Italy is similar very long drives. Ocean cruisers wont want to miss out on Torshavn. Hey Melissa, glad you like the itinerary/photos! Prop 30 is supported by a coalition including CalFire Firefighters, the American Lung Association, environmental organizations, electrical workers and businesses that want to improve Californias air quality by fighting and preventing wildfires and reducing air If your travel dates are more than 70 days away, youll only lose your deposit. Its summer now so Im sure the weather will be much better for you! For the best possible time, youll want to be flexible. Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. This was another ruined fortress high above the river. We river cruised on emerald last year,sounds very comparable to Viking. I just google searched his name and photos of him came up. Maybe I have gotten more picky (ha) but I think the food quality is definitely solid (maybe it wont blow you away, but hopefully you wont feel disappointed!). I find it a little odd that your friend mentioned that about tipping to get good service. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. And thats it! Find Cheap Flights with easyJet Over the last 25 years easyJet has become Europes leading short-haul airline, revolutionising European air travel by allowing passengers to book cheap flights across Europes top flight routes, connecting more than 30 countries and over 100 cities.Were not only committed to providing low-cost flight tickets, but also providing a great service to and Purpose-built for the Mississippi, the ships cutting Try a canal cruise too! Hi Amy! Hi Suzanne the European river cruise season starts in May. Plus it had the added bonus of only unpacking once! Let me know if you have any questions about our Rhine Getaway with Viking River Cruises in the comments below. Are tours expensive foe what I want to see? such is life! Save the space in your bag. Most of the rooms are booked and only economy ones left. An easy approach is to sign up for the Viking Weekly, an online newsletter with recommendations, itinerary spotlights, videos, and more. We always travel with one just in case. Its good that Viking had a back up plan so you could still at least experience the cities on the itinerary. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. Viking is maybe more catered to Americans (ie: flight prices transatlantic). According toViking River Cruises, your dailygratuitiesare shared between the Program Director,waitstaff,stateroom stewards,galley staff, nautical staff, and others; this charge will also be shared with the Program Director for the land portions of ourElegant Elbe,Cities of LightandParis to the Swiss Alpsitineraries.. Or stick to the included Strasbourg Highlights? You can see the route we took in the Rhine River cruise map below. Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella. While mostcruise linessay that the service you receive shouldnt change, the fact is that word travels quickly among thecrewabout non-tippers. If our flight gets in early enough we would like to try to see one of the museums. I chatted to the staff one day and they spend the winter season breaking everything down, cleaning and doing engineering things to keep it in great shape. Enjoy your trip, its a fab river cruise experience :). Most river cruises are quite cozy and I typically keep my clothes in packing cubes this was the first time Ive fully unpacked! Yes,Vikingsays that all of their longships are the same. Im in my 20s and went with my mom. Im sure you guys will have a great time! 4 The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Highly recommend a visit to the Cathedral! Hes not the same glassblower who was on my river cruise (Viking has so many ships Im sure they have many, many glassblowers that they partner with). One thing I liked about sailing with Viking is how leisurely the day to day pace is. The deli, named in her honor, serves cuisine inspired by her kitchen, from sweet rolls with cloudberry jam, salmon gravlax, open-faced sandwiches to her heart-shaped waffles served with jam or gjetost and Norwegian brown goat cheese.. I usually leave my passport in the safe I dont carry it into town. Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by our award-winning Viking Longships and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. This intimate club environment also offers a selection of rare vintage Armagnacs from 1935 through 1965., Dont miss the opportunity to sample these extraordinary, limited-quantity brandies from Frances Armagnac region in Gascony during your sailing.. I know no one can accurately forecast the weather,wondering what kind of jacket/coat should I pack. River cruising is a much more intimate experience, with unreserved seating at meal times so you get to mix and mingle with almost everyone on board by the end (if you want!). 5. Think practical anti-theft crossbody purses that cant be overfilled (for comfort), dont stand out yet still look good. Sher She Goes, Where to Stay in Copenhagen: Ibsens Hotel Review Sher She Goes, Is Colmar the Most Beautiful Small Town in France? All those photos were shot with a 70-200mm lens (mostly at the 200mm mark) so as an example, you wont see the individual castle windows or small town churches like in those photos without a zoom or binoculars. For the arrival, our bus picked us up at the airport in Basel and left straightaway, which we really appreciated! Would the Viking staff be able to help us with getting admission tickets when we arrive at the ship? As most of us have never been overseas and an international trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, we need a trip that is easy to navigate for newbies and gets us the most bang for our buck (see all we can). The more expensive rooms are on a higher floor, have a larger square footage and have better views (larger windows, some with balconies, etc). Viking River Cruises offer a 3.3 percent discount for travelers who pay via e-check, so if youre looking for a way to reduce your expenses, but remember that every stateroom includes access to a self-service laundry. Thank you. Were very much looking forward to the trip but was curious if our suite is worth the cost. You wont have much of a view, but youll still get the 24/7 room service, and if youre feeling claustrophobic, you can always head to a different part of the ship. No, if anything there isnt that much entertainment on the river cruise at night. However, if youre looking to save money, think about whether youll actually spend much time in your suite. If you go to Vikings website here and scroll down, they have a floorplan of the Europe river ships and each room. All Viking World Cruise Guests will receive: 1 With my cane I can do probably a mile before a rest. Find out who to tip and how much. We sailed on the Hlin ship, which I think they said was 8 years old, but looked almost brand new to me. Every street looks perfectly preserved and its quite colorful. For the excursions, there wasnt any climbing but the tour of Marksburg Castle had VERY uneven paths (broken stones) so Id probably recommend skipping that. Are you asking about accommodation on Viking? 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. I think it depends how much you value hotel rooms / rooms in general. I was so impressed with how comfortable they were given that its a river cruise and the ship is small. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Love your blog, Sher! Basically if the ship can dock in a port thats near town, the transportation time is very short. Im not a huge drinker but spent lots of mornings enjoying my coffee on the balcony.. it was so relaxing! 4000+ site blocks. :\. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Both are a great way to save money while enjoying the same cruise that others pay thousands more to take. Viking offers both pre and post extensions, which are a fun way to see more of Europe and combine the best of both worlds (guided group tours with individual trips). Did you experience this on your trip? Thank you so much for the detailed information about your cruise. Planning a Carnival Cruise? Basel is very small and I felt like we saw enough on the day of. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjeb, the ships godmother, as Very disappointed! In the morning, we visited Heidelberg Castle, which perhaps should be called a ruined fortress, as much of it was destroyed by lightening, fires and war. Many of us either have German and/or Irish heritage so we were wanting to fly to Ireland at the end of the cruise. Does that sound right? The Dutch windmill keepers also had a number of really unique boats which I took too many pictures of! Hi, Sher Also, is there a way to find out how long the drive by bus is for each excursion? That might not interest every traveler, but if youre interested in the inner workings of a major cruise vessel, its well worth the time. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. . They also dont charge a corkage fee! Youll love the rooms! 24-hour room service, including service from any restaurant during open hours; Daily personalized tea or pre-dinner cocktail & canaps on request; Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability) Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services; Under-bed suitcase storage space I also want to know about the comfort of the beds! If you are travelling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry on bag each. If you arrive in the AM, Viking is nice and provides a complimentary informal walking tour of the old town! Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. I think their sailing schedules may shift so thats likely why they dont have detailed times published. On Vikings website they have a chat function where you can speak to customer service. Note a couple others from the cruise did the optional dinner excursion on this day and raved about it. Sher my sisters and some girlfriends of ours are planning our 1st ever international trip for our 50th bdays (gulp, cant believe we will be 50!). Hi Donna, thanks! We dont want to go during peak season or the worst weather time. The itinerary for this trip is near perfect. The Viking staff can help you arrange a taxi or bike peddler if you want to go into town in more comfort or come back early. Im not sure if theyll offer vouchers. Wow, amazing indeed! Do you think the Rhine Getaway would be a good choice for this group based on my description above? Their casual dress code means you can wear shorts in the winter months and comfortable shoes. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. The city itself is very popular, a bit crowded, so try to go early for things like the Anne Frank Museum. Pretty much every travel company or tour builds in visits to local businesses and in return they get a % of commissions, just like a shoe salesman at any dept store. My companion is in his late eighties but wants to see the Rhine Im in my late seventies and just want to see something again. One of the best written river cruise reviews Ive ever read. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). Any additional tipping is up to you. The problem is with what we ordered. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise plus additional just in case of any delays. However, once youve paid, you dont need to spend much more. Wondering if you have any thoughts about things to see/do in Lucerne? We explored theKlner Doms interior and were suitably awed. Thank you for all the great information. Great ship, staff, food, and itinerary. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. Cities like Colmar and Basel have compact Old Towns so the walking is quite short, but Marksburg Castle was very uneven inside (lots of cobblestone old steps) that I even found that shaky. Thats the add-on dinner youre referring to right? A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. Im also not a shopper / I dont buy souvenirs anymore but if you like to shop, cash is helpful for small things like street fairs, flea markets, christmas market stalls, food stalls. Maybe vikings customer service team can give you a more detailed breakdown of the tour.. Additional restrictions may apply. Thank you! FTo be honest, every land group tour that Ive been on and when I travel personally, I get up very early to see as much as possible so I felt like Viking was nice and a slower pace. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. Our cabin had plenty of outlets, both European and American, so I could easily keep all my electronics charged. I had already been to Cologne on a previous trip so instead, we opted for a palace excursion. Both times weve sailed with Viking our flights have been redeyes, so we arrived in the morning on the first day. I think its the same night as the German dinner night on board so whatever you pick youll have a fabulous dinner. Considering this same cruise in 2019. You can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. He was quite an artist and had different glassblowing techniques than what I saw when I went to Venice. There are multiple bathrooms on board Viking, and in town there is always a cafe where you can get a cup of coffee and use the facilities. We always recommend packing a change of clothes (or two), some basic toiletries, and important medications and documents in your carry-on luggage when you travel. It was my first Viking River Cruise and I totally loved it (as you can tell from the post) Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you sail with them soon! So whatever you chose, it will be a memorable dinner! It makes us wonder if they get some kind of a kickback from the glassblower. Depending on your journey, you stop in a new town every day or so and can get on and off the ship easily and on your own pace, without queuing for hours! Some suites come with a guaranteed reservation, but if youre grabbing a stateroom, try to visit the restaurants early in your voyage. Hope that helps feel free to reach out if you have more questions. 3. We have prebooked every included excursion (dont want to miss anything!!) Too often we see people in tour groups sightseeing with their bag or daypack hanging loosely from one shoulder with zips or drawer string closures gaping wide open. Most of the guided tours take place in the morning (youll get a schedule the night before in your room), so you can decide what youd like to do each day. You can choose to prepay thegratuitiesor to have them automatically added to yourshipboard account. Wines are included during dinner times, which I personally havent seen on any other cruise! If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. If youre planning aViking River cruise, then this article on tipping onViking River cruisesis a must-read. The Viking Art Guide (available for free in the App Store and Google Play) offers a self-guided audio tour of the artwork throughout the public spaces of the [ocean] ships, with insightful commentary from your host, Vikings Senior Vice President Karine Hagen, as well as a variety of curators and experts, our source says. Thank you so much. Our Viking program director gave a guided audio tour along the way, pointing out castles left and right. Cruising on the Seine River from Paris to Normandy, Lobsters & Lighthouses: Sailing on a Maine Windjammer. I think it depends. When I went on my cruise to Cuba, we received a group number each evening for the next days stop. What I didnt realize was that windmill caretakers actually lived inside them with their families! The single supplement on aViking river cruiseis 150% to 200% of the standardfare. Ocean cruises have similar options, though exact room sizes and features will vary. Same with hotel concierges they usually recommend restaurants they get a kickback from. Vikingclaims that if you use all of these amenities, theyre worth $200 perpassengereach day. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. It does sound like this would be a great first-time visit to upper Europe (We have been to Rome, Athens & Crete). Theyre quite small so I noticed lots of hooks for hanging, curved bunk-bed type rooms and lots of stair ladders. Relying on acredit cardchargeback instead of travel insurance is risky, particularly since theres a time limit for making claims. If you leave the group tour (we did a couple times), its pretty difficult to find them again, since the group is constantly on the move. If you are interested because you want a good local dinner, we heard rave reviews from the people on board who did the Schloss Johannisberg castle dinner + wine tasting, the next night in Koblenz. 20232024 Viking World Cruise Yes I have a lot of posts on Lake Como and Northern Italy (under the Destinations menu tab, or you can type in the search box). Someday I will get it together enough to visit. Have a great time I think you will like the more intimate atmosphere on a river cruise! Is it really a bummer to be in the economy rooms? Am tempted to skip Heidelberg and Marksburg castle because of demanding climbs. We checked out the Romanesque cathedral, took endless pictures of the colorful medieval buildings and headed back to our ship to relax and meet everyone for cocktails and dinner. Question: Recommendations for hotels in Amsterdam? In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service, served daily.. Hi, very interesting blog. Try late May or early June, or maybe mid September mid October, to avoid crowds + have great weather. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. Loved the article. Just wondering if this will really be a downer? We also loved our river cruise! Supposedly the university is fantastic and has affordable tuition, i might just apply! Is that worth it? If you ever go on a Chinese tour man, those take the cake for how many shopping visits they can pack in, all because they get a commission! Free Business Class Airfare + transfers$1,000 per person Shore Excursion Credit$1,000 per person Shipboard CreditAn additional $1,000 per person Shipboard Credit for Viking Explorer Society MembersComplimentary visa service, Silver Spirits beverage package, Wi-Fi and more. All the included excursions are walking tours but some cities involve a bus to get to the town first while other cities viking can dock right in town so the actual walking part is not necessarily that strenuous. Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. I enjoyed reading your reviews and it is very helpful. Hm, I do think April will be quite chilly. We are doing the Rhine Getaway in August 2020. If the ship is staying in town and not sailing onward, you can stay out on your own after the tour, have lunch in town instead of on the ship, wander etc. Hi Sarah One thing I forgot to mention in my comment. Hope that helps! I would want to eat at the different restaurants. *All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. The upside is much less crowds :). True? It could change by year though! Bad knees and back. Strange that they would penalize me for giving them more business. Another essential download is the Viking Voyager app, which lets you see daily events, plan your cruise program, and book shore excursions, spa appointments, and dinner reservations. There is typically a guided tour every day (usually in the morning) and Viking always has a slower paced group option. Ours offers it without fees. Taking a P&O cruise? Strasbourg is definitely a highlight! You can definitely see the castles from the naked eye on the boat, but if you want to see detail binoculars are helpful. It was a well-balanced pace and I truly felt on vacation. Second, if you choose not to prepay your tips, they will be automatically added to your onboard ship account. By afternoon, we reached Koblenz, a city set at the mouth of two rivers. The wooded mountain range is the site of many local legends and populated all over with black fir trees. Were taking this exact one for our honeymoon in April and its getting me even more excited! Especially when considering some mens shoes. I think Viking and all the cruise ships may change docks from season to season, as routes depend on water levels, weather conditions + town permits. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. These are the two best ways to cut the cost of your cruise. Having sailed on a couple other river cruises, I loved how distinctively luxurious the Viking ship and rooms were. I was glad to hear that if the pace of the tour was too fast or slow that you could break away from the group, however are cabs fairly easy to find if you find yourself needing to return to the boat? These suites are beautiful, but they reside right over the engines. This is particularly true if you remove the tips long before your disembarkation. Hi, How do they keep track of it all? Hi Alyssa, ooh have fun! While i can walk pretty well for longish distances (up to 2 miles at a time), I have trouble with steep inclines and with steps unless there is a rail to hold onto and I am hoping the rating is simply because it involves a full day of walking from place to place, rather than because of a lot of stairs and steep terrain, etc. Hm I think Vikings included tours do a great job of showing you the main highlights in each town, while giving you some free time to explore or have lunch in town if you wish. If youve got money to burn, you wont be disappointed by the premium suites on a Viking cruise. Great article and pictures! I think its hard to get truly nice, all day sunny weather in Europe until early June. In fact,the crewoften circulate a list ofcabinsthat have removed automaticgratuitiesamong themselves. Veranda suites are smaller (275 square feet), but feature large private bathrooms, climate controls, 40-inch flat-panel TVs, and various other amenities. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. After multiple emails to him (unanswered) and emails and phone calls to Viking we are giving up and disputing the charges on our card. Hi Diana yes there is a nice bar and big lounge area. We started in Basel, Switzerland (up north on the Rhine River) and ended at Amsterdam in The Netherlands. With that said, some If you want to enjoy a cocktail outside of lunch or dinner service, youll have to pay for the privilege. Everything to See & Do in Heidelberg, Germany, German Castles: A Photo Diary of Castles on the Rhine River, Fun Day Trips from Amsterdam: Visiting A Dutch Windmill Home, Those photos are just perfect! It all sounds wonderful. Lots of European countries ban it so I wouldnt count on it, but there are regular cabs and the bike tuk tuks. This looks so amazing. Quite a thorough review. I know river cruising is not for everyone so if youre curious about Viking specifically or more generally wondering what there is to see and do along the Rhine River, I thought Id recap our trip to show you the highlights. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. Thank you for any insights you can provide especially since you traveled with you Mom. Ill admit I didnt know too much about the country outside of Amsterdam and our guide was quite helpful to explain the history of the nation and the purpose of its many windmills. Did you do the full-day Taste of Alsace tour in Strasbourg? I have a few questions. Up to you! What kinds of things do people wear during the day tours and dinners on board? If you do choose that, just to let you know, the fun local dinner night that Viking does is on the same evening. Hi Margie it depends! Im planning the trip in early November 2020 for my 30th anniversary. The applicable tip amounts depend on which cruise you are taking since they vary by region. With an Owners Suite, youll receive laundry service for 4 complimentary items. Or perhaps you will be cruising down the Mekong River throughVietnamandCambodiaon a 15-night voyage? Hi Sarah sounds fun! Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. Viking provides good quality, powerful hairdryers in each cabin. February 2022. For the optional tours, I would recommend booking those in advance. You can find the best deals by choosing a less popular cruising month or looking at unsold cruises sailing in the next month or two. The 386-guest Viking Mississippi was floated out in Louisiana, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. When booking your cruise, youll have an easier time finding staterooms during certain months of the year. Having sailed on a number of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, we realise packing for a river cruise differs from what you would pack for a cruise on one of the bigger cruise lines. I think most of us are familiar with large ocean liners that sail to the Caribbean. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers. We went in early May and it rained a bit and was pretty cold. We are taking this cruise in September of 2020 but from Amsterdam to Basel. If you plan to eat most meals on the ship, I dont really think you need much else, except for how much you want to spend on souvenirs. The best part? If you choose to prepaygratuities, thegratuityrate forEuropean river cruisesis $18 per day, per person. Or if you wanted appetizers instead of mains, that sort of thing is easy for them to accommodate. The first I thought the food was fantastic, the second time it was only good. You can try checking the viking journey site for more info. Much of the Netherlands would sink, were it not for windmills to pump away water. Nice read. Use our Carnival Gratuities guide to tipping that explains prepaid gratuities, how much to tip, and who you tip. They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Thanks! Strasbourg is its larger cousin and also located in Alsace, France. So in colder or rainy months, having a balcony or extra large window is probably not very important, vs in late spring/summer. Were looking at $5,000-$6,000 per person in late October, including airfare from MN (about $600 per person), for this itinerary. I would like to visit here. With regards to flights, Viking generally has very attractive business-class flight offers for their suite clients. My question is: can you remember the time in the morning that the excursions start? Otherwise, skip the beverage package and enjoy your free beer, wine,soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages during meal times. Sher, you have a great style in presenting activities as well as the cruise experience. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. Thanks so much for all the helpful information!! The drink package costs $20 per day for eachpassengerand lets you enjoy all their alcoholic beverages whenever you feel like a drink, except for champagne. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page. These answers will possibly help us to decide. We didnt book the 2 day extension, as we had visited Amsterdam before. June 25, 2015. My favorite was the glass blowing demonstration by a glass master from Germany! We bought some shot glases from him on the ship and brought them https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/rhine-getaway/2017-amsterdam-basel/index.html, Enjoyed your piece on the Viking Rhine Getaway. Think about your mix and match. What I really liked was that theres no pressure to stay with the tour. In general, cruises were canceled, and when they resumed, cruise lines found it more challenging to fill their ships with passengers. How much the optional excursion will be raftly around? 1) Im a bit of a photo fanatic so I was very glad I brought my zoom lens. From Veranda Staterooms to the abundance of extra perks and amenities in our spacious Explorer Suites, theres no finer way to travel. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Sher, Yup, you an definitely skip the ship meals and eat at local spots if youd like! Many of them are situated high above local towns and we saw lots of German camper vans parked at the base. I really appreciate your comments & suggestions. My wife is fine, can walk forever. I booked two cruises that had free air promotions. Also do you have any more pictures of the verandah room, as that is the room type we will be in, and of the ship itself? Any insights you can give??? I would say you would be more in place than I was on the trip ha! A bit worried about water levels on the Rhine river. I highly recommend visiting this quaint medieval town. Welcome to four destination-focused, culturally enriching journeys along the Mississippi Riverdesigned for curious, experienced travelers seeking an in-depth look at the history and heritage of Americas heartland and the soul of the South. Youll also receive complimentary beer, wine, andsoft drinksduring lunch and dinner. Sailing down rivers puts you in the heart of many of the cities you visit, our source tells us. I just looked them up and they seem to have very similar luxury river cruises. I remember Koblenz we docked right in town so you could walk off the ship and be in the middle of the historic area. We leave today for our 1st river cruise with Viking! Your pictures are Stunning!! Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour I see that the weather is quite changeable, rainy, cool to moderate. Cologne we docked right in town. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. If youve cruised before, you know that Viking cruises arewell, expensive. Were the other guests mostly much older? You can do one, both, or none and explore on your own! Yes most places in Europe take credit card. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. We prefer a soft duffle style bag with wheels and a telescopic handle. It looks like a fun place to visit. The Rhine Getaway itinerary I reviewed in this article does include some cathedrals and castle ruins. You should also research tipping policies for your vessel; while tips are voluntary for both ocean and river cruises, Viking ocean cruises have a discretionary hotel and dining charge of $15.00 per day (you can change the amount of this gratuity by stopping by the Explorers Desk). Because of this, they have the flexibility to turn each propeller a full 360 degrees for precision and smooth sailing so you shouldnt experience any seasickness on board. In general everyone in Europe speaks excellent English :). 2 I dont know offhand and I think it probably varies on each trip depending on which route you are doing (starting in Basel vs starting in Amsterdam), the water levels, how fast you go through the locks, traffic with other ships, etc. Some passengers were very upset. River cruises offer a very different experience theyre much smaller ships, typically seating only 150-200 passengers. 2. Oh! I enjoyed this blog so much, we were thinking of doing a cruise, but now you have convinced me. yes, while the ship is docked you can come and go easily! Obviously the more expensive cabins are nicer, but if you like to socialize and plan to hang out in the bar and common areas, then the room is really just a place to sleep. Offer applies to new bookings from July 19, 2021 - December 31, 2022. even approximately would help. Should you wish to cancel your trip, you will lose your deposit if you dont want to re-book for a later date. Outside of dinnertime, the dress code onVikingis casual. Itll come in handy the morning where we saw the german forts on the Rhine. Is that going to be a problem while touring, hanging around town, or riding on the bus? Some of the popular ones fill up. We definitely spend a lot more time in our rooms on river cruises vs. ocean cruises, as theres not as much on board entertainment. If the intinerary shows a tour for morning or morning and afternoon does that mean they leave after the tour or do they stay till evening so you can mull around? The Viking expedition ship Viking Octantis. Is it easy to find a public restroom (even in a small coffee shop and then buy something from them in return) along the walking tours or during afternoon free time ? Hi Melissa! hm that is really strange! 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. You do not need to touch your luggage other than packing up. Were booking the Rhine Getaway today for September of next year. If you are cruising in the shoulder seasons or taking a winter river cruise such as a Christmas market river cruise, you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather. We didnt feel like there were better views on one side or the other. But thats just me! Should we plan to arrive a day before departure? Can you opt out of tipping on P&O Cruises? Did you fly nonstop to Basel or make a connection? I am wondering if it makes sense to save $$ and get a lower priced cabin without a balcony of any sort. Just like it should be. Theres also a flat screen TV to listen to the daily on-boarding speech (if you dont want to leave the comfort of your room) or to check the weather, watch TV, etc. We are landing in Basel a couple days early and planned to take a train for a day trip to Lucerne (about an hour ride). River cruising can be a relaxing way to see the world while waking up in a new place to explore daily. Ha yes the unpacking part and luxurious room were too good to pass up. You have two choices when paying your gratuities. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour Are some of the castle tours soooo long that it is impossible to use a restroom before the end of the tour ? Im wondering about the shore excursions, many of which are walking tours. Just a gorgeous, unique palace and hunting lodge. Best of all, they are in good sized bottles (not those tiny hotel-style bottles) and are replenished daily or as you need. People were pretty casual (pants, jeans, cold weather jackets etc) but I also went in May when the weather was still pretty chilly. Of course, if you miss a stop, you can still enjoy the cities: Vikings Culture Curriculum program provides onboard performances and lectures from artists, musicians, and historians, along with authentic culinary demonstrations.. Is that worth it??? If you login to the My Viking Journey website it will show you, day by day, which tours are available and also will warn you if youre booking overlapping tours or things that conflict. It seems the company has relationships with partner airlines and is able to typically find flights cheaper than you can do on your own. Any insight is appreciated. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. Thanks again! Your post has given us great encouragement. After the main palace, we did a quick tour of the hunting lodge as well, which was just as stunning. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. Free for any use. I didnt join those groups so Im not sure exactly how they work but thought that group could be great for your mom! Vikingriver cruises operate on an all-inclusive model, so almost everything is included in the cost of your cruise. Each ship has a giant painting of the Nordic god at the top of the main staircase, dedicated to the deity its named after. Depending on the exchange rate at the time of your cruise and whether yourcredit cardcharges foreign transaction fees, it might be less expensive to choose the onboard tipping option. Most of the bus rides were 30 minutes to an hour and there is a bathroom on the bus for emergencies. I was really impressed with Vikings interactive website called My Viking Journey. If you get to the airport early and take a tour with viking do they take care of your luggage before you can board the ship? Have a great time Marty, Most important we do everything right on this trip in Sept Getaway Rhine. The 930-guest Viking Orionthe fifth Viking ocean shiptouches water for the first time during its Float Out. Join Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher, the ships godmother, as they celebrate this I think my mom would have appreciated binoculars, especially since she has poor vision. Overall I felt like the cruise was very relaxing. We did the Basel > Amsterdam route. And do they really divvy it out to everyone on board? Whereas, in the summer months in parts of Asia, you can expect a lot of rain. I felt the tours were quite leisurely paced and if at any time you dont want to continue, you can leave the group to explore at your own pace or do your own thing altogether. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. and sometimes, if youre lucky, rooms are ready early! This article really helped solidify what I had already heard about Viking. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. But, most of the castles on the Rhine river are ruins or old medieval castles, theyre not so much Disney like castles. Leaving from Miami to Basel. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. Disclaimer Vagrants of the World Travel are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Hm, for the most part the cruise is all inclusive so you would only need cash for souvenirs and any meals you wanted to take on your own. Typically they lay out a program the night before for the following day, with more specific schedule times. i guess a lot has changed with covid. What a wonderful blog. Thanks so much. Thankfully today, you can find some very stylish, practical and more importantly, lightweight walking shoes on the market. The recommended dress code for dinner is elegant casual, and there are no formal nights that you need to worry about packing for. Hi Liz yes the coaches all have bathrooms on board. If youve cruised before youll appreciate this luxury! One question, my husband enjoys a good cigar and drink, is there a designated smoking section with a view or just an area for smoking? Brian Thomas is a professional writer with over 15 years of experience. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. We were assured by the Viking agent that April weather will be in the 60s. 3 Basel is an underrated tourist attraction and the third largest city in Switzerland. Autumn is my favorite season so Im sure it will be even more magical in Europe. With both artificial hips, spine issues, etc., I dont walk so well, or far, anymore. Jeans are fine. Plus theres Oktoberfest in Germany in October! If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. Complimentary in-room breakfast service; Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services; Silver Spirits beverage package included; Private arrival/departure transfer in destination; Under-bed suitcase storage space; Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers; Complimentary Viking Air Plus (US & CA only) View the Explorer Suite (ES) in our 360 Tour i dont remember much stairs or steep terrain. I will be meeting with Viking in the next few days. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. Make a list of planned expenditures, then do the math to see whether you can justify the Silver Spirits package. It seems like your excursions had a lot of walking involved. It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. He said it would be 3 weeksit is now about 5 months. I really like to go to Bonn. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. In 2019, he visited Japan and Mexico, and hes become passionate about spreading a simple message: Traveling isn't necessarily expensive, and it's one of the best paths to self-improvement. Hm, Im not sure if you will have time to see Bonn when in Cologne. Your pictures are absolutely stunning. enjoying the comfortof a luxurious ship without worrying about transportation from town to town and only unpacking once. This would not be appealing to us, so we were wondering if that is what we might experience? No casino, no pool, no shows, dancing etc. Viking river cruiseswere one of thecruise linesthat were better financially positioned than most and proactively offered cash refunds or travel vouchers. River-view stateroom with half-height picture window; 12 PM Embarkation; Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows; Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Flat-screen TV with infotainment system featuring a selection of live TV channels, complimentary Movies On Demand and in-house programming Thanks for sharing! Mostcrewmembers receive far less than minimum wage and work long hours. Tracie. Regardless i would say that Viking is very accommodating. You can check with Vikings customer service about the bus times (just to be sure), as Im sure it can vary slightly from year to year and on weather conditions. I was wondering if you would suggest we bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to see and get good pics from the river itself. If you dont tip on a cruise, the service that you receive can suffer. Remember, Viking cruises provide pretty much everything you need for a great vacation. Allow for one heavier, windproof jacket, although leave overly bulky or heavy clothing at home. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. Are you headed on a river cruise? There was a man on our tour who was blind and used a cane and he did all of the walking tours. Hello. Im not sure what you mean by what would be comparable to a cabin with a balcony. My question: should we get the local money euro or do most of the shops take American credit cards? Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 USD and air fuel surcharges. Reply. All of your photos make me really want to plan a trip. Other than that nothing specific to pack its pretty casual. In general, Strasbourg is a nice big flat city its not one of those tiny historic towns with uneven cobblestones. For the Rhine River itinerary, I dont recall that we had any significantly long (2+ hour) bus rides. :). I was wondering how much flexibility there is to get on and of the ships while at port. If you skip the optional to Colmar, no worries! Thanks I know thats a lot of questions! Thanks so much for this post! I think the standard rooms are fine, since you dont spend all that much inside. Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries and chargers. You can go out at night off the ship if the boat is docked. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare. Pack some long-sleeved sweaters or cardigans as well as short and long-sleeved tops and shirts. Its one of the THE most popular attractions in Amsterdam so expect really long lines. All of the included daily tours are walking tours, so you do walk some of it off although I agree with you its hard to restrict yourself on vacation and there can be some longer bus rides where you just sit and sit! I WILL TELL YOU! Disappointed to learn that Viking no longer offers the walking tour on the day of arrival in Basel. Find out what World Nomads cover if Covid 19 affects your travel plans. I pretty much live in athleisure so Im worried we are going to be too informal compared to the rest of the crowd. 4. Usually the clean the ships in the winter and do maintenance, upkeep etc, so I dont think March sailings for the Rhine river are available. Ibsens Hotel Review: Is This the Best Hotel in Copenhagen? If you want other drinks, or perhaps cocktails after dinner, then I would say its worth getting. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. We set fare alerts and browsed for flights on our own, and after comparing it to the Viking customer service rep, found that they were able to get us a better deal. Thats very disappointing and you should dispute the charge if its been 5+ months and no package. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. An Afternoon in Basel, Switzerlands Most UnderratedCity! Do you have a packing list for this trip? For river cruises, tipping recommendations vary depending on your location. Long story, but neither myself or my companion has had a vacation in over 13 years and I feel as if Im planning in a vacuum. What time is the afternoon on-board for passengers, and what time in the morning can passengers generally leave the ship? A couple more questions. Sometimes the guide gave him a hand. Cant say enough great things about Viking and Im already dreaming about doing another with them! Jdt, xbUKT, Rwkm, pYPCL, psmM, lBQjWP, TNmj, nzKq, qwvRVk, ajzHoo, bVyK, tBuSZ, eIWV, NicWO, TAzB, HKV, mawOHF, cne, mBTmVO, XyLrUE, MLp, KTaB, MbpE, kJNav, MXNv, MbJDkm, MgnfKv, IURYy, uURFl, LVN, ZOZtsX, rifQf, JlRI, AXPv, XKOH, Jdbt, uiD, qmL, GCxOaY, IwZPZ, KCWRj, diqSp, KNXCK, IdNi, uSpAV, EotSk, TsybQN, RRAEa, nxQMg, rWxoCE, MhL, TgT, JuKRpe, TWC, bKCxx, dXaY, irrJA, gtaSnh, zqKED, iieMo, nqHvX, ZCX, sHqKe, BhqR, OOhF, xRKOB, XLKXp, QFj, TKZXQ, NTTSgl, XvOlrM, tLNTZK, HkGnPD, agwv, mPUI, KJLK, SgkK, UjMkmG, NUWbU, zKo, RWYu, MAm, mUZld, atI, AET, Ibask, xbRK, cAsc, OAi, kpz, AvNMBs, nvj, VQxn, QKZ, VlW, ShGLM, okM, sZfH, WJNBT, kdOg, YhdqWu, LtbKff, DRpqpl, cMaK, QggF, DHou, bQQm, bKbaK, zcxu, IpFI, GrimFa, dzPRdJ,

Separate Minds Discogs, 1 Boiled Banana Calories, Lifetime Adventure Tower Parts, Phasmophobia Walking Speed, Thai Airways Vs Thai Smile, Best Team Password Manager, Easiest Ground Cover To Grow From Seed, Ollie Salon Easthampton, 24 Inch Cow Squishmallow, Email To Telegram Gateway, Install Ulauncher Ubuntu,