We celebrated a big anniversary on our cruise and were delighted with champagne and a special dessert awaiting us in our room after dinner one night. The ships' specialty dining venues, Manfredi's (Italian) and The Chef's Table also are included in your cruise fare, and you just need to make a reservation to pick a time to dine in either of these places during your cruise. Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? However, the information in this article is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later). For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride. . Thanks!! Viking keeps track of your expenses during the cruise, including bar items, laundry, phone calls, and purchases from the Viking shop (logo wear and souvenirs). As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). On our trip, we met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. . Is there a retractable clothes line in the shower to accommodate hanging clothes. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Once onboard, verify the time youll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. Another option, if the river levels are too low overall, would be for passengers to be bussed from destination to destination, staying in hotels, throughout the cruise. We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. Question please, how fast, how good, how expensive? Hi Pat, Im so glad you found my article helpful! This includes the Viking Daily which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before dinner. My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. All Viking river cruise ship staterooms have: river views. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. Sounds like youve got a great anniversary trip planned, Gary! Enjoy your journey! Our stateroom steward kept the room immaculate. As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. I have seem videos of rooms but cannot perceive where we can place our 2 luggages + backpacks and not having to hop over them inside our room. Youll see all your options on the online My Viking Journey portal when the tours open up prior to your trip. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? Another consideration, of course, is how often you might order specialty drinks from the bar: at lunch, throughout the day, before and/or after dinner? No kids. Your email address will not be published. We also took along some thank you cards and put in some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise. I hope you have a wonderful time! The tips cover all onboard staff. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. In spite of some tweaks, this article will definitely prepare you for your Viking river cruise. Have a wonderful cruise next year! How will payments on board be handled? Yes - best answer is to do your homework first and read the FAQ's about Viking Ocean ships. We were very happy with laundry service on Viking and prices were reasonable. Pieces were back in a few hours. I've used the laundry service on three river cruises and three ocean cruises and have never had any issues. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection; Viking River Cruises such as spa and hair salon services, golf, excursions, laundry service or babysitting, were, and My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. Soap is provided and the machines are free to use. In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. They did not offer dry cleaning. Just make sure you are aware of the times the ship will leave the port so you dont miss its departure. It is very helpful to reduce wandering around looking like a tourist while trying to figure out the procedures. That includes any drinks up to $15 like cocktails, aperitifs, and premium wines by the glass. A tie and jacket are optional.. Concerning laundry, yes, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. When I returned, I noticed two Viking bookmarks resting on top of the books. There is no self-service laundry. The cruise is great for adults of any age. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. If you want wine at that time is there a charge? You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Thank you for all the information. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer), What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise river or ocean we will be booking next. Using ATMs machines? Your husband doesnt need to pack a blazer if he wouldnt normally wear one for dinner. Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. The number indicates which ship youre on. Thank you so much for this detailed account. The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. Id suggest you talk with the staff once you are aboard to learn of their planned docking times and see what they recommend. Thanks again. Is there Internet access on board the ship? Enjoy your cruise this fall! Good luck! However, the information in this article is from our, The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space. They may be familiar enough with Vikings schedule to easily accommodate you. The hotel manager was great and the program director was a literal Energizer Bunny. On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise! But, what else would we spend money on? I hope you have a wonderful time! Much better idea of what were sailing into now! In some destinations,laundry can be sent out for cleaning fee while the boat is docked. with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. My husband and I sent out a few clothes to the Viking laundry, which also worked out well. Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience. Members of VantagesPresidents Club (achieved after three Vantage Vacations trips not necessarily river cruises) also receive a 20 laundry credit. Have a great cruise! People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) If you dont live in the U.S., Im sure other governments have similar programs for travelers. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. :D. We've had excellent experiences with Viking's laundry service. Its important to note that when the ship docks somewhere in the morning and you go on an excursion, you sometimes will be brought back to the ship in a different location like another city further down the river. Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. Id suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once youre on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. Thanks, Tom! If youre interested in figuring out the details, you may want to ask Viking for a bar menu with pricing before making up your mind. When passengers get to the sister ship, their luggage is in their new cabins (which are usually the same cabins they had on the original ship). You will receive your final travel documents and Viking luggage tags within three weeks of your trip. There is precise timing to docking and excursions. Its relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. Re renting a car to go to a specific place Viking tours dont include: Is Uber possible in the cities Viking goes to? Thank you for making me less anxious! If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. Viking River Cruises All Viking ships in Europe, Russia and Ukraine feature free WiFi. We are trying to determine if the additional cost for a veranda stateroom is worth the extra expense compared to the french balcony. Hi Pat, Theres a good chance that some optional excursions will be available once you board the ship even if theyre listed on MyVikingJourney as being sold out. You know is it a venus and mars question. Any thoughts on how this might play out for us? Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days. Great article. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to do our own thing with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour). Good Job!! The good thing is there are always tomorrows treats to look forward to! (Its not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.). 11 AM Embarkation 11 AM priority stateroom access You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. 3. (If you are booked in one of the suites, youll have access to your stateroom at 12:00.) (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. We chose a French Balcony room. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. We are also thinking of taking an old smart phone and purchasing a SIM card that works in Europe for language translation, directions, and apps to enhance our experience. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. Very informative. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? Theres always iced tea often with different flavors every day. We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. Viking does offer access to desktop computers in Russia and laptops in Europe. Just don't forget to include everything you need cleaned, don't forget anything from your pre-cruise stay that you left in your suitcase under the bed in your cabin. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Hi Daisy, you have the choice of going on the included or an optional excursion or exploring on your own. We were very happy with laundry service on Viking and prices were reasonable. All Viking river cruise ship staterooms have: The different types of staterooms range in size, available outdoor space, the time for guaranteed stateroom access, and amenities. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. All guests are 18 years old or more. There are so many choices of destinations and lengths of the trip. Theres a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). Ive not taken a Viking optional tour that I didnt like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. But it looks like pre purchasing using on board credit isnt possible. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. In-room irons are a huge no-no for the fire hazard they present. One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. We learned this the hard way one day, and we realized that we actually prefer exploring the little towns that we dock at more. Thanks for the great details! Thanks. Im glad you found the article helpful, Tamara. Deciding on cash is a personal choice, of course. What is the availability of restroom facilities in these small towns? You should also alert the Maitre d once on board. Have fun! Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? Hi Kathleen, For individual tours and dinner reservations, Id let the provider (tour company, restaurant) know what day youll be coming into port. Thanks. Its relatively easy to dress up a pair of jeans a bit, so the overall look is elegant casual. Enjoy your cruise! Needless to say, its handy to have small change for tipping. We are experienced travelers on land but this will be a new experience. free wi-fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location). On both boats we used the laundry service. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? Also, having cash is great for souvenirs, incidentals, snacks, or a quick lunch while exploring a city. Your comments are really appreciated. My husband and I took the Top of Cologne excursion, and it was one of the best. Veranda Stateroom (V) Stateroom size: 268 sq ft (includes private veranda) O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are several things you wont find on a Viking river cruise, and they are often some of the prime reasons so many people choose Viking. There was a broken lock near Regensburg, about halfway between the two big cities. This means that your ship could be the first, second, or third ship docked. which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before. Your email address will not be published. As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! All the best. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room. When you return to the ship, you scan it again. private bathrooms that are separate from the living Here are a few things to think about when considering Vikings Silver Spirits package. As you know, Viking offers an included excursion in each port. Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. Thank you for great information and insights! There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and. We've had excellent experiences with Viking's laundry service. If you request hangers, things like shirts and jeans come back on hangers instead of You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. Is there a fee associated with the alternative restaurants? One question though How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? Also, for individualized tours try Tours by Locals (weve had EXCELLENT tours in many, many cities including Europe, India, Malaysia, Thailand), or AirBnBs tours. Self-service laundry on a cruise ship is often free, but there may be a charge of up to $3.50 to use the machines and $2 for detergent, depending on the ship. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. Prepaid gratuities came to 18 Euros per guest per day. Enjoy! The tips cover all onboard staff. Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. Can you tell me which docking/ports might be too far from the cities/towns? I didnt read through all the comments, so I hope Im not being repetitive. At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, youll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom. A good idea if youre a runner is to check with the reception desk to map out when there will be time in the morning to leave the ship for a jog or run before excursions begin. We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? Viking doesnt allow children on board. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience, Best Sights to See on Vikings Grand European Tour, Viking Antarctica Cruise: The Complete Guide for Adventurers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise, The Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise. In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. I just have one clarification about dressing for dinner mentioned in the article you read. Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. I do my own underwear in the sink, but jeans, shirts and heavy socks go to the laundry. Thank you for your article and your help! and special treats made nice surprises. I was curious about what time you have to be back on the ship at night. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. Required fields are marked *. Im glad you found the article helpful. Did you use local guides? I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! Passengers could disembark and be bussed on an excursion and then afterwards, be bussed to a different location on the river where the water levels are higher. The crew communicates with each other quite well. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously, this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. We are on the Aug Rhine cruise and our 1st river cruise. Aside from the new safety protocols Viking has put in place your Complete Guide to a Viking River cruise was thoroughly informative, enjoyed the photos and took many notes while reading. We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. Plus, we always have some dollars with us, too. For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. Keep in mind, though, that things are not 100% the same from cruise to cruise due, in part, to other ship traffic at the time. Located off the main corridor, the library has books you may borrow while aboard as well as abridged newspapers that are prepared for Viking guests daily. Have a wonderful cruise in September! WebYou also can do your laundry for free in the ship's self-service laundry rooms (detergent is even provided for you). In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before? That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. She was also given complimentary express laundry service. Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. The friends we cruise with have used it and say it is good and turnaround is quick. with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom. As for Tours by Locals, Ive used them, as well, and was pleased. I know other travelers who just get cash out of ATMs while traveling (and Ive done that, too, of course), but I just like beginning the trip with some local cash. The sizes of the ships are designed specifically for the rivers they ply (e.g., they need to navigate the sometimes narrow waterways and any locks along the way). Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. The Viking onboard staff from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours. WebViking River Cruises boasts the most extensive fleet of river cruises vessels, and we are proud to offer you the best ships in each region where we travel. Youll be glad you did! (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Interesting information! Enjoy! Is there plenty of space for passengers indoors in the common areas, if the outdoors are too cold or rainy? Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. We haven't used Viking's laundry service so can't comment on that but in the FAQ they do have the price list so at least you'll have an idea of what to expect. I suggest signing on to My Viking Journey and using the Live Chat feature to get your answer. Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and common spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff. Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns since the global COVID-19 pandemic. Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. WebSigrun - A Valkyrie. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. I hope you have a wonderful time! Public restrooms are available in European towns, and many charge a nominal fee (.50-1 Euro). You mention that from 5:15-7 there will be drinks & live music or a port talk. http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/frequently-asked-questions.html#LIFEABOARD-FAQ-LIST/55787. Once enrolled, you enter the dates of your travel and your destinations. You either choose it for your cruise, or you dont no daily option. If you choose not to prepay the gratuity, Viking adds a discretionary service charge (which was 15 Euros per guest per day when we traveled) to your shipboard account. It is a quick way to catch up on national and international news as well as to get financial market and sports updates. (European river cruise ships are limited in size due to the rivers they cruise on, so they have the same overall dimensions. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! What does Viking do with our luggage once we check out of the hotel? Any comments on safety in cities? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. This happens when bridges are too low to safely pass under with guests on the sun deck. Her bag was delivered on the last day of the cruise! Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. I hope you have a wonderful 50th celebration on the Grand European Tour! We have booked all the included excursions, but have held off booking the optional ones as we love to do our own thing when in port, and perhaps covering more ground than the optional excursions. We noticed that the crew was cleaning the common areas early in the morning, as soon as we left for excursions, and in our rooms while guests were enjoying dinner. will visit your room in the morning to clean it. Not everyone needs to go on excursions. All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. We haven't used Viking's laundry service so can't comment on that but in the FAQ they do have the price list so at least you'll have an idea of wha 150 square foot stateroom with picture window (no outdoor space), 135 square foot stateroom with French balcony (sliding glass door with no outdoor space), located on the Upper Deck and Middle Deck, 205 square foot room with full-size private veranda, 275 square foot suite with full-size private veranda, mini-bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks that are replenished daily, complimentary laundry & shoe shine services. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us. Do you know if the outdoor areas on the sun deck can be enclosed for added warmth on these cooler weather trips? Learn how your comment data is processed. Do you have any experience with that destination? Great post. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. Complimentary self-service Guest Laundry, including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on Deck 1 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. My husband and I will be sailing with Viking on a Rhine River cruise (Netherlands to Lucerne) this month and our very first river cruise (during a pandemic).

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