Best Of
Re: On Riverboats what time is initial orientation meeting
Of course your flight time could change. We’ve just had this happen for an upcoming river cruise. Our flight is now 10am instead of noon at the end of our tour. We were not sure if the boat spent the night in port before we were scheduled to disembark at 9am. Fortunately we have confirmed with the company this morning that we will be at the port the night before and the boat will organize an early taxi.
British
Re: On Riverboats what time is initial orientation meeting
As I have suggested before, it is helpful to describe the correct name and date of your tour. There are lots of trips out of Amsterdam and they do not ‘brief’ nor depart at the same time. I will say that arriving the ‘day of’ is a ‘push’ on rule number one. Always arrive a day before your tour, or don’t be surprised ot need to ‘catch up’ with it at a later port. You say your dinner is at seven, but ship departure is earlier than that … perhaps as early as five. Your final docs should have told you what the latest acceptable arrival in Amsterdam should be. Is your first meeting place indicated to be on the ship?
Sealord
Re: On Riverboats what time is initial orientation meeting
Just some basic information…
Embarkation is no earlier than 1600 so as to allow the crew to prepare the ship for the new arriving passengers.
Orientation meeting is at 1700 with dinner usually starting at 1800 - 1830 after the lounge reception and introductions of the crew. All other dinners usually start at 1800 unless you have a late excursion return or a special dinner. The nightly lounge entertainment starts at 2000.
We are early eaters and we also have a favorite table for two so we are usually in the dining room as soon as it opens.
Should you miss the orientation, be sure to check in with a tour director for pertinent information.
Enjoy!
kfnknfzk
Re: On Riverboats what time is initial orientation meeting
I've seen the safety/orientation briefing start anywhere from 5pm to as late 6:30 but that was the Douro when we'd had a long day driving up from Lisbon. If the flight does arrive by 3pm you should be fine. Since you're coming from Portugal, you'll already be within the Schengen area so you just need to get your bags and then it's about a 30 min drive into Amsterdam. You might not have much time to change clothes between arrival and the start of the briefing. I'd dress in something I'd be comfortable going to it in without changing.
Re: England, & The West Country
Did you arrive early and stay on London and if so what time did you leave the hotel to go to Bath and by what type of vehicle?
Ben
Re: Bergen Norway
Another interesting subject and comments. Although not with Tauck and way back in 1983 (with a now defunct tour company), I was on a wonderful 19 day tour of Denmark/Sweden/Norway/Finland. I remember Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Flam Railway, etc. Beautiful countries, sights, cuisine, etc. Totally unique in all of the European tours that I have ever been on subsequently. Truly an amazing experience for everyone no matter how one does it IMHO. :-)
tomh
Re: Yellowstone & the Tetons: American Safari
If you are concerned about this, then I advise avoiding these months both because of the heat and also it will be the most busy with children being off school. The layoffs of park rangers could impact the tour too.
I notice the hotel in Jackson is the Wort, which is right in the center of town. a much better location than the Four Seasons, a $30 ride out of town when we went with Tauck.
British
Re: Bergen Norway
Sadly, Tauck has changed this tour numerous times through the years. There was a time when both the Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord were included. I don’t know if both are now. It doesn’t look like the Flam Railway excursion is included, but Tauck is known for adding surprises. Nonetheless, you will experience stunningly gorgeous vistas all throughout Norway.
Yes, I recommend additional time in Bergen even if it is to stay in the wharf area. Consider taking the funicular and a gentle hike along the hills. Our favorite restaurant was in Bergen and we were so disappointed to learn of its demise due to the pandemic.
Enjoy.
kfnknfzk
Bergen Norway
We are going on the Scandinavia land tour this summer. Do we need extra day(s) in Bergen? Did you do the round trip to see The Sognefjord? It goes from Flam to Gudvangen and sometimes includes a ride on the Flamsbana Railway.
Kpettit