Roz

@deec, have you ever taken a class with a Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) or asked to be on one of their mailing lists? Road Scholar is affiliated with them.

@liamur14, here's a link to my review of my recent 31-day cruise on the Oosterdam:

@Laney50, that has to be disappointing. As @notamermaid already explained, high or low water levels can be part of the river cruise experience. Per your cruise contract, there won't be any compensation for being bused to ports instead of sailing there.

I was on the same cruise as @FlaMariner and had a fantastic time on the Oosterdam. Don't understand bad reviews. Ship was in great condition, service outstanding, and food prep and selection good. What specific things are you reading in reviews that concern you?

@SusieKIslandGirl, have you joined the roll call for the 1/5/25 cruise? I'm sure we'll connect at Trivia and/or the meet 'n' greet. Seems far away but will be here before we know it.

I'm not concerned about anything. I'm just stating a fact based on my personal experience. I'll be crossing the border twice on my upcoming Alaska cruise. I wouldn't have booked flights to Seattle for a cruise leaving from Vancouver if I thought there would be issues. It's generally taken 45-60 min. to cross. Usually we passed our passports to the front of the bus and an agent collected them. Next we got off the bus, claimed our bags from the bottom of the bus, and took them inside where they were scanned and we were asked questions. Reversed the process and we were on our way. The process can vary as border agents want to keep people guessing. 😄

The border crossing is never easy.

Yes they did. Tour operators who have experience working with cruise passengers will be familiar with the set up and should be able to suggest a convenient meeting point.

But paying by ACH doesn't give you the same protection as paying with a credit card.

My very first cruise departed from Canada Place on July 1, 2001. I have fond memories of Canadians out and about in Vancouver celebrating the holiday. 🇨🇦

The process sounds complicated. Maybe I just don't understand it.

@ShipWalker, I'm laughing at lemon 🍋 scented. 😁

I don't believe Viking's fares include tips. Also, some lines such as Uniworld and Tauck (the ones I'm familiar with) include all alcohol (not just beer and wine) and alcohol is available all the time, not just at mealtimes. You really need to sit down and figure out all the inclusion and exclusions before making a decision based solely on fares.

Rafting or no rafting, I've enjoyed all my river cruises. @Snowcat1, what exactly about rafting is bothering your DH?

With 12-15 couples, I would definitely use the services of a TA that specializes in river cruises, and let them negotiate a deal for your group and handle all the bookings.

Do you have nice legs? 😁

With the emphasis on easy. 😆

I enjoyed reading your review. Glad your return to cruising was a success.

More seating in the Lido and/or more 2-top tables for solos and couples. More specialty cafes such as the Dutch Cafe that are included in the fare. Full promenade deck.

Where is the train station and how do you get to it from Seatac? How much does it cost and where does it drop you off in Vancouver?

I used to use Quick Shuttle, but their current schedule gets you to Canada Place at 2:30 and all aboard is 3:00. Don't know why they don't adjust their schedule for cruise passengers.

I'm flying into Seattle and taking the HAL transfer.

I sailed Tauck last year, and they asked that each passenger only bring one suitcase to minimize the staff's workload. I was on an 8-day cruise and was able to pack enough in one suitcase and a carryon to get me through without having to send out laundry. We often got back late from tours, and I sometimes wore the same top to dinner and exchanged my leggings for a pair of pants.

Those prices are very reasonable when you compare them to what couples are spending for weddings on land.

Which means they use their customers' money instead of taking out bank loans.