Also, I had no clue that all drinks were not included it reads a little different or should say not as clear on the cruise lines sites. Glad to help, Marvin! Its funny, one of the biggest barriers to cruising is for people to actually take their first cruise. When considering how you should dress for a Viking river cruise, depending on the cruise you have chosen, first, think about the season and what weather you may expect. Is it better to do prepaid gratuities on a cruise? Once you pay for your cruise, youre pretty much all set. Europe also set record-breaking temperatures in this summers heatwave, approaching 100 F the day we visited Vienna. Learn more from my first-hand experiences sailing with Viking Expeditions, Rivers, and Oceans at the links below. As I mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of a Rhine River cruise is viewing the 40+ castles that line the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. We used it from day one to secure our passports and for storing extra cash and other valuables. River cruising can be a relaxing way to see the world while waking up in a new place to explore daily. I have never measured the height of windows in standard rooms, but I dont think anyone spends time gazing out them. I just booked an optional tour and they took it off of my shipboard credit automatically. You will be better prepared for your Viking river cruise! Every Viking longship cabin is fitted with a closet safe. TIP: River Cruises allowed minors in the past, but as of August 1, 2018, minors (children under 18) can no longer be booked. Colleen. See my first time cruising with Viking, here: Stress-Free Travel with Viking Ocean Cruises. If you are taking a fly-cruise package and your luggage is lost by the airline, it could take time for your luggage to be found and may even have to be delivered to the ship at the next port of call. It makes me even more excited to take my first European vacation. And it only gets better from here. I hate being nickel and dimed. On the Viking ships you'll find American plugs (as well as European), making it easy to plug in your electronics. Would 45ers work on Viking? Hi Donna! You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. BTW..This article is awesome. Find out the latest news on P&O tipping here and tip confidently, worldwide. We live in snow country and are a bit flummoxed by what outerwear to bring! Go up to the Veste Oberhaus for a view of the confluence of the three rivers: Inn, Ilz, and Danube. If we dont have a choice in the matter, why dont they pay the employees a good wage so we dont have to deal with the tips situation. Cruise Luggage Tips - If you are travelling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry on bag each. 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. So glad you found our Viking tips to be of help. I did a bit of online research, and I have learned that breakfast is served earlier on the Aquavit Terrace, but I was unable to confirm that dinner is served earlier. Danube River Cruise Cruise Wear Loire Valley European Tour Cruise Travel Cruise Tips Cruise Wear Loire Valley European Tour More information . They are easy to pack, easy to carry and pack flat when not in use. Sometimes this strategy worked, other times not so well. Find out now here and tip with confidence. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. Our hotel is NH Collection Nurnberg City, Bahnhofstr 17-19. Because Ive heard others say or imply otherwise. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We have taken fourViking River Cruises: the Grand European on the Viking Mimir,the Rhine Getaway on the Viking Var, the Rhine Getaway Christmas Markets on the Viking Eir, and the River of Gold on the Viking Torgil. The cabin steward tip is included in the onboard staff tip, however you could leave an additional tip in your stateroom if you feel it is deserved. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses - no matter the season. The business class airfare alone (because I had to lie flat) was $5,000 per person. Viking doesnt allow children on board. Hi Guys! We were so tired at the end of the day from our expeditions that we just fell into our comfy bed and read and fell asleep. What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? This is not required. Leaving on the Grand Euro in just a few days. You may personalize the amount at your discretion by visiting the reception desk. Disclaimer Vagrants of the World Travel are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I am 55 and no you cant really see out the window except for tree tops in some cases. We have not done the Danube Christmas Market itinerary, so I am not sure about the time of arrival in Passau. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. Baggallini womens Horizon Travel Crossbody cross body handbag, Baggallini Womens Cross Over Bag with Wristlet, Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch Crossbody Bag, Related: A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear. My husband Michael and I write to inspire your best life and encourage you to #livealittle, Filled with tips on blogging, growing your Insta and traveling the world. Perhaps futureiPhone incarnationswill includea quality zoom . Farescost several thousand dollars, although exact rates vary by month and route. Thank you so much!!! There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. I will be doing a Viking Christmas Market cruise this December. You may be denied entry ifyou are considered to be inappropriately dressed. Secure ship contact information in advance. Especially when considering some mens shoes. To avoid sticker shock, we recommend that you calculate the total of your gratuities using the amounts listed below. 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. In fact,the crewoften circulate a list ofcabinsthat have removed automaticgratuitiesamong themselves. Its nice to have insider tips before going on the trip of a lifetime. River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they're still at the core of the brand. Viking's longships squeeze 190 passengers onto a 135-meter ship, which competing cruise lines say make it feel crowded. More casual, etc? Not only does the daily rate go up, but the type of currency changes too (from Euros to American Dollars). Swollen feet from flying is bad at the best of times. Im thinking we would do the tour in the morning and then hopefully spend the afternoon or evening with them. Sharon. This article is a little different than most of the " 52 reasons articles " because it includes tips and Viking Cruise memories from three of the most important people in my world . I would especially like a small group tour of The Lourve. Yes, the cruise ship is incredible. So glad you addressed the laundry issue, especially for longer cruises like our 15-day Grand European. Think about your mix and match. I always pack my tennis shoes and a few lightweight sweaters. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). If you're like me, I like to provide tips for good service and religiously do so. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. Looking for practical and stylish travel wear? Have you done many of these cruises during the winter months? Unfortunately, when you are a travel blogger you need to update social media regularly and run your web site en route. Was this on the lowest deck? 2 Tips on How to Pack for a River Cruise 3 Viking River Cruise Packing List 3.1 River Cruise Clothes 3.2 Footwear 3.3 River Cruise Essentials 3.4 Toiletries 3.5 Electronics 4 Questions on what to pack for river cruise in Europe? Viking River Cruises 2022 update! I boarded the Viking Buri on a windy spring day in Avignon, France. Can you please provide the docking location? Vikingdoes offer you the ability to change your cruise date up to 14 days before departure. Other restrictions apply; call 1-800-377-9383 for details. This satellite service is comparatively expensive, and you may prefer to use your own personal mobile phone to make international calls instead. I am not an expert on cell phone rates. Also there are far more common elements and questions than Viking-specific issues. So glad you found our posts helpful. All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the. The left side of the ship restaurant menus feature daily-prepared chef specialties, often regional seasonal cuisine. What a great tip for economizing when ordering wine! Viking River Cruises have suggested tip amounts per passenger per day. But hes right. Go. (Smile) First, you can prepay your gratuities toViking River Cruisesor your cruise agent before sailing. Cruise dining by default requires that you share mealtimes with other travelers. This was for both the land portion and the cruise. When Ive read advertisements they all say that all are balconies with views. You may also personalize this amount as you feel appropriate.. 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. A shuttle from the ship took our small group of five couples and our guides to the city's 19th district where numerous vineyards are located with their wine taverns called Heurigen. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. I am concerned that the lowest deck is mostly below water level. The text appears: #1 on the oceans . Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants, Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. Ultimately, you should decide whether a balcony is an important feature for you, or not. All opinions expressed are our own based on our experiences. Rivers; . If you inquire at time of boarding, you will be able to learn the date and time. How much should we allocate per day per person for this individual? If youve cruised before , youll be familiar with paying gratuities whether it be before departure or at the end of your cruise. I will return to take a Rhine River cruise one day. Hi Linda! Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. Cheers! Vikingrequires a cruisefaredeposit of $500 per person to confirm your reservation. This is especially true on a river cruise where space in your cabin tends to be more limited than that in a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel. Thanks for sharing this information with our readers, Tom! On the upper deck you may hear some noise from above on the Sun Deck. The 12 nightVikingParis to the Swiss Alps rivercruise vacationis a popular choice that takespassengersthrough France, Germany, and Switzerland. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise. The chair was then positioned so the laundry was facing in toward our room so no one could see it! Here you can customize your travel experience, so all the details are taken care of before you depart. Do you think Viking is a good fit for us? Interesting that they used yours prior to sailing. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. I have been reading all your posts on Viking and have learned a whole bunch! Join us as we usher in a new era of river cruising. 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. Hint! True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions. That said, after your first Viking cruise, you will be hooked! Wow! Cruises arent for everyone, but most people do really enjoy them. Take your own wine into the dining room and they are happy to serve it to you. We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that your curling iron won't blow up is a nice feature. We leave next Tuesday on our third Viking cruise, Lyon & Provence,, and I cant wait! Food and More Food on Viking Cruises Yes, food is an important feature on Viking Cruises, as it is on all cruises. If not, I know you can call Viking to get the information. Hello my name is Patricia. Do you know if we can use our On Board Credits towards the optional tours? Wine and beer are always complimentary during lunch and dinner and during special shipboard events and tastings. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate. . We had a wonderful time and especially loved how organized the entire Viking journey was, from pre-departure to on-board, everything was seamless. Viking Cruises tip: Believe me, no other onboard Strudel is better than this! Second, if you choose not to prepay your tips, they will be automatically added to your onboard ship account. You do not need to bring cash for tips, as tips are automatically charged to the cardtied to your onboard account. I have never been on a cruise, but the whole tipping process is a turnoff. For more information on River vs Ocean cruises, here is a detailed article that compares them. Passengers with scheduled Viking transfers had no problem getting to the ship, but those of us who had made our own arrangements were in a bit of a panic when we could not find our ship. Does Viking provide anything? My husband and I prefer to eat around 5:00 since we go to bed early and get up early. But when taking a cruise much of this (and more) is done for you. You dont have to wear a long black dress every night. I would suggest packing a nice pair of flats, blouse, and jeans or pants, to wear for dinner (no shorts or t-shirts). Hi Howard, love your tips and insights. On our final day, we packed up our stuff, had a delicious breakfast, and Viking assisted us straight to the Lyon airport. We are doing Paris-Normandy this summer. The upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche since its founding in 1997, catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. A great value! It will only be something for you to worry about on the cruise. We were told on our last Viking Cruise if you sign up somewhere you get invited to a special return customer cocktail party the first night. Your insider tips are great. These markets are not just a few craft booths set up for tourists, they are some of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe! When reviewing the river cruise itinerary, look carefully at any excursions you may want to take or have already booked. things to eat on Viking Cruises: half order of lasagna at Manfredi's on Viking Sea Check for special nights at The Restaurant. With this in mind, consider baggage weight allowances if your river cruise includes domestic flights within the country. If you have taken a river cruise, what tips wouldyou offer future travelers? Frequently AskedViking River CruisesQuestions, Should I Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise? I believe that on our river cruise in August 2017 the offer was $200 of future credit for $100. . A Viking Ocean ship sails in Croatia. We were just in Paris last September (cycling trip) and definitely saw the signature Viking busses in the heart of Paris. Besides, viewing the riverat eye-level from a standard stateroom window is cool! So, a high crew to passenger ratio. The Viking Longship is an absolute masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Its priced at $349.00 pp. 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 . Thanks for the great tips. If you are travelling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry on bag each. The Viking Skadi. Anywhere in Europe it is crucial to have toilet money. Suite. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. I would shop around for travel insurance if I were you, but you should definitely get it. . Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. Viking does offer onboard discounts for future cruises, but I have no way of knowing what the offer will be on your cruise. Be advised that ifyou order from the right side of the menu, your entire table willhave to wait to be served until your special order is ready. Bathrobes and slippers are not automatically provided, but they are available upon request. The right side of the menu contains standard options such as fish, chicken and steak. Read Rick Steves article on using cell phones in europe My advice is to go ahead and book all of the included or optional excursions that you would normally book, because there will be plenty of time to visit Christmas markets between excursions and when in port at night. . Thanks for your nice article on what to expect on a river cruise. Sounds like you had a Viking experience similar to ours, Wesley. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. Thanks for sharing this tip! If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. Premium Freyja toiletries. For us, the standard room made sense. Viking River Cruises is probably the best known European river cruising company, and has a wide range of river cruise options in Europe. While on our last cruise, we decided to start compiling a list of tips for first-timeriver-cruisers. I dont care for cruises on huge ships, but I love small ship cruises! Attendant job after 36 yrs. 1.5 5. No,Vikings cruise deposits are not refundable. Viking now offers a pre-paid gratuities option, and you may purchase the standard recommended gratuity for your cruise through the My Viking Journey portal. The Ultimate 2 Days In Amsterdam Itinerary. Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. But, when you are cruising, its absolutely wonderful to see the sights from the comfort of your rooms balcony. Although tips for guides and coach drivers are at your discretion, they are expected. Intent on making the trip the best ever, the staff are fun, personable, and helpful. The last one for you then Ill buzz off My hubby and I are both 45 with no kids. Can you opt out of tipping on P&O Cruises? It is definitely more economical to do hand laundry than to have it done on board . We plan to go a few days early and then make our way to the ship. As I went through the brochure, I had several questions and noted your tips article while searching the website. Some great pre-planning advice there. Viking prides itself on going to astonishing and enriching destinations. Calculate your expected shipboard adult beverage consumption. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. Dont forget restroom coins! In the end, though, they are still a bit more expensive than a traditional ocean cruise. Ive cruised many times but never a river cruise and its on my list for sure! So cool that we have done the same cruises. They can become cumbersome when on the move. There are no worries with having your own wine aboard. I have throughly enjoyed reading your tips! Viking always provides airport transfers for passengers, so I suggest you contact them directly if the information is not in your cruise documents. Thats because, after your disembarkation, you cannot remove the tips. We enjoyed getting acquainted with these people, and it would have been comfortableto have shared all of our meals with them. We mistakenly believedSlovakia used the Koruna (they use the Euro, too), and we knewHungary used the Forint. Viking WiFi can be sketchy at times, but I have always had pretty good success with cabin WiFi for FaceTime audio calls. We always travel with one just in case. Thank you for these tips! If we had not migrated to other tables for lunch and dinner, however, we would have missed out on meeting some incredible people. Hi Carol! Toiletries and all medications - (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. Yes, youre required to tip onViking River Cruises, which is no different from most otherriver cruise companies. Viking River cruises are somewhat casual. When the Program Director or Hotel Manager make the announcementto let them know if you need anything, they are not kidding. 2 Stateroom Hi Diane! My family has really enjoyed the Context Travel tours. Bring your headphones - I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear. One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. If you would prefer to have unlimited beverages during your cruise, Vikings Silver Spirits package is available, but I would be careful to read the fine print before placing the order. We need twin beds; is this possible? Viking River cruises are somewhat casual. Viking staff members will bend over backwards to meet your needs. #4) Utilize The Personalized Cruise Documents Viking Will Send You Before Your Trip Thanks for sharing your opinion regarding cruise gratuities, Diana! Please try again. Learn how your comment data is processed. How awesome that you are about to experience your first Viking cruise! Tipping on Viking River Cruises (A Complete Guide). Use our Carnival Gratuities guide to tipping that explains prepaid gratuities, how much to tip, and who you tip. Hi Veda! Raw VS Jpeg Which Should You Photograph In? Thx for the tips. Passengers on Viking River Cruises are generally English-speaking, well-traveled cruise veterans in the 55-plus bracket, although China and Southeast Asia attracts some younger travelers (think 40 . Should I prepay gratuities on a cruise? Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise, ECCO Womens Crepetray Tie Oxford Walking Shoe, UGG Womens Adley Perforated Fashion Sneaker. Photo: img.cruisecritic.net. Upon arrival, waiters greeted me with a lemongrass scented towel and a glass of ice water. of river cruises on their fleet. Thank for all you do. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. While this is undoubtedly true, many equate this with the need to dress up during the cruise. Glad to help, Mary! It will be cold, obviously, but I am sure you will have a wonderful time seeing Europe during the winter. Stride Take. About what time do the ships get into the port? Is that a crazy thing to say?! You'll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. 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. 1; 2; 3; Next. Is cash in the envelope a preferred method? Hi Tom! The recommended dress code for dinner is elegant casual, and there are no formal nights that you need to worry about packing for. You will love it! If you choose to prepaygratuities, thegratuityrate forEuropean river cruisesis $18 per day, per person. Thanks, it was extremely helpful when speaking with the CS representative. 135 Viewers 196 Page flips 17 Followers 1,156 Stories. . Learn more Pack with Mix and Match in Mind Pack with Mix and Match in Mind I was a bit worried that I wouldnt have enough formal wear for dinner at night, as is required on some cruises, but not to worry. Although mostof these tips are organically our own, some were shared by fellow travelers. I ate it almost every day. 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. That sounds like a great way to begin a cruise on a positive note, John! Hey Howard, . VIKING CRUISES. Sunglasses, sun hat or visor, and sunscreen. The staff is so accommodating that you will probably want to tip more, so use this guide as a baseline. Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. The total cost varies according to the length of the ocean cruise. They not only cook, clean, organize, and serve, but they also entertain. 1. If youre taking a river cruise with Viking, youll want to know how much of a tip to budget for each day. We made a lot of mistakes on our European River Cruise, but if we were smarter, we could have enjoyed it more. Yes, the water level room was on the lowest passenger deck, called the main deck. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! What to Wear on a River Cruise in Europe River cruises are more casual than ocean cruises. Viking has a well-earned reputation for delivering an upscale river cruise experience. In addition, there are moreshore excursionson a river cruise and, unlike an ocean cruise, theyre included in thefaretoo. 1. Collapsible umbrella/lightweight rain gear. Our luggage was whisked right into the room and we had time to explore the boat and meet our fellow passengers on the ship. Think practical anti-theft crossbody purses that cant be overfilled (for comfort), dont stand out yet still look good. After briefly looking at our passports, the Matre d' himself ushered our luggage into a cozy stateroom and explained the features of the room. 4) I have never done a price comparison, so I cant really address the budget option. 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. Just make sure that the medicine is allowed. Hope this helps! Book in several months in advance or in a less in-demand month to receive the best deals. And, I think you could buy 2 of these credits. Thanks for the tips on tipping! Before dinner, in the bar, there was a happy hour. And not to hammer home the point, but Viking cruises are truly luxurious. Hi Sandi, and thanks for your kind words! A French balcony is basically sliding glass doors with no outdoor sitting area. By clicking the subscribe button, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. Probably the best thing to do is give them a call. In 2013, Viking will operate 30 vessels. Hi Howard, thanks for the very extensive list of Viking cruise tips. Most Viking customers are approaching their retirement . We sailed on the Viking Buri well equipped with everything you could need and more. I have been unable to find any tours of the city and surroundings during that 3 days. You can access the Sun Deck anytime, unless it has to be shut down for passing beneathlow bridges. A tip is an incentive or reward for good service, so if it is automatically added to our bill, then it doesnt serve that purpose. You will love the Grand European cruise. I just returned from a Viking Ocean Cruise, and they used my shipboard credit for an added optional cruise. The first night of our arrival we received welcome drinks and listened to music in the Aquavit lounge. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. VikingsSilver Spirits beverage packageis only worth it if you will be drinking outside of the mealtime or prefercocktailsinstead of beer and wine.
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