Techno123

Also, have a read about the aft vibration issues on Navigator if that might be something that bothers you then look for something further forward.

Peak summer season in the UK so remember to bring your swimsuit/hat/sun glasses/sun cream and your raincoat/thick sweater/long trousers and an umbrella 😂😂. We are across the Irish Sea from Ireland - Friday it was hot and sunny and today it is cold, windy and raining. Sea can also be very rough around the UK so as captjohn says, pool may be out of use because of this.

I have messaged the travel agent so will get them to sort it. Don't plan to start my holiday/vacation stressed out and with missing luggage 😜

We are indeed 😁 hotel looks good but may have to do something about the Regent flights. 1.5 hours to change terminals and catch the connecting flight would be pushing it at the best of times and airports (and Heathrow isn't one of them 😂😜)

Us too 😁

As we live in the UK we went to Edinburgh last year and visited HMS Britannia. A couple of points for you to check on. They were installing a new tram system when we were there and the roads were very congested so (particularly on your way back to the ship) leave plenty of time. The actual entrance to HMS B is in the shopping centre next door - it wasn't very obvious and finally, I would recommend having something to eat and/or drink onboard - expensive but we enjoyed it. Some photos for you 😁

I think the issue is if a mask is required on public transport for a particular country then they class the planes into and out of their airports as public transport. We had to wear masks on trams, metros, buses and trains in Lisbon and were told by the EasyJet cabin crew we should wear them on the plane too ( which almost everyone ignored 😜)

I would have a look at this year's pricing - it might just tempt you back 😜😜

Try Avalon - we have just returned from a Rhine cruise and the prices were very reasonable. One included excursion each day, wine beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, tips included (at least for the Brits), tea, coffee and cookies all day, half price drinks from 5:45 to 6:45 in the bar and you can take your own drinks onboard and store in the minibar. We used EasyJet to Basel free public transport into the city from the airport and stayed in a hotel for a couple of nights and back from Amsterdam 11 euros on the train for both of us. We usually sail Seabourn/Regent and whilst it is not the same, I found it very good overall and thoroughly enjoyed it.

There were people in shorts, all genders, and one man who wore a baseball cap (but he was the only one) a few pairs of blue jeans but mainly trousers and a shirt or polo shirt. Other half took pants but wore his black jeans most nights with a short sleeved shirt or polo shirt. I wore white jeans once but like to dress up so wore a casual dress or pants and a dressy top. The focus is on tidy and comfortable rather than overly smart I would say.

Got back from a Rhine cruise with Avalon on the 24th May. They ask you to wear a mask when you are at any of the buffets but apart from that, no masks required onboard or on their coaches/ excursions.

We have also just finished the north bound Rhine cruise on the expression. Our Cruise Director changed the Heidelberg trip so everyone left the ship at a quick stop at Ludwigshafen, everyone went to the castle and then the walking group did the Philosophers Way and the 'Heidelberg' group had a look around town then time on their own. They met up and returned on the coach. This seemed far more sensible and meant people got to do both. We now wish we had done it but got plenty of exercise on the other active trips and also taking the bikes out ourselves most days 😁

Yes they were offering them the day prior to disembarkation for those flying home to countries which require them the following day.

Thank you both for your kind comments. I suppose I should have started with the view through the vineyards down to the Rhine which we took on our hike up to the Niederwald monument in Rudesheim just before we set off. 😁

We obviously dodged the majority of the storms as we sailed up the Rhine (17th until 24th May) as our days were mainly glorious mid to high twenties (Celsius) although there were one or two night time thunder storms. Our day sailing the middle or scenic Rhine was overcast but I thought I would share some photos with you as it is truly beautiful. Map provided by Avalon to go along with the commentary.

With Avalon you wouldn't know as they ask that everyone (crew and guests) has been fully vaccinated and confirm they don't have symptoms prior to boarding after that no tests until you go home (if you need them).

On Avalon Expression (on the Rhine) as I type. No testing is correct. You need to be fully vaccinated and must fill in the documentation they send as part of their 'packet' and we have all been asked to wear a mask when getting our food from the breakfast and lunch buffets but at no other time.

Maybe it's a British booked thing then ? Please note that tips for your Cruise Director, the ship's crew, local guides and drivers are included in the price of your holiday. If you would like to provide an extra tip, envelopes specifically for this purpose will be left in your stateroom on the day prior to disembarkation, and a designated box in which to deposit the envelopes will be set up at the Reception when you leave the ship.

I believe gratuities are included in the fare on Avalon.

Have you joined the roll call yet that snack daddy started? Hopefully we can share ideas on there too 😁

Then I look forward to enjoying our day in Mainz even more than I was anticipating - danke 😁

Hi notamermaid - yes we are there on the 20th. I will pop over to the Rhine thread to see what you have to say. We have booked a walking tour so hopefully the guide will be knowledgeable (unless you fancy the job 😜) Should I be excited 😁?

Kenster is the dock by the Movenpick Hotel? It is a few years since we were last in Amsterdam and we stayed there (and watched the ships) but the train journey was quick and easy with no stops (15/20mins). We only had carryon then but this time I am bringing one hold case between us 😜

We are leaving next Tuesday and had planned to do the Philosophers Way in Heidelberg until Coyboy who has been posting his Avalon Rhine experience said the people who did it had to go with the Black Forest trip at 8:30am then spend 4 hours on their own waiting to be collected to go back to the ship for 4pm 😱. So we intend to do the Mainz walking tour instead and that definitely leaves after lunch 😁

Thank you Kenster and jsn55 - lazy breakfast, stash bags at station and go for a walk it is then 😁. We had planned on train to the airport anyway. We just have Manchester airport to look forward to on our return 😢