Ryan208

Ellen, just a note about embarking in Amsterdam: the ships don’t always dock in central Amsterdam behind the train station. We took this cruise in 2018 and the ship was in an industrial dock which was about a 15 minute taxi ride from the Rijksmuseum area (where we had stayed for two nights before the cruise). We boarded about noon and had a light lunch. I believe they were running shuttle buses to and from the city center for those who wanted to tour around. Viking should let you know a few days before your trip where they will be docking. It’s a great cruise - enjoy it! 

On 5/20/2024 at 5:04 PM, boblerm said:

Ours included a pre cruise night in Memphis (ours was in the Sheridan), and on the first day of the itinerary we had a choice in the morning of either Graceland or the Civil Rights Museum (both a must see IMHO) prior to the transfer to the ship.

We took this cruise this time last year. We also we put up at the Sheraton then took the Civil Rights Museum excursion the next day. A very good lunch was included at a bbq restaurant across the street from the museum. The bus ride from there was a couple of hours and our guide was very knowledgeable about the areas we traveled through. We eventually stopped in Cleveland, MS at the great little Grammy Museum at 4:30. Viking staff  was there to check us in and give us our key cards. The museum closed at five, so we had very little time to look around, which was a shame because there was a lot of interesting things to see. From there it was only about half an hour to 45 minutes to the ship. When we boarded, they were in the middle of the welcome talk by the Cruise Director, so we missed at least half of that. It was a little chaotic squeezing our way amongst the crowd and finding a place to stand to listen to the rest of the talk. (Apparently, the group that went to Graceland got there about an hour before we did.) It was a rather inauspicious beginning to what turned out to be a relatively pleasant cruise. 

Thanks. I looked through most of those and found a couple. 

We taking this cruise in September and are thinking about taking the Highlights of the Alps optional excursion. Has anyone on here taken it? I read one comment that said it was a cattle call and not worth the $$$. We would appreciate hearing from someone who’s taken it recently. Thanks in advance!

CocoChip, thanks for your thoughtful review. We just got off the Memphis to New Orleans cruise yesterday and agree with all you said. 

Take a look at this group: https://www.progenealogists.com/personal-heritage-journeys

Reykjavik is a very walkable city with lots to see. One of our favorite places we visited was The Settlement Museum (Aðalstræti 16). It’s an archeological site featuring the remains of a Viking settlement. It’s a short walk from your hotel. The cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja, is also worth a visit. The view from the top is interesting. Enjoy your visit!

I’m glad to see this news. We are looking forward to being on one of her cruises in 2023. Thanks for posting the link Daisi! 

When we went on our Rhine cruise on Viking (Amsterdam to Basel), we boarded about noon. There were quite a few people already there who must have arrived on early flights. We were already in Amsterdam, having spent a few days there pre-cruise.  They provided a light lunch. While it was too early to get into our cabin, we had access to the public areas of the ship. We were docked on the outskirts and a shuttle bus was provided for those who wanted to go into central Amsterdam that afternoon.  I imagine most cruise lines do the same. 

On 2/6/2021 at 4:42 PM, OnTheJourney said:

When you think about it - how weird - I mean, when does one ever sort of look forward to an injection??  

I know, right? We’re getting our first shot this coming week and are looking forward to it. 

On 2/6/2021 at 4:42 PM, OnTheJourney said:When you think about it - how weird - I mean, when does one ever sort of look forward to an injection??  

I know, right? We’re scheduled for our first shots this coming week and are actually looking forward to it. 

I agree with you, Bake apple. More of the mutated version are surfacing and the vaccination process seems to be moving slowly in our area, so we can’t see ourselves booking a river cruise until next year at the earliest. ☹️

As Daisi said, not all the river cruise ships dock near Centraal Station. Our river cruise (Viking) left from Coenhaven, which was a dock in an industrial area about a 15 minute cab ride from our hotel near the Rijksmuseum. 

46 minutes ago, notamermaid said:

Sorry to read that. It is not unexpected. I can well imagine that others that gear to North America and Australia and New Zealand will follow suit.

 

notamermaid

 

 

 

We weren’t surprised at all. Actually, we’re relieved they canceled. Glad they didn’t wait any longer. 

44 minutes ago, Daisi said:

Sorry to hear that, are Viking still offering the 125% re-booking credit?  They were one of the best for customer service on cancellations, didn't hear to many complaints about how they handled things.  I am waiting to hear what will happen with our May cruise - we will be re-booking for 2022, but I am going to wait to see if it gets cancelled or if I have to do so.  Fortunately, Avalon have a very easy transfer policy.

 

Yes, they’re still offering the 125% credit. 

It’s official. We just got an email from Viking - all cruises canceled through March 31. 

1 hour ago, sharkster77 said:

Unfortunately we have to give the vaccine time to both be disseminated and to produce herd immunity.  That won't happen until later in the year, IMHO.  A fall cruise may have better odds of happening.

I agree. 

It seems inevitable that spring cruises will be canceled. Our March cruise disappeared from My Viking Journey a couple of days ago. It makes me wonder if cancellations are imminent. 

Just a bit more local news re: Viking’s Mississippi venture....

https://www.twincities.com/2020/11/08/viking-river-cruises-from-st-louis-and-new-orleans-to-st-paul-sold-out-for-2022/

26 minutes ago, QueenofEverything said:

Ryan 208 - I don't want to be a spoiled sport here but please take a look at the rules of the game in post #1 and before every previously posted picture.  The game is that you only post a pic if you correctly guessed the previous one.  That way the game doesn't spiral out of control.  Glad you joined us, it is a fun game that notamermaid has given us!

Dear QofE - sorry. I just got caught up in the fun. Didn’t mean to break the rules. ☹️

29 minutes ago, jklc123 said:

Spryer on the Rhine? Statue of a pilgrim on the Camino de Compostela? If so, this was one of my favorite stops, too.

Right! We’re hoping we’ll get to Speyer again one day. 

I’m really enjoying this little challenge!
 

Here’s my contribution to the fun. This was taken in one of our favorite stops, although we just docked there - no tours offered. 

I agree with the previous two posts regarding the heat and the crowds in the summer.  We took a Rhine cruise in August of 2018. It was in the 90’s the whole time so made for some uncomfortable touring. Low water is another issue. There are lots of posts here from people whose river cruises turned into bus tours because of low water. Our ship made it all the way to Basel, but it was touch and go.

Just got the expected e-mail from Viking - they are canceling all cruises through December 31. 
 

https://www.viking.com/oceans/my-trip/current-sailings/index.html

26 minutes ago, Squawkman said:

Ryan - did you have any other Viking cruises booked before Mississippi? That entitles you to 6 months - but you may have to remind your agent as the system defaults to the closer date.

Yes, we have one coming up in March (rescheduled from last March). Thanks for the tip about the system defaulting to the closer date. We’ll definitely keep an eye out for that!