Back from Viking Cities of Light

[marchmom]

Paris to Prague. This was my first river cruise and first trip to Europe. The first representative I met was Claudia, the Program Director. The hotel at Paris did seem a bit unorganized but with people coming in at all different times, I can understand that. We got into it rooms fairly quickly but our request for adjoining rooms could not be met. We were even on different floors. Claudia was great at the hotel but the other rep (don't know her name) wasn't as helpful.

 

The Paris city tour was good but somewhat rushed with very little free time while we were out, as was the case with most of the tours. I personally would have liked less "tour" in most places with more time at fewer stops. The scenery and castles along the route were stunning.

 

The trip got better when we got to the vessel. I can't say enough positive things about the staff onboard. Check in and luggage delivery were both very fast.

 

Our room (the Explorer Suite) was spacious, the bathroom bigger than I expected with heated floors. The beds were small since we had separated beds (traveling with my aunt) but they were comfortable and I had no trouble sleeping at all.

 

The hotel manager, Thomas, was fantastic, making sure that everything we needed, we got. Our stewardess, Julia, was a little ball of energy and light. She made sure our room was spotless every day. The captain was super! He was very friendly, available, and seen quite often. He started calling us his Mama's. (There were 4 of us, a women's trip.) The restaurant staff was amazing. What a well oiled machine they are! We settled in the area for Pavlin and Michelle. They were fun to talk with and took very good care of us. And Alex made the very best sweet iced tea for us! Most lunches we had on the Aquavit terrace. Chef Andreas was also very visible, friendly, and took time to listen and even made a change in the way they serve the roasted chicken because we commented that it was dry the first night. The crew was also very friendly and spoke to us every time we'd see them. And Claudia, the Program Director, was everywhere, all the time. I don't know how she does it. I'd be exhausted!

 

Did this cruise go off with no problems? No. We had engine trouble that delayed us some toward the end of the trip. A freighter cut the line going through a lock one day that delayed the vessel from making it to a dock, which in turn led to us having to wait about 45 minutes for them on a bus, with the air conditioner running, or outside in the heat. Claudia went to a market and bought whatever they had to refresh us, which turned out to be ice cream bars, popsicles and fresh strawberries. The delay upset some people because they weren't able to take an optional tour, but if you put things into perspective, if you have a delayed airline flight you miss things, right? Does the airline compensate you for delayed flights and things you miss? No. I see it the same way. I went into this experience with knowledge that things can go wrong. Did I like waiting for the vessel to arrive? No, not really. Just like I don't like waiting for delayed flights. Would an airline buy you ice cream and strawberries (I'm sure the only things available because we were in an industrial area) because their flight was delayed? NEVER. I don't know that it could have been handled better unless the crew knew about the delay early enough for us to have stayed in town longer rather than getting on the bus. During this Claudia never lost her composure and kept smiling. Well done, "My Secret" (That's what she told my mom when mom asked what her name was, haha! I do hope you read this, Claudia!)

 

All in all, a very enjoyable trip made even better by an awesome crew.

 

I had asked before our cruise if there were additional amenities offered for Explorer Suite guests without any replies. There are some, and if anyone is interested in knowing what they are feel free to email me, wdmartin32@yahoo.com, for questions or more information on that.

[hiccups]

Thanks for the review! Always good to hear the positives and negatives of everyone's trips.

[Cobbie48]

Thanks for the review. Claudia was smart to get the treats while you waited.

[Coral]

Thank you. I have a friend who was on that trip - I will see her tomorrow. I appreciate the review. Sounds like Claudia is a Star!

[ea6b5]

Glad you had a good time. I have been on three other cruises with Viking and there always has been a hiccup here and there!

Will be doing the Rhine again next year, just going the opposite way!

The only reason I mention anything here is; where are the Viking bashers? They are so quick to jump on a thread and give their point of view, but when someone has a good time they seem to go into hiding!

[pacmom]

Why would anyone want to "bash" such a well written review--showed the positive and not so positive of the trip. And yes have taken 4 Viking trips--2 very good and 2 too not good. Pat

[MalibooNewYork]

Enjoyed the report very much. We're going on our second Viking cruise this coming October.

Our first cruise was perfect. Now, we're worrying that this coming cruise will not be able to live up to the first.

[jmps]

We are considering this cruise. Thanks so much for the balanced review.

[Rebel54]

I wish someone who has taken this same itinerary with Avalon would post. I am chomping at the bit for info like this :(

[marchmom]

Thank you all. I obviously left out information about the tours. They tend to mostly all be the same, with knowledgeable guides, fast bus rides zooming past landmarks as you're trying in vain to snap photos through bus windows. I think Reichsburg castle was my favorite stop because of the stunning grounds and photos I was able to get there. Marksburg castle had the best inside tour, IMO. It was quite a walk to get to it and inside was quite hard to walk at times as well due to the cobblestones, and some steep steps, some without handrails. I enjoyed Trier and seeing Porta Nigra. I wonder if the people living in these places realize how spectacular their buildings are. They're simply gorgeous. And I think we had a gelato at every stop! Can't beat it for 1€!

 

I still don't understand the 1/3 shower glass at the hotels...

[roberts2005]

Thank you for your review

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip

[Host Jazzbeau]

I still don't understand the 1/3 shower glass at the hotels...

 

Yes, I'd like to either learn the trick that Europeans use to keep the water in the shower, or learn that it is normal to get the bathroom floor all wet and you just have to live with it! I always feel like I did something wrong. :)

[notamermaid]

Thank you for your review, marchmom,

 

glad to hear you had a great time. I personally find this itinerary quite appealing as they do the Moselle and the Rhine gorge and stop at Mainz. I very much like Mainz and the Porta Nigra is just stunning.

 

Ashamed to admit I have not been inside the Reichsburg at Cochem, but Marksburg I have been to more than once. Fascinating, with a good souvenir shop.

 

Here is the "neo-medieval" Reichsburg. It is an old castle, but was destroyed and later rebuilt in Rhine romanticism fashion:

 

http://www.burg-cochem.de/home.html?&L=1

 

notamermaid

[Casey12]

My sister and her husband were also on this trip. They are ready to go back. This trip ranks as one of their favorite vacations. They raved about Claudia.

[marchmom]

Claudia was fantastic. As was the entire staff. I'd love to go back and have this entire crew again. :)

[marchmom]

My sister and her husband were also on this trip. They are ready to go back. This trip ranks as one of their favorite vacations. They raved about Claudia.

 

We sat with a couple from Philadelphia. I wonder if that was them?