3red7s

We are sailing (hopefully) on our 1st Viking Cruise on 8/21...Budapest to Nuremburg. The excitement of the upcoming trip has been dampened by all the low river issues and comments regarding Viking. We firmly believe:"if you aren't flexible, then don't travel" Thank you for posting the fact that your situation had a happy ending

Good morning everyone......getting ready for our 1st trip to Europe via Viking River Cruise. I noted some mention of paying for toilets?? Is this every where in Europe. We will be visiting Budapest, Vienna, Germany. Should I be prepared for all countries? how much coin? I guess I should start limiting my water intake. LOL thx

We are on the Viking Tor, from Budapest 8/21,ending at Nuremburg 8/28. This is our 1st river cruise...not sure what to expect...just hoping for rain. We are going into Budapest 3 days early. What would be my best way to check regarding any changes for the trip? or do I just wait to hear when I board? thank you

WOW quite the response....we will need to sit down and read & decide where we fit in....thank you everyone!

Hi Folks....our 1st river cruise is coming up. We are unsure as to how much spending money we should take. (other than what can be put on our Visa) We will be in Budapest (Forints) and the balance of the trip in Germany (Euros) Do you get your money here at home in the USA? Or do depend on the ATM's in that particular country? If so, what is a good guideline on how much to take?

several years ago I would have said "no" but RC has gone with a new company and they deliver. I am somewhat of a "spa snob" since I frequently visit spas at home. as for the ships, I like to wait until they post their 3/$99. which usually is a choice of massage, facial, hand & arm massage, or scalp massage. it is a good deal. if you are looking just for a facial, go with the elemis basic hydra lift facial. I agree, any type of peels would NOT be a good thing in the sun. Keep In mind your tip is included UP FRONT. Also, when completing the evaluation prior to your service I always write on the front "I am not interested in purchasing any products at this time" this will save you the pressure of sales at the end of the service.....enjoy!!

Hi Folks,

We have not yet sailed our 1st river cruise, with Viking, in August, but everyone has told me that we WILL do another. Already I have some concerns: When I booked with Viking they wanted payment, in full, up front. Is this the case with all river cruise companies? It sure would be nice to make a down payment then pay some each month.

Thank you everyone!!! what great advice.....I have made a list!!

:)

Several questions are asked her. We are ocean cruisers...this will be our first river cruise. I have the following questions:

1) During an ocean cruise, it was always beneficial to me to book my next cruise while on-board.....is it the same for river cruising???

2) what items are a must to take....and what items are a waste of time?

such as alarm clarks? wine openers? IPOD? Iphone? camera chargers? outlet chargers?

Thank you for your advice

Oh some of you folks are silly!!! but above all, thanks for the information and making us feel at ease.....just being a 1st timer....it can create a little anxiety....thanks again, you folks rock!!

Let me start by thanking all the CC people,..I am very comfortable doing /booking our regular ocean cruises, but feel very uneasy making plans for our 1st and upcoming river cruise. Your assistance/suggestions have been valuable. We paid to have Viking book our airline arrangements/transfers. We sail in August, so I not have our flights as of yet. Going from Budapest to Nuremburg, I am thinking that we will have at least 2 stops, coming & going. Will Viking have a rep there when I exit the plane for my layover & direct me to the next flight? If not, how do you manage when you do not know the language????

A tour from 8:30-4:00 pm, sound long enough to me. Depending on the day & time of return, traffic in San Juan, can be horrific!! Make sure to do your homework before you go, so you have some idea of what your idea of "off the beaten path" is....have fun....we are already booked for 2016!

OMG so many wonderful suggestions and do's & don'ts...bottom line is I need to make the best of it, if I want to do another vacation to Europe....and I am sure I will. Thank you to all the CC & their great information...they always come thru

To all,

We will do our 1st Viking River Cruise in August...Budapest to Nuremburg. Everyone tells me I will fall in love with river cruising and will book many more. The furthest we have flown would be Cleveland, OH to San Juan Puerto Rico. I am open to any and all suggestions on how to survive a long flight....please help me out CC people.....thx!!!

Based on the wonderful comments from CC folks, we booked 2 tours with Ellis Tours, while in SJ. And he did not disappoint. He kept in constant contact with us when he was running late...or early for pick up. The 1st day he took us to Seven Seas beach, a locals beach for swimming, then suggested a local restaurant. To be with the locals was amazing. Also, most people don't realize that the northern beaches this time of the year are rough. He took us to an eastern beach protected by a cove....very smooth & safe. The 2nd day, we went to the El Yungue rain forest and some out of the way caverns. Both days, Ellis educated us about the people, their customs, foods etc. We enjoyed him both personally & professionally. Thank CC for the recommendation!!

thx so much, that helps me out...

Sorry, did not mean to be vague.....I meant if you boarded early, then wanted to go back to see more sights, what time would you need to be back on board for sailing. As for the drill, I am used to 4:30 for our cruises....if you sail at 8:00 pm? do you have the drill, then go to dinner....just trying to get an idea of how all this pans out

We have 2 tours booked with Ellis next week while in SJ. He indicates that he only takes cash...no credit cards. One of our tours is $150, the other $125. If he is self employed and takes only cash....do I also tip him? What have the rest of you folks done? Thanks..

Good evening..this is our 1st cruise on the AOS & the 1st time sailing out of San Juan. I noticed we sail at 8 pm. I have several questions: 1) what time can you start boarding? 2) if you leave the ship to visit the city, what time do you need to be back on board for sailing? 3) how do they conduct the emergency drill? 4) How/when do people eat dinner? 5) approx. what time will the cabins be ready? any other tips you might have would be greatly appreciated. thank you everyone :p

I too, would love to hear any comments/reviews. We are booked in August for this same river cruise.:o

We have ALWAYS enjoyed going to the concierge/diamond lounge for drinks, however, lately, it seems like it is pretty impossible to get into these lounges. We sail in 20 days & I am thinking perhaps, we shall just use our coupons and visit the bars. Can you tell me how this works? How many coupons do you get per day? are there only certain bars you can go to? are you limited as to what type drink you can order? thank you :confused:

I agree, I would NOT book ahead of time. I would wait until you board and see if there are any specials. Traditionally, there a spa personnel, standing outside the WindJammer with flyers of specials. Also, depending upon what tier you, you may receive a discount on your sea pass card. Or, you can wait until the last couple of days: My favorite is: 3 for $99...you can choose from a mini facial, mini massage, mini reflexology ( or other services) this has been a good deal for me

I have no idea what the changes are....or will be...but I did receive a personal email from my casino host yesterday, who indicated that changes, now, will not go into place until 2016. :D

I had heard the NCL was also raising their gratuities:eek:

Hey Martini Girl......We are not big fans of Nassau, but we purchased a day beach pass for the British Colonial Hilton. It was recommended by a CC person. It was reasonable, short walk from the ship (no cab fare) The grounds are beautiful and safe. I would do it again & would highly recommend it. ;)