FLCruZar

Market times

We went last year Basel to Amsterdam. I felt we had a good blend of touring and markets both day and night on the Viking cruise. Ship had somewhat festive decor. I will dig around for the market schedule and post. I would recommend if possible to stay a few nights pre and post. We spent a week post in Netherlands and Belgium (had snow in Brussels) following the cruise. We also did an own our own driving trip one year as well in Alsace region of France. We spent several nights in Colmar which was really nice. I don’t think you can go wrong choosing between land or ship travel. Go with a plan, but leave room to be flexible. I found YouTube to be a great source of info.

I didn’t even think of cabins for this cruise. Since it will be December, not much scenic cruising time. We did have a duck view on Viking last year and it was fine. Last minute booking and it was GTY, I wouldn’t hesitate booking cabin again. This was also in December and minimal scenic cruising on the Rhine.

I will definitely try to take advantage of this benefit! thanks

Thanks for your responses. We ended up booking Emerald. Decided to try a line that would be new to us. Now just have to book air, pre and post accommodations.

Hi Booking a Christmas market cruise and deciding between the two. We have sailed Viking before, but not Emerald. Itinerary and booking price nearly the same - Emerald being slightly less expensive. Would appreciate opinions of those that may have sailed both. thanks

Options NCL Prima Norway/Iceland or Princess Sky Baltic. Will definitely read through this thread for insights. Would love to get some opinions. Cruise style love smaller ports or access to less traveled places. Own our own vs group touring. thanks!

Mine just was Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for choosing MSC Cruises for your cruise vacation. We are contacting you with an important update concerning your cruise which was scheduled to sail on 6/1/2024 from Southampton, UK aboard MSC Virtuosa. Due to necessary operational reasons, we regret to inform you that we’ve had to make changes which have impacted your sailing. MSC Virtuosa 6/01/2024, 14-nightsailing has been cancelled. We would like to offer you a new 12-night cruise aboard MSC Virtuosa which will sail from Southampton on6/3/2024. The new itinerary will include visits to beautiful port cities in the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal before returning to Southampton on 6/15/2024. A prorated refund will be applied for the two (2) missing nights. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and any disruption to your vacation.

Norway/Iceland, It doesn’t appear to be multiple embarkations.

Ugh really torn. 14 days port intensive Europe (4 sea days). Any experiences? Thinking I will only change and sleep in the room, and then thinking will I fully appreciate the experience. Really love YC, but have only been on during Caribbean sailings.

I have had YC bid accepted on a prior sailing. I cancelled both drink package, and Wi-Fi. Each was booked as an add-on not part of the rate. Refund took maybe 30 days to come through. Cancelation was made prior to sailing date. Good luck on your bid!

27 days out CC authorization and no longer able to modify bids. Have not yet received email notification or updated cabin number. Good luck and happy cruising all! Friday tweaked bids higher, Monday CC authorization.

Seems to be the new normal. Never noticed so much bad behavior preCovid. Recently sailed Princess, RCCL and MSC. MSC was in YC [much better setvice], but whoa some of my fellow passengers. I feel for the staff, has to be disheartening. I don’t think it’s the cruise line…. When Disney Parks had to add behavior etiquette to travel info it’s not going well anywhere

I love that the code is at a minimum no bare fit, tank tops and swimwear. Should be a different vibe from our previous cruises on other lines - looking forward to it. Not better or worse just different.

Specialty restaurants as well! RC is making the packing easier.

Yes! It has been some time since sailing on rc (most recently princess msc). Went to check out the dress code and it appears only bare feet and tank tops were not acceptable. How did I miss this. Makes this upcoming trip way easier to pack for! 😀

Ah simpler times when discussions were when and where passengers had to mask, now crew lol.

Interesting insights, and I guess not surprised this is happening. Just came over to this board for some preplanning tips. Most recently sailed on Princess cruise where I witnessed a pretty intense confrontation poolside. Did not get physical fortunately. In our 2 recent Princess cruises it was noticeable that there were some “interesting” people onboard. Wondering if some cruise lines or experiences [NCL retreat, MSC Yacht club] offers a better cruise vacation. I would rather forfeit a deposit than have to skip dessert due to a brawl breaking out in the MDR.

We shall see in about 30 days!

Called Princess this afternoon regarding new package. I was quoted $350 for 2, seemed low but she assured me it was correct. I did not have a plus package … but I was sold the upgrade [accidently?] Saw the error online - called back to correct, but was again assured it was fine. Not the smoothest rollout, might just let it ride.