milling73

I can confirm we arrived in Amsterdam Thur evening around 6 pm by bus from Cologne. We left Cologne Thur morning for the drive to Kinderdyke, and about 2 hours there. There was a stop at a restaurant for lunch, only to find bus was at wrong restaurant. Back on bus, to right restaurant who unfortunately had received wrong head count and didnt have enough meals to serve. Some made do with a grilled cheese. It was a long last day, on interstates, few views. Nor a great last few days - everyone was tired of the bus, not everyone was happy with hotel room received compared to what they had on boat, the lack of menu choices, and general disappointment in how trip ended.

We board boat at Trier on Monday. Maybe we will know more then. I believe in Viking - this is our 8th cruise with them, and we have always raved about our trips. These are extreme circumstances all over Europe, and to give Viking credit, they are doing their best to give a similar itinerary in seeing the sights / towns, booking us very nice hotels and buses. BUT…a similar itinerary is not the same as similar experience. That is where I fault them for not saying upfront what the cruise might or could become, and letting their passengers decide whether to go or wait.

Gentleman cruiser - You are correct. Calling CS agents is pointless. They are in office in States with no clue. They are booking agents period. In fact I have not met one Viking employee here who has info, or is willing to share it honestly. When a boat manages to suddenly get hotel rooms in Cologne for 180 guests for 2 nights, in peak tourist season - there is no way the “low water issue” popped up in 24 hours with that many rooms available.

Kogclark - if u want my best advice on your Paris - Zurich trip. Cancel now and take voucher. we just checked in Paris hotel to start our trip. Part of this trip is Middle Rhine - we left that 2 days ago and it is too low for Viking boats. I just asked our cruise director here at hotel if boarding at Trier would we actually sail or be on boat entire trip??? I got the same politically safe answer as on our last trip, “we are monitoring the conditions”. I can tell you upfront the conditions here are drought. It would have to rain heavily for solid week(s) before the Rhine and Danube are at normal levels. If you dont care how many days on boat, or sailing, or on bus — Come. If you want the river cruise you booked - WAIT

Also as a mention, when on the boat, there were always some guests who chose to stay on the boat. Maybe they had already been to that spot, or maybe they felt like reading a book on top deck lounge chair with a drink, or tired and wanted to nap. when we had to leave boat, all of those options disappeared. We were all on the bus to whatever that day itinerary was until our hotel. When stopped for period of time buses are not allowed to remain running. Inside heats up pretty quick. It has been sunny, warm (75-90) range every day of our trip. Cool nights / mornings.

In my opinion how Viking is handling this is wrong. The email many will receive is a notice you will be meeting different boat. As all are pretty much identical that is not an issue. The email also references low water that might impact sailing by reduced speeds or I think maybe a boat swap. What it does not mention is how much time you will spend in a bus, or be in hotels. Or that alot of why you booked a river cruise can not occur right now. after 2 weeks before you cannot cancel. If I has known how extensive the low water levels are, not just in a few areas, I would have postponed with a voucher.

We are now in Amsterdam, end of the Grand European. I cant say what every cruise is doing on the Rhine. But the middle Rhine sightseeing cruise by Lorelei Rock is probably not going to happen on a Viking boat. It is correct - sandbars are in middle of river in several places. Sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. We swapped boats at Regensburg. Was on new boat 3-4 nights, and then off boat for good. 2 nights hotel Pullman in Cologne. 1 night at Movenpick hotel Amsterdam. Long days on bus the last 4 days. Some scenic but mostly interstate. Meals are provided but you have no say in what ordered. It is a one menu fits all platter put in front of you. Our last meal tonight was a buffet. we are to begin new cruise Paris to The Alps Saturday, as we booked back to back month cruise. I just received an email that we are to meet a new boat at Trier. So I am assuming it will be at the very least a boat swap. For sure we will not do the Rhine scenic sail because it is too shallow in that area. We took a smaller hour cruiser like for sightseeing, and it was packed with Viking guests. Top deck completely full. Sitting inside has a/c, but limited viewing. Is a nice boat. I also have sent multiple emails to Customer Service - no answer. i am only trying to update people honestly as to what your cruise MIGHT become. Because Viking is not. Was our trip bad? No it was not. Days on the boat are beyond wonderful. Days on the bus are long, no drinks, cant get up and go out on deck or lounge chair, going from 1 stop to another. No choice in food, unless you buy your own. Hotels while nice have no outside seating, or tv channels in English that we found. i will update if we stay on boat from Trier to Basel.

As of yesterday the Viking cruise we are on, stopped near Mainz, and we all had to leave boat. We did sail the Rhine Gorge on a small sightseeing boat, chartered by Viking. We got to that by bus. We lost 4 days of river cruise to bus trip. Also when on the Main canal - top deck is closed sailing.

We started from Budapest to Ending Amsterdam on Aug 12. At Regensburg we swapped boats. But the next notice was traffic on Rhine was restricted and our boat could not go on. We got off near Mainz. The ironic thing is we left our boat, drove 2 hours to board a boat for an hour sightseeing tour on Rhine. Then bus to Marksburg castle, then longer ride to Cologne for 2 nights here at hotel Pullman. A lovely hotel with great food. Unfortunately no spirits pkg. its not that this is horrible trip - there has been wonderful days of beautiful sailing. And even this is not bad, it just isnt what we expected. And it does require more packing, walking, and is much less scenic or relaxing. Sitting in a hotel room vs in deck chair on boat. I am just trying to give those who have booked a river cruise with Viking for Aug, quite possibly through Fall, and you expect your trip to be all sailing - monitor river levels / rain in Europe, or be prepared for a boat swap or bus / hotel trip. If you are okay with that agenda go, if not, postpone before the 2 weeks cancellation policy of Viking. Trip insurance does not cover going from boat to land, because they try to keep close to original itinerary- just by bus. Viking has not mentioned any reimbursement vouchers for us. In fact, CS has so far not responded to emails / phone calls that go to voicemail.

We are on Viking Grand European - now a bus tour. The Rhine / Danube rivers are too low for travel in many places. We swapped boats at one point and that was fine. But near Mainz river again too low. The last 4 days are via bus and hotels. 2 nights Cologn, 1 night Amsterdam. If you are expecting a river cruise it isnt going to happen. Viking is a wonderful company, but they can’t make it rain. They are also lax in telling people upfront that rivers are or may be too low for navigating, and while you will take similar itinerary, it will be by bus. And if no boat to swap to as hotel - it will be town hotel. To me, they are mishandling this. Give customers the option to go whatever happens or option to cancel with voucher refund. They are not, they wait til you arrive or 2 days before informing you of boat change, because boat you were scheduled to take cannot get up river to you.

We were to depart boat on Friday. As I understand it, we will spend 3 nights at Cologne hotel, and 1 night Amsterdam. Those with Spirits package are receiving credit on account for missing days. I believe we will receive meals at hotel. viking is trying to substitute itinerary, etc. it is disappointing for passengers, but there is nothing anyone can do but either fly home early or go with whatever can be worked out. If water too low, boats can’t sail. Europe is having unprecedented drought and heat: crops dry, communities running out of water, this is affecting far more people than those of us on river cruises.

We are on viking grand european going to Amsterdam. Today was at Wurzburg. Announced tonight that tomorrow last night on the Vili. We will be going to Coligne by bus, then on to final day in Amsterdam hotel. The Rhine is too low. Viking is trying to give comparable itinerary. And they are scrambling for accommodations. This has never happened. We have already swapped boats, this time there is no boat to swap to. And no other alternative but bus. Anyone with a cruise involving Rhine / Danube right now be aware what going on. One can literally walk across these rivers in places. We were to leave this cruise and join Paris to The Alps Saturday. We have no idea if any of that be by boat. We have received no communication from Viking on that trip.

Now on Viking Vili. We rejoined the Vili at Nurnberg. We did not lose any cities, and most optional excursions took place. I believe Munich was canceled. The buses are very nice - large viewing windows, comfy seats, good legroom, and yes a tiny bathroom that people did use. We have enjoyed being on the bus, we see scenery not seen from boat, and more up close views of homes, farms, and villages. Best of 2 ways to travel really. Viking is very efficient in these situations. I advise anyone on upcoming cruise - dont cancel, enjoy the possibly new arrangements, and pack Light!!

Yes. On rooms that is correct. All Viking river boats identical. Today we left by bus …2 1/2 hrs to Regensburg. Walking tour. Lunch paid by Viking. About 2 hr free time, then 2 1/2 hr drive back. Half of the drive so very very scenic, and we see views not seen from river. Up and over these tall hills, hairpin curves, small villages, farms. what i am getting at - dont cancel ur trip because U might have to repack or bus. It is not a big deal..in fact almost an added bonus. Viking takes care of everything. Go with the flow and enjoy each incrediblly fun and beautiful day!!!

Currently on Viking Mimir, Budapest - Amsterdam. The captain informed us tonight that due to low water levels our boat cannot sail past Passau. We will bus to Regensburg and transfer to Viking Vili around that area. It is not known if that will be the only boat transfer, but he said there are other areas on Danube and Rhine that may have issues.

We are currently cruising on Viking Mimir from Budapest - Amsterdam. Now near Krems, going towards Melk Abbey in Austria. we have passed a few other riverboats from opposite direction, and so far have not had any water level issues. cooler temps than we expected, and cloudy. It is mid 60’s right now.

On Viking Mimir - others are correct. Dress code is casual or nice in dining room or terrace. There are some in skirts, dress, slacks/top, leggings / long top. Nice shoes, tennis shoes, sandals - and all are fine. It really depends more on how much luggage brought, and your personal preference. Truly it is your dress preference. Wear what you wear to eat out at home. During day on tours or on boat - it is the same. Wear what you wear to go for night out or city / sightseeing at home. if you want to dress up, and you brought enough clothes to do that - you will look nice and enjoy doing so. If you made do with carry-on (as we did) I packed a couple summer dresses, long skirts, capris, and long pants with tops that all intermix and wrinkle-free material. Do that and there will be plenty of others in same. My husband is wearing mostly cargo shorts / Polo shirts. He has khakis n black polo jeans as well. Those get him anywhere. It is quite warm right now -some are wearing shorts in main dining room and no one cares. In our Vienna city tour, sitting on bench watching people pass - I saw women in nice dresses, shorts, jeans, skirts, - literally about everything - one thing that many did wear in common is Tennis Shoes!! Do not bring high heel fashion - bring comfortable walking shoes and from what we are seeing about 90% shoes worn are either sandals or plain tennis shoes - worn with everthing - men and women….with dresses, skirts, pants, shorts. until the airline - luggage crises improves I strongly rec omend minimal packing. At least 3 couples in our group were days without luggage. And only thanks to Viking tracking it down - did they get their bags.

Luv2travel: czech republic does not use Euros. We changed planes in Frankfurt, withdrew 300 euros at a Banco ATM. (Which endedup being $309 dollars from our bank account). Then at Prague hotel there is a machine similar to ATM. We put in 50Euro bill and it gave us equivalent in czech corona i think called. Do not get much Czech money because most purchases can b credit card. Capital One does not charge foreign trandaction fee, so we always use it. Check ur credit card, some charge 3-5%. Get card that doesnt charge foreign use fee for trip. Use cc, u will get best rate and dont have worry about change or if paying right etc. we used the czech money we had for ice cream, small purchases n tip to maid. Budapest is same. They use Hungarian money. They will accept euros but u will pay so much more in the exchange. Use ur cc. Most other countries on our cruise now use Euros. Many Public bathrooms are pay attendant. Or coin needed.

The elevator they wanted was from sidewalk to river. There were buildings near and they assumed they would have elevator to path by river / docking ramp. There is not. We boarded at Budapest down about 15 steps to path above river. Then because river is low, the ramp to our boat was also pretty slanted. A downhill walk onto boat, uphill ramp from boat to path, then about 15 steps to road/sidewalk.

We used ATM for withdrawal of Euros once here. Exchange rate is best. Be sure to have coins for bathrooms. Few are free. Most take 1 Euro coin.

Viking does not use Hilton Old Town in Prague. They use large Hilton at edge of business district. Yes it is walkable to Old Town, little over mile or so, once you know the directions!! Problem is Viking reps were not doing good job of assisting or offering much in way of assistance in giving detailed maps or directions. As far as subways / trams - 1) not all travelers are from large cities or accustomed to using those, 2) Czech uses cryllic language, so signs are not written in recognized spelling or letters in making out words - unless you read Czech. We would have had no idea which stop, or where to go from there, 3) Prague is very walkable, but only if very fit. Many stairs, uneven surfaces, all cobblestones, some slick - very few railings. Steep hill to castle. Viking really needs to emphasize this in bookings. There were guests in our group using canes, or who could not manage the distance on the walking tour, nor the stairs, nor the cobblestones and there was no way to avoid. There are concrete steps to and from most boat dockings so far. And we had 2 guests ask for elevator- there is none. If one can not manage stairs easily, should not be on these cruises.

Sorry wifi is spotty on boat and messages jump. Now on Mimir leaving Budapest on Grand European. We are sailing and sailed out on schedule. As a side note, at no time during airport check-in, country customs, hotel check-in in Prague, nor check-in onto Viking Mimir were we asked for COVID vacine record. Not once.

We are on the 3 night Prague extension for Viking river cruise. First of all, I highly recommend visiting Prague, it must be one of the most interesting, beautifully full of old-world charm cities of Europe. The old center is very walkable, albeit tennis shoes are highly recommended, and nearly everyone wears them, as most streets and sidewalks are cobblestone. On hotels, Viking uses several. We are in the Hilton, and I urge anyone to stay in a different hotel - closer to the Old Quarter! The Hilton while beautiful, is more in the business district, there is nothing of tourist interest nearby, and only 1 good restaurant, outside of the hotel itself. It is quite a distance to walk to Old Town areas and it is very easy to loose one’s way in a mish-mash of street junctions, and street names that do not appear on tourist maps. Also while fairly easy to take a taxi to the Old Town, it is very difficult to find a taxi from Old Town. There are no taxi stands near the Square, nor at the Prague Castle that we saw.

We are on the Prague pre-trip start of the Grand European. We will bus to Budapest today, and we just received notice from Viking that due to current low water levels, our boat, the Vili, could not make it. We will be meeting the Mimir in Budapest instead. The notice did not give any further information, other than they hoped to maintain schedule for optional tours, etc. I will give updates as we travel. Rain has been in daily forecasts these last 3 days in Prague, but no rain received here. Mostly Sunny with temps in low 80’s.

We are on the 3 night Prague extension for Viking river cruise. First of all, I highly recommend visiting Prague, it must be one of the most interesting, beautifully full of old-world charm cities of Europe. The old center is very walkable, albeit tennis shoes are highly recommended, and nearly everyone wears them, as most streets and sidewalks are cobblestone. On hotels, Viking uses several. We are in the Hilton, and I urge anyone to stay in a different hotel - closer to the Old Quarter! The Hilton while beautiful, is more in the business district, there is nothing of tourist interest nearby, and only 1 good restaurant, outside of the hotel itself. It is quite a distance to walk to Old Town areas and it is very easy to loose one’s way in a mish-mash of street junctions, and street names that do not appear on tourist maps. Also while fairly easy to take a taxi to the Old Town, it is very difficult to find a taxi from Old Town. There are no taxi stands near the Square, nor at the Prague Castle that we saw.