I dont have experience with other river cruise providers, but I can say that my first experience with Viking made me a fan of the mode of travel. To inquire about accessibility, you can call 1-877-668-4546. 2022 by Connie George Travel Assoc., LLC. . Aquavit Terrace on the front of a Viking River Cruise is a wonderful way to have a light meal or snack while cruising down a river. (USBs and outlets are cleverly designed into the furniture in the ships' atriums, called The Living Room. We returned to the boat for lunch, then sailed the Wachau Valley, a picturesque and rustic section of the Danube famous for its wines. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. And best of all, youll get to explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world. Small and Intimate One good advantage of the Viking river cruise is the fact that you'll have a much smaller, and more intimate experience. Discovering coal deposits around the world an adventure for the ages! Precruise at the Westin New Orleans was very nice and Viking reps were present and helpful. While prices start at around $100 per day, you can easily end up spending a lot more if you add on excursions and special onboard experiences. Viking River Cruises also offers a variety . From the moment you step aboard, youll be treated to the highest level of service and comfort. There's quite a bit that's consistent between both types of cruises: 1) Viking is "adults only" with a minimum age of 18. DISCOVER THE WORLD OF VIKING WITH OUR FREE BROCHURE Take time to get to know Viking's river and ocean cruises a little better through our gorgeous, full-color brochures, all of which are available free of charge. Being well-prepared makes it all a lot easier. Another example was clients who made reservations for Chef's Table in advance. But this post is going to present the positives and negatives. Thank you. Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We appreciate you sharing your experience, Rtraveller, such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. Pros and Cons of a Small Cruise Ship. Viking also seamlessly incorporates the itinerary into its onboard enrichment programming, with lectures focusing on topics like history, culture, politics and architecture. Food is subjective, but the consensus is that Viking's food is very good. Silver Spirits covers any drinks (excluding champagne) up to $ USD15.00 per drink. Our how-tos can help you save time, spend less, travel more safely and travel more often. It is very obvious that on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find thousands of guests. I had beer at a ratskellar, visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the included walking tour. Go ahead and laugh.). I alternated charging my watch and my phone with the 110-volt plug using a regular Apple block, or with the one USB charger built into the wall. Probably one of the biggest pros of European river cruising is the enormous amount of choice. The ships are beautifully decorated, with large staterooms, fine dining options, and an array of amenities to make your cruise as luxurious as possible. Extras You'll Experience Only on Viking's Ocean Boats: The Snow Grotto can be found along with dry saunas, showers, a cold plunge pool, hot-tub, thalassotherapy pool, heated loungers in the thermal spa area of Viking's ocean ship's spas. The Silver Spirits Package allows you to choose from an impressive range of premium wines. When you're thinking about your first cruise, so many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the right ship. Why go through the hassle if you don't have to. 19) One complimentary excursion per port is offered along with optional ($) excursions. If you cancel your cruise 120 days or more before your scheduled departure, you'll be charged $100 per person. Watch for quotes from Joe in blue later in the article. With 930 passengers, Viking's ships are on the smaller side for ocean ships which are large enough for more activities, food, and entertainment options, but intimate enough for guests to know each other and small enough to get into ports not available to mega-ships. The first was what it was like cruising during Covid-19. We cancelled 137 days out and then found . Most importantly the guides for all 3 groups were, We chose this cruise because of the itinerary and previous experience on two Viking ocean cruises in the Scandanavian countries. No, youre free to move about the cabin. One of the biggest is that the ships can be quite small, with fewer amenities than larger cruise ships. I look forward to helping you navigate your river or ocean cruise. Trending toward 4000, 5000 and 6000 passenger ships. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH. For some, the luxury and onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost. Toxic Environment We flew on our own with another couple to New Orleans with Southwest Airlines. I bought some authentic paprika from an upstairs stall. Arrival in Budapest. Viking offers excursions that immerse you in the local cultures. Along the way, our guide explained the basics of the Hungarian language and the large concrete buildings, left over from communist days, in which many of the citizens of the Pest side of Budapest live. When you book your cruise with Viking, they offer travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of cruising based on the cruises I've taken. Of course, there are also some drawbacks to Viking River Cruises. If it's your first time booking a cruise, it's a good idea to work with a travel agent. So, I asked for the. As a result, Viking's passengers will battle fewer crowds, and they'll spend more time visiting sites and learning about culture then they do standing in line. The off-ship excursions weren't always quite as successful. -- traveladdict1012. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. Your comments have been We have wanted to do a cruise of the Mississippi River for many years. People lined the waterways with friends, families, pups, toddlers, beers and musical instruments to watch the golden hour bathe the picturesque pathways. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "The cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being visited. Conclusion Introduction Buying an expensive house is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Cabin's deck location is undoubtedly of great importance. Joining and end of contract payed travel expenses. We also stumbled upon the centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to the boat. The website for the palace says the tour is 50 to 60 minutes, but allow at least two hours. I was dragging again the next morning, and jet lag and early morning boat noise didnt help. Your kind words about our onboard staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort. Viking River Cruises also offers an array of onboard amenities, such as spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and a selection of fine wines. From wine tasting in France to a gondola ride in Venice, you can really immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of your destination. Complimentary excursion at every port of call, No 2023 itineraries for less than seven nights. Your comments have been We were on a previous Viking Ocean cruise and it was great. And I dont get paid a dime to say that. Riverboats may have one edge due to the freshness of ingredients being procured throughout the sailing, fresh-from-the-garden herbs, and local infusion on the menus. The main disadvantage is the inflexibility of a cruise; the fact that you have to operate on a set schedule that dictates when you visit a . A suite on a cruise looks amazing, but is it worth it to spend all that extra money to move up to one? River cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than ocean-going trips. Cabins are large and streamlined, with useful touches such as multiple USB ports for charging and huge showers. Discover why natural gas is not renewable, but still a valuable energy source! As we only cruise Viking now (river and ocean), we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts. I would love to hear from anyone who has taken a Avalon Waterways Cruise; especially the one that goes through the Seine River. All of Viking's ocean ships are nearly identical, so if you're interested in sailing with the line, you'll have virtually the same experience no matter which of the 930-passenger vessels you choose. Theres no pool, no casino, no disco, no umbrella drinks, no photography sales, no thumping late-night bass on their river cruises. Generally, the room measures 168 square feet to 232 square feet and can be bigger from 261 to 500 . -- Sailoraz. As much as I dislike the very early final payment, Viking does have a discount offer that I like that has been embraced by some of our clients. Balcony. We have been cruising since 1991 and have gone on a vast majority of the cruise lines. Unless you know what is in the blank white areas on the deck plans it is best to avoid them. There were many, many university students, children, dogs and babies in the Old Town area; it made my heart so happy. And I dont think that I would have considered a cruise for myself until my dad passed away, and I decided to sail the Danube River with my mom. 8) Both ocean and river ships have Scandinavian design features. Our trip was six full days of tours and travel, plus the day before and the day after to and from the airport. Staircases are also very noisy. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH VIKING. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . But this was a bit of luxury that Id love to do again. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Pro - On a Cruise You Can Unpack Once and See The World I love unpacking once and waking up to new scenery daily. I brought an Apple Europe adapter for my laptop, and I brought the European hair dryer that I purchased in Milan several years ago, because the last time I traveled overseas with my American hair dryer, it conked out. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Our booking number was 4310667. Viking does not permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean cruises. The cruise line doesn't have a casino, and children under 18 aren't permitted to sail on any of the ships, so passengers don't have to consider things like slot tournaments and kids clubs. Save time, avoid mistakes and get your best value using our knowledge. (Sorry, Mom!). There are three levels on the ship, plus an open-air deck on top. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. We booked a cruise and bought the Viking Trip Insurance. Lets explore why natural gas prices are trending downward! Our Review: Viking Ocean Cruises. On our ship, you didnt have to have them, but it would be helpful. River cruising removes the work and the risk from travel. It was especially nice to be able to review those presentations on the TV in your room." The walking tours that morning included a Jewish history option. June 5, 2010. The difference in size allows the ocean ships to offer a lot more options than their riverboat cousins. Growing in numbers quickly, Viking currently has 78 river vessels, including their 56 signature "longships," which I'll be discussing. Dream and discover. Smaller Sizes: You can expect to mingle with about 200 passengers on a river cruise, while ocean cruises can accommodate thousands. Most of my travel is roughing it: whether literally, out in the woods; or organizing busy budget trips for my family; or traveling solo, in which I'm solely responsible for my safety, transportation, accommodations, food, water and activities.. I've never been on a trip where people took . You can explore the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, and Southeast Asia, as well as the coasts of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. VeriFly was very straightforward- we have digital Covid passes in the U.K. and uploaded an existing photo from files for each of us. Ive never been on a trip where people took care of things for me. What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? You can make your own workout from there: push-ups, jumping jacks, triceps dips, walking lunges, etc. Ocean cruise guests can also manage spa and restaurant reservations. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. Yes, I had a full-sized suitcase clocking in just under 50 pounds, plus a large carry-on, and I was able to stash both underneath my bed. The joy of this crowd, I discovered, is that theyre avid lifelong travelers not vacationers. The cabin was spacious and cleaned everyday. Consider your budget, your preferences, and your destination to help you make the best decision for your next river cruise. And finally, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of shore excursions, from guided tours to unique experiences. Our total trip clocked in at just under $2,949 per person for the fully refundable (for any reason) Allianz travel insurance provided by Viking; prepaid gratuities for the ship staff (though not bus drivers and tour guides); and the Silver Spirits package, which upgraded our booze (embedded in the free airfare promotion so we couldnt peel it off). Our final dinner on the ship was magnificent. There's an itinerary for everyone. Avoid at all costs. Of course we *had* to have sausage and (for me) a beer at Historische Wurestkuche, the Regensburg kitchen serving the workers who constructed the 12th century Stone Bridge and the oldest sausage kitchen in the world. Their eight 930-passenger ocean ships are identical, with minor changes to some public areas on the newer ships. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. Lets find out! We again boarded motorcoaches in groups; this time, some were going on different types of tours. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! Passau might have been my favorite place on our cruise. Our second stop was Inner City Parish Church; from there our guide led us on a walking tour through the retail corridor and gave us time to wander the Central Market Hall, where they sell everything from embroidered table runners to made-in-China plastic to spectacular meats and meals. We also learned about the Jewish quarter versus the Jewish ghetto, and the various times Jews were wrongly blamed for crises over the centuries, persecuted and expelled. To a person, the people with whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional. Viking does a, We had done most of the rivers in Europe with Viking so we wanted to try something new and different. With no need to wait in line or fight crowds, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the rivers and explore your destination at your own pace. Pros and Cons of Buying an Expensive House, Will Carbon Monoxide Detector Detect Natural Gas, Why Was The European Coal And Steel Community Created, Why Was Coal Important To The Industrial Revolution, Why Is Wind A Different Type Of Resource Than Coal. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. It runs around downtown Tampa daily from 7 am (8.30 am on weekends) until 11 pm (or 2 am Friday and Saturday . Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not. You probably won't be overwhelmed by the size, but you won't feel trapped either. Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating for Automotive Protection and Shine Conclusion Protect Your Car and Make It Shine with Ceramic Coating! Introduction Ceramic coating on cars is a relatively new technology that has been gaining [], Table of Contents Introduction Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Purchasing an Expensive House: Is It the Right Move for You? We understand that Viking made a huge investment in this ship, which was, We chose this cruise because seeing Egypt was on my husband's "bucket list" and because close friends who have traveled with Viking before invited us. Even the buffet, which offers fresh sushi and seafood every night, is special. Some cruise lines ( Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck and newcomer, Crystal) are completely inclusive (all liquor, gratuities and even optional tours), but cost more than other companies. For a fully rounded perspective, I'm sharing the thoughts and feedback from my clients, Laura and Joe. They didnt need to sell me at all; the experience itself was enough to convince me that I should take another trip whenever I have the time and money again. And finally, Viking River Cruises are often quite crowded. It holds as many as 190 guests. You can if you want to; some people put on a more dressy top and jewelry before dinner, and some people came in casual dress. Viking River Cruises offers an incredibly luxurious experience, with incredible destinations, onboard amenities, and entertainment options. Our first stop was Heroes Square, where we disembarked for a history lesson. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 5 Reasons Why Viking Ocean Cruises Is Great for First-Timers, 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile, Our 13 Favorite Cruise Ship Godmothers -- And Two We Could Do Without, 7 Reasons to Drop Everything and Cruise This Winter, The Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants. Lets talk about what line best fits your lifestyle, interests, and needs. Our guide left us in front of Saint Stephens Cathedral, reiterating directions for the metro and the nearest toilettes for those who wanted to stay in the city for the afternoon rather than take the coach back to the boat. Viking and Royal Caribbean are on different levels. It just seemed like something that older people did. The last thing we need is one more depository of critical personal records than can be compromised by the bad guys. Powered by Invision Community. Each night, theyll prep you for the following days destination with a port talk, explaining times, procedures and sights to see in the next city. Suitcase weariness was why I decided to try another cruise this spring. Judith Newton, Contributor. That offers a lot of change of scenery and dining-type options. All guests get to enjoy natural daylight and scenery. pros and cons of tecnis eyhance iol; free ssh websocket account. A bit of perspective: I've never been on a cruise of any kind. 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