I travelled as a guest of Viking Cruises on a 7-night Danube cruise before making the video and review. Sounds like you have planned a wonderful celebration with Viking cruises. Recommendations? If you are travelling as a couple, we recommend taking one large suitcase or bag between you for a cruise and one carry on bag each. River cruise cabins may not be as spacious as a hotel room or on an ocean-going vessel, so you dont want to clutter it with unnecessary stuff. Always keep comfort in mind when choosing clothing for a cruise. Our agent would have had to ring Viking to find out, so I thought I cut the red tape and ask directly; was unpleasantly brushed off by CARLOS. Plus their soap is free and made to use in the uprights. Thanks so much for your kind words, Susan! With their innovative patented design, al fresco Aquavit Terrace and understated elegance, Viking Longships provide the most rewarding way to explore Europe. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," the fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian . As far as I can determine our washer #3 went on the blink yesterday, which of course was a sea day so business in the laundrette was brisk. Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Hi Nancy! I think this type of response may be limited to one or two individuals and does not reflect Vikings stellar public relations. For some reason we never got around to samplingthe complimentary wine, probably because there were so many other beverage options, but the fruit was another story. If you don't bring your own detergent, you have to press the button on the soap dispenser on the wall. I have found the headphones you would typically use with your smartphone are compatible with the audio devices on board. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. Exactly CORRECT! Now we have a better idea what to expect and it looks like our expectations will be exceeded! Started August 27, 2021, By There are suites, verandah The lounge is where you have the bar. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. Here are Backroad Planet's Top 11 amenities! What Are The Biggest YouTube Cruise Vlogger Channels Right now? Thanks Viking, for the human amenity that blessed our river cruise more than any of the many Viking river cruise amenities! One of the great advantages of a river cruise is being able to unpack once and relax for the rest of your cruise. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. No, your husband does not need a sport coat. Hi Vicki! These talentedprofessionals were responsible for making the magic happen for all of us, and they did. We are approaching our Rhine Getaway in 40 days (May10th). Because Viking river cruises are more intimate with only 190 passengers, you will make lots of friends who will welcome you to join them on excursions and during cocktail hours. Each have the following features: Suite size: 275 sq. Bon voyage! Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Here are Backroad Planets Top 11 amenities! [emoji6]. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. We are taking one in Nov/Dec timeframe for the Christmas Markets and your articles are helping me preparing for them. Who doesnt like the element ofsurprise? You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. The wine and the beer will normally be very specific to the part of the river or the country that youre cruising through. Our question is about how close we will be to towns where we can sightsee on our own in the afternoon or evening. From a blogger on another site, I was given the information that the Viking onboard concierge will assist us with arranging a taxi and even provide us with a time to be ready to disembark. The Sun Deck is a great place to hang out, even if youre in port, and a lot of people go and sit out there have a drink and just soak in the whole atmosphere of the port. We are so grateful for our regular readers like you. Is it best to book thru Viking or a travel agent? Geez! Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. April 26, 2019, My Viking River Cruises Longships Review and Ship Tour. From the Restaurant or the housekeeping dept? Their design evolved over many years. Start with a predominantly neutral colour scheme -black, white, beige, tan and grey. Call Viking at 1 . Members of VantagesPresidents Club (achieved after three Vantage Vacations trips not necessarily river cruises) also receive a 20 laundry credit. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. Pair winter shoes opt for lightweight over heavy boots. Should we book our excursions (paid and offered) now? Foldable and Packable Sun Hats for Travel, Foldable & Packable Fedora Panama Straw Hat. Thanks for sharing this, Pat. Other times you will be ported at a distance that will require taking a taxi or shared ride service back to ship. Stateroom Amenities Viking River Cruise Common Areas The Lounge and Bar The Sun Deck The Aquavit Terrace The Dining Room The Library Internet Cafe Coffee Station The Viking Onboard Experience Embarkation Meals on a Viking River Cruise Lunch Dinner Guests & Socializing Exercising on a River Cruise Excursions on a Viking River Cruise Definitely need to schedule one within the next year. . Bon voyage! We have not taken the Viking Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, but it sounds like a perfect choice for a first cruise. Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order). Your email address will not be published. And leaving for same tomorrow morning!!! Viking river cruises are not dressy, so you do not need to worry about begin underdressed. do viking longships have laundry facilities? Viking has a beautiful premium range of products designed exclusively for them by Freyja. In case you didnt see them already, be sure to check out our 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips and Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue for more information and tons of photos. Sigh. We are heading on the same Viking Cruise tomorrow, although we go from Budapest to Amsterdam. A very good crew-to-passenger ratio. Price lists are available in your stateroom. But yes, there is a self serve laundry on decks 3, 4, 5 and 6. To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. To avoid overpacking for your cruise choose clothing that will work for multiple combinationsso you can mix and match outfits. Within Suites there are two types of Suites. There is nothing worse than a sunburn on your holiday. Winter jacket Lightweight packable puffy down jacket for travel. The Vikings were made up of landowning chieftains and clan heads, their retainers, freemen, and any energetic young clan members who sought adventure and booty overseas. And the rest, as they say, is history. Were going on the Rhine Getaway this summer. You then have Verandah suites which have a seating area, a balcony and bedroom area. Search for 'Self Serve Laundry aboard Viking Ocean Ships' and there are lots of hints and tips. princess premier drinks with service charge. Comfortable walking shoes will be very important. Its ancestor was, doubtless, the dugout, and the longship remained double-ended. These dont have floor-to-ceiling windows because part of these cabins is underneath the water level. Thanks again! Especially when considering some mens shoes. If you want a lightweight in-between bag for day excursions or even for days onboard youll be pleased to know fanny packs are back in fashion. Theres also no guest laundry on board, and this is also true of other river cruising ship. Thank you for the cruise tips, since I am a photography hobbyist, I noticed your tips for bringing long lens and taking pictures as soon as possible, in case the ship moves during a tour. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am most definitely NOT a party animal. Thank You for all the great insights on traveling with Viking! Menu. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. Pavlus Travel has deals on Viking River Cruises up to free airfares and onboard spending up to $1,000 for your Europe River Cruise. On board our longship it seemed that every time we turned around there was anothercelebration in the making. Sylvia. Bear in mind on river cruise ships, and this is true also on Viking, the cabins are pretty small because you dont have a huge amount of space. They strive for excellence in every way! The debut of new longships marks one of. First of all, whats important to note is that the Viking Longship is the ship that they have right across their fleet, and pretty much every single river that you go on in Europe will be on one of these Viking Longship. Loud, obnoxious settingsmake me want to head for the hills. Wanda, this was our first Viking cruise and was so well done, we have done two other Viking river cruises. I have found that the car rental is about 20% less expensive at the train station than at the airport through Sixt. True to the ethos of destination-focused cruising, you will have plenty of time ashore exploring independently or on one of the many included and optional shore excursions. Safe travels and bon voyage! While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. land based fishing adelaide. Some may resort to using the shower onboard or the sink--something more common for travelers using youth hostels than a high priced river cruise. 1-2 Long sleeved sweaters depending on the season. Howard, thanks for your reply. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. I am sure they have taxis and probably Uber and/or Lyft, as well. What an informative and delightful recap of your river cruise. A selection of fine teas and a variety of coffees were available 24 hours a day, . To get that value, you'll have to use as many of the onboard services as possible, but it beats constantly taking out your wallet for things like internet access and port fees. that its the little things that count. Viking stateroom baths are stocked with the fragrance of fresh. And not to hammer home the point, but Viking cruises are truly luxurious. Any suggestions you might have regarding this trip would be appreciated. Hi Norma Jean! You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. Sweaty touring shirts, my air traveling jeans, socks & underwear. I looked at it for a second and saw that there was a hole cut in the top and a hose that went from the bucket to the soap dispensers. Just an example of Vikings ongoing TLC. Ship executives such as the hotel manger, matre d, executive chef, and concierge were gregariouspeople with big personalities who filled the gathering spaces with their warmth. Thank you for recommending Viking River cruises when we met on Fathom, Ive enjoyed reading your articles and cant wait to try one! Delve into the past for a look into the art of building a Viking longship. Read our Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. Viking Longships are consistent and have the same facilities across the entire fleet. Thats why we are here. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. Im not going to tell him of what you wrote, this way he can be pleasantly surprised. My husband and I leave in August for the Viking Homeland River Cruise. They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. Trying to decide if we should do it on our own or stick with Viking! I am so happy that you will be doing the Rhine Getaway. Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days. Hi Sandy! In-room irons are a huge no-no for the fire hazard they present. Also, for optional excursions, which excursion that you would recommend or point to a site that allows us to research for a more informed decision. Free Cruise Planning 1.800.377.9383 QUICK. Was thinking three but wrote 2. I am truly envious of your road trip through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Thanks! If you go on a Viking River Cruise in Europe you are going to be on one of their Longships. Too often we see people in tour groups sightseeing with their bag or daypack hanging loosely from one shoulder with zips or drawer string closures gaping wide open. Hope this helps, and I know you will have a wonderful time! I cant wait for the fun to begin and have all the attention that is promised. See you soon! It will finally happen in September. Viking . See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list. Other onboard facilities include a lounge bar with a dance floor, sun deck, laundry service, library with two computers and free Wi-Fi. The nectarines were tasty, but the green grapes were our favorites. The Rhine Getaway was our first Viking cruise, although we never completed it because my retina detached and tore on the first day at Kinderdijk, and I had to be evacuated. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. And please dont forget the Fabulous Staff in Woodland Hills, CA that assist you in planning and experienced suggestions for extra happenings and tours. Don't have exact prices but we spent a few tens of dollars total for 2-3 submissions. I do not recall there being bathroom wall railing, but the floors were not slippery. Viking river cruise amenities are designed to pamper passengers with the ultimate in creature comforts. Viking literally and figuratively rolled out the red carpet for us. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. We just got home from ours, and we would love to go again! We leave for our first VRC, the Grand European in April 23 with pre in Amsterdam and post to Prague. Axle is Howards occasional road trip buddy. Thank you, Debbie! In Asia these services range from $2 per item to $5 per item; however, the list of what can be laundered or pressed is more limited on river cruises in Asia. And the washers and dryers are free. It was summer, so we took along mainly shorts and T-shirts. Twist a couple of dials, select second rinse, press start. Either way the clothes came out clean, not sure why there might be a difference. Our award-winning Viking Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. Thanks for any intel on this subject. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. Your account is clearly in line with the many ways I have observed Viking Cruises go overboard to accommodate their passengers every need. I wear mostly cotton and linen so a trip to the self service laundry will work just fine for me. A pair of lightweight gloves and hat that can slip easily into your daypack or handbag. It will also be a great introduction to river cruising before you get hooked like us! Let me assure you that it will be everything you have dreamed it will be and so much more. While the restaurants offer a fine dining experience, the dress code is optional. Very nice article, Howard! We dont want to over do it either way. Never miss a post by signing up below and every new post will be sent direct to you. Best way to get from Heathrow to Eurostar at St Pancras? I first discovered the ship housekeeping staff one morning when I awoke earlier than usual. The Black Forest tour from Breisach, was a little commercial, but I loved hiking the trails and seeing the waterfall and historical buildings. What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. Here's a quick rundown of the current laundry facilities available on each of the major river cruise lines, taken directly from their websites: AmaWaterways: Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Staying fit on a Viking river cruise is easy enough, however, as you will be very active when in port and walking through towns and cities on exciting tours. Meet a master boatbuilder and learn about the role these vessels played in Viking society centuries ago. See end of article for more details. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. We always travel with one just in case. You may want to increase this accordingly for each additional week you are travelling. We will update you in our journey. Bon voyage, and keep us posted! Since then, we have done 7 other Viking cruises and have 2 more booked for this year. No worries thkugh--the steam in the shower in our cabin has been more than adequate in getting wrinkles to fall out of clothing. If you book with a travel agent and later ring Viking with some general questions, sometimes the Viking office staff are happy to do so. The Vikings' longships are one of the greatest symbols of the era and remain an icon of Scandinavia today. Established cruise agencies have access to special rates and can help you monitor fares and promotions so you book at the right time for the best price. We will be sailing on the Viking Star for the Jan. 18 Southern Med Itinerary. They are free to use and soap is also provided for guests. So glad you have found our Viking articles and comments of value. . I highly recommend that you take the Top of Cologne optional excursion, that takes you to rarely seen rooms in the Dom and offers incredible views of the cathedral, city, and river. Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Travel Pants, Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Solid Oxford Shirt. I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. You can modify your excursions once you are onboard, if needed. You will be doing a lot of walking around towns and cities on a river cruise. They had been there all along doing their sweepingand dusting and polishing and sanitizing while passengers slept until our ship sparkled like new. The soap is automatically added to the wash cycle for you. So sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing, Cabell. Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. Do people dress for dinner more formally than when touring? Love your site! We love to be prepared ahead of time! We are considering a river cruise with our son, daughter in law and granddaughter who is middle school age. The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to manoeuvre through airports and easy to stow under the bed once you have unpacked on board. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Of course, you may choose to dress up, but many passengers will opt for elegant casual. Collared shirts are always better. We will be doing the Rhine River Cruise. I also enjoyed the cheese tour very much. . Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. Your posting makes us even more excited for our trip. Special tips? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Super easy. But dont forget that the return US customs and immigration questionnaire asks whether you have visited any farms. Yes to dry cleaning and cheaper than I pay at home on some items. For those who are onboard right now, they should be able to tell you. The comedic opera singers, glassmakingdemonstration, and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal presentation were especially memorable. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. I agree that Attila was a wonderful hotel manager who truly cared for all of his guests. Such services are complimentary for passengers . Also, choose shoes with a good grip. Flushable, individually wrapped wipes for travel. You will find power points next to the bed and near the desk which will more than likely be ample power points for most travellers. Bring lingerie bags for small items. Washers, dryers, soap, ironing boards. Who knows . We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station. Theres the Explorer Suite at the rear of the ship, and these have a separate lounge, separate bedroom and bathroom. Thanks so much for the photos. The design principles that led to the Viking longship can be traced back to the . There are a couple of cabins on board which are designed for people with accessibility You will enjoy Monets garden and the Normandy beaches. And I agree that this site was fantastic in helping us to prepare and alleviate any concerns! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask! . Read Our Guide to the Best Crossbody Bags for Travel, Read Our Guide to the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel. Hi Denise! Your soap may over suds in these washers and that could really make a mess. You may need to ask a couple times, but they will show up and worth not having to pack them. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. . We had an ExplorerSociety cocktail party, then a special Canada Day gathering, a4th of Julycelebration, aTaste of Austria dinner (where the crew pulled out all the stops), and several other events. Bring your headphones I find the earpieces issued with the audio devices for tours very uncomfortable and difficult to attach to my ear. Some people dress better for dinner, others do not. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. Folks were busy doing shows and such. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. Howard, thanks for your insights. This line of toiletries exclusively offered on Viking Cruises is inspired by Freyja,the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, divination and magic. Although at home I am a devotee of Yardley Lavender, another unisex line, this custom fragrance is now runninga close second. The suite choices on Viking ships also are relatively easy to understand. See. I did the Rhine Getaway Christmas Markets last December, and it was incredible. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! I am so sorry that I cannot provide any information about car rentals in Basel, other than I know that car rentals are always more expensive at airports. Polo shirts are fine. Thanks Linda, for always being such a supportive reader and friend. Its pretty safe to say your expectations will be exceeded because Viking always overdelivers. Thanks. It is a really popular social place when the weather is We also are thinking about what to pack for this 15 day adventure ( Aug September). . We did have a lot of laundry, however, when we got home. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. . A quality, fast charging bank is great for travel days, essential for full-day shore excursions, especially for anyone who uses their phone as their primary camera. The last time I did laundry, I did so on deck 5, I didnt hear the sound of soap dispensing as I had before and the setup on the wall seemed to suggest that I should push the button on the dispensers, which I did. Another bonus of river cruising is the ample time spent ashore means you can easily pick up any necessary toiletries along the way. Lets talk about some of the things that you will not find onboard a Viking Longship. staterooms, French balcony staterooms and standard cabins. You will find an example 7-10 day packing list at the end of the article to use as a starting point for your packing. Weve heard a lot of fabulous reviews about the Viking experience and decided this to be our choice. The Viking Longships take 190 passengers and they have around about 45 crew. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. You can find our top-rated womens travel jackets here and mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here. Without question, our program director Roos Wilmer was truly one of the most congenial, gifted leadersI have ever met. Hi Pat! If you have embarked on a river cruise, what shipboard amenities did you enjoy? My husband and I did Paris and the Heart of Normandy as our first Viking cruise in 2013. It means so much to know my tips have helped someone about to embark on a Viking European river cruise. Glad you have enjoyed our Viking Cruises content. Hi Bonnie! But yes, there is a self serve laundry on decks 3, 4, 5 and 6. We have a Viking insider tips post going live on Monday. You should be able to do this on My Viking Journey, and you can always make changes later, even after you are already on board. We did the Grand European, as well, and it was our favorite because you get to visit so many countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube. Since I wrote this piece, I have also done the Viking Basel to Amsterdam Rhine Getaway. The best bag for a shore excursion is one that is not too bulky, comfortable to wear, practical and has goodanti-theft features. Enjoy your Viking Rhine Getaway! It is very informative and well-written in a casual way.
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