Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that its already paid for and you dont have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. means the walking will be on mostly smooth (not cobbled) surfaces, there are few steps, and the tours will be 1.5 hours or less. That way, youll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. Lolly just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). 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). The friends we cruise with have used it and say it is good and turnaround is quick. We are doing the Grand European Tours B-A with extensions in Prague and Amsterdam, and have booked a full schedule. Weve chosen a mix of the included tours and the custom days, avoided any places to which weve already travelled and have added in the extensions to both ends, hoping to see friends in Amsterdam. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) Have fun! On both boats we used the laundry When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. in staterooms, so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. Hi Pat, Im so glad you found my article helpful! Cheers! Wash and press services are available on all ships for American Cruise Lines. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. pontac, June 28, 2016 in River Cruising. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. Haha, I got a kick out of being tempted with just one little pastry! Youll be able to find out about the length of bus trips to/from excursions and other related information. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise. with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom. All Viking river cruise ship staterooms have: river views. The 190-passenger Viking Egil Thanks for the great information. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the Viking Daily). Sigrun is the leader of a band of nine Valkyries, the horse-riding women who descend upon battles to decide which soldiers die and which live. And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. She was well attired for 14 days! Now to your questions. There is no fitness center or spa on Viking river cruise ships; the space that could be a fitness center is instead put to use in the common areas and staterooms. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Likewise, when the ship is ready to leave, it leaves as long as all the guests are accounted for. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space, and there are many things to appreciate in the staterooms. We took a universal travel adaptor with 4 USB plugs and 4 outlets and used just one outlet for all of our electronics (smartphones, camera, tablet, and Apple Watch). Weve never had a problem finding an ATM in Europe, and Viking can surely help direct you to one. We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. One question though How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. I suggest signing on to My Viking Journey and using the Live Chat feature to get your answer. Good luck! Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? Enjoy your cruise! Very informative. 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. Soap is provided and the machines are free to use. Veranda Stateroom (V) Stateroom size: 268 sq ft (includes private veranda) If you want wine at that time is there a charge? You make an excellent point, Julia. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. Its also where youll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day. I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise! Sinks are usually large enough to hand-wash items and (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. Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. 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. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. U River Cruises by Uniworld offers week-long cruises for young adults along Europes riverways. Laundry services are wash and iron, or just iron. In Asia these services range from $2 per item to $5 per item; however, the list of what can be laundered or pressed is more limited on river cruises in Asia. Having to dock the ship next to another cruise ship also means that the view from your stateroom could be blocked and your cabin could be a bit dark. 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. To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. 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. Were doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but havent actually booked yet! Concerning laundry, yes, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. It is a quick way to catch up on national and international news as well as to get financial market and sports updates. You can store your luggage under the bed(s). Many people were. ? Even with that information, as you mentioned,dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks. Ive hand washed some things in the sink and hung them up to dry on the line, and it worked fine. Is the ship nonsmoking? 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). Their itineraries are made specifically for a younger audience and include fun theme nights in stylish lounges, active day excursions like hiking and biking, and nightly pub crawls in Europes hottest bars. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise; so its a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once youre on board. Thanks. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. Did some underwear, jeans and a golf shirt. All came back same day. No complaints. One of the things I like about sailing with Viking is that they arent constantly trying to upsell you. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. It makes me happy when I can help others get more comfortable with and enjoy their travels. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. No, Tamara, I dont have direct experience replacing SIM cards. Hope you have been able to enjoy more Viking cruises since your original one. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. My husband and I sent out a few clothes to the Viking laundry, which also worked out well. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). 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. Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. when we traveled) to your shipboard account. She dies from sadness after her lover Helgi is slain by her brother Dagr, and is later reborn as a Valkyrie herself. That includes any drinks up to $15 like cocktails, aperitifs, and premium wines by the glass. In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morn The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. Enjoy! Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. Theres an elevator onboard so its easy to travel from floor to floor if you dont want to use the stairs. I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! 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. Many thanks ! WebThere's a reason why Viking consistently receives awards as the best cruise company out there. With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. I understand drinks are provided with meals but I enjoy a few drinks before dinner. For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. 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. Also, for individualized tours try Tours by Locals (weve had EXCELLENT tours in many, many cities including Europe, India, Malaysia, Thailand), or AirBnBs tours. We loved our trip and would recommend it to others. http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/frequently-asked-questions.html#LIFEABOARD-FAQ-LIST/55787. 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. However, the information in this article is from our, The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. By In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. As you leave the ship, youll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning. Great service sounds like Viking! Thanks again. 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). Thanks again! Question please, how fast, how good, how expensive? Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. Have a wonderful cruise! We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. 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. When you return to the ship, you scan it again. Crew: 53. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. in the safe the day before you check out. Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own. Follow up with a conversation with the Viking staff when youre onboard to learn the expected times and exact location of the ship while docked. . Any comments on safety in cities? What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. The letter indicates which excursion group youre on. The Silver Spirits package offers unlimited drinks including cocktails, premium wine, and beer. We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? You know is it a venus and mars question. And the small umbrellas! Without the Silver Spirits package, Id plan on $6-10 for most cocktails, aperitifs, or premium wine by the glass. Viking spent days tracking it in the luggage chaos of last summer. The tips cover all onboard staff. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. The best thing to do is to talk with a Viking staff member as soon as you board to find out details for your specific cruise. Were planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time just at opposite ends of the itinerary. The fees for European river cruises range in price from $1 per item to $6 per item. 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. Thank you! Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. After logging on to My Viking Journey, go to the Shore Excursions section and initiate a conversation with a Viking Cruise rep. You should see a red Live Chat box along the margin of the screen. There are no laundry services or facilities offered onboard any of CroisiEuropes ships. free wi-fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location). The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. Check with your Viking agent or your travelagent (or your MyVikingJourney online portal if youre already booked on a cruise) to learn the latest protocols aboard the ship and in the countries that youll be visiting. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. Besides being helpful, your thorough details helped me to envision and imagine, which is my favorite part of planning! We do the red eye and get into Amsterdam early morning. We were never disappointed with our meal selections. Paid laundry services are available on all Viking River Cruises ships. WebYou also can do your laundry for free in the ship's self-service laundry rooms (detergent is even provided for you). So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. Thank you for great information and insights! When we cruised, the classics included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brle, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert. How exciting! I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. The river cruises have open seating, so that means you arent assigned any table mates. 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. Im looking forward to ours next year! Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days. Is there a retractable clothes line in the shower to accommodate hanging clothes. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. We found the onboard communication to be excellent. At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, youll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom. I dont want to waste any precious time in Amsterdam because this may be the last time we see it. Laundry services may be arranged through your Suite Attendant or your Butler. Please hare your opinion with me. Theres a section of the Aquavit Terrace at the very front of the ship thats open to the weather, but theres also an area (just behind it) that can be enclosed with sliding glass doors, so the area can be enjoyed when the weather isnt cooperating. Once enrolled, you enter the dates of your travel and your destinations. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. Viking does offer access to desktop computers in Russia and laptops in Europe. Yes - best answer is to do your homework first and read the FAQ's about Viking Ocean ships. Your best bet is to ask about availability, location, and cost at Guest Services once onboard. Did you bring euros or use credit card? 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. Having said that, I know that Salzburg is lovely and many people enjoy that excursion. The buses and tour guides for your group are each marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well. Thanks, Tom! Thanks for your kind words, Triana. The dining room has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! 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. Hi Catherine, Im glad the article was helpful. Viking River Cruises: Laundry service is available on board; unfortunately clothes cannot be dry cleaned. Members of VantagesPresidents Club (achieved after three Vantage Vacations trips not necessarily river cruises) also receive a 20 laundry credit. 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 and I are booked on the Grand European cruise with an extension in Prague at the end of June. Stairs connect all the decks plus theres an elevator to service the upper and middle decks. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure. You mention that from 5:15-7 there will be drinks & live music or a port talk. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! We are traveling with 8 other people. As for keeping the itinerary full, its hard not to when you have so many great places to explore, but I agree that scheduling downtime is important, too. Plus you can expect some special cooking and craft demonstrations, wine tastings, and presentations about a destinations special features. Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). In the morning we would stuff the bag with dirty clothes, fill out the form and leave for the cabin attendant. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. We are doing the Salzburg Highlights but just read its a 2 hour bus ride each way. There are other excursions that day that we could do. We took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. Thanks so much for the kind words, Laura! How will payments on board be handled? Viking is only offering us a morning excursion the second day in Prague so we are looking to do some exploring on our own. has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. Attire on a river cruise is casual. Is there a fee associated with the alternative restaurants? We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023. 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. The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers. Your comments are really appreciated. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.)
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