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I am curious why some ships would make it through and some wouldn’t, all leaving at same time. Someone posted that it depended upon your itinerary. But if all ships (Viking) were starting from Amsterdam and traveling to Cologne on same day, why wouldn’t all of them sail through or all use hotels/bussing? Our program director told us corporate headquarters made sailing decisions, not each ship on their own.

It is open after Vienna but we had to stop in Komarno, Slovakia to dock. Can’t make it all the way from Vienna to Busapest

Travellingprof, interesting option to take train instead of buses. Not sure how that would work as often the ship changes its docking ports if changes to itinerary. It might also make coordinating excursions more problematic if you are taking included ones. We had many modifications to our excursions because of the daily adjustment to our cruise itinerary. if you do end up doing this, will be interested to hear how it goes.

People should also know that the river between Budapest and Vienna is now impassable, at least for Viking. Docking in Komaron and bussing to Budapest instead

We are on a Viking ship sailing towards Budapest, with tomorrow in Vienna. We were told today we won’t be sailing into Budapest, but will dock in a city near there. Waiting to hear more tomorrow.

Are you docked in Passau now? Our ship the Magni is next to two other ships in Passau now.

There is an inside and outside area on Aquavit. We have only been allowed to eat on the outside tables when the ship is moored for that meal. The doors do open to expose inside area to outdoor air when appropriate. There are 3 tables for 4 and 2 tables for 2. They do fill up quickly.

We are on the Viking Baldur and sailing through the Rhine now. Ship bypassed Kinderdijk and bussed guests to Kinderdijk and then we picked everyone up in Wesel and are now sailing towards Cologne. We will learn more later about what happens next.

Thanks for the update. So glad that everyone is OK.

Oh no, please keep us posted. that is terrible

Godakakar, thanks for posting. We also leave next Sunday out of Amsterdam but on the Grand European. Not sure what adventures are ahead!

What did you end up doing?

meg1021: I agree with your sentiments about the trip. If all goes well, we should be on the same ship with you. Our flights are not as problematic for some reason, they have not changed one bit since we booked, which is quite unusual.

I use the timeanddate.com info to at least give me historical weather and a 15 day forecast. I find it very helpful. https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/

Notamermaid: thank you so much for your helpful info as a newbie, I’m curious: at what number do the rivers become unnavigable? foe example if Koblenz is at 89 cm, is that good or bad? I’m watching the numbers but don’t know how to interpret them to see when they reach the level of not being able to pass through Thanks again!

StartrainDD: would love to know the name of the wine shop that you found in Vienna. We are always on the lookout for wine shops/wine bars where I can taste local wines.

Thanks again for the daily reports. So helpful, as we take our cruise the end of July. In Melk, could you walk off the boat and get to town on your won? We are considering doing an independent day, so was curious.

This has been very helpful. Inspired me to venture out on my own using the Rick Steves walking tour. And I have just discovered that Wurzburg is a wine hub, so I'm looking forward to stopping at some of the wine bars and wine producers in town.

Meg0121: we are also on the Baldur starting July 31 and going a day early to Amsterdam. Also thinking of visiting Van Gogh museum on embarkation day. Have you put your name down on the roll call page? Hope we get a chance to meet on the boat, this is our first river cruise also. StartrainDD: thank you so much for your wonderful reports of the cruis!

Thanks for sharing what is happening.. did you end up getting sick? I’m trying to balance how to handle being back to ‘normal’.

Yes, we are actually about 42 days out. It still says they are working on it. I am assuming that even if we are working with a TA, it will still show up in MVJ?

Good question. We sail in about 40:days and still waiting. I just assume they are working on it and they will let me know when all is ready.

Glenr, I appreciate your review. We had our first Viking ocean cruise last August when we were in a bubble. I do admit I was nervous about mingling a lot to minimize getting caught and having to quarantine overseas for several weeks. I'm going on a river cruise next month and with the relaxation of the testing rules, I am looking forward to the opportunity to mingle.

If most countries aren’t requiring testing to enter their country and US is not requiring testing to return, what is the need for any testing at all?

With the news to drop the testing to re-enter US, we might see a loosening of regular testing