First timer on river cruise. The fees for European river cruises range in price from $1 per item to $6 per item. On the other side of the menu are regional specialties or options that are focused on our destinations. We could not have chosen any better than the Skirnir and Viking. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Another consideration, of course, is how often you might order specialty drinks from the bar: at lunch, throughout the day, before and/or after dinner? Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well? Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little extra like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day. On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. Viking keeps track of your expenses during the cruise, including bar items, laundry, phone calls, and purchases from the Viking shop (logo wear and souvenirs). Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. Id suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once youre on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. Im with you on how much fun it is to plan trips. There are so many choices of destinations and lengths of the trip. Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 PM. with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom. Laundry is folded and returned on the same day if you have it ready in the morning. The ships are very clean. Serious question..how to get coffee in the morning without getting dressed??? The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. Thanks so much for the kind words, Laura! That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Deciding on cash is a personal choice, of course. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. Complimentary self-service Guest Laundry, including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on Deck 1 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well. Remember to notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations before leaving home! We werent near them then, but it was nice to be notified of them.) You never know what youll learn or who youll meet! We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. Your best bet is to ask about availability, location, and cost at Guest Services once onboard. Thanks for the great details! Attire on a river cruise is casual. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. Laundry And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. Thank you for your informative article! This will be first river cruise for us. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. 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). Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. Weve never had a problem finding an ATM in Europe, and Viking can surely help direct you to one. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from! There are no laundry services or facilities offered onboard any of CroisiEuropes ships. It was led by an art historian who took us up to the very top of the cathedral (above the ceiling) where the craftspeople worked. Price lists are available in each stateroom. Good luck! We were very happy with laundry service on Viking and prices were reasonable. She was also given complimentary express laundry service. Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? There are also daily announcements with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. So it comes down to how much and what kind of beverages youre likely to consume each day. Do they charge for use? Thanks for your article it was very informative. Viking doesnt allow children on board. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. This is the place to find a variety of coffee and tea plus baked goods to accompany your beverage. Very informative. Would there be any issue with booking an independent excursion for the days we will be in Prague or in the ports that we will be in overnight? Have fun! queen-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds. We are on the Aug Rhine cruise and our 1st river cruise. There is an extra charge for the Silver Spirits package for guests who want to enjoy premium wines and beer, cocktails, and champagnes. We are planning to take the Grand European Tour in July of 2023. Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. My husband and I use a major U.S. cellphone carrier that functions well in Europe. Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! In my experience, the laundry service on Viking has been excellent. Were celebrating our 50th! Enjoy! Your husband doesnt need to pack a blazer if he wouldnt normally wear one for dinner. Viking River Cruises laundry River Cruise Go to the guest service desk and inquire about the excursions you want and if theyre fully booked, ask to be placed on a waitlist. On our ships, there were separate newspaper versions for Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Just in front of the Lounge to the bow of the ship is the Aquavit Terrace. They did not offer dry cleaning. Cons: Viking is adults only; passengers must be over the age of 18. Yes, there have been changes to address public health safety, but Im betting they wont interfere with your overall enjoyment. Hi Kathy, Great question! One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Public restrooms are available in European towns, and many charge a nominal fee (.50-1 Euro). Any comments on safety in cities? WebFree Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary) Laundry service. The daily planner for Vienna was the best.one of the stranger transitions from Ocean to River cruising is not having your port times right there on the schedule. Thanks for the great information. free wi-fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location). O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. We've had excellent experiences with Viking's laundry service. If you request hangers, things like shirts and jeans come back on hangers instead of Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. The crew communicates with each other quite well. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. Theres always iced tea often with different flavors every day. I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. Wash and press services are available on all ships for American Cruise Lines. 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. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. Interesting information! Concerning laundry, yes, there is a retractable clothesline in the shower. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Its certainly a relaxing way to travel. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. WebThere is no charge for the laundry facilities and laundry soap is included in all washers. Europe Laundry List; China Laundry List; Russia Laundry List; Vietnam Laundry List 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. . The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. Grand Circle offers a paid laundry service on all of its vessels. As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once youre on the ship. 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. We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. Thank you so much for this detailed account. I have seem videos of rooms but cannot perceive where we can place our 2 luggages + backpacks and not having to hop over them inside our room. Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. My husband and I took the Top of Cologne excursion, and it was one of the best. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. They may be familiar enough with Vikings schedule to easily accommodate you. Once onboard, verify the time youll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. Self Service Laundry Room On Viking Ocean Cruise Ship Orion In addition, there are quite a few optional excursions available at an extra cost. Thanks. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience, Best Sights to See on Vikings Grand European Tour, Viking Antarctica Cruise: The Complete Guide for Adventurers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise, The Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise. complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). Have a wonderful time! Viking Egil Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic Likewise, a few days later, I had just started reading a different book and placed it on my night table on top of my Kindle. Since it will be winter with colder temps, I am wondering about the indoor lounging space/common areas on the longboats. Have a great cruise! It wasnt a deal breaker, but something you should be aware of. So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Viking had a sister ship sailing the same journey in the opposite direction from Budapest to Amsterdam so we switched ships. WebReviews. 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). As for the specifics about checking in to hotels and then embarkation timing, Id suggest you contact Viking directly (or your travel agent if you used one to book the trip). Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. Im glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! Is there a fee associated with the alternative restaurants? Sinks are usually large enough to hand-wash items and When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. Emerald Cruises offers onboard laundry services and charges a fee per piece of laundry. Aside from the new safety protocols Viking has put in place your Complete Guide to a Viking River cruise was thoroughly informative, enjoyed the photos and took many notes while reading. Many thanks ! Everything was as you said food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. 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. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. The bar is on one end of the lounge; theres wait service in the Lounge during lunch and in the late afternoon and evening. We haven't used Viking's laundry service so can't comment on that but in the FAQ they do have the price list so at least you'll have an idea of what to expect. AmaWaterways haslaundry services available onboard for a fee. private bathrooms that are separate from the living space. Laundry services are wash and iron, or just iron. Do you have any experience with that destination? My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. 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. Did you use local guides? Thank you! Flat-screen TV with infotainment system So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Bon voyage! There is a fee for this service. Did some underwear, jeans and a golf shirt. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. Have a fabulous cruise! Haha. In addition, theres a walking trail, a shuffleboard, and a putting green. We loved our trip and would recommend it to others. 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. Prepaid gratuities came to 18 Euros per guest per day. That gives my husband and me plenty of money for tipping the local guides and bus drivers as well as Viking staff before we leave. You must be at least 18 to book a cruise. Also located off the main corridor are a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. Id much rather take an Uber than rent a car!!! Per Viking: There are no formal nights in the evening; recommended evening dress is elegant casual. For ladies, this may include a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; and for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. Just sayin'. on your bed. Viking is very efficient with their timing. And the small umbrellas! We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. One question though How can we tell how much bus travel time is involved in each excursion? It is a quick way to catch up on national and international news as well as to get financial market and sports updates. Learn how your comment data is processed. Thanks again! Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. River cruises are very popular choices for people who like the idea of traveling to new places in the comfort of a floating hotel. GREAT INFO. Weve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. When you return to your room, you will notice the dinner menus for that evening. (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.). Im so glad you found the article helpful, Rich! Viking River Cruises Longships Review And Ship Tour The ships are designed for this to have travelers walk through the common spaces. Viking Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? Hope this info helps you a bit! When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. We depart in 9 days on the Grand European tour, and this is the best account I have seen weve done a dozen ocean cruises on several lines, but never a river cruise. But, what else would we spend money on? When we cruised, 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. Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. Your comments are really appreciated. You should also alert the Maitre d once on board. Thats where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the Top of Cologne optional tour. It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! There are three activity levels for excursions: About 15 minutes before each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. Cheers! As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) :D. We've had excellent experiences with Viking's laundry service. We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. excursion card with a number and a letter. To conserve resources, you could easily fill a reusable water bottle from home with water in the rooms. 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. That way, youll learn exactly how things will work with getting to and from that specific hotel.

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