Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. I have the original which is 1 amp and am looking into getting the 2.1 amp since I have a tablet now. My hair is unruly amplified. On the ship, you only need the ID, which you can tuck into a pocket. Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise river or ocean we will be booking next. Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful cruise! We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Not too many passengers use them but its light enough to take along in case you want to:-) the only use would be getting on and off the ship. 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. 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. Bon voyage! Everything was as you said food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. Thanks for the tips! Thanks for sharing your experience, Cindy! Jan Lee, I would definitely bring yours, I didnt on our last Viking cruise and as great as their stuff is, it stripped the color.enjoy your trip. Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. Many of the newer ships within the fleet also have USB sockets available ranging from 2-3 per cabin. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. Power strips increasingly also have USB sockets. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. (You never know where you might find a special type of chocolate:-). My husband and I took the Top of Cologne excursion, and it was one of the best. Straightening or curling irons are another story. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! Interesting information! Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. LauraS Is that a crazy thing to say?! After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then. Have a great cruise! Onboard youll have port talks to prepare you for each new day along with musical entertainment in the lounge. 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. Disclaimer: My husband and I paid forour Viking river cruise ourselves. Maybe we will run into each other. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. queen-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds. 2. us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. Posted November 9, 2014. Weve got to get you back into cruising, Janice! You said you enjoy a few drinks before dinner, and if you add in some premium wine at dinner, the total you spend each day might add up pretty quickly. Im sorry I cant give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. Very relaxing! Yes. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. You make an excellent point, Julia. Just be sure to unplug when not in use. Its also where youll find freshly baked goodies throughout the day. I hope you two have a fabulous time on your cruise! Thanks. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. To ensure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and. 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? reddit i ghosted; african violet planter pot; get paystub from adp; Related articles; hottest cartoon character list female; kohler simplice. Next time I will ask for the extra pillow to be removed. Hi Danny, Im not sure which cruise youre referring to, but you asked an excellent question about renting a car to make day trips while on the cruise. Thanks so much for the kind words, Laura! To the best of my knowledge, every stateroom has a mini-bar. I am also taking that cruise. A few weeks prior to your departure, Viking will send stickers for you to wear at the airport when you land, so they can identify you as a Viking guest. Great article. We just got back from the Viking Rhine River Cruise and these tips were very good. 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. 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. 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. I bet youre planning your next cruise already. We were docked next to other ships several times on our 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. The dining room has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. 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. 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. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. 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 . Since you need the refrigerator for your medicine, I would call the cruise line just to make sure it will be large enough to meet your needs or to see if a larger one can be placed in your cabin. If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. Thank you so much for this detailed account. The 220V outlets are German Schuko 2-pin safety plugs. Powered by Invision Community. Did you bring euros or use credit card? If you dont live in the U.S., Im sure other governments have similar programs for travelers. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. All Viking river cruise ship staterooms have: The different types of staterooms range in size, available outdoor space, the time for guaranteed stateroom access, and amenities. I also rarely take precious jewelry on any cruise. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed . There are lots of smiles and offers of help. This includes the Viking Daily which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before dinner. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. Power Adapter Type - Viking Cruises. No kids. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? You know is it a venus and mars question. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. Yes, I believe there is one. means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. Viking 1-866-984-5464. The Quietvox listening devices charger is plugged into a 220 outlet on the counter across from the bed. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! We will have 2 iPads, 2 iPhones, noise cancelling earbuds, camera, and the audio headphones that need to be charged at various times as well as a curling iron to plug in. My #1 tip to people going on their 1st river cruise is laundry is quick & inexpensive dont overpack. There are laundry rooms on the ocean ships and a friend said do NOT think you will do laundry on the days you are sailing everybody has that idea. Royal Princess plug sockets. Fayetteville, GA, USA. We walked from where the ship was docked to the Parliament building for the tour and enjoyed a stroll back to the ship along the river. It has a central adaptable area to plug in your devices, as well as two . This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Especially your tips on dinner were helpful I will pack his blazer. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! Thank you for your time. So glad that you had a great cruise! All the best. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences! What is your advice? Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience, Best Sights to See on Vikings Grand European Tour, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, How to Experience Local Culture When You Travel, How to Create Trip Photo Books to Make Your Travels Last a Lifetime. We would charge the cameras/batteries in the evenings after returning from touring, and charge our Nooks during the day while we were out touring. It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water. Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well. The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers. You set the code, so its a cinch to remember. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Im glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) when we traveled) to your shipboard account. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. My husband and I sent out a few clothes to the Viking laundry, which also worked out well. Staterooms will have one or two 115V . After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. Thanks for your tip! Power Adapter Type - Holland America Line. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. Just thinking of the best options for meeting friends for a short visit. Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. River traffic varies and the time to pass through the locks can change based on the number of ships, weather, etc. 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. Rosetta. The power strip supports worldwide voltage. fits standard outlets in more than 150 countries. I borrowed some books from the ships library and left them on a table in our room. Check your cruise itinerary as it will tell you the expected times your ship will be docked at each stop. Viking then allowed us to purchase a no-expiry date voucher towards another cruise an amount they matched. Thank you!! The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. Hi Ricardo, It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! Have fun! Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. at embarkation and may be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Ship's Security Officer. 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. Heres our story. (Youll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) . I love this charger. Three meals are included each day at the following times: Soda, beer, and house wine are available at lunch and dinner at no charge. With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. We have booked all the included excursions, but have held off booking the optional ones as we love to do our own thing when in port, and perhaps covering more ground than the optional excursions. . Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously, this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. It has served my family well. Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and common spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff. Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that its already paid for and you dont have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward. Here are some examples from our cruise: Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. Of all the stops on the Grand European Tour, these are the cities in which our ship had prime docking spots (making it very easy to go out and explore on our own): Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Wurzburg, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Radgrid was one of the legendary horse-riding Valkyries, the handmaidens of Odin, the father of the gods. We're with you. (Its not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.). They are also provided by the cruise line and replenished as needed. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. Ocean Cruises. Also trying to decide what to wear. And about ATMs, weve used them in Europe without any problems. Our preferred day at a town where we were docked included a morning walking tour (an included excursion) to get the lay of the land. Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? Have a great cruise! Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop? Viking says they are NOT allowed, but no one will confiscate. Every ocean (or river ship) weve ever been on has had a hairdryer tucked in a drawer or closet (although you often have to search for them). Good luck! WOW, what a complete piece of well written and informative information we have come across. Not everyone needs to go on excursions. That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. Aside from three meals a day, snacks are always accessible whether you miss a meal, wake up late, or simply have a craving between meal hours. 3. HELP !! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I am bringing a few dresses but am also bringing pants and blouses. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. Im so glad you found the article helpful, Rich! 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. By the desk, there are three plug sockets: one European socket and two U.S. 120V sockets. Now to your questions. I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) There was a broken lock near Regensburg, about halfway between the two big cities. I found this online on the VIking Cruises Q&A site (I couldnt find a similar statement specific to ocean cruises): What Is The Electrical Voltage In The Stateroom? 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. Power is supplied at 110 volts. We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. Scenic Tours: 220 V and international power adaptors required. in the safe the day before you check out. Before we descended, we were able to step outside and soak in panoramic views of the city. Do we just work with Viking program director on the day of or the day before? Definitely needed that in the humidity. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. What Kind Of Converters Will I Need For My Computer/Curling Iron/Camera Battery Charger? We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Prepaid gratuities came to 18 Euros per guest per day. 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. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary. Super post, Irene. Weve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. The only exception to the no-adapter rule below: Make sure you bring European-style adapters for the plugs, and that the hair tools can run on 220V current (for use near the makeup table in your cabin). Good luck with your planning, and have a great cruise! Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. During lunch, prior to and after dinner, theres usually live music in the Lounge. Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once youre on the ship. Viking Ocean Cruises provides lovely Freyja shampoo and conditioner (designed exclusively for Viking) in nice, easy-to-handle sizes (rather than mini-bottles). The only outlet in the bathroom is appropriate for a shaver. Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? Your comments are really appreciated. No need to bring any foodstuffs because youll never be hungry. When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. There was a, . Its not a deal breaker for us, but its something every river cruise guest should be forewarned about. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. Congrats on your 50th! As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. Ive not taken a Viking optional tour that I didnt like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. I liked the hair and cleansing products on the ship, but the hotel had one cleanser for hair and body only. Thanks, Tom! Thanks. The crew communicates with each other quite well. We actually enjoyed sitting outside in the dark before bed, too, cruising by small towns.) The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. In spite of some tweaks, this article will definitely prepare you for your Viking river cruise. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. I will also ask for a lighter bed cover. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By so they know what to expect when they use them. #2. The Quietvox listening devices charger is plugged into a 220 outlet on the counter across from the bed. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. Best, Irene. Question about electrical outlets in bathrooms . your journey, you'll want the . 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. In each cabin, there are two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. We found the car rentals and made reservations, but we cant find any daily schedule of when the ship docks and departs at each port. You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. It will be helpful to others. Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! (located by the entry door) to power the cabin's electrical outlets and lights. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise . On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). I like the idea of a smaller group so that is a plus. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. Do you have any experience about this? No, I havent been on a Midnight Sun cruise but this article I recently wrote for Forbes.com may offer some general advice that could be helpful: https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/2018/05/01/7-packing-tips-to-make-your-european-river-cruise-hassle-free/#43a857661797. A few years ago, we were on a shoulder season cruise in the Mediterranean. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. 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. There is precise timing to docking and excursions. Viking has thought of that, too. Shampoo and conditioner have to be packed extra carefully when youre flying because these liquids can easily leak onto your belongings and are subject to TSA 3-1-1 rules if you bring them in a carry-on. See the chart for more details and pictures of the plugs. The hybrid power vessel mixes intrepid exploration with outstanding luxury from bow to stern for a unique vacation experience no matter where you sail. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. Hi Kathleen, For individual tours and dinner reservations, Id let the provider (tour company, restaurant) know what day youll be coming into port. The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. I definitely overpackedshoes and clothes. Also, having cash is great for souvenirs, incidentals, snacks, or a quick lunch while exploring a city. We learned this the hard way one day, and we realized that we actually prefer exploring the little towns that we dock at more. The guests on the other ship, the Modi, got off the ship at Regensburg, on the other side of the damaged lock. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. Plus you can expect some special cooking and craft demonstrations, wine tastings, and presentations about a destinations special features. The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. There youll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. Also note: They come with large print labeling so those over 40 dont need to take their peepers into the shower. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. This. Is this allowed? And, yes, there is a nice vanity area where you can sit and do your hair and makeup, across from the bed. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. bealls online outlet. We are not interested in spending a lot of time on buses. Only a few bucks anyway. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? These long-haired, beautiful women descended from the skies into battles to decide which soldiers lived and which died. Weve had no regrets. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Irene is a regular contributor to Forbes Travel/ Read her most recent stories by clicking the links.
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