First time Viking River Cruise Questions

[Jjarlath115]

I will try to answer what I can . .

 

First thing - relax and enjoy your cruise. It will be wonderful and totally different from the large ocean cruise experience.

 

Diet Coke is free if you get it with a meal. Other times there is a charge.

 

Several hot teas are offered. Not sure what kind.

 

They have very good toiletries. Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel and Lotion.

 

We did a pre-cruise with Viking and it was wonderful. We were met at the airport by our driver and at the hotel by our concierge. All luggage was handled for us. We were transferred from hotel to ship and had extremely simple check in. You just give them your name and you are escorted to your cabin on ship!

 

You do get a card for a room key like on the large ocean cruises.

 

Your bags are not checked when you return to ship.

 

The telephone number for the ship will be in the final documents when you receive them.

 

We cruised the first week of April but we lived in jeans. We did not dress for dinner and were perfectly comfortable.

 

Hope this helps!

It helped me! Thanks!!

[Jjarlath115]

We just returned from the Viking Rhine cruise (Basel to Amsterdam) in mid-May. Here are my observations an answers to your questions.

 

No 15% gratuity on drinks. We did not get the beverage package, but you just give your cabin number if you order a beverage in the lounge. The trick is (if you are not heavy drinkers) -- get your wine/soda/iced tea glass refilled before you leave the dining room at lunch and dinner, and just take it with you. REALLY, no one cared!!! You can sit in the lounge or up on deck or in your room with the beverage. A couple of evenings, a wine or sparkling drink was provided free in the lounge during the evening orientation, and sometimes an appetizer or two. You'll want to attend that -- every day just before dinner. You go from the evening orientation directly to dinner. They give you a preview of the next day's activities and time schedules (in addition to the newsletter in your room each nite), so it's a really helpful way to prepare. No charge for soda or iced tea in the dining room, and I got really hooked on these small bottles of cold, Italian lemonade -- delicious! Hot tea was available in the dining room -- I need decaf. Also, just outside the lounge on each side were coffee/tea/cocoa/water stations. You could go fix yourself a cup anytime and take to your room, etc. Tea was in bag, and a variety was available. Also in that area were baskets of fresh cookies (variety rotated, such as oatmeal, chocolate, etc.) and in the mornings, pastries were there instead of cookies. The dining room would have buffet style breakfast -- omelets or eggs made to order, fruits, sausages, bacon, bread and pastries, etc. Then you could order off the menu also -- french toast, eggs benedict, etc. If you're rushed for time in the AM, it works well. They also had champagne sitting there, so you could have a mimosa if you liked and had the time on a more leisurely day. Each day when you get off the boat, you are supposed to pick up your personal card from the desk, and you return it when you reboard. It's not computerized like on the ocean ships, but they do supposedly keep track that everyone is on board. You also get a card as to which tour group you are on (they split the boat in to about 4 groups), so you know which bus you get on. It also has the location of the boat in that port so that you can call or have a place to give to anyone if you are on your own and have an emergency or get lost. Take your listening device, which works quite well. They are small and not very heavy at all and have a neck strap. Each day when you depart, they give you a free bottle of water for your day. Pretty thoughtful, and usually when you get back on they supply you a little treat or small shot of a smoothie. No, they do not check your bags, and in fact they encourage you to bring back beverages or snacks and offer to cork wine for you at no fee if you bring it back on board. One time we had a thing where there were a few boats in port and the other boat had to walk through us to their ship. The staff was a bit more cautious then when we returned, making sure we were on the correct ship and actually belonged there. The hallway doors were secured to prevent anyone wandering through. If you want to purchase anything from the very small shop, you just tell them your room and they put it on your tab which you pay up the night before you debark. Actually the staff seemed to know us on sight after the first day or two and were very friendly and helpful. We did the precruise in Como. Our tour director in charge of us there went with us on all the tours in Como and was always available for help or suggestions. She went with us on the bus to Basel. We stopped in Lucerne for a few hours for lunch, a bit of a walk around, and then time on our own. Very nice lady, and she continued as far as Basel where she told us good bye. I'm assuming Amsterdam would be the same, except your hotel isn't very far from the boat. Getting on the boat was a breeze. We showed our passports at the desk and a staff member took us to our room and ran us through the amenities, quick and easy. The room has several electrical plugs for US needs, and a good hair dryer, so no need to pack that. There are bottles of nice shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion supplied as needed. There is a mini frig in the room, and your steward will bring you fresh water as needed, too. There's adequate drawer and closet and bathroom storage, and store your suitcase under the bed. We had a veranda room, but honestly, we were not in the room all that much. The boat is so much smaller than an ocean ship -- you're up to the dining room or lounge or up on deck in just a minute. It seemed like most days we didn't have a whole lot of time to pretty up between our tour and lunch or dinner, so often I'd just wear what I had on or maybe change my shirt and head to the dining room. It is casual dress. Most ladies had a pretty or nicer blouse or top, but just capris or slacks or even shorts for dinner. I'd imagine by the time you go on your trip it would be warm enough to throw on a summer or sun dress and be comfortable and feel fresh and pretty. BTW -- the room is air conditioned, but you do have to put your room "key" (a plastic card) in the slot to activate the a/c and lights. I put my AARP card in the slot and it worked to keep the a/c running as needed while we were out on tours and not be stuffy when we returned and just made sure to turn the lights off to conserve. A good hint I heard was when out on your tour, set your phone alarm for 30 minutes BEFORE your tour guides meet-up time. That way if you get carried away walking around or relaxing, when your alarm rings you'll have ample time to make your way back. One couple on one of our tours got lost and missed the bus back to the boat, even though we waited 30 minutes for them and we were all concerned. You'll be in the same time zone your entire trip. I think there is a number you can give to your family in the final document booklet that Viking mails to you. I took along my Kindle for reading books on the long flight, and I could check my emails on that while on the boat. Internet isn't that great on the boat, but it works eventually. You need to put your cellphone on airplane mode though unless you purchase an international plan there before you go (mine was $60 for a month). There are also a couple of computers you can use outside the lounge area. It was a wonderful trip. I have no real complaints, except we did have some gloomy, rainy weather. We're from California, so we're not that used to rain. It didn't really interfere with anything with did, and your weather should be much nicer. Viking did have some large umbrellas you could use if needed, but I brought my own small collapsible umbrella and a windbreaker. If you have any other questions about the cruise, the ports, tours, etc. just write to me. We did and saw so much -- it was just amazing.

Great info thanks!!!

Quick question do you have to go through some sort of customs each country ?

[Jjarlath115]

Brief comment. Breaking your post into paragraphs would make it much easier to read.

Kidding me??!!!

[Cyber Kat]

Contact Viking directly in advance of sailing to let them know of your special needs. 1-800-304-9616

 

 

 

No ice machines; just ring the front desk and ask for ice.

 

 

 

We had an ice machine on the Modi in 2016. It was about 1/2 way along the hall. I like sparkling water with ice, so I used it a lot. There is also ice by the coffee machine.

 

 

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[Host Jazzbeau]

Brief comment. Breaking your post into paragraphs would make it much easier to read.

 

Kidding me??!!!

 

No, seriously. Long posts that are all one paragraph are very hard to read. It is much easier for the poster to include paragraphs (one time) than for every reader to slog their way through a lengthy post. James Joyce is an acquired taste ;)

[Jjarlath115]

No, seriously. Long posts that are all one paragraph are very hard to read. It is much easier for the poster to include paragraphs (one time) than for every reader to slog their way through a lengthy post. James Joyce is an acquired taste ;)

Lol!!

[Peregrina651]

Great info thanks!!!

Quick question do you have to go through some sort of customs each country ?

 

Not so quick answer.

 

It depends on what the countries are. Many but not all of the countries of Europe entered into an open border agreement known as the Schengen Agreement, establishing what is known as the Schengen Area (click the link to read the details). If your cruise covers multiple countries but stays in the Schengen area, there are no passport inspections. If you leave the Schengen area, (such as on the Danube), there will be passport inspections in each country. For some of the countries, your passport will be collected and an officer of the ship will carry all of the passports ashore to be stamped as part of the process of clearing the ship. In other countries, everyone will have to present themselves along with their passports.

[Roz]

James Joyce is an acquired taste ;)

 

I nearly spit out my coffee when I read this. Thanks for the morning laugh. Phil Spector had the Wall of Sound. Here at Cruise Critic we have the Wall of Text. :cool:

 

Roz

[kentchris]

Here at Cruise Critic we have the Wall of Text.

 

Known elsewhere online as a Comment Cliff, especially when used to deliberately obfuscate an argument.

[Roz]

I don't know what obfuscate an argument means, and I've never heard of a comment cliff.

 

What I posted was meant as a lighthearted, tongue in cheek comment, and not directed at you or any poster in particular.

 

Roz

 

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[Capt_BJ]

just saw the invitation to explain a bit on 'things electric'

 

not ignoring .. hadn't been looking here for a bit

 

and leaving tomorrow en route "Into the midnight sun" on SKY ....

 

maybe I'll remember to check back here in a month!

 

BTW Cheng and I have commented on this issue in the 'cruise question' forum several times with varying levels of detail.

 

this is the USCG Cruise Ship safety bulletin on the topic:

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CSNCOE/Safety%20Alerts/USCG%20Marine%20Safety%20Alert%2003-13%20Surge%20Protective%20Devices%20Onboard%20Vessels.pdf?ver=2017-08-08-082206-293

 

"

Surge Protective Devices Onboard Vessels:

 

We’ve all seen them and used them. Surge protective devices (SPDs), more commonly known as surge protectors or power strips help protect our expensive electronic devices from being damaged from excessive currents and allow us to simultaneously deliver power to multiple devices. This safety alert addresses the use of certain electrical protection devices onboard vessels and the inherent risks they may cause. Most commercially available SPDs are designed for use ashore and will interrupt only the hot conductor when a surge occurs. What does that mean for the ship owner/operator? It means that while these devices may provide protection in our homes and offices, these same devices may be a fire risk onboard vessels.

 

A marine casualty investigation of two separate stateroom fires on board a U.S. Flag Containership revealed that the sources of the fires were attributed to the use of SPDs plugged into alighting circuit. It was discovered that a groundhad developed on another circuit that was connected to the same distribution panel providing power to the staterooms. This ground created an imbalance of voltage between the two power conductors supplying the SPDs which caused excessive currents, overheating,and subsequently, a fire. In this instance, even if the SPDs automatically tripped as designed,only one power conductor would have been secured while the other would continue to provide power, possibly shorting to the device’s ground wire and the structure of the vessel.For shipboard applications, it is critical for a device to interrupt both power conductors.

 

The Coast Guard recommends that vessel Owners, Operators, Class Society Surveyors, Insurers,and other inspection personnel examine the risks associated with the use of SPDs aboard their vessels, and if necessary ensure their organizations have policies and procedures relating to their use. Vessels should have defined procedures for checking the condition and grounding capabilities of personal/portable electrical equipment, and trained shipboard personnel should be assigned to check and approve all SPDs in use or brought on board for compatibility with the vessel’s electrical distribution system prior to use. Routine checks of switchboard and distribution system 120 VAC ground detection systems are necessary to detect the presence of grounds that may cause similar circumstances with non-marine type SPDs.

 

...

 

There is no official Underwriters Laboratory standard for Marine Surge Protective Devices despite numerousretailers advertising 'UL Marine 1449.'

 

...

 

Owner / operators may wish to purchase equipment meeting MIL Performance Specification MIL-PZRF-32167A whichincorporates ASTM F1507 (Standard Specifications for Surge Suppressors for Shipboard Use) and UL 1449 (SafetyStandards for Surge Protective Devices).

 

"

 

full document has some technical info if you want the nuts and bolts ....

 

My first exposure to this issue goes back to 1990! That the safety bulletin was re-issued in 2013 suggests a continuing concern . . .

Edited July 3, 2018 by Capt_BJ

[Host Jazzbeau]

Thanks Cap'n! Enjoy your cruise. I'll be looking forward to your reports on the Viking Ocean forum!

[K9pal]

So back to the original topic... you will be spoiled, spoiled, spoiled by Viking! One thing worth mentioning, if you need wifi you'll find it works best in the lounge and public areas. We never could connect in our cabin, which was towards the rear of the boat.

 

If you drink wine with lunch/dinner, beware - the waiters are sneaky and will fill up your glass when you aren't looking, so you'll have a constantly full glass of wine :) You may not know how much you've had to drink until you (try ) to stand up!

 

You will walk a LOT, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Preferably two pair, so you can trade off. And in case one pair gets wet.

[K9pal]

And one more thing I love - no annoying photographer trying to take photos and sell them to you. Our cruise director on Viking would take candid shots everywhere and at the end of the cruise, he had all the photos on a flash drive and was showing it in the lounge. Available for purchase for a very reasonable price.

[Peregrina651]

So back to the original topic... you will be spoiled, spoiled, spoiled by Viking! One thing worth mentioning, if you need wifi you'll find it works best in the lounge and public areas. We never could connect in our cabin, which was towards the rear of the boat.

 

If you drink wine with lunch/dinner, beware - the waiters are sneaky and will fill up your glass when you aren't looking, so you'll have a constantly full glass of wine :) You may not know how much you've had to drink until you (try ) to stand up!

 

You will walk a LOT, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. Preferably two pair, so you can trade off. And in case one pair gets wet.

 

AGREED! Spoiled beyond recognition and it is worse the longer your cruise!!!

 

Wi-fi connections are iffy and some places on the boat are better than other --and some rivers are better than others.

 

Comfortable walking shoes means that you have broken them in and taken them for a good long test drive before putting them in the suitcase. Two pairs are essential is you are traveling in rainy season.

[barbierahrah]

Great info thanks!!!

Quick question do you have to go through some sort of customs each country ?

 

On the Rhine cruise, no customs stuff. When we left Como to bus to Basel (where we started the cruise) we were told to keep our passports handy "just in case", but the officials just waved the bus on through. Viking actually advised us to leave our passports in the room safe each day when we went out.

[bafinegan]

From the FAQ (which everyone should read before asking about things like curlers): "Please note that heat-producing appliances, such as irons, steamers, curling irons and heaters, are potential safety hazards and therefore not permitted on board."

 

 

I DID read the faqs and because it did NOT specifically mention electric curlers, I thought I would ask the kind, experienced river cruisers who I just KNEW would be understanding of a river cruise virgin:halo:

 

Thank you so much for your expertise!:cool:

 

baf

[Skobby]

Would some please comment on tipping on the cruises they have been on. I have read the suggestions Viking has given but would like input from those who have cruised.

 

 

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[Bake apple]

Would some please comment on tipping on the cruises they have been on. I have read the suggestions Viking has given but would like input from those who have cruised.

 

 

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Hello, we cruised with Viking last year in France and again in June for the Grand European. We tipped according to the Viking suggestion and believed it was very well deserved. I don't know about other cruises but the staff and crew on ours were superb. Many went beyound what was expected and we were surprised at the attention to detail in the small things that made such a difference.

 

We tipped our amazing Program Director because he made our cruise a true value added vacation. A sincere shout out to Terry Turnbull. Our cabin steward was attentive, fast and pleasant, we tipped him extra around day three because he was that good that early in our trip. I know everyone's experiences will be different but we could not fault any staff or crew and thought they worked darn hard for us all. Have a safe and wonderful cruise.

[Roz]

Bake Apple, I've only cruised on Uniworld (where all tips are included) so could you give me an ideas of the tip amounts? Does Viking give you suggested amounts or is it up to your judgement and discretion?

 

Roz

[Bake apple]

Bake Apple, I've only cruised on Uniworld (where all tips are included) so could you give me an ideas of the tip amounts? Does Viking give you suggested amounts or is it up to your judgement and discretion?

 

Roz

Roz, on Viking all tips are of course voluntary and there was no pressure. We paid onboard staff with credit card at the end of the cruise and we paid Euros directly to the Program Director. It suggested 12 Euros per day/per guest for onboard staff; 2 Euros per day/per guest for Program Director.

 

The local guides suggestion is 2 Euros per guest and 1 Europe guest for the coach driver.

 

Under the FAQ's on the Viking website it outlines those suggestions with differnce ones for Europe or Russian or China etc. Hope this helps and have a great cruise!!

[Roz]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Every time I see your screen name I want to say Baked Apple. :)

 

Roz

[Bake apple]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Every time I see your screen name I want to say Baked Apple. :)

 

Roz

I know, it is an old family joke. It comes from "baie qu'appelle" which mean " how is this berry called' or 'what is this berry called'? So if you say Baie qu'appelle (bay-ka-pelle) you get bake apple!!

 

Safe and happy cruising.

[Roz]

I know, it is an old family joke. It comes from "baie qu'appelle" which mean " how is this berry called' or 'what is this berry called'? So if you say Baie qu'appelle (bay-ka-pelle) you get bake apple!!

 

Safe and happy cruising.

 

Having been taught by French Canadian nuns, I get it! :D

 

Roz

[Jjarlath115]

Easy, We gave the suggested tips on our credit card and then gave cash to our cabin steward , waiter and program director at the end of the cruise !!

20 extra euros each and 100 extra euros to The cruise director

Remember all tips are shared throughout everyone on the boat kitchen and all crewmembers so personal service like the steward and Waite we handed directly to them