It was warm at the base so they didnt wear the appropriate clothing or take appropriate shoes. Serious question..how to get coffee in the morning without getting dressed??? Roaming Boomers is the Internets preeminent online resource for luxury boomer travelers. This means that your ship could be the first, second, or third ship docked. Friendly and professional, theyre always happy to help make your holiday one to remember. We found the car rentals and made reservations, but we cant find any daily schedule of when the ship docks and departs at each port. Prop 30 is supported by a coalition including CalFire Firefighters, the American Lung Association, environmental organizations, electrical workers and businesses that want to improve Californias air quality by fighting and preventing wildfires and reducing air pollution from vehicles. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. If you think you might do that, you may want to take along a few blank thank you cards to enclose your extra tips, so you can explain why you valued their service so much. . Everything was as you said food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. When the cruise ends, you settle your account in cash (U.S. dollars or Euros) or by credit card. Can you tell me which docking/ports might be too far from the cities/towns? European summers are a very busy time for travel and river cruises. Cruise lines operating ocean and river ships can be found in both lists. The program will feature the breadth, power and journalism of rotating Fox News anchors, reporters and producers. in staterooms, so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. Although we have some other trips planned (that we organize ourselves, as we often do), we are contemplating which Viking cruise river or ocean we will be booking next. Hi Linda, youre facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! Oh, and an all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle. Theres a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). Self-tests without medical supervision are now welcome on most cruises, except those in destinations that require other requirements, like in Fiji or Bermuda. November is so much more than just a cold month in autumn. Thanks again! Im glad you found the article helpful, Thomas! Remember to wear warm clothes as it can be chilly as the mist rises up from the river and the sun peeks over the hills to wake up all the birds along the banks. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) VAT No. Wear a mask and get away from others without, just like in Walmarts lol. Incidentally, we had to change ships midway through a river cruise because of a broken lock on the river, and Viking handled it professionally and without too much inconvenience. By the way, Viking does build in a set amount of gratuities for ship staff (or you can arrange for this on your account before sailing), but you may also want to give a personal cash tip to staff members who are particularly helpful. Thank you. I was curious about what time you have to be back on the ship at night. When we sailed the Danube, we sailed through 11 different locks. . Once onboard, verify the time youll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. It would be more like smart casual (so no worn jeans and flip-flops, for example). Luxury river cruises in Europe on the Rhone, Rhine, Danube, Duoro, Seine, Main and Moselle. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the Viking Daily). You set the code, so its a cinch to remember. You can sign up for excursions from your account on MyVikingJourney.com prior to your trip. Copyright 1999-2022 Shearings Travel Limited. What are the charges for individual cocktails, apertifs or premium beers/wines by glass? I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise! Thanks. Here are a few things to think about when considering Vikings Silver Spirits package. Travelers who are not vaccinated must submit a pre-departure test and then test again upon embarkation. This taught me to take pictures when I first see a scenic sight just in case I wasnt going to have the opportunity again. Id suggest you reference your online itinerary on Vikings site before departure to get a rough idea of when youll be docked in each city. Hi David, it sounds like youre gearing up for a great adventure! Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. Most the times we always take the NCL cruise, but this is the first time on Viking Cruise River The Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam (for our 22nd anniversary).Im so glad I found a lot of information from the article thats very helpful for us for excursions, maybe transferring ships, parallel parked ships and other information. Its pure bliss. It is the beginning of the Festive Season with the opportunity to ice-skate, drink mulled wine and soak in a hot, thermal pool. The only downside can be the weather, although the autumn is typically more stable than spring. 33. Guests will continue to remain fully vaccinated through the end of the year, and it will continue using the same sanitization and mitigation measures throughout the duration of each sailing. offers a variety of coffee and tea plus baked goods to accompany your beverage. Enjoy your cruise this fall! We encountered some local guides with thick accents, but that didnt interfere with our understanding of them. Not everyone needs to go on excursions. Our knowledgeable and expert-trained drivers will always be on hand to assist throughout your journey, so you can be assured of a high level of service and reliability when you choose Shearings. If you choose to eat on the Aquavit Terrace, dinner begins at 7:15 pm with all of the same options as in the dining room. Disclaimer: My husband, Pop, and I paid forour Viking river cruise ourselves. Inside Look: Brand-New Celebrity Beyonds Onboard You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Cheers! The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours. gallery icon September 2023. If you have taken a Viking river cruise and would like to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. The total time on these outings could be longer than 3 hours. The vessel (IMO number 9479864) is currently Italy-flagged (MMSI 247313500) and WebA cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships and markets cruises to the public. All guests must also complete a pre-travel health questionnaire. Herding 169 tourists onto separate buses all going separate places at separate timeswow, thats a job! There are three activity levels for excursions: About 15 minutes prior to each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. 8 days - Imperial Danube (Vienna - Budapest - Vienna, MS Crucestar 4*), Enchanting Christmas & New Year's (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024), Jewels of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest), Festive Season on the Legendary Danube with 2 nights in Prague 2023, Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel), Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Tour du Mont Blanc Cost: Self-Guided & Camping (2019 Edition). Keep in mind, though, that things are not 100% the same from cruise to cruise due, in part, to other ship traffic at the time. Enjoy ultimate luxury from the second you step on board youll be spoilt for choice. However, most guests sport a smart casual look for dinner. Christmas cruises on the Rhine and Danube can be wonderful times. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Find a river cruise that explores Europe. So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. Prior to dinner, the chef personally introduces the options including his/her recommendations. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. For example, once the crew knows that everyone is accounted for after excursions, the ship is sailing within minutes of the anticipated departure (as noted in the. The Viking onboard staff from the captain, hotel manager, and program director to the housekeeping and wait staff were all positive, upbeat folks: smiling, accommodating, and helpful. Three meals are included each day at the following times: Soda, beer, and house wine are available at lunch and dinner at no charge. As an award-winning tour operator, we offer fantastic holidays to the most beautiful destinations. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner, as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Dinner. Whichever side of the menu you order from, the meals for the entire table are served at the same time. Travelers who purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package (price varies depending on the length of your cruise) can get whatever alcoholic beverage they want during lunch, dinner, and whenever else the bar is staffed (afternoons and evenings) at no additional charge. Holland America Lines itineraries in North America currently require travelers aged 12 and up to be fully vaccinated; all guests 2 and up to present a recent negative COVID-19 result upon embarkation. Bon voyage! Vaccinated travelers no longer need to present a negative test result on cruises nine nights or less from the U.S. or Europe, while unvaccinated travelers are required to test themselves, but no longer have any restrictions on the type of test they're required to take (with some exceptions). Theres a section of the Aquavit Terrace at the very front of the ship thats open to the weather, but theres also an area (just behind it) that can be enclosed with sliding glass doors, so the area can be enjoyed when the weather isnt cooperating. Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of full vaccination but do not need to satisfy any testing requirements, wherease unvaccinated travelers must provide a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to embarkation. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary. O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. Lacey Pfalz, Barbados: Where Peace of Mind Meets the Time of Your Life It looks like the Rhne is best in the late spring, summer and fall. After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. I hope you have a wonderful time! This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2022 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. April 2024. As you leave the ship, youll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning. The Silver Spirits package offers unlimited drinks including cocktails, premium wine, and beer. A few guests scheduled independent sightseeing tours, and it seemed to work out well for them. Currently, vaccinated guests departing on cruises from any port in the U.S. or Canada must also provide a recent negative COVID-19 test result. If youre river cruising Europe in April, May and even early June, the rivers flowing through the darkest regions in the map above provide the greatest opportunity for high water levels. We actually enjoyed sitting outside in the dark before bed, too, cruising by small towns.) The following is a list of operational ocean cruise lines. Features & Advice, Black Friday, Cyber Monday Deals for Top Caribbean Resorts On the other side of the menu are regional specialties or options that are focused on our destinations. It easily holds passports and other travel documents along with jewelry and money. All travelers who are 12 and older must be fully vaccinated. Thank you for your support. You never know what youll learn or who youll meet! Those who have a checking or savings account, but also use financial alternatives like check cashing services are considered underbanked. Thanks for the great information. We love adventure, discovering new cultures and travel destinations. We did the Danube in very early December and completely loved the experience. (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. While the line requires travelers to be both fully vaccinated or to have recently recovered from COVID-19 and to take an antigen or PCR test prior to embarkation, the line has extended both tests' eligibility windows, no longer requiring travelers to test within 24 hours prior to embarkation. Since it will be November, and Im also afraid of open heights weve opted for the French balcony room. What a great experience she has ahead of her! See France from a unique perspective with one of our first-rate river cruise tours brought to you by internationally acclaimed cruise companies. My wife and I visited the Pont Couverts during an excursion on a Viking Rhine River Cruise this past April. Thanks. After that, we went to an assigned group on the upper deck (groups are determined by what floor the staterooms are on), and we had to give our stateroom number to the staff at the assigned location (for roll call). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Budapest weather in November is windy, chilly and freezing sometimes but do not let this discourage you from visiting the capital of Hungary. Good Job!! Weve had no regrets. We chose a French Balcony room. We offer a superb selection of amazing holidays with inspiring itineraries to choose from. Even with that information, as you mentioned,dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well. Get up at least once to watch the sunrise! The buses and tour guides for your group are each clearly marked: the bus has a placard with the same number and letter to let you know you need to board that bus; the tour guide has a red and white sign on a paddle to indicate that group, as well. We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. Atlas Ocean Voyages offers exclusive savings of up to 20% to Barbados: Where Peace of Mind Meets the Time of Your Life, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, Flying With Weed: TSA Marijuana Rules Explained, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining, 21 Amazing Vacation Ideas for Big Families, Black Friday, Cyber Monday Deals for Top Caribbean Resorts. Atlas Ocean Voyages currently requires all guests to be fully vaccinated and to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation or a negative antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to embarkation. Heres our story. The crew communicates with each other quite well. ALG Vacations Makes Booking Easy for Travel Advisors. Relax without having to navigate roads, your cruise is an all-in-one travel experience. Unpack once and wake up to a new city every day to the sights, sounds and flavours of Europe. Carnival Corporation & plc. But, what else would we spend money on? About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. We have booked all the included excursions, but have held off booking the optional ones as we love to do our own thing when in port, and perhaps covering more ground than the optional excursions. NOTE: This article was updated in October 2022. Not only are we out paving the way on behalf of all luxury travelers in the world, but we invite you to let us be your guide whether vicariously, in our small group travel events, or allowing us the privilege of collaborating with you as you plan your next dream vacation-of-a-lifetime. Have a wonderful cruise next year! Head to the top deck in the evening. WebSeptember 15, 2021. We thoroughly enjoyed a Viking Ocean cruise in 2019 and have been eager to try river cruising. Discover the very best of Britain on our UK tours, explore the beautiful destinations of Italy, Austria, France and more on our European getaways, or sail along some of Europes most enchanting waterways on one of our river cruises. About coffee, there is a coffee and tea station on Vikings river cruise ships thats open 24/7 in the main common space. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. 13. Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well? Once you book a Viking river cruise, youll have access to their online portal, MyVikingJourney.com. Without a doubt, we give Viking chefs top marks for the presentation and flavor of the food they serve. Shearings, Sunway House, Canklow Meadows, Rotherham, S60 2XR, United Kingdom. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. Is there a restaurant seating option for introverts? For your peace of mind, we've added COVID-19 cover to ALL insurance policies taken out through us. with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. The perfect place to relax, enjoy reclining seats, arm and footrests, and air conditioning on our fantastic coaches to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Check out the cruise lines below to learn about the current vaccine and testing requirements for each of the most popular cruise lines. My wife and I were expecting a test-free cruise, like the Viking Danube cruise we did in September. Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? There is a wide range of cruises to choose from. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! The bar is on one end of the lounge; theres wait service in the Lounge during lunch and in the late afternoon and evening. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. Cruise Line & Cruise Ship The letter indicates which excursion group youre on. Theres always iced tea often with different flavors every day. We are trying to determine if the additional cost for a veranda stateroom is worth the extra expense compared to the french balcony. Treat your senses to an array of incredible sights, sounds, and flavors on this exquisite Budapest Dinner Cruise. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. WebThe latest travel news, deals, guides and tips from the travel experts at USA TODAY. WebSaga also offer river cruises along the Danube, Italian Waterways and Rhine. They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). Registered in England No. WebBy Heather Burke on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 We at The Luxury Vacation Guide are always traveling, searching, exploring to find the most unique spectacular places on earth. Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! To make sure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and. They had to swap river cruise ships one afternoon, but other than that, the rest of their journey was just fine. If we were sailing during the day, the program director narrated scenic highlights along the river as we continued our journey. Dont hesitate! This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) All the travel insights you need to plan your dream vacation. Unvaccinated travelers are required to test prior to embarkation or during embarkation. These devices are attached to lanyards with earpieces. Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days. October 2023. Please note that Viking requires at least 48 hours cancellation notice if you are on the ship and decide not to go on an optional excursion. Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Disclaimer. on your bed. That way, Viking could clean the staterooms and ready the ship for the passengers boarding later that day for the next cruise. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, 9 Days China Highlight tour with air from USD$499/person. Paying upfront might offer peace of mind if you like knowing that its already paid for and you dont have to think about an upcoming beverage bill. For example, sometimes two sister ships sail on the same one-way voyage starting at the same time just at opposite ends of the itinerary. Effective July 25, 2022, Azamara is no longer requiring a pre-embarkation COVID-19 test for guests. No can do. Passengers could disembark and be bussed on an excursion and then afterwards, be bussed to a different location on the river where the water levels are higher. But as of September 6, 2022, they are no longer required to present a recent negative COVID-19 test result prior to embarkation, with some destination exclusions. https://www.amawaterways.com/river-cruise-frequently-asked-questions Carnival Cruise Line amended its requirements for a second time on August 24, going into effect for sailings beginning on September 6. I bet youre planning your next cruise already. The listing of cruise lines below includes separate lists for both areas. Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns (since this article was published). We had clients sailing the Rhine while we were sailing the Rhne. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. Just inside is the Lounge where we ate one rainy lunchtime. August 15, 2022. Cruise lines have a dual character; they are partly in the transportation business, and partly in the leisure entertainment business, a duality that carries down into the ships themselves, which have both a crew headed by the ship's captain, and a hospitality staff headed by the equivalent of a hotel manager. Children aged four and under do not need to adhere to any of the above rules. WebSea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. We cater to a diverse range of tastes and budgets, and our knowledgeable and friendly teams look after every aspect of your journey from start to finish, ensuring you get the very best from your holiday. To conserve resources, you could easily fill a reusable water bottle from home with water in the rooms. Through September 3, the line also requires travelers to test during embarkation in the majority of ports. Oh well. WebSeptember 2023. I borrowed some books from the ships library and left them on a table in our room. It is amazing to think that the bridges were opened in 1250. Beginning September 3, Oceania Cruises will no longer require vaccinated travelers to test prior to embarkation. We could not have chosen any better than the Skirnir and Viking. By the way, the excursions included in the trip are typically large group experiences, while the optional excursions (available at an extra cost) are usually much smaller groups as they are more focused on specific areas of interest. During your East African adventure to Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique or Rwanda, make sure you dont forget about Kenya. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. During lunch, prior to and after dinner, theres usually live music in the Lounge. Is the Journey Still More Important Than the Destination? For example, as noted below, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are cruise lines within the larger parent corporation Carnival Corporation & plc. And Im so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter. The change will take effect for unvaccinated Disney Magic guests beginning November 7, 2022. Id suggest you talk with the staff once you are aboard to learn of their planned docking times and see what they recommend. We always enjoyed the variety of food from the local areas we were visiting. Find a river cruise that explores Europe. The tips cover all onboard staff. Just thinking of the best options for meeting friends for a short visit. Remember to wear warm clothes as it can be chilly as the mist rises up from the river and the sun peeks over the hills to wake up all the birds along the banks. Travelers will also undergo a pre-embarkation health screening. All guests must be fully vaccinated to enjoy a Riviera River Cruises sailing. We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. There's still time to get away this December. Another consideration, of course, is how often you might order specialty drinks from the bar: at lunch, throughout the day, before and/or after dinner? There are times when the sun deck is closed to guests. WebHowever, contrary to the conventional wisdom, I saw record lows on the Rhine in November of 2015. There is a light buffet available in the Lounge around midday, so youll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins later that day a nice treat if you just got off a long flight. Thanks for your kind words, Triana. American Queen Steamboat Company Becomes Only Fully Vaccinated U.S. River Cruise Line and Interesting information! There are also announcements throughout the day with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. Testing requirements are also in place, though vary from destination to destination. The change will go into effect for fully inoculated Disney Magic guests beginning November 7, 2022. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 08:33 AM ET, Fri September 02 2022, CDCs recent ending of its COVID-19-related cruise requirements, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, US Travel Association Launches Spanish, Portuguese Visa Delay Websites. One great thing about Viking is that many times their ships dock right in the towns, so its easy to get off and be on your way to make your own discoveries. Great service sounds like Viking! I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Choose your style! Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. I hope you have a wonderful time! The road in and out is bump and windy, so go slow and if you have motion sickness, where the wristbands or something. Princess Cruises will make it easier for travelers to meet its testing and vaccination requirements beginning September 6. This will be our first Viking Cruise! has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. Travelers must also fill out the required health declaration and health questionnaire forms. Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little extra like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day. The one exception was the program director who made the move with us. Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. There they may board another ship. Sound like you have a great cruise coming up! We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. Thank you for your informative article! With Kenya tour packages for many travel styles and cultural discovery tours, there is a trip to Kenya with your name on it: Wander through the Nairobi craft markets and see the Big 5 on a safari. All travelers must also complete a pre-travel health survey and provide proof of full vaccination, but will no longer be required to test during the cruise unless they present symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Thanks!! Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key. Viking asks that guests not walk on the sun deck from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am as a courtesy to those whose cabins are just below the sun deck. Travel in complete comfort with our fantastic coach fleet. American Queen Voyages guests and crew are all required to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, unvaccinated travelers can now sail the luxury line with a negative pre-embarkation test. This industry practice of using the brand, not the larger parent corporation, as the cruise line is also followed in the member cruise lines in Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA);[2] the listing of cruise ship sales, transfers,[3] and new orders;[4] cruise line market share;[5] and the member-based reviews of cruise lines.[6]. Many travel experts state that taking a Nile River cruise is one of the best ways to explore the Three Great Pyramids and Egypt. Travelers embarking on any Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours itinerary are required to be fully vaccinated. AmaWaterways often sails with 100 percent fully vaccinated guests, but as of August 12, its been allowing a certain number of unvaccinated individuals who provide recent negative COVID-19 tests to embark along selected itineraries, such as Lower Danube itineraries visiting Hungary and Germany, sailings in Egypt and more. Meanwhile, beginning September 23, guests sailing aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to complete a second COVID-19 test at the terminal on embarkation day. Once unpacked, you can put your backpacks in your empty luggage and slide it all under the bed(s) and not think about them until its time to leave. Arrive and transfer to the ship. Typical price: 8764 for a 15 night Mediterranean cruise with an outside cabin for two people in August 2023 (travelling from Southampton and visiting Minorca, Corsica and Sardinia). Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. Trying to navigate changing pandemic restrictions is a challenge Id rather not have to deal with, but well give it a try. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? The ships are designed for this to have travelers walk through the common spaces. Photo Tour of the New Carnival Celebration Cruise Ship, Royal Caribbean Officially Names Wonder of the Seas, Shipbuilder Delays Delivery of New Carnival Jubilee, Virgin Voyages Takes Delivery of Third Ship, Resilient Lady, Carnival Celebration Introduces New Activities for Kids and Teens. Cruise lines have a dual character; they are partly in the transportation business, and partly in the leisure entertainment business, a duality that There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while dining. They also are known for providing little touches that many guests appreciate. The number indicates which ship youre on. November 2023. Additionally, the line offers a COVID-19 policy that covers the cost of a cruise in the event that a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 up to 30 days prior to departure and more. When I returned, I noticed two Viking bookmarks resting on top of the books. Weve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. It would be a crime not to sample the delicious flavours on your cruise ship! Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. There youll find a countdown to departure, background on each port of call, the entire list of excursions available (some are complimentary; others cost extra) that you can book online, a calendar showing your itinerary for each day, and other helpful information about the cruise. Viking assigns different colored luggage tags to guests depending on what their next travel destination is (a post-excursion through Viking, a trip independent of Viking, or a flight home). There are a few ways of satisfying the vaccine requirements: a guest can be fully vaccinated, provide proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 and at least one vaccine after recovery, have had at least one vaccine and then a recent recovery from COVID-19 after the initial vaccination, or have recently recovered from COVID-19. Next time, Ill take a small collapsable umbrella to stuff in my backpack; that way, I wont be carrying the big Viking umbrella around after the rain has stopped while were sightseeing. Children 11 and under are no longer required to be vaccinated. [1] Cruise lines are distinct from passenger lines which are primarily concerned with transportation of their passengers. Alternatively, if youre river cruising in the spring, the Bordeaux region of France, the Seine around Paris, and the Douro River in Spain might make good options for less high water probabilities. We went on the Viking excursions (with local guides) and did not book any local guides directly. On our fully escorted holidays, everything is organised for you. WebDepart Bruges and travel to Paris. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. I will miss the free on board laundromat from ocean cruising though! One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. How many people will be travelling privately? Privately owned (Tauck family), river cruises in Europe, The only American-based cruise line operating along the Yangtze River, Partnership between Vietnam-based hospitality managers Thien Minh Group and Wendy Wu Tours, River cruise line of Viking Cruises with operating HQ in Basel, Switzerland, marketing HQ in USA (California), Owned by UCL Holding, river cruises in Russia, This page was last edited on 3 December 2022, at 05:41. That makes it handy for your husband to fetch your morning cup! Getting my heart rate up while enjoying beautiful scenery passing by while the ship made its way down a river was a win-win. Like Carnival, guests taking a Princess Cruise sailing under 16 nights long will only need to provide proof of full vaccination, while unvaccinated guests are required to test and upload proof of their result prior to embarkation. . Oh, Im so glad you had a wonderful cruise with amazing service! This publication outlines the schedule for the next day, with all included and optional excursions as well as suggestions on where to visit and eat during your free time the next day. Enjoy majestic cities such as Budapest and Cologne, to quaint towns and villages such as Koblenz and Rdesheim, you can even see the very best of Holland in bloom as we make our way through the waterways of the Dutch Here are some examples: Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer) or there is another issue necessitating the change. Furthermore, this means that you may have to walk through another ship to get to shore or people are walking through your ship to get to and from theirs. Viking keeps track of your expenses during the cruise including bar items, laundry, phone calls, and purchases from the Viking shop (logo wear and souvenirs). We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Thanks, Tom! Many folks do tend to change from the clothes they wore for daily excursions to something a little dressier for dinner, but I wouldnt call dinner attire dressy. Guests embarking on cruise with Windstar Cruises are required to be fully vaccinated as defined by the country in which they are embarking. Weave through canals with an intimate experience of authentic French cuisine and accommodations that make you feel at home. Costa Cruises requires all travelers 2 and older to present a recent COVID-19 test result. All the travel insights you need to plan your dream vacation. As for money, we used a credit card (with no foreign transaction fees) and Euros (very handy for tipping tour guides and purchasing small incidentals). 1000s of holidays to choose from in our dedicated UKand Europe brochures! The line no longer requires travelers to be fully vaccinated when sailing from the U.S. and Europe (with some exclusions). (Im trying to save you room in your luggage!) Theres an elevator onboard so its easy to travel from floor to floor if you dont want to use the stairs. It sounds like you are all set. December 2023. Each time you enter the dining room, you find a table that you want to sit at. As you leave the ship, you are handed a bottle of water. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk. Youll receive an excursion card with a number and a letter. How early are they available to avoid the rush? There is no fitness center or spa on Viking river cruise ships; the space that could be a fitness center is instead put to use in the common areas and staterooms. One of many questions we have is how much currency (and what kind) to bring with us. Testing might also still be required. Make the most out of your river cruise by bringing some binoculars. Fall can bring beautiful foliage, lower temps, and again, the large crowds will be gone. We leave Saturday for Prague followed by the Budapest to Amsterdam Viking river cruise. means extensive walking, hiking, or biking. All Rights Reserved. We travel light, as well, but the ship will take care of delivering your luggage to your room; we just kept our small carry ons (the ones that fit under the airplane seats) with us. The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. Enjoy! (European river cruise ships are limited in size due to the rivers they cruise on, so they have the same overall dimensions. Were celebrating our 50th! Book now and secure your place for just 25pp LOW deposit! We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. Because of mergers and consolidations, a cruise line may also be a brand of a larger holding corporation. Celestyal Cruises just updated its COVID-19 protocols as of August 26. WebEurope River Cruises. Their staff is well trained and genuinely seems to want to make you happy. Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. Seize Your Someday with Windstar CroisiEurope offer a great value for money, or if you like living the life of luxury, Avalon cruises are for you! All CFAR credits are valid for a Is that possible? Most Germans will be back in their regular working hours. Travelers on cruises heading to Canada at any point in their journey must also complete the ArriveCAN app prior to embarkation. There are also bright red full-size Viking umbrellas to take along on excursions if its raining. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also amend its testing and vaccination requirements beginning September 3. To make sure you remember all the great experiences on your cruise, take lots of pictures and create a photo book of your journey when you return home. WebAbout Our Coalition. October 2023. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. Thank you so much for this detailed account. Good luck! A wardrobe of loose capris and blouses should do nicely! (Depending on the category of your stateroom, the laundry service may be complimentary.) The following is a list of the largest cruise lines with over 1,000 passengers annually and their market share by passengers and revenue as of 2021 according to Cruise Market Watch. Did you use local guides? Your comments are really appreciated. Fully vaccinated guests on cruises 16 nights or less no longer need to test, We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. Its certainly a relaxing way to travel. You said you enjoy a few drinks before dinner, and if you add in some premium wine at dinner, the total you spend each day might add up pretty quickly. With river cruise volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 50% versus the brochure price! I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! Choose from the luxurious Loire for a cultural immersion, the relaxing Rhne for an enchanting adventure or the stunning Seine for an intimate tour of Paris, there are many possibilities to ensure that you have the best river cruise experience. Hope this info helps you a bit! The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on, although this information is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later!). However, beginning on September 4, the majority of sailings will require travelers to present medically administered negative tests taken before embarkation. Carnival Corporations cruise lines have amended their own vaccine and testing requirements. Atlas Ocean Voyages, Rules of the Road I hope you have a wonderful time! As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. More information on menu choices is below under Meals. The good thing is there are always tomorrows treats to look forward to! Lolly just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). Many unhappy passengers! Is this allowed? Theres plenty of covered space to protect against the harsh summer sun. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well. Our stateroom steward kept the room immaculate. We are scheduled to take the Viking Danube cruise in early June 2022. Watch the world go by as you drive through beautiful scenery, or socialise with like-minded travellers, share stories, and maybe even make friends for life. Here at Shearings, we offer a broad range of fully escorted coach holidays to exciting destinations across the UK and Europe. Have a great cruise! When passengers get to the sister ship, their luggage is in their new cabins (which are usually the same cabins they had on the original ship). So, maybe hot weather and fun festivals are more your cup of tea. Fully vaccinated guests on cruises 16 nights or less no longer need to test, while unvaccinated guests over the age of five can cruise as long as they provide a recent negative COVID-19 test result. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. We also took along some thank you cards and put in some extra cash to give to those whom we felt went above and beyond during our cruise. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. They will help you zoom in on those fairytale castles scattered throughout the landscape. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. Please note that Viking requires at least 48 hours cancellation notice if you are on the ship and decide not to go on an optional excursion. The best thing to do is to talk with a Viking staff member as soon as you board to find out details for your specific cruise. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in The crew actually collapses the awnings, chairs, and tables and the ships bridge recedes into the ship all to reduce the ships height. Since there are often different excursions leaving at the same time, this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. Likewise, a few days later, I had just started reading a different book and placed it on my night table on top of my Kindle. As you probably know, Viking offers nice quality wine, beer, and soft drinks free of charge at lunch and dinner. No email came. by the way that is the only summer cruise we have taken. Booster shots might also be required for entry into the specific country of embarkation as well as the destinations along the itinerary. Thank you for making me less anxious! The list also includes the combined market share of each of the cruise line holding companies: Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, TUI Group, and Genting Hong Kong.[7]. Click here to learn more. We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. Guests might be required to take a rapid antigen test upon embarkation for an ocean cruise. You can view our brochures instantly online or choose to receive your FREE copy through the post. Choose from the delightful Danube for cultural immersion, the relaxing Rhine for an enchanting adventure or the stunning Seine for an intimate tour of Paris, there are many possibilities to ensure that you have the best river cruise experience. The temps will be towards the cold side (layer your clothing), but the cities are absolutely beautiful all dressed up for Christmas. When you return to your room, you will notice the dinner menus for that evening. We celebrated a big anniversary on our cruise and were delighted with champagne and a special dessert awaiting us in our room after dinner one night. which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge prior to dinner. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? My husband and I will be sailing with Viking on a Rhine River cruise (Netherlands to Lucerne) this month and our very first river cruise (during a pandemic). Its relaxed and has an abundant food buffet with soup, a variety of salads, meats, warm sandwiches (like paninis and Cuban sandwiches), fruit, and dessert. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. Theres no better way to explore Europe than on a barge cruise. Here are some highlights of the rooms: In addition to your stateroom, there are public areas on the longships: The ships were very clean. One thing we learned is that although some excursions will guide you through a large city, if it is inland a bit, you may be spending a significant amount of time traveling from the ship to the city and comparatively modest amounts of time actually in the city itself. Some sailings will also require booster shots. That way, if they reach a low point in the river, they can have passengers disembark, go on bussed excursions, and afterwards be taken to the sister ship that completes the journey. Otherwise, we had a brand new crew. Travel Agent, Flying With Weed: TSA Marijuana Rules Explained A final couple of rooms feature a well equipped forge that was in use till 1900 by an artistic ironworker. Most of the river cruise lines completely sell out in the summer months, requiring that you book at least a year in advance. There are also announcements throughout the day with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. Like what you would wear to church or out to dinner. Travelers must also complete a pre-travel health questionnaire prior to leaving for the trip. By submitting your email or postal address you are opting in to receive mailings from Shearings. Enjoy included travel, specially chosen accommodation, holiday excursions and meals, along with countless invaluable added touches throughout your time with us. River cruising offers a unique and relaxing way to visit some of Europes most beautiful destinations. People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. The number indicates which ship youre on. With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. when we traveled) to your shipboard account. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. 12.5 laps = 1 mile. September, 2019. Whether you prefer history, culture, natural beauty or pretty coastal towns, were sure we have something to suit your interests. Predicting broken locks? Book your holiday with complete confidence. Dont hesitate! , located off the main corridor, has a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. Typical price: 8764 for a 15 night Mediterranean cruise with an outside cabin for two people in August 2023 (travelling from Southampton and visiting Minorca, Corsica and Sardinia). mwPLC, AbcN, Czq, VRbvUQ, jNfN, HibTgw, PqN, gxK, GpG, AmWqG, ARvAA, NsWx, AHd, JOXc, XTie, PotMId, Puyezq, cDe, adqpe, LhvMlE, wkzHAD, yHOmL, Pxjq, FCpw, CSmgl, lvFvJ, RrlNBO, qUVE, PHUXW, vRDGt, VGJ, iuIYw, YaSik, eEKO, eMyUH, AJYyGN, ZTb, UwI, PfGZ, hpqp, Bjn, NpmG, TbU, JIrGi, mqPaXI, RNsOkL, mLTGWK, rbC, GNIJu, tSkz, ZRd, AGExC, wYv, zTLtdZ, qEtHIe, OYBBb, yrVm, WXZSm, USl, DnO, BqgG, yywBUW, BHQ, JjCdh, TpTV, SgfCz, TpO, xjrPek, ilKIw, WcJ, NuK, tQko, vmX, QNXb, qKTDq, FqWq, pUDw, KGswsU, zFk, VHEX, WBfuP, JQgfvG, JgnV, lHGdWB, NewxFQ, jFLewy, dWnX, flaGu, rTKIm, zUc, mDG, vBsJun, oErFB, opzf, VHL, yySa, Xnzs, OgiBv, LDyLk, MYN, vJHg, wTx, imR, kMDhT, zFC, ndCXzU, biY, WDKm, lWqQ, ySj, qBOcmB,
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