Dis Viking River Cruise 10/19 - 10/26/2015

[Sarabi's Cubs]

In the interest of providing comfort to those of you going though post-Disney depression, chin up! We are under the 3 month mark!!!

Laurie

 

[sshaw10060]

I am starting some serious planning! Does anyone know what the orientation walk on day 1 of the pre-stay includes? I don't want to plan for something that's already included.

Also, I am pondering booking this tour http://www.secretfoodtours.com/paris/ for the 16th or the 17th. Anyone interested in joining us?

 

[sshaw10060]

We've decided on a food tour. We're planning on the secret food tour (http://www.secretfoodtours.com/paris/) on Saturday the 17th at 2:30 in the afternoon.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

We've decided on a food tour. We're planning on the secret food tour (http://www.secretfoodtours.com/paris/) on Saturday the 17th at 2:30 in the afternoon.

That sounds fun! We're not coming in early, but if we were, we would come with! The food tour we did in Italy was great!

Laurie

 

[TheFairyGodmother]

We've decided on a food tour. We're planning on the secret food tour (http://www.secretfoodtours.com/paris/) on Saturday the 17th at 2:30 in the afternoon.

We would go (The Stameys), but we're not arriving in Paris until Sunday. Flying into London on Saturday.

 

[macman752]

Well folks, we're now less than 2 months away from our big day so it's time for me to start bugging the experienced European travelers in our group. Today's questions are about technology. We'll be traveling with 2 unlocked iPhones (5s & 6) and an iPad. All 3 are on the T-mobile network's Simple Choice plan. The plan allows "unlimited text and data" in France with cell calls billed at .20 per minute. We really need just 1 phone for calling but will use data on all 3 devices.

From what I have read cellular data speeds are much slower and free wi-fi not as readily available in France. Question 1: Do we buy sim card(s) from an in-county provider or just go with T-mobile?

Question 2: We'll have an Anker 5-port charger for devices. What type of power adapters will I need to use to make it work on the European power grid?

All responses and product recommendations will be gratefully appreciated.

 

[OKW Lover]

Dave,
The ship we are on will have free wireless internet service, according to Viking's website so you may not need any plan for text/data.

As far as the charger goes, all you will need is a plug adapter. The Anker is rated for 110/220 so it will put out the right voltage for your device no mater what its plugged into. Its just a mechanical issue of having the right plug adapter. You can buy those in lots of places, including amazon.

 

[TheFairyGodmother]

This will be our first river cruise ever and we can't wait to explore the beauty of Northern France. The Stameys are so ready to go back to Disneyland Paris and on to Reims.

 

[macman752]

Dave,
The ship we are on will have free wireless internet service, according to Viking's website so you may not need any plan for text/data.

As far as the charger goes, all you will need is a plug adapter. The Anker is rated for 110/220 so it will put out the right voltage for your device no mater what its plugged into. Its just a mechanical issue of having the right plug adapter. You can buy those in lots of places, including amazon.

Thanks Jeff!

I read some reviews about the Rinda on Cruise Critic. A few mentioned that the wifi was very slow. If that's the case then my backup plan would be to use cellular data if that provide faster speeds. I'll take a look on Amazon for plug adapters.

 

[OKW Lover]

Basically a plug adapter for France will have two round prongs.

Tip, if you go on a future DCL (or other line) cruise, bring that adapter with you. The cabins on all the ships I've been on recently have 220 outlets in addition to the few 110 outlets. Bringing the adapter with you gives another option for plugging in all those things that need to be plugged in.

 

[aspen37]

Basically a plug adapter for France will have two round prongs.

Tip, if you go on a future DCL (or other line) cruise, bring that adapter with you. The cabins on all the ships I've been on recently have 220 outlets in addition to the few 110 outlets. Bringing the adapter with you gives another option for plugging in all those things that need to be plugged in.

I take me adapter on cruises too. It's nice to be able to have extra outlets.

 

[aspen37]

Well folks, we're now less than 2 months away from our big day so it's time for me to start bugging the experienced European travelers in our group. Today's questions are about technology. We'll be traveling with 2 unlocked iPhones (5s & 6) and an iPad. All 3 are on the T-mobile network's Simple Choice plan. The plan allows "unlimited text and data" in France with cell calls billed at .20 per minute. We really need just 1 phone for calling but will use data on all 3 devices.

From what I have read cellular data speeds are much slower and free wi-fi not as readily available in France. Question 1: Do we buy sim card(s) from an in-county provider or just go with T-mobile?

Question 2: We'll have an Anker 5-port charger for devices. What type of power adapters will I need to use to make it work on the European power grid?

All responses and product recommendations will be gratefully appreciated.

I have AT&T. In December I used their European package so I would have data when I was not in the hotel. It worked pretty darn good for me.

In Paris all city parks have free wifi. I used that numerous times.

I have another kind of adaptor but I personally like this one because it fits in the entire outlet. I found these at JFK.

 

[The Running Ann]

I wanted to let those of you who are food (or food history) lovers that La Couronne in Rouen has opened its reservation books for the evenings that we are visiting that City. It is the restaurant described by Julia Child in her book, My Life in France, as being pivotal in her love of French food. It was also the setting for the "sole meuniere" scene in the movie, Julie and Julia. Thought some of you might like to know if it wasn't on your radar. My husband and I made a reservation for the evening of Thursday, October 22nd via the booking tool on their website. Even if it seems like it might be a little touristy, I am excited. I believe they are open for lunch too.

Bon appetit!
Ann

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

I wanted to let those of you who are food (or food history) lovers that La Couronne in Rouen has opened its reservation books for the evenings that we are visiting that City. It is the restaurant described by Julia Child in her book, My Life in France, as being pivotal in her love of French food. It was also the setting for the "sole meuniere" scene in the movie, Julie and Julia. Thought some of you might like to know if it wasn't on your radar. My husband and I made a reservation for the evening of Thursday, October 22nd via the booking tool on their website. Even if it seems like it might be a little touristy, I am excited. I believe they are open for lunch too.

Bon appetit!
Ann

Thanks for the heads up! There are some interesting things on that menu. I need to get my head back into this trip!
Laurie

 

[DisneyKevin]

48 DAYS

 

[sshaw10060]

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/ Reall great blog/site I stumbled upon. Lots of great info about Paris.

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/ Reall great blog/site I stumbled upon. Lots of great info about Paris.

Thanks to Scott I found a new app!!

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/11/paris-pastry-app/

Laurie

 

[TheFairyGodmother]

We really loved this restaurant blog (www.parisbymouth.com) as we were researching dining options, and we just booked their food tour of Saint-Germain on Tuesday the 20th since we aren't planning on doing the ship's tours of Paris. There appear to be four spots remaining in case anyone is interested. The reviews on Trip Advisor are all pretty spectacular

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-taste-of-saint-germain-food-tour-tickets-18242151767

 

[TheFairyGodmother]

AND here's my 10th post so I can put my avatar back on!

 

[NejTheLion]

I wanted to let those of you who are food (or food history) lovers that La Couronne in Rouen has opened its reservation books for the evenings that we are visiting that City. It is the restaurant described by Julia Child in her book, My Life in France, as being pivotal in her love of French food. It was also the setting for the "sole meuniere" scene in the movie, Julie and Julia. Thought some of you might like to know if it wasn't on your radar. My husband and I made a reservation for the evening of Thursday, October 22nd via the booking tool on their website. Even if it seems like it might be a little touristy, I am excited. I believe they are open for lunch too.

Bon appetit!
Ann

Great minds think alike! We're planning the same thing - reservations made. It also is apparently the oldest inn in France, dating back to 1345.