Morgans

Forgive me for jumping in here - Aix en Provence wins hands down. It's known as the most beautiful town in France - don't miss it.

As Hank says keep your fingers crossed the Mistral won't be blowing - if it is, it will be very chilly/ cold . Or you could be lucky and the weather will be benign and fine.

Hank - how can you compare the centre of Paris to Times Square? It beggars belief. As yet I haven't seen anyone dressed as Minnie Mouse or a scantily dressed Cowboy outside the Ritz !!! These have been spotted by us frequently in Times Square however LOL. The only thing the 1st Arondissement and Times Square have in common is that they are central.

We like the 1st and 8th arrondissement (district) - very central for your walking. Would advise you not to pick the 9th or 10th as these can be less salubrious.

Thank you for all the responses - all very interesting.

We realise that river cruising will be very different from ocean cruising - that is why we want to give it a go. We have seen the river boats on several of the European rivers and decided it looks very tempting. On checking late availability for this year (for UK passengers we tend to get flights included in the cost) I noticed that most (not all) departures had the lowest priced cabins left (E grade on Avalon) so I wondered if passengers were being upgraded to free those up. Thanks to Candkd for pointing out that the top cabins may be affected by the walking above. We will probably go for an A or B grade.

We are looking at a Danube cruise which includes Prague and Budapest and Avalon does offer such an itinerary which is 13 days. Any of the others do similar - we do want more than a week.

Once again many thanks to all who responded - it is appreciated.

After many years of ocean cruising, we are intending booking a River Cruise for next year . Can anyone tell me if the River Cruise companies offer upgrades similar to Cunad, P&O etc?We know the grade of cabin we want and will book it accordingly but just curious if upgrades do get offered - we are particularly thinking of Avalon and its Danube cruises.

Many thanks for any help.

Poor them! Hopefully P&O will make offer something in recompense, such as a free bottle of champagne or maybe extra OBC.

 

.

I'm not sure that compensation is appropriate in these circumstances for someone asked to move from their cabin. Just be glad it's not you being carried off the ship !

Babs - sorry that your financial situation is now more constrained than previously. Go on your holiday and enjoy every minute. If you wish to remove the tips (or whatever they're called) then do so. Tip directly what you can and don't give it a second thought .....it is no one's business but your own. Have a lovely, lovely holiday ( and I am sure you will.)

That goes for everyone else too - tipping is your own business. No one has the right to tell you how much to tip - it's not law and you will not be clamped in irons. Do what you think is fair and what you think is right for your own circumstances.

You may find more information on the Italy board - this one is for Spain (Elba is situated off the coast of Italy.)

It's absolutely scorching - here in Wapping we've sat down by the river at Hermitage Park (Jo Cox memorial picnic - lots going on here) and we have been absolutely baked. What a day to leave on a cruise -perfect!

Geiranger is lovely, small and easily doable on your own. The fjord centre is walkable from the small town and is a pleasant, uphill walk - as has been said about 10 mins but longer if you take your time and view the scenery on the way. There is a museum exhibition about life and history in the area, a beautiful shop and cafe. We enjoyed it. You will have plenty of time to see the small town too if you don't wish to do an excursion.

Addison Lee are excellent but there is no point booking them to come out from London to Southampton and then out up to Worcester. This wouldn't be cost effective at all. There are many Southampton companies (which if you do a search of these boards) would be a better bet.

Since St. Peter Port was our last port of call, we kept it simple and decided to walk around town. While planning the cruise, nothing really "jumped out" at us as an activity to do there. I had considered Annette Henry Tours, but after contacting her, I learned that I needed to create my own tour group, which I wasn't interested in doing.

We tendered to the port, which took about 10-15 minutes. The town is located right at the port and there are people there handing out detailed maps. Within walking distance, there are many shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the winding streets. Other than the castle, no other major attractions are within walking distance. Unlike some of the other ports, this one wasn't real intense, but rather more relaxing, which was enjoyable for the end of the cruise.

Don't forget La Vallette Underground Military Museum is within walking distance - not far at all.

Both La Rochelle and the Ile de Re are beautiful - you can do both but both places merit a full day (and more) on their own. The crossing over on the bridge is spectacular.

If you stay in LA Rochelle - you must have cider and crepes (or seafood) lots of places to choose from. It's a delightful place - you can mooch around all day.

There is a Burger King at Fenchurch Street station (quite near the Tower.) also in the St Katharine Docks area you are able to buy homemade burgers on a Friday lunchtime at the food stalls set out in the 'World Food Fair' which takes place every Friday lunchtime. Cote restaurant does a very nice steak and chips which can be as plain as you prefer/wish. All of these are next door to the Tower. If you need recommendations for a hotel , the Guoman Tower hotel is very pleasant. Any more, please ask.

Christine, we live near Peterborough and are frequent travellers on this route - we use the booking system regularly. Have tried a dummy booking and it is showing the same for us too. It must be a glitch in the system. Don't panic as you have plenty of time for it to be put right - you can often get decent fares a month or so out (& often less). As you say, keep checking.

Again I recommend the Connaught - absolutely beautiful with delicious sandwiches and pastries. The setting is also lovely. The Savoy is not as good (IMHO) these days. I don't think you would be disappointed at all.

Far too far to walk - as has been said there is a bus to Tilbury Town station and the bus stop is situated in front of the Cruise Terminal to the right. It used to be a small white bus and it cost a pound each way a couple of years ago but I have heard since that if you have a rail ticket then the journey was free but not sure about this.

You get dropped at the railway station from where you need to ask for Fenchurch Street station. This is ideal for the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks area and also is near the Hoho bus stop if you wish to use the Tourist buses. If you wish to use the red London Buses you will find an Oyster card useful. Your journey back to Tilbury Town station will be from Fenchurch Street but check timings of the small 'shuttle bus' as I'm not sure how late they run if you anticipate a late return from the city. It would be handy if your cruise line would provide a shuttle either to the station or even into London but don't bank on it.

Durham Castle is a good one with great guided tours. Nearby Beamish is also full of interest in that it's a recreation of a village from times gone by with lots of things to interest youngsters. Worth googling.

If you haven't already, book your hotel room ASAP. Prices will probably increase and availabilty decrease nearer to the date.

Sketch does an excellent afternoon tea - quirky and unique. Also have a look at the Taj St James Court's website - they also do some very different themes which are something out of the ordinary.

The Connaught for afternoon tea takes a lot of beating. Recommended and definitely worth it.

Any particular ports you are wanting? We have just got off the Sydney to Japan sector.

We did that same voyage in 2014 and we were allocated 2 lots of Internet time each which worked really well as it was enough for emails and some browsing each. It helps to compose emails off line and then cut and paste when online. Saves loads of time. (The voyage was classed as two segments and we are also gold members.)

Just got off QE in Japan and the Internet speed seemed much better than previously - it has improved fortunately.

Stavanger has a brilliant Oil Museum (definitely not as boring as it could sound) which the children should like. It has a great 3D presentation and is very hands on. Things to play with and climb on. There is also a good little hoho bus around the town which the children might enjoy.

Geiranger is a tiny place- but nice for a gentle stroll and shopping for souvenirs. You wIll tender in here which the children should enjoy. Also some nice walks.

Olden is very flat (generally around the ship's berth) so easy if you have a pushchair for the little one. There's a nice little land train/bus which is good fun and the children should enjoy this.

Bergen - I would suggest you do the funicular to the top where there is a children's playground as well as spectacular views for all across the town. The children should also enjoy the market at the fish market - lots of things for sale, 'fishy food' and fishing & pleasure boats to spot.

Norway is great for spotting models of trolls & reindeers - something our grand children always enjoy. They are familiar with stories about them which helps.

We have a 2 yr old grandson & 5 yr old grandaughter living in London and here are some activities we would recommend:-

Tower of London

St Katherine Docks ( children can run around, look at the marina & boats, little bridges to cross & lots of family restaurants.) This is an area next to the Tower.

Walk over Tower Bridge (there's a lift on the south side which makes it easier and walk along the river past HMS Belfast.) On hot days there are magic fountains to jump around.

Unicorn Childrens Theatre - often productions are on for little ones (near Tower Bridge.

The Museum of London - (not the British Museum) has a hands on children's area and several very interesting exhibits such as the Lord Mayors Golden coach complete with model horses. There are childrens trails to follow. It is easily reached on the 100 bus from Tower Gateway.

On the other side of London there is St James Park which is in front of Buckingham Palace and which is delightful for children. They can feed the birds and buy ice creams - lakes, waterfalls, squirrels etc.

London Aquarium (perfect for both ages) and can be reached by boat from The Tower of London which makes it more exciting. The London Eye is good fun too. Don't bother with the London Dungeon unless you want to terrify your 2 yr old.

Hotels which cater well for families are the Guoman Tower Hotel (spectacular views overlooking Tower Bridge by night.) they have family rooms with free teddy bears. Also the Taj St James Court hotel, again with family rooms and free teddy bears/childrens packs. Beautiful courtyard with fountain and model elephants. Spectacular to see. Childrens menu. This hotel is near Buckingham Palace.

Note that I am sure you will be bringing a push chair with you for the 2 yr old (need one for little legs and long walks) and that small children are free on London Transport so no need for Oyster cards. They can just jump on and off with you! Hope this helps. Any questions, we will try to answer.