Still on Cloud 9 after our Viking Tor Romantic Danube cruise

[dln929]

We are seasoned ocean cruisers who mainly travel in Europe on Royal Caribbean, Azamara, and Celebrity but this was our first river cruise. All those years of watching Masterpiece Theatre and we finally succumbed to the lure of Viking's enticing advertisements! Well. Let me say this. They delivered. We had a wonderful time; in fact we're already booked for another Viking cruise in August (next time on the Rhine).

 

We got a deal on a Christmas Market sailing that included airfare. We hadn't a clue if we'd even like river cruising so we took the least expensive cabin, the ones known as "aquarium" cabins as they're only just above the water line. It worked out just fine. Prior to this we'd never done an inside cabin except once and that was a virtual balcony on the Quantum of the Seas. Given how small Viking longships are, it was only a minute to take the stairs and be outside in fresh air. We didn't miss the balcony one bit--and this is from someone who spends huge amounts of time on balconies on ocean cruises! Go figure. Our cabin was well designed and we had ample space for all our clothing. The bathroom is very small but efficient and well lit (as is the rest of the cabin, which we appreciated when reading in bed). One of the nicest things was that the small fridge was exactly that. A fridge, not a cooler. We bought beer and wine at several towns and were very pleased at how cold our beverages were. Our cabin attendant, Hellene, was an angel. She was so pleasant to speak with and I've never seen anyone tidy up as well as she could. Every day we'd bring in leaflets, booklets, shopping souvenirs and more and she'd have everything in good order on the counter in no time flat. I wish I had half the talent at organization as Hellene!

 

The food was marvelous. And so pretty on the plate. We thought it was easily on par with what you get in the specialty restaurants on ocean cruises. The service is very attentive and the wine/beer flowed freely. Top marks to Viking in this department, especially for the German dinner they put on for us. Authentic German food and entertainment in the dining room and all the servers even dressed in period costume. It was great fun!

 

Entertainment? We knew coming in that there wasn't much of it. A piano player is what you get most nights. However, there were other nights when local entertainers came on board. We were treated to an operatic performance and two different choirs, all of which were excellent and much appreciated. I wondered beforehand if we might be a little bored on board as we really like all the entertainment options of ocean cruises. However, we found our fellow guests very sociable and it was no time at all before we'd made friends to socialize with up in the lounge and the time always flew by. I'd even go so far as to say it a great change of pace not to have entertainment options by the score. We played cards a few nights with our dinner table mates in the buffet dining area at the back of the lounge and that was really fun. We've never done that on an ocean cruise because there's always a show to see or an event to go to.

 

We were very lucky in that by the time we got on the Tor, water levels in the Danube had risen and we had a flawless sailing. The weather was fairly mild for the end of November though overcast and rainy. No problem though as Viking provides big red umbrellas and all our tours went on without a hitch. I must say that the complimentary tours were excellent. Every single one of them. Whoever hires guides for Viking passengers should be given a big pat on the back because they've done their homework. All our guides were well-versed in their subject matter and even better, enthusiastic and committed to showing their towns/cities to the best advantage. We thoroughly enjoyed our outings. And we were glad that we're enthusiastic walkers because we did plenty of it. ;)

 

Random notes about our cruise: we were in the "aquarium" cabins and yes, you will hear water and changes in engine noise when slowing down or speeding up (as when entering locks). If you're a light sleeper, either bring earplugs or upgrade to a higher cabin. We weren't the least bit bothered by the sounds after the first night. We got used to it pretty quickly but other people might not. Another thing is that food isn't available 24/7 as it is on ocean cruises. Meals are served at set times and that's it aside from muffins and cookies that were always available by the coffee/tea machine. No pizza when the mood strikes you! We actually liked this set up though because honestly, we didn't need to be snacking. Not when there's so much food available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

We returned from our Viking cruise very relaxed and happy. The Tor has a great crew. They really care about their guests and it shows. We are looking forward to our next cruise in the summer. If anyone has questions, have at it!

[claypot77]

Thanks DLN929 for the great review on your river cruise! I am in the very beginning stages of research for a Danube Christmas market cruise in 2018 and I was just looking at the Viking website tonight wondering how it was. I'm pleasantly impressed from all you shared and based on your experience I feel they might be worth a closer look. Thanks!

[Rebel54]

Thank you for sharing. We are going on our first river cruise in July and it's nice to hear that you enjoyed yours so much!

[Hydrokitty]

Wonderful review...that's how everyone should feel after a river cruise whether it's your first or your twentieth!!! :D

[alexkrn46]

Nice review we are doing our second Viking cruise in a few weeks

[Rosethorn40]

The Romantic Danube/Christmas Markets was our first European River Cruise as well, and we too loved it and could not wait to go again. In fact I am currently in my cabin on the Viking Hemming on the Douro River (Portugal). It's our first night, and Viking is treating us just as well they did the first time.

 

Sounds like River Cruising has another convert.

[Cyber Kat]

We are seasoned ocean cruisers who mainly travel in Europe on Royal Caribbean, Azamara, and Celebrity but this was our first river cruise. All those years of watching Masterpiece Theatre and we finally succumbed to the lure of Viking's enticing advertisements! Well. Let me say this. They delivered. We had a wonderful time; in fact we're already booked for another Viking cruise in August (next time on the Rhine).

 

Thanks so much for your review! Glad to hear that it left you on Cloud 9! We have a Rhine River cruise booked for next Aug also! When are you sailing? We're on the Mani Aug 26.