Also, regarding a curling ironI had one and used it and had no problem. 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. 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. This. That's where you'll need to use your hairstyling tools. #4. Its just the nature of this type of travel. I learned that I probably should have packed 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 still sightseeing. Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link The Viking Bar on Deck 1 has sweets and savories available through midnight. Required fields are marked *. Having to dock the ship next to another cruise ship also means that the view from your stateroom could be blocked and your cabin could be a bit dark. We could not have chosen any better than the Skirnir and Viking. I have been told by friends who sail on other lines that I will need a lanyard and pouch to carry ID and room keys, we did not on Viking River Cruises, do we on the ocean cruise? 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. However, the information in this article is from our, The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space. Frankly, I dont think you can go wrong either way, but theyre two very different experiences. After that point, guests still on board could use the common areas (Lounge or sun deck) until their transfer to the airport or other destination. Im sure we will need some pocket money for small purchases. 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. 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. 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. Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? crewsgirl, November 9, 2014 in River Cruising. One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. 2. I usually carry a small purse with that and my phone and a small amount of cash. They may be familiar enough with Vikings schedule to easily accommodate you. Viking Cruises offers excursions on the sea and river. Super post, Irene. Is room service available or will my husband have the opportunity to fetch my coffee? This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. On one side of the menu are the classics or options that are always available. Started August 27, 2021, By Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical outlets. Enjoy your journey! Hope you have been able to enjoy more Viking cruises since your original one. When I returned to the room, I noticed another bookmark was placed on top of it. Staterooms also include shampoo and conditioner. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. Also, the ability to book optional excursions varies by the level of the stateroom. Did you see anyone carry on and off luggage? Good to know, I thought maybe the ship would have a 110 & this would work on its own. We do the red eye and get into Amsterdam early morning. I will add one note that we experienced. 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. Hi Tanya, Sounds like you have a great cruise coming up! Power Adapter Type - Viking Cruises - CruiseDirect.com I like the idea of a smaller group so that is a plus. a flat-screen TV with infotainment options. fits standard outlets in more than 150 countries. Likewise, when the ship is ready to leave, it leaves as long as all the guests are accounted for. Mifaso 7-in-1 Desktop Power Strip. Cruise Lines Don't Allow Power Strips - Emma Cruises View on Amazon. 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. Is that a crazy thing to say?! . The Complete Guide to a Viking River Cruise - Travel with Lolly This happens when bridges are too low to safely pass under with guests on the sun deck. River Cruise Basics: Onboard Power Thank you for these suggestions and actual experiences! will visit your room in the morning to clean it. This compact power strip comes with three power outlets and four USB ports, including a Type C port. I hope you have a wonderful time! Yes. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SY5O5K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018MEBNG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. On average, how much time did you spend on the boat sailing from each port? If you have dietary restrictions, let Viking know when you book. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Viking river cruise, which transported us in great comfort to some amazing European destinations. Straightening or curling irons are another story. I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) If you decide on the stateroom with a french balcony, you will still be able to enjoy some time outside in the common areas while the ship is sailing. I guess the bottom line is to remember that disruptions can happen whenever we travel, so plan to get the most out of each experience and cherish the time that you get to explore new places and meet new people. Great article. Leave the soap, body lotion, shower gel and shower cap at home as well. Going from A to B with two extra days in Amsterdam and Budapest. We sent some clothing to be laundered, and we were happy with that choice. 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. 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. NW Ohio. TIP: Take a picture of The Viking Daily each evening before heading to bed. Each time you leave the ship, you scan your room key. 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). Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you dont forget your valuables. Walking could be on unpaved or uneven surfaces and may involve many steps or steep inclines. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? Just returned from a Viking Longship and there was 3-110 outlets and one in the bathroom for a shaver. Check with your Viking agent or your travelagent (or your MyVikingJourney online portal if youre already booked on a cruise) to learn the latest protocols aboard the ship and in the countries that youll be visiting. 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). Has anyone dealt with thus recently? Enjoy your cruise this fall! Its certainly a relaxing way to travel. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. This will be first river cruise for us. Thank you for your time. Thank you for taking the time to write this informative piece. Sometimes the river water levels may be too low in spots (due to the lack of sufficient rain during summer), What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. The crew communicates with each other quite well. Do you have any experience about this? Also located off the main corridor are a couple of, Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseillealthough I tried. 12.5 laps = 1 mile. Thanks for the tips! Low river levels today might be just fine for cruising in a few days. Id suggest you talk with the staff once you are aboard to learn of their planned docking times and see what they recommend. Have a great cruise! You can choose to pre-pay gratuities which we did. Thank you. Its a great one! Viking River Cruises FAQs - Pavlus Travel Its not a deal breaker for us, but its something every river cruise guest should be forewarned about. Thanks. Have fun! In China the ships . By Jjg34219, July 3, . Usually there is an electrical outlet by the "desk" or vanity. I loved the Braun Satin Hair model in my Viking Ocean stateroom so much that I would like to purchase a similar model for home use. has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. And about general seating at meals in the dining room, theres a choice of large and small tables and theres no assigned seating, so if youre one of the early ones at meal time, youll have a great chance of finding a setting that suits you best. Hi Linda, youre facing a big decision: to go with Silver Spirits or not! Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Good question, John, but its not an easy one to answer! 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). On leaving Amsterdam, check-out time from the hotel is Noon but embarkation is not till 3:00 PM. This is the place to find a variety of coffee and tea plus baked goods to accompany your beverage. 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. Weve had no regrets. We just got back from the Viking Rhine River Cruise and these tips were very good. When it comes to size, even the smallest cabins on Viking's ocean ships are large by cruise ship standards at 270 square feet, and the largest suites measure nearly 1,500 square feet. By the desk, there are three plug sockets: one European socket and two U.S. 120V sockets. 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. There are also USB ports to charge your cellphone or tablet so all you need to bring are the cables. One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. Does everyone get back on the bus when the excursion is over or is that the time you make plans for individual sightseeing? Examples were creamy potato soup, Wiener Schnitzel, and Sacher cake when in Vienna; while in Budapest, the menu featured Hungarian Farmer Salad, Fogas Karpathy (perch and shrimp in white wine sauce), and Zserbo (a layered walnut and chocolate cake). Sometimes optional excursions sell out, although there are usually some available once youre on the ship. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. You know is it a venus and mars question. As you leave the ship, youll scan your room key to indicate your departure and rescan it upon returning. We kept our itinerary full, which might have been an error trust me, you want to take a breather every few days! 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. You can store your luggage under the bed(s). Hi Ricardo, It sounds like you have a great trip ahead! Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise. (Viking offers complimentary house wine and beer at lunch and dinner.) I find the quart-size bags to be the most versatile. After clearing customs and immigration and getting our luggage, how do we find Viking to take us to our hotel or how does Viking find us? Once youve booked a Viking cruise, take the next steps, like creating an online account with Viking, to ensure a wonderful adventure. Really, just looking for your opinion on longer trips off-ship. 3. The tags have the time the luggage must be outside the staterooms as well as the time that guests are expected to depart the ship. Hi Danny, Im not sure which cruise youre referring to, but you asked an excellent question about renting a car to make day trips while on the cruise. Power Adapter Type - Holland America Line - CruiseDirect.com Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? They say they will be staying til X oclock and then leaving. Should. The 5 power adaptors you can bring on your next Carnival Cruise We were on the Idun (Longship). After the excursions, we all met at a restaurant in Nuremberg for lunch, had a little free time, and then. Posted February 21, 2009. We always travel with a small multi-plug electical cord. The only outlet in the bathroom is appropriate for a shaver. Viking says they are NOT allowed, but no one will confiscate. Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. 3 day senior cruise - ihlilq.storagebcc.it To the best of my knowledge, every stateroom has a mini-bar. After all, we travel to experience new places, new food, and new people, so we like to eat local specialties whenever possible. 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. I could have kicked myself for leaving my swimsuit at home when the weather unexpectedly turned warm and sunny! So an adapter will be needed on the ship? All the best. 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. And Im so glad I was able to help you prepare for your cruise. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). The cost for the Viking Silver drinks package is $19.95 USD per night per guest. . Is a Cruise Power Strip allowed by your Ship? [2022 Solved] My recollection is that Viking Ocean Cruises have fluffy comforters and luxury down pillows. most electronics or travel stores. This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. 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). We always made sure we were back to the ship on time! Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows. We had to have our luggage packed and placed outside our stateroom door by 7:00 am on the day of the switch. 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. Did you use local guides? Enjoy! 110/220 volt outlets & USB ports. (Its not uncommon for someone to forget to scan their card when returning to the ship.). My question is about size of our luggage (or size limitation due room size). However, most guests sport a smart casual look for dinner. In addition, there are quite a few optional excursions available at an extra cost. which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before. 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. Some folks elect to get the Silver Spirits package because they enjoy trying new cocktails and/or premium wines while on vacation. Powered by Invision Community. I like boiled water first up in the mirning, According to the Viking website, coffee machines with premium coffee and tea selections are available in Deluxe Veranda staterooms and above: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/ships/viking-sky.htmlsin the room. You answered my questions about docking locations (though understand they are subject to change) and the Hungarian currency. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. 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 Cruises: Best Action Steps After Booking a Cruise, How to Experience Local Culture When You Travel, How to Create Trip Photo Books to Make Your Travels Last a Lifetime. This is one way the crew can account for all guests. Beverage gratuities are included in the package. . Essentially, each ship then turned around and went back to the city from which it originated. Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. 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? https://www.moretimetotravel.com/cruise-hacks-8-tips-to-help-you-pack-for-a-river-cruise/, Have you been on the Midnight Sun cruise any thoughts on the type of clothing to bring I leave in a few days and still struggling with what clothes to take thanks . 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. There outlets will most likely be 220V European style. I was curious about what time you have to be back on the ship at night. We plan to go a few days early and then make our way to the ship. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! 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. 10.2 Schuko Travel Adapter, 17.99 Amazon. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. We often take a few with us on tours for snacks on the bus. We will definitely be using it in the years to come. Guess not. Once onboard, verify the time youll be in port and then fine-tune your tour or dinner plans. The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries - The Points Guy So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. Sometimes theres a lot of river cruise ship traffic in popular cities. Have fun! 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. How exciting! As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. 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. We will be traveling on the Viking Ksvair and I am thinking about the number of outlets available for charging devices and would love your input. We also got a power strip with USB ports for all our stuff. What it meant for guests was a minor inconvenience. There are several things you wont find on a Viking river cruise, and they are often some of the prime reasons so many people choose Viking. Our luggage awaited us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. Lots of good options, just not sure how fast everything could charge if it needed to be all at the same time! Many power strips have an integral surge protector. Male passengers generally opt for trousers and a collared shirt (short or long-sleeved) in the evening, generally without a sports jacket or tie. The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. excursion card with a number and a letter. Im so glad you found the article helpful, Ronnie! Heavy bags are tricky to manage, too. We will have 2 iPads, 2 iPhones, noise cancelling earbuds, camera, and the audio headphones that need to be charged at various times as well as a curling iron to plug in. I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. Will the ship have a adapter for me for the bathroom or is there a 110v plug in there? In Southeast Asia the ships use a 2-pin Euro plug. Plenty of covered space protects guests from the harsh summer sun. 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 got off our ship, the Skirnir, in Nuremberg (one of our scheduled ports) before the damaged lock. 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. Most cruise ships will offer . The down comforter is lovely but too heavy. In my experience, this is great advice! We took the walking tour of Passau, enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town, went on a hike, and strolled around town afterward. Viking River Cruise: 15 Things to Know Before You Go On Carnival's web site, you can see that they specifically note the following. Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. Thanks for your tip! Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons dont use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag). The river cruises have open seating, so that means you arent assigned any table mates. As for how much money to bring along, I usually start out with about $300 worth of local currency. Thank you so much for this detailed account. . So, we really didn't have an issue with too many devices/not enough outlets. Yes, there have been changes to address public health safety, but Im betting they wont interfere with your overall enjoyment. And I think remembering that delays can arise on any type of travel (e.g., flights, cruises, trains) helps us all manage our expectations. We're with you. I merely want to share our experience on a river cruise with my readers. It has a 5 feet long braided extension cord attached to it for charging. Plus, Viking offers several excursions each day that the ship is in port. Your email address will not be published. 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? A black colored polo shirt (my husband likes the Ralph Lauren slimshirt) is always a great look for men. Power is supplied at 110 volts. 18 days and counting:). We did not receive any compensation or discounts fromViking or any otherorganization. I will be on the Viking Sky so joined anunofficial Viking FB group to ask if all was repaired after the incident ~ a month ago (it is!) I had a wonderful trip with Viking Cruises' Sun cruise ship, there was good food and with a balcony cabin I enjoyed the view of the sea, good speed Wi-Fi and enjoyed all the Viking offers on board and shore excursions included. with a German Schuko 2-pin plug that matches the 2-prong outlet in the bathroom. viking cruise ship electrical outlets. The number indicates which ship youre on. 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. When you return to your room, you will notice the dinner menus for that evening. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I found this online on the VIking Cruises Q&A site (I couldnt find a similar statement specific to ocean cruises): What Is The Electrical Voltage In The Stateroom? 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. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I cant wait. 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. Theres always iced tea often with different flavors every day.