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Viking River Cruises a Real Disappointment


bertstone
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We are quite experienced Ocean cruisers with some 50 or so under our belt and so in 2013 thought it would be interesting to try a river cruise since Viking was promoting so heavily. It sure looked good when the advertised on PBS. Hover, it was certainly not all that it was promoted to be. he did a 7 day cruise on the Rhine from Basil to Amsterdam. We booked a suite with a small balcony on the Viking Jarl, and because we booked late, paid a pretty penny for it.

It started out quite nice after we spent 2 days in Basil we boarded the ship and were greeted by name at the gangwway, No lines, no ticket required etc. However, things took a turn when we went for dinner. The ship was full so everybody lined up to get into the dining room. Not something I'm used to since we have become accustomed to anytime dining and multiple dining venues on a ship. Top that off by the 1st course being a shrimp cocktail with one puny shrimp being served. We were quite aghast.

 

Our room by the way was a suite with 2 rooms of the same size, a very nice bathroom and a tv in each, which we didn't need. The room sported a very small hanging closet with a drawer bank of 2 small drawers that were added as an afterthought. The standard room had much more drawer space. But enough about the rooms.

It was very nice that almost all shore excursions were included and even the extra ones were reasonable.. However, what was unreasonable was the fact that there were 200 people on board and 4 buses to take us on tour which meant 50 people per tour. Now we were not in Rome, Paris or other big cities where 50 people at a site is a drop in the bucket. These were small towns and to add insult to injury, all 4 buses went to the same destination at the same time. Even the washroom stops had 200 of us together at the same location. Ridiculous.

The 1st day we met a lovely couple from the Washington DC area and struck up a friendship. We decided to avoid the 6:30 dinner crush and stayed with a drink for about 15 minutes into the dinner hour. MISTAKE! The 4 of us couldn't get a table together. Didn't do that again.

 

Then after dinner (or maybe before) there were the port talks in the lounge. Quite informative. The only problem is the lounge hold about 150 people comfortable, and maybe 180 jammed in; but there were 200 of us. NOT GOOD

Next dining problem was that we wanted to hang around the dining room and chat with new acquaintances after dinner. Well, at about 9pm, they would flash the lights or turn them up brightly to let us know it was time to leave the dining room, VERY ELEGANT.

We hadn't expected the quality or quantity of food we were used to from Ocean cruising but do expect a lot better than we received.

The final insult was the tipping policy. We were tole in no uncertain terms that we were expected to tip all the staff, including the CRUISE DIRECTOR. No the cruise director was a lovely fellow bu tI would think his salary should be paid by the cruise line; not by the passengers. To my recollection, the expected tip was $5 per person per day which worked out to about $1,000 per day.

I would not normally rag on about a situation like this5 years after the fact, but it has discouraged us from looking again at river cruises, even though so many people rave about them. It may have been a Viking thing, so we may eventually try a different line. I would NEVER consider VIKING again or even look at their Ocean cruises, although I've heard some good things about it. I just felt like I had to get this off my chest. We are frequent Oceania cruisers and there is just no comparison. Maybe someday Oceania will offer river cruises!

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Interesting that you waited 5 years to post. What I always warn regular ocean cruisers about is that the only thing ocean and river cruises have in common is that they are on water and on a ship. We’ve done both, prefer ocean , but would repeat river if the itinerary called to us.

For those looking at a first river cruise prepare yourself for the different approach they take.

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Why would you wait five (5) years to badmouth an experience, it doesn’t lend much credence to your comments and complaints but of course this is your right. If the river cruise was so terrible I’d have thought you’d ‘warn’ others as soon as you returned.

 

Some of your dissatisfaction was self inflicted, had you read and done your homework you’d have known about dinner, the times, the seating, gratuities etc. May I ask, since you mentioned you booked a suite late and paid a pretty penny for it, what would that have to do with anything. This is not ocean cruising where some lines offer perks to those in suites.

 

As to the included excursions, while you may have gone to a destination on 4 buses but were you not divided into smaller groups at the location, I’ve never experienced a group of 50 participants on any excursion be it river or ocean.

 

Tipping, yes there is a suggested amount, please see below from the Viking river cruise website

Europe

In Europe, we recommend that you tip in euros. Guidelines:

Program Director – €2 per guest, per day

Onboard staff – €12 per guest, per day

Local city guides – €2 per guest, per day

Coach drivers – €1 per guest, per day

 

Sorry to go on and on but I think you’re giving a bad rap to Viking river cruises. We’ve done many river cruises with Uniworld, Avalon and the majority with Viking (9) and yes, there have been a few hiccups but if you were so disgruntled why would you wait 5 years? Not sure I get what your motives are, other than to bemoan a PAST experience.

 

 

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We have taken three Viking River cruises and they’ve been great. You obviously didn’t do your research because as another poster said, ocean and river cruises have almost nothing in common. For someone who has taken 50 plus cruises and could be considered an experienced traveler, I’m surprised you booked a river cruise based on ads alone. My opinion is it’s not Viking, it’s river cruises which aren’t for you. The fact that you waited five years to post makes me suspect you’re currently disappointed with Viking for another reason and want to vent. Otherwise why complain now?

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Been a while since we've had one of these (but not as long as it has been since the actual cruise in this case...).

 

 

Last minute, expensive high-end suite and a lack of due diligence will result in what is described here sadly.

 

 

Not really a lot than can be added to make a constructive reply other than to suggest that others who are experienced on the ocean, but have never cruised on the rive, read this as a cautionary tale. Not as a reason to steer away from river cruises, but as a warning that you may suffer similar levels of disappointment if you fail to spent the time to research and learn so you can set your expectation levels correctly and avoid spending more than you have to on a river cruise.

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Conversely, everything I have heard about ocean cruises have turned me away from them--have never taken one, have NO desire to book an ocean cruise. Everything I have heard about river cruises have drawn me to them, and have finally booked one for next year, (with dreaded and evil Viking, LOL!), and I cannot wait!

 

This is why the creator created different ice cream flavors--different strokes for different folks.

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We actually do both ocean and river, but you have to understand the differences.

 

 

The choice of cabin for example makes a huge difference in your perception of value when river cruising.

 

 

Going for a top end cabin on the river doesn't deliver anything like the same sense of having benefited from the much higher price when compared to ocean cruises.

 

 

As we see here not infrequently, the complaint is that someone spent '$10,000' on a river cruise and was unhappy with numerous aspects from that $10,000 perspective, but you have to consider that for a lot of other people that was a less than $5,000 cruise and the only thing the extra money bought was a larger cabin that is still a whole lot smaller than anything you'll get on the ocean. No other aspect of the river cruise changes for that extra spend on the majority of river cruise lines...

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Conversely, everything I have heard about ocean cruises have turned me away from them--have never taken one, have NO desire to book an ocean cruise. Everything I have heard about river cruises have drawn me to them, and have finally booked one for next year, (with dreaded and evil Viking, LOL!), and I cannot wait!

 

This is why the creator created different ice cream flavors--different strokes for different folks.

I'm with you! I have no desire to take an ocean cruise. What I love about river cruising, small ship with a small number of passengers, active excursions daily, the ability(most of the time) to just walk off the ship into town, and being in sight of land at all times ;);), are not part of ocean cruising. I don't care much about evening entertainment, hanging out at a pool, or multiple dining spots. I would be bored to tears on 'at sea' days. That's just me and I know many people who love ocean cruising. To each his own! Enjoy your cruise!

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I'm with you! I have no desire to take an ocean cruise. What I love about river cruising, small ship with a small number of passengers, active excursions daily, the ability(most of the time) to just walk off the ship into town, and being in sight of land at all times ;);), are not part of ocean cruising. I don't care much about evening entertainment, hanging out at a pool, or multiple dining spots. I would be bored to tears on 'at sea' days. That's just me and I know many people who love ocean cruising. To each his own! Enjoy your cruise!

 

Also, I do not want be bothered with someone trying to sell me something every ten minutes, have a need for a casino or a broadway-type show, or be frisked returning to the ship, lest I buy a bottle of wine during the ship-sponsored excursion to a winery!!

 

There is also an equality to river cruising that is refreshing--those staying in the big suites eat the same food in the same dining room as those in aquarium class.

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We just got back from Viking Romantic Danube and spent part of the time on the Jarl. Some of the things spoken about have improved in the five years since. The tipping is not $1,000 a day but closer to $24 (or euros) a day per stateroom, which isn't that far off from the recommendation on ocean cruises. I agree that the program director should be paid by the cruiseline. Someone did a google search and concluded that they actually were and the tipping was extra (anyway - not sure). That all said, as I have written elsewhere I felt that Viking did a good job at taking care of things and the staff was good.

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Sharkster and KathyK, I share your lack of interest in those aspects of ocean cruising which you describe above. But, not all ocean cruises are like that! If there is an itinerary which you like that can only be reached by an ocean cruise (think the Med, or the Adriatic, or the Black Sea), you should take it - if it's on a line with smaller ships. IME that makes a world of difference. If you think that every ocean cruise line is as you describe, you're missing out.

 

We cruised the big ships of NCL, Princess, RCCL, and Celebrity a lot in the past and yes, the things you describe can discourage you from cruising after a while. We actually got sick of cruising for a few years because of the things you mention. But when we returned to cruising, we cruised on Oceania a few times, and now Silversea. The difference is amazing. No photographer. Very few upcharges. Smaller ships (300-600 pax) and often, but not always, a docking place where you can walk into town.

 

And you can bring your own wine or liquor on board. They don't care.

 

You might also consider an expedition cruise. They are more active and take you to places where it is not so crowded. By their nature, they require small ships of 100-200 pax. And the destination is the entertainment.

 

We leave in a few weeks for our 11th Silversea cruise. At this point I don't think you could pay me to go on one of the behomoths. My sister just went to Alaska on an upscale mainstream line with 2500 pax and noticed many of the things you are not fond of. Not my idea of a good time either, but luckily, there are other choices.

 

I think that both river and ocean cruises complement each other very nicely. There is not much overlap as far as their destinations, and each can offer a good way to travel. It's great to have so many choices.

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My reply to this is directed at those who are new to RC: Do Your Research!! Host Jazz has well thought out stickies explaining each brand. Ask questions of your CC friends. Each of us will tell you RC is nothing like OC. Please consider other lines besides Viking.

 

 

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Asked why I waited so long to post is that we are rather new to Cruise Critic and had never used it for anything but roll calls. We have certainly voiced our disappointment among friends and acquaintances. Most people who have done river cruising have NOT encountered such a disappointing experience. Yes, we feel we overpaid for a room but that was because all that was available was a suite. We had been booked to go to Japan earlier in the year but had to cancel because of the Tsunami occurring a week before our scheduled departure so this was a substitute holiday. I didn't say our tips were $1,000 per day, but that the Cruise Director was receiving tips of about $1,000 per day.

The tours were NOT split up to groups smaller than 50 persons.

I was not expecting gourmet dining as we are used to in Oceania, but 1 shrimp in a shrimp cocktail.

Also, why have a balcony when all you can do is shake hands with someone on the neighbouring boat when rafted, which in Viking's case is in most ports.

I just think Viking is at the low end of experiences at a high price. We will consider AMA and Uniworld in teh future, but NEVER Viking.

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Also, why have a balcony when all you can do is shake hands with someone on the neighbouring boat when rafted, which in Viking's case is in most ports.

 

The only river cruise company I have sailed on is Uniworld (Budapest to Amsterdam, the Seine, and the Rhone) and we've greatly enjoyed all 3 cruises including the first that involved a ship swap (handled seamlessly) in August 2015 and we each received a $1,000 credit on a future Uniworld cruise. I just want to warn you that rafting is very common regardless of the company. It is a simple case of supply and demand; lots of ships competing for limited dock space.

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The only river cruise company I have sailed on is Uniworld (Budapest to Amsterdam, the Seine, and the Rhone) and we've greatly enjoyed all 3 cruises including the first that involved a ship swap (handled seamlessly) in August 2015 and we each received a $1,000 credit on a future Uniworld cruise. I just want to warn you that rafting is very common regardless of the company. It is a simple case of supply and demand; lots of ships competing for limited dock space.

 

I was going to point out the same thing. Rafting is a fact of life with river cruising, regardless of the line. That's why it's so important to understand up front what you're getting into before spending your hard earned dollars. I do both ocean and river cruises, but have different expectations of each.

 

Roz

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I just think Viking is at the low end of experiences at a high price. We will consider AMA and Uniworld in teh future, but NEVER Viking.

 

Our TA suggested we not use Viking for our first river cruise based upon our preference for Cunard's ocean cruises. We are on AMA next week. From the reviews and comments we are expecting great dining and shore excursions.

 

Will advise our experience.

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Asked why I waited so long to post is that we are rather new to Cruise Critic and had never used it for anything but roll calls. We have certainly voiced our disappointment among friends and acquaintances. Most people who have done river cruising have NOT encountered such a disappointing experience. Yes, we feel we overpaid for a room but that was because all that was available was a suite. We had been booked to go to Japan earlier in the year but had to cancel because of the Tsunami occurring a week before our scheduled departure so this was a substitute holiday. I didn't say our tips were $1,000 per day, but that the Cruise Director was receiving tips of about $1,000 per day.

The tours were NOT split up to groups smaller than 50 persons.

I was not expecting gourmet dining as we are used to in Oceania, but 1 shrimp in a shrimp cocktail.

Also, why have a balcony when all you can do is shake hands with someone on the neighbouring boat when rafted, which in Viking's case is in most ports.

I just think Viking is at the low end of experiences at a high price. We will consider AMA and Uniworld in teh future, but NEVER Viking.

 

Here's the thing. Five years is a long time in the cruise business and in that time, Viking has made lots of changes on board its ships and what you have criticized may no longer be an issue (and perhaps even because of what you shared in your roll calls when you first returned). The information is stale--and that is the problem with waiting 5 years, even if you have just found this forum.

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many of the river cruise lines have added anytime dining, more excursion options including bikes, active/adventure, lesuire and bus-oriented tours, and sometimes more than one eating area (rooftop grills, lounge eating area) in addition to main dining room...over the last several years....

 

unlike ocean cruising, river cruising is not a year round business... cruise staff tend to deliver a high level of personalized service to a smaller set of guests and both salary and tips need to last through the offseason as during season their jobs are almost 24/7,especially when dealing with the variability of rivers... there’s no autopilot in river cruising.

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I think this thread HIGHLIGHTs the importance of doing your homework when it comes to cruising. What I enjoy and what you enjoy are probably 2 different things. Looking at a fancy brochure or video only paints part of the picture. Talking to people and reading these forums are a must before picking a cruise line or itinerary. I personally would be bored to death on an Ocean cruise.

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Our TA suggested we not use Viking for our first river cruise based upon our preference for Cunard's ocean cruises. We are on AMA next week. From the reviews and comments we are expecting great dining and shore excursions.

Each to their own, but our last cruise was in Queen's Grill on Cunard and the previous one was on Viking River. They were totally different experiences and we hugely enjoyed each on its own merits. On that basis I'd be wary of someone trying to sell me one particular river cruise brand based on what I enjoy about an unrelated ocean cruise brand.

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We have been on over a dozen ocean cruises and now have our first Viking River Cruise booked for November, next year.

 

I have been reading oodles of information on Viking & river cruising and I am getting more excited every day! I love ocean cruising, but this is going to be a breath of fresh air. Less people (we’re going with a group of 40, but still..) a chance to get to know everyone, the food, and the relaxation in the evening. I’ll enjoy having someone showing us the important things to see along the river plus in the ports. It will be all new to us, but I’m certain we’ll have a wonderful time!

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Cruising like any form of travel is personal to everyone--one person's experiences and perceptions of a cruise or a particular place can be quite different than another persons. There are many factors that come into play when traveling and they all play an important part in our overall travel experience. We have been on four Viking cruises with a fifth one scheduled for next year. We have never had a bad experience on any of these cruises. Yes, some itineraries were more interesting than others. Some excursions were better than others and, of course, some dining experiences were better than others. But what remained constant was the efficiency that for us, is something that we could always count on. They have their act together. While we haven't sailed on Uniworld or Scenic, aside from different cabins or dining venues, it is hard to believe that one is more superior to the other in the basic cruising experience. We also cruised on AMA Waterways and they, too, were fine. Perhaps the one that may be on a more luxurious level would be the Crystal River cruises, but the cost of their cruises should reflect a higher level of luxury. Of course there are things that can be annoying--hearing your neighbors toilets flush, opening and closing their patio doors late at night, or hearing televisions or loud conversations through the cabin walls, but we have had similar experiences on ocean cruise ships like Seabourn and Regent. Sometimes you just have to make plans and hope for the best and in most cases, you will enjoy yourself, meet new people and gain experiences that will enrich your lives and provide happy memories for years to come.

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