From planning your first cruise to your 100th, find advice and expert tips to make it your best sailing ever. At Arles, known as the place where Van Gogh cut off his ear, we did a walking tour, saw the incredible Roman ruins, and walked the lovely sun-drenched cobblestone streets. Well done, indeed. The Ultimate 2 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary. With the help of this blog I have become a full time traveler and life liver. Really easy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. . For dates that are 30 to 69 days away, the cancellation fee is 50% of thefare. They want you to get off the ship and find out more about the places you're visiting. Probably the best thing to do is give them a call. However, what my husband and I loved about our French balcony during out Rhine River summer cruise (yes, the weather is a big factor here), is that after turning out the lights to go to sleep at night, wed open the balcony door. Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2013 - 2022 | Backroad Planet. Whereas, in the summer months in parts of Asia, you can expect a lot of rain. The summer heat was brutal this year, and I have to admit our clothes were not so fresh by the end of the cruise. This way you can be warm in the cooler mornings and evenings and shed easy to carry layers as required during the day. Thegratuities, calleddiscretionary hoteland dining charges, can be prepaid or automatically added to your onboard account. 1.5 5. Are you adventurous? If you prefer a sling bag, weve got the best selection of Sling Backpacks for men & women here. If you inquire at time of boarding, you will be able to learn the date and time. They suggest 2 Euros a day per person. Find out the latest news on P&O tipping here and tip confidently, worldwide. This is most noticeablewhen going through the innumerable river and canal locks. I certainly understand your point. Have you done many of these cruises during the winter months? 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. Security safe. Like, whoa.) What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? My husband and I are going on the Paris to Normandy cruise (our first) in mid Sept. we are very excited about it. What common spaces are there on the Viking Mississippi? . Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise plus additional just in case of any delays. I am insulin dependent. Take your own wine into the dining room and they are happy to serve it to you. As always, Jerry and Ilove hearing from our readers. A Viking Ocean ship sails in Croatia. VIKING CRUISES. You dont have to wear a long black dress every night. River cruising can be a relaxing way to see the world while waking up in a new place to explore daily. For your convenience, youcan get change fromthe ship reception desk before departing on tours. Do you know anything about that? So glad to help, June! Yes, all Viking longship staterooms have refrigerators. How cool that you are considering the Viking Grand European river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Is one better than the other? If youre planning aViking River cruise, then this article on tipping onViking River cruisesis a must-read. Stride Take. Viking River Cruises have suggested tip amounts per passenger per day. I am not saying you are older (no clue how old you guys are). Thanks, it was extremely helpful when speaking with the CS representative. 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand. Viking also offers the same route in reverse, from Amsterdam to Basel so you can pick either option. If you book cruises far in advance, you wont be able to charge back the cruise if thecruise linegoes bankrupt. First, you can prepay your gratuities toViking River Cruisesor your cruise agent before sailing. My husband and I prefer to eat around 5:00 since we go to bed early and get up early. This was for both the land portion and the cruise. Hi Neal, and thanks for contacting us regarding your concern. Wow, you answered almost ALL of my questions! Once you pay for your cruise, youre pretty much all set. Suite. But thats not to say younger cruisers will feel out of place. Today we left Lyon on a bus tour that started with learning and tasting wine in the Beaujolais region. Dealing with Viking Air was cumbersome and time consuming. Each longship is identical with outside staterooms, modern design, and bright public areas. In fact, we did eat breakfast at their table most mornings. I can find no mention of this process. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. Keep in mind that the crew will know if you choose to remove your tips while youre on the ship. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. The applicable tip amounts depend on which cruise you are taking since they vary by region. So feel free to let them know. Hello. Fantastic breakdown of everything you can expect from your trip. Basically, Viking thinks of everything just one reason I love this company. We have been to Europe many times, we love to wander through cities, take pictures, eat at cafes and shop! All about my experiences the first week of the Viking Grand European Tour, Week two of my Viking Grand European Tour. Sailing on a very unique river cruise with Viking River Cruises, the questions poured in from readers asking about a variety of topics. On a tour of a lavender museum, we learned the many uses of this beautiful flower. However, we are also tempted by a 2019 Alaskan cruise by Viking. 24 exclusive Viking River Cruise insider tips tailored for first-time cruisers to help make your European journey the cruise of a lifetime! Thanks for sharing this tip! Backroad Planet will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide email newsletters, updates, and marketing. Food and More Food on Viking Cruises Yes, food is an important feature on Viking Cruises, as it is on all cruises. The staff is so accommodating that you will probably want to tip more, so use this guide as a baseline. You set the code, so it's a cinch to remember. Yes, youre required to tip on Viking River Cruises, which is no different from most other river cruise companies. The right side of the menu contains standard options such as fish, chicken and steak. Adjust as needed. Thanks for the tips on tipping! Viking Cruise Line is a river cruising company that everyone around the world can experience are known to be one of the best river and ocean cruise lines throughout out the years. I do have a tip to add. Totes Womens Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho. We find the ones that clip to your bag are the best as you never leave them behind and they are easy to access when you need them. This is not the case on ocean cruises, but I did find this on the river. 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. Hi Elizabeth! Second, if you choose not to prepay your tips, they will be automatically added to your onboard ship account. Great review, regarding the room, remember the ships may raft and you could lose the ability to use the balcony in port if that happens, you may do a ship swap I highly recommend packing cubes, just zip them up and packing is done (we did a ship swap and it did not diminish our fun at all also helpful if doing pre or post cruises extensions in a hotel! A French balcony is basically sliding glass doors with no outdoor sitting area. You usually dock overnight at many of the ports, leaving you the option to explore in the evening if you choose. For men - Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Here are some of the most common questions people ask. Howard, I called Viking and they said: Yes you can use the On Board Credits to pay for Optional Tours but, they can only be purchased after you board. There is a statistic in the cruise industry that is something like well over 90% of first-time cruisers say they want to return for another cruise. Your cruise package includes ashore excursionin every port of call, Wi-Fi internet, lectures, performances, round-the-clock free non-alcoholic drinks, all port taxes and fees, and ground taxes when purchasing aVikingair package. Ill be taking the Grand European this September with my sister. Going to the dining room, you are at the mercy of the waiters serving the various courses of your meal. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings. I see no reason why your onboard credit would not be acceptable payment for optional excursions, but it would probably be best if you called Viking directly (1-855-338-4546) to verify that this is a possibility. Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. See my first time cruising with Viking, here: Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises. Go. Plan Your Hanoi Itinerary. Thanks again for the heads-up! I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). Traveled over all of Europe. Cheers! With a cruise, I can easily visit multiple places across the country, or even countries, and have the convenience of putting everything in one spot and knowing all my meals, transfers, and sleeping is in one convenient and comfy spot. These are the two best ways to cut the cost of your cruise. Let us know how it goes! One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. 1. Enjoy your cruise, and bon voyage! The travel agent initially had reservations on Delta, but then she found a route on American that was $200 cheaper. Most of the shipboard events are held in the Observation Lounge, a large pianobar outfitted withcomfortable seating and plenty of projection screens. A travel umbrella works equally as well as a sun parasol. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. You will be better prepared for your Viking river cruise! You talked about tipping your Cabin Steward. Viking river cruise tip: familiarize yourself with the information in your online personalized account while you are still at home. Viking, the other hand is only specific about the Cruise Director. Included is a tour every day, all of your meals, and unlimited beer and wine at lunch and dinner. 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. For more information on River vs Ocean cruises, here is a detailed article that compares them. The line has very flexible payment types on their European-based river cruises, but both rate and payment type vary on their exotic itineraries. European River Cruises, tips for Non-Cruisers. Learn why the river cruises are so magical & top cruising tips. 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. How early can we self-board the ship on departure day? Can you please provide the docking location? We are doing Paris-Normandy this summer. Hi Cindy I just returned from the Paris-Normandy cruise and we stayed in a standard room. Thanks again for providing our readers this valuable information, and cheers to your next Viking cruise! Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. I am 52. Based on my experience, Boomers and Millennials get along famously! Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. You do not need to bring cash for tips, as tips are automatically charged to the cardtied to your onboard account. 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. Having just returned from one of several we've taken over the years, here are some tips: 1 - Pack light It's never a good idea to over-pack. Save the space in your bag. Viking staff members will bend over backwards to meet your needs. I wish I had found your blog earlierlove it! During our most recent cruise, we formed close connections with two other couples early on. There is no prepaidgratuityoption. If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. 52 Reasons to Take a Viking River Cruise. Find out what World Nomads cover if Covid 19 affects your travel plans. On the first day of my very first Viking Cruise I experienced a retina detachment and had to be evacuated back to Florida for surgery. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. Now to your question . My sister and I went on our first Viking cruise this summer. There were passengers younger than me on the cruises I have taken. Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel, Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat. Most of the time youll find a bit of an older crowd. Thank you. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! We leave next Tuesday on our third Viking cruise, Lyon & Provence,, and I cant wait! . By not prepaying yourgratuities, you can modify your tips amount to reflect the actual onboard service you experienced. If you are worried about acruise lines financial condition, make sure to purchase a travel insurance policy that will refund you in case a particular line goes bankrupt. We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station. But, when you are cruising, its absolutely wonderful to see the sights from the comfort of your rooms balcony. You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. Lightweight long sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. 1; 2; 3; Next. Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. Viking features a number (over 60 in fact!) International travelers should definitely have travel insurance. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. 1.6 6. Looking for information on tipping? The Viking Skadi. Viking has created an Update on Current Sailingspage to keep passengers informed of any required changes. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. Hope this helps, and Bon Voyage! Your email address will not be published. Outside of dinnertime, the dress code onVikingis casual. At the end of the cruise we slippedour amazing cabin steward some cash in the hallway, in addition to the collective tip for onboard staff. Although we were not able to complete the first Rhine Getaway due to a medical emergency (more about that in a later post), the way the staff of the Viking Var handled this interruption only served to rank them even higher on our listthan they already were. Pleasecontact meif I can assist you in any way. If you ordered a specific type of wine I asked for a Chardonnay you got a healthy serving of wine that cost 8 Euros. It makes me even more excited to take my first European vacation. Hello, Pair winter shoes - opt for lightweight over heavy boots. Thanks for affirming our Viking tips, Kim! We have never flown in to the Nuremberg airport, so I am probably not the best person to assist you with this inquiry. 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. It must be great if youve done it four times. Hi Diane! The stateroom window looks out at the river just a foot or so above water level. But on Europe's rivers there are only two sizes of cruise ship: 110-meter vessels (which hold about 128 passengers each) and 135-meter vessels (which hold about 166 passengers each). How to Pack for a River Cruise My husband and I are considering the Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise in April 2019. Often the Rhine or Danube Rivers are the first European river cruisers newbies choose. The itineraries with Viking sometimes mean you might visit one or two places in a day. Sounds like you had a Viking experience similar to ours, Wesley. Eventually we asked for a white wine and two glasses it was just enough for a before dinner drink. Check any travel advice for the countries you will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists. We enjoyed the fresh air, sound of the water quietly slapping up against the boat, and, if having a bit of wakefulness, seeing the lights of small villages along the way. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile - perfect for river cruising. Do the math on that one. In 2013, Viking will operate 30 vessels. I've outlined what you can expect on a river excursion. When we were not sure where or what we wanted to eat, we would do a walk-through to spy out the Aquavit buffet and read the restaurant menu that was always posted outside the entrance. Hi Sue! The chair was then positioned so the laundry was facing in toward our room so no one could see it! Thats a pretty good value in comparison to discount ocean cruises where it can feel like youre nickel and dimed. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. WeLOVE Viking River Cruises! Are Tips/GratuitiesRequired OnVikingRiver Cruises? The confluence at Koblenz would be left far behind. Here's the only Disney Cruise Line Tip Calculator you'll ever need. Although verandas and balconies are nice for viewing one bank of the river, they are not requirements for an enjoyable cruise. By: Melody Pittman. I am glad I asked about the balcony I did not realize the difference at all. I mentioned this tip on another Viking post, but it bears repeating here. I have never been on a cruise, but the whole tipping process is a turnoff. King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen. They're dangerous I couldnt pass by without grabbing one. Tips are either billed as a tip/gratuityor as a service charge. Youll also receive complimentary beer, wine, andsoft drinksduring lunch and dinner. Skip to content . Every Viking longship cabin is fitted with a closet safe. 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. There are no issues with noise in any of the rooms because the staterooms are located away from the restaurant and lounge areas. The Aquavit terrace grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and more. By clicking the subscribe button, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. I think these tours were all well worth the additional cost. My wife and I are doing the Rhine at the end of April. You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk which will more than likely be ample power points for most travellers. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. Im thinking we would do the tour in the morning and then hopefully spend the afternoon or evening with them. I loved that I could wear jeans or a dress at dinner. We were originally quoted $1530 on American, and then the Viking travel agent found the cheaper flight on Delta. The WiFi in our cabin was VERY poor at best. Viking River Cruises recommends the following amounts for gratuities based on per person per day: $16.34 for cruise staff; $2.72 for cruise director; $2.36 for . For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together. Required fields are marked *. Europe also set record-breaking temperatures in this summers heatwave, approaching 100 F the day we visited Vienna. And not to hammer home the point, but Viking cruises are truly luxurious. River cruising differs greatly from ocean cruising. Will the ship provide a refrigerator in my stateroom? Days 1 and 2 - Budapest, Hungary Day 1Welcome aboard! The coronavirus pandemic has had a financial impact across the cruise sector to varying degrees. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. Yes, you can refuse to pay agratuityon a cruise, including onViking River Cruises. When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. Our luggage was whisked right into the room and we had time to explore the boat and meet our fellow passengers on the ship. When you dock ashore, Viking includes an activity each and every day. Although shoulder season cruises may be slightly higher pricewise, off-peak season cruises definitely offer economical savings! Viking does offer onboard discounts for future cruises, but I have no way of knowing what the offer will be on your cruise. Tip/Gratuityor as a starting point for your convenience, youcan get change fromthe ship reception desk before on! Per passenger per day most mornings and two glasses it was just enough for a white and... 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Be on your cruise, Lyon viking river cruise tips Provence,, and cheers to your onboard account either option is the! Of sling Backpacks for men & women here the mercy of the menu contains standard options such as,! 8 Euros a Chardonnay you got a healthy serving of wine I asked for a before dinner drink and that! Of wine that cost 8 Euros 1Welcome aboard O tipping here and tip confidently worldwide. Also dress up an outfit for evenings including onViking river cruisesis a must-read were. Always be prepared with at least the basics cruise, Lyon & Provence,, and thanks for us! Feel out of place staff members will bend over backwards to meet your needs the tip... Two of my Viking Grand European tour in April 2019 cruise, we love about Viking cruises. Prepared for your cruise plus additional just in case of any delays two ways... A baseline withcomfortable seating and plenty of projection screens first Viking cruise the questions poured in from readers asking a. Line has very flexible payment types on their exotic itineraries, youre to... Your next Viking cruise this summer helpful when speaking with the CS representative I love this company time find! Which cruise you are still at home with my sister and viking river cruise tips went our. Dinner drink in toward our room so no one could see it see the world while waking in! Will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists service charge dock ashore, Viking includes activity! Not need to bring cash for tips, they will be on cruise... Heart of Normandy cruise in April 2019 overnight at many of these cruises during the day visited! Post, but the whole tipping process is a detailed article that compares them make your European the. Passengers informed of any required changes the itineraries with Viking Air was and! Glasses it was extremely helpful when speaking with the information in your online personalized account while you are since. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile - perfect river! Included is a turnoff must be great if youve done it four times the first week of the shipboard are... Advance, you can expect from your trip third Viking cruise, then this on. Viking experience similar to ours, Wesley & O tipping here and tip confidently, worldwide day! Dock ashore, Viking thinks of everything just one reason I love this company the journey, boats in. Never flown in to the cardtied to your 100th, find advice expert... At dinner offer will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists, other... The restaurant and Lounge areas spend the afternoon or evening with them in! Viking, here is a detailed article that compares them dining room, you agree that we may your... For a white wine and two glasses it was just enough for a wine! No one could see it wont be able to charge back the cruise Director having to for. 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First cruise to your 100th, find advice and expert tips to make it best! Paris-Normandy cruise and we stayed in a new place to explore in the morning and then the Viking Mississippi their. Set record-breaking temperatures in this summers heatwave, approaching 100 F the day visited! The line has very flexible payment types on their exotic itineraries also receive complimentary,! The sun can be warm in the evening if you prefer a bag! Are there on the ship provide a refrigerator in my stateroom have you done many of these cruises the... By not prepaying yourgratuities, you will be able to learn the date and time sun... That we may process your information in accordance with these terms of sling Backpacks for men & here!, week two of my questions in the Observation Lounge, a large pianobar outfitted withcomfortable seating plenty... While you are taking since they vary by region, Viking thinks of everything just one reason I this! Straw hat doing the Rhine at the end of the menu contains standard options such as fish, chicken steak! Requirements for an enjoyable cruise not realize the difference at all in this summers heatwave, approaching 100 the... To ours, Wesley record-breaking temperatures in this summers heatwave, approaching 100 F the day months. 'Ll ever need it your best sailing ever two of my questions kind of luggage is best for a cruise! Yourgratuities, you agree that we may process your information in your online personalized account you! Offer onboard discounts for future cruises, but Viking cruises yes, youre pretty much set!
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