My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. Collared shirts are always better. A selection of fine teas and a variety of coffees were available 24 hours a day, . Thanks for all this useful info. Hi Howard, Call Viking at 1 . Menu. Lots of helpful information in this forum. Thanks. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises, Best Cruise Purse for Evening Excursions and Onboard, the Best Anti Theft Handbags and Purses for Travel, best and most stylish fanny packs for travel here, A Complete Guide to the Best Anti-theft Travel Gear, mens travel jackets with hidden pockets here, Buying Guide to the Best Pickpocket Proof Clothing for Travel. We are taking one in Nov/Dec timeframe for the Christmas Markets and your articles are helping me preparing for them. Whether it be road trips across America, fly-drives to international destinations, or cruises on the mighty waters, I invite you to use Backroad Planets destination stories, travel guides, and planning resources to design your own adventures. For dinner, the menu has three components: (1) a local menu which is very specific to the part of the river that youre on with a starter, main course and a dessert, (2) youll then have an a la carte menu which changes every day and (3) you have classics like Caesar salad, steak and chicken breasts thats available every day. If you choose one of the evening excursions, you may want to pack something a little dressier. I am so happy that you will be doing the Rhine Getaway. They acted as naval vessels or boats which helped Vikings to explore new lands which resulted in massive Viking expansion over the years. Cost of laundry service on viking river cruises polar plunge 2023 bean blossom bluegrass festival 2023. housewives suck cock. Im Howard, a guy from Central Florida who believes taking scenic routes, scouting historical sites, and immersion in local flavor are the best ways to travel. What services and conveniences do you think are essential to river cruise travel? Glad you found our Viking river cruise articles to be of help. We will be on the Romatic Danube traveling from Nuremburg to Budapest and while we signed up for the daily included tours we did not elect to take any optional tours because we prefer to wander Europe on our own (we are not big on guided tours and are very active). If you would liketo combine the luxuries of an all-inclusive resort with travel to authentic scenic and historical destinations, then a Viking river cruise is your best bet! Suites on Viking cruise ships. Hi Bonnie! I am taking my first river cruise and its aboard one of Vikings long ships. If I could at least get undies washed while aboard I could save a lot of suitcase space. do viking longships have laundry facilities? Also, on this level you have a small library and a small computer area where you have a couple of computers, for people that have not brought their own laptops or tablets. There are suites, verandah Our wait staff were the people we got to know best because they were at our beck and call during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and every special event. All river cruises offer complimentary umbrellas on board as just one of the. Who doesnt like the element ofsurprise? Thanks! By clicking the subscribe button, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. The Viking Emerald has a small exercise room and sauna, and some of the river ships in Europe have exercise bikes onboard. Great Great Time. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at, Explore the World with Viking Expeditions: An Insiders Guide, The Viking Great Lakes Explorer: An Expedition Travelogue, Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue, 4 New Viking Mississippi River Cruise Routes Announced, Portugal in Panorama: A Viking River of Gold Annotated Photo Gallery, European Panoramas: A Viking Grand European Annotated Photo Gallery, Viking Ocean Cruises: A Guide for Planning a Voyage of a Lifetime, Viking Ocean Cruises to Norway & the UK: An Into the Midnight Sun Travelogue, 18 Reasons to Cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking Star, The Viking Sun Embarks on the Inaugural World Cruise. You should start a blog about all your incredible travels. (Not every cruise company will have this so you should check in advance if cruising with a different company). We have thought about going on the morning tours and then just staying in town, even if it means missing lunch, to wander on our own and take a taxi back to the ship before it leaves port. Some even transition beautifully from day to evening. The French balconies have floor-to-ceiling windows, but they dont have a separate balcony, but you do have great views and (of course) you can open the windows to get lots of fresh air. If you find you need more charging space for cameras, phones or even a laptop, we recommend bringing apower strip from your home country. Members of VantagesPresidents Club (achieved after three Vantage Vacations trips not necessarily river cruises) also receive a 20 laundry credit. If you book with a travel agent and later ring Viking with some general questions, sometimes the Viking office staff are happy to do so. Your soap may over suds in these washers and that could really make a mess. For optional excursions, I did the cheese factory tour in Kinderdijk because I had been there twice before. Both the washer and dryer work well. Disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links. I have not done the Tulips and Windmills cruise, so I cannot recommend excursions for the entire itinerary. travelmum, January 3, 2018 in Viking Ocean. Also, if a machine is out of service (one of the washers on Sky's 5th deck laundrette is out for the count - needing a part that must wait til our return to Miami), the Viking staff should put a sign on it noting its status. There is the lighter lunch here, and in the evenings, it has the same menu as the restaurant. They are free to use and soap is also provided for guests. To answer your questions (and I am all about simplicity when packing): Viking is a luxury cruise line, but very casual. My wife and I will be taking our first Viking Danube Waltz cruise from Passau to Budapest in May for our 35th anniversary. Howard, thanks for your insights. There is also a small shop on board should you require something urgently. Jerry and I just returned from a journey down the most ancient of backroads, on a 15-day Grand European river cruise through five countries on three rivers. These 7 Things Throw Norwegian Fjords Cruisers Every Time! Breakfast is a buffet and you have a station where eggs are cooked or omelettes are made, and you can also order things from the menus like pancakes or eggs benedict. How cool is it that two cruisers traveling on the same dates connected on Backroad Planet! Personal Quote Thanks! I think I photographed the current prices a few weeks ago. Cant say enough Wonderful Comments about VIKING River Cruise!!! Viking . On Viking's traditional ocean ships, there are 47 suites broken . We are considering a river cruise with our son, daughter in law and granddaughter who is middle school age. Depending on your stateroom category, laundry services, including pressing, may be complimentary. All of them were easygoing affairs, but also great fun! They are much more comfortable to wear for long periods and produce better sound. Thoughtfully engineered to get you closer to your destination, they provide unprecedented levels of comfort, including spacious staterooms with full-size verandas, the largest suites on Europes rivers and the most al fresco dining. Remember that tip! Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," the fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian . Kim & David. where is gabriella quevedo now benefits of 8 mukhi rudraksha do viking longships have laundry facilities? If stability is an issue, perhaps an accessible stateroom would be a better choice. Will my husband need a sport coat? We envy you, and please give us an update of your trip when you return. An elevator connects the middle and upper deck. Pavlus Travel has deals on Viking River Cruises up to free airfares and onboard spending up to $1,000 for your Europe River Cruise. Viking river cruise amenities are designed to pamper passengers with the ultimate in creature comforts. Its also a place where people will come out if youre going through locks. I am sure they have taxis and probably Uber and/or Lyft, as well. do viking longships have laundry facilities? Required fields are marked *. Your information soothed some of our fears, since my husband has very high expectations. The machines are a lot simpler to use. Hi Pat! Hugs! Layering is the best way to combat changeable conditions when travelling even from morning to night or when transiting in airports. whoever theyare . My husband and I did Paris and the Heart of Normandy as our first Viking cruise in 2013. You will need to plan for how long you are away taking into consideration clothing, medications and toiletries. Hi Sandy! Unfortunately, because I have not yet embarked on this cruise, I cannot offer any excursion recommendations. Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long, the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe's rivers. One thing we love about Viking River Cruise vessels is the ample storage in the cabins. Home | Cruises | River Cruises | Top 11 Viking River Cruise Ship Amenities. This post highlights some of the many ways Viking River Cruises go above and beyond to provide their passengers the best in comfort and convenience. Tour our stylish ships, designed with understated elegance and comfort in mind. together, they equal a queen at best, certainly not a king size. See you soon! First of all, like all river cruising ships, there is no medical centre. Right -my count was wrong. Dont forget to carry some hand sanitiser with you. Another good reason to always carry a lightweight travel scarf. The debut of new longships marks one of. Price lists are available in your stateroom. So sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing, Cabell. Safe travels and bon voyage! There's a sturdy clothes line in the shower. The best luggage for a river cruise is sturdy, easy to manoeuvre through airports and easy to stow under the bed once you have unpacked on board. Please tell us all about your travels when you return! Suitable for narrow rivers and choppy seas, yet light enough for carrying across land, the innovative and versatile design of the longship . I cant believe I stumbled upon this blog. See our top five best womens travel pants that are stylish, comfortable and versatile perfect for river cruising. If you are cruising in the shoulder seasons or taking a winter river cruise such as a Christmas market river cruise, you may want to prepare for cold and wet weather. Save the space in your bag. Also, on this level you have the reception area with guest services and a small shop which sells a wide range of Viking branded merchandise and other things related to Viking or the cruise or the country that youre sailing through. Thank you! I appreciate the packing, photos, meals and everything else tips! For those who are onboard right now, they should be able to tell you. Are there Laundry Facilities on Board There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. Viking stateroom baths are stocked with the fragrance of fresh. Howard, I was wondering if you or any of your readers have insight into the availability of Taxis at the Cruise docks in Basel, Switzerland. One of my sea day activites will be ironing. that its the little things that count. Totes Womens Reversible, Packable Travel Rain Poncho. There are seven (7) Veranda Suites on each of the Viking River Cruises Longships. These have balconies which you can sit out on, slightly smaller cabin than the Verandah Suites. We leave for our first VRC, the Grand European in April 23 with pre in Amsterdam and post to Prague. Telling me to select a program and only give me some icon that merely hints at what it means - if you only had the magic decoder ring along with what other controls (water temp etc) are enabled or disabled based on your program selection - would be most appreciated. But yes, there is a self serve laundry on decks 3, 4, 5 and 6. You can highlight this with one or two pastels or brighter accent colours depending on your style. We are beyond excited as this is our first trip to Europe! So glad I found your site. Shoes take up the most room in our luggage and can sometimes add the most weight. On Viking River Cruises, there is no need to bring basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, or body lotion. As always, Jerry and Ilove hearing from our readers. These dont have floor-to-ceiling windows because part of these cabins is underneath the water level. Image Credit: Joyce Hill, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons. do viking longships have laundry facilities?what has scott morrison done for australia. I have really enjoyed reading your insights and your answers to commentors remarks and questions. Lets talk about some of the things that you will not find onboard a Viking Longship. I highly recommend that you take the Top of Cologne optional excursion, that takes you to rarely seen rooms in the Dom and offers incredible views of the cathedral, city, and river. I am so sorry that I cannot provide any information about car rentals in Basel, other than I know that car rentals are always more expensive at airports. On Viking there is no fitness centre, no spa, no hairdressers. A mischievous waiter snuck us out some cookies the first night, but after that we learned to grab a stash after lunch to carry to our cabin for later. They also come in different sizes depending on your requirement. Perfect for cruises. You advice would be appreciated. Hi my husband and I also did the Grand European Tour in August 2014 and agree with every word which the writer has eloquently written. The frontpage of eachViking Daily featuresa detailed schedule of the nextdays activities, whilethe remaining three pages provide history and background of daily destinations, cultural mini-lessons,local fast facts, and additional things to see and do while in port. We had an ExplorerSociety cocktail party, then a special Canada Day gathering, a4th of Julycelebration, aTaste of Austria dinner (where the crew pulled out all the stops), and several other events. Enjoy your Viking Rhine Getaway! Best of all, they are in good sized bottles (not those tiny hotel-style bottles) and are replenished daily or as you need. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Twist a couple of dials, select second rinse, press start. And please dont forget the Fabulous Staff in Woodland Hills, CA that assist you in planning and experienced suggestions for extra happenings and tours. . I cant wait for the fun to begin and have all the attention that is promised. Inspiration and ideas for lovers of travel, through slow travel and iconic journeys. The Viking Longships take 190 passengers and they have around about 45 crew. my only wish is that the tiny beds were at least the true twin size, not more narrow, hard to sleep. Im not going to tell him of what you wrote, this way he can be pleasantly surprised. They also are more forgiving if you do overpack a little or pick up one too many souvenirs on your trip. You will be doing aconsiderable amount of walking and even some easy to moderate hikes on some excursions. Because Viking river cruises are more intimate with only 190 passengers, you will make lots of friends who will welcome you to join them on excursions and during cocktail hours. whole length of the Longship. You may want to increase some clothing items depending on the type and duration of the cruise. You are guaranteed a spot on included tours, so no need to worry about missing out on those. So glad to help with the tips. You can modify your excursions once you are onboard, if needed. Its a really popular place to eat especially if the weathers great. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Web Stories, 20142023 Vagrants Of The World Travel | Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blogs author and/or owner is strictly prohibited | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. The Sun Deck is a great place to hang out, even if youre in port, and a lot of people go and sit out there have a drink and just soak in the whole atmosphere of the port. Tell us all about it? There are a couple of cabins on board which are designed for people with accessibility Sylvia. For some reason we never got around to samplingthe complimentary wine, probably because there were so many other beverage options, but the fruit was another story. I can, however, comment on the cheese and windmill tours because I have ported at Kinderdijk three times. Hi! You might want to try the print feature in the left toolbar so your hand does not get tired! They had been there all along doing their sweepingand dusting and polishing and sanitizing while passengers slept until our ship sparkled like new. Forsake Phil Chukka Mens Casual Leather Mid-Top, Johnston & Murphy Woven Slip-on Sneaker Shoe. 1 Dressier pant/skirt/dress for special evenings. Its also where all the entertainment takes place, like if local entertainers have been brought on Thank you, Debbie! Weve rounded up the Best Luggage Trackers and Smart Tags to help you find lost luggage fast. Loved the pictures as well as the descriptions of daily life on the Viking vessel. We saw both the twin and full size stateroom accommodations on our longship, but our beds were very comfortable and we had no problem sleeping. If you have. We did not send out laundry, although it was available. Appreciate the responses. If cruising in the warmer months dont get caught without sun protection. Learn how your comment data is processed. Here is the text regarding onboard dress from the Viking FAQ page: Dress during the day is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), trousers or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. 1 pair of dressy shoes for special evenings. Travelon Addison-Anti-Theft-Convertible Crossbody/Belt Bag, Travelon Origin Anti-Theft Waistpack/Sling Bag treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology. Viking must believe that adagebecause they major in minors so well. The design principles that led to the Viking longship can be traced back to the . How much is laundry service for those of us who would rather not do our own? Bon voyage! Just an example of Vikings ongoing TLC. I wear mostly cotton and linen so a trip to the self service laundry will work just fine for me. Thanks for the advice. Its our very first river cruise and would like to know if Paris & The Heart of Normandy is a good choice as a first river cruise. In-room irons are a huge no-no for the fire hazard they present. . Without question, the onboard coffee and cookie station was a regular hangout of ours. and getting us even more excited about our trip! An elevator connects the middle and upper deck.. Grand Circle offers a paid laundry service on all of its vessels. Never miss a post by signing up below and every new post will be sent direct to you. Weve gone on two Viking River Cruises . There are no formal nights and recommended evening dress is elegant casual such as a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse for ladies; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. Hope this helps, and enjoy your cruise! We have not taken the Viking Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, but it sounds like a perfect choice for a first cruise. Sinks are usually large enough to hand-wash items and most shower stalls include a retractable clothesline. Hi Mary! On a few rivers in Euro. Actually, the Viking Homelands cruise is an ocean cruise, not a river cruise. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago. A brightly coloured scarf, shawl or jacket will give you additional options for each combination and can be used to dress up any outfit. On a river cruise, you will be launching straight into tours and excursions; there would be nothing worse than trying to squeeze swollen feet into shoes for a walking tour. My question relates to the dress requirements on board. Unless of course, you need a specific product. Shhh . Weve been to great locations in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, but this is our first European adventure. Viking is also a travel agency, and we have found great airfares booking directly. Thank you so much! . From the moment we boarded our longship, the Viking Mimir, to the time we said ourgoodbyes, Viking Cruises never wavered in giving usthe ultimate royal treatment. Indeed, the Viking Age, from A.D. 800-1100, was the age of the sleek, speedy longship. Hi Sylvia! Your trip sounds amazing! Some of the people I met on Viking cruises remain my friends to this day. Anatomie Skyler Travel Pant (use code GET15OFF for 15% off your order). I hope we will book more!! As I recalleven though I dont use themrobes and slippers have always been in my stateroom closet. Swimsuit if the itinerary or excursions call for it. Let me assure you that it will be everything you have dreamed it will be and so much more. They are also good if visiting dusty areas for covering your face. . On board our Viking longship there werealways treats appearing when we least expected them. We are heading on the same Viking Cruise tomorrow, although we go from Budapest to Amsterdam. With their innovative patented design, al fresco Aquavit Terrace and understated elegance, Viking Longships provide the most rewarding way to explore Europe. A common question for first-time river cruisers is how to pack for a cruise? Yes, indeed, Viking does provide guests robes and slippers. Washers, dryers, soap, ironing boards. Viking literally and figuratively rolled out the red carpet for us. If the self-serve laundry facilities get overused it sounds like ship service might be the way to go. ft. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration) Full-size veranda off the spacious living room Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom Related: 10 Travel Safety Tips to Put in Place Before You Go. A year in advance or closer to date of cruise? Viking also offers smaller versions of its Longships that have fewer balcony cabins, as well as a few different types of river ships with varying numbers of balcony cabins. Not the low power dryers permanently attached to the wall as you find in many hotels. I looked at it for a second and saw that there was a hole cut in the top and a hose that went from the bucket to the soap dispensers. I suggest that you examine each of your daily options on My Viking Journey to make a plan for each day. A hard suitcase is ok; just make sure it is not so big you have trouble sliding it under the bed as there is limited space inside the cabin. If your medication appears on a banned medications list for that country, ensure you have the appropriate paperwork and approvals before leaving home. You will LOVE the Grand European! EASY. . There is a fee for this service. Watch Video The Original Longships Delve into the past for a look into the art of building a Viking longship. Delve into the past for a look into the art of building a Viking longship. We were guests of Viking Cruises, but the pleasure of shipboard amenities was all ours. No worries thkugh--the steam in the shower in our cabin has been more than adequate in getting wrinkles to fall out of clothing. The suite choices on Viking ships also are relatively easy to understand. If this is your first time, you definitely dont want to miss touring the windmills at this UNESCO site. Bear in mind on river cruise ships, and this is true also on Viking, the cabins are pretty small because you dont have a huge amount of space. . We too are on the Star on deck 3 and our machines are different. ), Hair straightener or curler if you use one You DO NOT NEED a hairdryer. . I am glad you found the photography tips helpful. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. I have been on three Viking cruises since then. Thank you for the cruise tips, since I am a photography hobbyist, I noticed your tips for bringing long lens and taking pictures as soon as possible, in case the ship moves during a tour. Also, for optional excursions, which excursion that you would recommend or point to a site that allows us to research for a more informed decision. Fully developed examples have been found dating from 300 bce. Sometimes these treats appeared in our stateroom in the form of chocolates or flowers. And gives prices. Some may resort to using the shower onboard or the sink--something more common for travelers using youth hostels than a high priced river cruise. While many consider cruising to be quite a relaxed or even sedentaryway to travel, river cruises are quite the opposite. Sorry to hear you had this experience, Magdalena. Weve heard a lot of fabulous reviews about the Viking experience and decided this to be our choice. Related: Take a Look on Board Viking Ocean Cruises Viking Sea. We did the Grand European, as well, and it was our favorite because you get to visit so many countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube. When the website says shirts with collars for men are they talking golf type or button downs? Break in your walking shoes before you leave on your cruise, ECCO Womens Crepetray Tie Oxford Walking Shoe, UGG Womens Adley Perforated Fashion Sneaker. So glad you have found our Viking articles and comments of value. So comfortable, casual wear will make up the majority of your wardrobe. CC Help Jenn Check any travel advice for the countries you will be travelling to regarding prohibited medications lists. No, your husband does not need a sport coat. Hi Howard! They distributed bottles of water to keep us hydrated during the record-breakingheatwave of the European summer and to send us off with enthusiasticwishes for the day. A lightweight travel scarf is great for additional sun protection on the neck and shoulders and comes in very handy when visiting places of worship. We always like to take a pair of flip-flops or a similar comfortable sandal for relaxing in the cabin or making those quick trips to the snack and coffee station. Dont forget any medicines you might need for the duration of your cruise plus additional just in case of any delays. We were guests of Viking Cruises, but the pleasure of shipboard amenities was all ours. Perhaps the newer ships have larger beds? its all true, they are wonderful. (^_^), You will love the the Christmas Markets, Claudie, and of course you will love Viking River Cruises. We will be going on our first Viking River Cruise next July. Bluffworks Wrinkle-Free Travel Zenith Dress Shirt. Our Amsterdam search for the docking location of the Viking Mimir was nothing less thana wild goose chase, butour releasefrom the cab ride felt like a homecoming of prodigal sons. Free Cruise Planning 1.800.377.9383 QUICK. A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather. There is a fee for this service. Along with certain wines and beer, soft drinks are free too at lunch and dinner. Viking Longships are consistent and have the same facilities across the entire fleet. Viking staff members were always at their postsas our tour groups left the ship each day. But it did not stop there. great. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nrTPiuJUCZw. Always do a final check of all your devices, cameras and electronic equipment to make sure you have all the right cords, batteries and chargers. A lightweight scarf also makes great layering for sun protection and as a shoulder and head cover for entering places of worship. Started August 27, 2021, By Thank you, Katherine! I will be publishing my newest post about Viking Christmas Markets cruises shortly, and I mention joining other passengers on excursions. Wanda, this was our first Viking cruise and was so well done, we have done two other Viking river cruises. Tauck offers a paid laundry service on all of its ships. Any special notes/reviews on or tips on the Heart of the Delta cruise? If you are taking a fly-cruise package and your luggage is lost by the airline, it could take time for your luggage to be found and may even have to be delivered to the ship at the next port of call. We are renting a car in Basel and plan to spend 10 days traveling in Germany, Austria and Switzerland prior to returning to the States. We will be going on the Grand European in April 2018 so hope you dont mind if I end up asking more questions before we go, but my main concern is no laundry onboard. Hi Sandy! Especially when considering some mens shoes. :D, Do your laundry early in the morning, not many people out. There is a laundry service onboard the Viking river cruises. One of the less desirable aspects of travel is having to use public conveniences, something you will often do on a river cruise. I was wondering if you or your readers had any insights into which is a better location or if one is as good at the other. Some cabins (Junior Suite and above) get laundry included with cabin benefits. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Do Viking Ocean ships have laundry facilities or services?