As Viking newcomers, we knew of Viking's reputation, but experiencing the level of service and excellence, Overall we were very happy with the cruise. Viking and Royal Caribbean are on different levels. (When my ship comes in, so to speak.) Suitcase weariness was why I decided to try another cruise this spring. I dont usually travel with a sim card or any other means of accessing wifi or cell service, and I thought that the ship would mean better connectivity than I usually enjoy. The most affordable outside cabins have an obstructed view, meaning the windows look out on the lifeboats or other ship structures that block your view of the ocean beyond. From lectures and cooking demonstrations to onboard entertainment and cultural excursions, theres something for everyone. Extras You'll Experience Only on Viking's Ocean Boats: The Snow Grotto can be found along with dry saunas, showers, a cold plunge pool, hot-tub, thalassotherapy pool, heated loungers in the thermal spa area of Viking's ocean ship's spas. Receiving notices from Viking in advance of sailings has been a continual weak point which we mainly experience regarding flights and operational changes. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The dining variety, on the other hand, is better on the ocean cruises. In one sense, a Viking cruise is like any other vacation: It's what you make of it. Sometimes it's more than glitches. I had the great idea that we should get off the U-Bahn (Viennas subway) at the Karlsplatz stop on the green line versus the St. Stephens stop on the red line to see a different part of the city before our tour of the Lippizaner training center, but we ended up lost in the maze of residential streets there and missed our tour time. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-PreCruiseRequirement-All-US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ.pdf, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. I barely slept. So many travelers choose this type of . The pace is pretty intense; on a seven-day cruise, you'll visit a new port each day, and longer itineraries have few sea days. VeriFly was very straightforward- we have digital Covid passes in the U.K. and uploaded an existing photo from files for each of us. We are in our late 60's, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition. Chairs are created by high-end designers like Frank Gehry and Eames, but no one is afraid to flop down on them anywhere onboard. 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. Probably one of the biggest pros of European river cruising is the enormous amount of choice. There's no "wrong" choice for first-timers. Scroll down to find the countries you will be visiting to see if they require anything. On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. Con - You have less choice in ship class on a short cruise. Consider your budget, your preferences, and your destination to help you make the best decision for your next river cruise. And best of all, youll get to explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world. You got this! It is very obvious that on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find thousands of guests. No. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures and cooking demonstrations. . Has anyone cruised on both Azamara and Viking? 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. Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons Updated: Sep 11, 2021 Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. From river to ocean, small-ship to mega-vessels, this is our comprehensive list of cruise line restart dates By Cruise Adviser Last updated Dec 16, 2021 *this article is no longer being updated Details of cruise restart dates are below, along with each line's current regulations regarding vaccination, Covid-19 testing and the wearing of face masks. 14) 24-hour availability of complimentary specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, 15) All accommodations have both 110V and 220V outlets to accommodate. Smaller cruise yachts have much to offer vacationers looking for an authentic adventure rich with nature, a chance to make lifelong friends and a firsthand immersion into local culture. 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. Thankfully our client took their restaurant confirmation with them and the ship staff happily "made it happen. All of Viking's cruises are port-intensive. From wine tasting in France to a gondola ride in Venice, you can really immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of your destination. Viking River Cruises start off at around $1,800 and are great for people who want a large selection of destinations to choose from. We also stumbled upon the centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to the boat. 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. Overall, the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract well-traveled, active adults and retirees who have the time to explore multiple ports of call. For that price, we had transfers to and from the airport; daily walking tours of each new city; all of our meals plus snacks; beer and wine at meals; and travel support. iCruise is located in Delray Beach, Florida. Wait until it gets to be about a month before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to do it. While prices start at around $100 per day, you can easily end up spending a lot more if you add on excursions and special onboard experiences. Thank you to all for your input, we are going to call Viking and see if it preferred or mandatory. We reboarded the buses for a driving tour of the Buda side of the city, enjoying views of the Danube, its many bridges and the Parliament Building. You will pay extra for spirits or between-meal drinks, but Viking offers an excellent beverage package -- called Silver Spirits -- for $19.95 per person per day, which covers drinks up to $15 each. Here are the pros and cons of Viking river cruises you should know. If you pay by electronic check instead of credit card, they will give you a 3.3% discount on your cruise. And I dont think that I would have considered a cruise for myself until my dad passed away, and I decided to sail the Danube River with my mom. Ask questions! Most of my travel is roughing it: whether literally, out in the woods; or organizing busy budget trips for my family; or traveling solo, in which I'm solely responsible for my safety, transportation, accommodations, food, water and activities.. I've never been on a trip where people took . She is working on a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. Generally, the room measures 168 square feet to 232 square feet and can be bigger from 261 to 500 . We docked in Krems sometime during the night. Required or necessary? Started August 27, 2021, By The original plan was to travel in 2020 just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit so the trip was postponed 3 times. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com. I would love to hear from anyone who has taken a Avalon Waterways Cruise; especially the one that goes through the Seine River. With that being said, here are the pros of cruising: Affordable Vacation Cruises are known for being an affordable vacation and a great value. The entire trip was top notch all around, from the flights, the hotels, the food, the ship and the excursions. We are most likely on the same cruise. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. Our program director narrated the sights and identified the small towns along the way while we basked in the warm October sun and sipped Viennese coffee. So if you have a tendency to get seasick, a Viking River Cruise may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Laura on their recent cruise to Iceland aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' ship, Viking Sky. Bermuda's cruise season runs between April and November, with a few ships calling on Royal Naval Dockyard in December. It runs around downtown Tampa daily from 7 am (8.30 am on weekends) until 11 pm (or 2 am Friday and Saturday . It was a pain but about all I did was upload pictures of our Covid cards, including the last booster. I believe it's a crossbreed and would put it at "ultra-premium.". The Avalon Felicity (Queen bed size cabin) is 182 . What are the pros and cons of cruising with Oceania Cruises? Thanks so much for the feedback, we came to the same conclusion just for entry of COVID info, then will delete app after we come back. Being well-prepared makes it all a lot easier. Our first stop was Heroes Square, where we disembarked for a history lesson. 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. We again boarded motorcoaches in groups; this time, some were going on different types of tours. 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. One reason: Viking visits ports when it knows its passengers will have better access. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. 21) Library (stocked with books & board games), 23) Ground transfers when airfare is purchased through Viking, 24) Onboard cultural enrichment programs with guest lecturers and presenters. Viking blamed the client, which is possible. -- Sailoraz. We missed this part of the trip, arriving after midnight thanks to our flight delays. Ready to get out of your comfort zone?Try one of these unique accommodations. Lets explore why natural gas prices are trending downward! Save. Viking River Cruises had not sailed onto my radar until my mom and dad cruised the Rhine River several years ago. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. We currently prefer Azamara, but we are always looking for something different new and are currently looking at Viking Ocean Cruises. I should have gone to bed earlier. Weve grown to rely on a range of trip-planning sites over the years. Cruisers' Choice Awards! Parts medieval, parts baroque and thoroughly gorgeous, the monastery is famous for its apricot wines and brandy. Theres also detailed information in the Viking Daily, a printed document that arrives in your room during dinner each night. Travel better! Honestly, I agree. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. The sun soon burned the soft filter off of the Italian-designed pastel buildings to reveal brilliant blue skies, cobblestones and charming passageways at the confluence of three rivers. Content Manager. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. Food is creative and decadent, though there's enough variety for picky eaters and the health-conscious. When you're thinking about your first cruise, so many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the right ship. Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. Prescott, AZ. The last thing we need is one more depository of critical personal records than can be compromised by the bad guys. There's a choice of seven restaurants and eateries compared to the two on riverboats. 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. Pro - Most cruise ships doing short cruises are mid-sized ships, which offer a nice mix of venues, activities, and public spaces. 1 - 10 of 8,137 Viking Cruise Reviews Magnificent Mekong Review for Viking Saigon to Asia River MirLopez 6-10 Cruises Age 60s Read More Sail Date: February 2023 Cabin Type: Veranda. Viking has thought of all the needs of a modern traveler. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. . CC Help Jenn (It typically costs 0.50 euros to 1 euro to use a public restroom, known as a toilette or WC/water closest.). If you cancel your cruise 120 days or more before your scheduled departure, you'll be charged $100 per person. While both ocean and river have local lecturers and programs, the riverboats are heavier on demonstrations and activities. Off the ship Viking Ocean Cruises offered plenty of activities to keep passengers busy, with three or four lecturers on board who delivered several interesting presentations. I was dragging again the next morning, and jet lag and early morning boat noise didnt help. To a person, the people with whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional. Children arent permitted on Viking River Cruises. Due to its longer itineraries and lack of kids programming, you won't find many children or families on board. It was a cold, gray, impactful morning. When Viking cancelled us in September because our cabin wasn't finished, we lost $500 in airfare. Viking now requires it only for a couple of itineraries. It's not going to be all "unicorns and rainbows.". There was entertainment afterward, but we opted to return to our room and pack. There also was a presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises. I dozed on the bus. We chose the most affordable room, 101. The quality of the food was comparable to the river cruises and the kitchen and wait staff were the best." Passau might have been my favorite place on our cruise. Now, with eight ships, they sail North and South Americas, including the Panama Canal and the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Pacific. You can make reservations for shore excursions, dining venues and spa treatments in advance on theMy Viking Journey website. I have my eye on the 33-day cruise to Hawaii and Polynesia (Tahiti!). -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. If you are planning to pay off your credit card once your next statement arrives and you have purchased third-party trip insurance such as Travel Insured, it's a win-win option for saving some money. An example of just spending time relaxing on a Viking Ocean Cruise. We cancelled 137 days out and then found . And if youre looking for something a bit more active, Viking River Cruises also offers a range of onboard activities, such as yoga classes and bike tours. In some cases it may be the housekeeping supply room. We chose the Romantic Danube, October 29, including Budapest, Hungary; Vienna and Krems in Austria; and Passau and Regensburg in Germany. It was reported and after about 3 days the stink had subsided. View of Toulon from Viking Star (Photo: Cruise Critic), The Deluxe Veranda Cabin on Viking Star (Photo: Cruise Critic). I explore what the line does best, well and also what things to watch out for and consider when choosing an Oceania Cruise. 168. For more information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite. All staterooms and suites include a veranda and range from 270 square feet to over 757 square feet in total size. Our guide left us in front of Saint Stephens Cathedral, reiterating directions for the metro and the nearest toilettes for those who wanted to stay in the city for the afternoon rather than take the coach back to the boat. Our tour included Emilie and Oskar Schindlers home in Regensburg. Finding. A covered main pool, a pool with an open roof, and an infinity pool, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, A top-rated spa with a thermal suite that offers a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, snow room, heated lounge chairs. skills and contacts to create your perfect cruise or tour vacation! And if youre prone to motion sickness, you may want to look for a larger cruise ship that offers more stability on the river. Table of Contents Introduction The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coating Your Car: Is It Worth It? The cabin was. As if the luxury werent enough, Viking River Cruises also offers an array of onboard dining and entertainment options. Viking Longships hold 190 passengers, while Uniworld averages just 130 guests. But this was a bit of luxury that Id love to do again. Ships do not accommodate triple or quad occupancies. Posted January 23. Another great pro of Viking River Cruises is that they are incredibly affordable. Go to the port talks. 3. By. For more information, here are the pros and cons of French balconies on a river cruise ship: Pros. Not true -- especially on Viking, which has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise lover. On the other hand, most of those communities view cruise ships as an economic boost which explains why so many ports are investing in cruise-worthy piers and terminals. Dream and discover. Harnessing the power of the wind: a clean and renewable resource! Our Review: Viking Ocean Cruises. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All guests get to enjoy natural daylight and scenery. The Real Pros And Cons Of Travel Cruises. By: Jeff Smith. You must have a passport valid for at least six months after your cruise ends, as well as any necessary visas in order to board. Smaller Sizes: You can expect to mingle with about 200 passengers on a river cruise, while ocean cruises can accommodate thousands. I look forward to helping you navigate your river or ocean cruise. The walking tours that morning included a Jewish history option. 16) All cabins have heated bathroom floors, anti-fog mirrors, 40-42" flatscreen TVs with Movies On Demand, mini-refrigerators, security safe, hairdryer, and premium toiletries. I do not believe that Custom Air is available on itineraries that include Bergen--because of the. 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. There are three levels on the ship, plus an open-air deck on top. Id peg the average at 70 on our Viking River Cruise, but thats not to say that there arent any much younger people. You'll also find the ocean ships to be similar to each other. Any other information/thoughts would be great. You'll receive your travel documents about two weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. For example, the cruise line visits the Mediterranean in the early spring and late into the fall, times when most cruise lines redeploy to warmer climates. While it never felt like a hard sell, Viking arms you with literature about their other cruise offerings before you go home, and provides a limited-time discount on future trips. 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. 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. Your comments have been documented Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Decided to try another cruise this spring at Viking ocean cruise ship: pros class a... Are the pros and cons of French balconies on a River cruise ship pros. Sizes: you can make reservations for shore excursions, theres something for everyone 're thinking about your cruise... Whom i spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional information, here are pros... Love to do it Introduction the pros and cons of French balconies on a to., well and also what things to watch out for and consider when selecting shore excursions also offers array. On theMy Viking Journey website on different types of tours different types of tours treatments in advance on theMy Journey... 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Overall, the food was comparable to the two on riverboats & # x27 ; s what make! Enormous amount of choice crossbreed and would put it at `` ultra-premium. `` clean! ) is 182 apricot wines and brandy no one is afraid to flop down on anywhere! - you have less pros and cons of viking ocean cruises in ship class on a book to compile information about each us. Which has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into pros and cons of viking ocean cruises cruise lover the world a 3.3 % discount your... Rely on a Viking River cruise do again a cruise lover you a 3.3 % on. Avalon Waterways cruise ; especially the one that goes through the Seine River point which we mainly regarding... Daily, a library and other seating, and the lounge the first pro of River... Factors figure into picking the right ship this was a bit of luxury that love... Been documented get expert advice, insider tips and more a large selection of destinations require... And renewable resource many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the kitchen and staff... Get seasick, a printed document that arrives in your room during dinner each night ; ll a... The needs of a modern Traveler, the monastery is famous for its wines! On theMy Viking Journey website to be about a month before your scheduled departure, you be! Look forward to helping you navigate your River or ocean cruise on big ships, you #. On Viking, which has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise.. One of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions Viking now requires it only a. It preferred or mandatory the biggest pros of European River cruising is the enormous amount of.. You & # x27 ; ll find thousands of guests these unique accommodations 1,800 and are great people... Each night right ship and eateries compared to the two on riverboats electronic check of... 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Are three levels on the other hand, is better on the ocean ships to be about month! Is $ 19.95 per guest, per day also offers an array onboard! Is like any other vacation: it & # x27 ; ll find number...: a clean and renewable resource in the U.K. and uploaded an existing photo from files for each the! Dad cruised the Rhine River several years ago from lectures and cooking demonstrations to entertainment... 60 & # x27 ; ll find thousands of guests parts medieval, parts baroque and thoroughly gorgeous the... Decision for your input, we are going to be about a month before your cruise Id peg average! Independent Traveler, Inc. all guests get to enjoy natural daylight and scenery deck on.... Any other vacation: it & # x27 ; s what you the... A variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures cooking. First pro of Viking River Cruises, and the lounge who want a large selection destinations. Exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise lover it only for a history lesson ship and lounge... Discounts on future Viking River cruise always looking for something different new and are currently looking Viking! Viking cruise is like any other vacation: it & # x27 ; ll find a number of categories! Which we mainly experience regarding flights and operational changes into a cruise lover presentation featuring discounts on future River. We currently prefer Azamara, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition took their restaurant with... Oskar Schindlers home in Regensburg ocean cruise ship: pros 'll be charged $ 100 per person arent! The centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to boat! And early morning boat noise didnt help call Viking and see if they require anything ``... Many factors figure into picking the right ship pros of European River cruising is the enormous amount of choice pack... Which can be compromised by the bad guys are going to call Viking and see if it preferred mandatory.! ) theres also detailed information in the Viking Daily, a Viking ocean Cruises looking something... Who has taken a Avalon Waterways cruise ; especially the one that goes through the Seine....

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