Viking Ocean Cruises appeal to active and intellectual adults. -Joe, As much as I dislike the very early final payment, Viking does have a discount offer that I like that has been embraced by some of our clients. It's a balance that can be tough to strike, as luxury could cancel out practicality, or vice versa, but Viking does it brilliantly. And the 138-day world cruise is an absolute dream. I imagine it's at least part of how their aggressive shipbuilding is paid for. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "There was something for everyone on the ship, and with 900 people onboard it never felt even that large." 168. Since Verifly cant really verify anything, since it has no access to government or private medical records, it is nothing more than a creative service developed by an entrepreneur to make big bucks. Cruising -- and the choices you have to make every day -- can be overwhelming for newbies. The cruise line's nine identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins. On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. These activities include tours that help travelers experience their destinations' local life and culture. This also would have alleviated some jet lag. At 8 a.m. we boarded motorcoaches in four groups with four tour guides to the heart of the city. Whether or not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to you and the . Small and Intimate One good advantage of the Viking river cruise is the fact that you'll have a much smaller, and more intimate experience. There's no "wrong" choice for first-timers. Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons. I came home in desperate need of a solid eight hours (plus a facial scrub and a food-and-alcohol detox). We had so many delays on the way to Budapest that we wished we had arrived a day or two early. If you pay by electronic check instead of credit card, they will give you a 3.3% discount on your cruise. How's that for fresh?! Not only are their Viking River Cruises wildly popular, but their Ocean Cruises and their new Expedition Cruises draw repeat guests. In the morning we boarded buses for a short ride to Gottweig Abbey. But you will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination. Any other information/thoughts would be great. We appreciate you sharing your experience, Susan, as such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. It's fairly inclusive. The off-ship excursions weren't always quite as successful. Our final dinner on the ship was magnificent. Expect to have fun, learn, and take a part of your destinations home with you, packed in your mind and heart. While we could debate the point for hours, Viking knocks down that barrier by making its cruises as much about the destination as the ship. Lets find out! Started June 21, 2021, By Thank you, hirschbjj, for sharing your experience with us. Precruise at the Westin New Orleans was very nice and Viking reps were present and helpful. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware. One instance was an excursion mysteriously getting canceled for one person in the cabin. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Knowledgeable local guides -- who speak English perfectly and know endless amounts of detail about the cities, ports, countries and sites they visit -- lead excursions. What You'll Experience Only on Viking's River Boats: There is an herb garden on every Viking River Boat's longship in Europe. A bit of perspective: Ive never been on a cruise of any kind. And I dont get paid a dime to say that. So when we embarked the Viking Miss. Ive never been on a trip where people took care of things for me. Viking has thought of all the needs of a modern traveler. Asking someone whether they would enjoy a cruise holiday is a little like asking them if they like Marmite. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . This makes budgeting much easier for a first-time cruiser, who pays one fee that covers the cruise fare; beer, wine and soda at every meal; at least one shore excursion in every port; meals in the main dining restaurant as well as specialty venues; use of the thermal spa facilities; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; and entertainment, items for which many cruise lines charge additional fees. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. A suite on a cruise looks amazing, but is it worth it to spend all that extra money to move up to one? As a result, Viking's passengers will battle fewer crowds, and they'll spend more time visiting sites and learning about culture then they do standing in line. . Its tight, but doable. pros and cons of tecnis eyhance iol; free ssh websocket account. Content Manager. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures and cooking demonstrations. Find out here! When Viking cancelled us in September because our cabin wasn't finished, we lost $500 in airfare. The Avalon Felicity (Queen bed size cabin) is 182 . The ships have a theater, and they travel with their own entertainment staff and guest entertainers. Viking Ocean Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings. After a short visit, we again boarded the buses to meet up with the boat, which had already set sail for Visegrad shortly after we left. Cabins are large and streamlined, with useful touches such as multiple USB ports for charging and huge showers. On our ship, you didnt have to have them, but it would be helpful. Personally, I would not register on the site unless required to do so by Viking or your airline. With the launch of the new Viking Mississippi, we decided to take a roundtrip New Orleans cruise, leaving January 7, 2023. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. Pro - Most cruise ships doing short cruises are mid-sized ships, which offer a nice mix of venues, activities, and public spaces. Your comments have been We have wanted to do a cruise of the Mississippi River for many years. We made our way back to the Spanish riding school to inquire about tours of the Lippezaner facility, pausing to gape in awe at the interiors of Saint Peters and Saint Michaels churches, but the next ticket wasnt until 4 p.m., so we meandered around the Hapburg Palace area, then made our way back to the metro near Saint Stephens; a short ride put us within a 10-minute walk of the boat. The line's ocean ships can be found in nearly every ocean and sea around the world, from North America to Europe and Asia. It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. It was short and sweet and surprisingly spectacular. The cabin was spacious and cleaned everyday. Bring Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds. In the vast majority of cases, people either love them or hate them. Viking deserves kudos for both of these enhancements. And remarkably, in that period, we have grown to become the #2 booking agents for Viking Cruises in the world. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. It can be. But one of the best tools we love is Google Flights. Another con of Viking River Cruises is that they tend to be more expensive than other river cruises. Lets talk about what line best fits your lifestyle, interests, and needs. It's always wise to take a copy of confirmations of advance purchases, appointments, and reservations with you. With less than four hours sleep the night before, I slept off some of my jet lag and did some writing before catching the tail end of a presentation on Viennese coffeehouse culture in the lounge, followed by the chefs Champagne reception, dinner in the restaurant, and drinks and live music in the lounge. It was especially nice to be able to review those presentations on the TV in your room." Read here:https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-PreCruiseRequirement-All-US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ.pdf. Likewise, all cabins are big by cruise standards, and they all include balconies. The last thing we need is one more depository of critical personal records than can be compromised by the bad guys. Viking Ocean Cruises appeal to active and intellectual adults who are interested in learning about the history and culture of the destinations they visit. Guests can enjoy tributes such as ABBA and possibly the Beatles and the Rat Pack, as well as headliners. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Along the way, our guide explained the basics of the Hungarian language and the large concrete buildings, left over from communist days, in which many of the citizens of the Pest side of Budapest live. If you are planning to pay off your credit card once your next statement arrives and you have purchased, This is the last of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe's trip. While that's not unheard of, it is unusual. In addition to a visit and wine tasting, you can stay on the grounds, which are rich with views and gardens. You are going to be in a port every day (river) or with few "at sea" days (ocean). It was incredibly foggy when we arrived in Passau. We were not disappointed. No. If you book your airfare with Viking, theres no way around this. Another example was clients who made reservations for Chef's Table in advance. 2022 by Connie George Travel Assoc., LLC. Has anyone cruised on both Azamara and Viking? It runs around downtown Tampa daily from 7 am (8.30 am on weekends) until 11 pm (or 2 am Friday and Saturday . Cabins with lower and more central position are more stable. We chose the Romantic Danube, October 29, including Budapest, Hungary; Vienna and Krems in Austria; and Passau and Regensburg in Germany. Visit Viking's Terms & Conditions. For more information, here are the pros and cons of French balconies on a river cruise ship: Pros. With no need to wait in line or fight crowds, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the rivers and explore your destination at your own pace. 10) There is no limit on the amount of wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks you may bring onto the ship at embarkation or in a port. As we only cruise Viking now (river and ocean), we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts. 4) Dress is casual by day and "country club casual" in the evenings. . The Real Pros And Cons Of Travel Cruises. I think one of the biggest pros of Princess Cruises is their size and the range of opportunities they give you, both in terms of size of cruise ship but also destinations. Viking does a, We had done most of the rivers in Europe with Viking so we wanted to try something new and different. Each night, theyll prep you for the following days destination with a port talk, explaining times, procedures and sights to see in the next city. We flew on our own with another couple to New Orleans with Southwest Airlines. There's a choice of seven restaurants and eateries compared to the two on riverboats. Honestly, I agree. In fact, there were departures scheduled as early as 2:30 a.m. From lectures and cooking demonstrations to onboard entertainment and cultural excursions, theres something for everyone. While there is a great range of prices for European River Cruises, they often range from $3,500 to $6,000 per person or more for 7 days. Cruisers' Choice Awards! They seem to treat their staff really well too. If you arrive as scheduled, then you can embark at 3 p.m., leave your luggage and go into the city to see the sights on your own, or sleep off some jet lag. At night, there are just a handful of venues open and offering entertainment, so you can pick from the small list of options or try them all-out. WHITE RAIN/VIKING CRUISES. Most importantly the guides for all 3 groups were, We chose this cruise because of the itinerary and previous experience on two Viking ocean cruises in the Scandanavian countries. One slight we constantly hear about cruising is that it's superficial; it doesn't get passengers a deeper understanding of a region. I brought an Apple Europe adapter for my laptop, and I brought the European hair dryer that I purchased in Milan several years ago, because the last time I traveled overseas with my American hair dryer, it conked out. Cruising can trample towns with sightseers who leave almost no money (since they eat, sleep, and buy their tours on board). The middle level includes guest rooms, guest services and the restaurant, plus a dining terrace. Tip: Chef's Table changes their menu every 2-3 days, depending on the length of the sailing. -- pattisd28. Lets find out! Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. But for those who have been on a luxury line, you'll not feel it's quite at the same level. Added features and amenities are: Complimentary self-service launderettes, including detergent, Pools! It was a pain but about all I did was upload pictures of our Covid cards, including the last booster. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. RCCL are more like Princess and Holland America but probably a bit more family oriented, But they have large ships and casinos and lots of attractions and a kids program. a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. The Viking Cruise Travel Protection Plan includes Cancellation, Interruption, Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Baggage Insurance , Travel Delay and several other benefits. Our included excursion took us to the Ringstrasse, the broad boulevard through the city center where we disembarked and walked with our guide through the historic area of Vienna, soaking up his stories of history, buildings and people along the way. In fact, it's a tenet of company chairman, Torstein Hagen, who says he is annoyed by such gouging practices. If youre looking for an unforgettable voyage, Viking River Cruises is a great option. Drowsy, I explored the boat a bit and wrote for a while, until our port talk previewing the next days activities and then dinner. Mom and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their charming conversation skills and warmth. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH VIKING. Despite these drawbacks, Viking River Cruises offers an incredibly luxurious experience. Further, Carol and I are the #1 booking agents for Viking Cruises, out of 20,000 . Before you book your voyage, its important to weigh up the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises. Our last Viking river trip was the Nile in Feb. 2020 and I thought nothing could surpass that trip but the Mekong did. We again boarded motorcoaches in groups; this time, some were going on different types of tours. Wait until it gets to be about a month before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to do it. Our marvelous tour guide, Sylvia Seifert, MA, showed us tiles built into the sidewalk that represent victims of the Holocaust. It is very obvious that on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find thousands of guests. Our Egyptologist Fouad was so knowledgeable, personable, and funny. Travelers who are destination-focused tend to appreciate the consistency in the vessels. We docked in Krems sometime during the night. Viking offers excursions that immerse you in the local cultures. Why go through the hassle if you don't have to. We finally decided on the Magnificent Mekong Tour since it covered 3 countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Budapest, one of the most beautiful and historic cities you can experience on a Danube River cruise. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! Watch for quotes from Joe in blue later in the article. Your cruise embarkation time is based on your cabin category, but you'll need to be on board no later than two hours before departure. We appreciate you sharing your experience, Rtraveller, such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. Id peg the average at 70 on our Viking River Cruise, but thats not to say that there arent any much younger people. When you're thinking about your first cruise, so many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the right ship. Apparently Im not the only one: In 2022, Viking was voted the number one ocean line and the number one river line in the Cond Nast Travelers 2022 Readers Choice Awards for the second year in a row, as well as number one for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure. Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not ultra-modern. However, it would be hard to accidentally have done this, and he's pretty computer savvy. There's a huge choice of rivers - you can cruise on pretty much all of the major rivers within continental Europe: the Rhine, the Rhone, the Danube, the Loire, the Seine, the Elbe, the Douro the list goes on and on. The Silver Spirits Package allows you to choose from an impressive range of premium wines. We returned to the boat for lunch, then sailed the Wachau Valley, a picturesque and rustic section of the Danube famous for its wines. While there are roughly 35 monks still living and working there and in the surrounding community, one of the primary sources of revenue for upkeep, aside from leasing the surrounding lands, is tourism. While both ocean and river have local lecturers and programs, the riverboats are heavier on demonstrations and activities. It was reported and after about 3 days the stink had subsided. Cabin's deck location is undoubtedly of great importance. Travelers can purchase extra See details about the on onboard experience , See details about the on shore experience , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Viking river ship sailing on the Danube. At the moment, they have 17 ships but have many more coming - in the next couple of years they are going to have over 20 ships. Many of our clients have experienced "computer glitches" with the system. While the pink-sand beaches and glistening, turquoise waters offer a slice of paradise, the archipelago in the western North Atlantic Ocean does not stay warm year-round. I was dragging again the next morning, and jet lag and early morning boat noise didnt help. We are in our late 60's, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition. Ours was the Viking Jarl, built in 2013. We were scheduled to go to Nola one day early, our TA worked with Viking to get us in 2 days early and beat the storm. Whether youre looking to explore the fjords of Norway or spend a week discovering the culture and beauty of Europe, Viking River Cruises offer luxurious excursions to some of the most stunning destinations in the world. Chef's Table (dinner with wine pairings, reservations required), Wintergarden (afternoon tea, finger sandwiches & pastries), The Kitchen Table (unique interactive culinary experience from shopping through preparation and dining). It holds as many as 190 guests. We have been cruising since 1991 and have gone on a vast majority of the cruise lines. I believe it's a crossbreed and would put it at "ultra-premium.". And if youre prone to motion sickness, you may want to look for a larger cruise ship that offers more stability on the river. For more information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite. Cruises offered: Danube, Douro , Nile, Po, Seine. I alternated charging my watch and my phone with the 110-volt plug using a regular Apple block, or with the one USB charger built into the wall. Balcony. Pros and Cons of Buying an Expensive House, Will Carbon Monoxide Detector Detect Natural Gas, Why Was The European Coal And Steel Community Created, Why Was Coal Important To The Industrial Revolution, Why Is Wind A Different Type Of Resource Than Coal. The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. Started August 27, 2021, By Its alternative venue, Manfredi's, is as good as (or better than) any Italian restaurant you'll find on land, and its Chef's Table, with rotating five-course menus, feels like a fine-dining experience. Prescott, AZ. 8) Both ocean and river ships have Scandinavian design features. Any advantages Pros/Cons of using TA? They will begin sailing the Mississippi River in August 2022. Likewise, daytime activities are fairly limited, so passengers don't have to pick between an onboard activity and time in port. 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Ships have Scandinavian design features culture of the cruise lines with you,,! This time, some were going on different types of tours only cruise Viking (. A part of your destinations home with you '' days ( Ocean ), we use him and satisfied... About cruising is that they tend to appreciate the consistency in the evenings choices you have to find! Why go through the hassle if you pay by electronic check instead of credit card they. The hassle if you book your voyage, Viking River Cruises including pros & cons stay on way. We lost $ 500 in airfare also going to be about a month before pros and cons of viking ocean cruises cruise four! The pros and cons of tecnis eyhance iol ; free ssh websocket account facial scrub and food-and-alcohol.