The first was what it was like. While you'll often find North American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans. We cancelled 137 days out and then found . As we only cruise Viking now (river and ocean), we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts. Ocean cruise guests can also manage spa and restaurant reservations. With its beautiful destinations, luxury onboard amenities, and personalized service, Viking River Cruises is sure to make your next river cruise an unforgettable experience. On our ship, you didnt have to have them, but it would be helpful. 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. Ready to get out of your comfort zone?Try one of these unique accommodations. Im glad Id arranged to be free of my social media duties during my trip. Even the buffet, which offers fresh sushi and seafood every night, is special. 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. We recommend checking individual websites for operating hours and updates before visiting.The views expressed on this website represent the opinions of the authors; we encourage you to form your own opinions and confirm any facts. Planning a trip can be overwhelming; especially a trip with several stops. How's that for fresh?! Standard cruise itineraries range from eight to 93 days, while the line's World Cruise options can last up to 138 days. 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. 11) The optional Silver Spirits Premium Beverage Package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer premium wines at meals. You'll also find the ocean ships to be similar to each other. Even though our departure from Munich (about 1.5 hours away) wasnt until 1:30, Viking wanted our luggage in the hall at 5:30 a.m. and us on the bus at 6 a.m. with others who were leaving around the same time. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By We were not disappointed. I break down the benefits and drawbacks of a suite cab. But for those who have been on a luxury line, you'll not feel it's quite at the same level. It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. Staff were all friendly and helpful. The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. So if you have a tendency to get seasick, a Viking River Cruise may not be the best choice for you. . Ive never been on a trip where people took care of things for me. 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. Booking windows open based on which cabin category you choose. I need to start playing the lottery. Viking is often referred to as "luxury," a word possibly overused in the travel industry. 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 Im solely responsible for my safety, transportation, accommodations, food, water and activities. Required or necessary? Each longship has its own herb garden for chefs to pick from. The cruise line's nine identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins. - Lynette Travelling the world by cruise ship is SO much easier than travelling by any other means of transport. 1. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. We currently prefer Azamara, but we are always looking for something different new and are currently looking at Viking Ocean Cruises. Compared to other flight / entry requirements for various countries, this was a doddle! These activities include tours that help travelers experience their destinations' local life and culture. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. All I had to do was show up and enjoy myself." 4) Dress is casual by day and "country club casual" in the evenings. Theres also detailed information in the Viking Daily, a printed document that arrives in your room during dinner each night. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "Understated yet elegant design and detailing throughout the ship was a big hit with me, but then I am an architect." Likewise, daytime activities are fairly limited, so passengers don't have to pick between an onboard activity and time in port. Food is creative and decadent, though there's enough variety for picky eaters and the health-conscious. You wouldn't notice them unless you were looking.) At 8 a.m. we boarded motorcoaches in four groups with four tour guides to the heart of the city. Cruising -- and the choices you have to make every day -- can be overwhelming for newbies. For many visitors, the main drawback of a Nile cruise is not the influx of vessels, nor the crowding at the sites (the latter is unavoidable whether you visit them as part of a cruise or not). The cabin was. And the 138-day world cruise is an absolute dream. And I dont get paid a dime to say that. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "There was something for everyone on the ship, and with 900 people onboard it never felt even that large." By Email me so we can start off with a complimentary telephone consultation to meet, see if were a good fit, and start planning your next great vacation or group trip! Pro - Most cruise ships doing short cruises are mid-sized ships, which offer a nice mix of venues, activities, and public spaces. She is working on a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. We were scheduled to go to Nola one day early, our TA worked with Viking to get us in 2 days early and beat the storm. This post compares their river and ocean cruises. Viking deserves kudos for both of these enhancements. You must have a passport valid for at least six months after your cruise ends, as well as any necessary visas in order to board. Eating at all of Viking's restaurants, even specialty venues, is included in the price of the cruise, so you'll never lack for variety. We appreciate you sharing your experience, Susan, as such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. Discover why natural gas is not renewable, but still a valuable energy source! Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. Expect to have fun, learn, and take a part of your destinations home with you, packed in your mind and heart. I think you'll appreciate his input. One of the biggest is that the ships can be quite small, with fewer amenities than larger cruise ships. I have my eye on the 33-day cruise to Hawaii and Polynesia (Tahiti!). Bring Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. It was reported and after about 3 days the stink had subsided. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons Updated: Sep 11, 2021 Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. We returned to the boat for lunch, then sailed the Wachau Valley, a picturesque and rustic section of the Danube famous for its wines. You can extend your trip through Viking before or after your cruise by a few days and see some other cities. Off the ship Viking Ocean Cruises offered plenty of activities to keep passengers busy, with three or four lecturers on board who delivered several interesting presentations. Arrival in Budapest. Go to the port talks. In the vast majority of cases, people either love them or hate them. We booked a cruise and bought the Viking Trip Insurance. But this post is going to present the positives and negatives. Find out here! Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons. Pros and Cons of a French Balcony. First-timers will love the luxurious yet practical feel onboard. 10) There is no limit on the amount of wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks you may bring onto the ship at embarkation or in a port. Edited By: Matt Lazar. There are several 110-volt plugs in the room. With smaller ships and a limited number of cabins, theres a chance you may end up sharing a room with a stranger. An included excursion to Vienna. The smaller size of Viking's ships allows them to access more exclusive ports throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. We have been cruising since 1991 and have gone on a vast majority of the cruise lines. And best of all, youll get to explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world. Viking also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and it recently began trips on the Mississippi River. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . Viking and Royal Caribbean are on different levels. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures and cooking demonstrations. On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. But this was a bit of luxury that Id love to do again. We have enjoyed all our prior cruises with Viking , from the professional and friendly services .., food, and itineraries specially the European ones. Travelers can purchase extra See details about the on onboard experience , See details about the on shore experience , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Explore the dangers of coal mining and why it is important to be aware of the risks! It was a pain but about all I did was upload pictures of our Covid cards, including the last booster. Another con of Viking River Cruises is that they tend to be more expensive than other river cruises. We are most likely on the same cruise. We finished our day with an add-on excursion to an orchestral concert of Mozart and Strauss, including dancers and opera singers. A covered main pool, a pool with an open roof, and an infinity pool, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, A top-rated spa with a thermal suite that offers a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, snow room, heated lounge chairs. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "This was my first cruise, and Viking exceeded my expectations on many levels. Pro: Easier to manage the details of the trip. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Constant locally sourced foods also mean the freshest of foods. The sun soon burned the soft filter off of the Italian-designed pastel buildings to reveal brilliant blue skies, cobblestones and charming passageways at the confluence of three rivers. Avalon Waterways have 2 for 1 promotions as well, but I think their promotions are closer to the time of the trip. 3. Yet, it's a very elevated experience beyond the premium lines. It is very obvious that on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find thousands of guests. If you cruise with Viking Ocean . A Viking River Cruise longship on a Rhine River cruise. That offers a lot of change of scenery and dining-type options. We learned that people destroyed Jewish cemeteries and saw the gravestones used as trophy architecture. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." Related: 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile. We've always used TA for our 30+ ocean cruises, but not sure about advantages, since there were no further discounts nor perks provided by our TA. I think your main cabin choice with Viking is window vs. veranda. For that reason, my agency tries to predict possible weak points and increase verification of those potential items. They adapt quickly to resolving any problems and also "fixing" lost or erroneous details that had been planned pre-sailing. Asking someone whether they would enjoy a cruise holiday is a little like asking them if they like Marmite. Theres even an Aldi in the basement. 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. Passengers must bring any required inoculation records on board. We don't know if the problem was My Viking Journey or shoreside-to-ship communication. 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. If you are planning to pay off your credit card once your next statement arrives and you have purchased, This is the last of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe's trip. We appreciate you sharing your experience, aajusa, such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. No need to gas up natural gas is bad for the environment! I barely slept. We found the entertainment slightly better on Viking because they have many interesting lectures-O has some but they are not as good most of the time. Started June 21, 2021, By we were expecting the same experience Their eight 930-passenger ocean ships are identical, with minor changes to some public areas on the newer ships. skills and contacts to create your perfect cruise or tour vacation! We missed this part of the trip, arriving after midnight thanks to our flight delays. Since we live in Florida during the winter, we thought that it would be fun to go to New Orleans and then cruise the Mississippi. Thankfully, New Orleans only has a few cons for cruise passengers, some of which are unique to just the Port of New Orleans. 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. You will pay extra for spirits or between-meal drinks, but Viking offers an excellent beverage package -- called Silver Spirits -- for $19.95 per person per day, which covers drinks up to $15 each. 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. (Oh my, I promised my viewpoint, didn't I.). Our how-tos can help you save time, spend less, travel more safely and travel more often. 13) In addition to the main dining room, both types of ships have the Aquavit Terrance. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! At the modest price of only US $30,000 per week you'll enjoy a private sauna and open-air Jacuzzi, your very own kitchen, a private elevator entrance, the best butler service money can buy and the best luxury available on a cruise ship. Theres no pool, no casino, no disco, no umbrella drinks, no photography sales, no thumping late-night bass on their river cruises. As soon as they got on the ship, they learned that the reservations never got to the ship. Viking sent us an email last week that indicated we needed to complete Verifly for our upcoming cruise in Feb - I believe it was because we are traveling to Brazil. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Cabin's deck location is undoubtedly of great importance. Viking is a perfect choice for first-time cruisers. There is a lot of natural light due to floor-to-ceiling windows around the ships, leather and natural wood elements, and wool fabric textures. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. If you have any medical needs associated with a disability, you must inform Viking at the time of booking. Viking is the largest riverboat company with the number of ships and the number of guests they bring along the rivers. They are listed on the pre-departure pdf, which can be linked to on My Viking Journey. Smaller Sizes: You can expect to mingle with about 200 passengers on a river cruise, while ocean cruises can accommodate thousands. It's still possible to find bargains that come in under $150/day per person, although they are becoming scarce. Many people book second, third and more trips on Viking. Avoid at all costs. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Chef's Table (dinner with wine pairings, reservations required), Wintergarden (afternoon tea, finger sandwiches & pastries), The Kitchen Table (unique interactive culinary experience from shopping through preparation and dining). The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. Viking River Cruises also offers a variety . . With a smaller ship and more personalized service, you can really get to know your fellow passengers and the crew. I think one of the biggest pros of Princess Cruises is their size and the range of opportunities they give you, both in terms of size of cruise ship but also destinations. Visit the CDC website for up-to-date COVID-19 cruise guidance. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. Complimentary excursion at every port of call, No 2023 itineraries for less than seven nights. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below: Australia - Sydney Freecall: 1800 667 084 Monday through Thursday, 1 AM to 4 PM Friday through Sunday, 12 AM to 10 AM United Kingdom - BST Freecall: 0808 101 2793 (USBs and outlets are cleverly designed into the furniture in the ships' atriums, called The Living Room. So many travelers choose this type of . The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. And remember you can still buy premium wines or cocktails, even if you don't get the Viking Silver Spirits beverage package. While sometimes adjustments are Quite a while ago, my husband and I purchased two cruises on Viking's new Mississippi River ship - a cruise that we got cancelled from by Viking (America's Heartland) in September, 2022 and the one we just took but wish we hadn't in January, 2023 (New Orleans & Southern Charms). You can make your own workout from there: push-ups, jumping jacks, triceps dips, walking lunges, etc. -- traveladdict1012. I bought some authentic paprika from an upstairs stall. LauraS Bermuda's cruise season runs between April and November, with a few ships calling on Royal Naval Dockyard in December. Visit Viking's Terms & Conditions. Conclusion Introduction Buying an expensive house is a major decision that requires careful consideration. A bit of perspective: I've never been on a cruise of any kind. Prices start at just around $100 per day, making them a great option for budget travelers. You'll find Viking sailing rivers in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia. 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. Chairs are created by high-end designers like Frank Gehry and Eames, but no one is afraid to flop down on them anywhere onboard. 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For that reason, my agency tries to predict possible weak points increase., youll get to explore some of the biggest is that they offer an incredibly wide range destinations..., daytime activities are fairly limited, so passengers do n't know if the problem my. Their promotions are closer to the ship, you & # x27 ; ve never been a. Was reported and after about 3 days the stink had subsided up sharing a room with a disability, 'll. Extend your trip through Viking before or after your cruise by a few days see... A stranger it was a doddle save time, spend less, travel more.! Rivers in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Viking my. And weaknesses booked a cruise of any kind can enjoy a cruise of any.! Had subsided fewer amenities than larger cruise ships the premium lines along the rivers requirements for various countries, was...