Rebel54

Sorry to hear about the water issues.  I was meant to be cruising right now so I can only imagine how frustrating that can be.  We got moved from May to August due to a boat being moved to another route.  Of course come August there could be the opposite issue. 😞  Safe travels all.

2 hours ago, Chips401 said:

I did ask about this but from what I am hearing due to excursions it is difficult to provide food so early in the evening.  My only other thought it is eat ashore or bring something ashore if the ship is still docked.

Well that is a shame.  Sorry.

For me it's Avalon.  Viking turned me off with their payment policy.  I am trying out Viva in 2025 but am heading out on my third Avalon in couple months.  I would recommend getting a good travel agent, spelling out your must haves and deal breakers and let them find you the perfect cruise that will suit your needs and wants.

13 hours ago, Chips401 said:

Thanks everyone but it seems like River cruising may not happen for us.  I have GERDs and delayed stomach motility issue which means I have to eat before 7:00.  We love cruising on the big ships and hoped we could try river cruising but alas it is probably not meant to be.

Did you look into Scenic?  If they offer all day room service, you should be able to eat earlier.

10 minutes ago, Daisi said:

Oh, so guess maybe a win win for you as you can celebrate better with her now. 😉

 

For sure.  I am very excited to share this trip with her.  Doing a week in Prague pre cruise and then 3 weeks with Avalon.  Can't wait.

22 minutes ago, Canal archive said:

This has been my understanding but apart from the occasional snack or breakfast I’ve never put it to the test.

I'd like to try Scenic one day.  Their difficult website turns me off however 😞

22 minutes ago, Daisi said:

 

 

Yes, Avalon does seem to do their best to make sure that if anything beyond their control happens, passengers are satisfied. Of course, like any line you will get the picky ones that will complain that they should have known the water was to low, high or other reasons, however on the whole, most who have had their travel re-arranged have been happy.

 

Why did they cancel your cruise Rebel? Did it get taken over by a charter?

They told me they were moving the boat to a different river...that's all they told me.  I can't even remember the name of the boat I was supposed to be on :(.  Ended up having to move to August because it was the only one that didn't conflict with my daughter's graduation schedule.  We are going to celebrate her graduation and our birthdays 🙂

I was watching a series of videos on Scenic (Specifically the Scenic Opal) and the travel agent indicated that the suites included all day room service with some sort of menu.  This might be an option. This is the video I was watching:  https://youtu.be/E2hQW6PTqnY?si=W2H7Sfy-VtxyVK4W

On 5/25/2024 at 8:20 AM, Daisi said:

I'm pretty sure I read on one of the message forums that they will give you a discount if you don't take the special air package. Since you don't need it, it won't hurt to either ask your TA to check or call yourself.

That's what they did for me.  They actually cancelled the sailing I initially booked to move the ship to another river. When I called to rebook, they gave me a discount because I was booking my own air, plus a rebooking discount and something else.  I was annoyed they cancelled (I'd be sailing right now) but happy with the additional discounts.

5 hours ago, Canal archive said:

Just a thought have you tried contacting Avalon direct, make sure you have all of your info to hand and basically let them know they are missing out on a customer who if happy this time may become a returning user. It’s worth a try, go for it!

That is a good idea.  I also book my own air and the agent gave me a different discount that removed the air option.  Definitely recommend calling Avalon direct.

1 hour ago, notamermaid said:

There has been a tragic accident on the Danube. A pleasure boat collided with a river cruise ship last night. It happened near Veröce at the Danube bend upstream from Budapest. Two are dead and five are missing. A river cruise ship allegedly involved has been stopped at Komarno. Please be aware that police may be in the area looking for survivors.

 

notamermaid

 

Oh my .. Prayers for the families and first responders.

2 hours ago, ural guy said:

Rebel 54-  Please do post your thoughts post-cruise.  We're open to trying any line.

My cruise is Christmas 2025 so it is a ways off but there are a couple of YouTubers that have done some reviews on them that make them seem to be a good line to try out:

https://www.youtube.com/@watchuswander/videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19CPVPLFDYE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4Zr7suyPX0

On 5/12/2024 at 5:15 AM, notamermaid said:

The emphasis is on the almost. It is worth comparing the German lines to the international ones, for sure. Viva Cruises includes many alcoholic drinks but not excursions for example. The info is here: https://www.viva-*****/en/onboard-abc

 

notamermaid

 

I am booked with them for 2025 and I am told that there are now some included excursions too.  Even if not, for the price, I'm ok with that.

Avalon (as previously stated) has tables for 2 as well as a less formal seating option in the Panorama Bistro (same menu just scaled down) AND you can do room service when you want to so you have options.

2 minutes ago, TikiIslandGirl said:

No I didn't think about that. I'll check. Also Rebel54 If I turn on my phone I will get charged $10 to get a uber.  (att fee per 24 hours)-so would rather have a pre arranged transfer.

Yikes, this is why I stay with T-Mobile!  I don't know alot about eSim's but that might be something to look into.  Also, turn off your data/roaming and go Wifi and maybe you can use local or airport Wifi to do some business. 

1 hour ago, TikiIslandGirl said:

Hello, myself and my mother will be arriving at the Bucharest (OTP) airport at 5:50 pm. I'm looking for private transfer to our hotel that will meet us in baggage claim. Does anyone have recommendations for companies they have used? Not interested in public transportation. Thanks for any help.

Probably have, but I thought I would ask, have you inquired with your hotel if they can arrange transport for you?

• I'm embarking in August with the Avalon Envision from Prague to Transylvania.  This will be my third with them and I love Avalon.  Mid price point, excellent staff, smaller group of travelers.  Mid level cabins are 200 SF with a wall of windows that open up all the way to make your cabin an open air balcony without loosing space for a balcony.  Food is amazing.  It's not "all inclusive" in that you only get wine and beer "free" with lunch and dinner and there is a 1 hour happy hour.  For me that is not a big deal because I don't drink that much.  They offer room service for all level cabins for all meals.  They offer lots of different excursions for every stop.  I really love that they are backed by Globus and have a great machine behind them if there are water or mechanical issues with the boat.
•  

3 hours ago, Nippy Sweetie said:

I've shared those links to him. He's a terrific chap and would be an asset on any cruise. Good company and a real old fashioned gentleman.

Avalon has a place on their site that shows all their cruises that waive single suppliments:

https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise-deals/?computed_promotion_ids_sm=276319&sort=computed_itinerary_firstbestdiscountedprice_usd_tl%3Dasc

Also, look at Viva cruises.  Their prices are very reasonable and will discount for single travelers.

46 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Ah, yes, Schnitzel Wiener Art is also made with chicken. A small restaurant nearby where I live offers that. Turkey I guess works also but I assume it could get a bit dry. Still, a good chef can do wonders...

 

The tourism website suggests trying these: https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/top-austrian-dishes

 

I like Linzer Torte, have actually never tried the Knödel. I absolutely loved the apple strudel the pastry chef made on my river cruise. Baked to perfection, not too sweet, with a light vanilla sauce. My favourite dessert on the cruise.

 

notamermaid

 

I remember when I lived in Germany having it Turkey. It was pretty good.  It's thin enough that it isn't too dry.  Lots of lemon made it extra yummy. I don't eat pork anymore so I have to find ways to get to enjoy some of my favorites without eating what I can't.

I make homemade apfel strudel at home.  Sooo yummy.  Hmm need to make that again soon.

2 hours ago, notamermaid said:

Have a great cruise.

 

Quiet a few sweet delicacies to try along the Danube, especially in Austria. Whereas Sachertorte originates from Vienna, nobody knows for sure who invented the Donauwelle.

 

In Vienna, Wiener Schnitzel is a must. Food nerd fact, but an important one: "Wiener Schnitzel" is made with veal whereas "Schnitzel Wiener Art" is made with pork. It has to be made clear in a restaurant menu which you are getting, veal or pork.

 

notamermaid

 

What about Turkey or Chicken schnitzel? 

16 hours ago, Canal archive said:

To a certain extent it’s the juxtaposition of the large (but certainly not the largest no room) static music “makers” and the exquisite tiny bird boxes with there little tweeters.

 

My DH was at first not best pleased when I purchased a bean to cup machine he soon learnt how to use it though. I’ve now got about six different coffee making systems including a stand alone grinder so I usually purchase beans rather than pre-ground. It’s amazing the different varieties that are available.

Oh I was just thinking about the little bird boxes.  That was probably my favorite part!.

I've given up all my electric coffee machines.  I grind my own beans and I use an Aero Press to make my one cup a day.  Nice thing is it is light weight, plastic and travels every where I go :).

Hmmmm now I need to go make a coffee 🙂

7 hours ago, Canal archive said:

Ohh makes me think of Rudesheimer Coffee! Definitely not to be missed.

There are two places a few steps from the music museum and Christmas shop that sell the best!

I can't believe I missed the coffee.  Now I'm going to have to plan another cruise so I can try it.  I don't recall anyone mentioning it when we were there.

2 hours ago, frangill said:

Trying to decide if we should book a river cruise from Prague to Budapest in Mid August.  Looking for advise and predictions of waterlevels as well as the cruise company with the best backup plans and service please?

 

I'm on Prague to Transylvania with Avalon Aug 2nd - 22nd.  I choose Avalon because I love the cabins, the service and the price point.  Avalon is a part of Globus and they are well known to handle water issues.

1 hour ago, JordanF said:

Here's a thing about the music machine museum in Germany.  I looked at that and thought it would be a waste of time, but I went anyway, and really liked it, and still look back on it fondly.  Obviously, Rebel54 felt the opposite.  This is my point--you never really know until you see it--sometimes you will be happy, sometimes not so much.  (Also, I was not thrilled at the water puppets, but my wife loved them.  Go figure.)

Too funny.  Most of our group agreed on the water puppets.  Bottom line is you won't know if you don't go :).