GoInOnaCruz

They also have 3 dishes that are always available in the dining room: steak, chicken, and salmon. With those you can also order any of the appetizers, soups, desserts, fruits, and cheese plates (and unfortunately for my waistline I did!).

No worry! We sail in 15 days from Amsterdam to there is nearly a month before we reach that part of the river! Gonna need to let it go....

Almost anything is better than the smoke from all the fires around us! Can't remember when I saw blue skies last, prayers for our Fire Fighters in Oregon & Washington, things are really bad :(

 

I agree about letting it go. The cruise lines are doing their best to keep things going and it still turns out to be a pretty good experience. I think the weather is bound to take a turn as it tends to rain in Europe in the late summer/early fall.

 

Such a terrible disaster happening out there in Oregon and Washington. We have traveled extensively on the west coast and were sick watching the news coverage of the fires. We, on the other hand, live where the news reporters were just murdered on live TV. It is a crazy world :(

From the CC app on my iPhone signatures and titles don't show... That's why I didn't see your cruise and went searching, apparently not a good searcher :D

 

PS not nearly as new to CC as my "name" might imply ;)

 

Sorry I hope I didn't sound snarky. Didn't mean to. Anyway, let's hope that things are starting to calm down and cool down on the rivers. The experiences we had were really great but would have been even better without a swap. However, we are grateful that we got to experience all of the different countries/cultures (even within countries) we did. Great way to see a lot in a relatively short stretch of time! :)

Any chance you took photos of all those ships lined up? Sounds like an interesting spectacle!

 

Carolyn[/quote ] We did not but were traveling with friends one of whom was our "official" photographer and knowing him he probably did. Once he posts them I'll share. Most often there were 2 or 3 in a row sometimes 2 or 3 in a row with rafting. These were spread all along the river. Our trip back to Austria on the river was a 2 hour boat trip from Passau but about a 20 min. bus ride!

 

Sorry I wasn't clear about the dates J'ville but my sail date is part of my signature if you look below this posting you will see it. Maybe you are new to CC and didn't know that? We got home late Sunday night and I'm general contractor essentially on a home renovation and everything began again early Monday morning. I have the day off today from the reno work but it's Grandma Day and I have a 50 mile ride to pick grandson up off bus. Excuses, excuses but I'm still feeling jet lagged :) AND a little crazy :)

Just to be clear?? You are talking about a cruise you took in early July, correct ????? I don't think you are referring to a cruise this last week.....

Au contraire, our trip was from 8/8 to 8/22 Budapest to Amsterdam. We swapped on 8/15 remember that particularly because we were so glad it was a Saturday as on Friday's 2 hour bus tour we were stuck in traffic due to work day traffic and road construction. Passing the same place on Saturday was a breeze. The situation on the rivers this summer is really bad as this is a 500 year drought (we were told this at every stop) and if it doesn't rain in a timely manner it quickly deteriorates. The biggest bogging down point on this cruise (and others) is between Regensburg and Nuremberg. There were ships from every major No. America/English-speaking oriented cruise line, European cruise lines lining the river everywhere you looked.

There has been a lot of rain over Europe during the past week and although it means that some will have a damp cruise in more ways than one at least cruises won't be canceled and not so many will have to do a ship swop. What I am really impressed with is that after the fiasco of a few years ago some at least of the cruise companies have been up front with their coping with the low water situation's and their customers are being kept in the loop. We pay a lot for our annual holidays and knowing what is happening is at leat one step in the right direction.

Happy cruising all CA

So glad for those who don't have to do a swap because we did and it isn't much fun--and that includes the staff of the ships that have to completely clean and prepare for new passengers. However, the alternative is no cruise at all. I just wish, as others have said, that the cruise companies were more upfront. Nothing was ever posted, only thing ever said at our first briefing was there was a possibility and this was never mentioned again until we were on the river after our visit to Passau and heading back downriver to some little place in Austria. After that, the next day we bussed through Passau to Regensburg--2 hour trip, and then the following day we bussed again through Passau to Nuremberg--4 hour trip. BTW we spoke to cruisers from other ships as we progressed on the river and found out that no ships had gotten through for at least 3 weeks. Another bummer--the ship one day behind us--we tied up next to them in the Austrian town--made it through :( Good for them--not so good for us.

Good luck with Amex. We've had that declined several times today already. Only MasterCard or Visa are widely accepted in Europe. Chip and Signature has been no problem, but we couldn't get a French toll booth to take any of our cards and that may be a Chip and PIN problem (hard to tell with no English option on the prompts).

 

I speak and read French fluently and I had a TERRIBLE time with those French toll booths last fall! One time our card (the one they issue when you get to the toll booth on entering the highway) was defective (after about a fifteen minute drive) and the woman who came on the loudspeaker was SCREAMING at us! Good luck.

Oh so sorry for your experience! I do hope this was just one of those rare occasions.

I don't think it was TERRIBLE we wouldn't have known any better without the comparison. I'm sure the Bragi to Skadi passengers were in heaven though!

Hi, I have a unique perspective on the Viking meals. We just finished the Grand European Tour, Budapest to Amsterdam, from 8/8 to 8/22. We experienced a ship swap from Viking Skadi to sister ship Bragi (more about that later) and there was a definite difference in the caliber of food (and this was expressed by just about every passenger). Skadi's chef was very innovative with incredible food choices at every meal. While Bragi's food was acceptable, it certainly, with the exceptions of German food night, surf and turf, and chateaubriand, did not hold a candle to Skadi's food. Example, our first meal was ALL things mushrooms--EVERY dish-with the exception of the always available-- contained copious amounts of mushrooms. I ordered deconstructed mushroom lasagna which came as two DEEP FRIED mushrooms (deep fried was not even mentioned on the written menu ) on top of a creamy sauce over a pile of noodles. The chef must have had a good deal on fungi because they appeared at every meal for the rest of the cruise even with a caprese salad. We certainly didn't starve but it's pretty obvious that food is heavily influenced by the executive chef.

Hi to my discount Viking air buds,

We are on the Tor, Nurenburg to Bud, and we're getting the boat switch midway due to low water. They announce this on day 1 before dinner. On the Nuren to Bud route we are stopped at Ragensburg, and the Var going the other way is stopped at Melk, so on day 5 we swap ships. Viking is throwing in some freebees to easy the hassle, the Figaro's Wedding opera, and a free tour to Munich on Passau day, so a choice of either of those 2 that day. The ship is lovely, crew are super. Only one chance to get on the sun deck so far, locks and bridges interfere with that. Net is slow and spotty as usual on boats, hope this posts before dying. All the best,

-Bob

Well sounds like Viking is trying their best to ease the sting. Our cruise starts on Saturday in Budapest and they have not posted anything regarding that sailing yet but I'm assuming there will be a switch in the future for us. I would LOVE to see Munich so I hope that is still on offer then! Have a great rest of your trip!

Very interested in the Naot Chi boots...I have new orthotics (both ankles) coming next week and will ask the orthoticist what he thinks. I liked the idea that the lining was removable "for orthotics"....I've never seen that in stylish looking boots before!! Thanks for the info. :D

I have orthotics and when I got them this was one of the brands recommended by the prescribing physical therapist (he specializes in feet and it known throughout the state of Virginia as the best). I'm going to save that link myself. Like the looks of those boots :)

 

BTW I'm planning on 3 pairs of sandals and 1 pair of sneakers (with orthotics). I will only wear the sandals onboard and will remove my orthotics every evening to give them to air out :) Sounds like it's still pretty hot in Eastern Europe but going to be cooler from Germany on--we'll all be hurrying the ship along--on the Grand European Tour with VRC from Budapest to Amsterdam with what looks likely to be a ship change along the line.

GoInOnaCruz,

 

companies decide this at very short notice (sometimes) in accordance with the information given to them by "their people" in the affected areas. Cruises can be cancelled, or with Viking, as they now have so many boats on the rivers they can do a ship change. So with that happening you can actually complete your cruise rather then leaving midway, possibly. I mean change in Passau for example and then go to Amsterdam rather than stay in Passau for three days hoping to get past the low water "bottle neck" only to be told you will not make it to Nuremberg or to the Rhine at all.

 

Such a scenario - with the dreading bussing - is more likely during flooding as authorities can close whole river sections for days. Lower water can often pass within a few hours with widespread rain in the respective area. That is the company's, meaning the captain of the affected ship's - decision.

 

notamermaid

Thanks notamermaid. That was what I was getting out of this but wanted to be sure. I know a lot of people don't like the thought of changing ships, but with my husband still working and having set aside this time for vacation, this a best-case scenario for us. I'm relieved for us but feeling sad for those whose trips are being disrupted by mother nature!:(

Hi, I read the statement from VRC about cruises on longboats involving a ship change at the point of the lowest water. We are traveling from Budapest to Amsterdam on a longboat on August 8. Is this typically the most drastic thing they have to do (and I realize this seems to be a particularly difficult season due to the soaring temperatures in the region) or do they ever have to resort to more extreme measures? I remember reading a lot about busing during the floods in spring 2013 but of course I realize that is a wholly different situation. Thanks!

 

It would be a mistake to equate cabin choice will any sort of socio-economic status... I think often people make choice based on stairs, access to a particular part of a boat, or health reasons.

Our first (and only so far) river cruise was Viking Emerald China Imperial Jewels. By the time we were ready to book (in January for March) all that was left was a suite (basically a normal-sized hotel room). Only difference, besides size, from the other rooms on the ship (everyone had a balcony) was that it was on the top passenger deck and we had a small fridge. Lots of people were "impressed" that we were in a suite but when we all started talking (who were in these rooms) it turned out we were all late bookers who had no choice. On our next cruise in a month (we got our docs today!) we will be in a French balcony room and will be perfectly happy. Would have booked aquarium but I'm slightly claustrophobic and feared that I would be stricken.

Be sure your carry on includes a couple outfits and unmentionables that you can live in for 10 days! My theory is if you are prepared nothing bad will ever happen :)

I love your theory and hope it holds! Yes in the past when we always checked luggage we always carried extra clothes and "unmentionables." In fact, on our Viking China trip we got to the ship just before dinner was beginning (after a lengthy land tour) needless to say checked bags hadn't arrived but there we were prepared and we were the only ones who could change up for dinner (after spending time in a sandstorm)!

I like to travel with carry-on luggage only due to much dragging too much luggage through streets, checked bags lost or taken by mistake (then returned thank goodness), and so forth. However, Air France's carry-on restrictions are looking to defeat my usual plan and we will have to check a bag (or buy all new carry-ons they have a 20" limit I have either 22, 21, or 16 which is too small). I called them to be sure that our luggage is checked through from U.S. (Dulles) to Budapest as we have a quick layover in Paris and a change of flight. I didn't feel that the customer service agent was totally listening to my question so: Anyone flown this itinerary and found this to be the case? If we have to retrieve luggage I think we might miss our connection. Thanks in advance!

GoingCoastal-

How was the weather in Beijing when you were there? We are also going in March.

 

We were there March 2013--one day (Tiananmen Square/Forbidden City) was C-O-L-D and none of had enough clothing on as we went by the Viking Daily that said it was going to be 70 degrees! Dress in layers. The next day was warm and was H-O-T at the pagoda on the Yangtze

Not sure anyone can use this but I found a site with some cool, free walking tours:

 

http://www.bigboytravel.com/freewalkingtours

 

Took a look at those walking tours and there is some really valuable info-so someone CAN use them :)

I was indignant about the generalization that all 65 y.o. can't move as quickly as younger folks since I am 65, walk at least 3 miles a day, bike 15+ miles on the weekend (often much more), lift heavy weights with a trainer (I'm stronger than most of the men that she trains and much stronger than the 20 something woman) and move quickly. However, that being said when we went on our 1st river cruise to China with VRC 2 years ago, there were people who shouldn't have been on such an active cruise that involves walking 3 miles the first morning (if you start in Beijing) from Tienanmen Square to the other side of the Forbidden City. Since on this cruise you are assigned to a group with which you stay the entire time and it is a one size fits all tour, this could be a problem. We were lucky to have only one couple in our group who fit this and they were the most accommodating of all, using carriers and wheelchairs with pushers when necessary and not going on the tour if they felt it would be too strenuous. They became the most popular couple in our group who ranged from 30 something to 80 something. Most people were fit and ready for anything and in their late 50s to late 60s. We are going on our second river cruise this summer and it sounds to me that the European cruises cater to different levels of fitness and that they gauge the fitness necessary for each excursion. Go and enjoy. You are not there to make friends (unless you happen to and ours are 2 guys in their 30s and 60s with whom we are cruising again).

Bearing yesterday's sinking in mind: I'm not sure what Viking do, but we were recently on Century Sun from Chongqing to Yichang and there was no safety briefing at any time.

 

It may be a good idea to check out where life-jackets and other safety equipment is stored.

When we were on the Viking Emerald in 2013 that was one thing that troubled us--one of our group members was the captain of an English Navy ship and he was especially troubled--that there was no safety drill. This tragedy will surely change that!

With a little advance planning on the packing it really isn't a problem.

 

We packed things we would both need for the period from Beijing up to the river cruise in one suitcase and left the other one pretty much untouched until we got on the ship.

 

It really wasn't a problem at all.

Additional comment on this--I read every post on this forum and while they were all SO helpful the best one was to be sure to pack your evening clothing for the day you arrive on the ship in your carry-on. We were the last group to arrive and the only ones I know of who did this. We were feeling particularly grubby having been caught in Xi'An in a sand storm at the warriors venue and then at the airport (where we sat for quite a while on the plane waiting for clearance to take off). We had time for a quick, quick, quick shower before dinner (husband and I were literally the last to board) and if we had not had a change of clothing in our carry-on we would have been out of luck since they delivered our luggage either during or after dinner. I can't remember who gave this advice but it was the BEST!

The schedule is not always as listed in the itinerary since all 7 groups don't do the same thing at the same time. They also don't fly on intercity flights together so some activities are staggered. Our group is the first group to do everything. Some later groups don't get to do everything we do.

That is a good point. Our guide, Jimmy, was the longest employed with VR (I think)and we and one of the other groups (Francis) were the sweepers--we were last off the ship, last onto the planes, etc. so we had a great tour but we did miss some stuff due to that--example, we didn't get to visit the information center at the Three Gorges Dam. We are of the opinion that you definitely don't have to see everything to have seen enough so it was great for us. Glad you are having a great trip!

Thank you Turtle and Bruin Steve for your insight regarding the topic of wearing shorts I want to be sensitive to the people of China as we are visitors in their country.

We were with a young woman who works for my husband in Shanghai and she was wearing what we used to call "hot pants" back in the day--can't get any shorter than that. I noticed lots of young women similarly attired after that so I definitely wouldn't worry--any shorts you're apt to be wearing will probably be a lot more modest. ;)

Best Peking Duck ever was at Made in China at the Grand Hyatt--very reasonable and soooooo good.

 

Sat next to a gentleman who had just returned from China and said in all his years of doing business there, this was one of the worst pollution years in both Shanghai and Beijing. Take disposable masks. They do work. Pat

We were on the Viking Emerald March 5, 2013 trip Beijing--Shanghai--pollution but nothing bad. Then went back to China this April for business and I with moderate asthma had a lot of difficulty. So BRING mask if you have any lung problems--talk to your doctor in this case also--my pulmonary specialist told me that they will "up" my treatment in future cases as we will be traveling in the near future to China. Love every second of this ancient country and you won't get a better picture of it than with Viking's incredible tour. So jealous of all still in process or getting ready to travel. :)

I am staying in the Ritz Carlton Financial Street,

Re staying at this hotel, we encountered the most personal service (other than on the ship) at this hotel while on the tour--we started in Beijing too. The entire staff, including the wonderful executive chef, went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to help in any way they could--including the executive chef walking me to the shopping mall under the hotel directly to the grocery store! We are going back to China in a month and a half for business and are sorry that we can't include Beijing in our itinerary. We absolutely loved it and since we didn't know any different didn't notice a difference in the ride from the hotel to the major monuments that we visited. It is truly superb. Enjoy!