remydiva

David F seems to have a good handle on the ever changing situation and can see both sides of the dilemma they and the river cruise companies are caught in:

Viking Cruises: Update on Central Europe Flood Impact

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=38919899#post38919899

Today, 02:26 PM

DavidF1940

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Apr 2006

Posts: 9

Update on Viking Elbe Cruise

Today (Wednesday) we got more bad news. Apparently it has been raining steadily for a day or so in Czech and German border areas, and the river there has risen sharply again. All current crew and passengers on the Viking Schumann near Dresden, which we were due to be bussed to on Thursday, have had to be taken off the ship for safety. If the rain stops as forecast, it is expected that the waters will still take some time to go down again. So plans for us have had to be altered.

Viking appears to be making the best of a very difficult and ever changing set of circumstances. Tomorrow (Thursday) we will disembark from our current ship at Magdeburg and will be taken by coach, first to Meissen (as per original itinerary except for use of coach) for a tour of factory and town. We will then be taken on to Hotel Kempinsky (apparently a very luxurious place) in Dresden for at least one night. This leaves us with two more "cruise" nights (plus one scheduled night in Prague hotel) and where we will spend these is not yet clear. Even if conditions allow us to transfer to the Schumann for these two nights, it becomes questionable whether the chance of actual cruising would make the extra packing and unpacking turmoil worth the bother.

Two points of clarification emerged from today. Firstly, it appears that the problem holding us in dock at Magdeburg is that the river authorities are taking longer than expected to be confident that all dangerous debris (containers, cars etc) dumped by the floods have been cleared. The second is that Viking claim that the river authorities had told them some time last week that the river would be clear; I have no reason to doubt Viking's version of this, but nor can I verify it of course. If true, it would seem that Viking are as much victims as are the passengers.

I think it fair to say that most passengers are torn between annoyance at the failure to get the holiday they paid for, and appreciation that Viking seem to be doing everything possible to alleviate the situation. Some passengers are beginning to take a more hostile view, but they are, I believe, a very small minority. People are, however, beginning to wonder about compensation levels that may be offered. Personally, I do not want to 'penalise' Viking, but nor do I want to pay cruise rates for a coach holiday, and no amount of alternative luxury hotels makes up for the inconvenience of extra unpacking and losing the cruise experience.

To Salad Muncher: I think you will find some of the above useful in assessing the situation. I and my wife have enjoyed much about the holiday (today's unscheuled trip to Leipzig was well run and enjoyable) but would have preferred to have had it cancelled beforehand and come again next year instead, although given the advice apparently proffered by the river authority, I don't necessarily blame Viking for going ahead. However, as I have said before, I suggest passengers on all forthcoming Elbe trips, get some assurances from their operators as to possibilities of not getting the full cruise package.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1868808

Yesterday, 08:28 AM

pbeach

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Fl

Posts: 24

Aboard Amawaterways Amaprima

We are on the Budapest to Amsterdam itinerary which embarked June 19. The ship was up river of the, still inoperable, Altenworth lock docked in Durnstein.

The others joined us the evening of the 23rd and after a bus ride to Vienna and back on the 24th, the ship continued on with the original itinerary. We are currently docked in Regensberg. AMA has indicated that some sort of restitution will be forthcoming to each passenger depending upon how much their trip ended up being affected.

So far, we are very satisfied with AMA's efforts at service recovery.

********************

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1856202&page=6

June 24th, 2013, 01:22 PM

DavidF1940

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Apr 2006

Posts: 8

Elbe Cruise - some problems

As noted in previous posts, the Elbe cruise (Berlin/Magdeburg to Prague) starting on 23rd June has gone ahead - sort of.

We had previously been warned that high water around Dresden would prevent the ship going through, so plan was to transfer at that point to sister ship 'stranded' upstream for second half of trip; a bit of a nuisance to have to repack and then re-unpack but nothing too drastic. However situation is not that simple.

We were told on Sunday evening that, due to measurements being taken on the river, we were not allowed to set out on Monday morning, but delayed until Tuesday morning. Monday’s excursion would be done by coach from Magdeburg. This went sort of OK, but I feel the excursion, although pleasant enough, was not really worth the 3 1/2 hours spent in the coach. Some, but not all, fellow passengers felt the same.

Sadly, this (Monday) evening we were told that we are now not permitted to sail on Tuesday and not even Wednesday is assured. It seems that the river is not navigable upstream (the way we want to go) until about Dresden. Viking assures us that the visits scheduled will take place but it seems possible that all the first half of the ‘cruise’ will be by coach trips from Magdeburg. Viking have told us quite clearly that they realise that this is not the experience we are expecting and that they are looking carefully at what sort of compensation will be appropriate.

I feel desperately sorry for their hardworking, andno doubt exasperated, staff on board, who seem to be making strenuous efforts to cope with the situation (including organising extra little walking trips and even a diversion excursion to a nearby canal and lock). However, I get the impression that someone (senior management?) took a ‘flyer’ and said “go ahead” prior to full sailing authorisation being given by the river authorities (I would welcome Viking’s correction of my supposition if appropriate). I do wonder if the cruise, which was not cheap, should not have beencancelled before it went ahead, rather than risk running at half mast.

We await developments with interest, but I suggest that passengers getting ready for the next cruise should contact Viking for some pretty firm assurances.

What we need now, entering Week 4( as of June 26) of the terrible floods in Europe that have impacted the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Seine and now Elbe, are REAL LIVE posts from REAL LIVE passengers.

For all those passengers packing their bags for upcoming cruises, they want to hear from YOU on board the ships NOW ...not the company reps in Calif or Switzerland.

We have one poster currently on the Elbe and he is running into some problems that sound like he is so far seeing destinations by bus using the ship as a hotel.

I think all the river cruise ships have free internet and a couple of computers on board so I hope some of you take a moment to say something as brief as : June 26 on the Viking Njord/AMA Amadeus/Scenic Jewel etc

sailing Budapest to Amsterdam.

All is good so far.

It would be helpful for those about to sail.

For those who are still unhappy Viking has reached out and invited then to re-engage and seem to be settling at levels that are in balance with the individual circumstances of those affected.

Right now there isn't a lot more to be gained by continuing to demonize the company and in some cases, the staff.

So now, if you are still unhappy, re-engage with Viking, they are waiting to hear from you.

Posting here will not help with that, nor will waiting for them to come to you, reach out and get this sorted once and for all ...

Cases in point...the three CCers named here by Viking in one of their recent posts have not reposted here to let us know IF they re contacted Viking and if so, what happened.

Viking does not know who you three are so it is up to you to contact them ...hope you do as truly you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

( having said that Viking figured out who i was from one of my posts probably because i was the only passenger from BC so when they phd me the first question they asked was " are YOU Remydiva?")

Originally Posted by Viking Cruises

Dear engoil, Badgerhunter3, & Bus Rider Hater,

Even if you have already done so previously we ask that you contact us directly at TellUs@vikingcruises.com.

We sincerely hope to hear from you soon.

Kindest regards,

Viking Cruises

I hope all three CCers named here do re contact Viking as offered. Please keep us all informed what the outcomes are for you all...I'm guessing Viking is re examing their earlier decisions in light of the sheer numbers and scope of the problems.

As an experienced 'squeaky wheel' altho not in this situation, I can see both sides of the dilemma. I think it is wise for Viking to deal with each situation on a case by case basis.

Sadly that does mean that those less techno educated ie. non CC viewers will not have access to the same info that we all do here thru the boards.

But as one poster said, they would have been happy with the 75% voucher (whatever that really translates to 75% of what?) so if all unsatisfied customers got AT LEAST that, then it is better than nothing.

Those that felt their situation was exceptional have the opportunity to reconnect with the cruise lines (lets not let the other companies off lightly here...they all dropped the ball in some cases) and see if they can have their case re examined. Clearly as in CruisinGert's case, she is 'satisfied' when her case was re evaluated.

As one wise person told me, 'fair is not necessarily equal'. And that is the best any of us can strive for whether customer or company.

http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/rivercruises/bangkok-mandalay-yangon-2014/itinerary.aspx

 

"Memories of Mandalay" ... sounds pretty exotic, doesn't it, Cary?! I'll have to look for a Burma thread. I got the last cabin in November -- it was meant to be, I suppose!

Coincidence? I think not...I believe there are no such things in life as 'coincidence'...things happen for a reason,or in your words 'meant to be'. :rolleyes:

Your perseverance at getting heard and receiving in your opinion, a fair compensation meant,I'm guessing, that Burma was now moved up a notch in your bucket list.

Maybe the other unsatisfied river cruise customers (on all the lines not just Viking) will also eventually receive satisfaction and be also looking forward to their next great adventure.:)

 

So thought I'd post my final outcome on this thread, as it seems the most recent, & it's in context w/ the thread title.

 

Viking Customer Service called me after I had sent them emails. We had a long & thoughtful discussion. She said she would call me back & she did. We have now come to an agreement which I consider fair. As we also agreed, I cannot discuss amounts.

 

I would have preferred a refund, but I am satisfied with credits. I forget who it was, but someone in all the postings I've been reading pointed out that Viking likely wants to give only credits because it gives them a chance to win back confidence. That was a very good point & helped me in my decision. Thank you to everyone.

Are engoil, Badgerhunter3, & Bus Rider Hater reading this update from Gert?

Ball is in your court.....

 

I would have preferred a refund, but I am satisfied with credits. I forget who it was, but someone in all the postings I've been reading pointed out that Viking likely wants to give only credits because it gives them a chance to win back confidence. That was a very good point & helped me in my decision. Thank you to everyone.

Well said Gert. Sometimes we are so blinded by emotion that when someone offers a another point of view ie. 'a second chance to win back confidence', it is like getting cold water splashed on your face as it makes you 'snap outta it!' (to quote Cher in the movie 'Moonstruck').

We understand Viking's reluctance to have you share here on CC what your compensation was but the fact that you have gone from a customer who suffered an 'unforgettable AWFUL cruise' to a somewhat happy customer is a credit to you perseverance and to Viking for listening to you. Well done.

so...my question to you....where are you cruising to next!

I have included my original post below. I also received the letter from Viking basically saying its not their fault.

 

We received a response from Viking acknowledging there were disruptions to the trip. However what they offered was 75% of the cruise cost applicable to a future Viking River Cruise. In my view, this is totally inadequate.

Ok, so Bus Rider Hater....you have reposted the same post and you are restated that you are not happy with what the Viking repsonse was.

BUT did you read the most recent post from Viking at post # 22 which says:

Dear engoil, Badgerhunter3, & Bus Rider Hater,

Even if you have already done so previously we ask that you contact us directly at TellUs@vikingcruises.com. We are re-doubling our efforts to address concerns with guests who, maybe like yourselves, feel that they have not been adequately heard. Our Customer Relations team is starting to return to normal levels of incoming calls and emails after a few weeks of very high volume, and they would be happy to continue the conversation with any of our guests.

We sincerely hope to hear from you soon.

Kindest regards,

Viking Cruises

Viiking is reaching out to you and asking YOU to contact THEM based on your dissatisfaction that you have voiced here on CC. It would be in YOUR best interest to contact them AGAIN and see what their 're-doubling our efforts' means. They might well have reconsidered their initial offer of compensation...it certainly sounds like it.

But YOU have to contact them. Let us know what the outcome is. That is the only way we here on CC will know if Viking is providing customer service or lip service.

Good luck.

Dear engoil, Badgerhunter3, & Bus Rider Hater,

 

Even if you have already done so previously we ask that you contact us directly at TellUs@vikingcruises.com.

 

We sincerely hope to hear from you soon.

 

Kindest regards,

Viking Cruises

I hope all three CCers named here do re contact Viking as offered. Please keep us all informed what the outcomes are for you all...I'm guessing Viking is re examing their earlier decisions in light of the sheer numbers and scope of the problems.

Good luck.

Although true, it is not normally a problem while the ship is moving :)

 

In this case, no movement, so a problem all day.

Fair enough ...point taken.

We also were on the Viking Forseti which was supposed to have sailed on June 1. This was a first "River Cruise" for us. As it turned out we were kept hostage in a cave as described by Lisa1a because our room with veranda was blocked by another Viking ship. The account of Lisa1a was accurate so I will not go through another whole description of the trip. I just want to emphasize that if we wanted to make a bus tour I would have booked a bus tour for a lot less money and real hotels!

Viking needs to come up with a better offer than 75% of paid cruise fare voucher. To be able to use these vouchers, one still needs to get to Europe or Asia, so there needs to be compensation for that also.

So far Viking has left a bad taste in my mouth!

Not to make light of your bad experience BUT to be fair, even when you DO cruise on the rivers, your room is often like a cave as you frequently double berth and piggyback to other ships.

It's the end of our wonderful cruise and I'd like to thank Viking for not only the lovely cruise but for taking such good care of us. We were offered many complimantary tours/cocktails etc. I felt very special. Anthony and Bilianna (both program Directors) worked extremely hard and made us all feel like family.

 

Did the cruise run smoothly? No! But not at the fault of Viking. I was just happy to experence the Danube and river cruising - and we had a great time. Viking may have made mistakes in the past but I feel they're trying to make up for their errors.

 

I highly recommend Viking!

Refreshing to see a positive post about a June river cruise and in particular a Viking River cruise.

I think we here on CC would be all be interested in a longer post from you totell us more about 'did the cruise run smoothly? No'

Can you tell us what modifications occurred and how Viking handled it ...obviously they handled things to your satisfaction. However to someone mobility challenged or frail, the changes might not have worked for them.

Hope you can provide more details as it might serve to alleviate some concerns of those travelling in the next couple of weeks.

Mark T - I talked to Viking Friday morning I asked for clarification on what 75% off paid cruise meant and she said 75% off what we paid. I told her that didn't work for us. She said that was all they were offering. Also said that the vouchers were only good for a year so would have to book by this time next year. This does not work for us hence my post. In my opinion Viking's post was just a empty PR spin. I will contact them again and will post the outcome on whether they have actually changed their position on their offer.

Regardless of how much a voucher is for whether 75% or 100%, putting a time limit of 1 yr on it is not appropriate in this case.

We received a $$ voucher from Viking as compensation for some issues on our last cruise but it was only valid for 1 yr. Problem is, I have been on 3 river cruises so the ones I MIGHT be interested in were already fully booked for next summer ie. within the one yr time limit.

The BEST solution would be 75 % CASH REFUND (guess they feel you got 25% of your trip) .Then you can vote with your money and choose to cruise or not to cruise with the same company.

At the very least, the time limit of any voucher should be extended until end of 2015.

Here’s a link to the slideshow I created for the Balkan river cruise on the Amacerto, Istanbul to Vienna, beginning May 29, 2013.

 

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/115520979706388828246/56AmacertoBlackSea52913?authkey=Gv1sRgCMz1urXYh6r6cg

 

You can view a photo at a time by pressing the “slideshow” button on the upper left hand corner of the website, and once the slideshow begins, you may adjust the timing between the photos using the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.

 

 

 

Sergio

Great pics and brought back memories of my trips to Istanbul, Budapest and Vienna this past year...except you saw flowers (none in Jan...who knew! :D)

what camera did you use as you got way closer with your zoom to Lippizzan horses than my camera did.

thanks for the post!

Austria: Altenwörth Lock

According to the Austrian authorities, the Altenwörth lock, which is located on the Danube River between the cities of Vienna and Melk, was damaged during the recent flood. The lock is currently closed for repairs and is scheduled to reopen on June 20, 2013. Depending on sailing schedules, this closure may cause delays for those who are scheduled to be sailing in the area around June 20th, or may require switching of sister ships for those who are scheduled to be in the area before it reopens.

Germany: Danube River Between Regensburg and Passau

Conditions continue to improve along the Rhine, Main, Main-Danube Canal, and most areas of the Danube. In Germany, between the cities of Regensburg and Passau, the water levels of the Danube River are still comparatively high. Depending on sailing schedules, this may cause some possible delays in the coming days and we will continue to monitor the situation and make any minor itinerary alterations, as needed.

From Uniworld's facebook page.

MPORTANT NOTICE

Updated message on June 13, 12:00 p.m. PDT

We have an update on the following two cruises that we’d like to share with you:

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Ambassador, Highlights of Eastern Europe, Vienna to Belgrade

Regretfully, the above referenced sailing has been canceled due to the closure of the lower Danube River south of Budapest that has just occurred as well as the closure of the Gabcikovo Lock between Budapest and Bratislava for repairs. The lock is expected to reopen on June 19.

As a result neither the River Empress nor the River Ambassador can be in Vienna for embarkation on June 16, and we have no other alternate vessel available. We are processing a full refund and offering a $500 per person Future Cruise Credit valid on another Uniworld Europe or Russia River Cruise in 2013, 2014 or 2015. We are in the process right now of contacting all bookings affected by this cancellation

June 16, 2013 sailing of the River Beatrice, Enchanting Danube, Budapest to Passau

This sailing is currently scheduled to operate though the potential exists for sailing schedule deviations to occur. Contingency plans are in place if needed.

Thanks once again to our guests and travel agent partners for your continued patience and understanding. It is truly appreciated.

Yes, the Grand Mediterranean itinerary is amazing and hard to beat! I kind of gave up on finishing that review as it took me a long time and I didn't seem to be getting much of a reaction. It's very disappointing to put so much effort into something and not hear back from anyone.

I read your review and made lots of notes. You were good about answering others questions so others did read and did appreciate your time and effort. Maybe others, like me, were just lax in saying so...me bad:o

Don't be discouraged as I've been in your shoes...took notes, posted and got a couple of 'thanks' but if it helps even one person (as I have been helped countless times) then it is paying it forward and that's ok :)

(sorry, high jacked your review....carry on...)

No, this Markus was maybe 5'8. He was very good, but a bit too long-winded for my tastes.

AttilatheFun....your name jiggled a memory that i was sure i had read one of your reviews before and now,when I sacn down your signature, I see you did the Grand Med on the Ruby last June...we went in Aug so I had read your reviews etc.

THAT was my fav cruise EVER :)

I think I saw that your CD was Markus...is that really tall 6'7" Markus? If so, we had him as our CD on our Uniworld Holland Belgium Tulips and Windmills cruise in April 2009 and he was FABULOUS!

One day, one of the locks on the river broke and we had to be bussed around while someone went 'into town' to buy parts to get the lock fixed! The boat carried on and met up with us later in the day after our tour to Kohler Muller museum and we had to scramble down a river bank to get onto the ship. Poor Markus had the phone glued to his ear all day negotiating buses, drivers and the ship to make the rendevous happen!

He sure was easy to pick out in the crowd being so tall!

Just noticed the update dated today June 8 on Viking website...they have yet to update the info here so I am doing it. They are doing a good job of keeping the information well explained...good and bad news....iMHO.

http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/about/vikingnews_v2.aspx

CENTRAL EUROPE WEATHER UPDATE - JUNE 8, 2013

Dear Viking Guests,

We understand that you are concerned and have questions about your upcoming travels to Europe. Please know that we are in constant contact with our Swiss operations team – managing the schedules of those guests currently in Europe and planning for upcoming departures. In many instances, due to having the largest fleet in river cruising combined with our in-house nautical and operations team in Switzerland, we are able to continue operating our itineraries through careful planning and switching of sister ships. In every decision we make, the safety of our guests and crew remains our top priority.

Due to the unprecedented and severe flooding throughout areas of central Europe, we have decided to make the necessary itinerary alterations below.

For questions about the following altered departures, guests can call Customer Service at 1.800.706.1483. Please understand that we are experiencing high call volumes and your wait time to speak to a customer service consultant may be longer than usual.

Please note: Below is a complete list of affected sailings as of June 8, 2013.

Water levels have now begun to recede on the upper Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers; Viking has a large number of vessels in the affected areas and is therefore able to use sister ships to substitute for the originally assigned vessels where needed and to operate cruises with minor modifications. For example, we will substitute a visit to the Bavarian capital of Munich for the scheduled walking tour of Passau as long as that city is dealing with the cleanup. If you do not see your cruise listed below, it means that we plan to operate these as scheduled, possibly with modifications as those described above. We expect cruises after June 21 to operate normally again.

Itinerary Modifications

1. June 9th Rhine Getaway (Basel to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Sun — This cruise will now take place on sister ship, Viking Helvetia. Aside from the different ship, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with only minor (if any) additional alterations necessary.

2. June 9th Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) aboard Viking Helvetia — This cruise will now take place on sister ship, Viking Sun. Aside from the different ship, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with only minor (if any) additional alterations necessary.

3. June 9th Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest) aboard Viking Var — This cruise will begin on Viking Prestige, where guests will board in Amsterdam, as originally scheduled. When Viking Prestige meets up with the Viking Var along the river, guests will transfer to their original ship and the itinerary will then proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations necessary. We do not currently anticipate being able to visit the city of Passau.

4. June 12th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Sky — This cruise will begin on Viking Legend. Due to water levels, the ship will not be in the normal port of embarkation. Viking representatives will meet all guests at the airport—regardless of whether or not air/transfers were purchased from Viking—and transport guests to where the ship is. There will also be a representative at the normal port of embarkation near the Chain Bridge in Budapest, along with transportation to the ship’s current docking location. When Viking Legend meets up with the Viking Sky along the Danube River, guests will be transferred to their original ship and the itinerary will then proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations necessary.

5. June 14th Cities of Light (Prague to Paris) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

6. June 15th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Njord — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

7. June 15th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Idun — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

8. June 15th Passage to Eastern Europe (Budapest to Bucharest) aboard Viking Aegir — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

9. June 16th Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest) aboard Viking Bragi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

10. June 16th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Skadi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

11. June 16th Danube Waltz (Budapest to Passau) aboard Viking Legend — This itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

12. June 16th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard MS Vienna — Depending on river conditions and the ability of the ship to reach its port of embarkation in time for departure, this cruise may experience alterations. We will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks and if necessary, we will contact guests ahead of departure to alert them of possible changes.

13. June 16th Vineyards & Vistas (Nuremberg to Trier) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

14. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) aboard Viking Sun — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

15. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Basel to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Helvetia — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled.

16. June 19th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Odin — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

17. June 19th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Freya — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). Aside from the possible ship switch, this itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary.

The following sailings have been canceled:

June 8th Elegant Elbe (Berlin to Prague) aboard Viking Schumann

June 8th Elegant Elbe (Prague to Berlin) aboard Viking Fontane

June 8th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Njord

June 8th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremburg) aboard Viking Idun

June 9th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Tor

June 9th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremburg) aboard Viking Prestige

June 9th Danube Waltz (Passau to Budapest) aboard Viking Legend

June 9th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard MS Vienna

June 12th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Odin

June 12th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Freya

Unfortunately conditions to these specific sailings prevented us from being able to provide a modified itinerary. Guests (and their travel agents) will be contacted directly by Viking Cruises via email. Additionally a Customer Relations representative will contact you over the next few days to discuss your booking. You can also contact Customer Relations at 1.877.523.0579, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PDT. For after hours and weekends you can email us at customerrelations@vikingrivercruises.com.

Up-to-Date Information

Other guests scheduled to sail in Europe during the summer should assume that their cruise is still scheduled for departure and anticipated to operate the planned itinerary. If there is a need to alter or cancel any sailings, guests will be notified by Viking via email as soon as we are aware of any necessary changes.

This level of flooding is extremely unusual and we will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation closely. The most up-to-date information regarding the floods will continue to be posted here on the website.

Kind regards,

Viking Cruises

Your food pics and buffet, tea, lounge photos are amazing. Shows that Uniworld is head and shoulders over the c**p we were served on one of the new Viking Longships at xmas time. We had a Cat A cabin which was kinda space age in design and a real balcony with two chairs.

Had it not be 0F and windy, we may have even opened the door.

It looks like Uniworld wins hands down in the food dept...JMHO.:rolleyes:

Thanks for saying this.

I think the prevalence of the gel on ships lulls people into thinking that will replace hand washing (which is the only real thing that works!)

According to online info, THIS type of Chlorox wipes DO work for C.Diff and Noro

Clorox® Healthcare™ Bleach Germicidal Wipes

We are going on the same cruise 2013. How was New years eve on the ship? How did passengers dress? Was there a party? I would appreciate any comments.

New Years was pretty good...in fact,it was the first time I've stayed up that late in years!

I had brought decorations from the dollar store at home and decorated the cabin doors of our group of four couples. Many many people commented as they walked by what a great idea..One young couple improvised by using their party hats and streamers and a hand written sign so I would suggest bringing something fun from home to start the holiday off right. :p

The dining room was closed for most the afternoon as they decorated. Lots of streamers, twinkling lights, and each chair had a helium balloon tied to the back...along with a piece of paper. You were supposed to write your new years wish on the paper then at midnite, go up to the top deck and release the balloon with your wish.

The ship was still decorated for xmas so trees and lights and baubles galore so overall the ship looked festive.

We dressed but not tux and tails dress. River cruises by nature are more casual than ocean cruises but the men wore shirts and ties and some women in fancy jackets with skirts or dresses and heels (I had sprained my ankle the day before in Passau so had on my winter boots which came in handy later..but I digress...)

Dinner was good but I can't recall what we had (ok, so I do recall having two glasses of wine...maybe that is why!). We had pointy hats and blowers on our table to bring out the child in all of us.

After dinner, we (we were a group of 4 couples) posed together on the stairs inside for a group photo with our own cameras holding our balloons. We went to the lounge where they had a piano player. Some people were dancing. The only entertainment per se was a lady singer who did opera but in a funny way using audience members to 'sing' with her. A little lame.

We were in Linz and double docked with the Viking Idun so the entertainers ran back and forth between the two ships. Viking got a 2/1 deal on that. So when they were 'next door', they had just canned music playing. There were singalongs of regional songs like 'My Favourite Things' and 'Edelweiss' and it makes more sense once you have spent a few days in Austria.

The highlight of the 'entertainment' was when about 2 dozen of the Idun passengers started a conga line and came dancing through our lounge.

Some of our group, including me, went up early to release our balloons and warning, the metal steps are SLIPPERY as it was way below freezing and we didn't have coats on (but remember? I of course did have on my winter boots!) so I managed ok. Helium balloons need a little coaxing to fly away in below zero temps but they did and we toasted the event with champagne and a kiss or two.

Countdown to midnight, more champagne then they opened up a buffet for midnight snack which I think was borscht and some hot sandwiches.

If you are expecting New Years Eve Dick Clark style with the ball dropping at midnight, you will be disappointed. However, we had fun mostly because WE made it fun...we are four couples ranging in age from 50-65 and we met 4 yrs ago on a river cruise and are from all over. To spend New Years on the Danube with good friends was magical and memorable. :)

Thanks for pointing that out. Those FAQs aren't that easy to find. We wine drinkers should complain. We need to trade in the entire mini-bar set-up worth about $70 for ONE bottle of wine worth $29-$32 while coffee drinkers get TWO coffee cards worth $58. Where's the justice :rolleyes:

Heavy sigh....once again we wine drinkers have to suffer the wrath of injustice while we watch the scotch drinkers do the 'highland fling' and the java nuts do the 'caffeinated Gangham style' :D

now, where did I put my corkscrew?