Di Princess

Yes, most cruise ships have one scanner for ON the ship and another scanner for getting OFF. :confused:

I would take the $500 OBC. ;)

Kitty,

You always give such good advice. Even though I don't cruise until November, it is always nice to be reminded of all these things. Thank you!

I would also add: (I trained my GrandBabies when they were 9 and 11 on their first Med cruise).

1. Always walk along the streets with confidence. Smile and look at folks walking toward you. Look them in the eye (to show you mean business). It is easy to chat with your fellow pax and forget to watch out for one another.

2. When in a store, shopping, this is especially important when you are paying for something that your friends don't talk to you but, instead, watch out for pick pockets.

Have a wonderful time on your first river cruise. ;)

Thanks to both of you! That website is really what I need. I think I will decline the $135 Viking Special Access (not a Special price) and buy my tickets on the spot. Loads of fun on the website. :D

Di Princess:

Thank you for the suggestion. I did ask them to provide an upgrade given the number of empty cabins. The response was that we would have to pay for the upgrade. When I asked why they couldn't give us a complimentary upgrade given the signficant design flaw of no dresser drawers, the response was that they would then have to do it for every cabin that did not have any drawers and that they were not prepared to do so.

David

You are welcome, Woodrow. This is really ridiculous. Now I am wondering how many of these Drawer-Deficient cabins are on this ship. :confused:

This does not seem like good customer relations and I would be upset and seriously consider other cruise lines for my next cruise.

How much do they want for a cabin with drawers?

Did you speak with the Hotel Manager?

Hi, Janet,

Did you just buy your tickets there at the castle? How much did it cost with the Audio Guide? :confused:

Was it crowded? When did you go? Thanks for your help! ;)

Donna

I believe that I did not word my question correctly. There are many sights to see at the Praha Castle and that is why the Full ticket is good for 2 days.

However, the Main thing I want to see is the Lobkowicz Palace.

Just how much of the Lobkowicz Palace were you able to see? :confused:

Donna in California

OMG. We are finally getting a good rain here in Sunny Sunland. Thank you, Lord. :D

stmartins. I forgot to respond to your question about the specific cabin. It is 207.

As an interesting aside, the ship is only sailing at 70% of capacity. I had assumed such a new ship would be sailing full and was surprised to see so many empty cabins.

David

David:

Ask for (Demand) :eek: a cabin change to one with drawers! ;)

http://www.travelsignposts.com/river-cruises/riverboats/river-cruising-for-disabled

One river cruise operator, I checked with (Scenic Tours) confirmed that all of their ships feature elevators and have wheelchair-accessible cabins. Note that Scenic Tours have one of the most advanced fleet of river boats which they call “space-ships”. The MS Scenic Ruby, Scenic Diamond, Scenic Emerald and Scenic all feature outside balconies, whereas many of the other river boats would only have French windows, if at all. Scenic Tours say that they will “strive to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities and mobility challenges”. This is the advice I received from a representative of Scenic Tours: Scenic has a beautiful Junior Suite (Suite 302 on the Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Ruby) with a balcony which has wheelchair facilities for wheelchair- bound passengers. This suite is close to the reception and near the lift.

The doors have been widened to allow access by a standard size wheelchair. The space in the room allows for easy manoeuvring of a wheelchair and there is a power point next to the bed. You can enjoy the view from your private balcony although there is a small lip onto the balcony level.

There is a wheel-in shower and a stool provided for showering as well as a rail on the wall for further assistance.

Lifts – Unlike a lot of river cruising ships the lifts on Scenic’s ships have access to the two main decks and this provides full access on these two decks which have reception, restaurants, shop, bar and lounge. Only the top outside deck, the Moselle deck and the Wellness Centre (including the hairdresser) are not accessible by the lift.

Wheelchairs – Passengers confined to their wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair. It should be noted that only standard size wheelchairs can be accommodated on board.

Other River Cruise Operators: AMA Waterways do not have wheelchair-accessible cabins. There are elevators on the MS Amacello, MS Amadagio, MS Amadante, MS Amadolce, MS Amadouro, MS Amalegro, MS Amalyra

Avalon/Globus do not have wheelchair-accessible cabins. There are elevators on the Avalon Affinity, Creativity and Scenery only.

Viking does not have wheelchair-accessible cabins. Of their huge fleet, only the Viking Danube and Viking Sky have elevators.

So if you’re looking for a European river boat with wheelchair-accessible cabins, Scenic Tours are the best equipped to cater for passengers with disabilities and mobility challenges. At least there is now one European river cruise operator who provides for travellers who use wheelchairs.

Things to be Aware of - But before you rush off to make your river cruise booking, there are certain things that you need to be aware of: river cruising involves a fair amount of shore excursions and in the old towns of Europe, most of these walks are along cobbled streets. If participation in the shore excursions is important to you, make sure that you discuss your personal circumstances with the river cruise operator to make sure that there will be no issues with your travel.

in the early days of river cruising when there were less boats plying the rivers of Europe, our riverboat was mostly moored close to the towns that we stopped at. In 2013, when we travelled from Vienna to Paris, our boat was more often than not moored a distance from the historic centres. In Bamberg and Wurzburg, we were moored at the industrial port. There was quite a walk into town at Deggendorf and Wurzburg and at other destinations where it was too far to walk, we were transported in by coach. The moorings close to the centre are still there, but it may be that they are more costly now. If sightseeing is important to you, check with your cruise operator how accessible the towns are to the moorings they will be using.

you need to make sure that the person you are travelling with is able to help you with all your physical needs like lifting your wheelchair, etc. River cruises generally operate with a smaller crew than the ocean cruises and they do not have staff available to personally attend to passengers with mobility problems. Even though Scenic Cruises told me that they have a suite equipped for physically challenged passengers, when one of our readers rang them, he was told that none of their cruises are suitable for wheelchair dependent travellers because of the limited access on the gang planks.

be aware that river cruising is now a very popular form of travel and when there is more than one boat in port, the boats could be moored alongside each other. If your boat happens to be the one that is moored away from the landing pier, then passengers are required to walk across gang planks through the lobby of the other ship before getting to the landing pier. At one of the ports that we arrived at in July 2013, the ship closest to shore did not allow passengers to walk through their lobby. Instead we had to climb to the top deck and then climb down the other side to get to shore. Be aware that this could happen to you.

If you bring a wheelchair, there is no place to keep it on the ship and, therefore, you are dissuaded by the river cruise lines from bringing a wheelchair. Maybe he can use one of those push-chair things that will fit through the cabin door. Most wheelchairs will not fit through the cabin doors.

Perhaps an ocean cruise would better suit you because there are many more things to do. Have you tried Googling "Handicapped River Cruises?"

Love the Wikipedia. ;)

Becherovka (Czech pronunciation: [ˈbɛxɛˌrofka]), formerly Karlsbader Becherbitter, is an herbal bitters, often drunk as a digestive aid that is produced in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic by the Jan Becher company. The brand is owned by Pernod Ricard. Becherovka is often described as having a gingery or cinnamony flavor. It is made from a secret recipe based on a wide variety of herbs and spices. Its alcohol content is 38% ABV (76 proof). It is usually served chilled, though some serve it with tonic water, making a drink called a beton (becherovka and tonic) which means "concrete" in Czech, German and several other languages. The Jan Becher Museum in Karlovy Vary is devoted to Becherovka.

I think I'll pass on this drink. Concrete - really? :eek:

We are doing 3 days in Prague in November before boarding the Viking Var. Viking offers a "4-hour escorted, audio guided tour with lunch, private concert, and a sample of Becherova on the viewing terrace for $135 USD."

Has anyone taken this tour and is it worth the time and money? How many pax are on this tour? My Viking agent didn't seem to know.

It will be an extension of the free Included morning tour that ends at the Castle and we return to our hotel at 5 PM.

I have seen other tours similar but don't know the differences:

http://www.pragueexperience.com/opera_concerts/opera_concerts.asp?EventYear=2015&EventMonth=11&offset=100

Thanks for your help! :D

I wonder if it's because we're short. I'm 5'2" as well! I'm assuming you'll be having a real balcony as opposed to a french balcony, which you cannot sit upon. You're going to love it!!!

Yes, Kitty, because we are short (and getting shorter!).

That Aquarium-class ledge would do me no good because I would put things there and then forget and leave them because I cannot see that high.

Once on Princess on a transatlantic, I had an Inside and hated it even though it was a large Handicapped cabin. :eek:

In Paris (many years ago when the GrandKids were only 9 and 11) we had a French Balcony overlooking the Arc d'Triumph and it was only about 1 foot wide (but wider than on the ships).

Yes, a Real Balcony to sit on. I was determined to have breakfast on my Balcony while going through the Fjords in New Zealand. It was sprinkling lightly; however, I ate my breakfast quickly. :D

As Caviargal said its impossible for one of us to answer your question because it depends so much on your personal needs. For example: the 140 square foot cabin is comfortable for me BUT I need to have a french balcony that I can open to the outside because I tend to claustrophobia and get a little squirrely if I can't breathe fresh air or feel like I have an "escape route".

I, also, tend to be claustrophobic and also I am only 5-foot, one inch (down from 5-foot 2 inches). I would not like the feeling of being under water and unable to see out.

After 40 ocean cruises, I am taking my first river cruise with Viking on the Rhine in November and booked a Balcony. ;)

I am taking my wool cap, gloves, rain hat, sweaters, and down coat. So I intend to use my Balcony in whatever weather comes our way. :D

I forgot to mention: they voided the few referrals that came from Cruise Critic. They would not allow those. I thought they would eventually post something in CC about this but apparently they are laying low.

Carol,

You live quite close to Viking in Woodland Hills. Why don't you just go over there and ask to speak to a V.P. ? ;)

If Waltzing is not your preferred form of dance, I will be ecstatic. On the hilarious side of things, you should have seen my wife literally running all over Torshavn acting out the dance of Mama Mia from the play/movie.

Sub Man: I would have loved seeing her dancing and I probably would be right on beat with her. ;) I dance every Tuesday night with my Daughter & S-i-L at the JACC (Japanese-American Cultural Center) in Pacoima. We are the only blonde girls there. We do waltz, cha-cha, boogie-woogie, Everything. Even though I was born before WWII, I can still move-it! :eek:

I am very impressed with your 691 days under the sea. I am USNR-R (Air), AZ1. Yes, sometimes I do miss driving from L.A. up to Point Mugu (as well as the pay). I do get retired pay, which is nice.

I am so enjoying your Blog. I wrote you about my being in Istanbul when my GrandSon was 12. Perhaps some day we shall cruise together. You guys are such fun! :D

Thank you, Creta.

Very professionally done with the lovely music. ;)

While I'm sorry for your loss, and Viking doesn't need my help, you didn't choose to buy insurance and want the benefit of it. Your numbers are WAY off, insurance for a $22,000 cruise would not approach $5000.

That is correct! Buy insurance from another source. There are many great companies and all different types of policies. Insurance is cheap when one considers the cost of the entire trip! ;)

I wonder if he even shopped for insurance? :confused:

http://www.vikingcruises.com/careers/brand-reputation-customer-engagement-analyst.html

The Brand Reputation & Customer Engagement Analyst is a key member of the group within the Marketing Department that is charged with protecting and improving the brand reputation, consisting of teams focused on 1) Social Media Marketing, 2) Public Relations, and 3) Customer Advocacy. The Brand Reputation & Customer Engagement Analyst position is responsible for both strategic and tactical initiatives related to the metrics, reporting, data integration, and budgets of the three teams.Position requires ability to collect, organize, analyze and manage large and varied amounts of information and effectively present data to drive action. The position has close and frequent interaction with senior leaders and requires a combination of analytical skills and business acumen. Position will lead the analysis of complex business questions that provide insight into customer engagement, customer support offerings, and brand health. Skills must include high proficiency in Microsoft Excel, keen attention to detail, and advanced analytics and reporting.Candidate must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, “can-do” attitude, ability to work well under tight deadlines and to accommodate changes. Must be proactive, self-starter willing to do what is needed to complete a task, work well with others and be able to build rapport /collaboration across departments.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the budgets and financial impact of the Corporate Communications & Customer Engagement Group

Architect of integrating social data into business processes and technologies

Creates and produces standardized analytics

Produce and Coordinate Regular Reports

Create and maintain regular audits

Cross-functional coordination

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree required in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Math or similar

Analytical and results-oriented; highly proficient in Microsoft Excel

Proficiency in crafting executive summaries, distilling data into actionable recommendations, and composing presentations

Excellent verbal, interpersonal, analytical skills

Knowledge of MS Office including Word and PowerPoint

Highly detailed and organized with strong multi-tasking abilities

Ability to think, plan and execute resourcefully

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

Self-motivated and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

PREFERENCES

MBA preferred

4+ years related experience in brand or business analysis or similar field

Familiarization with customer service operations concepts and tools preferred

Previous experience with marketing preferred

Experience with social media insights and social components of marketing suite software such as Adobe Social, Oracle or Salesforce Marketing Cloud preferred

PROCESS

This position is located in Woodland Hills, CA. Only local applicants will be considered. Please apply via the link below for consideration. Only qualified candidates will be considered.

Viking Cruises® offers destination-focused river and ocean cruises that are carefully designed with a mix of cosmopolitan cities and collector ports. Founded in 1997 as Viking River Cruises, the company has undergone rapid expansion in the river cruise industry, holding the largest market share and operating the largest fleet with 52 modern river vessels including innovative and award-winning Viking Longships®. In 2013, Viking® announced the launch of its ocean cruise division leveraging the company’s managerial experience in ocean cruising as well its success in the river cruise sector.

how will viking know my identity or the identity of anyone who posts on cc? How can they prove how you were referred.

exactly!!! ;)

Folks, this is the Digital Age. We make friends in many ways and "Social Media" is a fact of life in 2015. Let's stop thinking like those Norsemen with the horns on their hats, trading the hats for tats. Welcome aboard the New Longships! :eek:

http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/why-viking/explorer-society/referral-rewards.html

Just for kicks & giggles last night, I decided to look at their website. I do not know when this was changed.

http://wpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/PDF/VikingReferralRewardsProgram_Update_112013.pdf

". . . Advertising of customer name or I.D. number in public forums such as on the internet, social media, or published newsletter is considered misuse of Vikings referral rewards program. Rewards earned will be voided without notice."

"I was referred by a passenger who posted their name and customer ID on a social media form, is this considered a valid referral?

No, in this case your refer vouchers would be voided and any discount applied would be removed."

Lisa and Gary: Paragraphs are your friend (or at least mine, when I try to read long posts like the above). Italics are not. My old eyes need all the help they can get, and Cruise Critic's default font is much more legible than the italic you have chosen. Thanks in advance,

I was a proofreader and editor for Lockheed-California Company for 34 years and Jazz is completely correct. Italics is to be used only for the names of ships, names of books, and latin words, such as in law. Also, no need for the overly-large type font. ;)

My husband and I were on a Viking Rhine cruise in mid-Nov. 2013. It was too cold to sit up on the top deck. (We're from Minnesota and are used to cold. We actually did sit up top once for about an hour, but we were pretty well frozen when we came back down.)

Kiyomi and I are going this year in late November and I had not even thought about the short days and now I wish it were earlier because we are both SoCal girls. I lived in Pirmasens, Germany for 2-1/2 years when I was only 18 and froze the entire time and it was either snowing or raining constantly. You would think I had remembered that. :eek: Well, it has been 58 years. :o

To compensate, I am taking some special stuff: ;)

All-wool socks,

Wool cap, gloves, and scarves,

Heavy Silk long underwear. Winter Silks carries them in 3 weights: light, medium, and heavy. They also have long & short-sleeved silk tops and camisoles. Silk is very warm.

Little packages of warmers to put into shoes and gloves. You can buy these at Sports Chalet. Skiers use them.

A UV, brimmed hat suitable for sun, rain, or snow and I can wear it over my wool cap.

Umbrella & raincoat.

I will carry all of these rain & snow accessories in my backpack when going ashore and plan to do morning & afternoon shorex come rain or shine or snow.

BTW, After 37 Ocean cruises, this is my first River Cruise :cool:

As far as tipping bus drivers. I never saw anybody tipping them. Tour guides yes, but not the drivers. When we got home I mentioned this to DW. I kind of felt bad about it but on some days we would have one driver take us and a different driver bring us back to the boat. Not saying don't tip the drivers but I think it was more oversight than anything. Several times when we tipped the tour guides the other people in our group looked surprised that we were doing it and some seemed upset that it was happening.

I was a Step-On Guide in L.A. and it is common for the Guide to give a percentage to her Driver when the Driver is not tipped.

Aranui Cruises, Marketing & Promotion

POB 36, Taylors Lakes, Vic 3038, Australia

Tel: ++61-3-9449 3778

Mobile: ++61-(0)417 920 971

e-mail: info@aranuicruises.com.au