This. Your email address will not be published. Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you dont forget your valuables. The tips cover all onboard staff. Crewsgirl, no, you don't need an adapter on the ship, but if you have one with you, you can utilize the 220 outlets as well, if needed. bring a trailer american cars; stone and log cabin homes . Thanks!! 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. Weve got to get you back into cruising, Janice! The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. CC Help Jenn We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. Was our first Viking cruise, so we used your article as a guide. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. Everything was as you said food, service, boat, amenities, all topnotch. Some travelers prefer to book through Viking itself. The Quietvox listening devices charger is plugged into a 220 outlet on the counter across from the bed. . There is a light buffet available in the Lounge around midday, so youll be able to recharge a bit before the cruise begins a nice treat if you just got off a long flight. Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. 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. There was a broken lock near Regensburg, about halfway between the two big cities. viking cruise ship electrical outlets. . Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. There is precise timing to docking and excursions. 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. If you think you may be tempted to bring snacks back to the ship from a cruise excursion, do remember to pack a few Ziploc bags. Just be sure to unplug when not in use. Have fun whatever you decide to do! Also located off the main corridor are a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. Up to you. Hi David, it sounds like youre gearing up for a great adventure! The crew actually collapses the awnings, chairs, and tables and the ships bridge recedes into the ship all to reduce the ships height. (located by the entry door) to power the cabin's electrical outlets and lights. Cheers! Has anyone dealt with thus recently? and special treats made nice surprises. The crew communicates with each other quite well. Thank you for your informative article! All guests left the ship for excursions (the times of the excursions were modified that day so they would all be timed for the same number of hours). Yes, I believe there is one. 150 square foot stateroom with picture window (no outdoor space), 135 square foot stateroom with French balcony (sliding glass door with no outdoor space), located on the Upper Deck and Middle Deck, 205 square foot room with full-size private veranda, 275 square foot suite with full-size private veranda, mini-bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks that are replenished daily, complimentary laundry & shoe shine services. Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. (When we were in Europe a few years ago, we received texts of some demonstrations in town and were given their locations and advised to stay away. I'm sure you won't need to plug everything in at the same time, and I'm also sure that if you leave some of those devices at home you'll have a better time on your cruise. All the best. Youll find beach towels near the pool areas and also in bins by the security exit before disembarking. For a 14-night cruise, the cost is $279.30 USD p.p. You will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. If sharing a stateroom, both guests must pay for the package. I dont want to waste any precious time in Amsterdam because this may be the last time we see it. Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. Viking says they are NOT allowed, but no one will confiscate. Whether you plan to be swimming onboard or taking an excursion that brings you to a beach, you wont need to bring beach towels from home. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. We are not interested in spending a lot of time on buses. In addition, some people research other (non-Viking) tour options in advance of their cruise and book a personal or small-group tour to suit their specific interests on their own. I hope you have a wonderful time! We received great overviews of a place with the large group tours, but what we remember most were the unique experiences that came from the optional experiences. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable but nice slacks and a blouse will be absolutely fine. The sizes of the ships are designed specifically for the rivers they ply (e.g., they need to navigate the sometimes narrow waterways and any locks along the way). 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. Thank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. All outlets are. Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. If you dont live in the U.S., Im sure other governments have similar programs for travelers. 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. We always travel with a small multi-plug electical cord. 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. Every ocean (or river ship) weve ever been on has had a hairdryer tucked in a drawer or closet (although you often have to search for them). The ships are designed for this to have travelers walk through the common spaces. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! Were planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. . Royal Princess desk with power sockets. That's where you'll need to use your hairstyling tools. In addition to cocktails, there were some very nice premium wine options aboard Viking, and we had fun trying ones that were new to us. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I cant wait. Power strips increasingly also have USB sockets. Also, the onboard staff and the local guides speak English well. Staterooms also include shampoo and conditioner. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) I am thinking this will work as it swivels to accommodate the location of the plug and has 2 USB ports as well. 3 PM stateroom access. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: 220V power is most common; some ships also have 110V outlets. 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). They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. Yes. at embarkation and may be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Ship's Security Officer. Plenty of covered space protects guests from the harsh summer sun. 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). O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. Rosetta. With all that said, my husband and I did opt for the Silver Spirits package. Hi. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. and one US 110V socket on each side of the bed; there are no UK 3 pin sockets. Using ATMs machines? About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. Hi Daisy, you have the choice of going on the included or an optional excursion or exploring on your own. Usually there is an electrical outlet by the "desk" or vanity. She is also the goddess of consolation and brings comfort and solace to those who grieve, kissing away their tears. Many cruise lines have banned bringing power strips on cruise ships due to the chance that the surge protector will overload the circuit and cause potential electrical damage or fires. Overview. Irene. 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. For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? The hairdryer is not in the bathroom, but in the bedroom, in a drawer under the counter where the outlets are. For example, this was the information for the Viking Star, which shows mini-bars in every category of stateroom: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-star.html We found the onboard communication to be excellent. Im going on a Viking River Cruise (Paris-Normandy). If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. Especially your tips on dinner were helpful I will pack his blazer. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. When this happens, the cruise ship parks parallel to another cruise ship. And finally the umbrella. Ive not taken a Viking optional tour that I didnt like, but I will say that there are passengers who also book tours independent of Viking due to a keen interest in something and the personal or small-group experience that is available with independent tour guides. Next time I will ask for the extra pillow to be removed. And Im so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. We will definitely be using it in the years to come. 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). Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. We liked exploring on our own after getting the lay of the land from the morning tour guide. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. There are also USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablet so all you need to bring are the cables. Radgrid was one of the legendary horse-riding Valkyries, the handmaidens of Odin, the father of the gods. Im bring my hair styling tool and want to plug it in to 110v in the bathroom. 2. I will also ask for a lighter bed cover. So glad I discovered your very informative account of the Viking River Cruise! Were doing the Rhine Getaway, Amsterdam to Basel in early Oct, but havent actually booked yet! How exciting! A few weeks prior to your departure, Viking will send stickers for you to wear at the airport when you land, so they can identify you as a Viking guest. We also took along some thank you cards and put in some extra cash to give to those we felt went above and beyond during our cruise. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. Having said this, there are often opportunities to book optional excursions once you board the ship. Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. On each of the two ships we were on, there was a duo in the evening that included a vocalist and a pianist. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. More to come below but also read my list of essential Cruise Hacks, for both sea and ocean voyages: Cruise Hacks: Packing and Other Cruise Tips, Norwegian Waffle at Mamsens (Credit: Jerome Levine). To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. An easy way to begin a conversation is to ask where people are from, about their past travel experiences, and what excursions interest them the most. How exciting! Thank you for your time. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. I would suggest he bring one pair of khakis. Hi Kathleen, For individual tours and dinner reservations, Id let the provider (tour company, restaurant) know what day youll be coming into port. . Shampoo and conditioner have to be packed extra carefully when youre flying because these liquids can easily leak onto your belongings and are subject to TSA 3-1-1 rules if you bring them in a carry-on. Hi Karen, you will have the freedom to wander on your own in the evenings in some locations. Weve found there are a lot of commonalities as well as interesting folks to meet. To the best of my knowledge, every stateroom has a mini-bar. The crew communicates with each other quite well. That was just one of the optional tours we enjoyed and still talk about. The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. Have a wonderful cruise next year! As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) If you go to the Viking website and look for Viking Tir it'll tell you what is in each cabin type. will visit your room in the morning to clean it. Spacious suites, locally-inspired gourmet cuisine and features like SeaSpa . Super post, Irene. Each time you enter the dining room, you find a table that you want to sit at. Viking has thought of that, too. I definitely overpackedshoes and clothes. Hope this helps. Thanks to her guidance, we learn how to honor our dead, and integrate their love and . The one exception was the program director, who made the move with us. Plus you can expect some special cooking and craft demonstrations, wine tastings, and presentations about a destinations special features. 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. . Our preferred day at a town where we were docked included a morning walking tour (an included excursion) to get the lay of the land. Irene, No pets or other animals are allowed on board the ship, other than service animals and certified therapy dogs as Viking may choose to permit at its sole discretion. For additional information, see the Viking FAQs. One thing I think I discovered was that the iPad pulls a heavy load to recharge and might not do well plugged into the power strip while other stuff is also charging. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Unless you are wed to a particular product, there is no need to bring shampoo or conditioner onboard with you. 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. And the small umbrellas! People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. expansive 445 square foot living space (separate living room and bedroom) with wraparound balcony at the stern of the ship plus a French balcony in the bedroom. The only exception to the no-adapter rule below: Make sure you bring European-style adapters for the plugs, and that the hair tools can run on 220V current (for use near the makeup table in your cabin). (This is handy because you might encounter tour groups from other Viking ships that are docked in the same city at the same time.) The longships have both American 110v and Euro 220v service and outlets. Thank you!! I just received my cruise documents and read through them and was quite upset when I read that I could not bring my hair straightener on board. The Silver Spirits option is offered at a fixed price per guest and spans the entire length of the trip. (Its not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.). So it comes down to how much and what kind of beverages youre likely to consume each day. The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. There was one set of outlets on either side of the bed and another set at the desk near the TV. I am also taking that cruise. NW Ohio. 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. Also, dinner is served on the Aquavit Terrace; service begins 15 minutes after dinner service starts in the restaurant. Should. Power Adapter Type - Viking Cruises. Stairs connect all the decks plus theres an elevator to service the upper and middle decks. Have a wonderful cruise! Are there computers, or should I bring my laptop? Some guests preferred to stay in the Lounge and simply relax, read a book, or enjoy the view beyond the big plate glass window or take in the views from the sun deck. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? Leave the soap, body lotion, shower gel and shower cap at home as well. This is because some guests may have canceled their planned optional excursions prior to the cruise; so its a good practice to check on this and any other concerns once youre on board. Tech can make travel a whole lot easier. We also got a power strip with USB ports for all our stuff. Youll be glad you did! Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. There were a few days when we arrived at our port later than planned and had much less time to explore the city. 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. excursion card with a number and a letter. Radgrid's name translates into "truce of counsel," suggesting her great power in determining . In the theatre it can be arctic. Thank you all for your notes that you had no problems bringing them on board. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own. The dress code on Viking Ocean Cruises is very relaxed. Another question- my husband is thinking about bringing jeans to wear to dinner, but I thought I read that jeans are frowned upon for dinner. The cost for the Viking Silver drinks package is $19.95 USD per night per guest. What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. Maybe we will run into each other. Radgrid - A Valkyrie. Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that . There are so many choices of destinations and lengths of the trip. We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. Youll find Viking river cruises all through Europe as well as in Egypt and Southeast Asia. Viking Ocean Cruises provides lovely Freyja shampoo and conditioner (designed exclusively for Viking) in nice, easy-to-handle sizes (rather than mini-bottles). You either choose it for your cruise, or you dont no daily option. #2. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). Not everyone needs to go on excursions. No kids. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. The 110V electrical outlets (North American style) are located above the desk and on each side of the bed. Im sure you will have a wonderful cruise! The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers. Is that a crazy thing to say?! This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. I thought formal/dressy was the norm on all cruise ships! Enjoy! 18 days and counting:). We often take a few with us on tours for snacks on the bus. On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. 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. Yes, there have been changes to address public health safety, but Im betting they wont interfere with your overall enjoyment. There was a, . In the summer it can be really hot and sweaty feet even in sandals can cause blisters. 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. NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. They will text you with any security issues you should be aware of while youre away. Thanks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The letter indicates which excursion group youre on. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. That's where you'll need to use your hairstyling tools. Cruising is a social experience as you chat with fellow passengers on excursions, at the social hour before dinner in the Lounge, and at meals. Even with that information, as you mentioned,dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks. Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons dont use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag). Servers take your drink orders (sodas, beer, wine) and freshen up your glass when it is empty. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. Did you bring euros or use credit card? Youll receive an excursion card with a number and a letter. We are planning to do 12 days in a carry-on bag only, so no way could I do it without downloading all the info. During the day on excursions, travelers dress very comfortably as they leave the ship to explore a destination. That way, Viking could clean the staterooms and ready the ship for the passengers boarding later that day for the next cruise. On the ship, you only need the ID, which you can tuck into a pocket. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially in heavyweights like Vienna and Budapest. Once onboard, youll be given more specific times, so youll be able to fine-tune your plans. Scenic Tours: 220 V and international power adaptors required. (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). Serious question..how to get coffee in the morning without getting dressed??? Prior to dinner, the chef usually introduces the options including his/her recommendations. No, I havent been on a Midnight Sun cruise but this article I recently wrote for Forbes.com may offer some general advice that could be helpful: https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/2018/05/01/7-packing-tips-to-make-your-european-river-cruise-hassle-free/#43a857661797. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! Guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay. most electronics or travel stores. Viking collected the luggage (with different colored tags for the three different floors of the ship) and trucked it to where the Modi, our new ship, was docked. Power Adapter Type - Holland America Line. Throw your clothes in a washer when you leave for dinner, then in the dryer afterward. 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. Theres a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). We chose a French Balcony room. Have fun! June 12, 2022 . All longships include both 110V and 220V electrical outlets, as well as hair dryers. We cant say enough about how well-run and maintained the ships are. (Im trying to save you room in your luggage!) Regsrding snacks you forgot to mention that you do not need room service as each room comes with a bar fridge and that snacks like the delicious home baked cookies are readily available ftim the World Cafe. Since it will be November, and Im also afraid of open heights weve opted for the French balcony room. My hair is unruly amplified. Enjoy your cruise! Congrats on your 50th! Required fields are marked *. In addition, theres a walking trail, a shuffleboard, and a putting green. Good luck! Youd need to factor in picking up and dropping off the rental cars and then driving to and from your planned destinations. Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once youre on the ship. For example, we arrived in Cologne at 9:30 am and our walking tour began at 10:00 am. Thats where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the Top of Cologne optional tour. On Carnival's web site, you can see that they specifically note the following. Not too many passengers use them but its light enough to take along in case you want to:-) the only use would be getting on and off the ship. Straightening or curling irons are another story. 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. This taught me to take pictures when I first see a scenic sight just in case I wouldnt have the opportunity again. By We are on a Viking rive4 cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in April 2023. I like a foam pillow so I asked for one on my Bermuda cruise with Viking. The letter indicates which excursion group youre on. 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.
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