Our cabin had plenty of outlets, both European and American, so I could easily keep all my electronics charged. the bus will take you from the airport to the ship and then theyll store your luggage for you until the rooms are ready. Also, just curious when they emailed you a week before departure, were you able to cancel the cruise and opt for a later date? Its generally pretty quiet at night since its a small ship vs. huge ocean liners. Viking claims that if you use all of these amenities, theyre worth $200 per passenger each day. Second, if you choose not to prepay your tips, they will be automatically added to your onboard ship account. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ships cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the first truly modern cruise ship in the region. In 2019, he visited Japan and Mexico, and hes become passionate about spreading a simple message: Traveling isn't necessarily expensive, and it's one of the best paths to self-improvement. Depending on the exchange rate at the time of your cruise and whether yourcredit cardcharges foreign transaction fees, it might be less expensive to choose the onboard tipping option. I was pretty amazed actually! She was completely stripped down to her steel frame and reconfigured to be a modern, elegant vessel, launched in 2018. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Here is the cruise we took, its called their Rhine Getaway route. I didnt join those groups so Im not sure exactly how they work but thought that group could be great for your mom! Maybe I have gotten more picky (ha) but I think the food quality is definitely solid (maybe it wont blow you away, but hopefully you wont feel disappointed!). If you havent been to Amsterdam before you might want to stay longer after. Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants, Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. The Viking River Cruises website contains gratuity recommendations for various cruises, along with currency recommendations. 1. I have found the headphones you would typically use with your smartphone are compatible with the audio devices on board. With my cane I can do probably a mile before a rest. The weather is a little better and sometimes in Europe things will close for the season by mid October. Our Rhine Getaway hit a couple towns throughout Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands in one convenient week. Up to you! Vikingclaims that if you use all of these amenities, theyre worth $200 perpassengereach day. Hm, Im not sure if you will have time to see Bonn when in Cologne. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. I dont remember the exact time you should leave, because we flew to Copenhagen on a very early flight. They also have received nothing. You can wear whatever you want to dinner, Viking is pretty casual! We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station. The first I thought the food was fantastic, the second time it was only good. Each of the optionals has their own price, but they should be listed on Vikings website. Sher, The deli, named in her honor, serves cuisine inspired by her kitchen, from sweet rolls with cloudberry jam, salmon gravlax, open-faced sandwiches to her heart-shaped waffles served with jam or gjetost and Norwegian brown goat cheese.. 1) Strasbourg should we take the optional Strasbourg from the Top? Youll also want to check out Manfredis Italian Restaurant and The Chefs Table, the cruise lines premium restaurants. Is that possible? We started in Basel, Switzerland (up north on the Rhine River) and ended at Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Hi Sher My wife and I will be going on our first cruise ever in September 2019 on the Amsterdam to Basel run, with an extra few days in Basel. We were thinking of paying gratuities in advance. All the bathrooms have heated floors which I loved and now want to install in my bathroom. I was really hoping to go for a couple of early morning jogs along the river. People were pretty casual (pants, jeans, cold weather jackets etc) but I also went in May when the weather was still pretty chilly. In the morning, we visited Heidelberg Castle, which perhaps should be called a ruined fortress, as much of it was destroyed by lightening, fires and war. I mentioned it in the post because I didnt bring binoculars on a safari trip to Africa and while I could see the animals just fine, a kind man lent me his for a day and it was such a better view! Planning a Carnival Cruise? Think about your mix and match. Yes, I would definitely suggest you skip Marksburg. Are there specific things we should be packing as far as clothes or anything else? I would probably pack jeans/long pants, light sweaters and either a wool coat like this http://bit.ly/2vz4X6w or if youre wearing layers, a windbreaker like this one: http://bit.ly/2wz0plj. Just found your blog and am loving reading all about this cruise! When booking your cruise, youll have an easier time finding staterooms during certain months of the year. It was wonderful reading about someone elses experiences and recommendations. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. I noticed that the cruise includes 3 meals/day. We had lunch a couple times there and its quite nice to see the river views and sit outside. Thanks. Inspired by our award-winning river and ocean ships, this new state-of-the-art vessel will feature clean, Scandinavian design and public spaces that are familiar to our guests but have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Everyone still has to be back on board at the same time, so for certain port stops, you would get much less time in town if you were part of the last disembarkation group. David Porter June 15, 2017. Yes I have a lot of posts on Lake Como and Northern Italy (under the Destinations menu tab, or you can type in the search box). Find out whats happening, then plan your itinerary appropriately. Wondering if you have any thoughts about things to see/do in Lucerne? We welcome luxury travelers of all ages! Sometimes, the ship sails onward or if its an optional tour it might be a town far away from the dock, so its expected that youll go with the group. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. I would imagine it would be a little difficult the day of since the staff is typically busy with cleaning the ship, check outs and new arrivals, but you can ask their customer support to see? Thanks for the great pictures and information. I thought the interiors were particularly interesting and our guide mentioned that some Dutch families managed to fit 13 children inside. I did the optional tour to Augustusberg palace which I really enjoyed, its on the Cologne day. Oh and I asked what time of year, because we took a winter cruise and did not use the balcony at all, whereas in the summer the extra outdoor space was very nice and a great way to enjoy the sailing portions. It depends on when the ship gets into town and if its departing for a different town that evening or docking overnight. On board they decorate it like a mini Oktoberfest, with music and local cuisine, beer, pretzels, schnitzel etc. In any case, dont end up disappointed travel insurance will help when you need it most. All those photos were shot with a 70-200mm lens (mostly at the 200mm mark) so as an example, you wont see the individual castle windows or small town churches like in those photos without a zoom or binoculars. If thats not to your interests, you could always relax with a nice afternoon tea. They can become cumbersome when on the move. Vikingriver cruises operate on an all-inclusive model, so almost everything is included in the cost of your cruise. Double check opening times for any attractions you want to visit, and also see if fall foliage will take place in October or November! Frequently AskedViking River CruisesQuestions, Should I Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise? If youre planning aViking River cruise, then this article on tipping onViking River cruisesis a must-read. Will it be a place inside the ship to sit and enjoy the view when sailing through the UNESC part of the Rhine when it is too cold outside? The waiters and all the staff are exceptionally friendly / helpful and can make menu substitutions if you dont like anything or are allergic. Hi Scott Wow, yikes! Viking has huge umbrellas, which was a nice touch bc I forgot to bring mine. Weve also done the Paris to Normandy cruise and the day you visit Normandy is a very long day with long (2 hr) drives. I especially like whats scheduled on the third day. For the most part, I shot these photos on the day excursions into each town, so we were on foot and exploring. Starting in Amsterdam will have you sailing upstream on the Rhine, but downstream for the much longer sailing on the Danube. Does Viking allow you to bring your own liquor on board? We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bag. Hi Peter it depends on how much you like to drink ;) Viking includes house wine with lunch and dinner. A tie and jacket are always optional. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. Yes, youre required to tip onViking River Cruises, which is no different from most otherriver cruise companies. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. Find out the latest news on P&O tipping here and tip confidently, worldwide. Kinderdijk is home to the Netherlands famous windmills. We are going on Paris to the Swiss Alps in September for 12 days then followed by 4 days of post trips to Zermatt and Geneva. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjeb, the ships godmother, as Be sure to get travel insurancefor your river cruise. I really would like to see the Alps too. I dont think the optional is necessary. FREE roundtrip business class air from select gateway cities. Recently, I sailed on my first Viking River Cruise up the Rhine River to explore Switzerland, Germany, France and The Netherlands on their classic Rhine Getaway river cruise. The Rhine Getaway itinerary I reviewed in this article does include some cathedrals and castle ruins. Youre free to start with the tour and slip away if you find a restaurant you like or somewhere you want to linger (although its nice to let the guide know so they dont wait for you). If not, you can always grab a few bottles of the good stuff during a shore excursion. We ordered 2 ornaments that were to have names etched in them along with the year. So in colder or rainy months, having a balcony or extra large window is probably not very important, vs in late spring/summer. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. These are limited capacity and can only be booked once onboard, so talk to the guest services team once you arrive and watch your Viking Daily newsletter to make sure you can secure your spot.. My boyfriend and I loved this particular itinerary but did not see it on the viking site when we searched for this particular 7 day cruise. To avoid overpacking for your cruise choose clothing that will work for multiple combinationsso you can mix and match outfits. So they have time to clean the boat before the next sailing route. At least, not their river cruises. Thanks again! It does sound like this would be a great first-time visit to upper Europe (We have been to Rome, Athens & Crete). This is one stop I definitely wished we had more time in! We have several questions and would appreciate your unbiased input: Should you wish to cancel your trip, you will lose your deposit if you dont want to re-book for a later date. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. I will say the nice thing about cruises is you can unpack once, so theres less worry about hauling a case to and from! Here are some of the most common questions people ask. According toViking River Cruises, your dailygratuitiesare shared between the Program Director,waitstaff,stateroom stewards,galley staff, nautical staff, and others; this charge will also be shared with the Program Director for the land portions of ourElegant Elbe,Cities of LightandParis to the Swiss Alpsitineraries.. Viking estimates that their amenities are worth about $200, per guest, per day. For the Rhine River itinerary, I dont recall that we had any significantly long (2+ hour) bus rides. The person that didnt like it said the food was so so, and you were only treated well at meals if you tip. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. It seems like they are an Australian company? Ive taken several European river cruises cruises with family before and immediately knew my mom would love the smaller atmosphere, quaint towns and relaxing vibe, so I brought her along for the trip! Meanwhile, thecity was almost entirely spared from bomb attacks during World War II and its narrow streets and baroque charm remain largely intact. From listed gateway cities; call for details. I think their sailing schedules may shift so thats likely why they dont have detailed times published. Too often we see people in tour groups sightseeing with their bag or daypack hanging loosely from one shoulder with zips or drawer string closures gaping wide open. Wow, amazing indeed! Travel Insurance: Get a free quote from World Nomads Travel Insurance. If you decide youve seen enough when the tour ends, then you can take advantage of the included shuttle bus to take you back to the ship. It sounds like out of a 4 hour excursion, almost 3 hours are traveling by bus. Every evening, they leave a pamphlet in your cabin so you can get a sense of what youll be visiting the next day. 3. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. Do you mean the photos of the German castles? Any chance you have a list or something of the times you were in and out of each port? In general rivers are much calmer than the open seas and you wont have to worry about rough seasickness. I particularly liked the massive entryway staircase which was gilded and made my mouth drop open when we turned the corner. For the arrival, our bus picked us up at the airport in Basel and left straightaway, which we really appreciated! I find it a little odd that your friend mentioned that about tipping to get good service. My concern would be what if youre out sightseeing and you want to experience the local cuisine by eating lunch or dinner in the town? For the excursions, there wasnt any climbing but the tour of Marksburg Castle had VERY uneven paths (broken stones) so Id probably recommend skipping that. So I recommend booking airfare through Viking (after doing a price comparison on your own, of course). That might not interest every traveler, but if youre interested in the inner workings of a major cruise vessel, its well worth the time. Best Way to Book an Ocean or River Cruise, Viking River Cruises: Our First Impressions | The Roaming Boomers, Experiencing a Viking River Cruises Veranda Suite | The Roaming Boomers, Flash Sale: Viking River Cruise Grand European Tour | The Roaming Boomers, https://www.theroamingboomers.com/best-time-of-year-for-a-european-river-cruise/, https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/ships/longships/viking-kadlin.html?agenturlid=roamingboomers, http://www.amawaterways.com/agent/RoamingBoomers, Viking Orders Seven New River Cruise Ships | The Roaming Boomers, https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/grand-european-tour/2018-amsterdam-budapest/index.html?agenturlid=roamingboomers, https://www.theroamingboomers.com/roaming-boomers-travel-services-information-request/, https://www.theroamingboomers.com/best-way-to-book-an-ocean-or-river-cruise/, Silversea Cruises: Silver Endeavour Expedition Ship, Worlds Most Popular Luxury Cruise Destinations, Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration), Private wraparound veranda off the spacious living room offers 270-degree views, Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom, Large bathroom with double sinks, shower, heated mirror & floor, premium bath products, Bathrobe and slippers available upon request, Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package including: BBC News, CNBC, CNN, National Geographic, TNT Series, Sky Sports, videos on demand and View From the Bridge, Full-size veranda off the spacious living room, Large private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to a full-size veranda, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to create a French balcony. That was a medium sized ship (roughly 500-1,000 passengers) and disembarking into town took about 2 hours, so depending on which group you were in. The Viking Art Guide (available for free in the App Store and Google Play) offers a self-guided audio tour of the artwork throughout the public spaces of the [ocean] ships, with insightful commentary from your host, Vikings Senior Vice President Karine Hagen, as well as a variety of curators and experts, our source says. Do you remember what the required times were to get aboard the ship, and to leave at the end? Sher my sisters and some girlfriends of ours are planning our 1st ever international trip for our 50th bdays (gulp, cant believe we will be 50!). Did you fly nonstop to Basel or make a connection? River-view stateroom with half-height picture window; 12 PM Embarkation; Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows; Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming Two Things You Need To Know Before You Book Your Next Flight On American Airlines, 11 Fabulous Free Things To Do In Venice, Italy, 7 Fascinating Experiences In New Mexicos Hidden-Gem National Monument, 6 Fascinating Facts About Vikings New Expedition Ship Octantis, 17 Best Things I Ate On My Viking River Cruise, 5 Important Things To Do To Prepare For Your Viking Cruise, Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our. Whether at an airport or on a shore excursion, throw a few in your bag, and you will never get caught out. While youll want to show your gratitude to the ships staff, youll want to know what youre paying, particularly if youre traveling on a ship that doesnt use your typical currency. If that doesnt sound like a great value (or if youre not planning on paying for enough beverages to justify the surcharge), theres another option. But thats just me! Many thanks for your reassuring reply. I was glad to hear that if the pace of the tour was too fast or slow that you could break away from the group, however are cabs fairly easy to find if you find yourself needing to return to the boat? For the excursions, theyre usually walking tours so most people wear comfy clothes (good walking shoes, comfy pants, t-shirt and jacket if its colder). The more expensive rooms are on a higher floor, have a larger square footage and have better views (larger windows, some with balconies, etc). This sounds much better than I expected! Thank you so much for the detailed information about your cruise. Nice read. Im a bit of a germaphobe and really felt at home on board. So its about enough time to do the tour + have some free time then time to leave. Great article! Lots of European countries ban it so I wouldnt count on it, but there are regular cabs and the bike tuk tuks. Thats very disappointing and you should dispute the charge if its been 5+ months and no package. So is the best way to book the cruise on line directly with Viking ? It just depends on the citys port logistics. Highly recommend this day trip if you love castles half as much as I do! Thank you so much. This is a bucket list trip for us, so your information is much appreciated. Part of the fun of a cruise is getting away from the stresses of your everyday life, and for many of us, that means turning off the smartphone for a while. We have been on Viking a few times. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour I remember Koblenz we docked right in town so you could walk off the ship and be in the middle of the historic area. The upside is much less crowds :). Paris Sightseeing - Seine River Cruise by Voyager, Viking Star Review: What's it like on the world's best new cruise ship? The 930-guest Viking Jupiterthe sixth Viking ocean shiptouches water for the first time during its Float Out in Ancona, Italy. Hi Hud and Susan, thats so sweet of your kids! Your review of the Rhine River Cruise is most helpful! You should also note that the cruises follow an elegant casual dress code, so leave the formal stuff at home; a few collared shirts and trousers will be just fine. Most rooms are also equipped with hair dryers, so while you might want to bring other electric products hair straighteners and curlers, for instance leave the dryer behind. Discover the idyllic isles and the faraway lands of Thank you so much for your post. When I went on my cruise to Cuba, we received a group number each evening for the next days stop. But under the Heidelberg day, I wrote we went to Rudesheim that night on our own so I think you are right about it being the Heidelberg day. Theyre quite small so I noticed lots of hooks for hanging, curved bunk-bed type rooms and lots of stair ladders. Thank you! The crowd has a good mix of age groups, predominantly 40+ to retirees and I would say Viking is a more active program than other river cruises. Sailing down rivers puts you in the heart of many of the cities you visit, our source tells us. I pretty much live in athleisure so Im worried we are going to be too informal compared to the rest of the crowd. Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. You photos are sensational. Is the Night Watch a big attraction? A bit worried about water levels on the Rhine river. Viking cant give us even a range of times for either. I would highly recommend that you sail from Amsterdam to Bucharest if you sail in the Explorer Suite. If not, what are the options? It basically boils down to the distance between the port and the town. I understand beer and wine is included with dinner. Hm, for the most part the cruise is all inclusive so you would only need cash for souvenirs and any meals you wanted to take on your own. I sympathize with you since its a terrible situation all around. I havent done any fall sailings but I think it would be much less crowded and perhaps the leaves would change. We either went back into town, had drinks in the lounge or stayed in to watch Downton Abbey (LOL). That stop was overnight so you could explore all night if you wanted to! In the afternoon, we signed up for an optional tour to Colmar. We will be doing the same trip the first week of November and its so nice to hear we made a great decision! Vikingoffers this service up to 14 days before your ships departure. And you can check the country government health websites for each city on the itinerary. Hi Virginia, Viking provides all the tour guides. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour To save money on yourViking cruise, book a trip during a less popular month or look for cruises departing in the next month thatVikingis having difficulty filling. Unfortunately the Christmas markets dont open until late November but I would think October would be a beautiful time to see fall folliage along the river? Their casual dress code means you can wear shorts in the winter months and comfortable shoes. I have a post on day trips from Amsterdam here. Consider leaving a tip of 2 euros per person for each day to the guide and 1 euro to the driver. River cruises are highly dependent on local water levels, and abnormally low water can negatively impact your trip by forcing the boat to re-route. Hi, 4 Im wondering if its the same glassblower since the one on our trip didnt have large items to ship, he brought lots of little items (candle holders, ornaments, figurines, vases, etc) that you purchased right there, they packaged up for you and then you took it with you right away. Did you do the full-day Taste of Alsace tour in Strasbourg? Some cities have their docks right in the town center, like Cologne, so you could stay out all night until the ship leaves the next morning. Question: Recommendations for hotels in Amsterdam? On our departure, we had a very early flight so they arranged a cab direct to the airport everything is totally taken care of! I always do that before I travel! Thanks for your very helpful, real person information & the responses you provide to all the questions ! When using Viking recommended visa service. The best viewing point is on the roof deck, but there is also a smaller room with floor to ceiling windows, the Aquavit casual dining room, where you can enjoy the view indoors. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjeb, the ships godmother, as One lady at dinner mentioned she thought the times were early for her, so I guess it depends on your personal travel style! I also think it would be too cold in March to enjoy. Both are a great way to save money while enjoying the same cruise that others pay thousands more to take. Since you have more time, I really liked visiting the Hague and Bruges. VikingsSilver Spirits beverage packageis only worth it if you will be drinking outside of the mealtime or prefercocktailsinstead of beer and wine. We are going on the same cruise on this same ship in early August. just some small details I noticed, but I could go on endlessly! In every other sense, though, its unmatched, especially when compared with cruises from other major companies. You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. Im trying to do a little research on flights in and out. Airline Luggage Restrictions Hello. The single supplement on aViking river cruiseis 150% to 200% of the standardfare. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather). The most popularVikingriver cruise is theirGrand European Tour. Your post has given us great encouragement. Usually October in central Europe is ~50s during the day and as low as ~40s around night time. We are going on the Rhine Getaway (our first river cruise) very shortlylove your review! Tuesday night our program director informed us of the additional issues past Vienna. Tipping on cruises can surprising both new cruisers and those coming from countries without a strong tipping culture. Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks. Its summer now so Im sure the weather will be much better for you! What amount of currency do you recommend for an 8 day cruise? Even for the regular groups, my mom didnt find the pace to be rushed or strenuous, but pretty relaxing. Thats becauseViking River cruisesare all-inclusive, while discount ocean cruises are not. We havent personally stayed in the suites before, but weve gotten a peak into the rooms and they look super spacious and very nice. If youre an active person (or if youre planning to adopt a slightly more active lifestyle during a two- or three-week cruise), a less expensive stateroom could save you a tremendous amount of money. *All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Hi Margie it depends! Easy website maker. I would say you would be more in place than I was on the trip ha! so excited. You really did them well with your descriptions. ** Prices listed are available from select gateways. Viking cant control the water, but naturally you didnt have the full experience. I think if you havent been, it might be nice for convenience but Amsterdam is also a very easy city to see on your own. I wouldnt say theres a best European cruise per se, but there are a couple main rivers in Europe that offer river cruise experiences. I want to stay it was about ~7:30am breakfast, leave by 8:30-9am. Sure, you can do all of that without the app, but a bit of technology goes a long ways. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Hi Alyssa, ooh have fun! Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ships cutting However, Viking offers a few apps to make your cruise more enjoyable, and if you dont install them, youll miss out. One question, my husband enjoys a good cigar and drink, is there a designated smoking section with a view or just an area for smoking? If I remember correctly its something you can sign up for on one of the slow days when were cruising. How do they keep track of it all? Too many people forget about sun protection when sightseeing around cities and local attractions. And do they really divvy it out to everyone on board? Below are lists of the top 10 contributors to committees that have raised at least $1,000,000 and are primarily formed to support or oppose a state ballot measure or a candidate for state office in the November 2022 general election. February 27, 2019 / Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. All the local guides were quite knowledgeable and Viking provides headsets so you can clearly hear. All of your photos make me really want to plan a trip. The tours are optional too, so if you and your mom would prefer you can always just leave the ship on your own and come back when you wish, instead of doing the tour. The best part? And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. I think maybe they ask you to leave by early afternoon? Start creating amazing mobile-ready and uber-fast websites. As a result, Viking Cruises offer incredible itineraries with unmatched onboard amenities. Otherwise, skip the beverage package and enjoy your free beer, wine,soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages during meal times. To avoid cancellation charges, consider changing your cruise to a later date. It was my first Viking River Cruise and I totally loved it (as you can tell from the post) Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you sail with them soon! I hadnt known about the water levels issue as our cruise was on the Rhine River, and to my knowledge, the Rhine River hasnt had any critically low water levels. All so confusing. One night we had an Austrian / German night, with local specialties like sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels, schnitzel and plenty of German beer. The drink package costs $20 per day for eachpassengerand lets you enjoy all their alcoholic beverages whenever you feel like a drink, except for champagne. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. My name is Sunny Fletcher, I really enjoyed your write up and it was super inspiring! Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. Planning in advance should help you avoid a costly mistake (or embarrassing faux pas). I am very glad to see you can slip away from a tour if needed. There is a pianist on board, a roomy lounge and a great bar, but thats about it. You can see the route we took in the Rhine River cruise map below. Check any travel advice for the countries you will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists. It could change by year though! Also, is there a way to find out how long the drive by bus is for each excursion? We river cruised on emerald last year,sounds very comparable to Viking. Theres also an optional to see the top of Colognes cathedral which other people on the ship liked. About Our Coalition. Am tempted to skip Heidelberg and Marksburg castle because of demanding climbs. February 2022. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Obviously the more expensive cabins are nicer, but if you like to socialize and plan to hang out in the bar and common areas, then the room is really just a place to sleep. In other words, youll have plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge of world cultures. Hes not the same glassblower who was on my river cruise (Viking has so many ships Im sure they have many, many glassblowers that they partner with). For dinner, there are always several options to choose from, including a vegetarian one. Thanks in advance. Discover the idyllic isles and the faraway lands of the South Pacific and the colonial treasures of Asia. They also have excellent memories! You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. Theres also the option to arrive a couple days early and/or stay a couple days late. If your travel dates are more than 70 days away, youll only lose your deposit. Enjoy your cruise. Hm, Im not sure if early morning jogs are possible, since it depends when the ship arrives but usually there is an overnight in a location and you could definitely do a morning jog then! I am just unsure about mid-November weather. There is no prepaidgratuityoption. I love the exotic feel of the settings in these photos and the breathtaking views. Hm, I dont know about the mask situation. So you can join that group for the walking tour and it will be a more leisurely pace and route. Viking cruises can be booked several years in advance, and for some travelers, that extra planning time can ensure a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden, our Viking representative says. I dont think Viking has anything to do with the airline (ours wasnt free) and we had a couple options for flight options/ seats etc. I did acabin tour on my Instagram stories during the trip (@shershegoes) and got tons of messages that people were surprised how spacious and luxurious the cabins were! I enjoyed reading your reviews and it is very helpful. It was a well-balanced pace and I truly felt on vacation. That doesnt necessarily make them a great value. Supposedly the university is fantastic and has affordable tuition, i might just apply! Located in the Explorers Lounge, Mamsens serves traditional Scandinavian fare inspired by Ragnhild Hagen Viking Chairman Torstein Hagens mother, or Mamsen, as she was known to the family, our source wrote. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. I always find that kind of stuff interesting (how things work, how they became ships captain etc). Thanks so much. Do you think we will have time? What was the weather like? You can even take in the pyramids inEgyptonVikings 12 day Pharaohs & Pyramids cruise. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Thanks so much for all the helpful information!! We depart on 9/15/21 and are so excited our rescheduled 2020 trip is happening this year! Ie: a window that rolls all the way down? Some people do dress up for dinner (just a nice top and jeans/pants) but its not required by any means. Sher She Goes, Dutch Windmills, Cheese & Tulips: 5 Day Trips from Amsterdam You Cant Miss Sher She Goes, An Afternoon in Basel, Switzerlands Most Underrated City! Will we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship even if our room us not ready? For men Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. If not, are there stores in town where you can soft drinks to keep in your room? 24-hour room service, including service from any restaurant during open hours; Daily personalized tea or pre-dinner cocktail & canaps on request; Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability) Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services; Under-bed suitcase storage space We are doing the Rhine Getaway in August 2020. If I remember right, the boat sets sail in early evening so arriving the day of in the morning is fine. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Im thinking of going next April. yes, while the ship is docked you can come and go easily! A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days, essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. It seems the company has relationships with partner airlines and is able to typically find flights cheaper than you can do on your own. For our flights, we took advantage of Vikings flight booking service. Well be on the Rhine Getaway cruise this coming August. Hi! We are doing our first Viking cruise in October 2019. If you want to explore more of town, then I would stay extra. One of the best written river cruise reviews Ive ever read. Any advantages going through a travel agent ? First, you can prepay your gratuities toViking River Cruisesor your cruise agent before sailing. Im in my 20s and hes in his 30/, so Im assuming we will be some of the younger ones on board.. my biggest question is about attire. As with all other aspects of your cruise, the trick is to plan ahead. Hope that helps! Im not sure if the same applies if you start in Amsterdam. Get aquote for your trip here. To be honest I hate the entire flying experience and never have a great flight! Autumn is my favorite season so Im sure it will be even more magical in Europe. I also want to know about the comfort of the beds! Thanks for your help. A simple place to start: Mamsens, a chic deli located on every Viking ocean cruise ship. Best of all, they are in good sized bottles (not those tiny hotel-style bottles) and are replenished daily or as you need. While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. What would be comparable to a cabin with a balcony ? Some even transition beautifully from day to evening. Spent 6-7 hours on buses very nice buses- but buses. Jerry. Viking River Cruises. We did Avignon to Lyons last year on Viking and loved it! Can you just come and go? On Vikings website they have a chat function where you can speak to customer service. It depends on the stop (sometimes the boat isnt docked in the center of town so itd be difficult in those instances, it just depends on the river / boat area). In general, Strasbourg is a nice big flat city its not one of those tiny historic towns with uneven cobblestones. Thanks! Youll find lots of German and French spoken as a result! She cant walk very long distances without needing to sit and rest for a couple of minutes. One word of caution, while the glassblowers demonstration was awesome, he has yet to send us any of the items we ordered and paid for. in Category V2; other categories may be higher, please call for details. You wont have much of a view, but youll still get the 24/7 room service, and if youre feeling claustrophobic, you can always head to a different part of the ship. Reasons for changing the tipping rate include rewardingsatisfactionwith the service or shining a light on poor service. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. I would like to see beautiful interiors. All of Vikings fleet are individually named after different Nordic Gods and Goddesses and while many of the river cruise ships are similar or even identical, the small touches and art are unique. Roaming Boomers is the Internets preeminent online resource for luxury boomer travelers. Wow, I had no idea about the glassblower. As we mentioned earlier, Viking cruises arent cheap, but that doesnt mean that you cant travel frugally. Additional restrictions may apply. And, would we be able to leave our suitcase on the ship and go to the museum? If youve cruised before, you know that Viking cruises arewell, expensive. Hi Amy! River cruising is a much more intimate experience, with unreserved seating at meal times so you get to mix and mingle with almost everyone on board by the end (if you want!). 5 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. I have signed up for it on my upcoming Rhine River tour despite its Difficult rating. Or stick to the included Strasbourg Highlights? Viking Sea, the second elegant sister ship in our ocean fleet, is christened by Karine amid the rich maritime heritage of Greenwich, the historic borough of London on the Thames. Thank you, Were looking at $5,000-$6,000 per person in late October, including airfare from MN (about $600 per person), for this itinerary. Wines are included during dinner times, which I personally havent seen on any other cruise! We wandered mostly on our own, ducking into gelato shops and chocolate stores while enjoying the colorful, medieval feel. I stumbled onto this blog while doing research for our up and coming River cruise. Any insight is appreciated. Quick question what is Vikings policy to bringing your own alcohol drinks on board. Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel, Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. We were assured by the Viking agent that April weather will be in the 60s. Also wondering about carrying cash or credit cards for excursions, should we have both or did you find one better than the other? See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. I believe the owner / company ethos is Scandinavian but they seem to focus on the American market as there were lots of American travelers on our journey. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. Our 4 children gave us a Viking Rhine River tour for our 50th wedding anniversary (Oct. 16th) because during our 2nd year of marriage we lived in Erlangen, Germany for the year. . Unlike the other regions we have already covered,gratuitiesonVikings Mekong River cruises are paid once you are onboard. Wi-Fi access, self-service laundry, spa access, and 24-hour room service. We were thinking of getting a french balcony versus the veranda. Lots of helpful info there :). Offer applies to new bookings from July 19, 2021 - December 31, 2022. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. Most restaurants and stores will take American credit cards with chips but to be safe, you can take some euro out. such is life! Did not ascend the Popes Palace but admired from below. Also, I was interested in the added excursion to the top of one of the cathedrals and was under the impression there was an elevator, however, also saw where you had to climb over 300 steps! If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. If you are creating a packing list for a seven day cruise, select five to seven tops to compliment three to four bottoms. At least once during your sailing, the ship will offer behind-the-scenes tours of the bridge, where the captain and crew manage the direction and speed of the ship, and the galley, the kitchen, a Viking representative says. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to Viking Cruises, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control. Hi Deborah, Yes if I remember correctly theres laundry service on board. With that said, some If you want to enjoy a cocktail outside of lunch or dinner service, youll have to pay for the privilege. Disappointed to learn that Viking no longer offers the walking tour on the day of arrival in Basel. If you want other drinks, or perhaps cocktails after dinner, then I would say its worth getting. Its disappointing that Viking does not seem to care that much. For some towns, Viking offered bicycle tuk tuks or cabs to drive passengers right to the town center. Im not sure if theyll offer vouchers. If youre taking a river cruise with Viking, youll want to know how much of a tip to budget for each day. Id love to know how long we get to stay each place, No. Hi Donna, thanks! They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. My second VRC, her first. For the Rhine cruise, most of the drives were pretty short. 24-hour room service; Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services; Floor-to-ceiling drying closet; Spacious drawers & closet with wooden hangers; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries) All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions October would be nice! An easy approach is to sign up for the Viking Weekly, an online newsletter with recommendations, itinerary spotlights, videos, and more. My husband and I are taking the same trip in June 2018 and were extremely impressed by your suggestions. You can also buy local wine and bring it onboard, a Viking Cruises representative tells TravelAwaits via email. I would like to do a river cruise. Is that worth it? 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