jiminyC_fan

Wwifl91 - I am really sorry your trip is not exactly what you expected... But from your own description it sounds as if Viking is doing every thing they can to get your trip back on track. Some things, like locks and other river traffic are just not in their control.

 

As to the lights in your cabin, good for you for thinking outside the box... They are fixed and you need to let it go.... Now all you are doing is looking for problems instead of looking to enjoy an adventure. Nothing in life is exactly what we want but it's what you make of the journey that counts!

 

Safe travels!

 

 

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Great advice. Don't search out the bad but look for the good. Lighting to me isn't even a big problem nor is the draining the black tank. It has to be done. Is there noise? Probably but it didn't last for hours on end. You'd be mad if those tanks were full and you couldn't flush your toilet! Enjoy your cruise and stop looking for more fuel to add to your list.

We cruised with Viking last Nov and LOVED our Keene boots. Great for walking on cobblestones and also for the weather.

I have sailed Viking... first Avalon cruise is next month. I have cruised both the Seine and the Rhine --> different experiences.

 

I loved the Seine. I let DH pick the itinerary for our 1st river cruise (he wasn't keen to go on one...) and he picked the Seine. It was amazing. We loved the history around the beaches in Normandy (my dad landed on Juno Beach - not on the first wave, however...) - but there was also so much to see related to art history (Van Gogh, Monet) and "other" history (Joan of Arc) that it really appealed to a wide spectrum.

 

We did the Rhine as part of a Christmas market cruise. It was great - and we would like to go back - but (personally) preferred the Seine.

 

Number of passengers is something to consider, but if you have never travelled on a river boat - and have done a big ship cruise - 180 passengers still seems "intimate".

 

We don't care as much about new builds, and I would (respectfully) disagree that a new build would mean less mechanical failure. We had an issue with the air conditioning on our Viking cruise and it was on a new longship --> no issues on any "older" boats we have travelled on. If the new ships have any new technology (ie: balconies that have a glass wall that raised or lowers) I would suspect that the new technology might be more of a risk than "old" technology.

 

Everyone has their favourites - and often for different reasons. For some it is the size of the cabins. Some, the food or wine. Others it will be the demographics on board. Or the decor. Then there is the issue of "payment in full" a year out... which really annoys some people to point they won't book with Viking. That isn't a deal breaker for us... Figure we won't get much interest on our money in the bank. We have booked our 2nd Viking cruise for next May.

 

If there is something that is really important - or a definite deal breaker - start there. Compare closely - and make a decision about what is right for you. And, don't second guess your decision. There are always people who will say you should have booked differently - but only you can really know what is important for you.

 

If you have questions that are a bit more specific (ie: what is included in an excursion, any comments on an optional excursion) please ask away. Asking about a comparison between 2 lines brings out the cheerleaders - and much is subjective.

 

Have fun with your planning!!!

 

Fran

Totally agree.

The number of passengers a ship carries is only part of the story. The other part is how the ship is configured internally to handle the number of passengers it has.

 

We experienced no crowding issues on our cruise on the Viking Idun longship. In fact, we kept saying how few passengers it felt like there were. Granted, we were comparing against the numbers on our ocean cruises as we had never taken a river cruise before, but since the "extra" passengers did not manifest any negative situations for us it never even crossed out minds. For us, a total non-issue.

 

We had a veranda room at 205 square feet. Actually a bigger room than what we needed, but we did love the balcony and used it a lot. Especially perfect for cruising in October when sometimes it was too chilly to sit on the top deck as it let us be outside but with protection from the wind.

 

Love the Viking commercials on Downton. They capture the essence of our cruise perfectly.

 

Since I have only cruised on Viking I would never say that Viking is the best or that XYZ Cruiseline is terrible. I can only say with certainty that our cruise experience was excellent.

Our exact sentiment. We chose based on my extensive research and firsthand account by two separate friends. Never was there a time we felt crowded. We were not let down with Viking one bit. Every line has it's cheerleaders but it seems like many like to bash Viking who have not cruised with them.

We cruised last year on Viking's Grand European Tour in November and was very happy. We did have to layer our clothing a few times but what we enjoyed was the fewer boats and tourists in ports. We were only tied up once to another Viking ship. I think we will cruise in the fall again.

I was having major back issues when we cruised on the Magni. One problem was my arthritis. I suffered a lot walking on the tours but I did very well sleeping. Not sure if that will help since everyone is different.

It would be easy to skip the tours and tour on your own. We never felt the need on our Grand European Tour nor did we "wait" for any busses. They were always very prompt and waiting for us. We like the guided tours. I think we would have missed a few points of interest if we did some of the ports on our own. I did extensive research and after the guided tours we would venture out on our own. We did however do Amsterdam on our own with a private guide. That was a wonderful experience.

I can't believe we live in a society that judges people over their attire and shoes. For goodness sake, wear clean, comfortable clothing and have a great time. I go on cruises to see the scenery and not to judge my fellow cruisers on their choice of clothing. To the previous poster that had a woman leave the table because of wearing shorts for lunch. Shame on that person. Only shows what type of person she really is. I'm proud to be an American and by golly I will wear my white tennis (athletic) shoes. I've had foot surgeries on both feet and that is what is recommended for me to wear. I wear a specific New Balance shoe. I will not be uncomfortable because a few on a cruise want me to look European. Sorry. Not gonna happen!

I live in the Columbine community where the school shooting took place. I know 2 who died. I know others that survived. My first thought on a silly subject like this is that life is to short to worry about what others are wearing. Live life to the fullest and quit sweating the small stuff.

But you haven't sailed on these other ships, so by your own statement you shouldn't be commenting.

As for those that like to cruise with 200 other souls I think you should experience what it is like to cruise with just 120 before you beat your drum.

You are absolutely correct. I haven't sailed on Tauck or Scylla but I have on a Viking longship. My statement was in response to Ozjohnno's post above.

joanne2, it would be fun to cruise with you. Anytime!!! :)

Tauck and Scylla just christened their new boat M.S. Savor and it's layout looks very smart. As for those that like to cruise with 200 other souls I think you should experience what it is like to cruise with just 120 before you beat your drum.

Honestly, people don't scare us. We are perfectly happy with the longships but thank you for the suggestion.

I'm surprised that you feel crowded or that it's congested. We just didn't feel that at all. We felt the decor was lovely as well. NEVER stood in a line. Viking does a great job. We loved the longship and would definitely choose to cruise on one again without hestitation.

Sorry, but I stand by my statement that if someone has NOT had any dealings with a company directly they should not be posting second hand stories. If it was a court of law, it wouldn't even be admissable. All hearsay. He said, she said. Money is the root of all evil applies because it brings out the worst in some people. Some people were pleased with the way the cruise companies handled things. Others want full monetary compensation.

One should never bash a company that they themselves have zero dealings with.

What keeps getting lost in these conversations are that there were actually people that praised Viking and other companies. Those threads are not dug up however. One would rather bash than accept others WERE HAPPY.

I am in the camp that the floods were unexpected. While sad that the sailings didn't go as planned it was an act of nature. Not the cruise lines doings. They had to make daily decisions. It was unpredictible. Money is the root of all evil. Don't feel sorry for yourself, feel sorry for those that their homes and businesses were under water. Those people have a right to a pity party.

We were on the Viking Magni, Grand European Tour. Only saw one sports coat and that was at the Captain's dinner.

In regard to Viking, yes, they've had their problems as have nearly every other line doing river cruises. First off I'd like to say the original post was "hear say" and the poster was not the actual traveler. it's not like Viking, AMA or any line has control over the water levels. River cruising is not ocean cruising, many factors play into water issues but to be so negative about one particular line. It's funny that you don't hear the multitudes of "happy campers" but always the negatives. This is my opinion only and we're all free to make our own decisions.

I fully agree.

Viking was AWESOME. Very attentive staff. In fact, we remain in contact with three of them. Rooms, tours, food fantastic. We went on the Grand European tour in Nov and it is open for you to enjoy. However, it can be cold. Jazzbeau is correct that it's only closed going under the low bridges. I would NOT hestitate to cruise Viking again.

I'm sorry this happened but I have to say that there were complaints with the cruise lines and there were praises. I do in fact remember a few cruisers came on CC to defend and stated Viking did a great job. I, for one, will continue with Viking.

We were on the Magni in November. It was the Grand European Tour. We loved the ship and the staff. We remain friends with three of the staff.

I would only wear what's comfortable for me. I have foot issues so I think about my comfort and not what fashion police might think. It's important to remember that you will be walking on cobblestones. On our cruise, we had an elderly woman that wore heels everyday and you could tell she was having issues walking on them especially on the downhill runs.

Very, very interesting. Two of my posts are missing. I will try again.

So glad you are making reservations. The price alone is a no brainer! Yes, you can bring alcohol on the ship and I believe it is even stated on the website in case that makes you feel better. No questions asked. River cruising is so relaxed with those kinds of things.

Happy Cruising. :)

Well, well, well. I just learned something new. CC doesn't have private messages. Let me know if you are interested and we can do it via email.

I wish I could say that we were in that type stateroom but we weren't. Our friends were. They were pleased with it. It was on the Grand European tour as well. I personally would grab that deal. If we weren't dealing with cancer in this house right now, we would snatch that up and go again. The longships have plenty of seating area to view. I can give you our customer number and it will save you 100.00 per person more. Send me a private message here if you are interested.

tml, glad to hear we agree. Not much to complain about for sure. Looking forward to another Viking River Cruise!

I have to say something funny. We got so tired of foo-foo and European food that we did stop at a McDonald's in one port. McD's never tasted so good, LOL.

If food is your main goal on a vacation then perhaps a land vacation would be much better for you. We were pleased with the selections of food on the Viking cruise. It was geared towards the country we visited. Americanized? Hmmm, guess I didn't notice. I agree to eat off the ship when possible for the true taste. Mass food from a ships galley will never match up to the real deal on any given cruise line, ocean or river.

Someone earlier somewhat compared Viking to Carnival. I just want to add that by no means is it close to Carnival. I have never cruised with Carnival and have no interest in it. I have several ocean cruises under my belt, however. Viking river cruise was superb.