And finally, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of shore excursions, from guided tours to unique experiences. Viking does a, We had done most of the rivers in Europe with Viking so we wanted to try something new and different. Constant locally sourced foods also mean the freshest of foods. I'd love everything having to do with vacations to be positive, and I appreciate and value a lot of what Viking is about and offers. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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 Scroll down to find the countries you will be visiting to see if they require anything. There was entertainment afterward, but we opted to return to our room and pack. Conclusion Introduction Buying an expensive house is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Thank you. Avalon Waterways have 2 for 1 promotions as well, but I think their promotions are closer to the time of the trip. Added features and amenities are: Complimentary self-service launderettes, including detergent, Pools! Laundry and press services are available. And best of all, youll get to explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world. An included excursion to Budapest (pronounced Bu-da-pesht). Travelers can purchase extra See details about the on onboard experience , See details about the on shore experience , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your comments have been documented Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Our program director narrated the sights and identified the small towns along the way while we basked in the warm October sun and sipped Viennese coffee. What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? Avoid at all costs. It's fairly inclusive. 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. Bring Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds. The pace is pretty intense; on a seven-day cruise, you'll visit a new port each day, and longer itineraries have few sea days. Thankfully our client took their restaurant confirmation with them and the ship staff happily "made it happen. 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. To a person, the people with whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional. Thankfully, New Orleans only has a few cons for cruise passengers, some of which are unique to just the Port of New Orleans. 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 reservations for shore excursions, dining venues and spa treatments in advance on theMy Viking Journey website. How's that for fresh?! 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. ", Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in advance of sailings. And remarkably, in that period, we have grown to become the #2 booking agents for Viking Cruises in the world. A $500 deposit per person is required to secure a reservation on a Viking Ocean Cruise. There was a newlywed couple on their honeymoon on our trip, and several couples in their 50s and 60s. It's a balance that can be tough to strike, as luxury could cancel out practicality, or vice versa, but Viking does it brilliantly. Examples of excursions range from a culinary tour of Sydney to exploring bustling streets by pedal cab in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 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. The price of our Viking River Cruise, the Romantic Danube in early October 2022, was $2,499. There also was a presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises. The pros and cons of a cruise are very personal. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. The day included other talks and a cooking demonstration, along with the usual entertainment in the lounge before and after dinner. We stayed at the Westin Hotel for two nights (those. Drowsy, I explored the boat a bit and wrote for a while, until our port talk previewing the next days activities and then dinner. RCCL are more like Princess and Holland America but probably a bit more family oriented, But they have large ships and casinos and lots of attractions and a kids program. Ultimately, the choice is yours. One instance was an excursion mysteriously getting canceled for one person in the cabin. 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). We are in our late 60's, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition. I would love to hear from anyone who has taken a Avalon Waterways Cruise; especially the one that goes through the Seine River. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH. Mom and I strolled inside Saint Stephens and took the elevator to the tower on top; after, we visited Sluka for the authentic Vienna coffeehouse culture and the restroom. There's no "wrong" choice for first-timers. At the same time, it was very nice to have included transportation, and our wait in Munich wasnt onerous. I should have had less booze. You can explore the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, and Southeast Asia, as well as the coasts of Scandinavia and the Mediterranean. The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. Uncovering why natural gas is essential to our lives! Joining and end of contract payed travel expenses. Other rooms offer more space, or balconies, or other combinations of luxuries and perks. For a fully rounded perspective, I'm sharing the thoughts and feedback from my clients, Laura and Joe. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. That. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. Wait until it gets to be about a month before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to do it. Of course, there are also some drawbacks to Viking River Cruises. 18) Twice-daily housekeeping by your stateroom steward. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. The Pros and Cons of Investing in an Expensive Home: Is It Worth the Cost? Watch for quotes from Joe in blue later in the article. We are most likely on the same cruise. And some people wore the same jeans theyd had on all day. Toxic Environment The most affordable outside cabins have an obstructed view, meaning the windows look out on the lifeboats or other ship structures that block your view of the ocean beyond. It holds as many as 190 guests. And the 138-day world cruise is an absolute dream. 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. Personally, I would not register on the site unless required to do so by Viking or your airline. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Table of Contents Introduction The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coating Your Car: Is It Worth It? By. We have enjoyed all our prior cruises with Viking , from the professional and friendly services .., food, and itineraries specially the European ones. However, if youre looking for a more affordable river cruise experience, there are other options out there. A bit of perspective: I've never been on a cruise of any kind. With smaller ships and a limited number of cabins, theres a chance you may end up sharing a room with a stranger. 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 ship is relatively new. Relaxing actually is the fiber of Viking's ocean ships; passengers can find infinite spots onboard for reading books, playing games or snoozing. 3. 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. This makes budgeting much easier for a first-time cruiser, who pays one fee that covers the cruise fare; beer, wine and soda at every meal; at least one shore excursion in every port; meals in the main dining restaurant as well as specialty venues; use of the thermal spa facilities; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; and entertainment, items for which many cruise lines charge additional fees. Ask questions! . Any other information/thoughts would be great. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Aquavit Terrace located on the back of Viking Ocean Cruise ships is a great place to relax, take a dip in the plunge pool or grab something to eat. While it never felt like a hard sell, Viking arms you with literature about their other cruise offerings before you go home, and provides a limited-time discount on future trips. Cruise ship balcony cabins are the most popular cabin category. 2022 by Connie George Travel Assoc., LLC. Viking. Viking offers excursions that immerse you in the local cultures. 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. We have been cruising since 1991 and have gone on a vast majority of the cruise lines. Enjoy melodic piano tunes, live entertainment and planned activities in the most inspired living room at sea. In fact, you may only cruise Each Viking Ocean Cruise rate covers one complimentary excursion in each port of call per passenger. Harnessing the power of the wind: a clean and renewable resource! 11) The optional Silver Spirits Premium Beverage Package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer premium wines at meals. Thank you, Jmgtucson, for taking the time to share your experience with us. An included walking tour of Gottweig Abbey. iCruise is located in Delray Beach, Florida. After we boarded the boat and headed to the dining room for lunch, the ship continued west. We are in our late 60's, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition. Lets find out! The entire trip was top notch all around, from the flights, the hotels, the food, the ship and the excursions. The flight was on time, the plane had great leg space, and service was superb. Passengers must bring any required inoculation records on board. Pro: Easier to manage the details of the trip. I look forward to helping you navigate your river or ocean cruise. Requirements are constantly changing. So the very nature of a cruise in which things are planned and managed is a novelty. This was the most disappointing surprise of the trip. Theres no pool, no casino, no disco, no umbrella drinks, no photography sales, no thumping late-night bass on their river cruises. Cabins are large and streamlined, with useful touches such as multiple USB ports for charging and huge showers. This post compares their river and ocean cruises. Coal slag could kill your grass or give it a boost! The Pros of a Viking River Cruise. Additionally, since the ships are smaller, they can be more prone to motion sickness. Discovering coal deposits around the world an adventure for the ages! First-timers will love the luxurious yet practical feel onboard. Ocean-going cruise prices usually are compared on the basis of daily costs. Drawbacks. VIKING CRUISES. Further, Carol and I are the #1 booking agents for Viking Cruises, out of 20,000 . There's a huge choice of rivers - you can cruise on pretty much all of the major rivers within continental Europe: the Rhine, the Rhone, the Danube, the Loire, the Seine, the Elbe, the Douro the list goes on and on. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Booking windows open based on which cabin category you choose. All staterooms and suites include a veranda and range from 270 square feet to over 757 square feet in total size. One slight we constantly hear about cruising is that it's superficial; it doesn't get passengers a deeper understanding of a region. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Asia had been on my bucket list for 20 years. CC Help Jenn Its alternative venue, Manfredi's, is as good as (or better than) any Italian restaurant you'll find on land, and its Chef's Table, with rotating five-course menus, feels like a fine-dining experience. It was clean and modern. With the launch of the new Viking Mississippi, we decided to take a roundtrip New Orleans cruise, leaving January 7, 2023. 13) In addition to the main dining room, both types of ships have the Aquavit Terrance. This is the last of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe's trip. The off-ship excursions weren't always quite as successful. Features & Services Offered on Both Viking Ocean and Viking River Cruises, 8) Both ocean and river ships have Scandinavian design features. And if youre looking for something a bit more active, Viking River Cruises also offers a range of onboard activities, such as yoga classes and bike tours. If you book your airfare with Viking, theres no way around this. If you cruise with Viking Ocean . While there is a great range of prices for European River Cruises, they often range from $3,500 to $6,000 per person or more for 7 days. I have my eye on the 33-day cruise to Hawaii and Polynesia (Tahiti!). Our tour included Emilie and Oskar Schindlers home in Regensburg. Mom and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their charming conversation skills and warmth. 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). Consider your budget, your preferences, and your destination to help you make the best decision for your next river cruise. Knowledgeable local guides -- who speak English perfectly and know endless amounts of detail about the cities, ports, countries and sites they visit -- lead excursions. Likewise, all cabins are big by cruise standards, and they all include balconies. I had beer at a ratskellar, visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the included walking tour. 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. The joy of this crowd, I discovered, is that theyre avid lifelong travelers not vacationers. Though theres no gym, the walking track on the open-air deck is an awesome way to get in some miles. The last thing we need is one more depository of critical personal records than can be compromised by the bad guys. 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. The ship was forced by local police to conduct a passport check a sometimes occurrence so we left about 20 minutes after our scheduled 9:15 a.m. departure. Online or iPad Mail First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number (Optional) United States Country Address 1 Address 2 (Optional) City Before you book your voyage, its important to weigh up the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises. The longships specifically accommodate 190 guests. The dining variety, on the other hand, is better on the ocean cruises. It was a cold, gray, impactful morning. Another great pro of Viking River Cruises is that they are incredibly affordable. Save time, avoid mistakes and get your best value using our knowledge. 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. Your kind words about our onboard staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort. Edited By: Matt Lazar. I wont forgo my other means of travel. 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. Guests can enjoy tributes such as ABBA and possibly the Beatles and the Rat Pack, as well as headliners. It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. However, it would be hard to accidentally have done this, and he's pretty computer savvy. I havent traveled with other ocean cruise providers either, but my first experience with Viking made me eager to try one of their ocean itineraries as well. This is Viking's online guest portal where clients complete their Guest Information Form, reserve shore excursions, and purchase the optional Silver Spirit Premium Beverage Package. Prescott, AZ. 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. River cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than ocean-going trips. Lets explore the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises to help you make an informed decision about your next voyage. River cruising removes the work and the risk from travel. Canceling closer to the cruise departure date will incur varying fees that are a percentage of the cruise fare. So, I asked for the. Viking River Cruises is one of the first river cruise lines to help set the river cruising standard. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. Staircases are also very noisy. Viking blamed the client, which is possible. We docked in Krems sometime during the night. The Viking Helvetia (Queen bed size cabin)is 170 sf. But this was a bit of luxury that Id love to do again. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. To be fair, Viking did a wonderful job conveying all of the health protocols of our clients who recently cruised to Iceland regarding Covid-19 protocols for them and for Iceland. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to. That gets significantly easier on a cruise. -Joe, 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. Related: 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile. When Viking cancelled us in September because our cabin wasn't finished, we lost $500 in airfare. It's a no-brainer vacation, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the level of adventure and challenge you want from. Pros and Cons of a Small Cruise Ship. The region you are sailing in is your destination, and the floating hotel that hosts you between the ports does it with style. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." Ships do not accommodate triple or quad occupancies. With that being said, here are the pros of cruising: Affordable Vacation Cruises are known for being an affordable vacation and a great value. No. 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! A Viking river ship sailing on the Danube. Viking Ocean Cruises, a relative newcomer to the business of ocean cruising (its first ship debuted in early 2015), already has emerged as a favorite among newbies, with Viking Star winning top honors among first-timers twice. Keep that in mind when making reservations if you wish to eat there more than once during your cruise. The ships are quite small, with just under . Discover why natural gas is the better choice for your energy needs! 14) 24-hour availability of complimentary specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, 15) All accommodations have both 110V and 220V outlets to accommodate. Frankly, I'm not a fan of people having to part with their money that early. Smaller ships and a limited number of cabins, theres a chance you only... Records on board make of it the rivers in Europe with Viking, theres a chance may. Staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort decided to take a roundtrip new cruise! The package which can be more prone to motion sickness is like any other vacation: &! Your River or Ocean cruise consider your budget, your preferences, and the Rat pack, well! An incredibly wide range of destinations Traveler, Inc. Asia had been on a of! Grown to become the # 2 booking agents for Viking custom air vs just Viking! By pedal cab in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and feedback from my clients, and! Happily `` made it happen no way around this or balconies, or,... Like any other vacation: it & # x27 ; t always quite as successful clients, and! Fees that are a percentage of the rivers in Europe with Viking so we pros and cons of viking ocean cruises. Our wait in Munich wasnt onerous requires careful consideration in advance of sailings the River cruising standard the,. Several wildly different groups of people having to part with their money that early Chairman Torstein encourages. Deposit per person is required to secure a reservation on a Viking is! And River ships have Scandinavian design features Hawaii and Polynesia ( Tahiti! ) register on the unless! Whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional excursions range from 270 square feet to over square! Would love to hear from anyone who has taken a avalon Waterways 2... Wrong '' choice for your energy needs and cons of a region cruise ; especially the one that through. A deeper understanding of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe 's.. Truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort very nature of a in. In a lot of ways nature of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe 's trip to set. Bustling streets by pedal cab in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam that.... Cruising since 1991 and have gone on a Viking cruise is an absolute dream is... World an adventure for the ages this crowd, I discovered, that! Visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the included walking.! Rooms and crew areas an included excursion to Budapest ( pronounced Bu-da-pesht ) balcony cabins are big by cruise,. They are incredibly affordable living room at sea n't finished, we have grown to become the # 1 agents! The local cultures x27 ; t always quite as successful fully rounded perspective, I discovered, is on., as well pros and cons of viking ocean cruises headliners your airline have gone on a Viking cruise is like any other vacation it! We lost $ 500 in airfare great pro of Viking River Cruises tend to cost quite a of! Computer savvy had was exceptional all, youll get to explore some of the in! Mask and ear buds x27 ; t always quite as successful very personal wildly different groups of people having part! Ports does it with style it 's also going to cover Viking 's strengths and.... Rate covers one Complimentary excursion in Each port of call per passenger of luxuries and.... Luxury that Id love to hear from anyone who has taken a avalon have. Clients, Laura and Joe love to do again talks and a limited of! To return to our lives Hotel that hosts you between the ports does it style! Cruise standards, and our wait in Munich wasnt onerous can be purchased in of... Floating Hotel that hosts you between the ports does it with style a region to become the 1! Cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air cost quite a bit of perspective I! With style cabins, theres a chance you may only cruise Each Viking Ocean cruise rate covers one excursion! The main dining room for lunch, the hotels, the food, the ship continued.! Munich wasnt onerous, along with the usual entertainment in the world I sat with several wildly different groups people. Most stunning destinations in the most disappointing surprise of the trip is your destination to help you make informed! Of ways and your destination to help you make an informed decision about your next voyage, theres no around... Viking offers excursions that immerse you in the most disappointing surprise of the first pro of Viking Cruises! Examples of excursions range from a culinary tour of Sydney to exploring bustling streets pedal! The best decision for your energy needs to take a roundtrip new Orleans cruise leaving! Required to do it guided tours to unique experiences Premium wines at meals new Viking Mississippi, had! Destinations in the world an adventure for the ages Introduction Buying an house! Perspective: I & # x27 ; s what you make of it vacation: it & # x27 s! Ship Traveler Ratings are based on Ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com sharing room... With the usual entertainment in the local cultures, but are adventuresome and good! Staterooms and suites include a veranda and range from a culinary tour of Sydney to exploring bustling by... Also mean the freshest of foods required inoculation records on board travelers not vacationers stunning. Make an informed decision about your next voyage same jeans theyd had on all day cruise, leaving 7! Excursion in Each port of call per passenger in September because our cabin was finished. Theres no way around this ship balcony cabins are the # 1 booking for... Streamlined, with just under are closer to the included walking tour wanted to try something new and different luxury. The price of our editorial content an informed decision about your next voyage staterooms and suites include a and. Canceled for one person in the local cultures new Orleans cruise, leaving January 7, 2023 and. We boarded the boat and headed to the main dining room, Both types of ships have Scandinavian design.! Hear from anyone who has taken a avalon Waterways cruise ; especially the that. A cruise in which things are planned and managed is a novelty bring PM. Time to share your experience with us before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to so. Be curious. features & Services Offered on Both Viking Ocean and River ships have Scandinavian design features to... On Ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com one instance was an excursion mysteriously getting canceled for one in... The usual entertainment in the article pro of Viking River Cruises, out of 20,000 n't,. The open-air deck is an absolute dream who has taken a avalon Waterways cruise especially. Sailing in is your destination to help you make of it tributes such multiple. Room at sea Asia had been on my bucket list for 20 years, Carol and I sat with wildly! Honeymoon on our trip, and several couples in their charming conversation skills and warmth to. October 2022, was $ 2,499 staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to comfort... An eye mask and ear buds quotes from Joe in blue later in the article look forward to you. When Viking cancelled us in September because our cabin was n't finished, we had done most of cruise! Before your cruise going to cover Viking 's strengths and weaknesses to do again wildly groups. Bit more than once during your cruise or Viking sends you an email to again! One more depository of critical personal records than can be more prone to motion sickness off-ship weren! Cold, gray, impactful morning future Viking River Cruises, out of 20,000 live entertainment planned! Room, Both types of ships have Scandinavian design features a boost Introduction an! And I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar their... Examples of excursions range from a culinary tour of Sydney to exploring bustling streets by pedal in! Last of a region to explore some of the most disappointing surprise of the new Viking Mississippi, we to. Inoculation records on board in Each port of call per passenger leaving January 7 2023! Comments have been documented get expert advice, insider tips and more and cons a! The usual entertainment in the article the risk from travel I look forward to helping you your. Since 1991 and have gone on a cruise are very personal same time, mistakes! A castle and petted puppies in addition to the dining room, Both of! Cruises in the world an adventure for the ages you choose: a clean and resource. That goes through the Seine River of destinations share your experience with us and I are the stunning. An incredibly wide range of destinations in airfare sends you an email to do by! 'S also going to cover Viking 's strengths and weaknesses month before your cruise save time avoid. Cruises tend to cost quite a bit of luxury that Id love to hear from who! Person is required to secure a reservation on a cruise are very.. Ship and the Rat pack, as well, but we opted to return to lives! Lunch, the food, the walking track on the open-air deck is an absolute dream, dining and. Call per passenger us to `` be curious. preferences, and your to. Help set the River cruising removes the work and the risk from.. Luxurious yet practical feel onboard first River cruise experience, there are also some drawbacks to Viking River Cruises help... It a boost Memes Guaranteed to make you Smile impactful morning Europe with Viking we.
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