milling73

We took the Danube Waltz the first week of September. Others have posted detailed summaries, but for anyone considering a Danube cruise, I wanted to add:

Budapest is absolutely breath-taking. It is so much prettier than we ever expected it to be, with beautifully ornate buildings everywhere. Viking has a prime docking location at the Chain Bridge, making for easy walking to many of the main sights. The pedestrian zone is less than 5 min away, with lots of sidewalk cafes and shops like Hard Rock and a Harley Davidson (with very reasonable prices). Our only regret is that we did not arrange for additional days in Budapest. We truly enjoyed all that managed to see, and just wish we could have explored it more. Do read up on and walk along the river to view the Shoes Along the Danube from WWII period. It is a poignant memorial.

Bratislava - is another great stop, with historical buildings and a walking tour, as is the small village of Durnstein. It with its narrow cobblestone street, full of neat shops to explore. I thought the time allowed in both of these places was just about right - allowing us enough time to shop or wander.

Passau is featured in many brochure photos, but I can honestly say none of the photos do it justice, nor reflect that this is a village with the complete package of location, charm, perfectly blended colors, and beauty. We did hear the organ, and it was impressive, but it was more tones / sounds. I think I would have enjoyed it more had they played a song or music we knew. The best views of the village are from the castle atop the hill, and its well worth the trek to get there. There is a bus, but the walk while all stairs, isn't that bad. We took our time and enjoyed the incredible views.

As for the local guides..some were very good, and some were not. Our guide for Vienna talked non-stop for the duration. The man had serious lung capacity, and memory for his speech. Its just that little of what he said was interesting. On the bus, he gave us historical dates and names from the beginning of time, that none of us could remember, or frankly cared. It would have been nicer for him to describe some of the current sights we were passing.

Viking did a great job. We liked Viking Legend, the staff was totally efficient, and we thought the food very good.

We highly recommend the Danube trip, and if we repeat one, it will probably be that one. That's how much we enjoyed it.

How do the Vantage cruises work? Is everyone on the boat on the same tour, or is it a tour group chartering space.? Are all guests English speaking or mixed languages?

Haven't seen many reviews or information on them. Thanks for any assist..

I agree that Viking's pre-pay policy is a major drawback, and one that I've complained about on this site, as well as to them. Yes, their refund policy and trip insurance covers customers, but getting that is a hassle as well. It would be much simpler and fairer to pay a deposit, and the balance 90 days out as nearly every other company requires. The age group of river cruise customers do not book / cancel on a whim.

However that being said, on the trips we have sailed with them, we have found the trip and service to be outstanding and well worth the cost. Their airfare in particular has been a good deal. I've monitored prices closely using every site I can think of, and never found as low of fares as they given us, and with the connections and times I wanted. The included transfers are an extra bonus as well.

I've also compared Viking prices to Avalon, AMA, Uniworld, and unless I'm pricing the other companies wrong, or they have better rates than posted; Viking has been significantly lower in price, which honestly was why we booked our first trip with them.

I do think that to keep customers in a growing market, if Viking isn't going to change their payment policy, then they need to increase the benefit tiers of their loyalty program.

Mark T...great post and perspective!

It is extremely disappointing when a vacation does not go as anticipated or planned, particularly when thousands of dollars are involved. I didn't mean to sound unsympathic, but more to forewarn those who have not taken a river cruise.

Unlike ocean cruises that can sail around a hurricane or alter their route....river cruise tours have few options, other than to leave the river if conditions are such that they cannot sail. I've read so many posts of "I booked a river cruise, not a bus trip. I want a refund." But the fact is, that is exactly what "could" happen if conditions warrant. I don't think it occurs often, but cruisers need to be aware that the possibility exists, and be prepared to accept the change in agenda and transportation.

This June saw unprecendented flooding on several European rivers, and all of the river lines were involved in the crises. We just returned from the Danube Waltz and saw the high water marks on the buildings at Passau, as well as other cities, that far surpassed previous records.

Several rivers in the US often flood higher and faster than any predictions - with equal surprise and disruption. No company can control, predict or prevent weather issues, or water levels. If the river is too low, they can't sail. If the river is too high, they can't sail, and the terms on all river lines state that alternative transportation may have to be arranged in that event.

Viking and other companies did the best they could under extreme circumstances, that were beyond their control. This was not a mechanical breakdown of their boats, or the fault of their staff. They should have been complimented on the very fact that they were able to find/arrange alternative transportation, lodging, food, and tours for their passengers at that time.

Good and valid points, thank you!! We are booked on Jewels next year, but after reading the great review written, was considering trading. But will stick with Jewels and take extensions on both sides.

I've been comparing these 2 and trying to decide which one to take. The itinerary is similar. Cultural has the extra stops / days on the river. But more seem to take Jewels of China trip.

Anyone have insight, or by any chance taken both trips? Cultural offers fewer sail dates. Blue Devil your review is awesome, and very helpful!!!

How hot / humid did you find the August weather to be?

Thanks for any suggestions..

I've been reading their website and planned tours. Many of them look amazing, and to countries that most river cruises are not yet offering..Spain, Scotland.

However, from what I read (and am possibly misinterpreting)..they charter space aboard other already scheduled vessels and world passengers for their tour group. So not everyone on the boat, is part of the tour, group, or with the same agenda. The shipboard credits can be applied to other tours offered on the ship.

It sounds more like tour trips offered by travel agencies of "join us for..." they will put a group together with a host/tour guide. The vessels listed are small cruise ship type, rather than river boats.

None of this is necessarily a bad thing, but more, if my interpretation is correct, on how they differ.

Mem5...Pekin IL. We are Pekin area also Just returned from Danube Waltz.

For post travel if looking at Switzerland, check into Lucerne. We were there last year before a Viking cruise, and it has to be one of the prettiest areas of Switzerland..surrounded by mountains and a lake. We wished we had allowed more than 2 nights, as there is much to see / do. We took the train..good connections.

email bmillinger@pmpinc.com if any questions on Viking or the area.

We will be on the China Jewels early next June, and I've loved reading all these threads..helpful and so interesting.

What type of clothing did the women wear on the trip?

I know it will probably be warm and humid and a loose cotton skirt can be cooler than pants, but wasn't sure whether to take or not. Same for capris / knee shorts..were they worn? Or all jeans / slacks?

Is there a Captain's dinner or more dress up night?

Thanks for assist..

We too are considering this trip..

What was your August weather -- temps / humidity like on your trip? (I had read that it was one of the prettiest months with lush green foliage.)

Would you go in August again, or if not, what month would you recommend for this trip?

What clothing should we take?

Thanks..

As to the type of cabin -- We have taken 3 Viking cruises, 1 with picture window, 2 with the half window. And family members that have had the French balcony on our last cruise. They loved having the view and the fresh air of the balcony...

....but you have to take into consideration that for the most part you will only enjoy those things waking up in the morning. Look at your trip itinerary when choosing a room, because if often docked in a town at night -- there is a good chance you will be moored alongside another ship, thus curtains / doors will be closed. And when sailing during the daytime, most opted to be on deck or in the lounge for a 360 view, and more space.

We have never had a balcony cabin, and have not missed it. The a/c on the boats we have been on worked great, and we could keep the room about any temp we wanted. The higher half-height windows allow quite a bit of light so the room was not dark or dreary.

But as to which category of room to chose - it really depends on your budget and personal preference. There is a significant price difference between balcony cabins and the half window cabins, for us, enough that we chose to go lower, and apply the savings towards another trip.

Actually the thing I would most choose on a cabin is location at any level -- nearness to stairs and/or reception. Those boats are long. If you do select a balcony cabin, choose the mid-level one. There is no advantage to being on the upper-most deck. There is just more stairs coming/going each day, and I heard they were noisier from foot traffic of those on the sun deck.

Hope that helps.

SATLHR - Thanks for your information. We are booked on the June 6 Imperial cruise next year. How hot was it? Mid 80's or mid-90's? What type of shoes / clothing did you take? (tennis shoes, sandals, shorts, capris?) Is laundry service available? Jacket needed? Did you take any of the optional tours? recommend them?

Thanks...

Well, we have just received both our Visa's and Viking Package for our upcoming June 20th Shanghai to Beijing tour/cruise. Excited. Did however notice that they had changed our hotel in Xi'an from the Westin Xi'an to the Crowne Plaza, has anybody stayed at either of these hotels, and if so any input please.

 

Also, if there are people out there, somewhere, who are on this venture with us, would love to hear from you.:)

Sorry my earlier message jumped. We will be taking this same trip next June. Would like to hear about weather / clothing to take..and any other suggestions. Thanks. Milling73

We are taking your trip next June -- 6/7/2014. Will be really interested to hear about your trip! Any hints / suggestestions for future travelers. Particularly how the weather was, and what type of clothing to take. Thank you! Have a safe and wonderful trip.

Milling73

We took our first river cruise with Viking in April 2012 - The Rhine Getaway. We were so totally impressed with Viking's efficiency, the tours, the ship, the complete package, that upon our return we immediately booked 2 more trips for 2013. And we are now looking at booking for 2014 The Imperial Jewels of China.

However, there is one aspect of Viking that we strongly do not agree with. And I know that Viking monitors these sites, as I've seen them respond -- so this is really an open letter to Viking Management, and maybe if enough of us agree with my issue -- they will respond with a change in policy.

Viking's booking policy is to place an initial deposit, plus insurance, which is reasonable. What is not resonable is that full payment is expected months / year in advance. (Right now for 2014 Jewels of China Full Payment is due by mid-February 2013.)

If I do book with another company, it will be because of their booking policy vs Vikings’. Yes, I know we can get (some) money back, etc..but that is a hassle. Bottom line -- we are giving Viking thousands of dollars, months to well over a year in advance of a trip -- basically deposited on faith that we will go, and that Viking will even still be in business.

I’ve been looking at other lines (Avalon for one). They offer very similar trips / prices. The biggest difference ---- final payment is due 90 days out. That seems so much more fair and reasonable to me.

We went in August, so cannot answer your question.

Caribill...how was August?

We are booking the China Jewels and are trying to decide between mid-April or mid-October. Can anyone who has taken either give us an idea of temperatures they experienced? Several have written nice, but nice short sleeves type, or nice with jacket? Were flowers blooming in April, or still green in October, or fall foliage? I know weather is a variable any year, but still would be helpful. This will be our 4th Viking cruise and have loved them all, but they were all in Europe. This will be first trip this part of the world, and have really enjoyed reading all 65 pages of this thread!