viking river cruise tips

The WiFi in our cabin was VERY poor at best. The summer heat was brutal this year, and I have to admit our clothes were not so fresh by the end of the cruise. Either way, have a blast, and bon voyage! You are, however, allowed to bring your own liquor onboard Viking. That said, after your first Viking cruise, you will be hooked! Are Disney cruise gratuities expected? If you're considering a Viking Cruise or want to know what it's like to sail on a river, this post will guide you through everything you need to know before you go. For dates that are 30 to 69 days away, the cancellation fee is 50% of thefare. . Winter jacket - Lightweight packable puffy down jacket for travel. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. For a 7-night cruise, the cost is $139.65 USD p.p. In the luxury river cruising niche, Viking is an absolute winner, receiving praise from both the industry and demanding clientele. Hi, I loved reading your tips concerning the river cruises. If youre planning aViking River cruise, then this article on tipping onViking River cruisesis a must-read. Sometimes I would plan to capture a photo later on, hoping thenthe scene would beless populated with tourists. It dried beautifully in the sun and we avoided having wet stuff draped over the chair. Have a blast! One day I mentioned that I preferred Diet Coke over coffee in the morning. Great article! You talked about tipping your Cabin Steward. I can find no mention of this process. Next Last. Filters. Thank you, Judy! Clean lines and beautiful, modern decor are featured throughout the vessel. I HATE to dress up, and I always go casual. Many times, our meals in the dining room didnt finish until 9pm. All Im saying is to read the information included in yourItinerary & Departure Information booklet or attend the shipboard presentation and considerwhether anoptional excursion will be worth your time and money. Read on for 8 helpful facts and tips about Viking River Cruises. Viking does offer onboard discounts for future cruises, but I have no way of knowing what the offer will be on your cruise. I am doing the Viking Star Romantic Mediterranean in December, Charles. It was so refreshing and relaxing. Was this on the lowest deck? Thats a pretty good value in comparison to discount ocean cruises where it can feel like youre nickel and dimed. And if so, can we book those tours once we get on board? 1) Viking does cater to seniors, but I am in my 50s and love the clientele. Another way to plan ahead with tipping is to get change for larger denomination paper currency. We arrived in Avignon and headed to the ship where a light lunch was provided. My next Viking trip is the Rhine Getaway Christmas Market cruise in December. You don't have to wear a long black dress every night. Hi Larry! Thanks for the excellent tip, Shelley, and I am only a wee bit jealous of your upcoming trip. The left side of the ship restaurant menus feature daily-prepared chef specialties, often regional seasonal cuisine. You dont have to wear a long black dress every night. Simply put: The left handlecontrols the temperature. It must be great if youve done it four times. I work at a federal agency that places objects in space, so Im not really dumb just a bit confused. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. My husband and I are going to be extending our river cruise beforehand in Paris. So feel free to let them know. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. Hi Sandi, and thanks for your kind words! Hi Howard, love reading your account of our tripyou are right on with everything! It was our understanding that the tipping on board could be done by credit card and it would be distributed accordingly. If you dont want to tip the cruise staff, ensure that you dont prepay thegratuitiesbefore departure asgratuitiesare non-refundable. If you book cruises far in advance, you wont be able to charge back the cruise if thecruise linegoes bankrupt. Vikingallows you to bring outside alcohol on board so you can bring some to start the cruise and buy more duringshore excursions. While this might seem unfair to you, the fact is thatcruise linestaff receive the majority of their income fromgratuities. I highly recommend using these services to find unique options, food, and things that interest you. In fact,the crewoften circulate a list ofcabinsthat have removed automaticgratuitiesamong themselves. Hi Elizabeth! Hi Cindy! Sweater Or Cardigan for Viking and Scenic river cruise. Your email address will not be published. When I set sail on Viking I was immediately met with many questions, the most frequent, why take a cruise? Viking River Cruises 2022 update! Relying on acredit cardchargeback instead of travel insurance is risky, particularly since theres a time limit for making claims. Dandelion Travel Adapter with 2 USB Ports, Power strip with 3 AC Outlets, 2 USB Ports, The Smallest and Lightest High-Speed Power Bank. Yes, youre required to tip on Viking River Cruises, which is no different from most other river cruise companies. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. Will the lack of fresh air in the stateroom be an issue? Learn how your comment data is processed. I am looking for input. Hint! I am 52. Hi Donna! Something to note is that Viking provides transfers to and from the airport, so you won't need to worry about getting to and from. Viking River Cruiseshave suggested tip amounts perpassengerper day. Vikingriver cruises operate on an all-inclusive model, so almost everything is included in the cost of your cruise. Were doing the Danube Waltz Christmas cruise in December. One of the highlights of cruising the Rhine Riveris the opportunity to see firsthand the 40+ castles and fortresses that populate thebanks of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Tipping | Gratuities are not included in Viking River cruise packages, so be prepared to tip $10-12 per person/per day at the end of the trip to your favorite crew and $2 per day for the program director. I know you say Viking is great and all, but I certainly know people who did not have good service with them. I agree that cruises are not for everyone. You'll find two large red umbrellas in your stateroom that you can use if the weather is inclement. With this in mind, weve put together this Viking River Cruise packing list, loaded with helpful cruise packing tips to help you get ready for yourriver cruise or even your first Viking Ocean Cruise. On our first cruise I discovered Muesli on the breakfast buffet. Thanks, it was extremely helpful when speaking with the CS representative. This satellite service is comparatively expensive, and you may prefer to use your own personal mobile phone to make international calls instead. I am not an expert on cell phone rates. Excited about my upcoming Viking cruise (Med Sea, though, not river) so I appreciate learning the ins and outs prior. If you choose not to pre-pay gratuities, the standard amount will automatically be added to your shipboard account, to be charged to your credit card. 24 exclusive Viking River Cruise insider tips tailored for first-time cruisers to help make your European journey the cruise of a lifetime! To me, taking a cruise is probably the most relaxing vacation. If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. If you want to FINISH eating early, go to the small buffet on the Aquavit Terrace. King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen. It is a great starter cruise that includes so many amazing port cities. How does one plan as . Viking features a number (over 60 in fact!) TIP: There are likely conflicting opinions on a relatively recent change that Viking made to limit passengers to those over the age of 18. I remember when we were booking our first cruise and trying to decide whether our cabinneeded a veranda or French balcony or not. Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. The Viking Skadi. For men - Trousers and collared shirts are acceptable. Therefore, you will not see any children on the ship. Awesome to hear you will be doing the Rhine Getaway cruise. Yes, all Viking longship staterooms have refrigerators. Vikingrequires a cruisefaredeposit of $500 per person to confirm your reservation. Although my Rhine Getaway was in December, our Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue will give you an inside look at the experience. European River Cruises, tips for Non-Cruisers. Reviewing the shore excursions is particularly important when considering what to pack for a river cruise in Europe, as most cruise itineraries offer a range of cultural evening excursions such as the opera or ballet. Happily, for the most part, this is not the case. When you dock ashore, Viking includes an activity each and every day. Viking River cruises, on the other hand, are much more intimate. Simply put, if you have a need, ask, and the ship staff will do their best to make it happen. Find out the latest news on P&O tipping here and tip confidently, worldwide. 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. Depending on the type of excursion, you may want to pack specific clothing such as comfortable, versatile hiking/walking shoesfor optional easy hikes. Other restrictions apply; call 1-800-377-9383 for details. Travel Insurance: Get a free quote from World Nomads Travel Insurance. What common spaces are there on the Viking Mississippi? You will LOVE the Grand European Cruise. You are hardly ever in there. Later, whenwe returned unsuccessfully to our cabin, a brand new container of cranberry juice was waiting for us, courtesy of the shipMatre D.Our cabin steward was also incredibly intuitive, always providing for needs without having to ask. However, what my husband and I loved about our French balcony during out Rhine River summer cruise (yes, the weather is a big factor here), is that after turning out the lights to go to sleep at night, wed open the balcony door. Viking now offers a pre-paid gratuities option, and you may purchase the standard recommended gratuity for your cruise through the My Viking Journey portal. All the delicious food on Viking is included and starts with a breakfast buffet and a choice to order off-the-menu. Learn more from my first-hand experiences sailing with Viking Expeditions, Rivers, and Oceans at the links below. Viking River Cruises Tips, Must-Knows and Watch Outs - Tips For Travellers It has 190 passengers and around about 45 crew. This was for both the land portion and the cruise. Do you prefer seeing the sights like castles and walking cobblestone streets? - You maximise the room in your cabin this way and only have to worry about one case while you are travelling. I just wanted you to know. 2. Find out what World Nomads cover if Covid 19 affects your travel plans. Long trips and short trips are both great, as long as he doesnt get left at home! To help you with the dress code on a river cruise, we give you some ideas for day and evening wear. There is no prepaidgratuityoption. Drinks are also notable on Viking because house wines, beers, soft drinks, coffee and iced tea are actually included in the cost of your cruise. Dont pack too many clothes, It is very helpful to arrive with some euros in small change, public bathrooms often require coins to use, I LOVE Viking cruises and have enjoyed the ocean cruises as well. . He tends to overplan, always cramming too many activities and destinations in a single itinerary. Please let us know if we can assist your further, and be sure to check out our European Panoramas post for a preview of the Grand European! But to get there, some slight changes to onboard programming, passenger requirements and the . Viking River Cruises offer two ways to manage your gratuities: you can relax and enjoy your journey by pre-purchasing gratuities on My Viking Journey at our standard recommended rate of US$18 per guest per day; or, we will . While you might think ofgratuitiesas a bonus, the dirty little secret of the cruise industry is that their staff are forced to rely on tips for the majority of their income. Viking's longships squeeze 190 passengers onto a 135-meter ship, which competing cruise lines say make it feel crowded. Dont forget to carry some hand sanitiser with you. Thanks for sharing your opinion regarding cruise gratuities, Diana! He loves to hop in the car and travel anywhere. December in Europe is cold. Perfect for carrying your phone, lipstick, room card and money without having to pack an extra purse. You dont want to miss them. And I agree age is a non-issue when you are around like-minded people. For a couple stops on the journey, boats running in opposite cities are docked together. If you are shy about joining other tables, you are not alone. However, we are also tempted by a 2019 Alaskan cruise by Viking. We enjoyed getting acquainted with these people, and it would have been comfortableto have shared all of our meals with them. . . We were originally quoted $1530 on American, and then the Viking travel agent found the cheaper flight on Delta. River cruising can be a relaxing way to see the world while waking up in a new place to explore daily. Currency and money: There is no need to bring a hairdryer. I am 55 and no you cant really see out the window except for tree tops in some cases. Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order). Is one better than the other? Dont miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience just because youre tired! More casual, etc? Here you can customize your travel experience, so all the details are taken care of before you depart. Hope this helps, and thanks for stopping by. Thanks for the tips on tipping! The balconies are great for going out to take a peek, but you can easily do that from any of the decks. Of course, you can stick to the included tours. If you want an alcoholic drink at any other time, you can purchase the reasonably-priced Silver Spirits package which includes unlimited top-shelf liquor, specialty beer, and wine available whenever you want. Many posts on this site also contain links to accommodation, travel and activity booking sites. Use our Carnival Gratuities guide to tipping that explains prepaid gratuities, how much to tip, and who you tip. Easy care, wrinkle-free, breathable fabrics are best. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening. I do know that they offer 2-for-1 rates and also occasionally offer free air travel. With this in mind, we've put together this Viking River Cruise packing list, loaded with helpful cruise packing tips to help you get ready for your river cruise or even your first Viking Ocean Cruise. Danube River Cruise Cruise Wear Loire Valley European Tour Cruise Travel Cruise Tips Cruise Wear Loire Valley European Tour More information . The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. Subscribe to our mailing list below and receive a FREE download of our e-book The Ultimate Road Trip Planner Part 1: Pre-Planning! by: *Rates are per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and may change without notice. Here are some highlights of the rooms: A safe with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. River Cruising River Cruising Tips. 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. Some Christmas markets will be within walking distance of ports, and Viking typically has shuttle buses running to those that are farther away. . Hello, We have reviewed some of the best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, but these are a few of our favourites. The line has very flexible payment types on their European-based river cruises, but both rate and payment type vary on their exotic itineraries. We enjoyed the fresh air, sound of the water quietly slapping up against the boat, and, if having a bit of wakefulness, seeing the lights of small villages along the way. Do you know anything about that? I have read several bad reviews from unsatisfied Viking customers. Viking Mississippi, a 386-passenger ship, also is scheduled to launch on the Mighty Mississippi River in August 2022. Cheers! We were guests ofViking Cruises, butall thoughts and opinions are our own. Hope this helps! I am concerned that the lowest deck is mostly below water level. I recommend to also tip any staff you feel went above and beyond. Forsake Phil Chukka - Mens Casual Leather Mid-Top, Johnston & Murphy Woven Slip-on Sneaker Shoe. I retired from a 35-year career as a middle school teacher in 2015. 2. Lightweight long sleeved shirts are perfect for hot sunny days. A river cruise is a wonderful way to relax, watch the world drift by at a leisurely pace and explore the towns, cities and countryside of Europe and exotic destinations around . This is most noticeablewhen going through the innumerable river and canal locks. In fact, that ability was my favorite part of my room stay. In the UK for example, they get out a good 3-4 weeks after the kids in Florida. Attendant job after 36 yrs. Hi Neal, and thanks for contacting us regarding your concern. Tipping on Viking River Cruises (A Complete Guide). Question: My husband and I will be going on our first Viking cruise through Paris this December. The man on the phone suggested that if the tour is one we absolutely do not want to miss, book the tour now and pay with real money. . Ladies, forget your fabulously bulky shoulder tote bag that looks great in any season. These are the two best ways to cut the cost of your cruise. I have enjoyed Silver Spirits several times since I wrote this post, and I actually agree with you. Leaving on the Grand Euro in just a few days. Nickel and dime air charges: $100.x2, $166.50x2, $24x2, $50x2, $20.x2. . In saying that, consider carefully what shoes you will pack for a river cruise. Premium Freyja toiletries. I really want to go on one but my husband has some reservations. Sort. When you step on board the Longship, the first thing you'll notice is the decor. Viking River Cruises also provides this checklist for passengers: Comfortable walking shoes. I travel a lot and am often hauling my stuff from place to place. If you prepay yourgratuities, you dont have this option. This means that if you want to travel on their least expensive cruise, which starts at $1,899, you will pay a total of $2,848.50 to $3,798 for a solofare. If you dont tip on a cruise, the service that you receive can suffer. But they provided transfers from the ship to the airport when I was departing. Question: The 2-for-1 rates that Viking posts seem to equal the full rate posted on Viking am I reading that incorrectly? Thats because, after your disembarkation, you cannot remove the tips. We just used Vikings WiFi to email our friends/family. Also know that you are welcome to purchase your own wine and other alcohol to bring on board. No worries there! The cabin steward tip is included in the onboard staff tip, however you could leave an additional tip in your stateroom if you feel it is deserved. We passed beautiful churches, bridges, and a gorge. I did a bit of online research, and I have learned that breakfast is served earlier on the Aquavit Terrace, but I was unable to confirm that dinner is served earlier. TIP: River Cruises allowed minors in the past, but as of August 1, 2018, minors (children under 18) can no longer be booked. As I went through the brochure, I had several questions and noted your tips article while searching the website. Viking River Cruises is probably the best known European river cruising company, and has a wide range of river cruise options in Europe. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Web Stories, 20142022 Vagrants Of The World Travel | Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Viking partners with 16 airlines to offer round-trip transoceanic air travel, and you can buy tickets from Viking at the same time you purchase your river cruise. Being a seasoned Viking River and Ocean traveler, I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. Have a blast! Home | Cruises | River Cruises | 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips. Is there a good/cheap way to use cell phones on the Danube cruise? The view is breathtaking in person, but the distant castles dont photograph so well, unless you have a zoom lens. See the 2020 rates for the Silver Spirits . I have paid U.S. $139 for the Silver Spirts Package or approximately $20 per day. Tipping on cruises can surprising both new cruisers and those coming from countries without a strong tipping culture. The 450-foot-long Viking Mississippi, the largest of Viking's global fleet of river ships, departed on its current sailing on Saturday, October 1. If not, I know you can call Viking to get the information. This makes Viking different from other ships. . 10 Perfect Instagram Theme Ideas You Can Create, What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Full Time Blogger, 11 Surprising Ways To Make Money Blogging, The ONE Pinterest Strategy That Changed The Game, 5 Different Instagram Strategies You Need to Try, Things to Do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas. 1 pair of flip-flops or similar for relaxing in your cabin. Take your own wine into the dining room and they are happy to serve it to you. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at both the restaurant and on the Aquavit Terrace. When I booked this year I had the option of choosing prepaid gratuities or the Silver spirits package as part of a promotion. Some great pre-planning advice there. I am also from Central Florida Orlando but originally from the UK. I am insulin dependent. Dont want to pack if they are provided. wedding anniversary aboard the ship. Our favourite travel accessories for wet weather. Every morning after that, the waiter or waitress brought me a Diet Coke with a fresh glass of ice, I never had to ask again. Hi Howard, I discoveredEggs Benedict onthe breakfast menu at the beginning ofour second cruise and ordered thisalso quite heavenly dish mostmornings. The standard room I believe may be larger than some of the balcony rooms as well. Passengers with scheduled Viking transfers had no problem getting to the ship, but those of us who had made our own arrangements were in a bit of a panic when we could not find our ship. 5 - 7 Tops to mix and match with bottoms. Bus drivers and tour guides in every country are happy to take Euros, and even dollars if that is all you have. The driver asked what time he should pick us up. We spent more to take a few optional tours. Is that a crazy thing to say?! Often you will dock overnight at the . I have not read any negative reviews about booking flights through Viking, but I can tell you on our most recent Viking Cruise, the Into the Midnight Sun ocean cruise, we got roundtrip airfare roundtrip through Viking flying from Tampa to Bergen, Norway, and then London to Tampa for $1325. 1 pair of day shoes for around the boat or casual evenings. Thank you for all you advice. . However, even with all the great packing hacks we mention here, the secret to packing for a cruise is still to pack light. If you are not sure whether you would rather eat a full meal inside or enjoy lighter fare al fresco, do a walk-through. I just booked an optional tour and they took it off of my shipboard credit automatically. They want you to get off the ship and find out more about the places you're visiting. Is this so? Also, if youre planning a pre or post-cruise extension trip, you dont want to be burdened with heavy luggage. No need to stress. If you want additional help you can also use the onboard concierge to plan additional experiences or things to do. There is no need to bring any fancy jewellery. Looking for information on tipping? For us, the standard room made sense. I always use My Viking Journey to schedule my excursions in advance, but I have also added and modified excursions while on the ship. Keep in mind that the crew will know if you choose to remove your tips while youre on the ship.

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