TravelingLadyOhio

I do not really watch my diet, so I am sorry I cannot answer the questions about low sodium foods. However, all the breakfast foods are color coded to show healthy eating. Lunch has salads, fruits, and I am sure you can find something to satisfy your dietary needs. There is so much to choose from!

Chicken breast was the only option other than the 3 on the menu. Tram passes are sold on the tram itself. 7 Euro for all day or 2.60 Euro for 1 hr.

Yes, the room at the Movenpick included breakfast, both pre and post cruise. Again, they are all buffet, but plentiful and good.

All cities had a morning tour included. They lasted about 1 1/2 hrs. Some people opted out and went on their own, as we did in Cologne. All cities had some free time, but not alot. If you think of anything else, I am more than happy to help. I know I learned so much before we sailed from just reading these boards. Have a great time.

Thanks Ohio lady, could you answer a couple of questions please. I am trying to eat a lower calorie, lower sodium diet. Are there many healthy options at lunch and anything other than chicken at dinner? Did you go to the ships' fitness room and did they have a scale in it?

 

Did you buy the all day tram pass at the station? Did your room at the Movenpick include breakfast?

 

What cities did you have the most free time in?

 

Thanks for any other details you have time to provide. I am away from home so if my documents have arrived I haven't been able to look at them yet.

 

Sandy

We bought our AFH tix about 2 months in advance. They are timed for 1/2 hour intervals. There are 2 doors when you arrive - those with tix can go to the left door and walk right in anytime during your 1/2 time slot - it is the only way to do it. It was very moving to say the least, and one of the highlights of my trip. Cost converted to about $12.75 USD.

From the Movenpick in Zurich, we walked a short 5-7 mins to the tram station across the street. It took about 20 mins to the heart of Zurich. We bought a one day tix and rode all around the town, ending up on the lake watching the boats and eating ice cream.

The bus to the boat left at 3pm on Sunday. After you check out of your room, they have a conference room available for luggage storage if you want to do something till 3pm that day.

Yes, the German dinner was the only optional we took. Don't miss that one for a fun-filled evening. We skipped the other optionals for the very reason you stated. I did not talk much w/people who did take them.

We just finished our Rhine river cruise with Avalon July 3-10 and it was wonderful. I learned so much from these postings, I will list a few points for everyone.

We flew into Zurich 1 day early to adjust a little to the time change and we also toured on our own. We stayed at the Moevenpick at the airport - all arranged by Avalon. The bus transfer on Sunday to the boat in Basel was smooth. You board and hand them your passport (only for 1 day) and then we were escorted to our room and the luggage arrived in minutes.

The hard bed issue has been addressed and now they all have memory foam on them for utter comfort! Bottled water is provided each day at no charge.

The food was very good. Breakfast/lunch both buffet and dinner each night was at 7 pm with open seating. All dinners were 5 course with an entree of either meat, fish or vegan. Wine was free flowing. Chicken was always an option. The tables are for 4, 6 or 8 people - no tables for 2 - but then we had fun meeting people from all over the world. Happy hour was from 6-7 and before we went into the restaurant, our CD Robert, gave us an overview of the next days activities. After dinner we took our wine to the top deck and watched the sun set over the Rhine. On 'formal' night the men do NOT need coats - a dress shirt and dockers are fine. Women wore dresses (not fancy) or slacks and a little nicer top. This is very different from an ocean cruise. However, no shorts/jeans in the dining room for dinner.

We did the optional tour for a German dinner/show in Rudesheim. We all had so much fun and the food was good too. Suffice to say what happened that night will stay there!!!!

The included tours in each town were good, except that the devices we wore had static which lots of folks complained about. Tour guides need to hold mic closer to avoid this feedback. You will travel thru 14 locks - some at night and yes, some people heard some noises. Me, I slept thru all of them.

They had a piano player each night and dancing. One night the crew put on a little talent show and it was quite funny.

We stayed 2 extra days in Amsterdam and toured on our own. We toured the Anne Frank House and had bought our tix ahead of time online. When we saw the line that was blocks long, we were able to walk up and get right in as the tix are timed.

Everything was just as we had hoped for. I would sail again with Avalon anytime, anyplace!!