On board the Emerald Star!

[Stayatsea]

We have just embarked on our very first river cruise aboard the Emerald Star sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest over the next 15 days. We have been on many ocean cruises but we are very much looking forward to this new experience. We did quite a bit of research before choosing a cruise line and itinerary, so we’re hopefully ready to celebrate the differences, revel in the scenery and go with the flow ;)

 

So far, so good! Embarkation is an absolute breeze- much more like checking in to a hotel. The ship is lovely - shiny and clean. The crew are very friendly and efficient.

 

We were warmly welcomed onboard and had a light lunch before heading back out for a bit. We were advised that cabins would be ready later - which they were upon our return shortly after 2. We are in a 'panarama balcony suite', which is a rather grand name for their mid-range cabins. It is cozy compared to some ocean cruise cabins, but we managed to get our full 20+ days of stuff neatly out of sight in the 6 large, deep drawers and the rather small closet. Shelves behind the 2 bathroom mirrors are very useful as well. There are a few plugs available - European of course - and one other type with a USB port that charged my iPhone in the usual time.

 

We are very happy with our choice so far!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[CarlyDawwg's Ma]

Looking forward to hearing more from you on this. We'll be on Emerald in September - Amsterdam to Basel.

 

What's the counter space like in bathroom? Glad to learn of the shelves in medicine cabinet... I have a 20 minute nightly routine that involves lots of facial products to ward off those evil wrinkles...;))

 

Where are you docked in Amsterdam? Is it walking distance to the city or at least public transportation? About what time was it when you first arrived and had a light lunch. We'll have been in Amsterdam already for a few days at that point, so I'm curious as to the timing to board boat/check out of our hotel.

 

Sorry for the pesky questions but these are the little things that niggle in the back of my mind.

[notamermaid]

Hello Stayatsea,

 

I am glad to hear of your first good impressions. Curious to find out in which way your excursions will differ from those on other lines.

 

One tip: when in Cologne try out the Romano-Germanic museum next to the Cathedral if you are into very old stuff.

 

I hope you have a great time.

 

notamermaid

[Stayatsea]

Looking forward to hearing more from you on this. We'll be on Emerald in September - Amsterdam to Basel.

 

 

 

What's the counter space like in bathroom? Glad to learn of the shelves in medicine cabinet... I have a 20 minute nightly routine that involves lots of facial products to ward off those evil wrinkles...;))

 

 

 

Where are you docked in Amsterdam? Is it walking distance to the city or at least public transportation? About what time was it when you first arrived and had a light lunch. We'll have been in Amsterdam already for a few days at that point' date=' so I'm curious as to the timing to board boat/check out of our hotel.

 

 

 

Sorry for the pesky questions but these are the little things that niggle in the back of my mind.[/quote']

 

 

There is a small counter next to the sink - the stateroom attendants roll up the towels and place them here but I still have room for a few small bottles of this and that, and more if the towels are hung up on the two hooks. A few just-in-case travel supplies have stayed in the suitcase rather than take up shelf space. It's cozy but fine.

 

We were docked between the Central Station and the Movenpick (apologies for not having the dock name at the moment - but you'll easily spot it on a map. You can also you can check the Amsterdam port web sit before your cruise to confirm what dock they will use.). Easy walk downtown and just minutes to the central station trams.

We arrived at about 12:30 hoping just to drop off our bags, but lunch was being set up. Nothing fancy mind - soup, a pasta, bread, a few salads etc., but quite nice. There were a couple of dozen people already in the lounge We didn't actually check-in until we returned later.

Hope I did t miss anything - using my tiny little iPhone!

 

 

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[Stayatsea]

Hello Stayatsea,

 

I am glad to hear of your first good impressions. Curious to find out in which way your excursions will differ from those on other lines.

 

One tip: when in Cologne try out the Romano-Germanic museum next to the Cathedral if you are into very old stuff.

 

I hope you have a great time.

 

notamermaid

 

 

Thank you so much for the tip ... Greatly appreciated !

 

 

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[mimmy52]

Hope you are able to keep posting updates. We're cruising Amsterdam to Budapest in August, on a different cruise line, but I love reading about others' experiences.

[CarlyDawwg's Ma]

There is a small counter next to the sink - the stateroom attendants roll up the towels and place them here but I still have room for a few small bottles of this and that, and more if the towels are hung up on the two hooks. A few just-in-case travel supplies have stayed in the suitcase rather than take up shelf space. It's cozy but fine.

 

We were docked between the Central Station and the Movenpick (apologies for not having the dock name at the moment - but you'll easily spot it on a map. You can also you can check the Amsterdam port web sit before your cruise to confirm what dock they will use.). Easy walk downtown and just minutes to the central station trams.

We arrived at about 12:30 hoping just to drop off our bags, but lunch was being set up. Nothing fancy mind - soup, a pasta, bread, a few salads etc., but quite nice. There were a couple of dozen people already in the lounge We didn't actually check-in until we returned later.

Hope I did t miss anything - using my tiny little iPhone!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Thanks so much for the response - very much appreciated! Enjoy your cruise!!!!

[Andona]

I was very happy to see your post, Stayatsea. We are doing the exact same cruise next year but we will be on the Emerald Sun. Very glad to hear that everything started well and I hope you enjoy the rest of the trip. Would love to hear more if you have time over the next two weeks :)

 

Thanks

Andona

[FuelScience]

Thanks for taking the time to post. Have a GREAT cruise and keep us posted!!

 

FuelScience

[Stayatsea]

We have had a wonderful time so far on our sail from Amsterdam down the Rhine and the Main. The water levels were a bit high on the Rhine but this has not affected us at all. In this direction, we had a spectacular morning sail past the castles of the middle Rhine. The commentary was quite interesting and the captain often walked around adding an anecdote or two. There was plenty of room for everyone up on the sun deck (The sun deck is closed now for a few days of low bridges but there are plenty of spots to sit and watch the scenery go by while on board.)

 

We had a few small worries before this cruise, that have thankfully been assuaged. For example, we were concerned that the itinerary would be too scheduled, but it has been relaxed enough for most. The shore excursions have been very good, leaving enough free time to wander the town (or climb the Cologne cathedral spire and celebrate with a beer :). The excursions in most towns seem the same as other lines, although some on Emerald are paid optional tours (eg. our trip to Rothenburg - well worth it!).

 

We were also wondering whether our not all-inclusive choice would leave us trying to wave down servers at dinner. This is not the case at all - service is very efficient and generous enough that we usually have to wave off pourers or we can just wander off with a last glass to sip on after dinner. Many have purchased drink packages, but we haven't felt the need to so far. When we have purchased pre-dinner drinks, we found the prices quite reasonable.

 

The entertainment so far has been ok (background piano, trivia, etc.), noting that's not what we're here to see, so it's an added bonus anyway. However, the team seems quite eager to please and change plans as guests suggest. It is all quite friendly and relaxed.

 

So, almost half way through and we remain quite happy with the value of the cruise we chose....thinking about the next. Very interesting to dock up against other lines' ships to check out the cabins!

 

 

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Edited June 12, 2016 by Stayatsea

[Andona]

Thanks StayatSea for another great update!

I was wondering if you could give us an idea of the approximate costs to purchase drinks at the bar, e.g. a glass of wine or beer? We have wondered if a drinks package would be worthwhile for us but think paying out of pocket for the odd pre-dinner drink may be a better options.

 

I'm also interested to hear that they have been entertaining you at night, we always enjoy trivia :)

 

Thanks

Andona

[NtStiRReD]

We are on the same cruise with our friends the Stayatsea's. I am enjoying an Americano coffee and sitting while the others rest up for today's tour of Bamburg. We learned that -burg's are castle stops while -bergs are hilltop stops so today is another castle day which pleases Mrs NtSTiRReD.

 

The drinks (house wine and beers) are around 3 euros while cocktails and my martini are around 7 euros. We are pleased with the house selections and haven't ordered anything else nor have we seen any of the other passengers.

 

Weather has been a bit unsettled the last few days but it hasn't dampened our intrepid spirits. Every chance we have to climb up a bell tower or look out has been rewarded with spectacular views of lush green countryside and initimate town squares.

 

We are at the narrowest part of the Main (pronounced mine) heading to lock central (20+ in the next 2 days). I will pop in and assist with questions where I can. She who must be obeyed has stirred (pun intended) so I'm off to breakfast.

 

Will check in later.

NtSTiRReD

[Andona]

Thanks NtStiRReD for your quick answer about the bar costs. That sounds quite reasonable.

 

If you can tell us anything about any of the optional tours you did/do that would be great. I believe StayatSea mentioned they did the Rothenburg tour. We have visited Rothenburg previously but friends travelling with us have not been and would be interested in any details. Is the trip all day? if so I'd assume you don't get time to see any of Wurzburg.

 

Hope you enjoy your tour of Bamberg!

 

Andona

[ShannonSC2]

Jus got off Emerald Sun today. Our ship was clean and sparkled. Just like you guys our staff was amazing! Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

 

Our trip was from Budapest to Nuremberg.

 

I will write my reviews in a few weeks when I get home.

[AAAMomOfOne]

Jus got off Emerald Sun today. Our ship was clean and sparkled. Just like you guys our staff was amazing! Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

 

Our trip was from Budapest to Nuremberg.

 

I will write my reviews in a few weeks when I get home.

 

Thanks everyone, this is great. We were supposed to be leaving Sunday on the Belle, but due to the fire we are now scheduled in October.

 

ShannonSC2, any suggestions for things to see in Nuremberg? We are there the day before we cruise in October.

Thanks!

[Stayatsea]

No longer aboard the Emerald Star ...

 

Sorry to be so late with info on our shore excursions. It was a very busy trip!

 

ShannonSC2 – we saw the beautiful Emerald Sun and crossed a couple of your walking tours in town (kind of fun to switch channels on the whispers!). Glad to hear things seem be consistent across the ships!

 

Andonna - quick rundown on excursions (it's a bit of a blur for me until I get thru pictures!): You are correct re Rothenburg/Wurzburg – you can only see one since the ship moves. We were however, very happy with Rothenburg (climb up the old church tower for great pics and take walk along the walls!). The high water caused a couple of schedule changes, one of which meant we could either see Regensberg or take the optional Weltenburg/Danube trip, rather than being able to do both. With time for only one choice, we were glad to have seen Regensberg – it’s a lovely spot. The old town is a bit larger then many of the stops but easily walkable. We also chose the Cesky Krumlov tour and were quite happy we did, although we could not then see Passau. Note that while Cesky is worthwhile, it is very crowded, which will be worse during the summer months. I note that the majority of passengers chose Strassbourg instead and I didn’t hear anything negative at all. The only other optional tour we did was Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna – while happy to see the palace and the spectacular gardens, this is quite a long stop – 2.5 hours I think (plenty of time for much-needed strudel at the cafe in the courtyard). The tour did allow for drop-off in downtown Vienna leaving plenty of time to look around before taking the afternoon shuttle back to the ship. We did not do the concert performance, but there were many raving about it the next day. Other than that, we found the included walks/tours were excellent for the most part and we had enough free time to check off most of what we had wanted to see.

I would certainly recommend a couple of pairs of really good walking shoes for this itinerary!

Hope you have a fabulous trip!

[Andona]

Stayatsea, thanks so much for the info about the excursions. I'll pass it on to my fellow travellers.