avalon cruise tapestry

this will be our first river cruise %26amp; I would appreciate any comments or tips from travellers who have done a similiar trip (danube prague to budapest)

in 2009. we will travel in september.

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The Danube does not flow through Prague. You will be bussed to Nuremberg where the cruise ship awaits you.

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The ship is relatively new and of a unique design.

The navagation bridge and main engine room are actually in a separate area to the very rear. Like a tug pushing a barge but both are attached.

This permits a lounge and restaurant in the front ( bow )to have great panoramic views as you cruise on the Danube.

The separate engine compartment means less noise and vibration too.

I often see this boat as it passes the area of the Wachau - Melk to Krems and always liked the design.

Most cruises I have seen have a mostly american/canadian passengers- senior citizens for the most part.

I think their on land tours use a little audio system where the passengers have earphones and the guide is able to easily describe the sights without troubles or talking extra loud.

One highlight besides Prague, Vienna and Budapest is Melk Abbey. This is a magnificent Benedictine Abbey with great views of the Danube and very impressive rooms and Church.

Think about taking the tour to Salzburg too. It should be part of the offerings- I think from the city of Linz or Passau.

Also try to get to Dürnstein- just down river from Melk or be certain to make photos of its impressive blue Church steeple oftenn seen in guide books.

While I have not taken this boat, I have talked to some of the passengers over recent years as I am often near to the Danube. They seem happy.

Just do not expect a big boat with many amenities as you find on the ocaans. These boats must conform to certain specific sizes to be able to pass through the locks on the river.

Food may not be in the same abundant offerings as found on the big ships.

Perhaps look to websites like cruise critic for more info from travelers.

This is a nice time to visit - kids back to school , the main tourist season is almost over .

You will also pass the wine area of the Wachau- probably harvesting grapes during this time.

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Yes, I have read the itinerary . the tour starts in Prague ending in Budapest(staying 3 days in prague post cruise)I was interested in anyone who had done the same tour(avalon legendary danube)

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Thank you for all your comments

we are travelling with 2 other couples so shore excursions will be fun.

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kingsford, you can get great info on cruisecritic.com.

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Last summer I took a Danube cruise and I loved it! The itinerary was wonderful and I thought that river cruising was relaxing. I liked the city tours we had each day. I thought that the rooms were exceptionally clean and nice. The food on ship was great. I liked it so much that I am going on a Rhine cruise this summer.

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thanks for your reply. Did you use Avalon or another company?

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I used Amadeus last year for the Danube cruise. This year I am taking a Rhine cruise with Avalon. The only reason I am taking a different company is that Amadeus doesn%26#39;t cruise the Rhine during the summer. I think they are pretty comparable companies.

Both have very young ships, in fact the ship we are taking was launched in May. Both companies have included city tours and the same ports. Both serve free wine with dinner (which was a big plus for me!)

I would love to do a Danube cruise again. Are you doing extra days in Prague and Budapest? We just stayed one extra day in Budapest and did not go on to Prague (left in Nuremburg). I loved all of the ports. Some are smaller and more relaxing (Bratislava, Melk, Durstein), but Budapest and Vienna are SPECTACULAR!

I%26#39;ll let you know about Avalon when we get back. I%26#39;ll be interested to hear about your cruise.

if you want to email directly:

hcross888@gmail.com

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These river cruises are becoming very popular,

thanks for your reply %26amp; I wish you a great trip down the rhine.

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We are travelling on Avalon Artistry from Bucharest to Vienna 29th August so would be interesting in hearing any info also