Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well? So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed; there are no UK 3 pin sockets. We are planning to take the Grand European Tour in July of 2023. Our luggage awaited us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. I will bring an adapter since we will be in Amsterdam pre-cruise. Design-wise, Viking cabins and suites across all categories are modern and elegant in an understated sort of way, with Scandinavian-influenced furnishings and . What does Viking do with our luggage once we check out of the hotel? Thank you for all the information. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) Im glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! Leave your dressier clothes at home; there are no formal nights on a Viking river cruise. 3. Good Job!! Check your cruise itinerary as it will tell you the expected times your ship will be docked at each stop. . We received great overviews of a place with the large group tours, but what we remember most were the unique experiences that came from the optional experiences. I have been told by friends who sail on other lines that I will need a lanyard and pouch to carry ID and room keys, we did not on Viking River Cruises, do we on the ocean cruise? We didnt regret our decision. We took a universal travel adaptor with 4 USB plugs and 4 outlets and used just one outlet for all of our electronics (smartphones, camera, tablet, and Apple Watch). When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. The bar is on one end of the lounge; theres wait service in the Lounge during lunch and in the late afternoon and evening. your journey, you'll want the . 150 square foot stateroom with picture window (no outdoor space), 135 square foot stateroom with French balcony (sliding glass door with no outdoor space), located on the Upper Deck and Middle Deck, 205 square foot room with full-size private veranda, 275 square foot suite with full-size private veranda, mini-bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks that are replenished daily, complimentary laundry & shoe shine services. After morning housekeeping, we had some fresh fruit and baked treats waiting for us in our room. Have a wonderful cruise! We also took along some thank you cards and put in some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward. Have you seen this post? Dress during the day is . Also located off the main corridor are a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. The water levels are extremely low right now. We're staying at hotels also so bring ours. What is your advice? Another option, if the river levels are too low overall, would be for passengers to be bussed from destination to destination, staying in hotels, throughout the cruise. How can we arrange individual tours or make dinner reservations if we dont know the times or the port arrangements? The ships are very clean. The letter indicates which excursion group youre on. In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. Cruise Lines "P - Z" Viking Ocean ; Electrical outlets Electrical outlets. 3. I have to say though that almost nobody dressed up for dinnerI saw one or two men in sport coats. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. How exciting! Were planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. Everyone always asks whether they'll need an electrical converter on board Viking European river ships, OR whether there's enough space to plug-in all their . It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseillealthough I tried. (If you are booked in one of the suites, youll have access to your stateroom at 12:00.) In addition to your stateroom, there are several key public areas on the longships: Theres ample comfortable seating here upholstered chairs and sofas with large windows to enjoy the views. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. There are times when the sun deck is closed to guests. Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? Thanks for responding, Robyn. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. Thanks!! I had a wonderful trip with Viking Cruises' Sun cruise ship, there was good food and with a balcony cabin I enjoyed the view of the sea, good speed Wi-Fi and enjoyed all the Viking offers on board and shore excursions included. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. rent to own house in quezon city 5k monthly. Your comments are really appreciated. After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then. So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! Also trying to decide what to wear. In China the ships . Ive taken mine on multiple Viking river and OCEAN cruises and have never had a problem. Hope your sister finds her Viking river cruise everything she hopes it to be. This will be first river cruise for us. I have the original which is 1 amp and am looking into getting the 2.1 amp since I have a tablet now. Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. There are also daily announcements with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience. Better be aboard, cuz they wont wait! marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well. Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. when we traveled) to your shipboard account. We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the. Youll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement. We are in a veranda A stateroom and doing business class flights as a bucket wish. It will be helpful to others. Just inside is the Lounge where we ate one rainy lunchtime. After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then were bussed to the new ship in the late afternoon. Youll find some additional cruising tips in our previous article on MoreTimeToTravel: Viking Luggage Tag (Credit: Jerome Levine), Viking Ocean Cruises Carves Out A Special Niche for Over-50 Travelers, Best Travel Accessories for Men: 28 Great Gifts for Travelers. As we age, carrying and lifting suitcases can exact a toll on our back and shoulder muscles. I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise! Scenic Tours: 220 V and international power adaptors required. But I noticed that I had 3 pillows and had to throw the extra one on a chair. We also got a power strip with USB ports for all our stuff. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. Thats where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the Top of Cologne optional tour. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! You will receive your final travel documents and Viking luggage tags within three weeks of your trip. One thing I think I discovered was that the iPad pulls a heavy load to recharge and might not do well plugged into the power strip while other stuff is also charging. Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. We're with you. For example, the guests in the Explorer Suites can book optional excursions before guests in the Veranda Suites. Super post, Irene. Has anyone dealt with thus recently? https://www.moretimetotravel.com/cruise-hacks-8-tips-to-help-you-pack-for-a-river-cruise/, Have you been on the Midnight Sun cruise any thoughts on the type of clothing to bring I leave in a few days and still struggling with what clothes to take thanks . NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. Another question- my husband is thinking about bringing jeans to wear to dinner, but I thought I read that jeans are frowned upon for dinner. Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before? Hi Robin, you pose a great question, but it isnt easy to answer! Many people prefer to bring their own reliable shampoos/conditioners/toiletries, etc. I hope you have a wonderful time! Were doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but havent actually booked yet! While all Viking Longships are non-smoking on the interior, in staterooms and verandas, for those of you who are cigarette smokers, each ship has an outdoor smoking area, typically on the sun deck. Whether you plan to be swimming onboard or taking an excursion that brings you to a beach, you wont need to bring beach towels from home. Using ATMs machines? We took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. Also located off the main corridor are a couple of, Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. I am thinking this will work as it swivels to accommodate the location of the plug and has 2 USB ports as well. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable but nice slacks and a blouse will be absolutely fine. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. If sharing a stateroom, both guests must pay for the package. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well. As with Regal Princess, there are no charging points next to the bed on Royal Princess. It is required each time you get off and on the ship. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). bealls online outlet. queen-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds. Some guests preferred to stay in the Lounge and simply relax, read a book, or enjoy the view beyond the big plate glass window or take in the views from the sun deck. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) If you go to the Viking website and look for Viking Tir it'll tell you what is in each cabin type. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. Youd need to factor in picking up and dropping off the rental cars and then driving to and from your planned destinations. There is a light buffet available in the Lounge around midday, so youll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins a nice treat if you just got off a long flight. I really dont want to bring any shampoo but Im supposed to use phosphate free. It easily holds passports and other travel documents along with jewelry and money. Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. Viking Saigon Review. Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? HELP !! Also note: They come with large print labeling so those over 40 dont need to take their peepers into the shower. My husband and I will be sailing with Viking on a Rhine River cruise (Netherlands to Lucerne) this month and our very first river cruise (during a pandemic). I laughed out loud at the comments from Shelly and Mary. Were celebrating our 50th! Viking 1-866-984-5464. Thanks for the reminders. Youll find Viking river cruises all through Europe as well as in Egypt and Southeast Asia. 10.1 BazTechElectroS European Travel Adapter Plug, 11.99 Amazon. The link to this item can be found HERE. You can check with Viking to make sure. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. Many people were. What is the electrical voltage in the staterooms? Your room key is your ID. The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. There are some cruise lines that try to be all things to all people. Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. I guess my DH could sacrifice his camera & just use an iPad..:confused: rjscott, sounds like the cabin will be perfect for "getting ready" while the DH occupies the shower! Bring your comfortable easy to pack stuff ladies and bring athletic shoes that allow for socks. Definitely needed that in the humidity. Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. We just got back from the Viking Rhine River Cruise and these tips were very good. On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room. Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. on your bed. That way, if they reach a low point in the river, they can have passengers disembark, go on bussed excursions, and afterwards be taken to the sister ship that completes the journey. Common power strips are prohibited from cruise ships for safety reasons, and there aren't "cruise ship power strips", but there are alternatives. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise; so its a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once youre on board. Trying to navigate changing pandemic restrictions is a challenge Id rather not have to deal with, but well give it a try. Your email address will not be published. Have a great cruise! We were on the Idun (Longship). We went on the Viking excursions (with local guides) and did not book any local guides directly. Hi Daisy, you have the choice of going on the included or an optional excursion or exploring on your own. There are also 2. I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). By the way, the excursions included in the trip are typically large group experiences, while the optional excursions (available at an extra cost) are usually much smaller groups as they are more focused on specific areas of interest. It sounds like you are all set. Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake). (Youll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. You know is it a venus and mars question. I had mental pictures of all my photos of me enjoying Europe but my hair looking like it did in junior high. The excursions provide guests with an array of experiences including peeks into how locals live, how and where they work, and also some privileged access options just for Viking guests. Can you tell me which docking/ports might be too far from the cities/towns? Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. Two additional 42" flat-screen interactive LCD TVs with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies on Demand in suite. Should. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I cant wait. You can sign up for excursions from your account on MyVikingJourney.com prior to your trip. 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are three activity levels for excursions: About 15 minutes before each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. On our ships, there were separate newspaper versions for Australia, Canada, and the U.S. There are also USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablet so all you need to bring are the cables. Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. Let's look into your options, and briefly cover why power strips aren't allowed. So, we really didn't have an issue with too many devices/not enough outlets. and special treats made nice surprises. This. Power Adapter Type - Viking Cruises. Indeed, very VERY helpfulespecially for first time river cruisers. And Cary Cruiser, all of our itinerary information, airline boarding passes, music, museum audio apps, RS walking tours, language translators, maps, $$ converters, public transportation apps & reading material are downloaded onto our devices. This compact power strip comes with three power outlets and four USB ports, including a Type C port. Poweradd 3-Outlet Power Strip 5-foot Heavy Duty Extension Cord with 3 USB Charging Ports. Straightening or curling irons are another story. Thanks to her guidance, we learn how to honor our dead, and integrate their love and . Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. King-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows. The hairdryer is not in the bathroom, but in the bedroom, in a drawer under the counter where the outlets are. Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. Hi Meri, The best thing to do is to talk with a Viking staff member as soon as you board to find out details for your specific cruise. My husband and I each have a Nook and our own cameras. The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space, and there are many things to appreciate in the staterooms. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. Did you use local guides? The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own. For a complete list of action steps. Hi Karen, you will have the freedom to wander on your own in the evenings in some locations. It wasnt a deal breaker, but something you should be aware of. Im bring my hair styling tool and want to plug it in to 110v in the bathroom. We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water. And about ATMs, weve used them in Europe without any problems. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. You either choose it for your cruise, or you dont no daily option. Thank you Irene for this information! Haha. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. Posted February 21, 2009. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. The total time on these outings could be longer than 3 hours. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. On the other side of the menu are regional specialties or options that are focused on our destinations. They are clearly marked. Then itll be the first photo on your camera roll before the next days activities. Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. Likewise, a few days later, I had just started reading a different book and placed it on my night table on top of my Kindle. Unless you are wed to a particular product, there is no need to bring shampoo or conditioner onboard with you. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. Passengers could disembark and be bussed on an excursion and then afterwards, be bussed to a different location on the river where the water levels are higher. You should also alert the Maitre d once on board. The number indicates which ship youre on. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. 1. This should allow you to finalize your plans to disembark and go meet your friends. As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Getting my heart rate up while enjoying beautiful scenery passing by while the ship made its way down a river was a win-win. Cramming too much in your suitcase increases the odds of incurring additional airline fees for oversized or overweight checked bags. Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time just at opposite ends of the itinerary. Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience. Instead, the dress code is elegant casual, which can mean anything from a sundress in the Caribbeanto slacks and a blouse for women cruising in colder climates. Of course, there is a downside to extreme minimalism or sloppy packing. I borrowed some books from the ships library and left them on a table in our room. Much better idea of what were sailing into now! Electrical Appliances: All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets. This publication outlines the schedule for the next day, with all included and optional excursions as well as suggestions on where to visit and eat during your free time the next day. In each cabin, there are two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. (Its not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.). We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. We're on the the Kara in a few weeks and just went through this research. Overview. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. These long-haired, beautiful women descended from the skies into battles to decide which soldiers lived and which died. Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. That's where you'll need to use your hairstyling tools. There was one set of outlets on either side of the bed and another set at the desk near the TV. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. Its a great one! I guess the bottom line is to remember that disruptions can happen whenever we travel, so plan to get the most out of each experience and cherish the time that you get to explore new places and meet new people. My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. Frankly, I dont think you can go wrong either way, but theyre two very different experiences. Id suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once youre on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. Powered by Invision Community. I have been or 2 VRCs and leave for my 1st VOC in a week (Baltic Sea yay!) in the safe the day before you check out. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. Some companies may take space from common areas to put into spas and fitness centers; others, like Viking, use all that available space for staterooms and common areas.). Viking is very efficient with their timing. Not everyone needs to go on excursions. Royal Princess desk with power sockets. My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. Im with you on how much fun it is to plan trips. Onboard youll have port talks to prepare you for each new day along with musical entertainment in the lounge. My travel one is small but having not to bring one would be great. NW Ohio. Thanks, Tom! There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. We are planning to do 12 days in a carry-on bag only, so no way could I do it without downloading all the info. We are also thinking of taking an old smart phone and purchasing a SIM card that works in Europe for language translation, directions, and apps to enhance our experience. On the ship, you only need the ID, which you can tuck into a pocket. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. 3. Hi David, it sounds like youre gearing up for a great adventure! Take a USB charging hub if you have multiple devices that require USB charging points. Viking asks that guests not walk on the sun deck from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am as a courtesy to those whose cabins are just below the sun deck. We are really looking forward to this cruise and its wonderful itinerary.