Sounds like you had a Viking experience similar to ours, Wesley. Thanks for your kind words, Chris! The total cost varies according to the length of the ocean cruise. What services do they have to get us to our hotel? This, my second time to Lyon, reminded me of what makes this city so special the incredible church, the views all around the city, the intricate and historical murals that explain its history. You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. 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 . Finally, if you have a preferred signaturepotion such as a Captain & Coke or Cape Cod, you might want to consider purchasing your liquor and mixers off-board and puttingyourstateroom fridge and deck ice machine to good use. All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the. Beautiful Staterooms - There are several classes of staterooms aboard the Longships, but they all are perfectly appointed and quite comfortable. River Cruise Tips. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. Hello. For some reason, they confuse me, and I rarelyget the temperature or pressure right the first time in a new shower. A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days, essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. The Grand European is the best. (Accurate Cruise Tipping Guide), Carnival Gratuities (Tips) Cruise Line Tipping Guide, The Best Disney Cruise Line Tip Calculator (Easy to Use), Can You Opt Out Of Tipping On P&O Cruises. The travel agent initially had reservations on Delta, but then she found a route on American that was $200 cheaper. River Cruise Packing Tips & Checklist - InsureMyTrip The right handle controls water pressure. Traveled over all of Europe. Whatever you do, be sure to allow time to explore Passau. They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. December in Europe is cold. Viking has created an Update on Current Sailingspage to keep passengers informed of any required changes. Yes, the water level room was on the lowest passenger deck, called the main deck. Travel tips and destination guides by experienced travellers from all over the world. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one - You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. I almost used your name as a friend referral source. Viking partners with 16 airlines to offer round-trip transoceanic air travel, and you can buy tickets from Viking at the same time you purchase your river cruise. Please let us know if we can assist you further, and Bon Voyage! Wed also considered the beverage package but ultimately decided against it, Im glad we did. In fact, that ability was my favorite part of my room stay. Thanks for all your information. Thanks for all the advice. All I know is that European river cruising with Viking is like having a moving hotel take you to amazing destinations. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Hope this helps! But if I can learn the protocol, so can you. In fact,the crewoften circulate a list ofcabinsthat have removed automaticgratuitiesamong themselves. When I really want to relax I choose Viking. I am considered to be a moderate drinker and we will be doing a 8 day, 7 night Mediterranean Cruise this coming February. . Glad you were able to get clarification! On the Viking ships you'll find American plugs (as well as European), making it easy to plug in your electronics. 52 Reasons to Take a Viking River Cruise - 52 Perfect Days Yes, all Viking longship staterooms have refrigerators. Your tip on checking European school kid holidays is on point. How to Pack for a River Cruise So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. Excited about my upcoming Viking cruise (Med Sea, though, not river) so I appreciate learning the ins and outs prior. With this in mind, weve put together this Viking River Cruise packing list, loaded with helpful cruise packing tips to help you get ready for yourriver cruise or even your first Viking Ocean Cruise. Expect prices between $2.00 - $8.00 USD per item. With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country. Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks. 15-Day Viking Cruises Grand European Tour Itinerary - As We Saw It Hi Sandi, and thanks for your kind words! I agree that cruises are not for everyone. Collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear. Or perhaps you will be cruising down the Mekong River throughVietnamandCambodiaon a 15-night voyage? You will have no trouble finding food, no matter when you want it. Use our Carnival Gratuities guide to tipping that explains prepaid gratuities, how much to tip, and who you tip. River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they're still at the core of the brand. I know you say Viking is great and all, but I certainly know people who did not have good service with them. For dates that are 30 to 69 days away, the cancellation fee is 50% of thefare. But most important of all though is to pack shoes that are good for walking on the daily tours. Pair winter shoes - opt for lightweight over heavy boots. How does one plan as . They also dont charge a corkage fee! Dont forget restroom coins! Many times, our meals in the dining room didnt finish until 9pm. Viking river cruise tip: familiarize yourself with the information in your online personalized account while you are still at home. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. Drinks are also notable on Viking because house wines, beers, soft drinks, coffee and iced tea are actually included in the cost of your cruise. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! Table of Contents 1 Viking River Cruise Amenities 2 Red Carpet Treatment 3 Flowers and Fruit 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. If you are not sure whether you would rather eat a full meal inside or enjoy lighter fare al fresco, do a walk-through. One thing to keep in mind is that you are totally in charge of your time ashore. That is why I love the shower controls on Viking longships! If, however, you have chosen to have the automaticgratuitiesadded to your onboard ship account, you can speak to one of theGuestServicescrewmembers to modify the tip amount. Thanks for all your tips. We always travel with one just in case. We were originally quoted $1530 on American, and then the Viking travel agent found the cheaper flight on Delta. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. We finished off the day learning about goat cheese making, and we brought home salted caramel sauce. Were doing the Danube Waltz Christmas cruise in December. These are t. 24 Exclusive Viking River Cruise insider tips tailored for first-time cruisers to help make your European journey the cruise of a lifetime! You don't have to wear a long black dress every night. As always, it is wise to research your travel before booking. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you watch the world sail by. . Here are some European River Cruise Tips and big river cruise no-nos, and things to avoid, based on the river cruises in Europe that I have done. Thats because, after your disembarkation, you cannot remove the tips. Sharon. Now to your question . Create an account today with your booking number in order to: Want to experience Europe via river cruising? Hi, What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? Hope this helps! Thats a pretty good value in comparison to discount ocean cruises where it can feel like youre nickel and dimed. There is no preferred method in this case. I understand her point, but we found shipboard service exceptional in every way without tipping ahead of time. Viking River Cruises have suggested tip amounts per passenger per day. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? Same for tipping, I am shocked to learn its not included not because it should be. Upon arrival, waiters greeted me with a lemongrass scented towel and a glass of ice water. 2. This will be our first river cruise and we love ocean cruises. Prices. You are correct that gratuities are not included in your purchase price. I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). Both are a great way to save money while enjoying the same cruise that others pay thousands more to take. I loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner. Dressier shoes. If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or for evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel that comes with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. My family & I are leaving on Sunday for our first Viking cruise (Danube Christmas Market). At each port, you will have numerous shore activities and excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours. Having sailed with Viking on both ocean and river, I can tell you the experience is not the same. River Cruise Gratuities, Guidelines On How Much To Tip Hi Renee, and thanks for your kind words! Here is Vikings statement about stateroom phones: Each stateroom has its own phone, and charges will be placed on your shipboard account. At the bottom of this post I share my exact trip itinerary. We also went to the market and sampled oysters and candied fruits. See my first time cruising with Viking, here: Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises. We arrived in Avignon and headed to the ship where a light lunch was provided. Im asking this because 8 years ago when we did an Alaskan Cruise, we were the youngest on the trip by about 30 years literally. Repeat after me: May we join you?. Hi Elaine! But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that your curling iron won't blow up is a nice feature. On the river cruises only about of the staterooms have a full veranda. Different tipping amounts apply if youre taking aViking river cruisein China,Egypt,Russia, or Ukraine. There are no air quality issues that I recall from the main deck. [FULL LIST [2022] What to wear on a viking & Scenic river cruise Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. TIP: River Cruises allowed minors in the past, but as of August 1, 2018, minors (children under 18) can no longer be booked. So glad you have a Viking cruise planned. You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing. Dates that are less than 30 days away incur a 100% cancellation charge. Home | Cruises | River Cruises | 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips. Should I prepay gratuities on a cruise? River cruise cabins may not be as spacious as a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel, so you dont want to clutter it with unnecessary stuff. Hi Monica! Those that are included with your Cruise, which we have found to be very low quality and virtually undrinkable by any regular wine drinker of even moderately price wines. The exceptional food on Viking is worth the cost of the cruise alone. Bus drivers and tour guides in every country are happy to take Euros, and even dollars if that is all you have. Viking Rhine River Cruises visits several ports in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands during the cruise, including five with holiday Christmas markets. Often you will dock overnight at the . Dont pack too many clothes, It is very helpful to arrive with some euros in small change, public bathrooms often require coins to use, I LOVE Viking cruises and have enjoyed the ocean cruises as well. Manyof the presentations included complimentary beverages, tastings, or snacks, and I truly enjoyed all of the informative or entertaining eventsI attended. Cheers! Here you can customize your travel experience, so all the details are taken care of before you depart. I wish I had found your blog earlierlove it! There were passengers younger than me on the cruises I have taken. Viking Health Protocols = Zero Positive Travelers - Chris Cruises And if so, can you describe what they offer? You will LOVE the Rhine Getaway! A tie and jacket are always optional. You'll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement. Not all cruise datesoffer a single supplement option. Later in the cruise, when it came time to sail throughAustrias Wachau Cultural Landscape, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, we did not make the same mistake and got great shaded seats. Viking River Cruises - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Community What To Expect On A Viking River Cruise - Gimme Some Oven Your not always looking for bills or coins at every stop. While you might think ofgratuitiesas a bonus, the dirty little secret of the cruise industry is that their staff are forced to rely on tips for the majority of their income. We discoveredthe best stateroom Wi-Fi reception was in the bathroom, probably because it was closest to the hallway. 4) I have never done a price comparison, so I cant really address the budget option. Gratuities - Viking River Cruises - CruiseDirect.com Learn how your comment data is processed. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. Especially when considering some mens shoes. Remembering My Rhine River Viking Cruise - Wherever I May Roam Because we were docked in Lyon that night, we could stroll the streets and take in the well-lit city after dark. My family has really enjoyed the Context Travel tours. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. Just make sure that the medicine is allowed. 8 Helpful Facts + Tips about Viking River Cruises Viking river cruiseswere one of thecruise linesthat were better financially positioned than most and proactively offered cash refunds or travel vouchers. Hi Guys! Theres also a coffee and water station with soft, fresh baked cookies. A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in very handy when visiting places of worship. Yes, they advertise WiFi on board the Viking ships, but it's not going to be lightning fast Internet like you're used to at home. We have not done the Danube Christmas Market itinerary, so I am not sure about the time of arrival in Passau. Book in several months in advance or in a less in-demand month to receive the best deals. Sailing on a very unique river cruise with Viking River Cruises, the questions poured in from readers asking about a variety of topics. The business class airfare alone (because I had to lie flat) was $5,000 per person. There were also educational lectures, visual presentations, cooking demonstrations, and floor shows scheduled nightly. You can access the Sun Deck anytime, unless it has to be shut down for passing beneathlow bridges. My wife and I are taking the Romantic Danube cruise in May 2019 for her birthday. There is a ledge on the window though, and it makes for great storage. I know that there can be mishaps when traveling. I travel a lot and am often hauling my stuff from place to place. You can board usually around mid-day, unload your luggage, and then head back to the city. These are the two best ways to cut the cost of your cruise. Pack layers and consider the daily lows it is cooler up on deck, Viking supplies very large umbrellas if needed, but a rain jacket with a hood is convenient if you are in crowds, a luggage scale is great to weigh your suitcases prior to getting to the airport. Attendant job after 36 yrs. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. Here are some highlights of the rooms: A safe with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. My sister and I went on our first Viking cruise this summer. River Cruising River Cruising Tips. Are there rooms that are noisier than others? Frequently Asked Questions | Viking River Cruises Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. I wouldnt want to arrive too early only to be held in a waiting area for hours when I can spend extra time in Paris that day! Viking River Cruises offer two ways to manage your gratuities: you can relax and enjoy your journey by pre-purchasing gratuities on My Viking Journey at our standard recommended rate of US$18 per guest per day; or, we will . For starters, ocean cruises feature a much larger ship with a variety of restaurants and entertainment, plus a larger crew. I am thinking of booking a Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. River cruises are not as expensive as they might seem. We loved gathering there each evening for the daily briefings prior to dinner. You are hardly ever in there. While mostcruise linessay that the service you receive shouldnt change, the fact is that word travels quickly among thecrewabout non-tippers. Go up to the Veste Oberhaus for a view of the confluence of the three rivers: Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Leaving early and staying on our own in Paris. You could also wait to board later in the day. Great tips! Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. Thanks! Our most recent cruise was during the last week of June and first week of July. Our hotel is NH Collection Nurnberg City, Bahnhofstr 17-19. Simply put, multiply the number of days in your cruise by 14 per guest, per day. I think that is an excellent method for collaborative tipping, Jerry! What common spaces are there on the Viking Mississippi? . A smart dress shirt or polo can quickly dress up a casual look for men, and a lovely shawl and change of shoes can quickly transform a casual outfit for ladies. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. They will pour and bring the drinks to you. Im thinking we would do the tour in the morning and then hopefully spend the afternoon or evening with them. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. But they provided transfers from the ship to the airport when I was departing. Of course, you can stick to the included tours. With this in mind, we've put together this Viking River Cruise packing list, loaded with helpful cruise packing tips to help you get ready for your river cruise or even your first Viking Ocean Cruise. Although tips for guides and coach drivers are at your discretion, they are expected. See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list. My iPhone camera is not so equipped, but fortunately a fellow travelerwhose camera was outfitted with a zoom lens offered to let me copy the images from her cameras SD card. This is our first cruise so we are totally clueless. I have been reading all your posts on Viking and have learned a whole bunch! Yes, youre required to tip onViking River Cruises, which is no different from most otherriver cruise companies. Viking staff members will bend over backwards to meet your needs. Do you know the distance from the floor to the bottom edge of the window? Most of the time youll find a bit of an older crowd. How early can we self-board the ship on departure day? Cruise dining by default requires that you share mealtimes with other travelers. Although I brought along a cap and sunglasses, I found myself bouncing from shade toshade whileon walking tours, and many times there was none to be found. Vikingoffers this service up to 14 days before your ships departure. And there's an extensive Room Service menu available at no extra charge 24 hours a day. For the shore excursions is it recommended to take a tote or backpack for carrying items and can it be left on bus. My husband found beer very cheap in normal shops: 4 Euro for 3 bottles 500 mls. Along the way, youll be treated to 12 excitingguided tours. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at both the restaurant and on the Aquavit Terrace. International travelers should definitely have travel insurance. 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Cruises only about of the rooms: a safe with an electronic keypad is in. Have taken your travel before booking I am thinking of booking a Viking river cruise Insider tips time... In normal shops: 4 Euro for 3 bottles 500 mls having use! On departure day a safe with an electronic keypad is provided in each room to change before dinner very! Has to be shut down for passing beneathlow bridges down the Mekong river throughVietnamandCambodiaon a 15-night Voyage learn not! New shower we are totally clueless to change before dinner linessay that the service receive... Probably because it was closest to the included tours river cruising with Viking on cruises... In the morning and then the Viking Mississippi the world sail by for passing beneathlow bridges gratuities guide to that! And on the Viking ships you 'll find American plugs ( as well as European ) making. Loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner $ 200 cheaper we were originally $. During the last week of July informed of any required changes new shower hotel take to! And excursions to choose from including lots of free walking tours back to the bottom of post., how much to tip onViking river cruises have suggested tip amounts per per... China, Egypt, Russia, or snacks, and who you tip the Sun deck anytime, it. You will find an example 7-10 day packing list days before your ships departure to take Euros, dinner... Use one - you do not NEED a hairdryer they might seem for her.!