GCT Rhine/ Mosel cruise, July 13

[Kayelache]

Anyone else going on this cruise? This board seems to get very few posts.

I read your review from last year, Clarence. Some of the tours that were included when you went, I see are now optional. We're thinking of skipping the Luxembough City one, as we have been there a number of times, and would like to spend more time on our own in Trier. We have arranged our own flights and will fly into Brussels a day earlier, and stay overnight in Antwerk. We'll stay a day extra, too, and fly out of Zurich. My husband uses a wheelchair, which was no problem last year on the GCT "Great Rivers of Europe" cruise. I imagine the cobblestone situation is about the same.

 

Karen in Arizona where it is HOT

[Carhut]

Karen, I wish I was going with you on that trip, but am going on the one to the Black Sea in Aug. Hopefully next year, I can take this trip. Would be anxious to hear about your trip when you return. Have a wonderful trip!

Carole

[cmthomas]

I am sooooo jealous! That trip rates among the best that we have taken and one of the few itineraries that I would do again! As to the cobblestones, I would say that they will be less of a problem than on your last trip.

 

The Mosel is beautiful river and the towns are lovely and the Mosel wines are exquisite!

 

The trip from Brussels Airport to Antwerp by train should be no problem as the train station is actually inside of the airport grounds. If you decide to go into the City of Brussels for a visit before going to Antwerp be sure to get off of the train at the North station and not the Centraal Station as Centraal has NO ELEVATORS and you will need them.

 

Have a WONDERFUL time as I know you will! Clarence

[Capeduo]

Hi Karen,

 

We are going on that cruise Sept 7th. Will be anxious to see how you liked it. Clarence has been very helpful with information. I'm sure as the time gets even closer, I'll be askinghim more questions. Have a great trip and I be it is hot in Arizona. We are going to Arizona in Feb.

 

Stella from Cape Cod

[cmthomas]

Stella, I would normally be offering to carry your bags, shine your shoes or otherwise be your servant to tag along; however, we will be on the Viking trip to China at the same time that you are on the Mosel.

 

One highlight of your trip that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere is the passing of the Straits of Lorelei on the Rhine River. Of course, everyone is out on deck with cameras and binoculars and the guides are giving the history and story of the Lorelei over the loudspeakers. As the ship passes (at least on our trip) the waiter comes around with glasses of Champagne and they have been tinted with food coloring in red, blue and yellow I believe, to match the color coding of our groups (and the dot on your name badge) for the shore excursions. It was a nice touch.

 

Have no concerns. The staff from the ship will meet you at the airport and care for you every moment until they deposit you at the airport in Basel for your trip home! You are in for a GREAT time!

 

Clarence:)

[Kayelache]

It's down to about ten days before we leave, so better get going with serious packing. I've forgotten from last year's Rhine/Danube River Melody trip, are there 110 outlets? Or do I need to bring my converter to be able to use my battery chargers for cameras? Also forgot, is there more than one electical outlet in the cabins? Will I need the powerstrip?

Karen in landlocked Arizona where it is HOT

[cmthomas]

There is an outlet in the cabin at the desk. It is for 220v and you will need an adapter with 2 round pins. There is a 110v outlet for shavers in the bathroom.

 

I did not have any problem recharging camera batteries. Most of the re-chargers will take both 110 and 220 without a transformer/converter so an adapter should be all that you need. Wouldn't hurt to look at the camera instruction booklet to verify that it will work on both voltages.

 

Can't imagine that you would need a powerstrip unless you plan on remodeling the cabin while there! Happy cruising!

 

Clarence:)

[Capeduo]

:) Clarence,

 

It sounds as if you do go a lot of cruises. The China one sounds very interesting. Who knows, maybe when we get back we might be thinking of another one. The time is getting closer..only thing wrong with that is the summer will be over. We are starting to plan our trip to Italy. Can you imagine, I'm first generation Italian and have never been to Italy. My both parents were from a little town(Cantanza) in Sourthern Italy. I know a river cruise can't get close so we'll have to go by air and stay a few weeks..probably Aug/Sept 06. We also have never been on a Mediterranean Cruise which we would like to do.

 

By the way, any relation to the Supreme Court Justice?

[cmthomas]

In answer to that question that I hear frequently, no. I had the name long before he did! Also, when we are standing side by side it is easy to tell us apart. I am the taller one!

 

We did the same kind of trip thru Germany that you are talking about doing in Italy. My wife wanted to pursue her German roots. We rented a car and just drove through the countryside in the region where her ancestors had lived. Lo and behold, while walking in a church graveyard looking at the stones the pastor greeted us and when he learned of my wife's family name exclaimed that we must meet an old gentleman with the same name.

 

This 80 year old man came racing to the church yard on his bicycle and it turns out he was her 5th cousin. They have taken her into the family like she was born there and we now have met the entire extended family and go back and visit every other year. He actually showed us the house where her great-great-great grandfather had been born and lived his entire life. He had also written a family history dating back to the 1500's that he was kind enough to share with us and that has brought my wife much joy.

 

So, you see, you just never know what you are going to find! Go for it! And, yes, we also added a river cruise to that trip and try to take a new one whenever possible.

 

Lots of good deals on Med cruises out there. I think you will get a better deal booking stateside than waiting until you are in Europe to book. The western Med from Civatavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona is especially nice. Some of them are now calling in Tripoli, Lybia and that would be an exciting experience.

 

Clarence:)

[Kayelache]

Hey, Clarence, I don't intent to remodel the cabin with my powerstrip. I think that is not the right name for it. I meant the extention cord that has a couple of places to plug things in so you can recharge both a videocamera and regular batteries for digital camera at the same time. They take a long time to recharge, and it's helpful to be able to both at the same time. No, Actually, I like the cabins the way they are, (big grin) think I'll leave them alone!

Packing is done, glad that's over. A week from tonight we'll be crossing the big pond en route to Brussels. My husband had a miserable spring after we booked the trip. Spent about 6 weeks in hospitals in March and April, with pneumonia, with many complications. Just started to make a good recovery, when he developed an infection in his foot, that has made walking very painful. We will be traveling with a wheelchair, but I've managed that before so should be no problem. He's now 92, it's not as easy as it used to be, but we keep going.

I can relate to the family search trips, also. My father was born in Norway, and we have made many trips there, and have located numerous cousins, one of whom, at age 100, could remember standing on the dock waving as my father and his family sailed to America, back in 1909. We had a car and travel trailer in Europe for 8 years, and that was such a wonderful way to travel there. These wonderful river cruises make it possible for us to continue traveling in Europe. I really get envious when we sail past a campground. We spent wonderful time in many of them along the various rivers, never dreaming at that time, that one day we would be the ones on the boats waving to those on the shore, instead of the other way around.

I'll post a report when we return. Can't wait, sounds like the weather there has been very good. Still, I've packed the GCT rain jackets and the umbrellas!

Karen

[travelsfun]

Hi...we are taking this same cruise , leaving July 29.

Hope Karen's trip report will be here before we leave.

This will be our second river cruise with GCT (first was Holland in the Springtime a few years ago) and we are really looking forward to it. Any tips from former cruises on this itinerary would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Capeduo]

Hi Clarence,

 

Well, the time is getting closer for our first river cruise. Am trying to decide how much cash to bring..what we can charge and tipping. I understand some tipping is in Euros or they prefer it that way. I noticed they charge a 2.5% interest if you use your charge for the ship tipping. Any suggestiions?

 

The only thing left to plan is how to get to the airport. Since we leave Boston 6:00PM we have all day to get there. Looks like we'll park the car for the 16 days..seems to be most convenient. Since we don't leave until 6Pm it seems sensless to stay in a hotel for the night before(I'll be tired before I leave)

 

Stella

[cmthomas]

Stella, I really don't remember what we tipped but it was in dollars. I am quite sure that these experienced guides know how to change money. I would do what is most convenient for you. Good way to use up your leftover Euros (ha!) and supplement it with $$$. If I recall, we pretty much follwed the suggested guidelines as they did not seem to be unreasonable but we probably rounded up to an even bill.

 

Have you priced airport parking lately? It is exhorbitant. We have in recent years rented a car from Avis and dropped it at the airport and done the same on return. You can usually do that for $60-80 (don't know about Boston tho) which will probably be about half what the parking charges will be even in the long term lot. And you don't have to worry about damage to your car while you are gone. I have some good discount codes for Avis if you don't have one handy.

 

My recollection is that you really don't need much cash on the trip unless you are planning on special purchases. Then, anything large you can usually charge although credit card companies are now adding 3% for foreign currency transactions. I took enough for the tips and a couple of hundred dollars additional and brought much of the extra back. But my credit card certainly got a workout! You won't need ANY money on the ship except for tips as you can charge your shore excursions to your credit card (without the 2.5% bump) and they are processed by GCT in Boston in USD.

 

I just looked at my itinerary and while you are cruising onthe Rhine and Mosel we will be crusiing on the Yangtze! Bon Voyage and lift a glass of champagne for us as you sail by the Lorelei! We will reciprocate in the Three Gorges!

 

Clarence:)

[Capeduo]

Hi Clarence,

 

Can't believe I didn't think of renting a car!!!! My son visits here every year and rents from Logan for one day...then again when he leaves. So glad you reminded me. It is cheaper. I would really appreciate the code for Avis. My email address is ssoflex@aol.com Without a discount it looks like $50 plus each way. To park at the lot it's $206 with a discount.

 

After reserving the car we are on our way...Am really looking forward to it.

 

Stella:)

[Capeduo]

:)Clarence,

 

Thanks for the car codes. We will research and see which is cheaper. It does look as if it is the cheapest way to go. You must be looking forward to your cruise. Maybe we'll consider more if we like this one. Thanks also for the advice on tipping. I'm glad we are going at this time of year..will be easier to pack since it won't be that cold, I hope. I especially like the idea of not having to dress up. On our last cruise in Feb, we had to dress up three nights..hated it. I guess layers is the best way to dress so as to be prepared

for a little cool weather. We'll have a lot to write about when we both return from our cruises.

 

Stella

[Kayelache]

Report on Romance of the Rhine and Mosel GCT River Cruise

 

We are couple of seniors, my husband, a retired psychologist, is in his 90's and I am some twenty years younger. We ve been married over forty years, and have traveled extensively. In our younger, working days, we backpacked- we have hiked over half of the Pacific Crest Trail, and six hundred miles below the rim in the Grand Canyon. After we retired, 27 years ago, we took a three week tour to Europe. The next year, after this first trip, we bought a car and travel trailer and spent most of the next eight years traveling throughout Europe. We "discovered" Grand Circle six years ago, and have traveled with them eight times. We have visited all seven continents, over one hundred different countries , taken a couple of dozen cruises- two of them river cruises with Grand Circle- River Melody from Amsterdam to Vienna in July 2004, and now MV Debussy from Antwerp to Basel in July 2005.

My husband uses a wheelchair, but this has not been a problem for either of us. We booked this cruise shortly after returning from the River Melody, last July. In March, my husband was with pneumonia. Although he recovered almost fully by the time we left, he was still weak from six weeks in bed and a ten pound weight loss. We considered canceling the trip, but he was determined to go, and he had his doctors' ok. I'm glad we did, he handled it well, and enjoyed it so much. We have traveled to all of the destinations on this trip previously, so it was a "coming home" nostralgic sort of experience.

 

We took advantage of the air credit ($1100 each) and booked our own airfare, as we had done before. We were able to book a non-stop flight from Phoenix to Newark, and then non-stop to Brussels, arriving a day early. It was an easy two hour train ride from Brussels to Antwerp. The high clouds burned off to warm, almost hot, sunshine, weather that was to continue for almost the next week.

I made reservations at what sounded like a very interesting "hotel" in Antwerp, a converted cruise ship, Diamond Princess, which was permanently docked in the harbor quite near where we would be joining the Debussy the following day. Big problem.... the cruise ship hotel was probably thirty or more years old, and had no elevator and the hallways were too narrow for the wheelchair. Also, there was no gangplank, but a steep flight of stairs. The receptionist was very helpful at finding us another hotel, that would accept the prepayment we had made through Expedia, a Novetel. Unfortunately, it was in an industrial area, offering not much to do or see for the remainder of the day. Next morning, we took a taxi to the dock area.

Our cabins were not ready when we arrived (about 11AM) so we left our luggage and spent the next hour exploring the town. The ship was docked about two short blocks from the old town center.

The River Schelde is tidal, and at low tide, the entrance to the ship is via the sundeck, with the gangplank at various angles, from almost level to very steep. There is a chair lift down a flight of stairs to the reception area. We found our cabin, with our luggage, and headed for the restaurant for lunch before unpacking. On the River Melody, the reception / lounge level was about four or five steps below the level with the restaurant, and our cabin, but the steps could be avoided by using the elevator. The restaurant was on two levels, with a couple of steps separating them. We always ate at the same level as our cabin, so no steps. On the Debussy, our cabin was at the same level as the reception and the lounge, but we were surprised to find there were three steps just before the entrance to the restaurant. My husband was able to negotiate the steps, slowly, with a lot of help. The crew were wonderful at offering a hand. Two of the strong, young men even lifted him in his chair many times! The chair lift broke down on the second day, and noone was able to repair in the rest of the trip, meaning that my husband could not utilize the sun deck.

In the afternoon, we had a walking tour of Antwerp, pointing out the ATM's, grocery stores, etc. Passengers were arriving throughout the afternoon After the captain's welcome in the lounge, where we were introduced to the crew and our program directors, the first delicious dinner was served. I would have to rate the food throughout the cruise as excellent, as good as, or better than that of any we have been served anywhere.

 

Clarence's excellent report of this same trip last year was so thorough, that I will from here on, comment of things that were different. I would suggest that anyone reading this pull up Clarence's review and compare. It's on page three of the postings by cmthomas. The itinerary has been somewhat changed this year. I'll not do a "day by day" sort of report, as so much of our trips were similar.

 

An info-tour was provided in each port, by our program director. On port tours with local guides, each group was again divided into two. Most of the local guides were very good. Usually, the guided tour would take about an hour, giving us some free time for shopping or independent explorations.

 

The lounge "evening entertainment" was almost identical to that reported by Clarence. Most evenings were local entertainers, but also 2 "performances" by the crew and the fun "horse races" hosted by the program directors. The Debussy has a tiny dance floor, not more than 12 feet square, yet as many as a 8-10 couples would be dancing at one time. The lounge can get crowded and if one wants to take photographs, it's important to get there early.

 

This year, one of the Inner Circle perks was room service breakfast. (Passengers who have traveled with Grand Circle at least three times are members of Inner Circle. Other perks included a ten percent discount on any onboard purchases). We took advantage of the breakfast several times, and enjoyed eating on our balcony.

 

Another change from last year's cruise on the River Melody, was that the ship's TV channel had not only the daily program but also the following day's menu posted.

 

The home hosted dinner took place in Nejmegen, Holland this year. We arrived in port at about 4:30, an immediately boarded busses. The town was celebrating its 2000th anniversary with huge festivities. We had to have special permission from the mayor to dock and bring the busses into the area, which was closed to traffic. All the families for our "yellow" bus were located right in the town, some of the others were in the countryside or other nearby small towns. There was considerable confusion in finding the homes. Once the bus had to turn around on an incredibly narrow space, when the driver realized he was on the wrong street. Many of the neighbors came out to find out why a tour bus was coming down their street. Our program director was highly embarrassed, when he escorted a group to the wrong home. I can only imagine the surprise of the unsuspecting housewife who answered the door! We were part of a group of eight, too large for the small home of our hosts. They did not join us at the table, but stood nearby throughout the meal. This was awkward, I think they had expected a group of 6, and as the table was set for 8, they did not join us. This is the first time we've had this happen, out of a half dozen "home hosted" events.

 

Bonn, Dortrecht, Ahrweiler, and Cochem are not on this year's itinerary. Those wishing to visit the Bridge at Remagen, had to take a train from Andernach, which is this year's substitute for Ahrweiler.

Andernach was interesting, but not as much so as Ahrweiler.

 

The Bavarian Dinner with the roast suckling pig which was such a high point of the Great Rivers tour was featured as a lunch while docked in Traben/Trarbach. It was not announced in advance, and quite a few passengers missed it as they elected to eat in town on their own.

 

The Fruhschoppen- wurst, mustards, pretzel and beer served on the sun deck did not happen, nor did the restaurant meal originally scheduled.

 

The "Bread Experience" where we were each given a euro coin and told to purchase a different kind of bread has been refined this year. This time, each group had a list, and we were assigned a particular item. Sometimes, for more expensive pastries, several people shopped together. The results were displayed in the lounge, with a "name tag" on each variety. It was amazing how many types of bread are available! They were then whisked off to the kitchen to be sliced for lunch. The cookies and cakes were served that afternoon for "tea time" with ice cream. As though we needed the extra calories! Our contribution was a packaged something called "Mini Dickmanns." It turned out to be a small chocolate covered marshmallow blob on a cooky crust, sort of like a Mallomar.

 

The weather changed as we entered the Mosel, with grey skies and rain threatening while we were in Bernkastel, not really cold but much cooler than previously. The following day, in Trier, we had our only really heavy rain, fortunately not until afternoon. We had the entire day to explore Trier,

as the optional Luxembough trip was changed to the following day. The cloudy cool weather continued until Worms, when the sun again came out and most of the rest of the trip was good weather. We did have one very rainy morning in Strasbough, but, having explored on our own the day before, we slept in. The afternoon was sunny fine weather!

 

This year, the "castle visit" was the ruins of Rheinfels, the largest of the Rhine ruins.

 

The Baden Baden visit was a disappointment, occurring as it did on Sunday. The ride through part of the Black Forest was interesting, but everything (except for McDonalds) was closed. With the local guides, we visited the lobby of the casino (closed until afternoon) for a potty break. We had been warned about the "pee fees" usually about the equivalent of $.50 to use the restroom facilities.

We did get a sample of the famous waters, which tasted like any luke-warm water. The program directors had made arrangements with a local bakery, and brought back a lunch special treat, Schwarzwaldtorte, Black Forest cake. Again, another change in the itinerary. The ship continued on to Strasbough while we were in Baden Baden. We rejoined it there, returning via the freeway.

Lunch was served immediately after we reboarded. One of the bus drivers got lost on the return trip, bringing that group back for lunch almost an hour late. The cuckoo clock demonstration took place immediately following lunch, then at 3, we again boarded busses for the canal cruise in Strasbough.

 

I was told by our program director that "it would be impossible" for my husband to do the canalboat ride. A similar thing happened a few days earlier in Worms, when he told me that the local guided walking tour "would be difficult" but we could wait outside the cathedral for the group, and follow along rest of the tour, or we could explore on our own. I walked a half block, found a handicapped symbol pointing to the cathedral. We found a door at street level and were able to do the entire tour.

Our tour director never once spoke directly to my husband, always to me, as though he was not present or couldn't speak for himself. I had not realized the extent of this until on the way home, my husband asked me why the program director disliked him so much. This is the "mixed feelings" I mentioned in a previous note.

 

We did the optional tour to Riqueweir and the Stork Recovery Center, which was $32 this year, up from the $19 of last year. We had an excellent bus driver this time, who took us on narrow little roads along the Route du Vin through many of the small villages, pointing out a number of interesting things. For instance, in one village, homes with an unmarried daughter would place a small wooden heart on the rooftop. We counted nine such homes. For those with an eligible bachelor, a wine bottle was placed on the rooftop. We counted only one! We enjoyed the trip, although, in my opinion, there are more interesting towns along the Route du Vin than Riqueweir. It is very, very touristy, it's hard to imagine people actually living there. That being said, we found the trip very worthwhile and enjoyable.

 

In Basel, again this year we were given a bus pass, and rode on the streetcar together for the info-stroll. We walked (that is, I walked and pushed my husband) home, and back again that afternoon.

We only walked past the cathedral on the info-tour, and I wanted to visit the interior, so it was a steep climb back up the hill to find the memorial tablet to Erasmus, who is buried there. We also stopped a supermarket to buy chocolate. I also purchased packages of the excellent red cabbage and celery root salad to take home. Best souvenir- dollar priced foil wrapped chocolate Swiss army knives!

 

In the material sent to us before the trip, it stated "the ship's guidelines recommend a flat tip of $7-$9 per person per day, which will be pooled among the cruise staff." However, the material that we were given the day before we disembarked, stated, "recommended tip of $10- $12 per person per day." I certainly did not begrudge the higher amount, the crew, every single person, were wonderful, cheerful, helpful- I couldn't praise them too highly. However, I wish that Grand Circle had updated the material it mailed us pre-cruise. I had set aside tip money in Euros, and now we were in Switzerland with a different currency. I ended up cashing some traveler's checks to make up the deficit. Another thing that bothered me was the program directors' many frequent comments about the importance of the trip evaluation forms (which waited us in the mail upon our return home), inferring that anything less than an "excellent" rating would jeopardize their careers. I think that stifles honest feedback, and makes the forms less useful for Grand Circle.

 

Disembarkation was easy. One large group left at 4AM for an early morning flight. Others left at staggered intervals. Because we were doing our own transportation, we didn't have to leave until later, though we had to be out of our cabin by 8AM. About 11, we took a taxi to the train station, and made the two hour ride to Zurich, where we had booked a hotel. Our flight left at noon the following day.

 

We enjoyed the trip and would recommend it to anyone. That the schedule and itinerary has been changed this year is obvious, and there are some rough edges that need work.

This will probably be our last European tour, so it was bitter sweet in many ways, with a lot of very good memories.

 

Karen

[Mary'sCruise]

I am a heavy drinker...Diet Pepsi drinker that is. Here are my questions:

 

Does GCT sell soda cards?

Do they sell soda onboard all day and night? (I need it first thing in the morning)

How much do they charge for soda?

Are you permitted to buy soda from a local store and bring it on board?

I noticed there are no refridgerators...is there ice available if I bring a softsided six pack cooler?

 

Thanks for your help on this. We will be on the Romance of the Rhine and Mosel trip.

 

P.S. My husband is addicted to Mountain Dew...but he is coming to terms with that he probably will not be able to find any.

[cmthomas]

Good morning, Mary! You are in for a delightful trip but I fear that you will drink in much more scenery than Diet Pepsi!

 

Based on my trip last year (and I have heard of no changes this year) Grand Circle does NOT offer soda cards. Please leep in mind that this is NOT an ocean liner. It is a means of transportation from one lovely little town to another. If you are expecting Princess or Royal Caribbean style cruising you are going to be disappointed.

 

Sodas are available for purchase in the dining room at meals by ordering from a waiter and at other times when the bar is open in the lounge which is generally late afternoon and evening. As I did not purchase a soda I cannot offer any helpful information as to the cost.

 

My recollection is that there is a small ice machine located aft of the lobby where there is also a coffee machine available at all hours. Looks like you will have to stock provisions in your cabin! Keep in mind that Europeans do not use ice with the same frequency as Americans. A cold drink is often just that - cold but no ice. On the ship the waiters have become accustomed to the American's taste and serve iced tea with ice and will, I am sure, get ice for you if asked.

 

Sounds like it may be time to switch to German wines of which there is no shortage at dinners on this voyage! My wife prefers diet sodas also but we found that there were not very popular in Europe and difficult to locate.

 

Have a wonderful trip! Clarence:)

[Kayelache]

My husband has become a coke drinker lately, so we did have some experience with soft drinks on GCT river cruises. They don't sell a card. They were available any time the bar was open, which was fairly early in the morning, maybe 9AM. The price was $2 per glassful, as I recall. I don't know ifor certain f they had diet drinks or not. I may be wrong, but I seem to recall someone else drinking a diet soda, so my guess is they do.

There was a very small refrigerator on the Debussy, but last year on River Melody, there was not. So I guess it depends on the ship. It was just wide enough to hold about six cans of soda. We used it for Ensure and drinks that my husband needed for extra calories.

There is an ice machine in the reception area, and a small ice bucket in the cabin. Coffee and tea are available anytime.

We had an opportunity in each of the towns and cities to find grocery stores, and if they have diet sodas in Europe (never looked for them, so don't know for certain) you could buy a six pack at each stop. Antwerp had a very large supermarket about six blocks from the ship, we bought Belgian beer there. If anyone has diet Pepsi, it would be there. There were several larger supermarkets in Basel, also, so whichever end you start your cruise, you could stock up, Trier and Boppard both had small supermarkets near the town centers, too. Remember, these are not huge stores like our Super Walmarts, but should have an assortment of soft drinks in stock. There was a Walmart sign in Trier, but it would have been beyond walking distance from the ship. The other, more difficult but certain alternative would be to bring a couple of six packs in your luggage, heavy and bulky, but then you'll have the extra room coming home for all the shopping you are certain to do!

Fanta, I know is available anywhere, and I will bet that diet Pepsi is, too.

I wonder if there is something like Pepsi.com that could tell you if the diet version is available in Europe?

Happy sailing, Karen

[cmthomas]

Hi Karen and thanks for your informative report. Sounds to me like the changes that were made in the itinerary were not for the better! I surmise that they occasionally change to stops to encourage people to book the itinerary more than once.

 

As with so many things, the ultimate result is so dependent upon the human interface between the company and the passenger. Sounds like your guide needed some polishing around the edges.

 

I would consider the loss of Remagen (for those old enough to remember WW2), Cochem and Ahrweiler as ports of call to be major losses. I hope that the new ports added were of equal interest.

 

But all in all it sounds like you had a great time and will have this memory to cherish in the coming years. Best wishes to you and your husband.

 

Clarence:)

[Capeduo]

Hi Clarence.

 

Looks as if we are both gettng ready for cruising. I'm beginning to get excited(takes a lot for me to get excited). Thanks for the info on money. I guess we'll follow the guidelines also. I am guessing the weather will be sweatshirt/sweater weather..right? Don't want to pack anything too warm if I don't need to.

 

Finally booked a rental car to and from the airport. Hertz with AAA was the cheapest from the ariport with all the charges from Boston and Budget was the cheapest from the Cape to the airport. We could have taken a bus to the airport from here but the car seems more convenient..you can leave when you want to and you might not get a seat on the bus.

 

I think I'll try to find my thread that I use to use when I first came on the board. For some reason I started to write on this one.

 

Any last minute suggestions? Hope we both have good weather.

 

Stella:)