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Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition. In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy). I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious.
The Viking Onboard Experience
Planning a Family River Cruise - Cruise Critic
Planning a Family River Cruise.
Posted: Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You want someone who knows all of the line's many itineraries in detail and, preferably, has sailed on or at least inspected some of the line's vessels, too, to understand the various cabin types and onboard amenities. Viking's ocean ships have a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which the line considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) It's also a big player in the Mediterranean. You'll find Viking's ocean ships in other key cruise destinations as well, such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia. Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line, mostly due to the fact that it operates both ocean cruises and river cruises.
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After looking back on the incredible memories made with Viking, I’m tempted to go book another river cruise right now! Marksburg Castle was the most fascinating castle I have ever visited, and I’ve visited quite a few. Our Viking River Rhine Cruise tour guide gave an intriguing glimpse into what life was like during the time of castles, kings, knights and princesses.
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That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own. The layout of Viking river cruise ships’ leverages modern Scandinavian design to create open and airy spaces, perfect for kicking back and watching the river float by. Nothing is too over the top, and casual clothes are the norm during the day, with a minimal dress code required at night. Having a fleet of identical ships is not unusual in river cruising, which is why it's more important to choose a line that fits your needs, rather a specific vessel, when you're planning your trip. First, river cruise ships are restricted in size by the locks and canals systems along Europe's waterways. Viking simply can't make a larger river cruise ship than what they already have.
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Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise. But the stars of the ships are the two Explorer Suites, both located on the upper deck at the back of the ship. These cabins come in at 445 square feet -- some of the largest on the rivers -- and not only have a separate bedroom and living areas, but a wraparound balcony.
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Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids.
River cruises offer a slower-paced vacation and dock in quaint towns — here are my favorite sailings around the world
Viking includes excursions to the poignant Normandy beaches plus the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. You'll also get a dash of history in medieval Rouen and the quaint fishing village of Honfleur. One of the best Viking River Cruises in Europe takes place on the Rhine River and the scenery is spectacular. Rising in the Alps and meandering 820 miles through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is lined with fairy-tale castles and wine-growing villages.
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This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise, so it’s a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once you’re on board. On Viking river cruises, wines are included at lunch and dinner and are poured liberally. This is one area where the line strives to provide regional offerings. These 25 rooms, coming in at 150 square feet, are often called "aquarium class" because the windows are at the same level of the river outside. While you don't get the benefit of fresh air, people often choose these cabins for their lower price point and the fact that you often don't spend all that much time in your room on a typical river cruise. Second, the river cruise lines like to offer a consistent experience when you sail, whether you're on the Rhine River in Germany and the Netherlands, or the Danube River in Austria and Hungary.
Dining on Viking River Ships Centers on a Main Dining Room, Casual Meals in Aquavit
You'll also spend some time in Blaye, where cobbled streets lead to the 17th-century citadel dominating the charming centuries-old town. Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor Travel Mamas and Grownup Getaways. She is an expert in family travel and travel for adults aged 18 to 88. As the author of the book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents how to make the most of traveling with babies and children. Colleen loves sharing tips on hotels, cruises, spas, theme parks, and global lifestyle topics.
Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan. Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate.
Although lunch is available in the dining room, we favored the Aquavit Terrace (at the front of the ship) for our midday meal. It’s relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. The Aquavit Terrace is one advantage Viking has over its competition. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day.
Upcoming Viking Ocean Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
Upcoming Viking Ocean Cruises: 2024 Prices, Itineraries + Activities on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:30:52 GMT [source]
Viking operates international itineraries where a passport is required. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. The entire main pool area is covered with a glass magrodome that can be opened on short notice on warm and sunny days — or closed if the ship encounters inclement weather. Most Viking passengers are North Americans who are approaching retirement age or already retired. The company's core market is people who range in age from 55 to 75 years, although it does draw some passengers who are younger or older.
Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us. Cruising is a social experience as you chat with fellow passengers on excursions, at the social hour before dinner in the Lounge, and at meals. An easy way to begin a conversation is to ask where people are from, about their past travel experiences, and what excursions interest them the most. We’ve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. For more details on the areas designed for guest comfort, read the illustrated guide to the Viking River Cruise ship’s common areas. Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.
Otherwise, fees are comparable to what you'll pay cleaners at home. Dry cleaning is available on the line's ocean ships but not on Viking river ships. For your best first time river cruise experience, don't be tempted to miss the daily pre-dinner port talk about the next day's port of call and activities. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship.
The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations. During the day on excursions, travelers dress very comfortably as they leave the ship to explore a destination.
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