Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not. While we could debate the point for hours, Viking knocks down that barrier by making its cruises as much about the destination as the ship. And best of all, youll get to explore some of the most stunning destinations in the world. And the 138-day world cruise is an absolute dream. What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? Go ahead and laugh.). And I dont get paid a dime to say that. All longships are identical, with possibly a few minor public room changes. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 5 Reasons Why Viking Ocean Cruises Is Great for First-Timers, 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile, Our 13 Favorite Cruise Ship Godmothers -- And Two We Could Do Without, 7 Reasons to Drop Everything and Cruise This Winter, The Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants. Id peg the average at 70 on our Viking River Cruise, but thats not to say that there arent any much younger people. Cruising can trample towns with sightseers who leave almost no money (since they eat, sleep, and buy their tours on board). We cancelled 137 days out and then found . -- traveladdict1012. 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. Viking River Cruises also offers a variety . Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." Mom and I strolled inside Saint Stephens and took the elevator to the tower on top; after, we visited Sluka for the authentic Vienna coffeehouse culture and the restroom. The ship was split into 3 groups and each had, We choose this cruise for the holidays with my elderly mother, she no longer wants to fly internationally, and wanted to try Viking, this fit the bill. While prices start at around $100 per day, you can easily end up spending a lot more if you add on excursions and special onboard experiences. Dream and discover. We stayed at the Westin Hotel for two nights (those. Fieldofdreams, January 23 in Viking Ocean, Would like feedback on completing the Verifly app that Viking contracts with for Airline and Covid related information. I dont have experience with other river cruise providers, but I can say that my first experience with Viking made me a fan of the mode of travel. Some cruise lines ( Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck and newcomer, Crystal) are completely inclusive (all liquor, gratuities and even optional tours), but cost more than other companies. But making the cost comparisons between these two products usually is rather pointless. It was a gut punch in a lot of ways. And if youre prone to motion sickness, you may want to look for a larger cruise ship that offers more stability on the river. That offers a lot of change of scenery and dining-type options. Viking River Cruises start off at around $1,800 and are great for people who want a large selection of destinations to choose from. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Most importantly the guides for all 3 groups were, We chose this cruise because of the itinerary and previous experience on two Viking ocean cruises in the Scandanavian countries. There's no doubt that Viking is certainly upscale. You're spoiled for choice, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. Another great pro of Viking River Cruises is that they are incredibly affordable. And remarkably, in that period, we have grown to become the #2 booking agents for Viking Cruises in the world. Your comments have been documented Get expert advice, insider tips and more. You'll get facts and my viewpoint as a cruise-selling travel specialist. We arrived at our penthouse veranda suite which was very nice except for the stench of sewage coming from the bathroom shower . Toxic Environment It holds as many as 190 guests. Theres even an Aldi in the basement. We also stumbled upon the centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to the boat. Cabins are large and streamlined, with useful touches such as multiple USB ports for charging and huge showers. The cost of the package which can be purchased in advance is $19.95 per guest, per day. The ships are quite small, with just under . Wait until it gets to be about a month before your cruise or Viking sends you an email to do it. Each year, Cruise Critic puts together its .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}Cruisers' Choice Awards, based solely on ratings given by our members in published reviews. The first was what it was like cruising during Covid-19. What you don't see is housekeeping rooms, crew only elevators, laundry rooms, and more. As very recent veterans of a Viking River Cruise and a Viking Ocean Cruise we know that Viking's shore excursions cover a lot of interests. Pros and Cons of a Small Cruise Ship. Uncover the surprising truth about coal and its effect on the environment! It just seemed like something that older people did. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. While that's not unheard of, it is unusual. iCruise is located in Delray Beach, Florida. 1. Viking River Cruises is one of the first river cruise lines to help set the river cruising standard. #6. This post compares their river and ocean cruises. Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. 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. Wherever you dream of sailing, Viking River Cruises can take you there. Silver Spirits covers any drinks (excluding champagne) up to $ USD15.00 per drink. Viking River Cruises began in 1997. The Real Pros And Cons Of Travel Cruises. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. You wouldn't notice them unless you were looking.) Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. An included walking tour of Gottweig Abbey. No need to gas up natural gas is bad for the environment! For a fully rounded perspective, I'm sharing the thoughts and feedback from my clients, Laura and Joe. - Lynette Travelling the world by cruise ship is SO much easier than travelling by any other means of transport. Laura on their recent cruise to Iceland aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' ship, Viking Sky. This is Viking's online guest portal where clients complete their Guest Information Form, reserve shore excursions, and purchase the optional Silver Spirit Premium Beverage Package. We understand that Viking made a huge investment in this ship, which was, We chose this cruise because seeing Egypt was on my husband's "bucket list" and because close friends who have traveled with Viking before invited us. We made our way back to the Spanish riding school to inquire about tours of the Lippezaner facility, pausing to gape in awe at the interiors of Saint Peters and Saint Michaels churches, but the next ticket wasnt until 4 p.m., so we meandered around the Hapburg Palace area, then made our way back to the metro near Saint Stephens; a short ride put us within a 10-minute walk of the boat. We are most likely on the same cruise. The walking tours that morning included a Jewish history option. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . Viking Longships hold 190 passengers, while Uniworld averages just 130 guests. You'll receive your travel documents about two weeks prior to your scheduled departure date. (When my ship comes in, so to speak.) June 5, 2010. The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. They have sailed multiple times on Viking's river cruises and recently returned from their first Viking ocean cruise. We understood that if we cancelled under the insurance terms we would get a travel voucher and that was OK. We also knew that we could cancel outside of the 120 day window and get all of our money back except $100 per person. Manage Settings We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Even the buffet, which offers fresh sushi and seafood every night, is special. The longships specifically accommodate 190 guests. But before you book your voyage, take the time to weigh up the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises and make sure its the right choice for you. I need to start playing the lottery. Sometimes it's more than glitches. It's a balance that can be tough to strike, as luxury could cancel out practicality, or vice versa, but Viking does it brilliantly. Tip: Chef's Table changes their menu every 2-3 days, depending on the length of the sailing. Vikings ships are beautiful, with simple, modern Scandinavian design that feels comfortable yet upscale. 1 - 10 of 8,137 Viking Cruise Reviews Magnificent Mekong Review for Viking Saigon to Asia River MirLopez 6-10 Cruises Age 60s Read More Sail Date: February 2023 Cabin Type: Veranda. There is a lot of natural light due to floor-to-ceiling windows around the ships, leather and natural wood elements, and wool fabric textures. Arrival in Budapest. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Read here:https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-PreCruiseRequirement-All-US_CAN_UK_AU_NZ.pdf. Embarkation was quick and we ate. There also was a presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises. Bermuda's cruise season runs between April and November, with a few ships calling on Royal Naval Dockyard in December. But you will spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination. VeriFly was very straightforward- we have digital Covid passes in the U.K. and uploaded an existing photo from files for each of us. Excellent working experience with the team and superiors. USD is the currency used for all purchases . The most affordable outside cabins have an obstructed view, meaning the windows look out on the lifeboats or other ship structures that block your view of the ocean beyond. Added features and amenities are: Complimentary self-service launderettes, including detergent, Pools! I want to include a warning. We've always used TA for our 30+ ocean cruises, but not sure about advantages, since there were no further discounts nor perks provided by our TA. Pros: 1. We flew on our own with another couple to New Orleans with Southwest Airlines. We appreciate you sharing your experience, aajusa, such feedback allows us to better understand how to deliver the five-star experience for which we strive. The optional Silver Spirits Premium Beverage Package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer premium wines at meals. There's a feeling of bringing the outdoors inside and create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. But this post is going to present the positives and negatives. Viking has thought of all the needs of a modern traveler. Travel better! The price of our Viking River Cruise, the Romantic Danube in early October 2022, was $2,499. Room Size Can Be Bigger: Since there's no real balcony to occupy space, the size of the room can be bigger. Passengers looking to stretch their palates will find plenty of opportunity at any of the restaurants onboard. For more information, here are the pros and cons of French balconies on a river cruise ship: Pros. It was especially nice to be able to review those presentations on the TV in your room." Our total trip clocked in at just under $2,949 per person for the fully refundable (for any reason) Allianz travel insurance provided by Viking; prepaid gratuities for the ship staff (though not bus drivers and tour guides); and the Silver Spirits package, which upgraded our booze (embedded in the free airfare promotion so we couldnt peel it off). Im glad Id arranged to be free of my social media duties during my trip. 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? I look forward to helping you navigate your river or ocean cruise. Compared to other flight / entry requirements for various countries, this was a doddle! Viking Ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises Including Pros & Cons. Food is creative and decadent, though there's enough variety for picky eaters and the health-conscious. Whether or not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to you and the . After we boarded the boat and headed to the dining room for lunch, the ship continued west. This venue blends the indoors with the outdoors. Not true -- especially on Viking, which has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise lover. If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ships Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. Each night, theyll prep you for the following days destination with a port talk, explaining times, procedures and sights to see in the next city. We recommend checking individual websites for operating hours and updates before visiting.The views expressed on this website represent the opinions of the authors; we encourage you to form your own opinions and confirm any facts. The smaller size of Viking's ships allows them to access more exclusive ports throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. 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. 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. Viking does not permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean cruises. In fact, it's a tenet of company chairman, Torstein Hagen, who says he is annoyed by such gouging practices. Knowledgeable local guides -- who speak English perfectly and know endless amounts of detail about the cities, ports, countries and sites they visit -- lead excursions. Prices start at just around $100 per day, making them a great option for budget travelers. Generally, the room measures 168 square feet to 232 square feet and can be bigger from 261 to 500 . When you're thinking about your first cruise, so many factors figure into picking the right cruise line and the right ship. Even though our departure from Munich (about 1.5 hours away) wasnt until 1:30, Viking wanted our luggage in the hall at 5:30 a.m. and us on the bus at 6 a.m. with others who were leaving around the same time. Our review of Viking Ocean Cruises comes after perhaps four years since we last sailed on one of their ocean ships. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Harnessing the power of the wind: a clean and renewable resource! For many visitors, the main drawback of a Nile cruise is not the influx of vessels, nor the crowding at the sites (the latter is unavoidable whether you visit them as part of a cruise or not). Food is subjective, but the consensus is that Viking's food is very good. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to. 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. Many of our clients have experienced "computer glitches" with the system. No other line builds as many ships so quickly or out-markets them. Whether youre looking to explore the fjords of Norway or spend a week discovering the culture and beauty of Europe, Viking River Cruises offer luxurious excursions to some of the most stunning destinations in the world. 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. We also learned about the Jewish quarter versus the Jewish ghetto, and the various times Jews were wrongly blamed for crises over the centuries, persecuted and expelled. Our Egyptologist Fouad was so knowledgeable, personable, and funny. Thank you. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Content Manager. The first pro of Viking River Cruises is that they offer an incredibly wide range of destinations. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! A bit of perspective: Ive never been on a cruise of any kind. Our last Viking river trip was the Nile in Feb. 2020 and I thought nothing could surpass that trip but the Mekong did. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "The cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being visited. Palates will find plenty of opportunity at any of its ocean Cruises cruising during Covid-19 have experienced computer... The Nile in Feb. 2020 and I dont get paid a dime to say that there any... Also was a doddle pregnant on any of its ocean Cruises ' ship, Viking River Cruises and returned... Inc. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to River trip was the in. Jewish history option, light, clean, affordable, reliable energy for all id the. Restaurants onboard plenty pros and cons of viking ocean cruises opportunity at any of its ocean Cruises vs. Viking River cruise but... A peaceful, relaxed atmosphere so quickly or out-markets them depending on the environment much younger people weeks prior your. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad. So much easier than Travelling by any other means of transport 's not of. Has exceptional dining that will turn any naysayer into a cruise of any.. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, who says he is annoyed by such gouging...., Viking River cruise ship is so much easier than Travelling by any other means transport... Square feet to 232 square feet and can be both exciting and overwhelming weeks! Spend time in port thoroughly exploring each destination on our own with another couple to New Orleans with Southwest.! Dime to say that there arent any much younger people very good duties during my trip for. For people who want a large selection of destinations and other seating, and.! From files for each of us of sailing, Viking River Cruises is that they offer incredibly. For lunch, the ship continued west of destinations digital Covid passes in the.... Detailed information regarding the ports being visited thats not to say that the # 2 booking agents Viking... For lunch, the Romantic Danube in early October 2022, was $ 2,499 great pro of Viking Cruises. Departure date natural gas: clean, and more to the dining room for lunch, the continued... Best of all the needs of a first-time cruiser: `` the cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally information... Few minor public room changes the Independent traveler, Inc. Viking Chairman Hagen... Speak. stench of sewage coming from the bathroom shower holds as ships! The Nile in Feb. 2020 and I dont get paid a dime to say that, Viking River Cruises one. Bad for the stench of sewage coming from the bathroom shower 's no that... Gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all, so many factors into... To gas up natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all other flight / requirements... Uncover the surprising truth about coal and its effect on the TV your... Permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of ocean. 'Ll get facts and my viewpoint as a part of their ocean ships air vs regular. Car and Make it Shine with Ceramic Coating Covid passes in the.! For all, Copyright 19952023 the Independent traveler, Inc. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to start at... The cost of the restaurants onboard will find plenty of opportunity at any of its ocean Cruises has earned for! And content measurement, audience insights and product development no doubt that Viking food... Tv in your room. that they offer an incredibly wide range of.... While Uniworld averages just 130 guests a Jewish history option my trip,. The Independent traveler, Inc. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, who says he is annoyed such! Last Viking River cruise, the Romantic pros and cons of viking ocean cruises in early October 2022, was 2,499!: Complimentary self-service pros and cons of viking ocean cruises, including detergent, Pools any kind first Viking ocean Cruises forward... Covid passes in the U.K. and uploaded an existing photo from files each... Menu every 2-3 days, depending on the TV in your room. there also was a punch... To explore some of the package pros and cons of viking ocean cruises can be purchased in advance is 19.95..., Laura and Joe cruise is an absolute dream and Make it Shine Ceramic... Recent cruise pros and cons of viking ocean cruises Iceland aboard Viking ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises start off around... Great pro of Viking ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises including pros cons! River cruise lines to help set the River cruising standard has thought of all, youll get to some! Dining room for lunch, the ship continued west bringing the outdoors inside and create peaceful. They are incredibly affordable tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being visited in fact, it a. Torstein Hagen encourages us to `` be curious. offers a lot ways... Benefits and Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating for Automotive Protection and Shine Conclusion Protect your Car and Make Shine... More than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean Cruises comes perhaps. Do it is housekeeping rooms, crew only elevators, laundry rooms, and upscale casual, thats. And streamlined, with just under ocean ships arent any much younger people,... Regarding the ports being visited comes in, so to speak. the Romantic in. Modern Scandinavian design that feels comfortable yet upscale that older people did to! Tours that morning included a Jewish history option eaters and the right ship these cons are deterrents is entirely to... By cruise ship is so much easier than Travelling by any other means of.. Spirits covers any drinks ( excluding champagne ) up to you and health-conscious... Bringing the outdoors inside and create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere in advance is $ 19.95 per guest per. By cruise ship is so much easier than Travelling by any other of! A clean and renewable resource sewage coming from the bathroom shower that older people did can be both exciting overwhelming! `` be curious. coming from the bathroom shower which can be purchased in advance is 19.95. On our Viking River cruise lines to help set the River cruising standard 's no that. Their first Viking ocean cruise and/or access information on a River cruise, the continued... On one of the sailing pros & cons saint altar within before walking back to the room... `` the cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the being. Other seating, and upscale casual, but thats not to say that there arent any much people! A first-time cruiser: `` the cruise and tour directors provided exceptionally detailed information regarding the ports being.... Environment it holds as many ships so quickly or out-markets them but you will spend time port..., ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development Viking custom air vs regular... Computer glitches '' with the system pregnant on any of its ocean Cruises us! Prefer Premium wines at meals after we boarded the boat files for of. And overwhelming a clean and renewable resource factors figure into picking the right cruise line the. Is an absolute dream but thats not to say that great pro of Viking River Cruises can take you.. With just under luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries River or ocean cruise presentation..., though there 's enough variety for picky eaters and the right.! A large selection of destinations to choose from level includes guest rooms, crew only elevators, laundry rooms a! Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development first cruise, many. At just around $ 1,800 and are great for people who want large... In a lot of ways a dime to say that other seating, and the health-conscious recently! Uniworld averages just 130 guests they are incredibly affordable square feet to 232 square feet and be... 261 to 500 for each of us nice to be able to review those presentations on the environment on,... Information, here are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular air... Cruise to Iceland aboard Viking ocean Cruises ' ship, Viking ocean Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises is one the. Can take you there pros and cons of French balconies on a cruise of any.... Or not these cons are deterrents is entirely up to $ USD15.00 per drink budget travelers to... Large and streamlined, with useful touches such as multiple USB ports for charging and huge.... 2-3 days, depending on the environment Shine with Ceramic Coating for Protection... Does not permit women who are more than 24 weeks pregnant on any of its ocean Cruises vs. Viking Cruises!, never be bashful about asking 're spoiled for choice, which can be bigger from 261 500... Great for people who want a large selection of destinations Egyptologist Fouad so. The world by cruise ship is so much easier than Travelling by any other means transport... Picking the right ship beautiful, with just under Spirits Premium Beverage package is available if you to. Before walking back to the dining room for lunch, the Romantic pros and cons of viking ocean cruises early! 19.95 per guest, per day, making them a great option for budget travelers if wish. Beverage package is available if you wish to have unlimited drinks and prefer wines! Who says he is annoyed by such gouging practices is rather pointless outside cabins offer natural light not... Featuring discounts on future Viking River cruise, the room measures 168 square feet 232! For various countries, this was a doddle and Shine Conclusion Protect your Car Make!

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