Excited River Cruise Newbies!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately but things have been busy with approaching retirement etc. :D

I'm interested to hear how Erinsnotes went with the Amsterdam to Budapest cruise.

Your impressions of the various options would be especially helpful.

This time next year we'll be in the UK and chomping at the bit to start our cruise.

Cheers!

Mark

Thank-you all for your suggestions.

We're still looking at hotel options so all opinions welcome.

As for tours I think this will definitely give us the best bang for our buck as it's always difficult to know what to look at and where to go when you haven't been to a city before and having someone with "the knowledge" to guide you takes a lot of the stress out of the visit and lessens the chances of moving on and feeling that you've missed the best parts.

Cheers!

Mark

We stayed at the Canal House and loved it. We also bought Canal Bus passes that let us explore throughout the canal system. It was an easy and scenic way to get around. On our first day we did a tour for a few hours with That Dam Guide (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g188590-d5607298-Reviews-That_Dam_Guide-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html). He was great!

In Budapest we stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Zichy, about 3 blocks from main area and a great hotel, enjoyed out stay.

 

We stayed here our last night in Budapest and thought it was great. We also spoiled ourselves completely with a few days on the front of our trip at the Four Seasons. There's little that compares, but that goes for the price as well. Next year we are going to try the Aria.

The Marriott Millennium Apartments are right near the Vaca Utca, the pedestrian street. The bedrooms are lovely. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apt. when we traveled with friends. Each has its own bathroom with very nice toiletries. The living room/kitchen area very convenient for visiting.

There were 4 Christmas markets in 2014 when we were there. That was the year the port of Budapest was closed to all traffic because of low water. AMA took us by bus about 1/2 hour away to meet our ship. We managed to sail the entire trip. Enjoy your trip. Pat

Thanks Bubbulz and Pat.

Looking to book flights this month so things are getting "ticked" off.

Cheers!

The Marriott Millennium Apartments are right near the Vaca Utca, the pedestrian street. The bedrooms are lovely. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apt. when we traveled with friends. Each has its own bathroom with very nice toiletries. The living room/kitchen area very convenient for visiting.

We did the same and were very pleased with the hotel. It was a great value and a great location.

I recommend the Doubletree in Budapest. Nice hotel and very convenient to Centraal Station and the docking location. Ten minutes walk to the center of things.

Caviergirl, think you meant Doubletree in Amsterdam--hope so anyway. Pat:D

Howdy Aussie with Time,

LoneStarCruisinCouple Lisa and Gary

We did your itinerary back in September of 2015 on the Jasper and lucky enough that we were in one of the Royal Panorama Suites. We like you spent three days prior in Amsterdam staying at the Toren and three days after in Budapest and stayed at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel. Both rated by TripAdvisor as number one in each city.

Had private tours in each city and really enjoyed ourselves. Used Tom's Travel Tours ( Tom van der Leij ) in Amsterdam and excellent. Is also rated as one of the best travel photographers in Europe and a nice touch is as he is giving you a tour he is also taking photos and a very nice touch to remember your tour by.

We did a Dinner River Cruise of the Canals with Jewels Dinner Cruises and also enjoyed an Indonesian Rice Table at a Michelin Star Restaurant Tempo Doeloe. Been booked solid every single night for 23 years.

One thing not to miss in Budapest is Fisherman's Bastion. The view in the evening as the lights of the city are starting to shimmer and glow spectacular.

We are getting ready to do another river cruise the Spectacular South of France ( Wine Country ) with Paris and Monte Carlo in September of this year on the newly redesigned Sapphire and lucky enough to be in.one of the Royal Owners Suites. Looking forward to seeing what the differences are as we were upgraded by Scenic. Next year the Eclipse and Cuba in Depth.

We love Scenic as with All Inclusive no hidden Nickel and Diming you for this and that like some of the others.

Having lived my younger years in Melbourne my mother was Australian I loved being with all the Aussies that were on our ship.

100 Aussies, 40 Canadians and rest of us a mix.

You are on for a very Funtastic Cruising Experience and like most of us shall get Hooked..

Cheers

LoneStarCruisinCouple

Lisa and Gary

Ooroo!

 

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Did you have to wait in line to dine in the evening? They said they don't have reservations.

Did you have to wait in line to dine in the evening? They said they don't have reservations.

No waiting as there are only 169 max passengers. There is always room as some people may dine in their suites, dine at Portobellos or La Rive, or not bother.

Dinner is straight after the evening port talk then people just meander down to the dining room. Of course there are always some that rush!

It is superbly organised and the food and wine excellent.

Caviergirl, think you meant Doubletree in Amsterdam--hope so anyway. Pat:D

I did and thanks!

Hello Mark,

 

what a wonderful trip plan. Three weeks in the UK and using the train sounds great. Well, I love trains, so I would find it exciting. :D

 

 

A couple of suggestions. On the Eurostar book first class if it is within your budget, I found the lowest class crammed and not good for taking luggage.

 

In the UK on my bucket list is the Firth of Forth bridge. Amazing construction. If you have time to go all the way to Scotland that is. One of my favourite railway lines is the Settle - Carlisle railway with its Ribblehead viaduct: http://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/

 

In the Czech Republic I recommend Plzen, for the original Pilsen beer.

 

I like Reims in France. With the cathedral and its champagne.

 

As for the river cruise: I am sure you will have a great time with Scenic.

 

Have fun planning the details and ask away!

 

notamermaid

We live only 100 metres from the Forth beach! So, we can make that 30 seconds stroll, turn right and look up river to see the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing, one behind the other - 3 very different, but individually impressive pieces of bridge design! And in France, we are just over 100Kms inland from the smaller Vendee beaches at Jard-sur-mer and La Tranche-sur-mer. And we still have the pleasure of cruising to look forward to! :D There has to be a downside - as Billy Connolly observed: 'In Scotland, we have only 2 seasons - July & Winter ...'

Hello Mark. Congratulations on choosing Scenic and an excellent itinerary. Our first river cruise was with Scenic on the Jasper sailing in the opposite direction. (i prefer your west to east option)

In Budapest we would recommend the Sofitel located near the Chain Bridge. The hotel is great and the locaiton is perfect. If you're looking for a private guide Melinda K. with Tours by Locals is marvelous. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and a half we spent with her and her driver.

Oh and I am very jealous of your plan to visit the Goodwood Revival. That's a bucket list item, for sure! You are going to have a wonderful vacation!

Paul & Jane