Do you have any recommendations for the shore excursions on this cruise? Howard, thanks for your insights. You will LOVE the Grand European! There are seven (7) Veranda Suites on each of the Viking River Cruises Longships. Its also where all the entertainment takes place, like if local entertainers have been brought on It will finally happen in September. We will be sailing on the Viking Star for the Jan. 18 Southern Med Itinerary. Think practical anti-theft crossbody purses that cant be overfilled (for comfort), dont stand out yet still look good. Such services are complimentary for passengers . The Viking concierges are wonderful! You may like to take a second pair of day shoes for around the ship that can transition to evening and one pair of dressier shoes for evening excursions. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. Hugs! Here are Backroad Planets Top 11 amenities! See the end of the article for a complete example river cruise packing list. Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins. Except for a few evening experiences such as the ballet, an evening at theorchestra or opera, most evenings will be spent dining on board. So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. We always keep some of these handy wipes in our bag. Price of laundry service - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic Community Personal Quote What kind of luggage is best for a cruise? I have been on ocean cruises before but not river cruises and as a solo traveler I am hoping that people are friendly and willing to allow me to hang out with them. Howard, I was wondering if you or any of your readers have insight into the availability of Taxis at the Cruise docks in Basel, Switzerland. The only difference between your trip and mine is that mine was a December Christmas Markets cruise. Call Viking at 1 . 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. I do not recall there being bathroom wall railing, but the floors were not slippery. . Great news. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. A river cruise schedule can be quite busy. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise plus additional just in case of any delays. Viking River Cruise Packing List with Cruise Packing Tips All come with king-size beds, large showers, heated bathroom floors, LCD TVs, multiple US/EU outlets and USB ports, private verandas, 24-hour room service and more. Im concerned about how dressy these cruises are and whether Ill be under dressed. Hi Pat! Viking river cruises donot featurehighly-energizedstage productions typical ofocean cruise lines. The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise - Travel with Lolly We are staying for a while in Rome and Malta before the cruise and in Barcelona after. Depending on the season and destination, the weather could be changeable from port to port. These talentedprofessionals were responsible for making the magic happen for all of us, and they did. I am taking my first river cruise and its aboard one of Vikings long ships. Even the summer months in some parts of Europe can be unpredictable. Viking already runs a number of river cruises throughout Europe on 190-guest longships, including sailing on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Related: Avoid lost luggage issues. If you want to bring an additional purse for evening excursions or for evenings on board, consider a handbag for travel that comes with a small anti-theft wristlet or clutch for evenings. It will also be a great introduction to river cruising before you get hooked like us! So glad our Viking posts have been helpful for you. Each identical sister ship carries only 930 guests and is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports. We just got home from ours, and we would love to go again! The nectarines were tasty, but the green grapes were our favorites. These are things that weigh your bags down and are most likely to leak in your luggage. Ship Fleet Overview | Viking Ocean Cruises The fees for European river cruises range in price from $1 per item to $6 per item. A selection of fine pastries appeared at the station during the morning hours, replaced with addictive cookies in the afternoon, but by the evening hours,when we really wanteda late-night snack, they were all put away. These have balconies which you can sit out on, slightly smaller cabin than the Verandah Suites. We always travel with one just in case. So glad to help with the tips. Please keep us posted and give a report when you return. We are planning the Grand European river cruise next June to celebrate our 60th anniversary, backed up with the iconic Western Mediterranean ocean cruise. Should we book our excursions (paid and offered) now? The Vikings' longships are one of the greatest symbols of the era and remain an icon of Scandinavia today. Other times they brush you off with you have booked with a travel agent, he handles your enquiries. This happened to me in Australia, when ringing Viking just to ask what drinks are covered by the Silver Spirits package. Paid laundry services are available on all Viking River Cruises ships. . Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. Hi Sue! 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. 5.3 22. Viking river cruises are not dressy, so you do not need to worry about begin underdressed. The Viking Emerald has a small exercise room and sauna, and some of the river ships in Europe have exercise bikes onboard. 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. Windproof & Lightweight Folding Travel Umbrella. And gives prices. They distributed bottles of water to keep us hydrated during the record-breakingheatwave of the European summer and to send us off with enthusiasticwishes for the day. Viking stateroom baths are stocked with the fragrance of fresh. Also, if you have taken this tour, what optional excursions would you recommend? An elevator connects the middle and upper deck. Karvi. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. An elevator connects the middle and upper deck.. Create an account today with your booking number in order to: Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. Sweaty touring shirts, my air traveling jeans, socks & underwear. You want to be comfortable and dont want to fall victim to pickpockets. Thanks in Advance Our wait staff were the people we got to know best because they were at our beck and call during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and every special event. Who doesnt like the element ofsurprise? I have been on three Viking cruises since then. (a packable down puffy jacket is good for cold or winter weather). While this is an open invitation to pickpockets, it is also how people often lose phones, wallets and other personal items when travelling. I leave next Thursday for the Rhine River cruise with an elderly friend. , but the pleasure of shipboard amenities was all ours. Lightweight long sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. Spacious staterooms, indoor and outdoor dining venues and panoramic views enrich your travel experience. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. Just wondering if Viking does this? Its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I could go on and on and perhaps I will another day. A scarf or shawl is great for layering in minor changes in weather and a must if cruising in the winter months. You definitely need a good pair of walking shoes (sneakers) for excursions. 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. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. We were guests of Viking Cruises, but the pleasure of shipboard amenities was all ours. I did this cruise in December, so it had the added bonus of Christmas Markets, but it is the same itinerary you will do, although perhaps in the opposite direction. I have found that the car rental is about 20% less expensive at the train station than at the airport through Sixt. The Verge - tazz.lesthetiquecusago.it Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack with Detachable Pocket, Read Our Complete Guide to Buying an Anti-Theft Backpack. Just before you come into the lounge is the 24-hour tea and coffee making facilities. We like the Samsonite wheeled duffel bags because they are lightweight, easy to carry and with changeable packing options, are so easy to pack. My favorite part of returning to the ship after daily activities was the literal helping hand of Attila, the hotel manager, assuring that we ladies were escorted safely back on board!!!! All are the same size, layout and design. What did you think of the pre and post trip excursions? Yes, we are excited about our trip and counting the days. So much so, some days will barely allow time to change before dinner. 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. The washers dispense both detergent and I think softener. Comfortable trousers or jeans are best, or if the weather calls for it, shorts or skirts are also appropriate. What a wonderful day we had and one we will remember for ever the photographs taken during the day were all played on the large television in the lounge and by the end of the cruise we felt like celebrities we have never experienced so much genuine care from staff as we did on this cruise and would highly recommend Viking to anyone considering a river cruise. We saw both the twin and full size stateroom accommodations on our longship, but our beds were very comfortable and we had no problem sleeping. Forsake Phil Chukka Mens Casual Leather Mid-Top, Johnston & Murphy Woven Slip-on Sneaker Shoe. I hope we will book more!! Our flower arrangementlastedfor the duration of thejourney. It should not be a word of mouth deal, I.e., counting on somebody who knows the score to share that knowledge with the newbies on the scene. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. Both the washer and dryer work. do viking longships have laundry facilities? The machines are a lot simpler to use. The French balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows, but they dont have a separate balcony, but you do have great views and (of course) you can open the windows to get lots of fresh air. Flowers, fruit, and other treats are random perks and unique to each cruise. I'm on the road right now and as soon as I get a chance I will look for it and share--unless someone beats me to the punch. If taking a fly-cruise package and you have a long haul flight before your cruise, consider wearing compression socks on the flight over. Perfect for cruises. I think it is always best to book your excursions as soon as possible. We are first time travelers to Northern Europe. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses no matter the season. Lightweight jacket/cardigan for cooler days. Or, pack a separate anti-theft clutch that wont take up much room in your bag. Thanks for your kind words, Lona! Thank You for all the great insights on traveling with Viking! Here is the text regarding onboard dress from the Viking FAQ page: Dress during the day is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), trousers or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. For men Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. We love to be prepared ahead of time! the beautician and the beast full movie 1997; . There are suites, verandah Walking around Europe on the cobblestones can be perilous at times, especially in the wet. CC Help Jenn Other times you will be ported at a distance that will require taking a taxi or shared ride service back to ship. And the washers and dryers are free. I agree that Attila was a wonderful hotel manager who truly cared for all of his guests. Note that Viking river ships do not have fitness centers, which is relatively unusual for river ships. Theres lots of seating up here and a few areas where you can play games like crazy golf and deck games. What Kind of Laundry Service is Offered on a River Cruise? Awesome, Joe! Hi my husband and I also did the Grand European Tour in August 2014 and agree with every word which the writer has eloquently written. If sailing on Viking ocean cruises, there are numerous guest laundries available to use free of charge on each deck. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2023, Home >> Travel Tips >> Cruises >> Viking River Cruise Packing List and Cruise Packing Tips. Our award-winning Viking Longships showcase innovative engineering, streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance. In some destinations,laundry can be sent out for cleaning fee while the boat is docked. When the website says shirts with collars for men are they talking golf type or button downs? If this is your first time, you definitely dont want to miss touring the windmills at this UNESCO site. Youre about to discover everything you need to know about a Viking Longship if youre planning on going on a European river cruise, including what it has and a few surprising things that it doesnt have. We will be on the Romatic Danube traveling from Nuremburg to Budapest and while we signed up for the daily included tours we did not elect to take any optional tours because we prefer to wander Europe on our own (we are not big on guided tours and are very active). There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. As you pass through the rivers of Europe youre often going to go through a series of locks, and youre find if you go through one of these big locks in day time, people will head up out onto the deck to enjoy and watch at the marvel of these phenomenal locks. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. If you have embarked on a river cruise, what shipboard amenities did you enjoy? Toiletries and all medications (quality shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap and body wash are provided onboard. All were exceptional. What Are The Biggest YouTube Cruise Vlogger Channels Right now? Table of Contents 1 Viking River Cruise Amenities 2 Red Carpet Treatment 3 Flowers and Fruit Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. On board our longship it seemed that every time we turned around there was anothercelebration in the making. It can also dress up an outfit for evenings. We are so excited and cant wait to experience all the great things we have heard and read about. They do, however, have lectures, presentations, demonstrations, and/or low-key floor shows daily. Backroad Planet will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide email newsletters, updates, and marketing. Generic Premium Earbuds/Headphones with Stereo Mic & Remote Control for Smartphones. You will have an opportunity to select your included and optional excursions several weeks prior to your trip on the My Viking Journey website. River Cruise Basics: Laundry Onboard I think this type of response may be limited to one or two individuals and does not reflect Vikings stellar public relations. Powered by Invision Community. I cant believe I stumbled upon this blog. You may not be able to get a replacement should you forget one. the Danube and Paris to Prague and we loved them! They acted as naval vessels or boats which helped Vikings to explore new lands which resulted in massive Viking expansion over the years. If stability is an issue, perhaps an accessible stateroom would be a better choice. Hi Kimberly! Safe travels and bon voyage! Contact us: email; Search Help & FAQs. Both long and short-sleeved. By design Viking River Cruisespamper their passengers in every possible way. Unfortunately, because I have not yet embarked on this cruise, I cannot offer any excursion recommendations. Saving for another trip. The soap is automatically added to the wash cycle for you. Expect prices between $2.00 - $8.00 USD per item. Expect prices between $2.00 $8.00 USD per item. There are a couple of cabins on board which are designed for people with accessibility Bon voyage! Sorry to hear you had this experience, Magdalena. Right -my count was wrong. Glad we could help. And the rest, as they say, is history. Most river cruises are between 7 to 15 days. Glad we could help. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planets destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. . See. Kim & David. I am so happy that you will be doing the Rhine Getaway. Glad to help, Cathy! In your case it may not matter because Viking is an adults-only cruise line. Lightweight, breathable tops. Viking Vali 1-855-338-4546 Website All photos (19) Traveler ( 15) Common Areas ( 3) Suite Cabins ( 1) Itineraries for this ship Itinerary 7 Night Cruise to Europe Departure date Thursday, 04/11/24 Route Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein (Krems), Linz (Salzburg), Passau, Passau View Map Overview About Passengers: 190 | Crew: 53 Hi Bonnie! In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. Thanks. Indeed, the Viking Age, from A.D. 800-1100, was the age of the sleek, speedy longship. He was NOT even my cabin steward!!! Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Silversea Expedition Cruises Tips: Watch-Outs And Need-to-Knows, Viking River Cruises Tips, Must-Knows and Watch Outs, Going On 100 Cruises Taught Me 7 CRUCIAL Cruise Tricks, 13 Things I Wish Id Know Before Doing A Disney Cruise, 10 Things European River Cruise Lines Dont Like Talking About, How to Gamble on a cruise to unlock perks How it really works by someone who does it. Empty suitcases or bags slide easily under the beds to minimise clutter. Lots of questions, but very excited to be a first time river cruiser! Fully developed examples have been found dating from 300 bce. There is a fee for this service. Loud, obnoxious settingsmake me want to head for the hills. Suffice it to say I am glad that Jerry enjoyed the cookies as evidenced by the picturethey were scrumptious!! Washers, dryers, soap, ironing boards. Your email address will not be published. Not only will we be doing the cruise, but another ten days in Europe before and after the cruise and so I will be traveling with a carry on only which means very casual clothing. Did laundry at 2am.. all included. I suggest that you examine each of your daily options on My Viking Journey to make a plan for each day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2013 - 2023 | Backroad Planet, Top 11 Viking River Cruise Ship Amenities. 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. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. Not dirt cheap. I was wondering Howard if you or anyone has taken the Viking River Cruise Paris & the Heart of Normandy. Look for easy-care, wrinkle-free dress shirts you can wash and not worry about ironing like this travel range from Bluffworks. 10 Facts About Viking Longships | History Hit My husband and I did Paris and the Heart of Normandy as our first Viking cruise in 2013. 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. Complimentary self-service Guest Laundry, including washing machines, detergent, fabric softener, dryers, irons and ironing boards are provided on Deck 1 on Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Enjoy your Viking Rhine Getaway! Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. 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 together, they equal a queen at best, certainly not a king size. You might want to try the print feature in the left toolbar so your hand does not get tired! Our stateroom steward Jonathan with his ever-cheerfulsmile and gentle spirit brightened the entire upper deck. Hi there- this post is wonderfulthank you!! [emoji6]. I have not done the Tulips and Windmills cruise, so I cannot recommend excursions for the entire itinerary. There may be swimming or bathing opportunities, such as the traditional Russian Banya or the therapeutic spas in Budapest, which will require a swimsuit. It is a really popular social place when the weather is There are no laundry services or facilities offered onboard any of CroisiEuropes ships. Your account is clearly in line with the many ways I have observed Viking Cruises go overboard to accommodate their passengers every need. I highly recommend the Top of Cologne tour, which may be my favorite Viking excursion ever. First of all, like all river cruising ships, there is no medical centre. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," the fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian . rosie rivera house address 4123; kal magnesium glycinate arsenic; is captain jacks deadbug safe; doctors accepting new patients whitby 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. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? Hi Jeff! 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. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. SIGN UP. Viking literally and figuratively rolled out the red carpet for us. So? I can, however, comment on the cheese and windmill tours because I have ported at Kinderdijk three times. Viking river cruise amenities are designed to pamper passengers with the ultimate in creature comforts. Viking River Cruises Spa and Fitness - The Cruise Web Either way the clothes came out clean, not sure why there might be a difference. Remember that tip! They are not expensive and can be a lifesaver when you really need that bit of extra battery. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. My husband and I leave in August for the Viking Homeland River Cruise. The Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild are two identical river cruise ships sailing the Elbe River in the Czech Republic and eastern Germany for Viking Cruises. They have a Scandinavian look and feel. I have not yet done a Viking Mississippi cruise, so I have no special tips. Travel tips and destination guides by experienced travellers from all over the world. Even in the shoulder seasons the sun can be very harmful so always be prepared with at least the basics. Glad you found our Viking river cruise articles to be of help. By clicking the subscribe button, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. Hi! But pretty much any of the rivers, the bigger rivers, youre likely to be on one of these Longships. Since I wrote this piece, I have also done the Viking Basel to Amsterdam Rhine Getaway. Here are 10 things you may not have known about the impressive longships. No tokens or quarters! . Love your site! I too am looking forward to another Viking cruisethe only questions are wherewhen? Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises, Best Cruise Purse for Evening Excursions and Onboard, the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel, best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear, mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here, Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. 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. They say . 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. Bon voyage! My husband and I will be taking our first Viking Cruise in a week. We are also planning this exact trip in 2018! So, is the Silver Spirits beverage package worth it? do viking longships have laundry facilities?what has scott morrison done for australia. 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. Ties and jackets are a personal choice. While the restaurants offer a fine dining experience, the dress code is optional.