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Terrific review - your description of a Delft Blue scene was so reminiscent of our day there some years ago - coincidentally on the Eistla as well. The power of those wind sails as we stood nearby was breathtaking. We loved the Aquavit Terrace and look forward to spending some Q-time there very soon. Almost a week to go before we're off to Zurich for our adventure! Thank you for taking the time to share your trip with us!

Awful about your air itinerary, DD. We live on the Treasure Coast as well and usually find it easier over all to fly out of MCO or MIA when we're going abroad. I realize that's not so easy either, but a car service to either airport is a bullet we're willing to bite to avoid an odyssey. Amsterdam, is tough from here anyway with no direct flights from FL as far as we know. I suppose direct MIA-CDG, or MCO-Gatwick and a hop to Amsterdam from there would be the most direct if you went that route. Anyway, we're looking forward to hearing about your river cruise! Bon Voyage!

Nice shot! I grew up on that little finger of land - Rockaway Beach. Have to say the jet roaring overhead weren't great - especially the old SSTs! But living in a small town on the ocean, so close to the city, was wonderful. During Hurricane Sandy, the bay and ocean became one. Fortunately I had already left!

Princess has eliminated the very popular Vines venue on all of their newest ships. As I'm fond of telling, the Vines was mentioned by then-President Jan Schwartz as her favorite venue onboard in one of those ill-fated Princess Live chats during the early days of the pandemic. So go figure... For all the Cloudy Bay fans out there, may I suggest the Sancerre, still at $12 under the new pricing - a little different style for a Sauvignon Blanc than the citrusy New Zealand style, but very good all the same. Certainly well worth it compared to the more recognizable name of Cloudy Bay. The Montagny, at $13 per glass, is a reasonable alternative for Mer Soleil as well - 100% chardonnay, albeit again in a different, more nuanced style.

CineGraphic has been around the (block) ocean a few times and states that his/her favorite cruise line is Princess. Clearly, it is a valid and reasonable opinion and poses an similarly reasonable question. Just how much one will let slide depends on how one perceives value. What CineGraphic is clearly pointing out, imo, is a competitive issue. In a very crowded industry, Princess has heretofore always been able to effectively differentiate themselves. It's their "secret sauce", this differentiation - and it included many little things as well as the big ones. It's why we keep coming back, the expectations - it's familiar and comfortable: the decor appeals to us, the staff is welcoming, the food may not be Michelin quality but it's always been good; but when the formula changes, the value preposition changes as well. The brand means something, represents something - and that something is value. Some of the changes we have experienced since the re-boot have been directly linked to the global supply crisis and COVID. While that's somewhat forgivable and understandable, it does change that value preposition and it becomes a competitive - and cost - issue. I should add that we've taken two cruises since the reboot - one, on Brand X, wowed us, but we were in their Retreat Class; and the other, on the Enchanted Princess, was OK, but certainly not what we were used to - and we're Princess regulars. We're booked for an October/November long TA cruise on the Regal and one after that, so we'll see. CinGraphic wouldn't have bothered to post this if he/she didn't care about their favorite cruise line. They are simply pointing out that along with the fish, there's plenty of competition out there on the high seas. We've noticed. While it's cavalier to suggest we "move on" to "another line", many will if the Princess we know and love becomes something other than what drew us in and brings us back to begin with. That IS important, and we DO care. Care enough to hold FCC's, bookings, and bother to check in and opine here, and enough to allocate considerable sums for our vacation plans. The alleged fact that the complaints have never been this plentiful is telling. Both on this site and others, reviews have been lukewarm. Maybe it's time for Carnival to wake up and realize what business they're still in, and to effectively differentiate their brands. Sending out disabled cruise ships - and eliminating little expectations - is really not a good strategy in that regard. Yes, it's a tough environment, but their competition is not backing down. How much ARE we willing to let slide? I have to think that all this mega-ship building may be at a point where it's exceeding demand. Alternatively, it may be kind of a perfect storm that is rolling in on the cruise industry: changing demographics as us Boomers age out, supply chain chaos, a pandemic, Russian aggression, and now rapidly rising global inflation foreshadowing a possible (probably?) recession. Both Venice and now Barcelona are actively working on limiting the number and size of ships - other ports may soon follow. So head winds are blowing in the industry just as the ships are resuming their operations - it's not a good time for stakeholders; but as long as they're offering berths, they have to perform - and that's just the business they're in after all.

Sadly, that's part of the problem. On our last Princess cruise, our DR waiter got friendly with us and spilled the beans on exactly how much they earn aboard. At that time, it was less than half of what they were used to - no doubt that scared a lot of crew away. Of course that was with limited capacity, but it is what it is to the crew who were not experiencing a break in the workload. Some do have reasonable alternatives, some don't.

Ouch!

We have found the extra-add-on excursions to be very good and worth the extra fare. Take a good look at what's being offered for your itinerary and see if any of them appeal to you. The included excursions are good, but quite basic - use them to get a reasonable overview of the port you are in. They break the passenger loads into small groups for the tours, making them very easy and comfortable. The included ear pieces and transmitters allow you to stray a bit and still hear the guide. After our first Viking river cruise, we were so happy with the experience that we almost swore to never to take a big ship cruise again! But we do and now we appreciate the difference even more so. You'll find the ship life to be akin to a big house party. Naturally, in the early going, it'll be a bit awkward perhaps trying to connect or avoid others! But by the end of the cruise, you will have made new friends and the sounds of laughter and lively banter will fill the DR and Lounge! On our first (we've taken 4, and our 5th is in July - all on Viking) we met a couple from the UK and they have become almost family to us. We have visited them and they us and we always arrange to meet whenever possible. Subsequent trips have also resulted in warm friendships. The days are usually spent touring, whether enroute or in port. The food and service are excellent. Don't miss the open deck lunches! After the day, everyone meets in the lounge pre-dinner. The crew talks about the next day, what we will be doing and interesting things to watch out for. It's a fun, congenial atmosphere. Then, everyone rushes out to the DR to get a preferred table - by mid-cruise, you may have met fellow travelers that you prefer to dine with and may have a favorite table. After dinner there's more fun on the lounge, on some ports they will bring in local folkloric acts or the ship's pianist will play. There's trivia some nights, or just singing and dancing to the music. Not much late activities as you are generally bushed by then. If you enjoy a good cocktail and/or a variety of wine with your dinner, we think their Silver Spirits program very reasonable. Otherwise, the included wine and beer are fine. Pro tip: Don't sweat the cabin choice. It's for sleeping and hygiene only. You will want to spend time on the top deck where you can see both sides of the river and your expensive private balcony limits your exposure to one side - and may be lashed next to another river boat while in port. May want to keep your shades drawn. We take Aquarium Class - it's the same size room without a balcony. Rooms are a bit small, but very comfortable and chicly furnished in the Scandinavian manner. We have found Viking to be very customer-focused. They will go out of their way to ensure your satisfaction. We've taken one of their ocean cruises as well and found that very similar to rivers albeit scaled up. Enjoy your cruise, Hawkeyes!

Very happy to see that the testing requirements have gone away for now. I would think that the hassle and cost of removing passengers with a positive test (that may or not be accurate), with little or no symptoms was causing more problems than it was solving. We'll be careful anyway as we have been so far and are very happy to be looking at a stress-free cruise - as we have always had with Viking.

Lucky you, momofthre3! Boppard is indeed one of the most beautiful stops along the Rhine. It's at a point called the Boppard Loop, where the Rhine takes a oxbow. As our local friend and guide notamermaid said, do take the chair lift up to the top of the mountain. There's a terrific view from there. It's been a long time for us, but when we were last there, there was a small cafe up there serving sandwich boards and refreshments. Take a table and pinch yourself - you're in one of the most beautiful spots on the Rhine! We're passing by in July on Viking - I always wave at the flower-draped balconies at the Belleview Hotel where we stayed! Another fun moment onboard is when the boat passes the fabled Lorelei Rock. You'll probably get a song sheet to sing as you drift by. We did it years ago on a local KB boat - all the locals broke out in song as we passed and now we do as well! Have a great cruise!

Had a similar experience for our upcoming July trip but called Viking (ask for the air desk) and a nice chap took care of things immediately on the phone with us. That was a few weeks ago now and we're still getting a similar message on the My Viking portal, but I know we're booked. Not to worry, call and they will either book your flight or let you know if it has already been done. Clearly they have a vested interest in getting you there!

I can relate with the angst. We're on a July Rhine trip with a four-day pre-cruise land tour and we're having considerable anxiety about what seems to be an almost impossible task of staying COVID-free these days - let alone the travelling risks. I'm sure that the testing days will definitely put a damper of the fun - kind of like a Lifeboat scenario, or one of those TV talent contests where they have to face the judges to see if they're still in the game! Not a great activity for a vacation, by any means. 12 passengers sure seems like a lot on a 152 consist.

Based on our last few cruises, it would appear to us that the younger crowd - those still in the workforce - seem to prefer Celebrity over Princess. Obviously, a subjective take but it sure looks that way to us. The Celebrity ships seem to cater to the younger generation much more so than Princess does. Princess is playing catch-up for that demographic and that is causing their base clientele (older, retired folks) concern. Thing is, most of that older base started on Princess when they were still in the workforce! Kind of a changing of the guard thing. The older crowd now prefer the longer cruises, naturally they have the time and resources for those trips - while the younger demographic are more likely seen on the 7-14 day cruises. But it does appear that Princess is going through a Marketing transition, trying to find their niche in the "post"-Covid travel business. Maybe, just too many mega-ships out there?

Maybe a used Lexus. Still in good condition, but not the top of the line model.

To my recollection, there wasn't much of a restriction for the deck. There are some places along the way that have multiple low bridges. Most of the travel is at night anyway. There were some times in transit when the deck was closed, but it was minimal. There are two primary day sightseeing runs on that cruise - the Wachau Valley and the Rhine day, although the entire journey is quite beautiful. The only guests that I'm aware of are the invited regional performers. I don't recall if the bar was open in port, as we were usually off the boat then. Have a great trip!

We had a similar experience - "in quality control" whatever that is! We're on the Zurich to Paris trip. As it slipped past the 65 day mark, we called Viking Air and the fellow we got on the line booked us right away (we knew what we wanted). In fact, on our return flight, he first booked us on an early AM flight from Paris back to Zurich to catch the flight back to the US (we live fairly close to a one-flight airport). When we asked him for the later evening flight direct from Paris to our airport (Miami), he immediately keyed it in. Now we have basically another good day in Paris before our flight! As for the My Viking "Air" section, it still is not populated yet. Viking told us that the air itinerary will show up when the flights have been ticketed, so I suppose that will be around the 30 day mark. Have a great trip!

We rarely have had a poor experience dining onboard Princess. We started in 1992, when the old style Italian family service was still in vogue. Many, many changes since but we still haven't had a cruise where we were totally disappointed at the food service. In fact, the only "misses" we experienced were all at premium restaurants onboard, but not all meals we had at the pay-DR's were that way. Yes, the MDR menus can be a bit boring on a long cruise, but we usually try something we haven't had before and we're usually happy with the result. Come to think of it, there have been threads like this as long as the Cruise Critic site has been up. Can't please everyone.

Yes, I remember that - they broke out the '82 for the main course! Btw, we were also on that cruise in '15 - I think it was in July. We did the Loire valley add on as well. The Rhone cruise is also a good one for wineries. Cheers, my friend!

Very good thread, Pontac, much appreciated. We're on the Swiss Alps to Paris run in July and it's always nice to reminisce about our past Viking River trips - all of which were excellent. One of the best aspects of river cruising for us has always been the comradery aboard. Yes, it is a bit awkward at first as no one wants to make the first move, but by the last couple of nights, your dinner table - now occupied by your new friends - is awash in laughter, friendly banter, and the sounds of many clinking wine glasses. On our first VRC on the Rhone, we met a couple from the UK whom have become life-long friends. We have visited them in the UK and they have stayed with us in Florida. On more than one ocean voyages, they have met us in Southampton (they live nearby) and taken us to lunch! So keep your options open - as Pontac put it correctly - the people you meet are PLUS! On every river cruise, we met the nicest folks and had a marvelous time with all of them. On another river trip, we met a fellow yank who unfortunately was a victim of lost luggage. His bags finally arrived on the very last day of the cruise! Months later, I was walking in downtown Grapevine, Texas (there at a conference) and who do you think I ran into?! I asked him if his luggage arrived with him and he assured me that it did! Small world! On the Rhine cruise, be sure to join in for the singing on deck as you glide past the Lorelei. We were fortunate enough to take a land tour of the Rhineland some years before our Rhine cruise and we always enjoy passing the beautiful town of Boppard where we stayed in a flower draped room directly on the Rhine. Back in those days, the only river cruise was the KD boat! Finally, I like your profile pic, Pontac. Bet you picked that off your pics from your Forseti Bordeaux cruise. I don't think that they do this anymore, but you and I both remember the incredible dinner at Chateau Kirwin that Viking arranged for their guests. Outstanding, unforgettable night followed by Sauternes back onboard. We also did the optional Chateau tour in St. Emilion at Paul Goldschmidt's (no, not the baseball player) place, Siurac. Mr. Goldschmidt was the perfect host - affable, warm, and welcoming. We look forward to more adventures in July aboard the Hild!

We always get the Silver Spirits package as well. After four river cruises with Viking, we have found that the wine selection changes a bit according to the itinerary. For example, we had more Rhone valley wines on the Rhone cruise and more Bordeaux's on the Bordeaux cruise. Of course, lots of German and Austrian wines on the Rhine. There have been a few instances when the house wine was preferred. We were on Grand European a few years back and they were serving Veuve Clicquot as the by-the-glass Champagne. I think those days are gone, alas! The liquor selections are usually top shelf.

Does anyone know what hotel Princess uses in Madrid for the titled tour, or does it vary according to the season? We won't know, according to Princess, until 30 days prior to our departure, yet they know that the hotel is booked prior to our scheduled arrival (we want to arrive a day earlier to hedge against jet lag). Thus, we'd like to contact the hotel directly. Thank you!