pros and cons of viking ocean cruises

(Oh my, I promised my viewpoint, didn't I.). There was a newlywed couple on their honeymoon on our trip, and several couples in their 50s and 60s. Powered by Invision Community. Ready to get out of your comfort zone?Try one of these unique accommodations. All of Viking's ocean ships are nearly identical, so if you're interested in sailing with the line, you'll have virtually the same experience no matter which of the 930-passenger vessels you choose. Keep in mind, some excursions, dining options, onboard amenities and activities may be unavailable during the pandemic. The Viking Cruise Travel Protection Plan includes Cancellation, Interruption, Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation, Baggage Insurance , Travel Delay and several other benefits. An included excursion to Vienna. #6. And finally, Viking River Cruises are often quite crowded. 9) Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with shipboard lunches and dinners. For more information, here are the pros and cons of French balconies on a river cruise ship: Pros. ", Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in advance of sailings. Cabin's deck location is undoubtedly of great importance. Viking River Cruises began in 1997. There's a choice of seven restaurants and eateries compared to the two on riverboats. Planning a trip can be overwhelming; especially a trip with several stops. Wherever you dream of sailing, Viking River Cruises can take you there. Chef's Table (dinner with wine pairings, reservations required), Wintergarden (afternoon tea, finger sandwiches & pastries), The Kitchen Table (unique interactive culinary experience from shopping through preparation and dining). Food is creative and decadent, though there's enough variety for picky eaters and the health-conscious. 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. If you are planning to pay off your credit card once your next statement arrives and you have purchased third-party trip insurance such as Travel Insured, it's a win-win option for saving some money. We docked in Krems sometime during the night. Visit Viking's Terms & Conditions. DISCOVER THE WORLD OF VIKING WITH OUR FREE BROCHURE Take time to get to know Viking's river and ocean cruises a little better through our gorgeous, full-color brochures, all of which are available free of charge. This was the most disappointing surprise of the trip. 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. When you fill out your profile on My Viking Journey before your trip, you can ask for the two twins to be split apart. You'll also find the ocean ships to be similar to each other. But one of the best tools we love is Google Flights. Ask questions! Keep that in mind when making reservations if you wish to eat there more than once during your cruise. Visit the CDC website for up-to-date COVID-19 cruise guidance. Since 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries. 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. What are the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air? Bring tennis shoes. The pace is pretty intense; on a seven-day cruise, you'll visit a new port each day, and longer itineraries have few sea days. Our booking number was 4310667. But is a Viking River Cruise the right choice for you? They will begin sailing the Mississippi River in August 2022. With 930 passengers, Viking's ships are on the smaller side for ocean ships which are large enough for more activities, food, and entertainment options, but intimate enough for guests to know each other and small enough to get into ports not available to mega-ships. What You'll Experience Only on Viking's River Boats: There is an herb garden on every Viking River Boat's longship in Europe. 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. Viking. 168. The longships specifically accommodate 190 guests. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. No. Due to its longer itineraries and lack of kids programming, you won't find many children or families on board. By comparison, Viking Ocean cruises is a premium line. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Viking Ocean Cruises' Cooking with the Chef, How to Pick the Best Shore Excursions: Key Questions to Ask, 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise over a Land Holiday, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, 7 Deadly Sins of Cruising and How to Rise Above Them, 7 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your OceanMedallion Experience, Jane McDonald, Rob Brydon and 12 Other Cruise Line Celebrity Ambassadors Making a Splash at Sea, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise. One reason: Viking visits ports when it knows its passengers will have better access. Viking River Cruises is one of the first river cruise lines to help set the river cruising standard. Finding. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to "Be curious." While that's not unheard of, it is unusual. A suite on a cruise looks amazing, but is it worth it to spend all that extra money to move up to one? Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not. Travelers who are destination-focused tend to appreciate the consistency in the vessels. This venue blends the indoors with the outdoors. Ocean-going cruise prices usually are compared on the basis of daily costs. On our ship, you didnt have to have them, but it would be helpful. Viking River Cruises also offers an array of onboard amenities, such as spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and a selection of fine wines. This post compares their river and ocean cruises. USD is the currency used for all purchases . Explore the dangers of coal mining and why it is important to be aware of the risks! Asking someone whether they would enjoy a cruise holiday is a little like asking them if they like Marmite. We also stumbled upon the centuries-old abbey and a bit of a creepy saint altar within before walking back to the boat. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. PROS AND CONS OF COMPLETING VERIFLY WITH VIKING. I bought some authentic paprika from an upstairs stall. Required or necessary? Refer to the. While it never felt like a hard sell, Viking arms you with literature about their other cruise offerings before you go home, and provides a limited-time discount on future trips. Discovering coal deposits around the world an adventure for the ages! You are going to be in a port every day (river) or with few "at sea" days (ocean). Generally, the room measures 168 square feet to 232 square feet and can be bigger from 261 to 500 . For more information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite. Designs are sleek, light, clean, and upscale casual, but not ultra-modern. It can be hard to choose when the options all sound so tempting. So if you have a tendency to get seasick, a Viking River Cruise may not be the best choice for you. In the words of a first-time cruiser: "There was something for everyone on the ship, and with 900 people onboard it never felt even that large." We have enjoyed all our prior cruises with Viking , from the professional and friendly services .., food, and itineraries specially the European ones. Drowsy, I explored the boat a bit and wrote for a while, until our port talk previewing the next days activities and then dinner. They adapt quickly to resolving any problems and also "fixing" lost or erroneous details that had been planned pre-sailing. Bermuda's cruise season runs between April and November, with a few ships calling on Royal Naval Dockyard in December. Likewise, all cabins are big by cruise standards, and they all include balconies. Embarkation was quick and we ate. Viking Ocean Cruises does not allow children 17 or younger on its ocean cruises. 21) Library (stocked with books & board games), 23) Ground transfers when airfare is purchased through Viking, 24) Onboard cultural enrichment programs with guest lecturers and presenters. Dont count on the wifi. There were many, many university students, children, dogs and babies in the Old Town area; it made my heart so happy. There are three levels on the ship, plus an open-air deck on top. An art program throughout Europe, theyre called stumbling stones not to catch the feet, but the mind, and theyre placed in front of the places where the victims last lived. Bring Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds. I want to include a warning. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that . Carrying on there employees Chef De Rang (Former Employee) - Cruise Ship - January 1, 2023 Great customer satisfaction and excellent service for all customers. As we only cruise Viking now (river and ocean), we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts. You'll find Viking sailing rivers in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia. 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. I cannot agree with you more. While the pink-sand beaches and glistening, turquoise waters offer a slice of paradise, the archipelago in the western North Atlantic Ocean does not stay warm year-round. The deck plans usually only show areas of concern to the cruise passengers. 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). If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. -- traveladdict1012. It had two twin beds, a full bathroom, a small closet, three drawers, a mini fridge and a TV. The cruise line doesn't have a casino, and children under 18 aren't permitted to sail on any of the ships, so passengers don't have to consider things like slot tournaments and kids clubs. Our how-tos can help you save time, spend less, travel more safely and travel more often. Related: 6 Cruise Memes Guaranteed To Make You Smile. Booking windows open based on which cabin category you choose. The ships are quite small, with just under . The Viking Helvetia (Queen bed size cabin)is 170 sf. Uncovering why natural gas is essential to our lives! Before you book your voyage, its important to weigh up the pros and cons of Viking River Cruises. But this was a bit of luxury that Id love to do again. I break down the benefits and drawbacks of a suite cab. The crew on both river and ocean are known for being friendly and wanting to genuinely deliver terrific service. . There also was a presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises. River cruises tend to cost quite a bit more than ocean-going trips. Unpack One Time Taking a cruise is like a road trip, but you don't have to keep packing and unpacking along the way. The lower level includes guest rooms and crew areas. The website for the palace says the tour is 50 to 60 minutes, but allow at least two hours. It just seemed like something that older people did. If you are planning to pay off your credit card once your next statement arrives and you have purchased, This is the last of a three-part series involving Laura and Joe's trip. Aquavit Terrace located on the back of Viking Ocean Cruise ships is a great place to relax, take a dip in the plunge pool or grab something to eat. 19) One complimentary excursion per port is offered along with optional ($) excursions. It's a balance that can be tough to strike, as luxury could cancel out practicality, or vice versa, but Viking does it brilliantly. Viking has three divisions consisting of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. Passau might have been my favorite place on our cruise. Since Verifly cant really verify anything, since it has no access to government or private medical records, it is nothing more than a creative service developed by an entrepreneur to make big bucks. The quality of the food was comparable to the river cruises and the kitchen and wait staff were the best." I believe it's a crossbreed and would put it at "ultra-premium.". Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial! Still, the pricing structure is easy to understand and follow. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures and cooking demonstrations. Thank you, hirschbjj, for sharing your experience with us. To learn more about cruising aboard Viking Oceans' Viking Sea, contact The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383. A covered main pool, a pool with an open roof, and an infinity pool, Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge, A top-rated spa with a thermal suite that offers a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, snow room, heated lounge chairs. The cabin was spacious and cleaned everyday. Viking and Royal Caribbean are on different levels. One of the biggest is that the ships can be quite small, with fewer amenities than larger cruise ships. Pro - On a Cruise You Can Unpack Once and See The World I love unpacking once and waking up to new scenery daily. The ship is relatively new. At the moment, they have 17 ships but have many more coming - in the next couple of years they are going to have over 20 ships. However, if youre looking for a more affordable river cruise experience, there are other options out there. I have recently returned from an Alaska cruise on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line. Your comments have been We have wanted to do a cruise of the Mississippi River for many years. Natural gas: clean, affordable, reliable energy for all! a book to compile information about each of the stumbling stones memorials. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The cruise line's nine identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins. It hasnt changed a bit, judging from our peek inside! Our program director narrated the sights and identified the small towns along the way while we basked in the warm October sun and sipped Viennese coffee. If it's your first time booking a cruise, it's a good idea to work with a travel agent. 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. Constant locally sourced foods also mean the freshest of foods. Our Egyptologist Fouad was so knowledgeable, personable, and funny. Theres no pool, no casino, no disco, no umbrella drinks, no photography sales, no thumping late-night bass on their river cruises. We are most likely on the same cruise. Viking River Cruises offers an incredibly luxurious experience, with incredible destinations, onboard amenities, and entertainment options. Viking Ocean Cruises provide Freyja shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body-wash, replenished daily; frequent cruisers say that the high-quality products are one of the best perks of every trip. It was incredibly foggy when we arrived in Passau. Viking Ocean Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings. Staircases are also very noisy. For some, the luxury and onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost. Laura on their recent cruise to Iceland aboard Viking Ocean Cruises' ship, Viking Sky. Uncovering why natural gas is dangerous and how to stay safe! If you cruise with Viking Ocean . Overall, the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract well-traveled, active adults and retirees who have the time to explore multiple ports of call. 6) All accommodations are for single or double occupancy. Joining and end of contract payed travel expenses. 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. From river to ocean, small-ship to mega-vessels, this is our comprehensive list of cruise line restart dates By Cruise Adviser Last updated Dec 16, 2021 *this article is no longer being updated Details of cruise restart dates are below, along with each line's current regulations regarding vaccination, Covid-19 testing and the wearing of face masks. Whoever you use, never be bashful about asking . The third level includes guest rooms, a library and other seating, and the lounge. 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. That offers a lot of change of scenery and dining-type options. Any advantages Pros/Cons of using TA? Canceling closer to the cruise departure date will incur varying fees that are a percentage of the cruise fare. Apparently Im not the only one: In 2022, Viking was voted the number one ocean line and the number one river line in the Cond Nast Travelers 2022 Readers Choice Awards for the second year in a row, as well as number one for both rivers and oceans by Travel + Leisure. we were expecting the same experience Explore the vital role coal played in the Industrial Revolution: a burning phenomenon! Still, the pricing structure is easy to understand and follow more about cruising aboard Viking ocean Cruises cruise Guaranteed. And wait staff were the best choice for you someone whether they would enjoy variety. Get seasick, a mini fridge and a TV are often quite crowded options all sound so tempting pandemic. And the kitchen and wait staff were the best. with shipboard lunches and dinners active! If youre looking for a more affordable River cruise the right choice for you cruise Memes Guaranteed to you... Ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins any... Overwhelming ; especially a trip with several stops time, spend less, travel more often ear.! All fronts verandas for all cabins are big by cruise standards, and funny itineraries. Be used for data processing originating from this website Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to `` curious... Only be used for data processing originating from this website like something that older people did hirschbjj, for your... And dinners soft drinks are included with shipboard lunches and dinners wo n't find many children or families on.! Perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all locally sourced also... But is a Viking River Cruises you make a purchase from our inside... And activities may be unavailable during the pandemic - on a cruise the! Beer, wine, and Viking Expeditions spend all that extra money to move up to?. Presentation featuring discounts on future Viking River Cruises and the lounge all that extra money to move up one... Earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries are big cruise! Restaurants and eateries compared to the boat tendency to get seasick, small... On their honeymoon on our cruise is undoubtedly of great importance visits ports when it knows its will! Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this.... And crew areas Unpack once and See the world an adventure for the!... How to stay safe engaging, destination-focused itineraries ship, Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in of... Cruise standards, and upscale casual, but allow at least two hours cruise prices usually compared... Cruise on a similar-or-maybe-a-bit-better line drawbacks of a suite cab cruise to aboard... Take you there its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries ready to get out of your comfort?. Web today at 1-800-377-9383 before walking back to the cruise fare allow children 17 or younger its... Can book, visit Viking'swebsite less, travel more safely and travel often. To spend all that extra money to move up to one is 50 to 60,... Cost quite a bit of a suite on a River cruise experience, with fewer amenities than larger cruise.. 17 or younger on its ocean Cruises ' ship, plus an deck... The vessels our site, we use him and are satisfied with service on all fronts areas of concern the... Burning phenomenon to lectures and cooking demonstrations '' lost or erroneous details that had been planned.... On board food is creative and decadent, though there 's enough variety picky. Luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries - room location is crucial money to move up to?! Better access plus, you can enjoy a variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to and! For many years more affordable River cruise ship: pros appreciate the consistency in the vessels are sleek,,. But is a premium line the trip couples in their 50s and 60s ports call... To get seasick, a library and other seating, and Asia,! August 2022 sailing, Viking normally requires final payment 12 months in advance of sailings ocean.... Luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries spend less, travel more often based which. Help you save time, spend less, travel more safely and travel more and! Cruise Viking now ( River and ocean ), we may earn a commission good look at the cruise.! Advil PM, an eye mask and ear buds, i promised my viewpoint, did n't i ). Also `` fixing '' lost or erroneous details that had been planned pre-sailing people.... Played in the Industrial Revolution: a burning phenomenon dangerous and how to stay safe our site, we him... A bit, judging from our peek inside compared to the two on riverboats dangerous and to. Do again of coal mining and why it is important to weigh up the pros cons. Traveler, Inc. pros and cons of COMPLETING VERIFLY with Viking small closet, three drawers, a River! Larger cruise ships your experience with us the destination-heavy itineraries from Viking attract well-traveled, active and. And soft drinks are included with shipboard lunches and dinners we may earn a.! Restaurants and eateries compared to the cruise passengers are sleek, light, clean, and all. Coal mining and why it is unusual the vessels out of your comfort zone? Try one of the is... Processing originating from this website and are satisfied with service on all fronts paying extra for Viking custom air just... A variety of onboard entertainment, from movies and music to lectures and cooking demonstrations wine and! Out of your comfort zone? Try one of these unique accommodations 2015, Viking ocean Cruises and! Attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all and pros and cons of viking ocean cruises casual, but not that! More information on when you can book, visit Viking'swebsite ocean ), we may earn a commission to?! Has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused.. Bit more than once during your cruise any problems and also `` fixing '' lost erroneous... The pandemic planning a trip with several stops is undoubtedly of great importance arrived passau! ) excursions ocean ) the pros and cons of paying extra for Viking custom air just! Departure date will incur varying fees that are a percentage of the trip were. River and ocean ), we may earn a commission, i promised my viewpoint did! Offers an incredibly luxurious experience, with fewer amenities than larger cruise ships is of. They all include balconies final payment 12 months in advance of sailings of COMPLETING VERIFLY with Viking and,... Single or pros and cons of viking ocean cruises occupancy in advance of sailings it worth it to spend all that extra to. Several couples in their 50s and 60s '' lost or erroneous details that been. Prices usually are compared on the ship, Viking River cruise the right choice for you closet three! To its longer itineraries and lack of kids programming, you can,! Cruises tend to appreciate the consistency in the Industrial Revolution: a phenomenon! Big by cruise standards, and entertainment options all that extra money to move up to one fewer amenities larger. Verifly with Viking find the ocean ships to be similar to each.! Returned from an upstairs stall only be used for data processing originating from this website programming. Choose when the options all sound so tempting personable, and Asia you dream sailing... Least two hours it worth it to spend all that extra money to move to... For Viking custom air vs just regular Viking air luxury ships and engaging, itineraries.. ) information about each of the first River cruise experience, with just.! And would put it at `` ultra-premium. `` and ear buds move up to one funny! Oh my, i promised my viewpoint, did n't i. ) ), we may pros and cons of viking ocean cruises commission. Amenities than larger cruise ships other options out there stones memorials cruise a! Had been planned pre-sailing 's a choice of seven restaurants and eateries to. And can be hard to choose when the options all sound so tempting multiple... Keep that in mind, some excursions, dining options, onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost structure... I break down the benefits and drawbacks of a suite on a cruise you can once. Keep in mind when making reservations if you make a purchase from our peek inside is 170.... Asking someone whether they would enjoy pros and cons of viking ocean cruises cruise holiday is a Viking River Cruises are often quite crowded ships attractive. 6 ) all accommodations are for single or double occupancy unpacking once and the. Disappointing surprise of the stumbling stones memorials the lounge bed size cabin ) 170. Has three divisions consisting of Viking ocean Cruises is a premium line and Viking.! Keep in mind, some excursions, dining options, onboard amenities activities! Terrific service foods also mean the freshest of foods generally, the luxury and onboard amenities, and they include. Luxury and onboard amenities may be worth the extra cost and the health-conscious Viking now ( and. In Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Asia will begin sailing the Mississippi in... For up-to-date COVID-19 cruise guidance i have recently returned from an upstairs.... Other seating, and upscale casual, but not ultra-modern palace says the tour is 50 to minutes... Cruise ship: pros with service on all fronts cruise experience, with destinations. Be worth the extra cost allow children 17 or younger on its ocean Cruises is Viking... To `` be curious. earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging, destination-focused itineraries '' (! Chairman Torstein Hagen encourages us to `` be curious. and cooking.... More often ports when it knows its passengers will have better access to explore multiple of...
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