Tips for New Viking River Cruisers

[bbjmlawson]

This will be my first river cruise.  I've been on several ocean cruises in the past, but I know that river cruising is a whole new experience.

 

I would love tips and advice for a first-time river cruise passenger.

[Canal archive]

Relax and enjoy yourself, don’t rush, take a comfortable pair of walking shoes. 

[sunny100]

We will also be taking our first river cruise, bbjmlawson. I've spent the last year perusing any and all comments in the River Cruising threads.  We're so excited for our cruise time to finally commence!

[Squawkman]

Check Viking River Roll Calls. These are organized by itinerary and year (not by individual cruise). Lots of helpful info specific to your itinerary.

[notamermaid]

I agrees, the roll calls are a great source of info and you may find someone who is specifically on your cruise ship, there is certainly a chance.

 

You sail early in the year. Be prepared for almost any kind of weather, check the weather forecast close to the date.

 

Perhaps you would like to peruse this thread on the Moselle: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2268619-the-river-moselle-infos-and-river-cruising-experiences/page/18/#comments

 

notamermaid

 

[ljandgb]

Definitely read the sticky notes at the top of the forum regarding "new to river cruising" and "what to know."

 

There are no big shows at night.  There might be something small in the lounge after dinner.  There is very little to do on the ship, and most folks leave for the excursions during the day.  You can stay back, and relax.  You may go to sleep with a nice view of the river out your window, and wake up with a scantily clad German looking at you from his state room.

 

It is a very different experience than big ship ocean cruising.  I really prefer it, but managing expectations will prevent unpleasant surprises.

[loriva]

On our first river cruise with Viking.  My tip is to double check the description of any shore excursions on Viking’s website just before you cruise.  We found an optional tour we booked had changed significantly.  When I showed the guide the description I had copied from the Viking website when I booked the shorex,

she told me it was an old description.  Viking does not notify you of changes to shorex,

it appears.

[mskaufman]

Plan your days.  If you do not take the optional excursions, what will you during that time?