franski

The biggest surprise for me when booking a trip to Munich (and trying to MISS Oktoberfest) was the fact that Octoberfest starts in September!! 😲 We were there mid-September and just missed the opening (and the increase in hotel rates...) Fran

For Bangkok - we stayed in the Theatre Residence. It is a bit further from the airport - and not easy to find for the average taxi driver - but we arranged arrival and departure transfers through the hotel so it worked out great. The restaurant (attached to the hotel) is across the road on the river -so great night time views of the palace. It has a great pool in the courtyard that we enjoyed on our last afternoon there (our friends went to get a massage...) The hotel is close to the palace - and we booked it for the proximity - but by the time we got to Bangkok we were completely templed out so decided to skip it. Instead, we booked a tour through Tours by Locals and went to the floating market & railway market. Our guide was Angela - and she was awesome. The markets are close to 2 hours out of town, but (IMHO) worth the trip. We also went to see the reclining Buddha while we were there. Bangkok was a great place to stop on the way home. BTW - not sure if you have your flights yet, but we booked Toronto to Taipei direct with EVA air and it was a great flight. We then went from Taipei to Hanoi - and the trip was quite seamless (although it was VERY long...) Fran

That surprised us when we were in Peru... Fran

We did this in the fall of 2022... and extended over into Poland. We did not feel any anxiety over travelling there (we were in both Krakow & Warsaw - so fairly close to the Ukraine...). It was interesting to speak with people living in Poland. The war has impacted tourism - so they were very happy to have us visit!! We did learn that there are many people who do support the Russian offensive, so we were careful when discussing the situation... Fran

We did Transylvania with Scenic about 18 months ago. We found some of the optionals more strenuous than expected. In fact, when I asked about one, I was assured it was a "gentle incline" - but there was nothing "gentle" about it!! Worth the climb, but I have learned that I need to expect the worst - and be happy if it isn't as rough as I feared it might be. Fran

We have travelled with AMA, Avalon, Uniworld, Scenic, Emerald and Viking. As I mentioned before, DH & I feel there are more similarities than differences. We have travelled some rivers twice (Seine, Rhine, Danube between Nuremburg & Bucharest...). We just love river cruising - and look for different experiences. For example, our 1st river cruise was with Uniworld on the Seine. We re-sailed the Seine with Avalon - and had different stops... so - same river, different vacation. The VERY best cruise director we ever had was on Scenic - when we did a Tulip Time cruise with them. Conversely, the worst one we had was also on Scenic. Local tours guides are usually quite good with all lines, but sometimes you get a dud. Again - no control over this. We have only done one AMA cruise. It was OK, but not phenomenal. We are booked on our 2nd with them this May --> on the Douro. I went looking for dates, then prices - and compared the 2 companies that had what I was looking for. AMA is a bit more money, but we are getting extra days on our pre & post-cruise portions. Just happy to be on the rivers... Fran

We have travelled with most of the main companies, and I do believe that there are more similarities than differences. You have no control over the cruise manager (and he/she can have a huge impact on the cruise) or on the kitchen staff. I would suggest you decide where you want to travel, then what time of year. Take a look at all of the different companies, and take a look at what your options are. Are specific dates important? Do you have any flexibility? Is cost important? Or, it is secondary to dates & itinerary? Is there something that you *really* want to see - that is not available on one of your short-listed cruises? If you can narrow it down to a couple of different cruises - and want opinions on those cruises - come back and ask specific questions. Hope that helps. Fran

We are actually doing the Paris extension pre-cruise - and then over to the Moselle and cruising up to Amsterdam. Will try to post pics. Fran

Daisi - a bit off topic, but notice you have booked the Canals, Vineyards & Castles itinerary next year. I have this booked with a girlfriend - going this June. Which direction are you travelling?? Fran

It may have been me that made that recommendation... It is our "go to" place anytime we are in Budapest. Traditional Hungarian food... So good. We make sure we eat there anytime we are in Budapest (have been there 4 times at start or end of river cruises.... and would love to go back again!!). You really do need reservations as it is quite busy. It is a small place - and the tables are quite close together - but we have met some interesting people since the tables are so close together. Fran

Maybe yes, or maybe no... Sometimes Avalon books a "host hotel" - and passengers may be transferred there before and/or after the cruise while the ship is being cleaned. If they do this, they usually have a large room with refreshments, and store your luggage on site. Fran

The front desk can often change bills for coins if you ask... Fran

I went back and reviewed their latest information... They are now saying "transfers to the ship"... so not sure. When we have gone in early and requested transfers, the trip started with a night (or nights) in a hotel before we boarded the ship. We stay in the host hotel - so our ask has been for the included transfer - just a couple of days early. We did this last February when we went to Vietnam... Emerald met us at the airport as we were staying an extra 3 nights in the hotel where our tour started. If a pre-cruise stay is not included in your package, they may not provide transfers. It does not hurt to call and ask however. They may provide for a cost - or give you the name of the local company that they use. Depending on the city, I am sure there are people here who can help you with arranging transfers. Fran

We are fairly well travelled - and have clocked up quite a number of river cruises. I am always honest if asked. I have not gotten the sense that I am perceived as "boasting" when I mention the number we have taken - as people often ask how many times we have cruised the rivers. Rather, people have usually gone on to ask my favourite line, my favourite itinerary etc. Or ask specific questions about an itinerary they are interested in. Just as I would (and do) if I meet people who have travelled places I have yet to visit. Is it because river cruising is considered an expensive way to travel? I almost always book a sale - and travel lowest category. I am also not brand loyal... and when people find out I have travelled with different companies, there are often questions about the differences. If people ask about my cruising history, I will tell them. If it is considered "boasting", and is unpleasant for them, they can always sit at another table from that point on. Fran

Almost always book Aquarium class... Only difference was 1) in China - where we booked the last cabin, and 2) in Vietnam, as I wasn't sure if I could manage the heat - and felt having a window to look out of might make things a little less disappointing if I needed to spend extra time on board. One cruise we booked lowest category - and we were upgraded to a French balcony. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would (went in early October - so still lots of light...). I needed to ensure the curtains were closed if I was wandering around the cabin partially dressed.😲 Not an issue with the smaller window... Fran