Viking Danube Waltz - April 2023 - Quick review

[GoGAdawgsWin]

Just returned from a great Danube Waltz cruise - BUD-Passau on the Ingvi.  We had the included air.  Did not use Air+ and had excellent flights (ATL-FRA-BUD and MUC-ATL).  Layover in FRA less than 2 hours was plenty to go through immigration and get to next flight. Several Viking greeters met us and about 10 minutes later were on bus with 8 others to boat.  Cruise Director Suzy hopped on bus, welcomed us and said cabins may be ready (around 11:30 at this time). Ours was and after unpacking we had lunch onboard and left to explore the Central Market Hall.  
Weather was cool mornings, warm afternoons.  Cold, windy and rain in Bratislava which made it hard to enjoy.  A little rain in Vienna but not too bad.
We took the underground to Schonbrunn Palace, bought tickets at the kiosk and had a great visit for less than $50 total for two.  (Compared to $180 for Viking tour)
Layers, cap and gloves are needed.
Local tour guides were all good.
Food was very good.
Restaurant service was excellent.  We wondered how they interview to be able to find that many people with such great attitudes.  
About 20 of us loaded bus in Passau bound for Munich airport at 4:30 am.  Viking guide on bus took us to check in and everything from there was great.  
Arrived in Atlanta about 30 minutes early, cleared immigration quickly (get the free MPC app) and was home 2 hours after landing.

[GoGAdawgsWin]

I booked this cruise in December 2022 when they had a $1999 including air deal.  On our Rhine cruise last year we did Air+, a deviation and optional excursion which all add $$.  This time i wanted to see how inexpensively we could do a Viking cruise.  My wife wanted to go a couple of weeks later so list price was $2,199 each for the cruise.  Off that returning guests each get $200 credit and we paid via ACH for extra 3% off.   Minimum spend for trip (fare, required tips and airport parking) was $4,250.  Optional expenses (airline upgrade to Prem Econ, extra drinks, extra tips, travel insurance, gifts for grands) added $856 for a total of $5,106.  I think that was a great value.

[Greysandy]

Thanks for the review. I also enjoyed the insight about how you can do this for a fairly reasonable amount of money. 

[pontac]

Thanks @GoGAdawgsWin for the review.

 

Glad you enjoyed the cruise.