allow for 18-20% tip on the base rate.

 

Honestly don't know about Uber, but you are at risk for real time pricing surges. In both instances you run the risk that the driver nay not be experienced in driving to Cape Liberty.

 

Book a car service like Dial7 or Carmel limo. Look online for coupons. Give them a realistic luggage estimate so you get the appropriate sized vehicle. Get a quote for the base rate and tolls so you can figure the expected tip.

Hi Carol

Thank you for all the information.:D

We are cruising on Anthem on Easter Monday 17 April 2017.

Wow, I find it amazing you can't get a regulated cab service from NYC to NJ!!

So when you use a private car service, are tolls in the quote? Then is it 18-20% tip also?

Post cruise we need to go to Embassy Suites Elizabeth from Cape Liberty. Is it OK to use cabs from the port and what is the approx fare?

Thanks Carol, we are from Australia so it's all new to us and any info is greatly appreciated!:)

Cheers

Amanda

Hello Everyone

We are staying in Times Square pre cruise and would like to know whether Uber or a cab are viable options to get to Cape Liberty port and how much this is likely to cost.

We don't want to use public transport due to luggage.

If anyone has used Uber before for this trip, I'd be keen to hear your feedback.

Thanks

Cheers

Amanda

Hi all

We will be in Puerto Princesa Philippines on the Legend of the Seas in October 2106 for one day from 8am to 5pm.

I'd be keen for advice re how to approach this port independently rather than doing a ship tour. Does anyone who has been to this port have any ideas re things to see and do that are acheivable in the time frame?

Would be happy to do a full day tour with a local tour company if anyone can recommend a local agency to use.

Would like to go to an island on a boat trip for snorkelling but don't want to go too far, maybe an hour or so off shore so we don't have to rush too much. Is island hopping suitable for October (monsoon season) and is it doable in the timeframe?

Can we do it easily ourselves by using cabs from the port and local boats?

Would appreciate any insights other cruisers have as there's not much info re this port!:)

Cheers

Amanda

Great Carol, that puts my mind at rest, thanks so much!:D

Just checking out hotels on hotwire; I've never used it before.

What hotels are the "Times Square Theatre District" hotels likely to be? I found one listed currently for $78 per night Reference#: 161-371-624-57.

Curious to know as this would be a great way to go for us seeing as we loose so much on the exchange rate at the moment.

Also, what about the Newport area, which hotels does hotwire normally use?

Any hotwire tips appreciated, thanks!:)

Cheers

Amanda

From the airport pay the money and take a cab. Folks don't recommend Supershuttle in this area at all. Jersey City is about 20 minutes from the airport - maybe more during rush hours. The airport hotels all have their own shuttles, but the Jersey City hotels do not.

 

Easter is April 16. Hotel prices in Jersey City should be reasonable that weekend. If you book a cancellable reservation, you might be able to get the Hyatt or Westin at a great price on Hotwire closer to your date.

 

From Newport it is possible to go to the SOL from the NJ side. This involves taking the light rail to Essex St., walking 4 blocks to the Warren St ferry ($2), and walking across a field on the other side to the SOL ferry. http://www.libertylandingferry.com/directions-and-parking.aspx. The advantage of doing this is that the crowds are much less and you don't have to commit to buying tickets way ahead unless you want to do the inside. I don't think it will be mobbed on Easter Sunday morning.

Wow, just as well you are on the ball Carol; I didn't even think about when Easter was!:eek:

Do you really think hotels won't be too over the top expensive for Easter Saturday and Sunday?? In Australia prices double for Easter. I can't see any rates yet but I guess I can email a couple of hotels to check.

Great idea re booking a hotel with a free cancellation!

OK, we will cab it from the airport; didn't realise how things worked that's all.

Thanks again..you are an amazing source of information!:)

Cheers

Amanda

Newark is really your best choice for an airport. A cab from the airport to a hotel in the Newport section of Jersey City should run $55-60 with tolls and tip.

 

I really liked my stay at the Courtyard. The Newport PATH station was literally next door to the hotel - couldn't have been more convenient. PATH is safe to travel at night. I met folks in the hotel who were staying there as a less expensive option to NYC and they were making two trips a day in and out if the city.

 

http://www.panynj.gov/path/maps.html

 

What you have to understand about PATH is that the service is more restricted on the weekends. The Hoboken to 33rd and Hoboken to World Trade lines don't run. Instead the Journal Square to 33rd St train goes via Hoboken. What this means is that to go from Newport to World Trade on the weekend, you have to go to Grove St and transfer. Not a big deal - there is service from all the stations, but you need to factor that into your planning.

 

No real need to make the light rail/cab decision about going to the port ahead of time. Cab will be in the $50-60 range. Once you arrive, you will have time to check out the light rail to see if it suits. The light rail station is about two blocks from the Courtyard - on the next street over behind the mall. Even if you don't want to walk it, consider that a cab a few blocks to a light rail station, light rail to Bayonne, and a cab into the port should still be under $20.

 

 

What are the exact dates you are looking at?

Thanks for all the info Carol!:)

We're not going until April 2017 - probably fly in on the 15th and have 2 nights in Jersey City before the cruise on 17 April.

Actually I'm keen to know if Newark airport runs a shuttle to local hotels. I found Super Shuttle...is this the one to use?

We will probably be staying in Manhattan post cruise so can do all the main tourist stuff then, therefore we won't have to use the PATH service much for our 2 days in Newport area.

I thought it might be good to do the statue of liberty and get the ferry whilst we're staying at Newport. Does this sound feasible?

Thanks again.

Cheers

Amanda