Francis M
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Posts posted by Francis M
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All of the longships have US outlets by the beds. Always a good idea to bring a power strip and a European adapter plug to maximize your electronics.
Have a great trip.
Frank
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This is all a long way of saying De gustibus non est disputandum -- which is Latin for "don't get your knickers in a twist." Don't worry about "best." Whichever river cruise you choose, you will probably have a great time. If you don't, come back to Cruise Critic and use your new perspective to re-evaluate the reviews and posts and figure out which line would better suit your tastes and budget.
Kudos Jazzbeau. I can't imagine another forum that would treat me to a little Latin before Matins. My old teacher Father Paschal might quibble with your translation but I think you got the gist of it.
Frank:)
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Frank what a wonderful blog about your trip! I believe it answered all those other types of questions I would have eventually thought to ask. I can't wait to share this with my DH to give him a better understanding of what this cruise is all about! Now I'm very excited to plan and book this trip.
It's hard to go wrong with a Christmas market cruise. have a great time cyndepet.
frank
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I am leaning toward the Viking cruise as it has the best itinerary for us, Frankfurt to Nuremburg. Email exchange with them directly has not been very good, and they never even replied to my last message. I hope that's not an indicator of service on the ship :(!
We took the Viking cruise for our first ever experience cyndepet, and could not have more delighted. Here's a link to our trip blog with a lot of pictures if that's of any help. https://christmascruiser.wordpress.com/
The crew was outstanding in their focus on our comfort and satisfaction.
Have fun planning,
Frank
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Hi Francis,
Pre-printed boarding passes did no good. When we checked our baggage at both origin airports they re-printed boarding passes. The only explanation that was given was "equipment change". I have periodically checked since our flights and they are using the same "equipment" they say they have always used.
Thanks again everyone, I can now officially start worrying until we're safely in our selected seats. At 6'3"/240 nothing would get my trip off to a worse start than sharing a middle seat on an 8 hour overnighter. Rothbury - it's a tribute to your good nature that you overcame that and had a good time on the Kara.
For the record, I booked via Viking Special Air my regular carrier - American - Chlt>Philly> Zurich; then Ams>Philly>Chlt back in January. So far no changes. I'll report back in August.
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Thanks Mark T,
I guess I'm just curious if those folks who had problems with seat assignments not being honored went to the airport with boarding passes in hand?
Frank
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I'm starting a new thread on this endless topic as I don't find anywhere the answer to a a basic question. When I fly I always print out our boarding passes 24 hours before the flight. If in Europe I just do the on line check-in and print the passes at the airport. Does it work the same way when using Viking Air?
I ask because the other recent thread on this has one horrible experience where Rothbury checked his seat assignments 24 hours before the flights and ended up having none of them honored.
I wonder if using multiple carriers and / or European carriers plays a role? I'm just trying to ID things that might trigger a problem and avoid them if possible.
Frank
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The bath in our cabin had a sliding pocket door. I'm assuming all the long ship cabins have the same set-up, so a hanging bag wouldn't work there.
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The event is Sail Amsterdam http://www.amsterdam.info/events/sail/ . Our Viking post cruise is that week-end and haven't heard any issues from them.
Frank
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You'll have no problems - we didn't when we visited in December. Your driver/guide can probably point you to the closest.
The German name for an ATM is geldomat (or geldautomat) in case you need to ask a local.
We loved Nuremberg,
Frank
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On behalf of my favorite wife , for whom I can vouch as an expert witness on the topic of shoes, she recommends these for your consideration. Says they are the best balance of style and comfort ever.
http://www.zappos.com/skechers-performance-go-walk-3-navy-blue
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Not a big deal, but we are wondering if you can plug a laptop or Ipad into the TVs in Viking's longship cabins (HDMI cable, etc.)? Just curious if anyone has noticed or knows.
This is not definitive Cruzer but I think the answer is no. Based on a look at my own photos and the shots of the TV you can see here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2085470&page=2
there are, at the least no easily accessible inputs.
Frank
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I wasn't going to respond here but then took a second look at your nickname. On the chance it refers to the greatest pipes in the world that are so much better than their Scots cousins, I feel the spirit of the craic .
As others have noted, 2 for 1 is simply Vikings marketing strategy. You may safely shop around for the cruise that suits you, safe in the knowledge that all of the cruises on offer by Viking will be priced 2 for 1.
Slan,
Francis Matthew
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We have booked our first river cruise for December, 2015 and opted to use Viking air since it was substantially cheaper than booking on our own was likely to be. I have always booked our own air and transfers for past cruises. I am a bit curious how they decide what flights to book you on. Fares are substantially cheaper on terrible connections (flights over 20 hours vs. 12 - 14 hours for more direct connections) I have a fear they are going to route me from Chicago to Basel via Istanbul with a 10 hour layover or something. Guess I am just looking for some reassurance from others that have used Viking Air. The web site says they will book you 75 days in advance of the cruise date...does that sound about right? Will they have us fly into Basel or provide the transfer from a larger airport like Zurich or Lucerne?
All info on Viking Air appreciated. Thanks
We shared your concerns about the quality of the flights and opted to pay the $50pp charge to use Vikings custom air service. Before I called them I had researched my flights thoroughly. I had 2 options and Viking accepted my #1 choice. Once you agree they go ahead and make the booking and provide you with an airline confirmation #. In my case we chose the seats during our conversation. We still saved a considerable amount compared to the list price of the flights I chose.
I think most airlines publish schedules 8/9 months prior to flights so you probably need to wait a bit.
Best of luck in your planning.
Frank
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In December I booked the Rhine Getaway for this August. I was quoted $160pp for the transfers if I decided not to use Viking Air. In our case the transfers are Zurich to Lucern to Basel; then of course to the airport in Amsterdam.
After schlepping our bags all over the Frankfurt airport and train to Nuremberg I vowed to schlep no more on holiday.
Happy planning,
Frank
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I agree with everything Rothbury and Papa said , although Viking was a little short on butler service, Papa :confused:
I'm a fairly frugal person. When we make our various family visits we don't stay at the Ritz Carlton and I've never been able to justify paying full price for business class air ( although I'm still working on that). Even though we have been retired several years, we still try to treat our trips to Europe like "vacations". And for me that always means a time to treat ourselves well. I still look for a balance between value, comfort and yes - a little luxury when planning a trip. For us Viking hit that (I'm so sorry) suite spot with the veranda suite.
The little living room was a jewel for morning coffee and a glass of wine after a long day of touring around. The extra room; not getting in one another's way; the balcony that I ventured out on several times in December; and yes, even the night I couldn't get to sleep and popped out to the sofa just like I would at home, all made it a good value for the money to us.
The best endorsement is that I booked the veranda suite again for our Rhine cruise this August.
Frank
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FrancisM; how beautiful! We are looking in to a Christmas Market cruise this December on Viking. What category was your cabin? Thanks!
We did the Veranda Suite SusieO. A bit of a splurge but we didn't regret it.
Frank
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My wife and I made a Nuremberg to Frankfurt Christmas markets trip our first cruise of any kind. We loved everything about it. As Caviargirl says it should be a given that you love Christmas. I can't imagine anything to get you more in the spirit.
The poster who pointed out that the temps are in the 40's and it gets dark at 4:30 is right on the mark. We thought the little bit of cold was perfect - even had a dusting of snow on 2 days- and the early sunset means you get to see the markets beautifully lit without staying up late.
We would do the trip again in a heartbeat. here's a link to the pics if you want to get a feel for it.
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Very good way to put it. It was kinda uncomfortable at first, the crew jumping out of your way in hallways, always greeting you so nicely....I'm an old soldier who transitioned into construction. Not a lot creature comforts, kinda crude, and I'm fine with it.
After a few days on board, it was nice to be treated so well, and not have to plan everything out. Very relaxing, unlike other Europe vacations where I felt responsible for everyone having a good time and making all the arrangements.
Glad you enjoyed yourselves.
You really said it better than me ural guy; (" am I on the road to Dingle? Will this bus take us to the Colosseum?")
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We had a terrific time on our first ever cruise. My wife and I have always traveled Europe independently and were very wary of the "group" thing. I must say I felt a bit of guilty pleasure at being escorted around and treated like royalty on board the Kara.
Happy cruising to all,
frank
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Great review - just booked this afternoon for August. Colmar seems like a clear winner.
Frank
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Not even back a week from our Christmas Cruise, #1 wife and I are hooked and looking for a cruise for next year. The easy choice is the Viking Rhine Getaway which looks extremely popular and has an awesome itinerary. There is plenty of availability right now.
But we have never been to Paris. Right now only August is available on the sole longship sailing the Seine. I've quickly read lots of pros and cons about Paris in August and wonder if anyone has any experience or opinions.
As always, thanks for the help.
Frank
ps: our anniversary is in August in case that would trump all other considerations.
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It's hard to believe that this time last week we were sailing toward Wertheim; enjoying the most beautiful scenery of our cruise and getting ready for another perfect day.
The best gift that Viking gave us was the desire for more. Yes, I think we're hooked on river cruising. I want to give another big thanks to everyone who contributes on this board. As an inveterate planner I would not have been able cope without you.
From Dee & I to all of you - may the locks always be open and the rivers just the right height and Frohe Weinachten,
ps: I wish I had the skills to get decent pictures in here. I committed myself to one blog which does have lots of pics and the last entry is here https://christmascruiser.wordpress.com/2014/12/12/all-good-things/
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I will be interested in your opinion of the Aquavit lounge. I did not have dinner there but we noticed breakfast and lunch foods sat out for a long time and were not hot. This area was mostly unattended by staff and few people knew about it,
Viking River cruises are very communal, the smallest tables were for six or eight people. There were numerous people saving entire tables for their group, I didn't care for this. Everyone seemed to enter the dining room at the same time, everyone leaves for tours at the same time.
I enjoyed the river cruise experience but it is much different from the less regimented ocean cruises.
We liked the Aquavit Lounge as a change of pace for lunch and a quiet place for dinner after a tiring day.
We had dinner there twice last week. There were only a couple of other people there each time. The dinner menu is limited and does not change during the week. I had a cheeseburger/fries that was great. We also had a nice chef's salad. The other items on the menu our week were chicken caesar salad, a salmon dish and a pasta dish.
Service there is handled by the regular Aquavit staff. In our case, Zesar the bartender did an excellent job taking care of us.
Since it's located right on the bow of the ship the views are great. I think this would be an even more attractive option in the summer when the Aquavit opens up the glass panels completely on the bow.
You can see some pictures here https://christmascruiser.wordpress.com/2014/12/11/life-aboard-viking-kara/
Viking Air Questions
in River Cruising
Posted
Hi Stevie,
If you just booked the air and cruise with Viking you won't get a confirmation of the flight itinerary until Viking actually processes your tickets. Usually 45-60 days ahead of your cruise based on what I've read here. I have read here on CC that if, at that time, you don't like your flights you can pay the $50pp charge to deal with Viking's Custom Air. You could also pay that surcharge now and pick the flights you want right away. I would recommend that if you go that route you spend some time picking out the flights that you want before you call them.
We all get a little nervous about these things but my reading of the feedback here on CC is that most folks have no trouble at all.
Have a great trip,
Frank