robinlynn

We've done two river cruises now using one carry-on bag and a briefcase each. I highly recommend the packing technique that's shown in the YouTube Video at the link below (assuming that the board lets it go through. If it doesn't, just google "pack for weeks in a carry-on" and it should pop right up. Another CC person posted the video over a year ago, and it impressed me. We used it last year and it really worked well for us.

 

OkieCruiser49

 

I love it!!! Definitely going to try it!!

Robin

M&T ~ we were at Marksburg Castle last December and it was a very difficult walk inside and out. I had also been very interested in the situation sice DH had problems walking, he didn;t come on the excursion and it was a good choice in my opinion.

 

Teh walk from the bus was not as bad as I expected. We walked up the road that cars had used - smooth surface but a steep grade. Thee were stairs but I don't think any in our group too them up. Most of us did use them going down and that wasn't easy - an hand rail most of the way but very, very steep stairs!!

 

But once at the Castle entrance it didn't get any easier - just harder! If I remember correctly, the guide said the entrance way was full of large jagged rocks to deter the enemy soliders on horseback and it succeeded with them and also us! Sorry to say it wasn't easy walking at all!!

 

And inside the Castle are narrow stairs and narrow rooms, many with uneven floors. I looked through my photos but couldn't find any of the entrance and realized it was because I was rying not to fall or drop my camera!! Some are below just to give you an example!

 

Its really a shame since its a fabulous Castle with great exhibits! Whatever you decide - have a wonderful cruise!!!

I got a little nervous after reading your post, but the my DH reminded me that we climbed halfway up and all around the walls surrounding Dubrovnik and deep underground at the ancient temple Hal Salafia (sp?) In Valetta Malta, on our last cruise and climbed up the Acropolis the cruise before that. I sure hope Marksburg Castle isn't more challenging than those. Off course, I am a few years older!!rolleyes:

Robin

A few pair of jeans and a pair or two of nice slacks for each of us it will be!!

I sure hope that jeans (not the ratty or torn type) worn with a nice shirt for men or pretty top for women, are also acceptable for dinner, or I am going to have a real problem with my DH!:eek:

We always wanted to go to Paris, we plan to do all of the expected things and hopefully get back some day to dig a little deeper. That said my impression of the "Loire Valley" extension was that it would be similar to some of what we would be seeing on the cruise. I did not give it much consideration however and will take another look.

We have done 2 trips on our own touring the Loire Valley, both in May, and if you are concerned about the heat in July, remember that the primary attraction there is exploring these beautiful chateaux, most built in the 15th and 16th centuries, so of course not air conditioned. In July, they would surely be very crowded, and

Imho, it could be very hot ,and a bit overwhelming, especially with the lack of much ventilation and the heavy tapestries and heavy furnishings.

Many of the nicest chateaux/hotels to stay in are not air conditioned.

Paris is wonderful any time, again imho!!!

Robin

I will chime in in defense of the Scottevest. The ladies vest does not look like the khaki photographer's or fishing vest-style. The pockets are discretely placed and as long as you don't load every pocket up to it's fullest (the water bottle pocket and the pocket along the entire back for example), you can't really tell. We traveled in fall and I almost always wore a jacket on top of the vest anyway.

 

I wish there was a like button for the CapitalOne cash back bonus comment! We only use cash when we absolutely need to (or just want to, if we're towards the end of the trip and still have extra). We charge everything so I can keep up with what we're spending, and we use our receipts when filling out the customs forms on the trip home. The exchange rate is always great and I don't need to worry about having left over euros.

I will have to check it out. I was thinking of the old style photographers jackets.

I stand corrected.

But I am holding my ground that jeans are as stylish and popular with Europeans as ever!!!

I agree with the previous poster about fanny packs, but also feel the same way about those multi pocketed travels vests mentioned on the board.

But jeans? Really? On all of my many trips to Europe, jeans seem to be the uniform of choice by people everywhere , all ages.

That is all we are bringing for sightseeing, and I am sure we will fit right in.

You are both correct. And I have gleaned some very good info from this board.

I think because I booked so long ago, I am just getting impatient and grumpy!

Robin

I have been booked since May 2013 for my Viking Guilveig Rhine Getaway

May 9, 2013. Finally down to the last 3 months. I have been active on this site, posting and participating since last year, and have still not found anyone going on my Amsterdam to Basel sailing.

My ship is still not even listed on the countdown clock, despite my contacting CC to try to update the clock to no avail.

Seems that the only 2 topics with lots of activity during this 9 months has been last spring's flooding disasters and the Christmas markets.

I used to really love CC when I was traveling on the larger ships (especially Celebrity), but this has been very frustrating.

ANYONE out there going on my sailing?:confused:

I have gotten some good information from the site on general river cruising and some of my ports, and have had some input and banter with some very nice people , so it has had its merits, just would have liked corresponding with people who are actually on my sailing.

Seems that river cruisers aren't all that interested in these boards. Too bad

Thanks for letting me blow off some steam!

Robin

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner on board, and you can help yourself to tea, coffee and cappuccino at any time. Spirits were an extra charge.

My favorite and it helps give me energy on busy days!

Ukalady,

As Peg has said, there are indeed two 110 outlets for your use in the cabin on the counter across from the bed. There is also one 110 outlet next to one of the bedside nightstands.

As for establishing a LAN connection, I asked my hubby, my computer expert on that one. He said he did not remember anything in the cabin that would allow you to hook up in that manner. However, they have been updating the ships as they do new builds, and ours was the first longship, so it is possible that there may be that accessibility now.

Yes, the shower wall is smooth, so should be good for the suction cup clothesline, if you want an additional one. For clothespins, I found some nice clips at a kitchen outlet store. They're small, but strong enough to hold socks and things on a line. They're enameled so won't leave rust on your things either. I got a bag of about 20 for a couple of bucks and they don't take up room in my luggage. Can stuff them into a shoe.

The sink in the bathroom is somewhat small for doing handwashing. Someone on a blog suggested putting your garment(s) in a Ziploc bag with a couple of drops of your detergent/shampoo, some water, zip the bag shut, then squeeze back and forth a few times to "agitate". Empty the sudsy water, fill with clean, rinse in the same manner, and voila! Well, I haven't tried it yet, as I managed in the small sink, but there's a suggestion and I always carry Ziploc bags. ;)

Becki

Did your shower have a pull out line attached as the previous poster said?

I have had rather bad luck with suction cups...They often fall or slip off, leaving washed garments in a crumpled heap on the shower floor :(

I just received the new Viking brochure and it mentions cappuccino

as one of the drinks offered at no charge. But on their web site,

specialty coffees are not included as free.

Anyone recently on a Viking cruise notice if cappuccino is included as a free

coffee? It has always been a favorite treat of mine.

Thanks...this live reporting is great...although disappointed with your initial experience with Viking.

Hopefully just a fluke!!!

Hope you have a great time and I am sure we would love to hear more!!!

Robin

I was hoping I could get a copy of your blog as well, Lori. It would be most appreciated!! Have never been on a river cruise and booked the

May 9 Amsterdam to Basel Viking Rhine Getaway on a new longship, the Guillveig.

Am a bit apprehensive as I booked it rather impulsively and paid in full up front. My DH and I have traveled extensively, mostly independently, through Europe, and in the last few years have done 3 ships cruises in the Mediterranean, which we loved . Wanted to try something new.

I am hoping your blog will allay some of my concerns, as your comments so far seem so positive.

Thanks a million.

My e-mail is eiffeltrav@aol.com.

Robin

We will be on the Amsterdam>Basel Viking Getaway in early May. About how many people should we expect in each excursion? Should we expect the groups to be larger because, from what I understand, the longships hold more people?

One of the things I disliked the most about the larger cruise ships were the large number of people in each excursion bus, and one of the reasons I opted for a river cruise.

Thanks!

Robin

This looks like a good & well priced introductory river cruise. So now I have some questions for all of you.

 

We're thinking about April 2014.

 

We can either sail from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland or the reverse. Does it matter?

 

The ships are the Sun vs. the Helvetia. From what I've read, they seem similar. One was built in 2005; the other in 2006. Does anybody know if one is better than the other? I haven't read the CC reviews yet but will.

 

Does Viking do a good job booking air? They said they are running a special, $500 off from the NYC area. When traveling domestically, I usually DIY but I have never had luck booking air to / through Europe without a TA. I really don't want to deal with booking flights into one AP & flying home from another. I never seem to get that right. :o

 

Why is the price for these trips so much better? The lowest cabin catagory starts at $1800 pp v. $2800 / $3200 I'm seeing on other trips / dates. While I love a good bargain, I don't want to be miserable. I'm guessing this is the rainy season?

 

I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions as we continue to think about this.

We are going on the new Longship, the Gullveig in the beginning of May (think it may not be as cold as April) from Amsterdam to Basel, extending our vacation with 2 days first in Amsterdam and ending on Lake Geneva at Montreux for 4 days.

Booking the extensions on our own so we can get much. nicer rooms for the same money as the ship is charging.

This is also our first river cruise, so I wanted a shorter cruise, in case this type of travel is not for us. I am sure that will not be the case, however!

Very much looking forward to next May.

Have fun planning!

Robin

We recently booked on one of the new Longships that is still under construction for next

May. I was nervous about a total non cancellable payment almost a year in advance

. However we have gotten in the habit of buying.the best coverage for everything and cancel for any reason.trip insurance policy. It was more due to concerns for a very elderly Mother here in the States but I have the security of knowing that if there is any sort of repeat of this years crazy weather they will reimburse for the full cost of the cruise.

Very disappointing to hear about Vikings business practices however.

I sure hope they do the right thing for these passengers whose vacations were for all intents and purposes ruined.:(

Robin

It appears that all of the AQ forward facing hump cabins are all under the pool deck:mad: Are the views almost as good on the back facing humps?

Robin

thanks to everyone who answered my questons about aft and hump cabins.....all of you have been so helpful and informative....this board is so great and everyone so nice.

I assume these great cabins are not the ones offered in the special pricings? On my two previous Celebrity cruises, I didn't get any great rate and was going to wait for a rate fare sail to book....much of a chance of snagging one of these hump cabins during a sale, or or those generally the first to go?

Robin

I have read about the advantages of both, but still don't know exactly what they are, and how to know from the ship's deckplans which they are. Also, what are sny disadvantages. We generally prefer aquas class...are any of these aft or hump and is, again, how can we tell which ones?

Anxiously awaiting the new 2014 schedule for Northern Europe, and am trying to do my homework ahead of time.

We will be sailing Eclipse unless they switch ships on us!

I would appreciate any help or advice. This will be our third Celebrity European Cruise.

Thanks!

Robin

Does anyone know how much a taxi from Kotor to Perast is and if they are readily available?. Also easily available from Perast back to Kotor?

Looks like a lovely small port close to Kotor and might be worth an hour or two...Rick Steves highly recommends this town, but can't get any information on any transport .

I would appreciate any information.

thanks,

Robin

I have booked a tour guide to show us around Dubrovnick and Split, and am paying both in Euros, but I am trying to figure out about how much Kuna I need for a cab both to and from the port to Pile Gate,, entrances to the wall and other attractions, and about how much for lunch each day

The tour in Split covers entrance fee. Do many of the restaurants take credit cards?

I was thinking about the equivalent of $100 would be enough? DH does not want to be left with too much extra KN.

Also, can these be purchased on the ship? I know the exchange rate is not good, but for such a small amount, I don't want to waste too much time in Split (we go there first) looking for an ATM.

Thanks in advance for any information!

Robin

After doing lots of research, including my Rick Steves guidebook, and all of the great postings on this site,I decided I will probably sign up for the ship's excursion to Kotor and Perast. They both sound wonderful, I will have more time in each town and spend less time on the bus. It is one of the few reasonably priced ship's excursions. I found it interesting that Rick Steves has lots in information on Montenegro in his book called

Rick Steves Croatia and Slovenia.....go figure!

thanks to all for all the great pictures and info!

Robin

Does anyone have an idea how long a taxi ride from

Kotor to Parast? I wonder if they would accept the euro?

Thanks for the advice and GREAT pictures!! We will probably go to Budva as well after seeing your lovely pictures! We are going on the shorter 4 hour tour after I saw the disclosure on the ship's tour description about the 25 hairpin turns that are included in the longer tour that includes the other stops. Maybe with less stops, we will have a little more time in Buvda and Kotor.

Thanks again!

Robin