Viking River Cruises

[obnshadow]

We are contemplating a Viking cruise in 2009 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and to escape from the traditional Caribbean cruising which we have become accustomed to.

 

While we have not decided on a planned itinerary yet (they don't have their 2009 cruises listed yet on their website), I would appreciate hearing anyone's comments who have sailed with this line - the good, the bad, etc. There are others from which to choose (Amadeus, etc); however we would like to hear what other CC members have to say about Viking.

 

Thanks!!!

[roothy123]

Well, we went from an ocean cruise to a river cruise on Viking, and loved it - you see so much more from the boat since it's traveling down rivers, not through oceans. We still do an ocean cruise (on Oceania - wonderful line) but I was kind of missing river cruising, so this year we are celebrating my retirement with a Viking cruise on the Danube April 12. We cruised in the Netherlands with Viking five years or so ago and loved it, primarily for the reason I just mentioned. The smallness of the ship is another plus, and the fact that most tours are included, or you can just walk around most towns, so there aren't costly add-ons to the cost. The only thing that might make me "not recommend" river cruising to someone is the lack of amenities and entertainment you get on river cruises. if you like "action" at night - shows, casino, etc., there's little of that. If you search past posts, I'm sure you'll find more answers to your question. I haven't cruised Amadeaus or the other river cruise lines, so I can't help there - but don't think that's what you were asking, anyway.

[Tennessee Traveler]

We loved our 3 Viking River cruises - Provence, Yangtze, & Russia which we've taken the last 3 summers. We enjoy the larger ships, too, but there's something different about river cruising. It's much more informal & relaxing, and we've met fantastic traveling companions (who have become our friends) aboard each Viking ship. If you want, you can see my post on the Surkov from July of 2008. Any more specific questions, ask away. TT

[micked10@earthlink.net]

I love Ocean cruises and have been on 24 of them. Several years ago my husband talked me into going on a River Cruise and I reluctantly gave in, thinking I would hate it. We booked a Rhine, Danube Cruise that left from Vienna and cruised 14 days and commenced in Amsterdam. I really wasn't one bit excited about it and mainly was just humoring DH. Well, much to my surprise I LOVED it. It is so much more relaxing than an ocean cruise. Viking was superb in everyway. The cabin and ship were spotlessly clean. All staff was very helpful and extremely pleasant. The food was very good and I am somewhat of a "foodie". Breakfast and lunch were buffet but presented very appetizingly. You could order omelets etc. off the menu if you wished.

The dinner menu consisted of 3 or 4 entree choices, along with 3 appetizers, several salads and several choices of dessert.

Seating was open and we made many friends during this trip.

The walking excursions when we docked in town were very well organized and very good. There was a nice mix of organized activities and free time.

As another poster stated there was very little night entertainment and all of it was local. That was something I knew i would miss since I love the shows and casino on a cruise ship. Again,much to my surprise I didn't miss it at all. By the time you have a leisurely dinner and maybe go into the piano bar for an after dinner drink I was ready for bed! Your days are very active and full of wonderful things so I didn't want to stay up until the wee hours.

You will love docking right in the town and being able to walk back and forth to the ship.

enjoy

micked10

[Bill S]

We've done one river cruise, on Viking, and 16 ocean cruises. Our Viking "Tulips and Windmills" cruise two years ago ranks as one of our most favorite cruises.

We enjoyed our experience on the "Viking Sky", even though the cabins are much smaller than on a cruise ship. We were with a group of 6 couples so we essentially made our own entertainment each night along with the one-man band who played trumpet and keyboard. The excursions, which were included in the cruise fare, were all excellent, especially those that allowed us free time to wander about the towns we visited. The food was very good, especially the soups.

 

We are doing another "group" river cruise this December, but with Avalon this time, because they gave us a very good deal for our 15 couples. We would certainly cruise Viking again, however.

[RosieC]

Wow since we are going on the Tulips and Windmills cruise with Viking in ummm17 days lol its nice to read such great things about it !!! thank you for your sharing Rosie

[bala girl]

To obnshadow - I have yet to speak with anyone who didn't enjoy their Viking River cruise. Everything runs so well. Unfortunately, on my Viking trip one of my group was hospitalized and the boat moved along to the next port overnight. The hotel manager for our boat could not have been more helpful in getting our friend to the hospital, helping his wife get a hotel for the night, and getting them back to the boat the next day. They handle the unexpected as well as the things they do on a daily basis.

[vegaszip]

TT: We are booked on the July 15 Viking River Cruise Cultural Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing. Unfortunately we can not travel in the Spring or Fall. How bad was the heat and humity during your summer trip on the Yangtze? Did you ever venture out at night after dinner in Shanghai and Beijing? In many other posts it appears as if there is very little free time. Thanks

[Tennessee Traveler]

Vegaszip,

You're going a few weeks after we went in 2006. It was warm, but on the water with the ship moving, it wasn't bad. The worst thing was leaving the cabin and going onto the balcony to take a picture in the morning. My lens fogged up for quite a while, and I missed taking pictures of some of the river sights. Maybe it was because my wife had the cabin quite cool!

There wasn't much free time. There was some free time in Shanghai the second day, but we arrived late the first night (about midnight at the hotel after flying from ATL). So, we didn't have much sleep the first night. We didn't venture out the second night.

Viking also took us to several evening dinners & shows. So, there were evening activities which we all enjoyed - particularly in Xian & Beijing.

[vegaszip]

Thanks TT. We are counting the days until our trip. I like to explore cities on my own, but I was aware of the little free time when we booked. I am going to try really hard to carve out some free time at night. I have a feeling my wife is going to want to do some power shopping too. Am I correct that most of the time on the cruise, we will be docked at night. Thanks again

[RosieC]

Hi there now this may seem like a silly question but i have been wondering as this is my first River cruise and im used to ocean cruises ,,, we are doing Tulips and windmils Holland and Belgium will there be a fishy smell all the time coming in the windows as we are on the river and close to the dock a lot .... just wondering .

[Tennessee Traveler]

Vegaszip,

We were sailing every night. Shopping can be done in Shanghai prior to the trip, or after the cruise in Beijing or Xian. It's a marvelous experience to sail down the river and watch the beautiful scenery, especially the 3 Gorges area. I spent many hours with my camera talking with new friends aboard & taking several thousand pictures of the heart of China. TT

[GrannyLala]

DH & I are taking our first River (Viking) Cruise in July on the Viking Sky from Vienna to Amsterdam. Is there a terminal in Vienna? Do you check in on the boat or in a terminal? Do you take your own luggage to your room or do they deliver it for you?

Would someone suggest taking the train (Amsterdam) from the boat to airport on the way out, instead of transfer offered by Viking (pay extra). Also, in Vienna is the dock (terminal) close enough to the subway (or some other public transportation) to use instead of transfer?

[Bill S]

RosieC: I don't recall any fishy smell at all on our Tulips & Windmills cruise on the Viking Sky. Ours was April 11-22, 2006. Also, IIRC, the cabin window did not open at all.

 

I wish you a great cruise!

[ad602000]

Hi granny lala

 

The train from centraal(right near the harbour) is fast and economic direct to schipol airport in fact the airport station is under the terminal

[sk8teacher]

We sailed the Viking Spirit last April on the Tulip cruise and loved every minute. The crew was fantastic, the food excellent. As others have mentioned the shore tours were very good as well, and we enjoyed strolling around on our own.

 

For those taking the Tulip time cruise this year, the tour they offer to the gardens only provides around 3 hours. If you really want to see and enjoy it, and if you get in the morning of departure, I highly recommend taking the train/bus and going up on your own. We did that and had almost 6 hours there to take pictures. We left Amsterdam around 9:30am and got back to the ship around 4:30pm. If you sit on the left side of the train, you will see many tulip fields as you travel.

 

Cheers,

[ddean52]

We are contemplating a Viking cruise in 2009 to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and to escape from the traditional Caribbean cruising which we have become accustomed to.

 

While we have not decided on a planned itinerary yet (they don't have their 2009 cruises listed yet on their website), I would appreciate hearing anyone's comments who have sailed with this line - the good, the bad, etc. There are others from which to choose (Amadeus, etc); however we would like to hear what other CC members have to say about Viking.

 

Thanks!!!

 

Thank you so much for starting this thread! this will be our first sailing with viking and we have many questions!

Dean

[ddean52]

I love Ocean cruises and have been on 24 of them. Several years ago my husband talked me into going on a River Cruise and I reluctantly gave in, thinking I would hate it. We booked a Rhine, Danube Cruise that left from Vienna and cruised 14 days and commenced in Amsterdam. I really wasn't one bit excited about it and mainly was just humoring DH. Well, much to my surprise I LOVED it. It is so much more relaxing than an ocean cruise. Viking was superb in everyway. The cabin and ship were spotlessly clean. All staff was very helpful and extremely pleasant. The food was very good and I am somewhat of a "foodie". Breakfast and lunch were buffet but presented very appetizingly. You could order omelets etc. off the menu if you wished.

The dinner menu consisted of 3 or 4 entree choices, along with 3 appetizers, several salads and several choices of dessert.

Seating was open and we made many friends during this trip.

The walking excursions when we docked in town were very well organized and very good. There was a nice mix of organized activities and free time.

As another poster stated there was very little night entertainment and all of it was local. That was something I knew i would miss since I love the shows and casino on a cruise ship. Again,much to my surprise I didn't miss it at all. By the time you have a leisurely dinner and maybe go into the piano bar for an after dinner drink I was ready for bed! Your days are very active and full of wonderful things so I didn't want to stay up until the wee hours.

You will love docking right in the town and being able to walk back and forth to the ship.

enjoy

micked10

micked10, we are new to rvier sailings and have read that some of the excursions were not up to snuff.....would you have any views on this?

thanks

dean

[bz]

We leave for our 3rd river cruise tomorow, Paris to Prague w/Viking. We also did on w/GCT. They've all been great, wonderful way to see Europe. Very different than an ocean cruise. Both cruise companies have been very good. This was a 2-for-1, so can't beat the price. Try to do your own air & get to the start city a day early, the jet lag thing. We weren't able to do this this time, but its a geat idea, plus you have control over your flights. Have fun! Just know the cabins are smaller, no real evening entetainment, just sometimes a little local (or crew) talent. Meals are decent on Viking, probably not as good as on Avalon or Amedeus, but the price is less too.

[RosieC]

We just came back from the Tulips and Windmills Tour on the Viking Sky and i would say all the tours were wonderful . Lots of walking but wonderful . The food was very good ... no snacks laying around but great food almost gormet at dinner . We got some snacks for the room a grocery store in Amsterdam before we left and some bottles of water and pop. A river cruise is very different form an big cruise ship experience and you just have to go knowing the experience will be different and enjoy all that it is . We would do it again lol but not before a few other larger ones we want to go on . Rosie

[ddean52]

for the info and the + feedback!

Dean

[Betty/Avie]

micked10, we are new to rvier sailings and have read that some of the excursions were not up to snuff.....would you have any views on this?

thanks

dean

hi dean et ux,

 

We previously have done two trips on Viking -- Tulips and Vienna to Amsterdam. Both were great. In fact, we have cancelled our trip on a small ocean-going ship to sign up for the Basel to Antwerp cruise on Viking. As far as we are concerned, the Viking shore excursions are tops! The local guides are excellent and speak English extremely well. Viking divides the excursions into small groups. On the last trip the walking tours (most of the excursions) contained about 15-20 guests to a guide. Because there were several people who were "slow walkers," the Cruise Director on board arranged for a "slow walkers group! This way, the "regular" tours were not compromised, and yet the "special" group was able to see the same sights, allbeit at a slightly slower pace. The guides. as well as the cruise staff on board, always suggested alternative tours, restaurants, etc. on shore, if one wanted to go off on his or her own. Speaking of restaurants, we did enjoy some meals ashore as we were able to get the real "feel" of local life. And most of the restaurants had menues in English as well as the native language.

[ddean52]

hi dean et ux,

 

We previously have done two trips on Viking -- Tulips and Vienna to Amsterdam. Both were great. In fact, we have cancelled our trip on a small ocean-going ship to sign up for the Basel to Antwerp cruise on Viking. As far as we are concerned, the Viking shore excursions are tops! The local guides are excellent and speak English extremely well. Viking divides the excursions into small groups. On the last trip the walking tours (most of the excursions) contained about 15-20 guests to a guide. Because there were several people who were "slow walkers," the Cruise Director on board arranged for a "slow walkers group! This way, the "regular" tours were not compromised, and yet the "special" group was able to see the same sights, allbeit at a slightly slower pace. The guides. as well as the cruise staff on board, always suggested alternative tours, restaurants, etc. on shore, if one wanted to go off on his or her own. Speaking of restaurants, we did enjoy some meals ashore as we were able to get the real "feel" of local life. And most of the restaurants had menues in English as well as the native language.

 

Betty, thank you so much. Alice and I feel a lot more secure thanks to the info we have rec, from here!!

[MSEm]

Check out the "Other Cruises" board in the A-O Group listing.

 

Then search for "Viking China". There are about 85 pages on Viking River China. Lots of very useful info. I would start wil maybe page 80 to the end. Then you may want to work toward the beginning of the thread.

 

Have a great trip and drink lots of BOTTLED WATER.

Emily

[ddean52]

thank Emily!