Viking had a sister ship sailing the same journey in the opposite direction from Budapest to Amsterdam so we switched ships. In Southeast Asia the ships use a 2-pin Euro plug. Great article. Thank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! Cramming too much in your suitcase increases the odds of incurring additional airline fees for oversized or overweight checked bags. The task of the Norse goddess Hlin is to protect and shelter humankind. All outlets are European style (2 pin) with . Its something to worry about losing, and fanciful costume jewelry is just as much fun! The optional excursions have smaller groups and are more focused on cultural, recreational, and even culinary experiences. Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons dont use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag). Thanks all. If you think you may be tempted to bring snacks back to the ship from a cruise excursion, do remember to pack a few Ziploc bags. TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. We will definitely be using it in the years to come. Hi, Considering the Silver Spirits package. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. We also got a power strip with USB ports for all our stuff. They will let you know on board. Please hare your opinion with me. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. Good to know. Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? Thank you for making me less anxious! Many of us cruise with quite a few battery-powered devices that we want to keep charged, but cruise ship cabins don't have as many outlets as we'd like. Usually there is an electrical outlet by the "desk" or vanity. They are also provided by the cruise line and replenished as needed. We actually enjoyed sitting outside in the dark before bed, too, cruising by small towns.) We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. Thank you for great information and insights! I will add one note that we experienced. The Quietvox listening devices charger is plugged into a 220 outlet on the counter across from the bed. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. Tech can make travel a whole lot easier. So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. Royal Princess plug sockets. Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? But I noticed that I had 3 pillows and had to throw the extra one on a chair. I am not thinking we will have any need for a converter, just additional plugs. First timer on river cruise. And theres an extensive Room Service menu available at no extra charge 24 hours a day. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! By the desk, there are three plug sockets: one European socket and two U.S. 120V sockets. Unless you are wed to a particular product, there is no need to bring shampoo or conditioner onboard with you. Its important to note that when the ship docks somewhere in the morning and you go on an excursion, you sometimes will be brought back to the ship in a different location like another city further down the river. Check with your Viking agent or your travelagent (or your MyVikingJourney online portal if youre already booked on a cruise) to learn the latest protocols aboard the ship and in the countries that youll be visiting. 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. There are also 2. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. COVID Travel Packing List: 6 Essentials For Any Trip. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. Getting my heart rate up while enjoying beautiful scenery passing by while the ship made its way down a river was a win-win. The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was such a great experience one well never forget. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. There are costs associated with the optional tours and they vary, and I suppose that correlates with the costs Viking incurs. Although there is ample storage space onboard Viking Ocean Cruises, bringing too much stuff only makes it harder to sift through your belongings to find what you want. Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop? Thanks. Viking Cruises begins sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the Viking Orion cruise ship on Caribbean and Central America itineraries. Viking is very efficient with their timing. The Viking onboard staff from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. In our documents from Viking regarding our river cruise in France, it says curling irons and flat irons are prohibited. It easily holds passports and other travel documents along with jewelry and money. Since it will be November, and Im also afraid of open heights weve opted for the French balcony room. NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? And about ATMs, weve used them in Europe without any problems. Were doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but havent actually booked yet! 8 Ventura plug sockets. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary. All outlets are. Many folks do tend to change from the clothes they wore for daily excursions to something a little dressier for dinner, but I wouldnt call dinner attire dressy. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise from Prague to Paris last summer. It has a 5 feet long braided extension cord attached to it for charging. Irene, No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion. For additional information, see the Viking FAQs. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Having to dock the ship next to another cruise ship also means that the view from your stateroom could be blocked and your cabin could be a bit dark. Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. 18 days and counting:). Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well? Bon voyage! When I returned, I noticed two Viking bookmarks resting on top of the books. Im looking forward to ours next year! A few years ago, we were on a shoulder season cruise in the Mediterranean. When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. 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. There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. Whichever side of the menu you order from, the meals for the entire table are served at the same time. . Having said that, I know that Salzburg is lovely and many people enjoy that excursion. 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. Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you dont forget your valuables. Glad you enjoyed the post~ Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. queen-size beds that can be split to make two twin beds. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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? No need for a converter. And, yes, there is a nice vanity area where you can sit and do your hair and makeup, across from the bed. Especially your tips on dinner were helpful I will pack his blazer. Theres an elevator onboard so its easy to travel from floor to floor if you dont want to use the stairs. 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. They will text you with any security issues you should be aware of while youre away. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. Whew! Is there a "dress code" on the ship? Do you have to go on the planned excursion or can you go off and explore on your own? We are planning to do 12 days in a carry-on bag only, so no way could I do it without downloading all the info. You make an excellent point, Julia. We loved our trip and would recommend it to others. Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. Priority spa treatment bookings 70 days prior to departure. We were never disappointed with our meal selections. Thanks. We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseillealthough I tried. 2. anyone doing the Viking njord nov 22 Budapest to Nuremberg. When we cruised, the classics included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brle, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. Staterooms also include shampoo and conditioner. What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. The daily planner for Vienna was the best.one of the stranger transitions from Ocean to River cruising is not having your port times right there on the schedule. Any thoughts on how this might play out for us? fits standard outlets in more than 150 countries. I guess my DH could sacrifice his camera & just use an iPad..:confused: rjscott, sounds like the cabin will be perfect for "getting ready" while the DH occupies the shower! :confused: The DH may have to weigh in. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! Stateroom size: 135 sq ft. River-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) 12 PM Embarkation. Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. Lolly, We are going to cruise Viking July on European sojourn with pre post extensions Bucharest and Amsterdam. rent to own house in quezon city 5k monthly. https://www.moretimetotravel.com/cruise-hacks-8-tips-to-help-you-pack-for-a-river-cruise/, Have you been on the Midnight Sun cruise any thoughts on the type of clothing to bring I leave in a few days and still struggling with what clothes to take thanks . Also note: They come with large print labeling so those over 40 dont need to take their peepers into the shower. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. 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. If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise; so its a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once youre on board. Thank you for your time. . Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences! After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. 3 PM stateroom access. 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. We opted to book through our travel agent with whom we could meet face-to-face, ask questions, and learn from her knowledge of cruising and different cruise companies. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. On our trip, we met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well. Plus, Viking offers several excursions each day that the ship is in port. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. #2. Thanks for sharing your experience, Cindy! Weve got to get you back into cruising, Janice! 10.1 BazTechElectroS European Travel Adapter Plug, 11.99 Amazon. 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. I bet youre planning your next cruise already. Have fun! 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. You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. The buses and tour guides for your group are each marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? Thanks. 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. Not everyone needs to go on excursions. However, the information in this article is from our, The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space. (Remember that if you're staying in a hotel for part of. In spite of some tweaks, this article will definitely prepare you for your Viking river cruise. Here is our advice on 6 things you should definitely NOT take: There are no formal nights on Viking so theres no need for long dresses for women or dinner jackets for men (even neckties are discretionary). My recollection is that Viking Ocean Cruises have fluffy comforters and luxury down pillows. Also, dinner is served on the Aquavit Terrace; service begins 15 minutes after dinner service starts in the restaurant. (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 PM. My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. I would suggest he bring one pair of khakis. has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. Do viking ocean cruise lines have a hairdresser on board? This will be first river cruise for us. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. And Cary Cruiser, all of our itinerary information, airline boarding passes, music, museum audio apps, RS walking tours, language translators, maps, $$ converters, public transportation apps & reading material are downloaded onto our devices. Im with you on how much fun it is to plan trips. Have a great cruise! Ive left it out on the counter and the stewards never said anything either. Doing so will help you remember months and years later where all your amazing pictures are from! Life vests were under the beds, but prior to the drill, they were placed on our beds while we were at lunch. We were docked next to other ships several times on our 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. 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? Viking, as do most cruise line ban the bringing onboard of extension cords and surge protectors. Weve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. Good question, John, but its not an easy one to answer! Should. I definitely overpackedshoes and clothes. We love most of the optional excursions versus the included excursions but about how much do the optional ones cost? Theres a section of the Aquavit Terrace at the very front of the ship thats open to the weather, but theres also an area (just behind it) that can be enclosed with sliding glass doors, so the area can be enjoyed when the weather isnt cooperating. To conserve resources, you could easily fill a reusable water bottle from home with water in the rooms. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. The room stewards are wonderful and treat you like royalty! Thank you! We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. 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. On the other side of the menu are regional specialties or options that are focused on our destinations. Do women really wear pants and a blouse for dinner? We will be traveling on the Viking Ksvair and I am thinking about the number of outlets available for charging devices and would love your input. Just make sure you notify your bank before traveling, so they dont flag your ATM transaction in another country as suspicious! Enjoy! (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. . One thing I think I discovered was that the iPad pulls a heavy load to recharge and might not do well plugged into the power strip while other stuff is also charging. Were celebrating our 50th! 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. The dining room has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. Other European ships have 220V electricity, and have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? There outlets will most likely be 220V European style. Youll see all your options on the online My Viking Journey portal when the tours open up prior to your trip. We're staying at hotels also so bring ours. What common spaces are there on the Viking Mississippi? In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. Only a few bucks anyway. Did you use local guides? Heavy bags are tricky to manage, too. We plan to go a few days early and then make our way to the ship. Im glad you found the article helpful. 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. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. Bon voyage! Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate timeswow, thats a job! Better be aboard, cuz they wont wait! The crew communicates with each other quite well. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). Sound like you have a great cruise coming up! Congrats on your 50th! 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. 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. a flat-screen TV with infotainment options. Aurum Cables 10-Feet 3 Outlet Extension Cord - two pack. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise . Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? This happens when bridges are too low to safely pass under with guests on the sun deck. We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. You got me on #1, 3 and 6! Im so glad you found the article helpful, Ronnie! For a 14-night cruise, the cost is $279.30 USD p.p. Im going on a Viking River Cruise (Paris-Normandy). Oh not to bring adapters! If you have taken a Viking river cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. We noticed that the crew was cleaning the common areas early in the morning, as soon as we left for excursions, and in our rooms while guests were enjoying dinner. I hope you have a wonderful time! Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. I'm sure you won't need to plug everything in at the same time, and I'm also sure that if you leave some of those devices at home you'll have a better time on your cruise. Royal Princess desk with power sockets. We enjoyed sitting with different people; it gave us a chance to learn about their travel experiences and lives a bit. The upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche since its founding in 1997, catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way. Thank you all for your notes that you had no problems bringing them on board. . Braun Hair Dryer on Viking Star (Photo credit: Jerome Levine). Plenty of covered space protects guests from the harsh summer sun. We always travel with a small multi-plug electical cord. viking cruise ship electrical outlets. The good thing is there are always tomorrows treats to look forward to! Enjoy your journey! We travel light with one roll aboard and one backpack. Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge.

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