Viking River Cruise

I’ve taken two river cruises on Viking, a seven day with a land extension and a 15 day.  One cruise was in the summer and the other the fall.

Both of the cruises I chose on Viking offered free air which included the transportation transfer from the airport to the ship and return upon cruise end.

Because I usually do self-plan travel, cruising with Viking offered me an opportunity to relax and let the representatives from Viking do all the arrangements, which was a nice treat for me.

The Rhine River seven-day cruise I took in June was from Basil to Amsterdam. We had a pre-cruise package in Lucerne Switzerland, all arranged as well as transportation to ship from Lucerne by Viking. There was a Viking representative in the hotel to offer assistance.  (Arriving several days prior to the ship’s departure allows for adjusting to the new time zone.)

The weather in June was warm, which offered nice summer nights to enjoy the top deck while sailing.

During the June sailing, the river water was adequate for smooth sailing and the daily included destination excursions were arranged in the mornings leaving the afternoon for optional (pay for extra) excursions or exploring on your own.  

The daily planner delivered to your stateroom each evening provides for the next day’s schedule (Read the planner carefully to know what time your tour departs the ship.)

Our October sailing for the Grand European River Cruise, began in Budapest and ended in Amsterdam.  We sailed the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers.  During the fall, dress in layers. The weather was variable, but still enjoyable.

The river water levels were low in October (which is always a possibility in the fall) so there were some adjustments which were made.  We had to board the ship outside the city of Budapest and mid-cruise, we changed ships to board a ship further up the river be able to continue as the water level was not passable. 

Viking representatives kept us informed and the busing to next boat and to and from our docking ports outside our destination city went smoothly and was very organized.   (Our cruise was less expensive going in the fall than in other times of the year due to this possibility.)  

Viking includes three meals a day and wine and beer with meals. There is a 24-hour coffee /tea station also available.  Drink packages are available for purchase for unlimited drinks.  Gratuities are extra.

I look for the Viking sailing dates which include free air, but during the peak season, airfare will likely be additional cost.  I chose my dates with free air to keep our costs down. 

There are several room categories to choose from.  We stayed in a French balcony (has a sliding door which opens-no actually balcony) on the 7 day and had a river view (actually, most of the room is under the water level with a small window near ceiling to view out to river) on the 15 day cruise.  The “river view” room is usually considerably less expensive than the French balcony.  

Choose the room which suits your comfort.  The rooms are small unless you choose a suite type room. 

I’d always rather go on a trip than not go, so staying in the least expensive cabin on a cruise is still good for me. But, be honest with yourself about your comfort level. Once you’re out of your room, all guests are treated equally.

River cruising is casual both in dress and daily activities.  There are included daily tours to acquaint you with the city and clear directions on how to return to the ship provided after time on your own. 

I appreciate the organization of cruisers into prearranged groups lead by professional local guides.  Hearing pieces are provided for the entire cruise, so hearing the guide is no problem.