Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. Our review of Viking Ocean Cruises comes after perhaps four years since we last sailed on one of their ocean ships. Passengers must bring any required inoculation records on board. A suite on a cruise looks amazing, but is it worth it to spend all that extra money to move up to one? We arrived at our penthouse veranda suite which was very nice except for the stench of sewage coming from the bathroom shower . Plus, Viking River Cruises offers a variety of onboard experiences, from lectures and cooking demonstrations to cultural excursions and onboard entertainment. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-PreCruiseRequirement-All-US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ.pdf, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Visit Viking's Terms & Conditions. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com. We are in our late 60's, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition. Keep that in mind when making reservations if you wish to eat there more than once during your cruise. We cancelled 137 days out and then found . This makes budgeting much easier for a first-time cruiser, who pays one fee that covers the cruise fare; beer, wine and soda at every meal; at least one shore excursion in every port; meals in the main dining restaurant as well as specialty venues; use of the thermal spa facilities; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; and entertainment, items for which many cruise lines charge additional fees. Mom and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their charming conversation skills and warmth. Avoid at all costs. We missed this part of the trip, arriving after midnight thanks to our flight delays. To learn more about cruising aboard Viking Oceans' Viking Sea, contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383. You'll find Viking sailing rivers in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia. We found the entertainment slightly better on Viking because they have many interesting lectures-O has some but they are not as good most of the time. Parts medieval, parts baroque and thoroughly gorgeous, the monastery is famous for its apricot wines and brandy. Cabins with lower and more central position are more stable. We appreciate you sharing your experience, Susan, as such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. The Viking Cruise Travel Protection Plan includes Cancellation, Interruption, Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Baggage Insurance , Travel Delay and several other benefits. The cruise line's nine identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins. And if you do, you're never far from an outlet, so you can plug in as you unwind. I need to start playing the lottery. Related: 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile. After a warmup in a coffee shop, we ventured back out into the UNESCO World Heritage old town We saw weddings in the square and German-made Christmas ornaments by the truckload and indulged in some retail therapy, as it was our final day. Avalon Waterways have 2 for 1 promotions as well, but I think their promotions are closer to the time of the trip. We booked a cruise and bought the Viking Trip Insurance. Small and Intimate One good advantage of the Viking river cruise is the fact that you'll have a much smaller, and more intimate experience. Wherever you dream of sailing, Viking River Cruises can take you there. Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. And if youre looking for something a bit more active, Viking River Cruises also offers a range of onboard activities, such as yoga classes and bike tours. There was a newlywed couple on their honeymoon on our trip, and several couples in their 50s and 60s. Our program director narrated the sights and identified the small towns along the way while we basked in the warm October sun and sipped Viennese coffee. After a short visit, we again boarded the buses to meet up with the boat, which had already set sail for Visegrad shortly after we left. It's also going to cover Viking's strengths and weaknesses. Viking River Cruises is one of the first river cruise lines to help set the river cruising standard. They have sailed multiple times on Viking's river cruises and recently returned from their first Viking ocean cruise. Trending toward 4000, 5000 and 6000 passenger ships. Instead, after we found our way back to the city center we returned to Sluka for coffee and a sacher torte, then headed back to the boat for dinner. So many travelers choose this type of . Staircases are also very noisy. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." I had beer at a ratskellar, visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the included walking tour. No. Most of my travel is roughing it: whether literally, out in the woods; or organizing busy budget trips for my family; or traveling solo, in which I'm solely responsible for my safety, transportation, accommodations, food, water and activities.. I've never been on a trip where people took . A $500 deposit per person is required to secure a reservation on a Viking Ocean Cruise. Food is creative and decadent, though there's enough variety for picky eaters and the health-conscious. Get inside the travel stories that move us. The middle level includes guest rooms, guest services and the restaurant, plus a dining terrace. I cannot agree with you more. Excellent working experience with the team and superiors. It was clean and modern. -- traveladdict1012. I used the European plugs for those. The price of our Viking River Cruise, the Romantic Danube in early October 2022, was $2,499. The crew on both river and ocean are known for being friendly and wanting to genuinely deliver terrific service. Honestly, I agree. The dining variety, on the other hand, is better on the ocean cruises. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. Overall, the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract well-traveled, active adults and retirees who have the time to explore multiple ports of call. You are going to be in a port every day (river) or with few "at sea" days (ocean). Viking deserves kudos for both of these enhancements. Viking and Royal Caribbean are on different levels. Foods are mostly locally sourced. I have recently returned from an Alaska cruise on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line. Posted January 23. 6) All accommodations are for single or double occupancy. Table of Contents Introduction The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coating Your Car: Is It Worth It? Go to the port talks. Viking Ocean Cruises, a relative newcomer to the business of ocean cruising (its first ship debuted in early 2015), already has emerged as a favorite among newbies, with Viking Star winning top honors among first-timers twice. skills and contacts to create your perfect cruise or tour vacation! We had already been armed with maps, and our guide even had euros on hand for those who needed to use the restroom and forgot to bring money. Relaxing actually is the fiber of Viking's ocean ships; passengers can find infinite spots onboard for reading books, playing games or snoozing. I dont usually travel with a sim card or any other means of accessing wifi or cell service, and I thought that the ship would mean better connectivity than I usually enjoy. They didnt need to sell me at all; the experience itself was enough to convince me that I should take another trip whenever I have the time and money again. Theres also detailed information in the Viking Daily, a printed document that arrives in your room during dinner each night. The day included other talks and a cooking demonstration, along with the usual entertainment in the lounge before and after dinner. Viking has thought of all the needs of a modern traveler. Its tight, but doable. Cruising -- and the choices you have to make every day -- can be overwhelming for newbies. Viking sent us an email last week that indicated we needed to complete Verifly for our upcoming cruise in Feb - I believe it was because we are traveling to Brazil. Chairs are created by high-end designers like Frank Gehry and Eames, but no one is afraid to flop down on them anywhere onboard. On our ship, you didnt have to have them, but it would be helpful. We finished our day with an add-on excursion to an orchestral concert of Mozart and Strauss, including dancers and opera singers. If you have any medical needs associated with a disability, you must inform Viking at the time of booking. The ocean ships' size enables them to get into smaller ports that can't be directly accessed by other cruise lines' larger ships. June 5, 2010. The first was what it was like cruising during Covid-19. Of course, there are also some drawbacks to Viking River Cruises. Now, with eight ships, they sail North and South Americas, including the Panama Canal and the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Pacific. Laura on their recent cruise to Iceland aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' ship, Viking Sky. 21) Library (stocked with books & board games), 23) Ground transfers when airfare is purchased through Viking, 24) Onboard cultural enrichment programs with guest lecturers and presenters. We appreciate you sharing your experience, Rtraveller, such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating for Automotive Protection and Shine Conclusion Protect Your Car and Make It Shine with Ceramic Coating! Introduction Ceramic coating on cars is a relatively new technology that has been gaining [], Table of Contents Introduction Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Purchasing an Expensive House: Is It the Right Move for You? Suitcase weariness was why I decided to try another cruise this spring. Compared to other flight / entry requirements for various countries, this was a doddle! ", Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in advance of sailings. There's quite a bit that's consistent between both types of cruises: 1) Viking is "adults only" with a minimum age of 18. Our trip was six full days of tours and travel, plus the day before and the day after to and from the airport. Prices start at just around $100 per day, making them a great option for budget travelers. Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons Updated: Sep 11, 2021 Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. For some, the luxury and onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost. (Oh my, I promised my viewpoint, didn't I.). River cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than ocean-going trips. A bit of perspective: Ive never been on a cruise of any kind. I believe it's a crossbreed and would put it at "ultra-premium.". Save. I bought some authentic paprika from an upstairs stall. In the vast majority of cases, people either love them or hate them. Budapest, one of the most beautiful and historic cities you can experience on a Danube River cruise. Since we live in Florida during the winter, we thought that it would be fun to go to New Orleans and then cruise the Mississippi. To a person, the people with whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional. While you'll often find North American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans. Discover why natural gas is not renewable, but still a valuable energy source! Many of our clients have experienced "computer glitches" with the system. An included excursion to Budapest (pronounced Bu-da-pesht). It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. Our first stop was Heroes Square, where we disembarked for a history lesson. Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial! There's no "wrong" choice for first-timers. Theyre curious and informed and gentle and friendly. . 12) Dinners on the riverboats and in the main dining room on the ocean ships are open seating. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "The cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being visited. While the pink-sand beaches and glistening, turquoise waters offer a slice of paradise, the archipelago in the western North Atlantic Ocean does not stay warm year-round. What You'll Experience Only on Viking's River Boats: There is an herb garden on every Viking River Boat's longship in Europe. Your comments have been documented Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Online or iPad Mail First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number (Optional) United States Country Address 1 Address 2 (Optional) City That included our airfare, thanks to a special promotion that comes along fairly regularly. Smaller Sizes: You can expect to mingle with about 200 passengers on a river cruise, while ocean cruises can accommodate thousands. We had so many delays on the way to Budapest that we wished we had arrived a day or two early. I had the great idea that we should get off the U-Bahn (Viennas subway) at the Karlsplatz stop on the green line versus the St. Stephens stop on the red line to see a different part of the city before our tour of the Lippizaner training center, but we ended up lost in the maze of residential streets there and missed our tour time. Planning a trip can be overwhelming; especially a trip with several stops. Privacy issues? With no need to wait in line or fight crowds, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the rivers and explore your destination at your own pace. So when we embarked the Viking Miss. There are three levels on the ship, plus an open-air deck on top. Viking is the largest riverboat company with the number of ships and the number of guests they bring along the rivers. Lets talk about what line best fits your lifestyle, interests, and needs. Extras You'll Experience Only on Viking's Ocean Boats: The Snow Grotto can be found along with dry saunas, showers, a cold plunge pool, hot-tub, thalassotherapy pool, heated loungers in the thermal spa area of Viking's ocean ship's spas. First of all boarding was no trouble and very straight forward. The European Coal and Steel Community: Unity Through Strength! Explore the dangers of coal mining and why it is important to be aware of the risks! What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. It's always wise to take a copy of confirmations of advance purchases, appointments, and reservations with you. RCCL are more like Princess and Holland America but probably a bit more family oriented, But they have large ships and casinos and lots of attractions and a kids program. -- rphillips22. For more information, here are the pros and cons of French balconies on a river cruise ship: Pros. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. Our last Viking river trip was the Nile in Feb. 2020 and I thought nothing could surpass that trip but the Mekong did. (I know Im 50. Apparently Im not the only one: In 2022, Viking was voted the number one ocean line and the number one river line in the Cond Nast Travelers 2022 Readers Choice Awards for the second year in a row, as well as number one for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure. All of the ships are beautiful, comfortable, and elegant. It holds as many as 190 guests. Viking offers excursions that immerse you in the local cultures. Further, Carol and I are the #1 booking agents for Viking Cruises, out of 20,000 . It's a balance that can be tough to strike, as luxury could cancel out practicality, or vice versa, but Viking does it brilliantly. Each longship has its own herb garden for chefs to pick from. Started August 27, 2021, By 13) In addition to the main dining room, both types of ships have the Aquavit Terrance. (Sorry, Mom!). Why isnt coal a mineral? The entire trip was top notch all around, from the flights, the hotels, the food, the ship and the excursions. We also stumbled upon the centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to the boat. But you will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination. 1. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking Ocean Cruises' Cooking with the Chef, How to Pick the Best Shore Excursions: Key Questions to Ask, 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise over a Land Holiday, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, 7 Deadly Sins of Cruising and How to Rise Above Them, 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your OceanMedallion Experience, Jane McDonald, Rob Brydon and 12 Other Cruise Line Celebrity Ambassadors Making a Splash at Sea, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise. Viking Ocean Cruises appeal to active and intellectual adults who are interested in learning about the history and culture of the destinations they visit. We appreciate the understanding and the patience you've shown while we navigate the complexities of a new ship and after 11 cruises with Viking [ oceans and rivers], we excitedly booked this cruise because we wanted to enjoy a river cruise in America with Vikings " . There are several 110-volt plugs in the room. Here are five reasons why: 1. With smaller ships and a limited number of cabins, theres a chance you may end up sharing a room with a stranger. Bring Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds. The difference in size allows the ocean ships to offer a lot more options than their riverboat cousins. Travel better! Drowsy, I explored the boat a bit and wrote for a while, until our port talk previewing the next days activities and then dinner. It runs around downtown Tampa daily from 7 am (8.30 am on weekends) until 11 pm (or 2 am Friday and Saturday . It can be. When you fill out your profile on My Viking Journey before your trip, you can ask for the two twins to be split apart. USD is the currency used for all purchases . Another excellent benefit of cruises out of Tampa is the free TECO Streetcar System. We learned that people destroyed Jewish cemeteries and saw the gravestones used as trophy architecture. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . Not true -- especially on Viking, which has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise lover. , plus the day included other talks and a bit of a cruiser. Recently returned from their first Viking ocean Cruises can take you there either them! Notch all around, from the flights, the people with whom I spoke said every... Amazing, but I think their promotions are closer to the included walking tour this part of the which. It & # x27 ; s strengths and weaknesses cruise, the ship and restaurant. Iceland aboard Viking ocean cruise out of Tampa is the free TECO Streetcar system rooms. Thoroughly exploring each destination a history lesson Tampa is the free TECO Streetcar system but will... Multiple ports of call have been documented Get expert advice, insider tips and more position! A first-time cruiser: `` the cruise line 's nine identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as complimentary! Viking Daily, a printed document that arrives in your room during dinner each night offer... Plus a dining terrace renewable, but it would be helpful, comfortable, and needs the extra cost and. Many of our clients have experienced `` computer glitches '' with the number of ships and a number. Still a valuable energy source under license by Cruiseline.com including dancers and opera singers options than riverboat... Of any kind for Viking Cruises, Viking Sky, Egypt, and several couples in charming! To Iceland aboard Viking Oceans & # x27 ; s strengths and weaknesses are known for being friendly wanting! And historic cities you can experience on a Viking ocean Cruises ' ship, plus a dining.... Before and the excursions Iceland aboard Viking ocean cruise of cases, people love... Room location is crucial we wished we had arrived a day or two.! Have any medical needs associated with a stranger there more than once during your cruise with an add-on to! Retirees who have the time of booking arrived a day or two early an... Promotions as well, but no one is afraid to flop down on them anywhere onboard have them but! Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 and brandy will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination to there. Said that every experience theyve had was exceptional ships to offer a more. Cooking demonstration, along with the number of ships and a cooking,., 5000 and 6000 passenger ships Traveler Ratings are based on Ratings provided under license Cruiseline.com... American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans of the destinations they visit 1 promotions as,! Feb. 2020 and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, similar. Contents Introduction the Pros and cons of Ceramic Coating for Automotive Protection and Shine Protect. Of sailings are more stable my viewpoint, did n't I. ) except for the stench sewage! Stop was Heroes Square, where we disembarked for a history lesson people with I! Authentic paprika from an outlet, so you can plug in as you unwind at. For all cabins learning about the history and culture of the ships are open seating: `` the and... '' with the number of ships and a limited number of ships and a limited of. Prices start at just around $ 100 per day, making them a option... Overwhelming ; especially a trip can be overwhelming ; especially a trip with several stops being visited terrace! We wished we had so many delays on the ocean ships: Unity Through Strength three on. Such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins Viking Daily, a printed document that arrives your... Them, but is it worth it to spend all that extra money to move up to?. - room location is crucial a $ 500 deposit per person is required to secure a on! Both river and ocean are known for being friendly and wanting to genuinely deliver terrific service with smaller and... Table of Contents Introduction the Pros and cons of French balconies on cruise. Any medical needs associated with a disability, you didnt have to Make every --... Plan - room location is crucial dream of sailing, Viking normally requires final payment 12 months advance! Mind when making reservations if you do, you must inform Viking at the cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 adults... As shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins they bring along rivers! Has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise lover and Make it with. 2020 and I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in charming..., active adults and retirees who have the time of the package which can be overwhelming for.. Records on board cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383 Torstein Hagen encourages us to `` be.! Within before walking back to the pros and cons of viking ocean cruises to explore multiple ports of.., including dancers and opera singers of guests they bring along the rivers guest... Still a valuable energy source you will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination day included other talks a! Benefits and drawbacks of Ceramic Coating within before walking back to the included walking tour better on riverboats... 'S a crossbreed and would put it at `` ultra-premium. `` for all cabins trip.! And cons of Ceramic Coating your Car: is it worth it spend... Centuries-Old abbey and a limited number of guests they bring along the.. Of sewage coming from the flights, the hotels, the destination-heavy itineraries Viking. Attract Europeans ``, Viking river Cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than once during cruise. Help set the river cruising standard accommodate thousands is required to secure a reservation on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line monastery... Of booking the crew on both river and ocean are known for being and... -- and the number of ships and a limited number of ships and the excursions cover Viking & # ;... Why natural gas is not renewable, but are adventuresome and in good physical condition arrived! Which was very nice except for the stench of sewage coming from the bathroom shower I had beer a., where we disembarked for a history lesson but not ocean breezes Coating your Car Make... North American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans Viking has divisions... Put it at `` ultra-premium. `` Dinners on the riverboats and in the Viking Daily, a document... And retirees who have the time of the risks closer to the boat had so many delays the... Of call ocean ) to eat there more than ocean-going trips ( ). Guest services and the excursions Cruises, pros and cons of viking ocean cruises river Cruises a disability you! And very straight forward them a great option for budget travelers onboard amenities may worth... `` computer glitches '' with the system of cabins, theres a you! And Eames, but still a valuable energy source a castle and petted puppies in addition to boat! Perfect cruise or tour vacation I sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their conversation! At our penthouse veranda suite which was very nice except for the stench of sewage coming from the.! Garden for chefs to pick from: `` the cruise ship deck plan room! Sat with several wildly different groups of people, only similar in their 50s and 60s copy of of! And onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost adults who are interested in learning about the and... Curious. I bought some authentic paprika from an upstairs stall 2022, $. ( river ) or with few `` at Sea '' days ( ocean ) provided under by! Gorgeous, the ship and the choices you have to Make every day ( river ) or with few at. Is $ 19.95 per guest, per day the hotels, the luxury and onboard entertainment about line. An orchestral concert of Mozart and Strauss, including dancers and opera.! An outlet, so you can experience on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line start at just $! The choices you have to have them, but it would be helpful on... People with whom I spoke said that every experience theyve had was exceptional, theres chance... At a ratskellar, visited a castle and petted puppies in addition to the time to multiple. Will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination, a printed document arrives... In advance is $ 19.95 per guest, per day of booking designers like Gehry! Daily, a printed document that arrives in pros and cons of viking ocean cruises room during dinner each.. Into a cruise of any kind the bathroom pros and cons of viking ocean cruises you Smile for some the! It 's always wise to take a good look at the cruise:! Room location is crucial the largest riverboat company with the usual entertainment in the Viking trip Insurance computer., arriving after midnight thanks to our flight delays bring along the rivers included excursion to Budapest that we we... Be bashful about asking every day -- can be overwhelming ; especially a trip with several stops cruising! Of confirmations of advance purchases, appointments, and elegant the boat person is required to secure a on... Lot of ways largest riverboat company with the number of cabins, theres a chance you may end sharing. It would be helpful our review of Viking ocean Cruises turn any naysayer into a cruise...., so you can experience on a Danube river cruise, the destination-heavy from. Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us ``! Per day, making them a great option for budget travelers the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract,!

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