Danube River Cruise Meets Thread

[TexasMouseFan]

Are ALL the tips included? I know the ABD guide tips are included, but what about the stateroom host? Do you think the ABD guides were tipped well? So if they normally recommend $7 to $9, do you think they were given the $9 per day recommendation? Just thinking about what additional tip money we will need. And since there are so many guides, would you add additional tips to each guide or just the guide(s) that you felt like went above an beyond (which I am sure they all will do!)

Also, did anyone else' handbook call the trip 'Magic in the Baltic'? Our handbook has that on the front cover and a picture of the DCL Magic on the back cover. The contents of the handbook seem to be correct. Just wondering if anyone had the same problem. We are on the July 14 trip.

Thanks!

 

[sayhello]

Are ALL the tips included? I know the ABD guide tips are included, but what about the stateroom host? Do you think the ABD guides were tipped well? So if they normally recommend $7 to $9, do you think they were given the $9 per day recommendation? Just thinking about what additional tip money we will need. And since there are so many guides, would you add additional tips to each guide or just the guide(s) that you felt like went above an beyond (which I am sure they all will do!)

Also, did anyone else' handbook call the trip 'Magic in the Baltic'? Our handbook has that on the front cover and a picture of the DCL Magic on the back cover. The contents of the handbook seem to be correct. Just wondering if anyone had the same problem. We are on the July 14 trip.

Thanks!

Yes, ALL tips are included. I think they included the Adventure Guide's tips because a) there are 8 Guides and it would just be too confusing to figure out which ones to tip and how much, etc. I would assume they'd get their normal recommended tip amount from ABD, since they aren't doing other trips where they might get tipped better.

My Handbook for the July 21st cruise says "Jewels Along the Danube" and shows the AMAViola. So it looks like they got it right eventually.

Sayhello

 

[Theta]

For those who have received their boxes. We just received ours today and are trying decipher the luggage tag.

I wrote this on Calypso's report, "...Did your luggage tags have your deck and cabin number on them so they knew where to deliver your luggage?

I received my tags and they have a big V on the tag. I am not sure if that means "V" Violin deck or "V" for AmaViola."

But I just opened the other box for our second room and those tags have a "W" on the tags.

 

[SCFamily4]

Very late to post... but, better late than never, right?

We (family of 4) are on the July 14th sailing. We are staying in Prague for 2 nights pre-cruise (hotel thru Disney but not the ABD package) and then the one extra night in Budapest post cruise. We are flying out of Atlanta Monday afternoon (7/11) thru JFK to Prague. First River Cruise for us, our third ABD. Kids are older (13 and 17) so fingers crossed that they will love this as much as the others!!!

We have 2 rooms, and also received luggage tags with the "V" an "W" markings.

Looking forward to meeting Fellow adventurers! Will post feedback of course!

 

[sayhello]

For those who have received their boxes. We just received ours today and are trying decipher the luggage tag.

I wrote this on Calypso's report, "...Did your luggage tags have your deck and cabin number on them so they knew where to deliver your luggage?

I received my tags and they have a big V on the tag. I am not sure if that means "V" Violin deck or "V" for AmaViola."

But I just opened the other box for our second room and those tags have a "W" on the tags.

I have one set of luggage tags, and they have an "E" on them. So who knows what it means!

Sayhello

 

[Cousin Orville]

For those who have received their boxes. We just received ours today and are trying decipher the luggage tag.

I wrote this on Calypso's report, "...Did your luggage tags have your deck and cabin number on them so they knew where to deliver your luggage?

I received my tags and they have a big V on the tag. I am not sure if that means "V" Violin deck or "V" for AmaViola."

But I just opened the other box for our second room and those tags have a "W" on the tags.

I'm on an upcoming Germany ABD and have a "B" on my luggage tag. So, I don't think the letters are specific to River cruises. Just something new for luggage tags.

 

[Kidoctr]

Another late comer -just got caught up on all the posts. My husband and I will be on the July 28th cruise with another couple - we're not child-less but will be child-free. Sadly, we haven't gotten our box yet. Maybe I'll give our Vacationista a call on Monday. Thanks for all the great information. I look forward to following the DISers currently sailing. We are DVC, ABD x 2 so far, and veteran cruisers (mostly Celebrity) but first time on a river cruise. We're also booked for the ABD Ecuador and Galapagos tour in 2017 with our son who will be graduating from high school and also turning 18. Nice to meet you all.

 

[SCFamily4]

Quick question about the luggage tags ...
Should these be placed on luggage before we leave on our flights or just before the cruise (after we arrive in Prague). I was worried the airlines would remove the tags we placed ahead of flights - and we certainly didn't want to do anything to increase chances of "misplaced" or lost luggage!!! Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[sayhello]

Quick question about the luggage tags ...
Should these be placed on luggage before we leave on our flights or just before the cruise (after we arrive in Prague). I was worried the airlines would remove the tags we placed ahead of flights - and we certainly didn't want to do anything to increase chances of "misplaced" or lost luggage!!! Thanks in advance for your help.

I always put them on after I arrive. I'm picking my own luggage up at the airport, so it's pointless to put them on before my flight, and as you said, there's a chance of them being inadvertently or purposely removed by the airlines. Since I'm doing a pre-day, I'll probably put them on when I get to the hotel in Budapest. Sounds like you're doing the pre-cruise in Prague, so that's when I'd do it for you. It's only needed once ABD takes "custody" of your luggage.

That said, I always put a copy of my ABD reservation inside my checked luggage in case it doesn't make it there when I do. I'd want them to contact ABD to arrange getting it to me.

Sayhello

 

[slg]

We are in Budapest for two nights before the cruise and don't know what,to do,there. Normally,I,would do the hop on hop off but the trip advisor reviews were really bad. And the Budapest card doesn't seem worth it. Any suggestions? I would prefer just walking around to,places. We are at the Marriott.

 

[carpenta]

The main indoor Central market hall is 5 minutes away. Budapest is very easy to walk. There is a casino a couple blocks away next to the symphony hall. Walk 15 minutes and the zoo (one of the oldest around) and Szechenyi Baths world famous warm water spa. The Opera house is a good little walk which is located on the high society street fashioned after Paris. You can walk across the chain bridge and check out the view of the Capital building from the Fisherman's Bastion "castle" built for a Hungarian celebration 1895-1902. Tour St. Stephan's Cathedral a quick walk from the Marriot. Hero's Square is about 25 minute walk. Vaci Street is the famous shopping and pedestrian street a few minutes away. etc. etc.... I suggest getting a guide book such as Foders or such on Amazon where you can see the city and plan what you want to visit. Just a wonderful city to explore walking.

 

[bruinspin]

I have one set of luggage tags, and they have an "E" on them. So who knows what it means!

Sayhello

For those who have received their boxes. We just received ours today and are trying decipher the luggage tag.

I wrote this on Calypso's report, "...Did your luggage tags have your deck and cabin number on them so they knew where to deliver your luggage?

I received my tags and they have a big V on the tag. I am not sure if that means "V" Violin deck or "V" for AmaViola."

But I just opened the other box for our second room and those tags have a "W" on the tags.

Ours has an "L" on our tags. We're staying afterwards in Prague.... It may be in order of when you booked the cruise? Ours was booked 15-16 months ago!

 

[sayhello]

So just following up. I know @pandw said they were interested in meeting for dinner on the pre-day (July 20th) in Budapest. Is anyone else interested? If I'm correct, @Eeyore18, @slg, @Carolann4, @Jmagid, @Hlee & @bruinspin are also on the July 21st cruise. We could plan to meet in the lobby of the Marriott at a particular time (6pm?) Not sure how we'll know each other, although maybe we could carry something from the ABD box (the orange strap? ) We could then talk to the concierge about somewhere to eat.

Let me know what you think!

Sayhello

ETA: Adding @PrincessRunningSlow to the list!

 

[carpenta]

The Marriot lobby is not very large and there will be a bunch of tables and chairs on your left as you enter across from the check in desk. It would be easy to gather there with a little sign that you are from the ABD cruise. The Marriot has an outside bar and restaurant on the ground floor that overlooks the Danube. Great place to grab a drink and gather. Hope it helps.

 

[sayhello]

The Marriot lobby is not very large and there will be a bunch of tables and chairs on your left as you enter across from the check in desk. It would be easy to gather there with a little sign that you are from the ABD cruise. The Marriot has an outside bar and restaurant on the ground floor that overlooks the Danube. Great place to grab a drink and gather. Hope it helps.

Thanks, carpenta! That's great info.

Sayhello

 

[Carolann4]

So just following up. I know @pandw said they were interested in meeting for dinner on the pre-day (July 20th) in Budapest. Is anyone else interested? If I'm correct, @Eeyore18, @slg, @Carolann4, @Jmagid, @Hlee & @bruinspin are also on the July 21st cruise. We could plan to meet in the lobby of the Marriott at a particular time (6pm?) Not sure how we'll know each other, although maybe we could carry something from the ABD box (the orange strap? ) We could then talk to the concierge about somewhere to eat.

Let me know what you think!

Sayhello

ETA: Adding @PrincessRunningSlow to the list!

Hi Sayhello, We arrive late afternoon( after 4 I think) from Heathrow into Budapest. Not sure of our plans as yet, will look for you in the lobby. Carol

 

[tgeorge]

I'd be very interested to hear what most people think about the cabin categories when you return. I know, like an ocean cruise, cabin category is very subjective. Lately, I've been sailing in suites, but it certainly isn't a necessity (especially when you spend so little time on the boat). A balcony, however, would definitely be a must. I'm sure the views are amazing. With that being said, it will also depend on whether or not I would go solo or if I could get my DH to come along.

 

[pandw]

The Marriot lobby is not very large and there will be a bunch of tables and chairs on your left as you enter across from the check in desk. It would be easy to gather there with a little sign that you are from the ABD cruise. The Marriot has an outside bar and restaurant on the ground floor that overlooks the Danube. Great place to grab a drink and gather. Hope it helps.

Hi. I think that sounds good and 6:00 is a good time. Only a week to go!

 

[sayhello]

Hi Sayhello, We arrive late afternoon( after 4 I think) from Heathrow into Budapest. Not sure of our plans as yet, will look for you in the lobby. Carol

Hi. I think that sounds good and 6:00 is a good time. Only a week to go!

Great! I'll try to get some sort of a sign so that you all know it's me.

One week!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

I'd be very interested to hear what most people think about the cabin categories when you return. I know, like an ocean cruise, cabin category is very subjective. Lately, I've been sailing in suites, but it certainly isn't a necessity (especially when you spend so little time on the boat). A balcony, however, would definitely be a must. I'm sure the views are amazing. With that being said, it will also depend on whether or not I would go solo or if I could get my DH to come along.

I got the compromise category C, which has a "French balcony", which is, basically, a sliding glass door that opens to the outside, with a seating area inside the cabin. They had a limited special when they first introduced the Danube cruise for a 50% single supplement if you booked a category C as a solo, which basically made it cheaper than the category E's! Pretty much the only way I could do this cruise!

Sayhello