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. In the morning we boarded buses for a short ride to Gottweig Abbey. That included our airfare, thanks to a special promotion that comes along fairly regularly. For more information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite. 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. If you pay by electronic check instead of credit card, they will give you a 3.3% discount on your cruise. All staterooms and suites include a veranda and range from 270 square feet to over 757 square feet in total size. Drowsy, I explored the boat a bit and wrote for a while, until our port talk previewing the next days activities and then dinner. Staircases are also very noisy. There are three levels on the ship, plus an open-air deck on top. All you have to do is book the vacation and then just get on the ship and enjoy the ride. No. Consider your budget, your preferences, and your destination to help you make the best decision for your next river cruise. 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. 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. 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. There's an itinerary for everyone. This is the last of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe's trip. And the 138-day world cruise is an absolute dream. Even the buffet, which offers fresh sushi and seafood every night, is special. 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. You can make your own workout from there: push-ups, jumping jacks, triceps dips, walking lunges, etc. All of the ships are beautiful, comfortable, and elegant. 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. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Guests can enjoy tributes such as ABBA and possibly the Beatles and the Rat Pack, as well as headliners. It's always wise to take a copy of confirmations of advance purchases, appointments, and reservations with you. Uncovering why natural gas is essential to our lives! The pros and cons of a cruise are very personal. The quality of the food was comparable to the river cruises and the kitchen and wait staff were the best." If it's your first time booking a cruise, it's a good idea to work with a travel agent. Laura on their recent cruise to Iceland aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' ship, Viking Sky. 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). Pros: 1. But from the minute that we met our Viking-appointed driver at midnight in the Budapest airport after a 30-hour trip from Fort Wayne, Indiana, via Chicago (where we were delayed for mechanical issues) and then Frankfurt (where we then missed our connection and ended up with a 12-hour layover) I decided that I could get used to the bountiful little luxuries provided by a Viking River Cruise. Canceling closer to the cruise departure date will incur varying fees that are a percentage of the cruise fare. Why go through the hassle if you don't have to. 1. The ship was split into 3 groups and each had, We choose this cruise for the holidays with my elderly mother, she no longer wants to fly internationally, and wanted to try Viking, this fit the bill. Uncovering why natural gas is dangerous and how to stay safe! By If you cancel your cruise 120 days or more before your scheduled departure, you'll be charged $100 per person. Cruise Lines "P - Z" Viking Ocean PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH VIKING Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! We made our way back to the Spanish riding school to inquire about tours of the Lippezaner facility, pausing to gape in awe at the interiors of Saint Peters and Saint Michaels churches, but the next ticket wasnt until 4 p.m., so we meandered around the Hapburg Palace area, then made our way back to the metro near Saint Stephens; a short ride put us within a 10-minute walk of the boat. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. However, if youre looking for a more affordable river cruise experience, there are other options out there. Likewise, all cabins are big by cruise standards, and they all include balconies. Here are the pros and cons of Viking river cruises you should know. Explore Life's Mysteries With Us - Exploring Life's Mysteries Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. 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. 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. A Viking river ship sailing on the Danube. 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." 3. Prescott, AZ. Save. You wouldn't notice them unless you were looking.) 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. You probably won't be overwhelmed by the size, but you won't feel trapped either. The dining variety, on the other hand, is better on the ocean cruises. Get inside the travel stories that move us. Ive never been on a trip where people took care of things for me. The optional Silver Spirits Premium Beverage Package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer premium wines at meals. Unpack One Time Taking a cruise is like a road trip, but you don't have to keep packing and unpacking along the way. #6. Lets talk about what line best fits your lifestyle, interests, and needs. It hasnt changed a bit, judging from our peek inside! We did take advantage of both the pre-cruise extension to Ha Long Bay and the post-cruise extension to Bangkok. Many of our clients have experienced "computer glitches" with the system. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "The food was spectacular with excellent choices at each meal." Lets find out! But is a Viking River Cruise the right choice for you? In this article, we look at the pros and cons of cruising based on the cruises I've taken. Yet, it's a very elevated experience beyond the premium lines. But this post is going to present the positives and negatives. 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. Visit Viking's Terms & Conditions. Mom and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their charming conversation skills and warmth. It had two twin beds, a full bathroom, a small closet, three drawers, a mini fridge and a TV. skills and contacts to create your perfect cruise or tour vacation! 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. An included walking tour of Gottweig Abbey. 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.. The off-ship excursions weren't always quite as successful. Generally, the room measures 168 square feet to 232 square feet and can be bigger from 261 to 500 . 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. The walking tours that morning included a Jewish history option. 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. In fact, there were departures scheduled as early as 2:30 a.m. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. As we only cruise Viking now (river and ocean), we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts. This also would have alleviated some jet lag. Why is natural gas soaring? I imagine it's at least part of how their aggressive shipbuilding is paid for. I dont usually travel with a sim card or any other means of accessing wifi or cell service, and I thought that the ship would mean better connectivity than I usually enjoy. She is working on a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. Constant locally sourced foods also mean the freshest of foods. Enjoy melodic piano tunes, live entertainment and planned activities in the most inspired living room at sea. 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." Passengers must bring any required inoculation records on board. However, it would be hard to accidentally have done this, and he's pretty computer savvy. In addition to a visit and wine tasting, you can stay on the grounds, which are rich with views and gardens. Viking River Cruises is one of the first river cruise lines to help set the river cruising standard. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. Go to the port talks. Plus, with a smaller ship, you can get closer to your destination. But making the cost comparisons between these two products usually is rather pointless. Children arent permitted on Viking River Cruises. Viking River Cruises start off at around $1,800 and are great for people who want a large selection of destinations to choose from. iCruise is located in Delray Beach, Florida. Parts medieval, parts baroque and thoroughly gorgeous, the monastery is famous for its apricot wines and brandy. 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. If you book your airfare with Viking, theres no way around this. It was a pain but about all I did was upload pictures of our Covid cards, including the last booster. After a warmup in a coffee shop, we ventured back out into the UNESCO World Heritage old town We saw weddings in the square and German-made Christmas ornaments by the truckload and indulged in some retail therapy, as it was our final day. -- Sailoraz. The date of your final payment is dependent on your itinerary and will be noted on your invoice. Thank you, hirschbjj, for sharing your experience with us. 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. 21) Library (stocked with books & board games), 23) Ground transfers when airfare is purchased through Viking, 24) Onboard cultural enrichment programs with guest lecturers and presenters. Viking is a perfect choice for first-time cruisers. They are listed on the pre-departure pdf, which can be linked to on My Viking Journey. Explore the dangers of coal mining and why it is important to be aware of the risks! The gorgeous Wintergarden, with its wrought-iron screens and wood accents, looks like something straight out of Architectural Digest, and passengers flock to it for afternoon tea every day. You can sit with whom you want and when you want during dining times. The flight was on time, the plane had great leg space, and service was superb. We learned that people destroyed Jewish cemeteries and saw the gravestones used as trophy architecture. Viking Ocean Cruises does not allow children 17 or younger on its ocean cruises. Viking does not permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean cruises. The top level is an open-air deck with a walking track, herb garden, solar panels, shuffleboard and a golf putting area. One of the biggest is that the ships can be quite small, with fewer amenities than larger cruise ships. Dream and discover. The Real Pros And Cons Of Travel Cruises. The Good, the Bad, and What You Want to Know to Decide if a Viking Cruise is for You: "The choice of restaurants onboard was a new experience compared to the river cruises. 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. Refer to the. We again boarded motorcoaches in groups; this time, some were going on different types of tours. Booking windows open based on which cabin category you choose. Ours was the Viking Jarl, built in 2013. Reviewed May 14, 2018. Drawbacks. Wait until it gets to be about a month before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to do it. a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. Our included excursion took us to the Ringstrasse, the broad boulevard through the city center where we disembarked and walked with our guide through the historic area of Vienna, soaking up his stories of history, buildings and people along the way. Here are five reasons why: If you cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises, you won't feel like you're whipping out your card to pay for things at every turn. Viking River Cruises also offers an array of onboard amenities, such as spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and a selection of fine wines. We missed this part of the trip, arriving after midnight thanks to our flight delays. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH VIKING. Our trip was six full days of tours and travel, plus the day before and the day after to and from the airport. The cabin was spacious and cleaned everyday. Started June 21, 2021, By Viking now requires it only for a couple of itineraries. Viking updates this document frequently. 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. There's no doubt that Viking is certainly upscale. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Lets talk about what line best fits your lifestyle, interests, and needs. Im glad Id arranged to be free of my social media duties during my trip. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking Ocean Cruises' Cooking with the Chef, How to Pick the Best Shore Excursions: Key Questions to Ask, 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise over a Land Holiday, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, 7 Deadly Sins of Cruising and How to Rise Above Them, 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your OceanMedallion Experience, Jane McDonald, Rob Brydon and 12 Other Cruise Line Celebrity Ambassadors Making a Splash at Sea, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise. For a fully rounded perspective, I'm sharing the thoughts and feedback from my clients, Laura and Joe. You'll find Viking sailing rivers in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia. I have recently returned from an Alaska cruise on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line. 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. Thankfully our client took their restaurant confirmation with them and the ship staff happily "made it happen. Your kind words about our onboard staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort. You're spoiled for choice, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. You can extend your trip through Viking before or after your cruise by a few days and see some other cities. Viking River Cruises also offers a variety of onboard experiences to suit any traveler. Required or necessary? An art program throughout Europe, theyre called stumbling stones not to catch the feet, but the mind, and theyre placed in front of the places where the victims last lived. Wherever you dream of sailing, Viking River Cruises can take you there. Theres ship noise, there are early tours and theres jet lag. . 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. It was incredibly foggy when we arrived in Passau. In fact, it reminded me that I wanted to delete my account and I have now done so and uninstalled the app. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. The middle level includes guest rooms, guest services and the restaurant, plus a dining terrace. 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. From the fjords of Norway to the canals of Venice, youll get to experience the beauty of Europe in a way you never thought possible. Wherever you dream of sailing, Viking River Cruises can take you there. Your comments have been We were on a previous Viking Ocean cruise and it was great. Dont count on the wifi. Budapest, one of the most beautiful and historic cities you can experience on a Danube River 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. This venue blends the indoors with the outdoors. Since Verifly cant really verify anything, since it has no access to government or private medical records, it is nothing more than a creative service developed by an entrepreneur to make big bucks. The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. Frankly, I'm not a fan of people having to part with their money that early. 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. The European Coal and Steel Community: Unity Through Strength! Excellent working experience with the team and superiors.