River Cruise 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. We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. Suffice it to say that Viking has this all figured out and has contingency plans firmly in place. We will definitely be using it in the years to come. Viking is very efficient with their timing. All the best. Weve had no regrets. Just before the drill, we were all asked to return to our staterooms and don our life vests. Once everyone was accounted for, we were able to leave, return our life vests to our stateroom, and resume what we were doing. That way, if they reach a low point in the river, they can have passengers disembark, go on bussed excursions, and afterwards be taken to the sister ship that completes the journey. 3. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! There is a fee for this service. Thanks, Tom! Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? 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. We were very happy with laundry service on Viking and prices were reasonable. Pieces were back in a few hours. This article highlights the European river cruises aboard the Viking Longboats. As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! Im sorry I cant give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. That way, youll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. 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. 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. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. Your husband doesnt need to pack a blazer if he wouldnt normally wear one for dinner. Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) Without the Silver Spirits package, Id plan on $6-10 for most cocktails, aperitifs, or premium wine by the glass. Needless to say, its handy to have small change for tipping. Viking River Cruises All Viking ships in Europe, Russia and Ukraine feature free WiFi. We had no problems or complaints. If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. Viking doesnt allow children on board. who made the move with us. Very informative. Is there Internet access on board the ship? We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023. Hope you have been able to enjoy more Viking cruises since your original one. Im so glad you found the article helpful, Ronnie! WebSigrun - A Valkyrie. If you want wine at that time is there a charge? I do my own underwear in the sink, but jeans, shirts and heavy socks go to the laundry. Viking ships all sport calming Scandinavian decor and are designed efficiently. I will add one note that we experienced. 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. Question please, how fast, how good, how expensive? We sent some clothing to be laundered, and we were happy with that choice. This will be first river cruise for us. Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. So glad that you had a great cruise! Viking Viking ships are specially designed to navigate the worlds great rivers and provide convenient daily access to a plethora of destinations and experiences. Many people were. To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. Viking Octantis Thank you for all the information. 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. However, some guests do wear nice jeans (not torn or ripped) in the evening. What does Viking do with our luggage once we check out of the hotel? 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. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? 11 AM Embarkation 11 AM priority stateroom access And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room. For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. 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. That gives my husband and me plenty of money for tipping the local guides and bus drivers as well as Viking staff before we leave. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to do our own thing with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour). We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. Also, having cash is great for souvenirs, incidentals, snacks, or a quick lunch while exploring a city. Thank you!! We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. On our trip, we met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. And Im so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. My first question is, without using the laundry service on board , do you have suggestions on washing items in your cabin? That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. Wash and press services are available on all ships for American Cruise Lines. Her bag was delivered on the last day of the cruise! Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. We thoroughly enjoyed a Viking Ocean cruise in 2019 and have been eager to try river cruising. Its not a deal breaker for us, but its something every river cruise guest should be forewarned about. We found the onboard communication to be excellent. Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? 1. Disclaimer: My husband and I paid forour Viking river cruise ourselves. complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). The water levels are extremely low right now. Any idea if the Terrace will be open for meals in the chill of November? GREAT INFO. Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience. On our ships, there were separate newspaper versions for Australia, Canada, and the U.S. We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. Lolly just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. WebFree Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Laundry service. Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. Viking Bragi - Viking River Cruises How will payments on board be handled? Not everyone needs to go on excursions. Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride. Its just the nature of this type of travel. Laundry on Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Community Laundry and pressing services areavailable on Avalon Waterways for a fee. Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. We kept our itinerary full, which might have been an error trust me, you want to take a breather every few days! on your bed. Viking River Cruises Longships Review And Ship Tour Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 PM. We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! Self Service Laundry Room On Viking Ocean Cruise Ship Orion Heres our story. Great service sounds like Viking! About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience, Best Sights to See on Vikings Grand European Tour, Viking Antarctica Cruise: The Complete Guide for Adventurers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise, The Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise. In some destinations,laundry can be sent out for cleaning fee while the boat is docked. All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). We are doing the Salzburg Highlights but just read its a 2 hour bus ride each way. Have a great cruise! will visit your room in the morning to clean it. However, the information in this article is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later). River cruises are designed for the mature traveler as Viking guests must be 18 years old. Laundry Provide clean linen to support operations, cleans crew uniforms and guest clothes to Viking Standards. There is no self-service laundry. I am sure i will have more later but your thread is wonderful. Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake). Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Thats because some people end up canceling their reservations for optional excursions. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. 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). Regarding local currency in Hungary, you can head to an ATM once youre there to get the amount of local cash you want. Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. Ive not taken a Viking optional tour that I didnt like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. queen-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds. Also, we had booked an English-speaking tour of the Hungarian Parliament which ended up being fascinating; if you plan to do this, make sure to make reservations online ahead of your visit. Thanks again! Is this allowed? My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. The Viking onboard staff from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. It sounds like you are all set. Veranda Stateroom (V) Stateroom size: 268 sq ft (includes private veranda) Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us. There is an extra charge for the Silver Spirits package for guests who want to enjoy premium wines and beer, cocktails, and champagnes. Hi Deb, youre just a few days away from your journey. A few weeks prior to your departure, Viking will send stickers for you to wear at the airport when you land, so they can identify you as a Viking guest. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? Europe Laundry List; China Laundry List; Russia Laundry List; Vietnam Laundry List Also, dinner is served on the Aquavit Terrace; service begins 15 minutes after dinner service starts in the restaurant. Price lists are available on the Viking website in the FAQ. pontac, June 28, 2016 in River Cruising. Some companies may take space from common areas to put into spas and fitness centers; others, like Viking, use all that available space for staterooms and common areas.). Knowing you can do your laundry onboard allows you to However, short answer: There is a free laundry room (4 washers/4 dryers) on every VIking Ocean ship roughly midships on Port Side of decks 3, 4, 5, 6. The tips cover all onboard staff. The sun deck does not have enclosed spaces. Leave your dressier clothes at home; there are no formal nights on a Viking river cruise. There was a, . If you think you might do that, you may want to take along a few blank thank you cards to enclose your extra tips, so you can explain why you valued their service so much. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! The maitre-d I am convinced is in league with the devil, as she tempted diners again and again with just try this ONE little pastry. Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. But it looks like pre purchasing using on board credit isnt possible. Frequently Asked Questions | Viking River Cruises WiFi: Which River Cruise Companies Include It 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. WebLaundry is completely free on Viking Ocean cruises, including soap, wash, and dr Viking Ocean Ships Ultimate Dining Guide 2022 - Relevant to ALL Viking Ocean Ships Visit With a flat-screen TV with infotainment options. Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns since the global COVID-19 pandemic. (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) private bathrooms that are separate from the living space. 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. Your best bet is to ask about availability, location, and cost at Guest Services once onboard. 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. (Im trying to save you room in your luggage!) 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. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). Having the veranda offers you another personal space plus a nice perch (with chairs) from which to view the passing scenery during the time that the ship is sailing in daylight hours. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from! So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. For a complete list of action steps. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. Thank you! More information on menu choices is below under Meals. WebReviews. We haven't used Viking's laundry service so can't comment on that but in the FAQ they do have the price list so at least you'll have an idea of what to expect. People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. During lunch and dinner, guests are served complimentary soft drinks, beer, or wine. As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. Youll find Viking river cruises all through Europe as well as in Egypt and Southeast Asia. On both boats we used the laundry service. Hi Kathy, Great question! As for Tours by Locals, Ive used them, as well, and was pleased. The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours. If youre interested in figuring out the details, you may want to ask Viking for a bar menu with pricing before making up your mind. (Youll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) Enjoy! My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. 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. Were celebrating our 50th! We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. My husband and I took the Top of Cologne excursion, and it was one of the best. Laundry The 190-passenger Viking Egil The number indicates which ship youre on. It makes me happy when I can help others get more comfortable with and enjoy their travels. 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. Oh, Im so happy youre able to enjoy traveling safely during the pandemic. Viking River Cruises: Laundry service is available on board; unfortunately clothes cannot be dry cleaned. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) Do you have any experience about this? We walked from where the ship was docked to the Parliament building for the tour and enjoyed a stroll back to the ship along the river. Crew: 53. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. WebStateroom size: 548 sq ft (includes Nordic balcony) Ocean-view two-room suite, 80% larger than junior suites, with private Nordic Balcony, private veranda, separate dining area for 4, additional storage and seating features, plus private access to Explorer Suites Garden. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. 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. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. Enjoy your cruise! All Viking river cruise ship staterooms have: The different types of staterooms range in size, available outdoor space, the time for guaranteed stateroom access, and amenities. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. It is very helpful to reduce wandering around looking like a tourist while trying to figure out the procedures. WebUse down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link Id much rather take an Uber than rent a car!!! She was also given complimentary express laundry service. means the walking could be a little more strenuous or have more stairs or inclines. Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little extra like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day. There are times when the sun deck is closed to guests. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially, There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? What are your thoughts on the Silver Spirits package? The Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. Since it will be winter with colder temps, I am wondering about the indoor lounging space/common areas on the longboats. Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise! 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. Have fun! Viking is happy to celebrate your birthdays and anniversaries while onboard. It is a quick way to catch up on national and international news as well as to get financial market and sports updates. Although lunch is available in the dining room, we favored the Aquavit Terrace (at the front of the ship) for our midday meal. 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. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. Attire on a river cruise is casual. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship.