seashell

Thank you.  That gives me an idea when I will need to be at the Fosshotel.  Enjoy your trip.  You should be leaving soon.  Hope all goes well.

I was hoping you would get an answer by now.  I am going on the 17th.  I have been told by julie on your cruise that Covid testing is being done at the Fosshotel before boarding.  Then transport to the ship from there.  Any other information you find, please post.  I may be changing hotels.  Thanks

Michelle

Thanks for the suggestions.  I am cruising with Hurtigruten and they are a bit stingy with their information so far.  

Where is the port most ships use?  Is it close to central Reykjavik?  Walking as in a mile, 15 minutes?

if I book a Golden Circle Tour how much should it cost?  how long does it take?  I have a full day open before I get on a ship to cruise around the island.

Mine has not come through my credit card yet but looks to be a full refund but nothing on my travel insurance.  I'll let you know when i get money in my account.  Luckily I had not booked any excursions.   I still need to cancel my hotels i booked separately.  

I was going in a group of family.  My sister got the call from our TA Friday.  Our cruise was for 5/2/2020.  It was cancelled.  We had the option as a group to either take the refund or rebook.  We chose to take the refund.   I got my notice from the TA today that my refund had been processed.  I'm guessing it will take a few days to actually get it.  

Newcruiser - I am surprised.  At least it is a small ship so fewer interactions.  I hope it works out for the best.  I've heard it is a wonderful cruise and beautiful place to visit.  

My Rhine cruise is 5/2.  Avalon cancellation policy now includes all of April.  Have to wait longer to see what they do.  part of the family wants to go and part wants to cancel.  It took several years to get everyone on board to go on a trip together.  I am sad to see it not happen.  We are all getting older so who knows how many times we could go.  Guess I have to think positive and hope we can go next year.

Spideysmum - there are car services that can take you to the airport also.  While a little more in cost than the bus they are cheaper than the transport.  I found one on travelocity and one on the Port board for Amsterdam.   You have plenty of time to get it figured out.  

I was able to get one for May 2020.  I think it is a great program.  I believe I was told there were 5 cabins available for the single program on my cruise.  I can't wait for my cruise.  I hope you can get one Roz.    

NKS50 - I think we are on the same sailing.  I am part of a family group of 12.  We are going early.  Part are arriving 2 days ahead and part one day ahead.  We are all going to Keukenhof but not sure if before we get on the boat or after we check in.  So many good places to see and experience.  I'm waiting to hear what Avalon offers.  The flowers all depend on the weather as to what we will see.  I had a good friend go about the 10th of May in 2018 and it was still beautiful.  I'd like to see the Alsmeer flower auction but Iit is only open certain days of the week.  It is an early morning trip.  Trying to corral this group is like herding turtles.  We are down to excursions.  Everything else is pretty well booked.  Look forward to meeting you on board.

Michelle

I agree.  Great thread and so much information.  I am going with several members of my family.  I am one of the solos in the group.  I liked the fact that they have 5 cabins on each ship for singles that they don't charge a single supplement.  I've paid that for years.  I think I may end up paying $100 more but that is way ahead of the curve.  So many great itineraries that i have the feeling I will be going again.    

Ine,

Thank you so much for those websites.  Having transportation all set up will be wonderful.  After a long flight, i know everyone will be tired.  This will make it easier on everyone.  (especially me).  My sister and husband just got to their ship in Venice (without his luggage, lost by airline).  This is the 2nd year that they have had flight cancellations at the last minute.  With my older cousins going this will make at least one more piece of the trip set.   I have 2 more questions.   Do you tip the drivers?  and how much?  

Michelle

I have a group of 4 arriving to go to a hotel near Leidesplein (can't remember the spelling).  Is there a van service to take us?  We will be too big for a cab.  I'm the youngest at age 60 so I'd like to make it easy.  More family arrives the next day so they may want to do the same.

Suntan,

Would love to hear about your cruise when you get back.  I want to do that one.  You will have a fabulous time.  I will be there just ahead of you.  i am going to Keukenhof for sure.  I am a gardener and love tulips although i may be past the peak for them.  Alsmeer is the flower auction house.  I plan to go there too.  Like you I am also looking at hotels now.  Family will be coming in different days so I want to find one that everyone will be happy with.  So many options but many showed fully booked already.  I hope you got the single price.  It makes a big difference.  

Michelle

Suntan,

Viking price is outrageous.  I am Enchanting Rhine i think going Southbound in May.  I am on the second level in a B class i think.  I have the single price of $4,500.00 i think.  since i am going as part of a group i got a discount and I got another one for booking in the may promotion.  My air I am paying for and looks to be $1,600 for premium select on Delta.  Main economy was running somewhere around $1000 depending on which flight i picked.  I'm going early 2 days and staying one extra so i'll have hotel costs too.  But still significantly less than Viking's quote.  Plus the rooms are bigger.  I've sailed solo many times and I've been gouged many times.  At least now i get some credit for the solo sails.  I finally hit Elite level on Celebrity.

Michelle  

Suntan,

i can't answer some questions since i don't cruise until May but I can address the single supplement.  I am booked as a single.  I was told there are usually 5 cabins per cruise that have the supplement waived.  So if the price is $4000 per person in the room then you pay $4,000.00.  If they get more than 5 singles on the cruise then you pay $8,000.00.  (or close to it).  If you want to do this then book early to get the lower price.  I have a family group going and we are age 59 to 75.  The family wanted to see castles so we are going on the Rhine cruise.  

i was told by the agents i have talked to that the busiest months on the rivers are May and September.  We booked May not knowing that.  Also something to think about is weather.  Pick a month you like the weather.  I don't think you can pick a bad itinerary they all visit so many interesting places.  Good luck in your search.  I think river cruising will be a nice change from ocean cruising.  

Michelle

PS thanks everyone for the continuing information.  I have picked up so much from all of you.

Thank you Magnolia, Daisi and amyr,   I will look into the Bestek brand.  

FuelScience - wish i was going on that cruise so i could try out the chocolate.  I am hoping to find some good chocolate in Amsterdam and Switzerland.  I won't be buying too many souvenirs but i want to try lots of chocolate.  I found a couple great shops in Honfleur last year.  Some of the chocolate made it home but it did not last.  There are not many places to buy good chocolate here. 

I was wondering about the plug ins.  Thanks for the information.  I will be on the Vista may 2020.  I may get some adapters for the family at christmas.  Also good to know about the Brita water bottle filters.  You all are great.  Thanks.

Michelle

I have a family group going May 2020 and this is a big topic.  Thanks for all the input.  Somehow I have become the point person.  First river cruise for all of us.  I was thinking i'd book my own air but i may give the TA my preferred flights and see what they can do.  Then hotel is next decision.  

gnome,

are there any usb ports in the rooms?  thanks for the other answer.

michelle

I saw a review and it mentioned plug ins being for european.  Will i be able to use my hairdryer or phone charger or will i need a European converter?   Anyone know?  I will be on Vista i think.

michelle

mhb,

I am looking at a tour by locals tour that goes to both the flower auction and keukenhof.  I have heard great things about Alsmeer.  I so want to see the auction but i know it is only open on certain days of the week and you have to go early.  My cruise is in early May so Keukenhof is still open.  

Sub, 

not sure i can swing a trip to Pilatus.  Only so many days i can be gone from work.  Pictures were great.  Thanks for sharing.

Right now my main goal is to get hotel choices narrowed down for Amsterdam and Zurich.  I also want to book air in August before prices go up.  I'll total the damage and see how many days i can spend pre and post cruise.  i have a feeling i'll be on another river cruise in the next couple years.  So many places I want to visit.  Thanks for all the suggestions.

Michelle

subtchr and s35flyer,  

thank you so much for the answers.  this helps alot.  I have looked at the Banks.  I appreciate all the hotel information.  Several are already booked for next May.  i'm guessing group blocks but I really want to plan ahead.  My family was from the Alsace region.  A family home was in Ribeauville near Colmar and Strasbourg.  If my cousins were still there I would go visit.  I have a doll my aunt sent me from the Black Forest for Christmas in the 1960's.  They were stationed in Paris and Belgium.

As you can guess with a family group of 12 we will be arriving and departing at different times.  As we get older we appreciate the time we have together.  3 of us have tried to get a trip planned for a few years so I am happy we are finally going.  I am thinking now I really want to go for 2 days ahead in Amsterdam.  Thanks for the tip on the transit pass.

I know that there are included tours but did they charge for Keukenhof?  I have already done the canal cruise (celebrity cruise last year ended in Amsterdam).  

Is it far from the ship in Basel to Zurich.  i did not know how hard it would be to take the train.  I really want to see a little of Zurich (chocolate shops) before i head home.

michelle