Specific AMA questions for AMA cruisers

I have some question for past AMA cruisers - we leave in just a short time on AMAPrima, and of course I have loads of questions ;)

My documents indicate that embarkation is at 3 PM, however, it says you can board at 11 and drop luggage. I am also wondering if it would be a good idea to get there early to sign up for our preferred shore excursions (several we are selecting are capacity controlled bike trips) and dinner at the Erlebnis. (Can anyone tell me how to pronounce this phonetically?)

Another question, does anyone have a recommendation about a good night to eat there on the Black Sea cruise? Or if you've dined there on other itineraries, is it better on a night when you aren't sailing, or better if you are (maybe it doesn't even matter ;) )

Has anyone done the bike tour of Vindin to the Baba Vida fortress? It would be fun to bike there, but we want to make sure we'd have enough time to visit the fort once we got there. Maybe the bus tour (which includes Belgradochik) would allow more time, and maybe we wouldn't want to miss Belgradochik on our first trip to the area?

My last question (for now;)) is in regards to the pace of active walking groups. Hubby and I are youngish (just 50) and very fit, exercising regularly etc, so clearly the active group would suit, but DH is a photographer who also likes to take a few moments here or there to get a photo just right. He usually does this and just hustles up to the group if he takes an extra moment. But he's wondering if the active group moves so fast that he wouldn't have much time for photos? Do the actives take plenty of photos too, or is it more of a fitness walk pace?

Thanks for your advice and answers in advance...I know you are all here, (maybe football widows ;)) because I've seen you jump in tonight in defense of AMA:D

we get there when ship is open for boarding,if possible. But not necessary,of course.

The restaurant is er.le.bris,but just ask for special rest.and ok.We booked for a nite that had earlier leave time from port,so we didn't feel we had to rush.They do post menu,which does nt change all cruise,so make sure you LIKE items.No switching,found out late and really ate little(I m picky,sorry).I was happier in reg.dining room because of that policy(plus very loud in room at back of boat).

Re.bike tours.We just booked onboard,after port talks pm before and had no problem.But do ask if limited,quite a few never showed up.We took them in Germany but not strenuous,at all.

We just did Black sea,but with Scenic,and loved it.Not as pretty ports,but lots of history.We even went to Transylvania.So cool.Hope that helps.:)

I have some question for past AMA cruisers - we leave in just a short time on AMAPrima, and of course I have loads of questions ;)

 

My documents indicate that embarkation is at 3 PM, however, it says you can board at 11 and drop luggage. I am also wondering if it would be a good idea to get there early to sign up for our preferred shore excursions (several we are selecting are capacity controlled bike trips) and dinner at the Erlebnis. (Can anyone tell me how to pronounce this phonetically?)

 

You can arrive as early as you want to, but you will not be able to get in your room until 3ish (sooner if your room is ready). You can hang out in the lounge, there is a light lunch being served.

 

Another question, does anyone have a recommendation about a good night to eat there on the Black Sea cruise? Or if you've dined there on other itineraries, is it better on a night when you aren't sailing, or better if you are (maybe it doesn't even matter ;) )

 

We ate on the first night and was sorry that we did so. We were tired from traveling all night and would have enjoyed it more if we had picked an evening when we weren't so tired. I think eating there after a light touring day or a sailing day would have made the experience more relaxing.

 

Has anyone done the bike tour of Vindin to the Baba Vida fortress? It would be fun to bike there, but we want to make sure we'd have enough time to visit the fort once we got there. Maybe the bus tour (which includes Belgradochik) would allow more time, and maybe we wouldn't want to miss Belgradochik on our first trip to the area?

 

We didn't do any bike tours; only about six or seven people rode on our trip. You don't want to miss climbing the rocks at Belogradchik.

 

My last question (for now;)) is in regards to the pace of active walking groups. Hubby and I are youngish (just 50) and very fit, exercising regularly etc, so clearly the active group would suit, but DH is a photographer who also likes to take a few moments here or there to get a photo just right. He usually does this and just hustles up to the group if he takes an extra moment. But he's wondering if the active group moves so fast that he wouldn't have much time for photos? Do the actives take plenty of photos too, or is it more of a fitness walk pace?

 

On our tour there was NO active walking group (we would have been in it if there was one). There was a slower walking group and then everyone else was divided into the smaller groups. There is time for photos, the pace is not fast at all.

 

Thanks for your advice and answers in advance...I know you are all here, (maybe football widows ;)) because I've seen you jump in tonight in defense of AMA:D

Have fun on your trip. Which direction are you going? Are you taking the Istanbul extension?

Thank you Alexandra and H2o star! This is big help, I've also been in email contact with a fellow who returned from the same crusie we did, and this is all great info!

We are crusing Budapest to Bucharest, we are doing 3 nights on our own in Budapest, planning to meet my in laws (hubby's sister and her husband) who now live in Britain, for 1 and 1/2 day private touring with Magdi Pelech, and we will probably do a few things on our own (dinners out with them,baths, and maybe biking on Margaret. Island) We figured we would firm up our "free" time ideas with advice from Magdi once we arrive. They will then head west to Vienna and Prague (on land) while we will embark AMAPrima.

Based on your excellent advice, we've decided NOT to miss Belgradochik and we will do the bus tour that day. Also,Alexandra, hubby is not a "foodie", so we may just skip the Elerbnis. My inlaws are quite adventurous eaters and I'm sure they will push his boundaries in Budapest ! LOL! :p We've cruised smaller expedition cruises before with just 90-300 folks, and dinner is always fun because you do meet other folks so easily and have shared excursions!

Sounds like unless we notice a very fit group in board ( say the vascular surgeons group, or personal trainer convention;) ) We shouldn't have any trouble booking the bike tours. Many are optional afternoon tours and I'm sure some people would rather rest up for dinner (that would be the smart thing to do on vacation, but we never do that:rolleyes:)

We purchased the flight to Istanbul and 4 night extension after discussing here on the boards whether Plovdiv bus transfer was really a diversion or a destination. We decided we'd rather have the days in Istanbul. My TA arranged Meli, a private guide in Istanbul for two days. We have some very specific photographic goals, so we want to leave for touring early while the light is low,and stay longer on some street and markets for photos, so going private will allow us to do that and not hold anyone else up:D Even though it's included we will skip the AMA included "City tour", but we do plan to rejoin the group for the Topkai palace and possibly the optional. Bosporus cruise to the trendy new Ortakoy section. We also have plans to dine on the Asian side with our private guide, since we have not yet been to Asia and want to tick off our # 6 continent.

So that's what we've got so far! Have any of you been with AMA in Istanbul? Is that optional cruise enjoyable? We thought at the least it's an opportunity to see a few folks we cruised with another time before we leave!

Also, I think there is a tour manager right in the hotel since we are on the "included" part of the extension. I'm hoping they can help with dining advice in the Istklal area! Any recommendations for those of you who have been to Istanbul would be much appreciated! I like that our docs from our TA have several restaurants recommended by their agents who have traveled there!

So excited- we've heard from several folks and reviews that this one is not the "scenic" river cruise you see advertised...but that's why we are going...to see parts of the world that are a little less accessible, hopefully before they change too drastically! We are also interested in the more recent history and challenges these countries have encountered. Now I've really got to get packing, I'm never settled till the bags are packed by the door and every last item on the list is ticked off...sigh!

Thank you Alexandra and H2o star! This is big help, I've also been in email contact with a fellow who returned from the same crusie we did, and this is all great info!

 

We are crusing Budapest to Bucharest, we are doing 3 nights on our own in Budapest, planning to meet my in laws (hubby's sister and her husband) who now live in Britain, for 1 and 1/2 day private touring with Magdi Pelech, and we will probably do a few things on our own (dinners out with them,baths, and maybe biking on Margaret. Island) We figured we would firm up our "free" time ideas with advice from Magdi once we arrive. They will then head west to Vienna and Prague (on land) while we will embark AMAPrima.

 

That is wonderful. You will have so much fun. Budapest is one of my favorite towns.

 

Based on your excellent advice, we've decided NOT to miss Belgradochik and we will do the bus tour that day. Also,Alexandra, hubby is not a "foodie", so we may just skip the Elerbnis. My inlaws are quite adventurous eaters and I'm sure they will push his boundaries in Budapest ! LOL! :p We've cruised smaller expedition cruises before with just 90-300 folks, and dinner is always fun because you do meet other folks so easily and have shared excursions!

 

Sounds like unless we notice a very fit group in board ( say the vascular surgeons group, or personal trainer convention;) ) We shouldn't have any trouble booking the bike tours. Many are optional afternoon tours and I'm sure some people would rather rest up for dinner (that would be the smart thing to do on vacation, but we never do that:rolleyes:)

 

We purchased the flight to Istanbul and 4 night extension after discussing here on the boards whether Plovdiv bus transfer was really a diversion or a destination. We decided we'd rather have the days in Istanbul. My TA arranged Meli, a private guide in Istanbul for two days. We have some very specific photographic goals, so we want to leave for touring early while the light is low,and stay longer on some street and markets for photos, so going private will allow us to do that and not hold anyone else up:D Even though it's included we will skip the AMA included "City tour", but we do plan to rejoin the group for the Topkai palace and possibly the optional. Bosporus cruise to the trendy new Ortakoy section. We also have plans to dine on the Asian side with our private guide, since we have not yet been to Asia and want to tick off our # 6 continent.

 

Since we started in Istanbul it was our pretrip. BUT, unfortunately, we were there during the start of the riots and we had a "different" experience than we would have had we not been limited to where we could go and what we could do. We did take the optional Bosphorus cruise and were supposed to visit Ortakoy, but we never did. We just cruised around, never got off the boat. I never did find out why we didn't follow the printed itinerary.

 

So that's what we've got so far! Have any of you been with AMA in Istanbul? Is that optional cruise enjoyable? We thought at the least it's an opportunity to see a few folks we cruised with another time before we leave!

 

Also, I think there is a tour manager right in the hotel since we are on the "included" part of the extension. I'm hoping they can help with dining advice in the Istklal area! Any recommendations for those of you who have been to Istanbul would be much appreciated! I like that our docs from our TA have several restaurants recommended by their agents who have traveled there!

 

Yes, the tour operator will be on your extension with you. Are you at the Ritz?

 

So excited- we've heard from several folks and reviews that this one is not the "scenic" river cruise you see advertised...but that's why we are going...to see parts of the world that are a little less accessible, hopefully before they change too drastically! We are also interested in the more recent history and challenges these countries have encountered. Now I've really got to get packing, I'm never settled till the bags are packed by the door and every last item on the list is ticked off...sigh!

I really enjoyed my time in Istanbul and would love to return one day and see the things we missed because of the situation with the riots.

BTW, if you are at the Ritz you can just walk down the hill and catch the tram into town. There is also an ATM machine in the lower level of the hotel where you can get local currency.

I really enjoyed my time in Istanbul and would love to return one day and see the things we missed because of the situation with the riots.

BTW, if you are at the Ritz you can just walk down the hill and catch the tram into town. There is also an ATM machine in the lower level of the hotel where you can get local currency.

Fingers crossed - no riots this time! We are actually being put up at the Intercontinental. It looks like a good location. We just went with the whole package offered by AMA, I thought it was a pretty good deal- transfer to the airport, flight, transfer to the hotel, 4 nights hotel, 2 tours and transfer to the airport in Turkey for 1500 per person. I think that includes a tour manager at the hotel during certain hours too. It made us more comfortable for a first trip to the area to have everything included and seamless! In Budapest we are more comfortable arranging all our own details - transfers, hotels, tours.

 

We are crusing Budapest to Bucharest, we are doing 3 nights on our own in Budapest, planning to meet my in laws (hubby's sister and her husband) who now live in Britain, for 1 and 1/2 day private touring with Magdi Pelech, and we will probably do a few things on our own (dinners out with them,baths, and maybe biking on Margaret. Island) We figured we would firm up our "free" time ideas with advice from Magdi once we arrive. They will then head west to Vienna and Prague (on land) while we will embark AMAPrima.

We toured Budapest for 2 days with Magdi Pelech. She was great, very knowledgeable and flexible, customizing our tour.

We really enjoyed the bike ride tour on the Danube cruise we did last year. It did fill up quickly.

I loved Istanbul (a few years ago) it is vibrant! Turkish food is amazing, too!

We've done 2 river cruises with AMA, and we are hooked. Now we are trying to decide where our next vacation will be; maybe the Duoro River.

Have a great time!

We toured Budapest for 2 days with Magdi Pelech. She was great, very knowledgeable and flexible, customizing our tour.

 

We really enjoyed the bike ride tour on the Danube cruise we did last year. It did fill up quickly.

 

I loved Istanbul (a few years ago) it is vibrant! Turkish food is amazing, too!

 

We've done 2 river cruises with AMA, and we are hooked. Now we are trying to decide where our next vacation will be; maybe the Duoro River.

 

Have a great time!

Bobalink- your recommendation of Magdi is why I booked her when Andrea was booked. I didn't want to book Andrea and have and unknown protegee. Someone recently reported that didn't work out great for their group. Im happy that we can use a guide that has a good reputation and expect to have her personally! The power of CC :D

If active is what you are after, better make it yourself. First River cruise and we found it to be very inactive. We mostly went into towns on our own and put on a little mileage.

If active is what you are after, better make it yourself. First River cruise and we found it to be very inactive. We mostly went into towns on our own and put on a little mileage.

Kinda of an odd statement. What are you talking about???? Your private guide or ??

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If active is what you are after, better make it yourself. First River cruise and we found it to be very inactive. We mostly went into towns on our own and put on a little mileage.

I wear a pedometer when we travel to Europe and we average 10 miles a day of walking. You can choose how active you wish to be.

If one needs to be escorted on a tour, and does not DIY at all, then yes, in generally they will be less active, unless the tour is designed to be active. Example would be the organized bike tours on AMA, that have averaged 12-18 kilometers.

If active is what you are after, better make it yourself. First River cruise and we found it to be very inactive. We mostly went into towns on our own and put on a little mileage.

I think one of the lovely things about a river cruise would be that you could travel with a mix of folks or generations and it could meet different activity levels. I'm expecting like most Europe trips we will do a lot of walking and our cruise has an additional bike tour in the afternoons. While it's probably not as active as our 20 mile hill rides in Maine followed by kayaking on the Atlantic, I expect we will be tired at night;)

I have heard at this particular itinerary requires a bit more bus time, if it's uninteresting (sometimes driving around where people live and work IS interesting!) I can work on my notes for my review:D

FamilygoBoston: Not sure if you are going to be in Budapest next week, but there is a big chocolate and sweets festival:

http://www.hungarybudapestguide.com/sweet-days-budapest/

Thanks! We will be in Buda on Sunday! :D

We just got our docs from AMA a couple of weeks ago, and I've had time to go through them completely this weekend.

I'm very impressed with the quality of info included in the docs; of course there is the usual vouchers, contracts, booklet (Welcome Aboard) about what to expect on board (tips, services etc) and luggage tags. There is also a day by day itinerary (Your Daily Itinerary) like we've received for other high end expedition trips. I like AMAs piece because it also lists in the same doc all of the excursions available at each stop and the descriptions are very thorough including the amount of time in a bus and the amount of time walking on each tour as well as an "difficulty rating". This is succinct and allowed us to make our choices right now, so we won't need to spend time on our vacation with our noses in a book; we will know what we want when we board!

The other piece included that I was impressed with is the Destination Guide. This is specific to our section of the river we are sailing. In addition to Km by Km maps and descriptions of the sights along the shore and brief history of each area, there is also a graphic and double pull out map with Km by Km sights and which side of the ship they are on, as well as info about which area, and country where it's located and what type of sight it is (business, bridge, ruins, nature area etc) Near the back there are destination guides for the major embarkation and disembarkation cities.

It's tiny so it could be tucked easily into a pocket or camera bag, and it's jam packed with good info. I spent easily more than 100 dollars on guide books and some of them were good...but this little book is specific to our trip, and so compact, and helpful. The only guide book I could find that came close to describing the trip Km by Km including the "off river" major sights we planned to tour was "the Danube A River Guide " by Heikell. It was written in 1991 well before the changes and Balkan war and still references Yugoslavia. Heikell travelled down the Danube from north to South (Black Sea) on a small sail boat, shortly after the Danube became more navigable after the damming. It's no longer in print, but I bought a used copy, and found it the most useful in terms of describing what we would see along the way, even though it's terribly dated.

So the Destination Guide is a wonderful (and easily packable) resource, and I'm delighted to have it!

My one nitpick- I would have like to have it at least 2-3 months before sailing rather than 4 weeks (minus shipping time to my TA, plus shipping time from my TA to me :() In other words, it's one of the best resources about the region specific to the itinerary, and I would like to have had it much earlier to make my plans for pre and post tours as well as any private tours I might choose to do on our own. I understand that specific itinerary information or tickets cannot be issued much earlier, but I would like to see this Destination Guide provided after booking rather than with the final documents. :D

Very helpful to us were the TripAdvisor phone apps for specific cities. I downloaded Prague, Vienna, & Budapest. They list most important sites in each city, restaurants, street maps, metro maps, tour itineraries.

Very helpful to us were the TripAdvisor phone apps for specific cities. I downloaded Prague, Vienna, & Budapest. They list most important sites in each city, restaurants, street maps, metro maps, tour itineraries.

And they work without connection? My phone will be turned off for cell data and calls only wifi. I'll check it out!

It worked for us last year on the AMA Prima just using WiFi. You just have to understand that there will be quite a bit of time, like when going through locks, under bridges, and in steep gorges that it won't be working. However, usually every day, there was time when the ship's wifi was working.

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Thanks! We will be in Buda on Sunday! :D

 

We just got our docs from AMA a couple of weeks ago, and I've had time to go through them completely this weekend.

 

I'm very impressed with the quality of info included in the docs; of course there is the usual vouchers, contracts, booklet (Welcome Aboard) about what to expect on board (tips, services etc) and luggage tags. There is also a day by day itinerary (Your Daily Itinerary) like we've received for other high end expedition trips. I like AMAs piece because it also lists in the same doc all of the excursions available at each stop and the descriptions are very thorough including the amount of time in a bus and the amount of time walking on each tour as well as an "difficulty rating". This is succinct and allowed us to make our choices right now, so we won't need to spend time on our vacation with our noses in a book; we will know what we want when we board!

 

The other piece included that I was impressed with is the Destination Guide. This is specific to our section of the river we are sailing. In addition to Km by Km maps and descriptions of the sights along the shore and brief history of each area, there is also a graphic and double pull out map with Km by Km sights and which side of the ship they are on, as well as info about which area, and country where it's located and what type of sight it is (business, bridge, ruins, nature area etc) Near the back there are destination guides for the major embarkation and disembarkation cities.

 

It's tiny so it could be tucked easily into a pocket or camera bag, and it's jam packed with good info. I spent easily more than 100 dollars on guide books and some of them were good...but this little book is specific to our trip, and so compact, and helpful. The only guide book I could find that came close to describing the trip Km by Km including the "off river" major sights we planned to tour was "the Danube A River Guide " by Heikell. It was written in 1991 well before the changes and Balkan war and still references Yugoslavia. Heikell travelled down the Danube from north to South (Black Sea) on a small sail boat, shortly after the Danube became more navigable after the damming. It's no longer in print, but I bought a used copy, and found it the most useful in terms of describing what we would see along the way, even though it's terribly dated.

So the Destination Guide is a wonderful (and easily packable) resource, and I'm delighted to have it!

 

My one nitpick- I would have like to have it at least 2-3 months before sailing rather than 4 weeks (minus shipping time to my TA, plus shipping time from my TA to me :() In other words, it's one of the best resources about the region specific to the itinerary, and I would like to have had it much earlier to make my plans for pre and post tours as well as any private tours I might choose to do on our own. I understand that specific itinerary information or tickets cannot be issued much earlier, but I would like to see this Destination Guide provided after booking rather than with the final documents. :D

Just reading this has me so excited, I haven't gotten so used to ocean cruises where they don't send you anything anymore :( Could you post a photo of the package they send? I hope you have an amazing trip and I look forward to your report and photos because as I mentioned before we have the same cabin category. :) I made my final payment last week and mine will be here before I know it!

It worked for us last year on the AMA Prima just using WiFi. You just have to understand that there will be quite a bit of time, like when going through locks, under bridges, and in steep gorges that it won't be working. However, usually every day, there was time when the ship's wifi was working.

 

 

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I'll try it out, but I need something I can use on the "road" without wifi, so I'll test it!

Just reading this has me so excited, I haven't gotten so used to ocean cruises where they don't send you anything anymore :( Could you post a photo of the package they send? I hope you have an amazing trip and I look forward to your report and photos because as I mentioned before we have the same cabin category. :) I made my final payment last week and mine will be here before I know it!

Yes I did:o I thought it was only me who did such things and liked to see them! When I start my Review thread, I'll post that right at the start. I even took photos of what we've packed:D I'll see how I did based on others advice here about what to bring!

I'll try it out, but I need something I can use on the "road" without wifi, so I'll test it!

 

 

 

Yes I did:o I thought it was only me who did such things and liked to see them! When I start my Review thread, I'll post that right at the start. I even took photos of what we've packed:D I'll see how I did based on others advice here about what to bring!

That should have said "have gotten so used to" LOL I can't wait for your review! About the packing, it is driving me mad with worry because I am a native Floridian trying to pack for the Christmas markets...coats, boots and undergarments, oh my! :confused: I did buy my coat which is a Marc New York 60/40 % down puffer parka with fur lined hood that I happened to find at an outlet mall. I'm going to be a hot mess by the time I have all of this sorted out.

That should have said "have gotten so used to" LOL I can't wait for your review! About the packing, it is driving me mad with worry because I am a native Floridian trying to pack for the Christmas markets...coats, boots and undergarments, oh my! :confused: I did buy my coat which is a Marc New York 60/40 % down puffer parka with fur lined hood that I happened to find at an outlet mall. I'm going to be a hot mess by the time I have all of this sorted out.

We live in Central FL and love the Christmas markets in Europe! Packing is not bad, once you get organized.

We use packing cubes for everything, which are very helpful. I pack one pair of silk long underwear just in case it gets really cold, which I have rarely found to be the case. These are really easy to wash and dry.

I pack layers so I can add and subtract easily, as needed.

Hat, gloves, scarf. Waterproof boots which I wear on the plane. Cords and jeans for daytime and no more than 3 pair total. Some nice black yoga pants to wear around the boat with a turtleneck. My tops are all half zip athletic tops that I wear over a cami or a turtleneck. One pair of black dress slacks for dinner with a few different tops. One black knit sweater dress. Booties for wear with both dinner options.

I add some work out stuff and am ready to go!

Wednsday, when are you leaving??

As far as warmth, layers is what its all about, I can help with that living in New England and we spend a good deal of time outside!

From top to bottom:

invest in a good pair of silk thermal underwear

smart wool or similar socks that have "wicking" ability and some warm wool

I like to have a couple of pairs of lightweight fleece pants, or thermal tights on the bottom. If it will be snowing, some waterproof rain pains. Alternatively, you can get some slim fitting ski pants, but then you can get too warm if you want to sit in a cozy cafe inside. The advantage of the layers is you can remove one.

On top, again, layers, the silk underwear top, with a turtle neck, and then a sweater or fleece under your coat.

Invest in good mittens or gloves that will not get cold when wet (wool or new synthetics do this)

I like a head band to keep my ears warm and my 'do looking nice over a hat, but that's me.

Lightly insulated boots with good socks are better than big heavy boots, which will tire you walking around.

Everything is selling now for winter; check LLBean, Lands End, Columbia and REI on line. The selection will be good, but prices still high, if you can hold off till November, you can start seeing the sales, but then the selection will be down a bit!

Good luck!

Caviargirl, we think alike! I was posting at the same time! ;)

Wait till you see my packing cubes ;-)

Caviargirl, we think alike! I was posting at the same time! ;)

 

Wait till you see my packing cubes ;-)

I also like headbands - the ones the skiiers wear which really keep my ears warm and dry - and pack a couple of those as well as ear muffs. :)

Wednsday, when are you leaving??

 

As far as warmth, layers is what its all about, I can help with that living in New England and we spend a good deal of time outside!

 

From top to bottom:

invest in a good pair of silk thermal underwear

smart wool or similar socks that have "wicking" ability and some warm wool

I like to have a couple of pairs of lightweight fleece pants, or thermal tights on the bottom. If it will be snowing, some waterproof rain pains. Alternatively, you can get some slim fitting ski pants, but then you can get too warm if you want to sit in a cozy cafe inside. The advantage of the layers is you can remove one.

On top, again, layers, the silk underwear top, with a turtle neck, and then a sweater or fleece under your coat.

Invest in good mittens or gloves that will not get cold when wet (wool or new synthetics do this)

I like a head band to keep my ears warm and my 'do looking nice over a hat, but that's me.

Lightly insulated boots with good socks are better than big heavy boots, which will tire you walking around.

 

Everything is selling now for winter; check LLBean, Lands End, Columbia and REI on line. The selection will be good, but prices still high, if you can hold off till November, you can start seeing the sales, but then the selection will be down a bit!

Good luck!

We are leaving Dec 6 and returning on the 16th. I found some undergarments on sale on Sierra Trading post but have yet to pull the trigger. I am considering the Lands End Starfish pants (slim leg) to wear because I own one pair and they are really comfortable and are made from a relatively thick fabric. I have a pair of lined leather gloves with fur at the cuff and a merino wool scarf, thinking of maybe only taking that one and buying some others in Prague. I think I will take thin sweaters and fleece to wear because those I can use at home. I have a couple of cute knit hats I never get to wear here so I will probably take those and suffer with hat head LOL

We live in Central FL and love the Christmas markets in Europe! Packing is not bad, once you get organized.

 

We use packing cubes for everything, which are very helpful. I pack one pair of silk long underwear just in case it gets really cold, which I have rarely found to be the case. These are really easy to wash and dry.

 

I pack layers so I can add and subtract easily, as needed.

 

Hat, gloves, scarf. Waterproof boots which I wear on the plane. Cords and jeans for daytime and no more than 3 pair total. Some nice black yoga pants to wear around the boat with a turtleneck. My tops are all half zip athletic tops that I wear over a cami or a turtleneck. One pair of black dress slacks for dinner with a few different tops. One black knit sweater dress. Booties for wear with both dinner options.

 

I add some work out stuff and am ready to go!

We are in central Florida too (Lakeland,) I looked at the boots you recommended on another thread and I am trying to decide what size to buy (8 1/2 in length 9 in sneakers but as I mentioned very narrow.) I have also found some nice Keen (Keen Wapato Tall) boots which I can get on sale and Sorel doesn't seem to allow their boots to be discounted. I have been thinking the same for dinner wear and I plan to pack thin layers. I am also thinking of packing a nice sweater or light jacket to wear with my dinner outfits onboard. I was thinking starfish pants from lands end but may pick up some slim leg cords and jeans instead...not sure what would be best. I use travel space bags for packing and LOVE them!