Cities of Lights Cruise Review

[OnWeGo]

I recently returned from the Viking’s “Cities of Light” trip from Paris to Prague. We booked this trip in Feb. 2013. From the time I booked until departure I spent quite a bit of time on this site reading and asking questions which helped me a lot as I prepared for this trip. So I wanted to give my review in case it can help others.

This was my first river trip so I have no comparisons to other cruise lines. I thought Viking did an outstanding job. I loved cruising down the rivers and being so close to land to be able to see the beautiful scenery. It really was breathtaking. I have never seen so many vineyards as I did while cruising down the Mosell and Maine rivers.

We were a group of 4 (3 sisters and a girlfriend) ages from 46-61. We were on the younger side of the “age scale” for passengers. This is not a negative statement only making reference to the age group. In fact most looked and acted much younger than their age! We made some great friends and enjoyed their company throughout the trip.

As people have mentioned the dress code is casual. Many people changed clothes for dinner but many stayed as they were. At the Captain’s farewell dinner, most men were wearing slacks or Dockers and a nice shirt (Polo or button down) and women were in nice slacks (long and Capri) and nice casual type top. There were a couple in Maxi dresses (still pretty casual but nice) and there were a few that didn’t change at all.

Ship and Crew – We were on Viking Odin in a Veranda room with a balcony. The balcony worked out nice on the days when the sun deck was closed because we were going under very low bridges (mostly on the Main River). We were able to sit out and enjoy the scenery. When we first arrived to the ship we were greeted with a moist towel and a drink as we boarded. What a great first impression! We were quickly escorted to our room and our luggage was brought within minutes. The state rooms are compact and nicely laid out. There is plenty of space for clothing and “stuff”, as well as outlets for charging the variety of devices people travel with these days.

Radim was our program director and I can’t rave enough about what a great job he did. He is knowledgeable, entertaining, great sense of humor and easy on the eyes for us women! ;) I have to say, every crew member we encountered was happy, engaging and wanted nothing more than to make sure you were happy and satisfied. They really made you feel special!

We thought the food was very good. There were several selections each night plus the standard selections that are available every night (chicken, steak and vegetarian). The wine was also good and was poured very freely. I don’t think our glass was ever less than half full (or half empty J). They always topped off our glass so we could take it with us to the lounge for the evening entertainment. Each night they served a different red and white wine. If you didn’t care for this you could order the house wine (no cost) or a glass from the wine list (at a cost).

In the evenings there was a piano player and dancing. We did have some local people come on board as well. One evening we had a glass blower who was very entertaining! Another evening was a Mozart concert by two local musicians, and one evening was folk dancers.

Shore Excursions – Very organized and well done. The local guides they used were excellent. They offered a “Leisurely” option for those who did not want to do as much walking. We were given about 90 minutes of free time in each stop for shopping, wandering or having a drink at a local pub or sidewalk café. Upon returning, the crew was there to greet us with some sort of beverage or ice cream. We took all included excursions and took one optional tour which was the “Romantic Road Tour”. I highly recommend this tour. It is about a 40 minute drive through quaint villages and once you arrive in Ruddenshine, it was like walking in to a fairy tale village. This was probably our favorite place we visited. I wish we could have spent more time there.

Summary – Will I take another river cruise? Yes! Will it be with Viking? Most definitely! As all of you know, these trips aren’t cheap! But when I think of how we were treated, the food and wine provided, the quality of the excursions we thought it was good value. I am used to ocean cruises where you pay for every beverage (including water), pay to eat at the better restaurants, pay the high priced shore excursions all while you are “just” one of 3,000+ passengers. Hmm, do I sound like a converted “cruiser”? You bet!

[molymoo]

I enjoyed reading your review. In 2011 we took the Vineyards & Vistas cruise which was the cruise portion of the Cities of Light tour. Your observations were "spot on" ... precisely our feelings as we experienced our first river cruise. We enjoyed our trip so much that we promptly booked another, then another ... and so on!

[FuelScience]

Thanks for a great review! Glad that you have a wonderful time. Cities of Light was our first river cruise as well (Viking Sun, 2012), and we loved it. We've done two more Viking cruises since (Romantic Danube and Tulips and Windmills), and will try Vantage next year (Rhine and Moselle). Warning: river cruising can be addictive!!

 

FuelScience

[florida suz]

Thanks so much for this report. Our trip is in about a month!

 

 

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[Peggy Tuten]

Reading your review gets me even more excited about our same trip in September. Thanks for posting.

[anandaindonesia]

Happy to hear that you've enjoyed your cruise.

Thanks for sharing!