Ritabob

Yes, some challenges for sure. From looking at your ports, it seems that you discovered more of the Main River than the actual Rhine... :) We think Würzburg is an underrated stop, and we have enjoyed visiting there by land several times. Agree that the Residenz is spectacular. Bamberg is charming too!

 

Glad you had a good time of it.

We've travelled the Rhine on Uniworld's Legendary Rhine and Moselle, and on their Christmas and New Year's cruises on the Danube, so doing the Main and Main Canal made perfect sense to see what was between the two rivers.

Would have to say I prefer the smaller towns and on this last trip Miltenberg (sp?) Was special.

RB

This is a review of the last Rhine Discovery and Prague cruise for 2015 on the River Ambassador. It took place in November, so my memory might get a few things out of order. I had every intention of filing a daily report while on the cruise, but was having too much fun and although internet connections on board were adequate, they were not fantastic.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, we did not have the luxury of a few extra days before the tour started. Bummer. Prague deserves a lot more time.

Day one...Friday November 6th....overnight flights got us into Prague early afternoon. No problems getting through customs and retrieving bags. The Uniworld rep was easy to spot and we had a short wait until everyone was accounted for and on our way to the hotel - Boscolo Prague. The hotel is a converted / renovated bank building. Quite stunning interior, but beware, the front entrance is a decent flight of stairs that could give someone with knee or hip problems a challenge. Our room looked out onto another part of the building, so no view.

We were told there was an information meeting later and until then we were on our own to explore and get something to eat. Helpful hint - Get a map from the front desk before venturing out.

The old town is very walkable, although that first evening we only got as far as the Republic Square.Probably a 10 to 15 minute stroll. There were booths set up in the square selling food, beverages, crafts, all sorts of stuff, so we got some beer, smoked boar sausages, raclette and had a perfect dinner on the square. Cheap!

Prior to our trip I did get Korunas from our bank, as well as some Euros. Always have Euro coins for public toilets!

The evening meeting told us about the plans for the next day and for the transfer to the ship the day after.

Day two...Saturday

City tour. We were bused to the Prague castle for a tour of the historic self contained city / castle / palace / church / gardens, etc. then we walked down the hill and eventually across the Charles Bridge to the Astronomical Clock at the old town square. That was where our guide left us. She did give directions back to the hotel, but I'm glad we had our map! Spent the rest of the day wandering and poking into shops and pubs and having a few cold beers.

Day Three...Sunday

Transfer day. Suitcases had to be out and ready to go on the bus, but we still had a few hours before the bus was to arrive. Weather was perfect 18 C at 10 in the morning so we went looking for the Dancing house. The new addition to this building was designed by Frank Gehry. It's also known as the Fred and Ginger building. look it up.

Bus ride through the countryside with a pit stop and finally to our ship in Nuremberg . Checking in was so easy, as if they've done it before and know what they're doing. :)

Cabins are cozy. There is more than enough storage space, the beds are really comfortable, the toilets flush, the shower head has great pressure, lighting is adjustable AND someone cleans my cabin twice a day!!! So what if it is only 128 sq.ft.

Emergency drill as required by law was quick, welcome briefing by the Hotel Manager, Jaroslav, and a detail of what will happen the next day by Piet the Cruise Manager, and off to dinner !

Day 4...Monday...Bamberg

7am stretching with the wellness coach, Dusko. He knows his stuff!

9am off to the bus to the old town. walking tour and free time then back to the ship for buffet lunch. Uniworld uses 'vox boxes' . The guide has a mic and you have the receiver with ear piece. The ear piece has a loop for over your ear and the little speaker sits next to your ear..not in it. I was still able to hear the history lesson a block away while admiring something cute in a shop window.

Shuttles were provided back and forth 3 or 4 times during the afternoon for those who wanted to explore on their on.

Optional excursion ...Bamberg smoked beer. Beer is good , period.!

The ship set sail before dinner.

Day 5...Tuesday

7am yoga with Dusko, leisurely breakfast while sailing along the Main River. then lunch. I really could get used to this.

The afternoon was spent travelling to and from Rothenburg, and touring this medieval town complete with ramparts (?) the walls around the old town. This town is out of a fairy tale. Had time to walk on part of the wall until it started to get dark and a bit treacherous getting down one of the towers. Shoppers paradise if you are into Christmas at Kathe Wolfarts (I know that isn't the right spelling).

This was the evening of the Saveur Dinner in the Sky Lounge. Special meal for the first 20 to sign up. Great conversations, fabulous food and a beverage or two.

Day 6...Wednesday

Wurzburg. Morning tour of the Residence. This is really a palace. great tour guide great tour, but very little time to explore on your own. If you can, on the second floor go back to where the guided tour starts going off in one direction . Go in the other direction and eventually you end up in a green room. IMO the nicest one.

Aschfeld. Afternoon tour of this restored village castle and church . The local ladies who volunteer here are a delight, and their baking is wonderful. Shared a schnapps, too.

Day 7...Thursday

Miltenberg. No buses today, just got off the ship right into a walking tour of the town. Not very big at all, but the shops! at 10:30 we all met at a square to divide into 7 different activities we had pre-chosen. Brewery tour was probably the most popular, but the time spent painting with a local artist was magical for me.

Afternoon was spent cruising.

Day 8...Friday

Nierstein or Heidelberg. the trip to Heidelberg was an all day trip with time spent on a bus, so we decided to do the winery tour in Nierstein. A wagon outfitted with a table and bottles of wines pulled by a tractor took us up into the vineyards for a lesson in not spilling your wine while hitting the bumps and all about the local red slope and Rieslings.

When we got back to the ship we were called into the lounge for an important announcement. Water levels have been at an all time low most of the summer throughout Europe. Although our Captain, John van der Andt, knew he could guide the River Ambassador up the river, he could not do it in time to get us to Basel as scheduled for Sunday. He was crushed. The last trip of the season, and he was not going to be able to complete it.

Arrangements were made and the trip would continue by bus in the morning.

The ship continues sailing in the afternoon with a 'technical' stop to pick up those who were in Heidelberg.

Day 9...Saturday 14th of November

Crap. the night before Paris was hit by terrorists. what a sombre mood. And we had to say goodbye to our ship. The original schedule had us in Strasbourg France for the first part of the day and then Colmar. The French government wanted to close down all border crossings. They did allow vehicular traffic, but were stopping every vehicle, so that made for lineups at border crossings that cut into our touring time. We did get a guided tour of Strasbourg, but Colmar was deleted and we drove to Basel, Switzerland the long way to avoid the line up going back into Germany.

Whew, I know I have skipped over a lot of details, but if you have any questions, I will gladly answer them. November was a good time to travel...I'd rather put on another layer of clothes if it's too cold, than sweat and start to drag. I take snapshots, not photographs, so lighting is not a factor. My only wish would have been a longer trip to enjoy being on the ship. They take such good care of us. I love being spoiled.

RB

Uniworld will upgrade your cabin subject to availability and only to their River Heritage Club members. Suites are not included. To become a RH member you just have to have traveled with them before. the best perk of the RH club is having a load of laundry done for free per week.

Phone them. Or your TA. Don't give up. :)

Roz,

On your next Uniworld cruise be sure to ask your cabin attendant to make up your bed 'American ' style with sheets and blankets. We opted to get rid of those and have the duvets. And we cranked the temperatures down to 15 C. Cozy!

Tulips and windmill tour on the River Queen 2015. First tour of the season. Generally speaking the weather was not the best and it was a bit early for the tulips, so our CD, Wouter was doing his best to keep everyone happy....And we were happy! He arranged the bus tour to Keukenhof with two return times, so you could get back in time to also go into Haarlem for a look see, or you could stay at the gardens for the whole day. As I mentioned before, it was a short bus ride into the centre of town and it was an easy bike ride if you wanted to burn off a few calories.

This spring on the Tulips and Windmills tour the River Queen's docking address was Haarlem :thv Floresstraat. It was an easy bike ride to the town square, but the walking tour was bused to the Teyler museum.

Everyone has their own comfort level. There is no wrong or right way to get or exchange currency. It makes sense to know all the choices available to you and you pick the one that is best for you. And if there is a fee associated with the exchange, it really is minimal when you think of how much your cruise vacation is costing.

My one hint is to 'break' a bill as soon as you can so you have coins in your pocket. Everyone needs to have coins in your pocket when you have to 'go' . Most public toilets are manned by a Madame PeePee. :D

Are you going to be on Viking Odin by any chance?

Nope, Uniworld's Ambassador.

In less than two weeks we'll be in Prague then onto a ship in Nuremberg...but who's counting? :)

I stand by my choice of how my request was handled at the time. It was part of our conversation and it would have been laughable for the captain to get the request via a second and third party. Bottom line, it is the Captains decision, as the company policy is stated in every Uniworld cruise companion booklet...

"

Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore."

As far as checking out a ship you are rafted next to, getting a tour is great PR for that cruise line...especially if you are impressed.

You are right, JVille. The captain would not be asked by the passenger...he has far too many other things he's responsible for. The passenger should ask the CD who will ask the hotel manager who will ask the captain but the captain's answer is really a formality. It's the hotel manager and dining room manager who will decide if a guest can stay for lunch or dinner and the CD who will either approve the guest and confirm with the hotel manager or explain to the passenger that it is not allowed. Of course the guest will have to wear ID at all times on board. As for excursions, I would think that is strictly up to the CD but quite frankly, I'd be surprised if it was allowed on anything other than a walking tour.

 

How are you feeling?

See that dead horse over there ? :) it has been beaten to death, but i will repeat myself. I did ask the Captain, did not go through the CD. Every Captain on all of our Uniworld cruises have been extremely approachable. Have spent a lot of time chatting with them learning about their lives on the rivers. I cannot speak for any other cruise line, just from my own personal experience.

But the CD would be the point person to get permissions from the Captain. We did have a visitor (friends of a passenger) on our Avalon sailing.

I was responding from personal experience on a Uniworld cruise a few years ago. Our guest was welcomed on board by the Captain, had to wear a visitor badge and joined us for lunch. He did not join us on any tours, as we felt that was not fair to other passengers who might resent having to share a tour guide with someone not paying for the service of the guide.

It is not up to the CD, but the Captain, as far as guests on board his ship goes. For joining you on a tour the CD might have the final say.

Having only travelled with Uniworld, I can tell you your choice of itinerary and water levels will determine where your river cruise ship can / will dock. Nuremberg and Vienna along the Danube are two cities where you will be bussed, for sure. Nuremberg is about a 20 minute bus ride to the old town as the ship is docked in a canal in a somewhat industrial area. Vienna is a bit different. Again they provide a shuttle bus to take you to the centre of town, but it is quite scenic with all those gorgeous old stately buildings. If you are okay to DIY, Uniworld has docked about a 10 minute walk from the subway stop, and two stops later you are in the centre of the action.

In just about all the other stops from Budapest to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to Basel you can walk into town.

Water levels are altogether another story. It all depends on the depth of the docking area as to where you can 'park ' in both high water and low water level scenarios.

Enjoy your planning!

The ship is docked quite a distance from the train station. Last time we were there it was just under 20 euro to get from the station to the docking area. The train station is easy enough to navigate as long as you are not schleping a lot of lugguage.

Will agree about the Kathe Wolfarht shops..and they are a chain store, so are in a lot of towns....they are delightful to browse, but are quite pricey. Unless, of course, you are looking for something specific, or collect something. Their selection of 'smokies' or 'smokers' is quite extensive. These are wooden figures that come apart in the middle. For instance, one of ours is a night watchman....the top half his body lifts off (about his waist) on the bottom section is where a small cone of incense is placed and lit. The top half is placed back onto his lower body and the incence smoke travels through his body to an opening to come out as smoke from his pipe.

Paprika in Budapest is least expensive in a local grocery store or in the large market hall next to the chain bridge over the Danube. Smoked, sweet, or spice hot!

And don't forget to pack bubble wrap. File every space in your suitcase with it. Honest! A full suitcase does not get as damaged as one that can be pressed into. Then you're prepared for cushioning your purchases and you can throw out the excess or share it with your new friends from the cruise.

Every river cruise was wonderful for different reasons. Uniworld's Grand Christmas and New Year's was so great we did it again two years after the first time. Getting away from north American commercialism and frantic craziness (and dysfunctional family holiday dynamics ) made it an experience we'll never forget.

You have to spend time reading all the brochures / websites and deciding which one (s) appeal to you according to what is important to you....route, price, cabin size, etc. Good luck and have a great cruise!

We did this cruise on the River Royale when it was a brand new ship. In April / May. And we went from the North to the South. Water levels were a bit high, but it was not a problem. Temperatures warmed up a bit more every day and the mistral winds were a new experience. Wandering into the small towns after dinner were comfortable temperature-wise.

Travelling in the autumn you would possibly get to experience the fall harvest of grapes, so in my mind either or would be a great time.

If you don't mind having to be ready for any kind of weather, it's a great time to travel. Hardly any crowds, no hot humid stifling days when the heat zaps all your energy. go online the week before and check weather underground and you'll get an idea of what to pack. We always try to travel in the off-season.

Roz,

You know the people pictured in the glossy brochure and depicted in the videos...never saw them on our Uniworld cruises. :D Maybe they just cruise in the summertime and we only cruise in the spring, fall and winter. :D

We've only seen real people who love to travel and are not too concerned about dressing a certain way. They have all been neat and tidy. Yes, some wear jeans to dinner (me), but my jeans are black, not faded and tattered. And if you are sitting at my table you have no idea what is on my lower body.

Wear what you are comfortable in and yes, bring a pretty top, scarf, costume jewellery to glam up...if you want. If hubby doesn't want to wear a jacket and tie, no biggie, a button down shirt is fine.

On one of our Grand Christmas and New Year's cruises we saw everything from long evening gowns, to slacks and sparkly tops on the women and tails to shirt and jumper (sweater) on the men at the palace for the New Year's Eve festivities. We all had fun.

Have a great cruise!

We cruised the Danube over Christmas / New years with Uniworld. Enjoyed it so much had to do it again two years later. What a refreshing change from North America's garish commercialism. (And crazy family dynamics at home :))

Midnight mass at the cathederal in Regensberg with a few thousand people had a feeling of coziness and warmth (but it was freezing temperature-wise) that Christmas should exude.

As the previous poster stated, it is a time for family and friends so most businesses and tourist locations will not be open. I'm sure your cruise company will have taken that into consideration and planned something appropriate for the season.

Enjoy your cruise!

Roz,

just before you go, check the long range weather forecast online for the start point and end point of your trip. That should give you an idea of what to expect, and what your comfort level is. Not everyone needs long underwear :D

And if you have a hooded waterproof coat with zip in lining you will probably have an interior set of pockets to 'hide' your cash and room key. Leave your purse and umbrella in your cabin and feel the freedom of having your hand free! Don't forget to stash your gloves in the outer coat pockets...in case you need them.

Finally, if you are concerned about the bulk of your extra layers in your suitcase, use the large zip type storage bags. Put a folded sweater or two in a bag, sit on the bag while zipping it shut and you've eliminated all that bulky air.

Have a great trip.

Dinner was another matter. Most men wore pants and a polo shirt or a dress shirt with no tie.

 

:D:D If most men wore pants...what did the rest of them wear ? :D:D

 

(sorry, just had to giggle)

Also be aware many of the WCs are unisex.....market hall in Budapest comes to mind.:)