Any comments on safety in cities? 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. Thank you for the excellent summary of each important category. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. There is paid laundry service but no dry cleaning. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. The price list is located in each stateroom. We are heading out on our first river cruise, the Kara from Basel to Amsterdam in late September this year. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. 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. As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was such a great experience one well never forget. Thanks!! 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. They may be familiar enough with Vikings schedule to easily accommodate you. Have fun whatever you decide to do! Of all the stops on the Grand European Tour, these are the cities in which our ship had prime docking spots (making it very easy to go out and explore on our own): Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Viking is very efficient with their timing. Would there be any issue with booking an independent excursion for the days we will be in Prague or in the ports that we will be in overnight? We do the red eye and get into Amsterdam early morning. I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise! And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. This should allow you to finalize your plans to disembark and go meet your friends. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! This is the place to find a variety of coffee and tea plus baked goods to accompany your beverage. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. You make an excellent point, Julia. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. All guests are 18 years old or more. It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! 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. Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before? Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. Your comments are really appreciated. We are experienced travelers on land but this will be a new experience. WebUse down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link Having said this, there are often opportunities to book optional excursions once you board the ship. Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? Hope this info helps you a bit! We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise! At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, youll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom. 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. This happens when bridges are too low to safely pass under with guests on the sun deck. Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. Thanks for any thoughts! There are costs associated with the optional tours and they vary, and I suppose that correlates with the costs Viking incurs. Per Viking: There are no formal nights in the evening; recommended evening dress is elegant casual. For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. We have taken two Viking River Cruises, Bucharest to Amsterdam (21 days in 2019) and Basel to Amsterdam (7 days in 2021). 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). AmaWaterways haslaundry services available onboard for a fee. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. in the safe the day before you check out. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. But it looks like pre purchasing using on board credit isnt possible. Much better idea of what were sailing into now! After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! Then itll be the first photo on your camera roll before the next days activities. Interesting information! We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. WebThere is no charge for the laundry facilities and laundry soap is included in all washers. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. Would an excursion like that feel to rushed to enjoy, or do you know if Salzberg is a not to be missed kind of place? Enjoy your cruise! Viking River Cruises: Laundry service is available on board; unfortunately clothes cannot be dry cleaned. Have fun! I've used the laundry service on three river cruises and three ocean cruises and have never had any issues. Thank you for your article and your help! We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. Viking does offer access to desktop computers in Russia and laptops in Europe. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. Suffice it to say that Viking has this all figured out and has contingency plans firmly in place. Is this allowed? 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 Youll receive an excursion card with a number and a letter. 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). complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). Public restrooms are available in European towns, and many charge a nominal fee (.50-1 Euro). Some guests preferred to stay in the Lounge and simply relax, read a book, or enjoy the view beyond the big plate glass window or take in the views from the sun deck. Powered by Invision Community. Your email address will not be published. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. The cruise is great for adults of any age. Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride. 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. 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. WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. Good luck! Did some underwear, jeans and a golf shirt. All came back same day. No complaints. On our cruise, this was done in the Lounge just after the evening port talk by the program director. Trying to navigate changing pandemic restrictions is a challenge Id rather not have to deal with, but well give it a try. 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. I am sure i will have more later but your thread is wonderful. Your descriptions of the change of ship due to the broken lock and of docking side by side with other ships were reassuring. Once enrolled, you enter the dates of your travel and your destinations. Its best to check availability online or ask Viking for the cities youll be visiting. Good question, John, but its not an easy one to answer! I will add one note that we experienced. That saved precious counter space. had some shirts done same day return no complaints No, Tamara, I dont have direct experience replacing SIM cards. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. It was led by an art historian who took us up to the very top of the cathedral (above the ceiling) where the craftspeople worked. Very informative. There youll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously. Price lists are available on the Viking website in the FAQ. Remember to notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations before leaving home! We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023. Just sayin'. That way, youll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. Crew: 53. Hi Deb, youre just a few days away from your journey. Have a great cruise! In the afternoon, we followed up on some of the suggestions the local guide from the morning had regarding how to spend the remainder of the day. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. 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. Haha. 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 Cheers! Bon voyage! 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. We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. How early are they available to avoid the rush? To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. 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. Cruising is a social experience as you chat with fellow passengers on excursions, at the social hour before dinner in the Lounge, and at meals. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Attire on a river cruise is casual. 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. 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 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. Plenty of covered space protects guests from the harsh summer sun. TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. Thank you! 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. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Price lists are available in each stateroom. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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. Do you have any experience with that destination? WebThe modern and award winning river cruise ships are deployed among the most beautiful rivers in With Viking Cruises you will get a job that takes you places! 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. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. We travel light, as well, but the ship will take care of delivering your luggage to your room; we just kept our small carry ons (the ones that fit under the airplane seats) with us. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. 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. These devices are attached to lanyards with earpieces. Doing the Grand European Trip for our 50th in May of 2023. Viking is happy to celebrate your birthdays and anniversaries while onboard. Thanks again! Scheduled for Grand European in September 2023. Laundry charges will be billed to your shipboard account. Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate timeswow, thats a job! Also located off the main corridor are a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. Any thoughts on how this might play out for us? Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. Not used it before (indeed didn't think there were onboard facilities) but its mentioned in the info for our upcoming GET. Its also where youll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day. I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise! One question though How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? Ocean Cruises. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. We chose a French Balcony room. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for your article it was very informative. There was a, . You mentioned laundry, and although theres no laundromat on Vikings European river cruise ships, there is a laundry service that you can use. Stairs connect all the decks plus theres an elevator to service the upper and middle decks. We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. Is that possible? With over 50 riverboats, there are many cruises ships, dates, and itineraries to consider. Is there Internet access on board the ship? However, some guests do wear nice jeans (not torn or ripped) in the evening. If you decide on the stateroom with a french balcony, you will still be able to enjoy some time outside in the common areas while the ship is sailing. You will receive your final travel documents and Viking luggage tags within three weeks of your trip. After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. 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). This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! There are no laundry services or facilities offered onboard any of CroisiEuropes ships. 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. Good luck! Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. Oh, Im so happy youre able to enjoy traveling safely during the pandemic. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. Thanks. In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. There are other excursions that day that we could do. Even with that information, as you mentioned,dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer) or there is another issue (like a broken lock) necessitating the change. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. There they may board another ship. We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. Enjoy! . had some shirts done same day return no complaints. WebDo you have laundry and dry cleaning facilities? The crew communicates with each other quite well. One of many questions we have is how much currency (and what kind) to bring with us. As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Europe Laundry List; China Laundry List; Russia Laundry List; Vietnam Laundry List Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary. Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. If you are doing a post-cruise stay, I found the prices on Viking to be less than the prices using the hotel laundry, so if you need something cleaned, I would suggest using the laundry services on the ship. Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? Now to your questions. Is there plenty of space for passengers indoors in the common areas, if the outdoors are too cold or rainy? For a walking tour (directly from the ship), some passengers go on the tour to learn about the destination and then spend the rest of the day shopping, enjoying a meal, or just wandering around.

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