vada_9

I have done both tours with Avalon - but on different river cruises. Ended a Christmas Market tour in Prague - we were bussed up to the castle -looked around the grounds and saw the guards change as we were leaving. Saw Cathedral and went inside. Bussed back down and walked through Jewish area to Astronomical clock (saw it strike 11am). On our own from then. I think some folk chose to walk down from the castle. We were staying at The Intercontinental. In Vienna we were bussed to the Opera House then walked to the Hofberg passed the stables. Then down the pedestrian streets to the Cathedral (did not go in). We left at this time as we had tickets to the Spanish riding school.

My husband and I did a morning with Row Venice (back in 2014). We really enjoyed our morning learning to row a Batella (slightly bigger than a gondola) through the back canals and out into lagoon. If you get the chance, try it as it is not touristy.

If you decide to visit The Last Supper - remember you need to book in advance. They are timed admissions.

I don't know if it matters and I am not condoning this. But, keep a couple of extra US$50 in your wallet. It worked for a couple on our river cruise many years ago that had the incorrect entry date on their visa. I would assume your cruise director will be able to help with this.

A couple of points to consider - I have flown Ryan air out of Stanstead (pre covid) to Ireland. The flights are fine, but they now charge for all luggage - both checked and/or placed in overhead locker. There is no assigned seating, so you are not guaranteed to sit together (if that is important). I remember we used a minicab to get to airport as we had an early flight. We used the transit bus on our return - I think it went to Kingscross Station - but you would have to check that.

I can't answer your question re beds. But, you will probably find that there is very little "night time" cruising on the Mekong maybe a couple of hours during dinner. From my memory we were either moored mid river or tied up alongside at night. As you are going in August, be prepared for an afternoon downpour each day - generally lasts about 15 mins -1/2 hr.

If it was me, I would stay in Regensberg. I have never been there and I assume you haven’t either. I am sure there would be interesting things to see and do. Would just need to do some research.

Make sure you are comfortable with having your shoes washed. Most asian river ships wash your shoes on your return to the ship. It helps with keeping the decks clean. Sneakers may not dry in the humidity between wears. Also you will probably need to remove shoes ( and socks) for temple visits. I take a pair of thongs - easy off and on and dry quickly.

A few years back we went sailing out in the harbour on an America’s Cup practice racing yacht. You could participate if you wished or just sit back and enjoy. Ticket included entrance to Maritime Museum. There are also 1/2 day tours to the western winery’s that also visit the Gannets ( at this time of year the babies are on the nest).

Short answer - yes. Once you know your docking location ( and you may only find out just before), you will be able to work out how to get there. Taxi/Uber public transport/ private transfer is fine. Depending where you stay in Amsterdam, you may even walk, as the main docking area is just next to Central Station, before the cruise ship terminal. Check Google street view and you will see the river boats lined up.

As much as I love outdoor dining ( and we do it often here). We don’t usually in Europe as smoking is still allowed at outside tables. And that is a big turn off.

Short answer, yes. We were on this cruise. It was full. Disney is not about the destination it is about the experience. We are a senior couple and travelled without our family. We participated in a fish extender group and pixie dusted. There were family groups, couples of various ages and singles as well - both male and female.There were a lot of Asian families - cheaper to fly here than the states. There was lots to do for every age group. (If you choose). Dining was up there with the best we have had on a ship. The shows were excellent. We didn’t line up to meet characters but saw a few around the ship. Staff were all happy and helpful. Prices are high for drinks and merchandise. But you can take on alcohol and softdrink and coffee machine are free.

Lucky you getting to go on the fast boat through the falls. When we were there in July on Le Laperous, that option was cancelled. Originally it was an extra cost excursion. The fast boat tours were happening, but I think Ponant was waiting on the outcome of last years accident.

There is a website - Christmas markets in Europe - (all 1 word). You can check country then individual town to see dates of openings. I just looked up Linz and it has a link to the official market site along with dates Nov 18 - Dec 24.

I like having a balcony to hang my wet togs etc out.

Think we bought one on ebay - there are lots there and they are reasonably priced. Think we got a 15 or 20 litre. We also have a larger one from a sporting store ( about 40 litre) can fit in shoes and a towel. Anaconda and BCF stock them as well.

Hi Vicki, we spoke with the naturalists and they said the APT trips ( Broome - Darwin) did more cultural stops. Re backpacks, my husband and I have a couple of different size dry bags ( easily bought on line) and they were perfect for the zodiac rides. We usually only needed 1 between us for cameras, phone, binoculars. Sometimes shoes. On one trip at Ashmore Reef it was choppy and our whole boat had their phones in our bag for the ride back. Your trip won’t go there as that stop is only on the southern trip. Backpacks are fine, but waterproof is preferable. You hand your bags to the seamen as you board and they give them to you when you are seated. Aus $ for Freshwater cove. This would be also for your other stop at the Indigenous community. Jan

Hi Vicki, thanks for the nice comments and no problems answering your questions. For the zodiacs my husband and I wore reef shoes - mine were the cheapies from Big W/Kmart. Husband had some old dive boots (I think this will have been their final outing). A lot of folk had the Anaconda ones. Depending which way you are cruising will determine how many landings you have. On the Darwin - Broome direction there were only the 2 - one onto rocks (wore our sneakers) and one onto the beach plus an extra if you did the Mitchell Falls helicopter tour, also a beach landing. If you do the Broome - Darwin, I think there is possibly another landing. We carried our sneakers to change into once - we didn't do the longer walk so were happy in our reef shoes/bare feet. Towels were available to take with you to dry your feet. We also wore the reef shoes zodiac cruising as sun protection. Recommend taking a dry bag as sometimes the zodiacs had water in them and for choppier outings. Staff discouraged wearing thongs on the zodiac trips. All prices on board are in Euro - ie higher level drinks, gift shop, and excursions, payable to your on board account and charged at the end. There is a USB port for charging , but you may also need an EU or US adaptor. Just a note, if you are wanting to buy artworks at Freshwater cove, they are in the process of getting EFTPOS/CC facilities, so it was cash only - prices started around $200 and up. I hope you have a wonderful time cruising the beautiful Kimberley coast. Jan

I don’t have a photo of it. We used it in the Seychelles. But it is a pontoon on hydraulic arms that is lowered behind the boat when anchored. It is the width of the ship so very stable. Zodiacs can be loaded from both sides. It is only about 10 steps down and you are not walking through the lobby when you return wet. I understand that other “toys” can be easily launched as well eg SUP’s etc.

We have just returned from the 10 night Kimberley Cruise on Le Laperouse from Darwin to Broome. This will not be a review as such, but I will try and give some info, as there is not much out there. Happy to answer any questions. The Andrew Daddo video – see earlier post - covers the excursions etc very well. Just a note that the North -South and South -North itineraries do visit a couple of different spots. As a foreign registered ship, there is a requirement to exit Australian waters every 20 days so on the Darwin /Broome cruise a technical stop is made at Ashmore Reef. We were able to do a zodiac cruise here. Boarding was done at the Darwin Cruise terminal by deck at 4pm approx. We required a negative RAT, proof of vaccination and our passports. As there were only 123? guests we were all aboard and left on time -6pm. As we were on deck 3 we were amongst the last to board. There were more crew than guests this cruise. As almost everyone was English speaking there were no announcements in French. Guests were mainly from Australia, with others from New Zealand, USA, Germany and Costa Rica. Apologies if I have missed someone. Cruise director was from Spain (Azores). The expedition leader was from South Africa and expedition staff were mainly Australians along with New Caledonia, USA, UK and Chile. Apologies again if I missed someone. We were divided into 4 colour coded groups for expeditions. If you wanted to be with friends etc for the excursions, you could ask before they did the groups. Usually about 11 zodiacs would go out with about 8 guests per zodiac. Because the floating pontoon was broken (should be repaired next time in Darwin), all excursions departed from deck 3 by external stairs. The staff were excellent in getting you into and out of the zodiacs. There are only 3 excursions where you go on land, 4 if you do the optional helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls. All other excursions are zodiac cruising. Back to the ship, She is like the other explorers in layout. Staffed mainly by French and Philippine folk. Food on a whole was very good. Lots of yummy French desserts and breads. The only thing missing was some of the French cheeses. I was told this was because of Australian Quarantine Rules.

Leaving Darwin harbour tonight

In May we were on Captain Cook Cruises, Fiji, Reef Endeavour., doing their 7 night Mamanuca/Yasawa Is cruise. Cruise caters for divers, snorklers and relaxing either on deserted beaches or on board. Food was very good. Lovely Fijian staff. Ship is getting old, but comfortable and clean, (there is no lift - been out of order for some time). Enjoyed visiting The Blue Lagoon. There were Aussies, Kiwis, UK and US on board plus locals joined for the shorter 3 night cruise. A new ship is on its way in November - the Caledonian Sky. - think she is doing Kimberley cruises at present. They have a variety of itineraries and with the new ship will be visiting Tonga and Samoa as well.

Hi MichiganJill, I saw your post earlier this morning and am surprised no one has responded to you. Host Jazz Beau, has travelled with AMA in Africa - there is a link to his blog in his signature (I don't know how to link this). As an aside, I have spent 2 nights on the Chobe Princesses (owned by the same group as the Zambezi Queen (Mantis)) and operate in the same part of the river. The river safari was a highlight of our time in Southern Africa - in fact nearly everything in SA was wonderful. We went out in tenders, so you got up close to the wildlife, visited local villages or could go tiger fish fishing. We saw a lot of wildlife.

Back in 2018, we stayed at the Pan Pacific, Hanoi. It is not in the old quarter, but out near West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. On our arrival day we were able to walk around the smaller lake stopping for local coffee, had lunch at a local cafe (the pho they served was unique to the area). There are a couple of temples out there which you most likely won't visit on your included tour. I have looked at your itinerary and you will most likely visit The Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Mihns house and probably the "Hanoi Hilton". All are worthy of a visit. On your free day - I would look at doing a street food tour - if that interests you or maybe a cooking class. Walking around the Old Quarter is always fun and hectic. (There are many cheap 3 star hotels in the old quarter, if you are interested). Not sure if of interest, but I have been to the Lacquer factory (art place) - interesting to see them doing stuff with egg shells etc - and yes it is a "shopping stop". This is the view from the Pan Pac roof top bar.