are there laundry facilities on viking river cruises

You should also alert the Maitre d once on board. Is this allowed? My sister is taking her first river cruise in March and I found this site while trying to find info for her. Some people book two cruises back-to-back to extend their vacation. Theres a mix of traveling overnight (almost all of the time) and during the morning/afternoon/evening (some of the time). If you arrive before your guaranteed time of 3:00 pm, you can spend time in the Lounge or leave your luggage on the ship and begin to explore the city on your own. Some companies may take space from common areas to put into spas and fitness centers; others, like Viking, use all that available space for staterooms and common areas.). One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. Some other Viking guests enjoyed their visits to the thermal baths, but we opted to do our own thing with the parliament tour and walks to areas recommended by our local tour guide (from the walking tour). WebThere is no charge for the laundry facilities and laundry soap is included in all washers. In the morning we would stuff the bag with dirty clothes, fill out the form and leave for the cabin attendant. We went on the Viking excursions (with local guides) and did not book any local guides directly. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. We had grown to like the crew on the Skirnir, but we quickly came to like the new ones as well. Laundry I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. The Viking Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest was such a great experience one well never forget. We are taking the Grand European cruise, B-A, in late September 2022. Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key. Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, Once you book a Viking river cruise, take the next steps to ensure an amazing experience, Best Sights to See on Vikings Grand European Tour, Viking Antarctica Cruise: The Complete Guide for Adventurers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, Best Sights to See on the Viking Grand European Tour River Cruise, The Best Apps and Websites for Savvy Travelers, Viking Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking Your Cruise. She was well attired for 14 days! Were planning on a dinner in a town, tour of some beer gardens and lunch in Heidelberg, and just walking around. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. We didnt regret our decision. Europe Laundry List; China Laundry List; Russia Laundry List; Vietnam Laundry List Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? The friends we cruise with have used it and say it is good and turnaround is quick. Becki And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. She dies from sadness after her lover Helgi is slain by her brother Dagr, and is later reborn as a Valkyrie herself. There are no laundry services or facilities offered onboard any of CroisiEuropes ships. Theres also no guest laundry on board, and this is also true of other AmaWaterways haslaundry services available onboard for a fee. WebUse down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link And Im so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. Your descriptions of the change of ship due to the broken lock and of docking side by side with other ships were reassuring. Hi, Considering the Silver Spirits package. Their itineraries are made specifically for a younger audience and include fun theme nights in stylish lounges, active day excursions like hiking and biking, and nightly pub crawls in Europes hottest bars. Is there plenty of space for passengers indoors in the common areas, if the outdoors are too cold or rainy? Youll find Viking river cruises all through Europe as well as in Egypt and Southeast Asia. Weve chosen a mix of the included tours and the custom days, avoided any places to which weve already travelled and have added in the extensions to both ends, hoping to see friends in Amsterdam. and special treats made nice surprises. WiFi: Which River Cruise Companies Include It Hi Theo, you shouldnt have any problems meeting up with your friends in either Bamburg or Wurzburg while on the cruise. On our ships, there were separate newspaper versions for Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. Theres always iced tea often with different flavors every day. It makes me happy when I can help others get more comfortable with and enjoy their travels. But, what else would we spend money on? In addition, there are quite a few optional excursions available at an extra cost. One tip we learned is to put a shoe (just one!) Weve had no regrets. 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. Re renting a car to go to a specific place Viking tours dont include: Is Uber possible in the cities Viking goes to? As mentioned throughout the comments, thank you so much for such insightful and helpful information! Thank you so much for this detailed account. These are typically large-group bus or walking tours of a city that provide a nice overview of a place. I wonder if you have any thoughts on us meeting up with friends from Stuttgart. One of those steps is to create an online account with Viking. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously, this is an efficient way to find which tour guide to meet as you disembark the ship. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your Viking cruise next year! Its best to check availability online or ask Viking for the cities youll be visiting. River Cruise Basics: Laundry Onboard Viking ships all sport calming Scandinavian decor and are designed efficiently. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise. Wash and press services are available on all ships for American Cruise Lines. 12.5 laps = 1 mile. Your email address will not be published. Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride. We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. We noticed that the crew was cleaning the common areas early in the morning, as soon as we left for excursions, and in our rooms while guests were enjoying dinner. the classics included Caesar salad as a starter; steak, salmon, and chicken as entrees, and Creme Brle, a selection of cheeses, a fruit plate, and ice cream for dessert. Bon voyage! When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. Thanks. 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. Your email address will not be published. Pieces were back in a few hours. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously. River cruises are designed for the mature traveler as Viking guests must be 18 years old. For a walking tour (directly from the ship), some passengers go on the tour to learn about the destination and then spend the rest of the day shopping, enjoying a meal, or just wandering around. Here are a few things to think about when considering Vikings Silver Spirits package. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. That gives my husband and me plenty of money for tipping the local guides and bus drivers as well as Viking staff before we leave. Is there We were very happy with laundry service on Viking and prices were reasonable. Pieces were back in a few hours. Self Service Laundry Room On Viking Ocean Cruise Ship Orion ? Youll be glad you did! Not used it before (indeed didn't think there were onboard facilities) but its mentioned in the info for our upcoming GET. 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). After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then were bussed to the new ship in the late afternoon. As you probably know, the package includes unlimited beverages when the bars are open. There was a mandatory safety drill on our first full day of the river cruise. This was true in Passau, a city of over 50,000, and especially, There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. One of the things I like about sailing with Viking is that they arent constantly trying to upsell you. Laundry services may be arranged through your Suite Attendant or your Butler. We are traveling with 8 other people. in the safe the day before you check out. They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. The recommended tipping (for each guest) on excursions is 2 Euros for local guides and 1 Euro for bus drivers. Go to the guest service desk and inquire about the excursions you want and if theyre fully booked, ask to be placed on a waitlist. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! What Kind of Laundry Service is Offered on a River Cruise? People are relaxed aboard Viking river cruises (no dressy occasions), and thats one thing people tend to enjoy about the experience. On both boats we used the laundry service. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. My husband and I use a major U.S. cellphone carrier that functions well in Europe. By Viking offers complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. In Asia these services range from $2 per item to $5 per item; however, the list of what can be laundered or pressed is more limited on river cruises in Asia. TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. GREAT INFO. Our US-based cell phone service does not work outside of the US. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. Some river cruise companies do have those facilities, but Viking Longships dont have those. On our walk, we passed the Shoes Along the Danube (very moving) and other interesting sights. How early are they available to avoid the rush? 3. 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. Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. She was able to shop the Viking clothes closet, stocked with items left by previous passengers. My husband prefers to jog each morning, and he was able to when we were docked in the early morning before excursions began. To accomplish this, passengers pack up the night before the transfer, and while out on excursions, their luggage is transferred to the other ship. When you return to the ship, you scan it again. in staterooms, so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. 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. My husband had been to a number of these cities on business and wanted me to visit them too, and this makes it sound easy. A good idea if youre a runner is to check with the reception desk to map out when there will be time in the morning to leave the ship for a jog or run before excursions begin. It is a quick way to catch up on national and international news as well as to get financial market and sports updates. Likewise, when the ship is ready to leave, it leaves as long as all the guests are accounted for. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. We have taken two Viking River Cruises, Bucharest to Amsterdam (21 days in 2019) and Basel to Amsterdam (7 days in 2021). a flat-screen TV with infotainment options. This includes the Viking Daily which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before dinner. us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. NOTE: This article was completely updated in January 2023 from the original article, written in 2019. Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. 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. The excursions provide guests with an array of experiences including peeks into how locals live, how and where they work, and also some privileged access options just for Viking guests. The crew communicates with each other quite well. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words. It would be more like smart casual (so no worn jeans and flip-flops, for example). Viking doesnt allow children on board. We had no problems or complaints. Were planning a Viking river cruise May 2022. It sounds like you have a wonderful journey coming up this summer, Rosetta! when we traveled) to your shipboard account. Would there be any issue with booking an independent excursion for the days we will be in Prague or in the ports that we will be in overnight? Having the veranda offers you another personal space plus a nice perch (with chairs) from which to view the passing scenery during the time that the ship is sailing in daylight hours. There are other excursions that day that we could do. Just wondering if there is a regular daily schedule and of course we understand the change caused by water level, weather, etc. Thank you! Also, you can get Euros from bank ATMs after you land; there are probably some ATMS near your cruise embarkation site. I hope you have a wonderful time! Any comments on safety in cities? As much as Viking tries to stick to its anticipated docking times, some things like other ships waiting in line to go through locks, weather issues, and river levels are beyond its control. There is an extra charge for the Silver Spirits package for guests who want to enjoy premium wines and beer, cocktails, and champagnes. Have a wonderful cruise in September! Thats where you might find biking or hiking options, or as you mentioned, the Top of Cologne optional tour. Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. Viking River Cruises All Viking ships in Europe, Russia and Ukraine feature free WiFi. Hope this info helps you a bit! Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). Viking Octantis Viking River Cruise Is there any laundry facility available on the Viking Mars? Attire on a river cruise is casual. Do they charge for use? 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. WebStateroom size: 548 sq ft (includes Nordic balcony) Ocean-view two-room suite, 80% larger than junior suites, with private Nordic Balcony, private veranda, separate dining area for 4, additional storage and seating features, plus private access to Explorer Suites Garden. I am very intrigued by the Salzberg excursion but see that it is a 2 plus hour bus ride each way. Did some underwear, jeans and a golf shirt. Viking with information on docking and reminders about impending excursion departures. Viking has perfected hospitality on many levels. Indeed, very VERY helpfulespecially for first time river cruisers. Located off the main corridor, the library has books you may borrow while aboard as well as abridged newspapers that are prepared for Viking guests daily. I have a quick question that I wouldnt seem to find the answer online: We are thinking about renting a car at Koblenz and go to Nurburgring for a few hours and also at Speyer to go to Stuttgart for the day. As you leave the ship, youll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning. Our stateroom steward kept the room immaculate. More information on menu choices is below under Meals. 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. On our cruise, some guests had to put their luggage outside their staterooms as early as 2:45 am and leave the ship at 3:30 am to go to the airport. As you know, Viking offers an included excursion in each port. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. The hotel manager was great and the program director was a literal Energizer Bunny. That way, youll have current informationand be able to talk to people in the know to see if your plans will work. Im sorry I cant give you a more definitive answer, but so much depends on conditions at the time you board and what the staff recommends. 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. There is a fee for this service. Hi Pat, Theres a good chance that some optional excursions will be available once you board the ship even if theyre listed on MyVikingJourney as being sold out. They will text you with any security issues you should be aware of while youre away. Also, what shore excursions do you recommend while in Budapest? Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once youre on the ship. I just have one clarification about dressing for dinner mentioned in the article you read. Using ATMs machines? 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). If you send your clothes away to be professionally cleaned, the fees range from $1 for small items to be washed and pressed up to $20 or more for a three-piece suit to be dry cleaned. There is no self-service laundry. Before leaving a dock, there may be announcements asking for guests in certain rooms to let the staff know they are on the ship. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Haha. You make an excellent point, Julia. Heres our story. Hi Lolly, thank you for the great article and this really prepared us for our trip next week. Your comments are really appreciated. The ships are designed for this to have travelers walk through the common spaces. Learn how your comment data is processed. Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! Thank you. For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? Leave your dressier clothes at home; there are no formal nights on a Viking river cruise. Some areas also have other popular ride-share companies like Bolt in Europe. But thats not to say younger cruisers will feel out of place. It sounds like you are all set. Thank you for your informative article! At other times, like when gathered in the lounge before dinner, youll charge your wine, beer, or cocktails to your stateroom. Just make sure you are aware of the times the ship will leave the port so you dont miss its departure. 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 (like a broken lock) necessitating the change. Is there a retractable clothes line in the shower to accommodate hanging clothes. Its certainly a relaxing way to travel. The buses and tour guides for your group are each 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 took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. Required fields are marked *. WebThe modern and award winning river cruise ships are deployed among the most beautiful rivers in With Viking Cruises you will get a job that takes you places! Thanks!! We are going on the Grand European tour in October 2022. Hi. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection; Viking River Cruises such as spa and hair salon services, golf, excursions, laundry service or babysitting, were, and After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then. We love most of the optional excursions versus the included excursions but about how much do the optional ones cost? My first question is, without using the laundry service on board , do you have suggestions on washing items in your cabin? Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? Hi Catherine, Im glad the article was helpful. Also, for individualized tours try Tours by Locals (weve had EXCELLENT tours in many, many cities including Europe, India, Malaysia, Thailand), or AirBnBs tours. About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. Stairs connect all the decks plus theres an elevator to service the upper and middle decks. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! Does Viking get us into our room early or do we have to check our luggage with the hotel and wait until 3:00 PM? Needless to say, its handy to have small change for tipping. Viking is an industry leader for a variety of reasons including their choices of fascinating destinations, varied excursion options, attention to detail in designing the private and common spaces, and a welcoming and hard-working staff. Others get the package because they like having their drinks all inclusive without having to think about a bar tab. 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. 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). Im glad you found the article helpful. Thanks. Regarding local currency in Hungary, you can head to an ATM once youre there to get the amount of local cash you want. And whichever stateroom you choose, you will find it beautifully designed in the understated elegance for which Viking is known. We do indeed have new travel hiccups and challenges these days. Price lists are available on the Viking website in the FAQ. The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise - Travel with There are three activity levels for excursions: About 15 minutes before each excursion, there is an announcement to remind guests that it is almost time to leave and to remember the listening devices. 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. 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). You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. We dont even know if it is The Sound of Music heavy, and that is kindof why we are doing it. As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. Lolly just finished the Grand European tour a week ago (Budapest-Amsterdam). We chose a French Balcony room. Trying to guess the weather so we can narrow down what to pack. If you have taken a Viking river cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! O. met interesting people; visited fascinating places; sampled new foods, wines, and beer; and appreciated the convenience and gracious hospitality offered by Viking. Here are some examples from our cruise: Tipping is the universal way to thank someone for providing excellent service and you will find excellent service on Viking. Hi Linda, youre facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! Just in front of the Lounge to the bow of the ship is the Aquavit Terrace. As for the specifics about checking in to hotels and then embarkation timing, Id suggest you contact Viking directly (or your travel agent if you used one to book the trip). All the best. The coffee station is always available, although the baked goods tend to be gobbled up in the late afternoon. No kids. This practice continues through all the classes of staterooms with the standard staterooms getting the last optional booking options. Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. who made the move with us. The That worked well as we enjoyed some nice non-touristy lunches and other walks and tours on our own. As we arrived at the ship, we were warmly greeted, and we went to our rooms (which were intentionally left unlocked). We saw you comment about change for guides and such and credit cards with no foreign charges. Its relatively easy to dress up a pair of jeans a bit, so the overall look is elegant casual. Enjoy your cruise! Thank you!! Laundry on Viking - River Cruising - Cruise Critic Community For a complete list of action steps. I merely want to share our experience on a river cruise with my readers. WebSigrun - A Valkyrie. Theres an elevator onboard so its easy to travel from floor to floor if you dont want to use the stairs. Have a wonderful time! I hope you have a fabulous anniversary cruise! Wishing you good luck and a fantastic cruise! complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package, private arrival and departure transfer (from and to the airport). I borrowed some books from the ships library and left them on a table in our room. Also located off the main corridor are a couple of desktop computers that are always available for guest use. (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. You never know what youll learn or who youll meet! Viking ships are specially designed to navigate the worlds great rivers and provide convenient daily access to a plethora of destinations and experiences. 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. We took a universal travel adaptor with 4 USB plugs and 4 outlets and used just one outlet for all of our electronics (smartphones, camera, tablet, and Apple Watch). For handwashed garments, there is a clothesline in the shower. pontac, June 28, 2016 in River Cruising. 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.

Identify The Paradox On Page 330 Divergent, Articles A