To learn more about cruising aboard Viking Oceans' Viking Sea, contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383. LauraS It was a cold, gray, impactful morning. Whether or not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to you and the . If you have any medical needs associated with a disability, you must inform Viking at the time of booking. Your kind words about our onboard staff, are truly a testament to their dedication to your comfort. The package price is less than half of what most lines charge. 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. We booked a cruise and bought the Viking Trip Insurance. Plus, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of onboard experiences, from lectures and cooking demonstrations to cultural excursions and onboard entertainment. You will find the river longships nearly identical to each other and the non-longships boats to be relatively similar to the longships in many ways. No need to gas up natural gas is bad for the environment! Lets find out! As very recent veterans of a Viking River Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise we know that Viking's shore excursions cover a lot of interests. There's a choice of seven restaurants and eateries compared to the two on riverboats. -- traveladdict1012. Our marvelous tour guide, Sylvia Seifert, MA, showed us tiles built into the sidewalk that represent victims of the Holocaust. All longships are identical, with possibly a few minor public room changes. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . 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. 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). Any advantages Pros/Cons of using TA? It is very obvious that on an ocean cruise ship, you'll find thousands of guests. An art program throughout Europe, theyre called stumbling stones not to catch the feet, but the mind, and theyre placed in front of the places where the victims last lived. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. We are most likely on the same cruise. The Pros and Cons of Investing in an Expensive Home: Is It Worth the Cost? River cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than ocean-going trips. As part of Viking's inclusive fare, passengers are also treated to one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call. Since we live in Florida during the winter, we thought that it would be fun to go to New Orleans and then cruise the Mississippi. The ships are beautifully decorated, with large staterooms, fine dining options, and an array of amenities to make your cruise as luxurious as possible. ", Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in advance of sailings. Uncovering why natural gas is essential to our lives! Avoid at all costs. One reason: Viking visits ports when it knows its passengers will have better access. I explore what the line does best, well and also what things to watch out for and consider when choosing an Oceania Cruise. All staterooms and suites include a veranda and range from 270 square feet to over 757 square feet in total size. Bring tennis shoes. We returned to the boat for lunch, then sailed the Wachau Valley, a picturesque and rustic section of the Danube famous for its wines. I used the European plugs for those. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. 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. Viking. Thank you. Viking is often referred to as "luxury," a word possibly overused in the travel industry. It's a no-brainer vacation, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the level of adventure and challenge you want from. 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. Viking does not permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean cruises. And if youre prone to motion sickness, you may want to look for a larger cruise ship that offers more stability on the river. Its tight, but doable. 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. The pros and cons of a cruise are very personal. We again boarded motorcoaches in groups; this time, some were going on different types of tours. 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. It was clean and modern. Save. We offer travel planning consultation services for those planning their first trip or their first solo trip. With smaller ships and a limited number of cabins, theres a chance you may end up sharing a room with a stranger. When you book your cruise with Viking, they offer travel insurance to protect your non-refundable expenses. We had a balcony with 2 chairs and a table, but did not use it much because the weather was a bit cool. Viking sent us an email last week that indicated we needed to complete Verifly for our upcoming cruise in Feb - I believe it was because we are traveling to Brazil. Pro - On a Cruise You Can Unpack Once and See The World I love unpacking once and waking up to new scenery daily. Another familiar knock against cruising from those who haven't done it is that the food is of the rubber chicken variety. The smaller size of Viking's ships allows them to access more exclusive ports throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Balcony. Started June 21, 2021, By After we boarded the boat and headed to the dining room for lunch, the ship continued west. You wouldn't notice them unless you were looking.) 2022 by Connie George Travel Assoc., LLC. 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. Viking updates this document frequently. Though theres no gym, the walking track on the open-air deck is an awesome way to get in some miles. I should have had less booze. I should have gone to bed earlier. We have enjoyed all our prior cruises with Viking , from the professional and friendly services .., food, and itineraries specially the European ones. Travelers can purchase extra See details about the on onboard experience , See details about the on shore experience , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Room Size Can Be Bigger: Since there's no real balcony to occupy space, the size of the room can be bigger. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "Understated yet elegant design and detailing throughout the ship was a big hit with me, but then I am an architect." The region you are sailing in is your destination, and the floating hotel that hosts you between the ports does it with style. What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? Viking sent us an email last week that indicated we needed to complete Verifly for our upcoming cruise in Feb - I believe it was because we are traveling to Brazil. There also was a presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By We have been cruising since 1991 and have gone on a vast majority of the cruise lines. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. 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. Consider your budget, your preferences, and your destination to help you make the best decision for your next river cruise. So many travelers choose this type of . It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. From gourmet meals to casual snacks, youll never go hungry. It can be a great [], Table of Contents Introduction The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat: What You Need to Know The Financial Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat vs. a Used Boat The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Boat for Fishing The Pros and []. As soon as they got on the ship, they learned that the reservations never got to the ship. Ive never been on a trip where people took care of things for me. Arrival in Budapest. Read here:https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-PreCruiseRequirement-All-US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ.pdf. Riverboats may have one edge due to the freshness of ingredients being procured throughout the sailing, fresh-from-the-garden herbs, and local infusion on the menus. But from the minute that we met our Viking-appointed driver at midnight in the Budapest airport after a 30-hour trip from Fort Wayne, Indiana, via Chicago (where we were delayed for mechanical issues) and then Frankfurt (where we then missed our connection and ended up with a 12-hour layover) I decided that I could get used to the bountiful little luxuries provided by a Viking River Cruise. 14) 24-hour availability of complimentary specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, 15) All accommodations have both 110V and 220V outlets to accommodate. Drawbacks. In fact, it reminded me that I wanted to delete my account and I have now done so and uninstalled the app. Here are the pros and cons of Viking river cruises you should know. Guests can enjoy tributes such as ABBA and possibly the Beatles and the Rat Pack, as well as headliners. Ask questions! June 5, 2010. . Theres even an Aldi in the basement. When Viking cancelled us in September because our cabin wasn't finished, we lost $500 in airfare. Cruises offered: Danube, Douro , Nile, Po, Seine. It's fairly inclusive. Viking is a perfect choice for first-time cruisers. Posted January 23. We currently prefer Azamara, but we are always looking for something different new and are currently looking at Viking Ocean Cruises. Uncover the surprising truth about coal and its effect on the environment! Cruisers' Choice Awards! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. We had already been armed with maps, and our guide even had euros on hand for those who needed to use the restroom and forgot to bring money. 4) Dress is casual by day and "country club casual" in the evenings. The second highlighted their experience in magical Iceland. People lined the waterways with friends, families, pups, toddlers, beers and musical instruments to watch the golden hour bathe the picturesque pathways. Growing in numbers quickly, Viking currently has 78 river vessels, including their 56 signature "longships," which I'll be discussing. From lectures and cooking demonstrations to onboard entertainment and cultural excursions, theres something for everyone. The day included other talks and a cooking demonstration, along with the usual entertainment in the lounge before and after dinner. Foods are mostly locally sourced. 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. Here are five reasons why: If you cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises, you won't feel like you're whipping out your card to pay for things at every turn. And I dont get paid a dime to say that. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. 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. 7) All staterooms and suites have views, most of which have full balconies or French balconies. Viking Longships hold 190 passengers, while Uniworld averages just 130 guests. I have recently returned from an Alaska cruise on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line. -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. What are the pros and cons of cruising with Oceania Cruises? All guests get to enjoy natural daylight and scenery. To be fair, Viking did a wonderful job conveying all of the health protocols of our clients who recently cruised to Iceland regarding Covid-19 protocols for them and for Iceland. The dining variety, on the other hand, is better on the ocean cruises. Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not. In some cases it may be the housekeeping supply room. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. So when we embarked the Viking Miss. Your comments have been We were on a previous Viking Ocean cruise and it was great. The optional Silver Spirits Premium Beverage Package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer premium wines at meals. Email me so we can start off with a complimentary telephone consultation to meet, see if were a good fit, and start planning your next great vacation or group trip! Embarkation was quick and we ate. I look forward to helping you navigate your river or ocean cruise. For more information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite. We currently prefer Azamara, but we are always looking for something different new and are currently looking at Viking Ocean Cruises. Viking is a perfect choice for first-time cruisers. When you're thinking about your first cruise, so many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the right ship. Required or necessary? The entire trip was top notch all around, from the flights, the hotels, the food, the ship and the excursions. Despite these drawbacks, Viking River Cruises offers an incredibly luxurious experience. Our booking number was 4310667. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that . The difference in size allows the ocean ships to offer a lot more options than their riverboat cousins. I'd love everything having to do with vacations to be positive, and I appreciate and value a lot of what Viking is about and offers. Of course we *had* to have sausage and (for me) a beer at Historische Wurestkuche, the Regensburg kitchen serving the workers who constructed the 12th century Stone Bridge and the oldest sausage kitchen in the world. Passengers also pay extra for gratuities ($14 per person per day), spa treatments and upgraded excursions. Children arent permitted on Viking River Cruises. The cruise line doesn't have a casino, and children under 18 aren't permitted to sail on any of the ships, so passengers don't have to consider things like slot tournaments and kids clubs. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." All of Viking's cruises are port-intensive. Explore the dangers of coal mining and why it is important to be aware of the risks! Suitcase weariness was why I decided to try another cruise this spring. Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not ultra-modern. Discover why natural gas is the better choice for your energy needs! Requirements are constantly changing. Cruising can trample towns with sightseers who leave almost no money (since they eat, sleep, and buy their tours on board). They seem to treat their staff really well too. No other line builds as many ships so quickly or out-markets them. I wont forgo my other means of travel. 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. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. All of Viking's ocean ships are nearly identical, so if you're interested in sailing with the line, you'll have virtually the same experience no matter which of the 930-passenger vessels you choose. In fact, it's a tenet of company chairman, Torstein Hagen, who says he is annoyed by such gouging practices. 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. Pros Free Wi-Fi Was this review helpful? You got this! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Asia had been on my bucket list for 20 years. Dream and discover. Many people book second, third and more trips on Viking. We were not disappointed. Of course, there are also some drawbacks to Viking River Cruises. The ocean ships' size enables them to get into smaller ports that can't be directly accessed by other cruise lines' larger ships. Ours was the Viking Jarl, built in 2013. Pro: Easier to manage the details of the trip. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking Ocean Cruises' Cooking with the Chef, How to Pick the Best Shore Excursions: Key Questions to Ask, 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise over a Land Holiday, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, 7 Deadly Sins of Cruising and How to Rise Above Them, 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your OceanMedallion Experience, Jane McDonald, Rob Brydon and 12 Other Cruise Line Celebrity Ambassadors Making a Splash at Sea, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise. I had beer at a ratskellar, visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the included walking tour. Here are some of the things we consider when selecting shore excursions. Our final dinner on the ship was magnificent. 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. It was incredibly foggy when we arrived in Passau. We found the entertainment slightly better on Viking because they have many interesting lectures-O has some but they are not as good most of the time. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "The cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being visited. There's a feeling of bringing the outdoors inside and create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Viking Ocean Cruises started in 2015. Viking now requires it only for a couple of itineraries. Excellent working experience with the team and superiors. 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. 9) Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with shipboard lunches and dinners. The longships specifically accommodate 190 guests. But is a Viking River Cruise the right choice for you? Review for .css-nczv9q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;font-weight:500;}.css-nczv9q:hover,.css-nczv9q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nczv9q:focus-visible,.css-nczv9q[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Viking Saigon to Asia River, Review for Viking Mississippi to North America River, .css-5j432c{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.css-5j432c::before{content:"\e0fc";display:inline-block;font-style:normal;line-height:1;speak:none;-ms-transform:rotate(-0.001deg);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;} Traveled with disabled person.