Anyone got any travel planned?

[unclemick]

Port Aransas in March. Also there is a gagle of ex-pats(refugees from Kansas, Winter Texans ?) we know near Mission TX we can visit/freeload off if the snow gets too much in KCK.

BUT! I think I have talked the wife out of doing a Russian river cruise given Valdimir and the Ukraine. Now Danube?, Rhine?, I've avoided research but I can't stall forever.

Any suggestions for spring/summer/fall on 'da river' somewhere.

heh heh heh - ya think a river cruise in the USA would cut it?

 

[braumeister]

ya think a river cruise in the USA would cut it?

You bet! For a mere $1,000 a night, you can travel in style.

Mississippi River Paddlewheel Cruises on the Queen of the Mississippi

Seriously, I've heard these are fantastic experiences.

 

[Lsbcal]

Port Aransas in March. Also there is a gagle of ex-pats(refugees from Kansas, Winter Texans ?) we know near Mission TX we can visit/freeload off if the snow gets too much in KCK.

BUT! I think I have talked the wife out of doing a Russian river cruise given Valdimir and the Ukraine. Now Danube?, Rhine?, I've avoided research but I can't stall forever.

Any suggestions for spring/summer/fall on 'da river' somewhere.

heh heh heh - ya think a river cruise in the USA would cut it?

You could paddle down the Russian River here in Sonoma County. Or drive alongside it to the coast. Nice wineries too.

 

[RonBoyd]

Little decision help please.


I have never been to Europe. It is not (nor ever has been) on my list of things to do. Viking River Cruises has a "2 for 1" sale on their "Grand European Tour" sailings. I am, for some reason that escapes me, considering such foolishness.


My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)


http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/c...opean-tour/2015-amsterdam-budapest/index.html

 

[CoolChange]

Cruise to the southern Caribbean and Panama Canal for the first two weeks of next year to escape the Midwestern (USA) winter for a bit.

 

[RonBoyd]

Cruise to the southern Caribbean and Panama Canal for the first two weeks of next year to escape the Midwestern (USA) winter for a bit.

A couple years ago, we took a MSC Cruise Lines sailing to the Southern Caribbean that included the ABC Islands, Panama Canal (up to that lake in the middle), and Costa Rico. I would do it again in a heart beat.

 

[Dash man]

Little decision help please.


I have never been to Europe. It is not (nor ever has been) on my list of things to do. Viking River Cruises has a "2 for 1" sale on their "Grand European Tour" sailings. I am, for some reason that escapes me, considering such foolishness.


My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)


Grand European Tour - 2015 Amsterdam to Budapest - Cruise Overview

While I've never done a river cruise, I have heard wonderful things about them. I have flown by (military) helicopter and by tour bus along some of the rivers in Germany and other countries and they are beautiful. I've also traveled throughout western Europe and enjoyed all of it (except Naples, but that's another story). I'll be on an cruise out of Southampton, England in June that goes to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Gibraltar. We did an eastern Mediterranean cruise a few years ago and had a great time.
I suggest you go for it and enjoy yourself! Big advantage is you don't have to do a bag drag at every city and can sleep in the same bed every night.

 

[robnplunder]

Bandon, Oregon for a week of golf at Bandon Dunes this spring or summer. I want to play all 5 courses including the 13 hole par 3 course. Estimated cost = $5000 to $6000 for DW & I to drive from CA. Will make a couple of stops to visit Redwood National Park, and whatever we fancy.

 

[M Paquette]

My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)


Grand European Tour - 2015 Amsterdam to Budapest - Cruise Overview

These are really fun! Many of the stops will be near the center of town, allowing for some real DIY walking tours, breakfast at a local bakery, etc. Where we had stops that were in a port area away from the center of town, the cruise line arranged for bus service into town for a walking tour, and bus pickups at various times afterward for those of us who went off on our own.

There was a nice brewery in Miltenberg, the Faust Brewery. The Stephansplatz central square in Vienna is just amazing to wander around. (There are many establishments there which serve nothing but coffee drinks and desserts. Great for lunch or an afternoon break. Not so good for a diet.)

It's a pretty good way to see central Europe in an organized tour, and much easier than those bus tours since your hotel travels with you. They're best for folks comfortable with a more structured tour, as compared with the "Got a Eurail Pass, let's see where we wind up!" crowd.

 

[Lsbcal]

...(snip)...
My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)
...

This is $1000/day which is quite high for 2 adults (did you include airfare?).

We've always done these trips on our own planning but are signed up in 2015 for a Rick Steves 14 day Greece tour. For about 26 days + airfare from West Coast, I think it might come to about $15K. We figure we will do some Italy on our own after the tour. Generally it's been about $300/day if we do it on our own. So maybe half of the tour daily rate.

You might be interested in one of the Rick Steves tours. Here is a link:
Europe Tours | Rick Steves 2015 Tours

That web site has some nice advice and good country specific forums, even if you don't use their tours. Some videos there give a flavor of the tours.

 

[Meadbh]

Little decision help please.


I have never been to Europe. It is not (nor ever has been) on my list of things to do. Viking River Cruises has a "2 for 1" sale on their "Grand European Tour" sailings. I am, for some reason that escapes me, considering such foolishness.


My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)


Grand European Tour - 2015 Amsterdam to Budapest - Cruise Overview

If you are looking for a rich cultural experience I think you should absolutely go for a European river cruise. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the landscape and culture while coming "home" every evening to great company and cuisine. I cruised up the Danube this year on Avalon; the service was exceptional and the panorama suite was comfortable, open and airy. However, I have heard mixed reviews about Viking, including one couple (experienced travelers) who did the exact same cruise that you are looking at, who said it was awful. Older ships, inconsistent service. Perhaps if you are ambiguous, you might consider a shorter cruise.

 

[RonBoyd]

This is $1000/day which is quite high for 2 adults (did you include airfare?).

I did... but would be receptive to excluding it. My original estimate was for the $12,862 Explorer Suite sailing of May 15, 18, 20, or 21.

 

[RonBoyd]

Older ships, inconsistent service.

The Brochure says "The first six of Viking's revolutionary Longships debuted in 2012." That doesn't seem so old... or maybe it's because I am so much older.

In any event, the video featuring our preferred ship shows a very modern ship (IMHO).

Yeah, "inconsistent service"... I have, also, been guilty of attacking everything based on isolated incidences. I have since, however, come to realize that companies don't last very long with truly "inconsistent service."

 

[CoolChange]

ABC and Panama Canal

A couple years ago, we took a MSC Cruise Lines sailing to the Southern Caribbean that included the ABC Islands, Panama Canal (up to that lake in the middle), and Costa Rico. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Good to hear since it sounds like I have the same itinerary with a different cruise line: Holland America for me this time. It will be my first time with them; but, I have heard good things although plenty of warnings about being the youngest person on the ship (which is fine with me).

Any must see's/do's for my time off the ship?

Also, any advice about getting around on the ABC islands (taxi, rental car, scooter, etc.)? I am considering some snorkeling from a beach and general wandering around town.

 

[audreyh1]

Little decision help please.


I have never been to Europe. It is not (nor ever has been) on my list of things to do. Viking River Cruises has a "2 for 1" sale on their "Grand European Tour" sailings. I am, for some reason that escapes me, considering such foolishness.


My question: If you have allocated 15 days of your (entire) life to see Europe would this be a wise choice. If not, what alternative(s) would you suggest? (I am thinking in the $15,000 range but not locked in)


Grand European Tour - 2015 Amsterdam to Budapest - Cruise Overview

This is probably a great way to do such a thing if you've never been to Europe before, and beats the heck out of bus tours, IMO. Most people I know have been quite satisfied. It's definitely an "overview" - but that is perfect for a first time visitor.

 

[RonBoyd]

Good to hear since it sounds like I have the same itinerary with a different cruise line: Holland America for me this time. ...

Any must see's/do's for my time off the ship?

Also, any advice about getting around on the ABC islands (taxi, rental car, scooter, etc.)? I am considering some snorkeling from a beach and general wandering around town.

We have been on three Holland America cruises (first in 1985, last in 2007) and have been pleased with each of them. They do cater to an older clientele but all that means is more sophistication, fewer children and less "rah rah." You will be happy with your choice.

Well, we took an excursion to a native village in Panama. It was quite interesting to travel up river (for an hour or so) on canoes manned by the aboriginal folks. It was quite something to see the primitive conditions in which they lived -- WARNING-clothing is quite minimal. They fed us an amazing meal of fish that the women caught while we were there and then took us back to "town." (I suppose I should post photos but they are NSFW and I don't need any more Moderator hassles.)

I (and DW) absolutely fell in love with Costa Rico -- I couldn't believe how cute Sloths are.

On the Islands there are (seemed like) hundreds of taxis and tour buses lined up at the dock just waiting to take you anywhere. My experience is that the drivers are very good at finding exactly what you are looking for... TIPS required, of course.

 

[Meadbh]

We have been on three Holland America cruises (first in 1985, last in 2007) and have been pleased with each of them. They do cater to an older clientele but all that means is more sophistication, fewer children and less "rah rah." You will be happy with your choice.

River cruises have quite a different atmosphere from the big ocean cruise liners. Because you are always close to shore, there are no sea days and no need (or space for) extravagant on board activities. Instead, you dock at the riverbank, walk off the ship, and many times you are right there in the centre of a fascinating city like Budapest or Nuremberg. Or you watch the ups and downs of the locks, explore a pretty village like Durnstein, or hop on a bus to go to Salzburg....... Evening engertainment is low key (e.g. Soloists from the Bratislava state orchestra, or wine tasting) and much of the entertainment is camaraderie with your interesting travel companions, quite a few of whom you will get to know because it's a much smaller group. It's all more intimate and relaxing, though I must say I made the most of the of the excursions, which often ventured far from the ship. Also, no storms, no seasickness!

 

[RonBoyd]

A big "Thank you" to everyone that responded to my European River Boat trip enquiry. They (the suggestions) are (and will be) very helpful (if not necessary) in my decision-making processes.

(yet another example of how valuable this Forum is.)

 

[RonBoyd]

A couple years ago, we took a MSC Cruise Lines sailing to the Southern Caribbean that included the ABC Islands, Panama Canal (up to that lake in the middle), and Costa Rico. I would do it again in a heart beat.

CoolChange, I was mistaken. It was the same Holland America cruise you are speaking of -- in 2011. (This also means there have been four HA cruises.) Nevertheless, I meant what I said about doing it again.

 

[BellBarbara]

We are looking at booking an 11 day Celebrity Cruise to Alaska. Departs Seatlle, returns to Vancouver. It is the last ship of the season, Sept 11. Too risky for snow?

 

[brett]

The issue for an Alaska cruise at that date might be rain.

Alaska cruises are always subject to rain-in all months. We had a fabulous cruise with great weather. The cruise prior to us had rain, and lots of rain, every day.

 

[braumeister]

We did a Holland America cruise at the same time once -- also last one of the season. The entire time was cold and rainy, but we still had a good time at the ports we visited. Unfortunately, we also got an altered itinerary because the sea was so rough we had to change course and we missed one of the scheduled ports.

If cold and rainy doesn't bother you, you'll probably get a very good price at that time.

 

[RetiredAndFree]

We are looking at booking an 11 day Celebrity Cruise to Alaska. Departs Seatlle, returns to Vancouver. It is the last ship of the season, Sept 11. Too risky for snow?

We've sailed to Alaska twice, with gorgeous weather in May, when it still should have been rainy, and rainy weather in August, when it should have been slightly less rainy. As both captains said every morning when giving the day's weather report, "Take Alaska for what Alaska is . . . rain, sunshine or snow."

 

[BellBarbara]

Thanks everyone. I know about the rain risk - I don't think you can avoid it other than to go early like RetiredAndFree and we can't go early. I guess we will just risk it. My biggest concern is for my DH who loves outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, etc. Hopefully he can do some of that.

 

[grasshopper]

When we went to Alaska during June we bought all new rain gear(never rains in AZ), never used it.