r3d3 Posted March 27, 2018 #1 Share Posted March 27, 2018 We are looking to take the Viking cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam next Spring. Never done one of these cruises. Would like some information about the excursions ( all walking or motor ??), what type of meals are available, on board entertainment, etc. Basically, we are new to the river boats and need to begin from the beginning. Any information about this cruise will be appreciated. Thanks for any input you may offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Jazzbeau Posted March 27, 2018 #2 Share Posted March 27, 2018 There's a lot of good information to answer many of these questions [and others you haven't thought to ask yet] in the Stickies at the top of this forum. One suggestion to start: river cruising is very different from ocean cruising. Most people love their first river cruise but there are some who discover right away that they hate it, and there have been some sad threads here from people who were in that situation on a long cruise with many more days stretching ahead of them. That's why the advice is usually to start with a 7-day cruise. Also you will see in the Stickies that there are many different river cruise lines. Some are more inclusive, some have higher quality food and wine, some have more excursion choices; sometimes these things add to the cost, but not always. As you research, consider what is important to you and rate the cruise lines on that basis. And don't assume that the lowest quoted prices are the least expensive in the end [after paying extra for things that are included in the 'higher price' cruises]. Happy cruising! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted March 27, 2018 #3 Share Posted March 27, 2018 If you know you're going to sail on Viking, their website provides a lot of information. If your heart isn't set on Viking, there are several other lines to consider, and I second Host Jazzbeau's advice to look at the Stickies at the top of this forum. Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMorris271 Posted March 27, 2018 #4 Share Posted March 27, 2018 We took this cruise 7 yrs ago and loved it. Ship board is very low key. We had a balcony which I highly recommend for relaxing views. There were almost all mid to older age. Dining was of a casual nature with a good selection food eg. roast beef, coco de vien, sea food, Italian and great service. nice desserts served with wine soft drinks beer and ect. Music was very lounge type and some classical. No heavy metal or rap when we did it. Excursions are usually walking with maybe some short bus rides to some locations in towns to a castle, palaces and some cobbled streets with walking at a comfortable pace. The guide we had was quite interesting and stayed with our group the whole cruise. There were interesting speakers in the evening before arriving into the ports. No casino, no big shows that I can recall. Going through the locks in Holland was interesting as were all the castles in Germany. The Melk Abby in Austria was the hit of the cruise for us. Generally, the days are as full as you want them to be. If you want a good relaxing and informative cruise, this might work for you. Just hope that the river levels at the bridges are not too high or too low as to make things impassible. JM2C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsarepeopletoo Posted April 11, 2018 #5 Share Posted April 11, 2018 We did that trip in May -- my first river cruise. Entertainment varied and was low-key: it varied from talks about Austrian history or the locks system; trivia nights; a few musical groups; and always a piano player/singer duo. Breakfast was either a buffet or order off the menu (both were awesome). Lunch was either in the dining room or a small buffet on a different level. Dinner was in the dining room (there may have been the buffet option though we never tried it). I found the food well-prepared; presented well; nice variety. They really aim to please. Beer and wine are plentiful. I likely would not have selected a river cruise as a way to travel but friends were going and asked us and so we tagged along. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I am used to more independent travel so I chafed a bit at the idea of the walking tours, but, i was impressed with 90% of the guides -- who were knowledgeable, personable, interesting, and often humorous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funluvingseniot Posted April 12, 2018 #6 Share Posted April 12, 2018 We are booked on the Amsterdam to Budapest 15 day Viking cruise. I know people who have taken Viking cruises before and have yet to hear a negative comment. I wasn’t able to find information about the excursions until after the trip was booked. Then you have easy access to their website. The excursions all look very interesting. There is one included excursion at each port free of charge and then others have a fee, ranging from $49 pp to 8 hours in Vienna for $249 pp! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swsf99a Posted April 14, 2018 #7 Share Posted April 14, 2018 My wife and I will be in our first River cruise with Viking —— Grand European tour. Sept 3 to 17 , 2019. From Budapest to Amsterdam. How far out does Viking open the site for excursions,whether the included ones or optional excursions? I went to my account with Viking and it’s says not available. Do they open it up a year before? Thanks for any reply. Any places that we should not miss on this cruise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogsarepeopletoo Posted April 15, 2018 #8 Share Posted April 15, 2018 My wife and I will be in our first River cruise with Viking —— Grand European tour. Sept 3 to 17 , 2019. From Budapest to Amsterdam. How far out does Viking open the site for excursions,whether the included ones or optional excursions? I went to my account with Viking and it’s says not available. Do they open it up a year before? Thanks for any reply. Any places that we should not miss on this cruise? My personal fave of the optional excursions was the trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (aka: Rothenburg). There is a bus ride involved (maybe 40 minutes?); a walking tour; a restaurant lunch; then time to roam around on your own. It is a well-preserved medieval town; easily walkable with interesting architecture as well as shopping for those so inclined. I gather it is a popular tourist spot for locals so it is busy but not crazy busy. In hindsight, I would probably blow off the lunch and grabbed something quick in order to spend more time roaming around. A big part of the excursion is the guide -- our guide that morning was terrific -- informative, humorous but not silly, entertaining and knowledgeable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swsf99a Posted April 15, 2018 #9 Share Posted April 15, 2018 Thanks DogsarePeopletoo ! Are there any regular tours that are must see on this River Cruise? We are to be in Budapest pre-cruise for 2 days. Any sites not to miss there? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racr Posted April 23, 2018 #10 Share Posted April 23, 2018 Hi, we are booked on the Evergreen (Emerald) Budapest to Amsterdam tour on 6 May 2019. Budapest is a lovely city. We enjoyed the free walking tours, Central Market, Chain Bridge, Buda castle, and any one of the hot pools. The evening river cruise is also wonderful showing off the lights of Buda and Pest, especially the Parliament building. We also enjoyed a meal at the Trofea Grill. While a buffet, we found the food to be lovely. Enjoy the trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyber Kat Posted April 23, 2018 #11 Share Posted April 23, 2018 You might want to take a look at this roll call thread. It’s people who are doing this cruise on Viking this year. Some have begun their trips and are reporting back. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2501828 Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swsf99a Posted April 26, 2018 #12 Share Posted April 26, 2018 Thank you Cyber Kat. I went to the tread and have been going through the 48 pages of comments, Great tips on the flights,excursions and river cruising in general. That’s why I like CC and people like you helping the rest of us out!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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