Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? We are really looking forward to this cruise and its wonderful itinerary. Its also where youll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day. I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise! Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from! Ive not taken a Viking optional tour that I didnt like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. Would an excursion like that feel to rushed to enjoy, or do you know if Salzberg is a not to be missed kind of place? Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. I have a quick question that I wouldnt seem to find the answer online: We are thinking about renting a car at Koblenz and go to Nurburgring for a few hours and also at Speyer to go to Stuttgart for the day. More room in my suitcase! Priority spa treatment bookings 70 days prior to departure. It sounds like you are all set. We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another option, if the river levels are too low overall, would be for passengers to be bussed from destination to destination, staying in hotels, throughout the cruise. Some people do prefer lanyards but its not necessary. As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. Hi Lolly, thank you for the great article and this really prepared us for our trip next week. We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space, and there are many things to appreciate in the staterooms. Hi Linda, youre facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! Its relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake). I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! My suggestion: It seems like it shouldnt be a problem to bring your flat iron. Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. Thank you for your informative article! Should. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! Good luck! Is that possible? WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. However, most guests sport a smart casual look for dinner. Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. I could have kicked myself for leaving my swimsuit at home when the weather unexpectedly turned warm and sunny! Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. Good luck! We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. This article highlights the European river cruises aboard the Viking Longboats. Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. :confused: The DH may have to weigh in. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. As for money, we used a credit card (with no foreign transaction fees) and Euros (very handy for tipping tour guides and purchasing small incidentals). River traffic varies and the time to pass through the locks can change based on the number of ships, weather, etc. I bet youre planning your next cruise already. Haha. Weve chosen a mix of the included tours and the custom days, avoided any places to which weve already travelled and have added in the extensions to both ends, hoping to see friends in Amsterdam. Viking ships all sport calming Scandinavian decor and are designed efficiently. Three meals are included each day at the following times: Soda, beer, and house wine are available at lunch and dinner at no charge. You make an excellent point, Julia. Power Adapter Type - Viking Cruises. Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. Other times, we were still sailing, so he could not. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure. Viking had a sister ship sailing the same journey in the opposite direction from Budapest to Amsterdam so we switched ships. Bring your comfortable easy to pack stuff ladies and bring athletic shoes that allow for socks. Good luck with your planning, and have a great cruise! Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. Thanks. We also took along some thank you cards and put in some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise. Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? Viking then allowed us to purchase a no-expiry date voucher towards another cruise an amount they matched. Have a wonderful cruise! Hi Deb, youre just a few days away from your journey. Yes. Viking isn't one of them.. The Pool Grill serves up burgers, hotdogs, and salads throughout the afternoon. Hi Ricardo, It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! . Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! excursion card with a number and a letter. All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). This happens when bridges are too low to safely pass under with guests on the sun deck. So an adapter will be needed on the ship? I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). Follow up with a conversation with the Viking staff when youre onboard to learn the expected times and exact location of the ship while docked. In our documents from Viking regarding our river cruise in France, it says curling irons and flat irons are prohibited. NW Ohio. I am thinking this will work as it swivels to accommodate the location of the plug and has 2 USB ports as well. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. in the safe the day before you check out. The lounge on a Viking river cruise ship has plenty of comfortable . After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then were bussed to the new ship in the late afternoon. The link to this item can be found HERE. I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. Irene, No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion. For additional information, see the Viking FAQs. Bon voyage! JOOMFEEN Universal Travel Adapter. Of all the stops on the Grand European Tour, these are the cities in which our ship had prime docking spots (making it very easy to go out and explore on our own): Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Cologne, and Amsterdam. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. On Carnival's web site, you can see that they specifically note the following. Once everyone was accounted for, we were able to leave, return our life vests to our stateroom, and resume what we were doing. I didnt read through all the comments, so I hope Im not being repetitive. I am not thinking we will have any need for a converter, just additional plugs. Have a wonderful trip! (Youll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. Im sorry I cant give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. While I do agree that it is great to get away from the necessary daily evils of devices, I am wondering if you carry papers, maps, & books for all that stuff? If youre interested in figuring out the details, you may want to ask Viking for a bar menu with pricing before making up your mind. For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. Design-wise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and . . Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. Only a few bucks anyway. June 12, 2022 . Glad the tips were helpful. It has served my family well. By Jjg34219, July 3, . Shampoo and conditioner have to be packed extra carefully when youre flying because these liquids can easily leak onto your belongings and are subject to TSA 3-1-1 rules if you bring them in a carry-on. TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. My question is about size of our luggage (or size limitation due room size). There youll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. I had a wonderful trip with Viking Cruises' Sun cruise ship, there was good food and with a balcony cabin I enjoyed the view of the sea, good speed Wi-Fi and enjoyed all the Viking offers on board and shore excursions included. My #1 tip to people going on their 1st river cruise is laundry is quick & inexpensive dont overpack. There are laundry rooms on the ocean ships and a friend said do NOT think you will do laundry on the days you are sailing everybody has that idea. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! The maitre-d I am convinced is in league with the devil, as she tempted diners again and again with just try this ONE little pastry. This practice continues through all the classes of staterooms with the standard staterooms getting the last optional booking options. If we were sailing during the day, the program director narrated scenic highlights along the river as we continued our journey. We received great overviews of a place with the large group tours, but what we remember most were the unique experiences that came from the optional experiences. What a great experience she has ahead of her! Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate timeswow, thats a job! Braun Hair Dryer on Viking Star (Photo credit: Jerome Levine). anyone doing the Viking njord nov 22 Budapest to Nuremberg. Your comments are really appreciated. We didnt regret our decision. Also trying to decide what to wear. We celebrated a big anniversary on our cruise and were delighted with champagne and a special dessert awaiting us in our room after dinner one night. 2. This is the place to find a variety of coffee and tea plus baked goods to accompany your beverage. This compact power strip comes with three power outlets and four USB ports, including a Type C port. We are thinking we would might rather be wandering through the town and trying local cuisine. reddit i ghosted; african violet planter pot; get paystub from adp; Related articles; hottest cartoon character list female; kohler simplice. A good idea if youre a runner is to check with the reception desk to map out when there will be time in the morning to leave the ship for a jog or run before excursions begin. Please note that Viking requires at least 48 hours cancellation notice if you are on the ship and decide not to go on an optional excursion. For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? Review of Viking Orion cruise ship cabins and suites, floor plans, photos, room sizes, types, categories, amenities. In China the ships . And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. The total time on these outings could be longer than 3 hours. I usually carry a small purse with that and my phone and a small amount of cash. One thing I think I discovered was that the iPad pulls a heavy load to recharge and might not do well plugged into the power strip while other stuff is also charging. So if you depend on them, bring your own. Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: 220V power is most common; some ships also have 110V outlets. We're on the the Kara in a few weeks and just went through this research. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; an adapter with just the two slanted blades will also work. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially, There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. Ive hand washed some things in the sink and hung them up to dry on the line, and it worked fine. We were on the Idun (Longship). If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to do our own thing with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour). I have been told by friends who sail on other lines that I will need a lanyard and pouch to carry ID and room keys, we did not on Viking River Cruises, do we on the ocean cruise? There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. 3. . This means that your ship could be the first, second, or third ship docked. bealls online outlet. Good question, John, but its not an easy one to answer! fits standard outlets in more than 150 countries. Since it will be November, and Im also afraid of open heights weve opted for the French balcony room. This particular power strip is suited to someone wanting both regular 110 power and the option to plug in USB ready items as well. Your husband doesnt need to pack a blazer if he wouldnt normally wear one for dinner. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). crewsgirl, November 9, 2014 in River Cruising. There they may board another ship. Thank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. Much better idea of what were sailing into now! We have one of those and love it, because you only need to find one free plug and you're home safe. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. As for keeping the itinerary full, its hard not to when you have so many great places to explore, but I agree that scheduling downtime is important, too. Is this allowed? Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise river or ocean we will be booking next. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SY5O5K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018MEBNG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Once unpacked, you can put your backpacks in your empty luggage and slide it all under the bed(s) and not think about them until its time to leave. And finally the umbrella. Hi Pat, Im so glad you found my article helpful! I am sure i will have more later but your thread is wonderful. 8 Ventura plug sockets. I was delighted to spend seven days along the Rhne River on the Provence and Lyon itinerary. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. Best, Irene, Hi Glenise, But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed . No need to bring any foodstuffs because youll never be hungry. How early are they available to avoid the rush? Plenty of covered space protects guests from the harsh summer sun. 110/220 V power outlets; complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet; . If you have any kind of allergy, you can ask your cabin steward or the guest services manager for a foam pillow. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously, this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers. the classics included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brle, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert. If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. (Viking asks that luggage not be placed outside the staterooms when going to bed the previous night due to safety concerns should there be an emergency, having bags in the narrow corridors would pose a safety risk.). Thanks for the reminders. As you leave the ship, youll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) . Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. Although there is ample storage space onboard Viking Ocean Cruises, bringing too much stuff only makes it harder to sift through your belongings to find what you want. Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful cruise! I really dont want to bring any shampoo but Im supposed to use phosphate free. Aurum Cables 10-Feet 3 Outlet Extension Cord - two pack. You set the code, so its a cinch to remember. There is a light buffet available in the Lounge around midday, so youll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins a nice treat if you just got off a long flight. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Thank you for making me less anxious! Thank you! Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience. Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before? There is precise timing to docking and excursions. Depending on your stateroom, you will probably have a desk or dressing table with a 100v outlet where you can fix your hair. Just found your sitelots of great info! Crewsgirl, no, you don't need an adapter on the ship, but if you have one with you, you can utilize the 220 outlets as well, if needed. And, yes, there is a nice vanity area where you can sit and do your hair and makeup, across from the bed. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? Rosetta. Thanks again. I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was such a great experience one well never forget. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! . For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time just at opposite ends of the itinerary. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. and special treats made nice surprises. I borrowed some books from the ships library and left them on a table in our room. Good to know, I thought maybe the ship would have a 110 & this would work on its own. We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. Viking River Cruises: Onboard electricity is 220V; for more detailed information on plugs and adapters click here. 3. Just before the drill, we were all asked to return to our staterooms and don our life vests. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise. Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. Every cabin type is listed as having. Thanks. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. Also located off the main corridor are a couple of, Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. Bon voyage! Viking has thought of that, too. I dont want to waste any precious time in Amsterdam because this may be the last time we see it. Keep in mind, though, that things are not 100% the same from cruise to cruise due, in part, to other ship traffic at the time. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. How exciting! We have extended our cruise to allow two extra days in Budapest, thus giving us four days there. Using ATMs machines? Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and common spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff. Thank you!! private bathrooms that are separate from the living space. Hope this helps. Have fun! The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. Preparing for any trip involves planningas well as careful pruning: To do a good job, dont wait until the last minute. Thanks for your tip! On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! The number indicates which ship youre on. Have you seen this post? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cheers! Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. I also rarely take precious jewelry on any cruise. All outlets are European style (2 pin) with . Thats where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the Top of Cologne optional tour. I love this charger. We will be traveling on the Viking Ksvair and I am thinking about the number of outlets available for charging devices and would love your input. This. Royal Princess desk with power sockets. If you have taken a Viking river cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom. Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. Thanks for sharing your experience, Cindy! Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Viking is very efficient with their timing. The hairdryer is not in the bathroom, but in the bedroom, in a drawer under the counter where the outlets are. Lots of good options, just not sure how fast everything could charge if it needed to be all at the same time! In the theatre it can be arctic. Without a doubt, we give Viking chefs top marks for the presentation and flavor of the food they serve. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. Im going on a Viking River Cruise (Paris-Normandy). What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. Yes. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward. Instead, the dress code is elegant casual, which can mean anything from a sundress in the Caribbeanto slacks and a blouse for women cruising in colder climates. The Quietvox listening devices charger is plugged into a 220 outlet on the counter across from the bed. The crew communicates with each other quite well. I loved the Braun Satin Hair model in my Viking Ocean stateroom so much that I would like to purchase a similar model for home use. Im glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! The power strip supports worldwide voltage. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? Hope that helps! Specifically built to navigate the Nile, she is a state-of-the-art vesseldesigned in the clean, elegant Scandinavian aesthetic for which Viking is known. Viking asks that guests not walk on the sun deck from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am as a courtesy to those whose cabins are just below the sun deck. We are heading out on our first river cruise, the Kara from Basel to Amsterdam in late September this year. Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that its already paid for and you dont have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. Staterooms will have one or two 115V . Here is our advice on 6 things you should definitely NOT take: There are no formal nights on Viking so theres no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary). I have to say though that almost nobody dressed up for dinnerI saw one or two men in sport coats. (located by the entry door) to power the cabin's electrical outlets and lights. If sharing a stateroom, both guests must pay for the package. Theres a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). Your room key is your ID. 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. That way, youll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel. I will be on the Viking Sky so joined anunofficial Viking FB group to ask if all was repaired after the incident ~ a month ago (it is!) #4. This will be first river cruise for us. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.)
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