515kitty

We did this river cruise in October on Amber but the reverse. Now saying that we did the post tour but after finding out they did there transfer though Pilzen which is a beer town we booked our own. As we had been to the area before knew I wanted to go though Karlvory Vory CZ. Left Prague at 8:15 with a private pick up made by our travel agent. Now saying that we had to turn him in for his unsafe driving. There were 4 of us leaving Prague and arrived in Karlvory vory around 11 AM short walk in town and coffee at the Grand Hotel Pupp and bought sandwiches for the road. Left Karlory Vory which he was speeding an arrived in Nuremberg at the War Crimes court house at 2:30 PM. At 3 PM he tried to take us to the ship and prior had the location written by Scenic on a piece of paper but he got lost. Arrived around 4:30PM. Hope this helps but Karlvory Vory is a beautiful town and well worth the trip. But as you are the reverse you will have more time in Karlvory Vory and not rushed to get to your location. Enjoy

We never found it to be a problem as it was nice to sit in the lounge before dinner to enjoy a drink and here about the upcoming cities and tours. Than on to dinner and returned after for a night cap. We do like the small Royal Crown bottles as will take them on the airplane in our one small bag (3oz) for security. Enjoy it is a wonderful trip

I might differ from Lone Star as we just returned a week ago today. Did Scenic Amber and asked our butler when settling in that my husbands liquor of choice was Royal Crown and was told we would not have it in the room and would have to go to the bar for it, could not be in the room stock. My husband was a bit disappointed as he has mobility problems. But the bar is not that far. Now I do know from prior post Lone Star was in the Royal suite we were in BD Balcony Deluxe on not the diamond deck. We were on the Sapphire deck. Might make the difference I don't know??/

I also might mention that the ship is new and the balcony is nice that it is an extension of your living space (balcony deluxe suite) 225 sq. The design is wonderful. Every space is used and worked well.

I must say that the food is a big factor in my choice and we are on the Scenic Amber right now sailed out of Nuremberg to Budapest. Have not had a bad meal since we left. The quality is excellent. From breakfast to dinners. All is fresh daily.

That is a hard question to answer as everyone has different comfort levels. We will sail next week and it was hard to make a right choice. We did choose the sapphire deck. And went with the BD as it seemed to have a good location and the sq. footage was also good. I do hope we made the right choice, we will find out soon. The cost is a big factor and for us it is important to have a balcony. We are hoping that choosing Scenic was the right choice. There are other companies that seem to deliver a good product also. The couple traveling with us did Ama last year and it will be interesting to find out what they think of the two companies.

I understand that logic but they are providing a product that they are trying to get the public to try. There for I would do whatever it takes to give the traveler the best experience ever in hopes that they return and tell there friends how wonder and helpful this River company might be to travel with.

Do not fear! You will be able to swap once on the boat.

Speak nicely to the Cruise Director and he will do the necessary. I speak from personal experience. 2 years ago we were on Jewels of Europe on Scenic Diamond and were booked to go and see the Vienna Riding School, only to discover the night before in the CD evening chat, that the horses wouldn't be there - the whole purpose of the visit! I spoke to the CD and he immediately swapped us to the trip to Bratislava.

Scenic use their own coaches, generally, and do not fill them to capacity, there is always space.

We are due to go on our 3rd Scenic river cruise in 3 weeks (Gems of the Seine). Apparently our tickets etc were sent yesterday, really looking forward to it.

Again a big thanks to CC. I really appreciate the info on the Vienna Riding School. We will differently ask about the horse. Was the trip to Bratislava long and did you enjoy it? Was concerned because really would like to do the enrichment trip to the concert of Strauss and Mozart which would be that night.

I am looking forward to sailing with Scenic and the couple with us sailed with AMA last year so will be interested to here there take on the two river cruises companies.

Also my TA got better answers from the UK office and also found the AU web site was more user friendly. Just the fun of planning and wanting to know how to make ones trip the best ever.

We are set to travel in about 10 days with a booking though our TA and Scenic. It has been interesting as far as communication with them to say the least. I am sure they have there reasons. But if I call Scenic USA they say to contact my TA. My TA doesn't have this information and would be very simple for Scenic just to provide the information. As far side tours they require you to check your chooses around when our dead line for payment was due. Fine but 6 weeks from travel they won't let you view what you have picked and just says you bookings have now sent for final processing. I couldn't remember so I did call and they told me what we had choose but was told to talk to them once on board if we wanted to change.Apparently they have space for all but a few side trips to handle the numbers wanting to choose that tour. Good luck

I love SmartWool socks, if that is what you are speaking of. Worth the cost.

 

My boots are Naot Chi: http://http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-chi-black-madras-leather-black-suede

 

For evenings, I like a boot with a heel and pack my Aquitalia booties. Love those, too!

I was looking at a new pair called Helm so thought I would try that one. Comes in Black also. Yes I was talking about the Smart Wool socks, sorry I for got the Wool part but when in Scotland they came in handy. Great to share these travel tips.

I would definitely check temps prior to travel dates for the most current info.

 

That being said, for that area and those dates, I would pack clothes that can be layered (cami, half zip tops, etc); wear a waterproof mid thigh length jacket with zip out lining; pack a travel umbrella; bring gloves and a hat, as I get cold easily.

 

We are headed there in late October and I will pack similarly. Cords and leggings are my preference for fall and I will wear my comfortable and supportive Naot ankle boots for my daytime footwear as they are great on cobblestones and for lots of miles of walking.

 

I always pack an extra pair of good walking shoes in addition as that makes my feet happy.:)

Caviargal would love to know which ankle boot you like as I am a true believer in my Naot's but haven't tried the boots. I have Luga order but haven't got it yet it is a mary jane type. Another tip I like traveling in the fall if living in the states are Smart Socks. They keep your feet warm but not heavy and also keep them dry. It is all the packing prep work.

We are in the US and I have seen where some or our traveling friends in other parts of the world get pick up at there home and transported to the airport. Does anyone one have any info on this?? I will call Scenic and ask them also.

Also might note, we are with Scenic in October Prague on our own and our travel agent as already made arrangements for transfer to the Marriott. As far as the executive level it can be book prior (More cost) and also at the time of check in the front desk has the ability to upgrade to Marriott rewards members as far as there rewards level. We to are booked in Budapest for our final night and one extra and scenic is to provide our transfer as booking though Scenic was a better deal than Prague to book though Scenic.

Sorry we are not on that sailing. Ours is Oct 7th. Since I posted have did some changing around and will say Scenic and my TA have done a fabulous job. If anyone is on our sailing would love to hear from you.

FYI I have been working on details to get this done. With the help of Funexploring got a general time frame and just don't think we are going to depend on Scenic to get us to Nuremberg on time. Now I also called back and they did dance around time frame and basically said to wait till I get to Prague and make arrangements. I don't feel comfortable not having a plan in hand. So have now contacted my TA and have here working on it and she has come up with a couple of options. I think we will doing a private transfer earlier on Monday from Prague with a stop in Kalvary Vary of which I really wanted to go back to early lunch and get into Nuremberg early afternoon which will give me plenty of time to do the courthouse and get to the ship. Just have to work out luggage arrangements and I think it will work. Love the info from everyone and have my fingers crossed.

This is giving me thought on how I might want to rethink what we do. I do know we are also taking a chance to visit the courtroom 600 but do know that there is plenty to see on the top floor. I can some what understand about the luggage and travel with it but was hoping the bus would get us to the ship in time to just drop the luggage and get to the courthouse by taxi. One would think they would work harder to make ones trips special and have a return client. Really do not understand if staying at a Scenic hotel they could not hold your luggage and transport you when you were ready. I will keep working on this and post when I have a definite plan so if anyone needs to know info.It is the small things that make the trip special.

The part I don't understand is why Scenic does not have some general idea on how the transfers for that date might work. Maybe I will try again and see if I can get someone different. I might also have my travel agent work on it. I never thought that they might use a morning to transport people whom might be ending in Prague. NancyEvans what you mention could be an alternative. At least I will have a couple days in Prague prior for them to help with arrangements and perhaps as comments have seen that they are very willing to help. This is our first river cruise but have travel Europe so could easily get down to Nuremberg on our own. But If I knew we could make it by 3 PM with Scenic we still could do it.

I am trying to find out the timing that Scenic gets there passengers transferred to the ship in Nuremberg from Prague. As we are to do our touring on Tuesday in Nuremberg which is closed on Tuesday. Will try to get to the courthouse before it closes on Monday the day of our transfer. We have to be in the courthouse by 5 pm and exit by 6 pm. Anyone out there that is able to answer I would appreciate it.

We were on this same cruise in May of this year. Scenic put us up at the Marriot which was quite central and convenient to a variety of transit options. On arrival night their guide took us on a quick 30 minute tour of area to let us know options such as restaurants, pharmacy, ATMs etc. The next morning we met for a half day walking tour. We were bused to Prague Castle, and walked with a guide though the complex and then down the hill, across the Charles Bridge and through the Old Town. I only say this so that you don't duplicate any tour you may arrange ahead of time. The balance of the afternoon, the following day and most of the morning on the third day was on our own. The Scenic guides manned a desk at the hotel for about 2 hours each afternoon and were most helpful with any tourist information that we needed. Prague is a lovely city and in many ways the highlight of our trip but it is super crowded. Get out early if you can. You will have a great time.

Thanks for the post you have answered some of my questions as we are on the same route in October. My question is on the 3rd day what time did you leave Prague and arrive in Nuremberg?? Did you stop along the way??

Yes we to are at the Marriott in Prague and in Budapest at the end of the trip will stay an extra day. It will be fun to meet new people. We have been in the area before. In '98 did an eastern Europe and loved Prague. The info on Prague and the side tours are not really not defined well. I don't know why that can not be give the time and description a little more precious. Especially when we are land based and not dealing with the river.

Perhaps I should explain a little more we are doing the gems of the Danube October 6th. We have flights booked though Scenic and transfers and are doing the Prague add on also though Scenic. So on the 10th of October we will be transfered by Scenic from Prague to Nuremberg. That is when I am looking for a time line and want to make arrangements so we get to the court house on Monday because they will be closed on Tuesday. Suggested to take a cab but from the ship once we arrive and go immediately to the courthouse by tour guide Kevin. I also agree with what he suggested. As anyone done the transfer and what time did they get to the ship?

I haven't posted for awhile so he is an update. I to am frustrated with Scenic not being able to help with more details. They are just reading off the sheet or computer they have in front of them. I don't want to wait to get off the plane and have to depend on the representative to have her or him arrange my extras. A special thanks to Sandy and all here help. I did read on a CC review of Amber someone had posted that the transfer was 4 hour but still don't know for sure what time they might leave Prague as that is where we start from and are transfer to Nuremberg. I am assuming they make a stop other that bathroom but not for sure. One post thought around 3 or 4 PM arrival. I am trying to detail this as we are schedule to do our Nuremberg tour on Tuesday of which the court house is closed and Kevin (a tour guide) suggested when arriving on Monday see if Scenic can have a cab waiting and go straight to the Courthouse. Have to be there before 5 and it closes at 6 PM This is one thing my husband wanted to see. Or trip is Oct. 6th.

We are on Scenic in October and already know we will be at the Marriott.Check with your travel agent or Scenic and they should be able to tell you what hotel you are in. As mention before where your hotel is will make a difference if you are close to the Town Center and able to walk around and see a lot of things. I too have read our prior information and there is plenty of time to do things on your own. I think the day after arriving will be scenic's tour day. There are plenty of things to do. If you get a chance and you love music there are concerts all most every night and in many locations. Good luck

I will pass on some info as to Nuremberg. Contacted Kevin he is booked. He suggested once we get to the ship take a cab directly to the courthouse. Should be able to make it before closing. And i assume the welcome won't be till 7 ish. Got any info on when we might need to be on board?

Zeen 978 Sandy, Could you email me if possible so I could ask some question about the trip if possible. jlsayre at msn dot com

We arrived to the ship around noon but most of the guests didn't come until much later. I would guess that if you are coming from Prague, you would be in one of those later groups to arrive.

 

You will see and do wonderful things so don't worry too much about what you may miss. Scenic will take good care of you, and I hope you have a wonderful cruise.

 

Sandy

Sandy Thanks for all the good tips. I am very much looking forward to river cruising and decided to do our trip with Scenic. We have heard many good things about them. We will have to figure how to get in the court house or not. My husband is a lawyer and very much loves history and WWll. Your feelings about you can't see everything is how I look at it also. I really wanted to do Salzburg but choose CK instead as this is my heritage.(Czeck) We are traveling with another couple and probably should have done what you did as far as Prague on our own. I so wanted to go back to Kalvary vary. It is a delightful and interesting town. Maybe another time. Safe travels