Thank you for your quick reply. I was told specifically not to bring curling iron or flatiron (fire hazard). We would either meet in Bamburg or Wurzburg. Royal Princess desk with power sockets. 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. Aside from the new safety protocols Viking has put in place your Complete Guide to a Viking River cruise was thoroughly informative, enjoyed the photos and took many notes while reading. Hi Lolly, thank you for the great article and this really prepared us for our trip next week. It sounds like you are all set. We loved our trip and would recommend it to others. If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. The dining room has a variety of tables that can seat 6, 8, or 10 people. I hope things go smoothly for you and that you have a wonderful time! This is a great venue for enjoying the passing landscape on travel days and relaxed dining every day. Perhaps, youll leave your sunglasses or swimsuit at home, or will forget to bring a sweater for chilly evenings. The Silver Spirits package is complimentary for guests in an Explorer Suite. On all river cruises, guests are offered one complimentary shore excursion at every destination. We opted to book through our travel agent with whom we could meet face-to-face, ask questions, and learn from her knowledge of cruising and different cruise companies. All longships include both 110V and 220V electrical outlets, as well as hair dryers. 110/220 V power outlets; complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet; . Dinner begins at 7:00 pm in the dining room. Your comments are really appreciated. 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. Tauck: 220v power is used onboard. 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. The link to this item can be found HERE. us, and our new room keys were on the dresser. Thanks. 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. I laughed out loud at the comments from Shelly and Mary. Best, Irene, Hi Glenise, Its been a seamless process for us, and it functions well although we do incur additional international charges. 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. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: 220V power is most common; some ships also have 110V outlets. There was one set of outlets on either side of the bed and another set at the desk near the TV. Included is a packet of information specific to your ship (including phone numbers on the ship plus embarkation location information) and an itinerary. There they may board another ship. fits standard outlets in more than 150 countries. Good to know, I thought maybe the ship would have a 110 & this would work on its own. Thanks. So for 200 dollars, we got a 400 value good for tickets, flights, an excursion, or even the beverage package. This is by far THE BEST description and information on Viking River Cruises that I have ever read! The Aquavit Terrace is a great place to have a meal. In each cabin, there are two 110V sockets above the desk and one on each side of the bed. Since there are often different excursions leaving simultaneously. JOOMFEEN Universal Travel Adapter. Some procedures and protocols on cruise ships have changed to address public health concerns since the global COVID-19 pandemic. This is Vikings way of accounting for guests. with an electronic keypad is provided in each room. Do women really wear pants and a blouse for dinner? 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? Everyone always asks whether they'll need an electrical converter on board Viking European river ships, OR whether there's enough space to plug-in all their . One question I have is how you handled local currency in Hungary as they do not use the euro. 1. By Jjg34219, July 3, . Have a wonderful cruise, Thomas! However, the information in this article is from our Grand European Tour cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest aboard the Skirnir and Modi (more on the two ships later). Radgrid's name translates into "truce of counsel," suggesting her great power in determining . Take a USB charging hub if you have multiple devices that require USB charging points. Staterooms are guaranteed to be ready at 3:00 pm. Hope this is helpful and have a wonderful cruise! What Kind Of Converters Will I Need For My Computer/Curling Iron/Camera Battery Charger? Many of the guests are retired, but there were quite a few still working or recently retired. Do you travel overnight for most of the time or is there day travel as well? Your advice about avoiding the far inland tours is wise, I think. in your closet upon arrival; if you need more, just ask, and they will be delivered promptly. 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. Our next Viking cruise is coming up soon, and I cant wait. Maybe we will run into each other. My recollection is that Viking Ocean Cruises have fluffy comforters and luxury down pillows. 11 Final Thoughts about Plug Sockets on P&O Cruises. Is this allowed? As for shore excursions, my husband and I enjoyed the walking tour (through Viking) that included the funicular up to Castle Hill. which provides information for each new day and the evening updates by the program director in the Lounge before. 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. Check your cruise itinerary as it will tell you the expected times your ship will be docked at each stop. We are thinking we would might rather be wandering through the town and trying local cuisine. And about ATMs, weve used them in Europe without any problems. Enjoy your cruise! Im bring my hair styling tool and want to plug it in to 110v in the bathroom. Since it will be November, and Im also afraid of open heights weve opted for the French balcony room. This compact power strip comes with three power outlets and four USB ports, including a Type C port. Viking is very efficient with their timing. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Instead, the dress code is elegant casual, which can mean anything from a sundress in the Caribbeanto slacks and a blouse for women cruising in colder climates. I love this charger. Id suggest you ask about picking up excursion cards and other details like that once youre on the ship, as some procedures like this may vary a bit. PROHIBITED ITEMS All firearms (working, nonfiring, replicas, imitations & air/pellet guns) . Interesting information! Tech can make travel a whole lot easier. Here are a few things to think about when considering Vikings Silver Spirits package. My husband and I had planned to go on the Salzburg excursion, but when we learned we would be spending so much time on the bus to travel there and back (for a total of 9.5 hours), we decided to spend our time in Passau instead. Depending on your stateroom, you will probably have a desk or dressing table with a 100v outlet where you can fix your hair. The rooms do seem smaller than ocean cruiser rooms: did you stay in your cabin a lot? The general experience on all Viking river cruise ships is the same, no matter what ship youre on. 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 Now to your questions. 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). Frequently Asked Questions | Viking River Cruises For instance, how much is the Top of Cologne in Cologne Germany and is it worth it? We took our first Viking River cruise in 2018 (Rhine Amsterdam to Basel) and leave in a month for the Danube (Budapest to Regensburg) with the pre and post cruise stays. I liked the posted copy of the daily news and we had already decided from our ocean experiences to take the drinks package. And finally the umbrella. 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. I just have one clarification about dressing for dinner mentioned in the article you read. Also, we had booked an English-speaking tour of the Hungarian Parliament which ended up being fascinating; if you plan to do this, make sure to make reservations online ahead of your visit. Also located off the main corridor are a couple of, Naturally, safety is a primary concern of travelers and the crew. All guests are 18 years old or more. There are also bright red full-size Viking umbrellas to take along on excursions if its raining. In spite of some tweaks, this article will definitely prepare you for your Viking river cruise. They will let you know on board. NW Ohio. I understand drinks are provided with meals but I enjoy a few drinks before dinner. The hairdryer is not in the bathroom, but in the bedroom, in a drawer under the counter where the outlets are. Some people do prefer lanyards but its not necessary. There are times when the sun deck is closed to guests. As with Regal Princess, there are no charging points next to the bed on Royal Princess. The bar is on one end of the lounge; theres wait service in the Lounge during lunch and in the late afternoon and evening. Another great feature of a Viking River cruise is the ship's electrical 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). (OK, the wifi in the rooms REALLY sucksbut if thats your #1 problem, you arent doing badly). For anyone concerned about exactly what electrical outlets are present in a Veranda A stateroom on a Viking River Cruises Longship, this is how many there ar. 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. My first question is, without using the laundry service on board , do you have suggestions on washing items in your cabin? The maitre-d I am convinced is in league with the devil, as she tempted diners again and again with just try this ONE little pastry. 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. COVID Travel Packing List: 6 Essentials For Any Trip. means the walking could be a little more strenuous or have more stairs or inclines. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I hope you have a wonderful cruise and that things work out for your planned day trips! Hope this info helps you a bit! 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). Electrical outlets - Viking Ocean - Cruise Critic Community Have fun! 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. (Youll also receive Viking tags for your luggage.) Regardless of their next destinations, all guests had to place their luggage outside their rooms no later than 9:00 am. Very relaxing! Electric power outlets on Viking Tir - Cruise Critic Community The 5 power adaptors you can bring on your next Carnival Cruise When you return to your room, you will notice the dinner menus for that evening. Since we booked through our travel agent, Viking sent her the final travel documents, and she checked them before passing them on to us. The sun deck is a relaxing space with tables and chairs as well as chaise lounges. We will definitely be using it in the years to come. You got me on #1, 3 and 6! But, what else would we spend money on? Have a wonderful trip! 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? I think it would be a tight schedule if the ship is docked for just a day. Doing the Grand European Trip for our 50th in May of 2023. Just before the drill, we were all asked to return to our staterooms and don our life vests. Also, Viking offers options to add a few days in the first or last destination before and after a cruise. Most cruise ships will offer . Frequently Asked Questions | Viking Ocean Cruises Its a nice place to relax on warm days and enjoy a lunch buffet while taking in the views. Have fun! On our cruise, this was done in the Lounge just after the evening port talk by the program director. (The price of the package varies, but it comes to about $20 or so a day per person.) Mamsens is a small Norwegian-style counter tucked in the beautiful Explorers Lounge on Deck 7, serving small plates with dishes like smoked salmon, steak tartare and shrimp salad, and Norwegian waffles. I definitely overpackedshoes and clothes. 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. Thank you Irene for this information! CC Help Jenn The best description and information about Viking River Cruise, thank you for taking the time to write this information, were very appreciate. Posted November 9, 2014. The total time on these outings could be 1.5 to 3 hours. Do viking ocean cruise lines have a hairdresser on board? who made the move with us. Since they are sister ships, they are the same, so the only thing that changed was the crew. Staterooms will have one or two 115V . 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. Great service sounds like Viking! You might also bring an adapter so you can plug this into Euro outlets. There are also 2. Many people were. Bon voyage! In the summer it can be really hot and sweaty feet even in sandals can cause blisters. It was impossible to find one to my liking in the department store in Marseillealthough I tried. About the stateroom, that really comes down to personal preference. There are 110V and 220V electrical outlets in staterooms, so you can plug in whichever fits your needs. There are large windows on the port and starboard sides so views are available while cruising the river at mealtime. Thank you all for your notes that you had no problems bringing them on board. Hi Cynthia, I bet youre so excited about your upcoming trip! Plus, some travel agents provide onboard credit to cruising clients. Viking, as do most cruise line ban the bringing onboard of extension cords and surge protectors. I agree with a previous comment about this being the most informative, most inclusive article Ive seen as well. The 220V outlets are German Schuko 2-pin safety plugs. Thanks. Yes. You can store your luggage under the bed(s). Thanks for the great details! Also trying to decide what to wear. In China the ships . Hi, Considering the Silver Spirits package. Their crew is well-trained and genuinely appears to want to make you happy. I may just opt for a European surge protector 10 Amps with usb ports like this and this comes in just under 15 oz, but still not as compact as the Belkin: My strategy ended up just using an adapter for the iPad http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SY5O5K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and the power strip http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018MEBNG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for everything else. It will be helpful to others. Guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay. free wi-fi (though connection speeds vary depending upon location). In Southeast Asia the ships use a 2-pin Euro plug. Hope this helps. I was delighted to spend seven days along the Rhne River on the Provence and Lyon itinerary. One thing to keep in mind is that things can change from day to day, week to week and that includes river levels. 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. Yes. Having said this, there are often opportunities to book optional excursions once you board the ship. Thanks again. electric outlets in a Veranda A stateroom on a Viking River Cruises 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. That's where you'll need to use your hairstyling tools. Thank you so much for this detailed account. In our documents from Viking regarding our river cruise in France, it says curling irons and flat irons are prohibited. Once youre on the ship, youll learn the times that the ship will be docked in a city, so you can plan your day. Every once in a while, you may be treated to a little extra like a refreshing drink served on the sun deck while sailing one day. Thank you for all the information. Also can you remember if those two cities is where the boat docked. I have been on 1 Viking River cruise and 3 (soon to be 4-I hope!) Are they like $20 per person or more like $200? We also like to explore on our own, so there were times when we just joined a tour for a while and then told the guide we were going to branch out on our own. Better be aboard, cuz they wont wait! Ever consider a Viking European river cruise? Sounds like youve got a great anniversary trip planned, Gary! Viking River Cruise: 15 Things to Know Before You Go Thanks. This article highlights the European river cruises aboard the Viking Longboats. And the small umbrellas! We were docked next to other ships several times on our 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Lots of good options, just not sure how fast everything could charge if it needed to be all at the same time! Just inside is the Lounge where we ate one rainy lunchtime. Viking has guest departures timed to match their future travel plans. We always travel with a small multi-plug electical cord. Owned and operated by Viking, Viking Osiris is a brand new vessel, the most upscale ship in Egypt, and the sister ship to Viking Aton. Then itll be the first photo on your camera roll before the next days activities. Hi Karen, A few things could happen when river levels are too low for cruise ships. On one side of the menu are the classics or options that are always available. During the day on excursions, travelers dress very comfortably as they leave the ship to explore a destination. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; an adapter with just the two slanted blades will also work. Even the sharpest dressed had their athletic shoes or keen sandals on during the day. I like the idea of a smaller group so that is a plus. That is, you sleep and eat on the ship and are transported to your destinations along a river. Staterooms also include shampoo and conditioner. will visit your room in the morning to clean it. Follow up with a conversation with the Viking staff when youre onboard to learn the expected times and exact location of the ship while docked. However, the information in this article is from our, The staterooms and bathrooms are efficiently designed to maximize usable space. Having to look for the shoe on the last day will remind you to open the safe so you dont forget your valuables. Thank you! Does the ocean cruise provide different pillow? While all Viking Longships are non-smoking on the interior, in staterooms and verandas, for those of you who are cigarette smokers, each ship has an outdoor smoking area, typically on the sun deck. Good luck with your planning, and have a great cruise! We enjoyed relaxing there and enjoying the sights and sounds of being on the ship. Definitely needed that in the humidity. Unlike a hair dryer, flat irons dont use a lot of current and most are dual voltage (check the tag). As we age, carrying and lifting suitcases can exact a toll on our back and shoulder muscles. Is that a crazy thing to say?! Viking then allowed us to purchase a no-expiry date voucher towards another cruise an amount they matched. As for keeping the itinerary full, its hard not to when you have so many great places to explore, but I agree that scheduling downtime is important, too. Viking Hlin We were sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest. To burn off some of the calories ingested by the delicious food onboard, I walked in the morning around the sun deck track. If you stay in a hotel before or after your cruise you will need to bring adapters for charging your phone or tablets. when we traveled) to your shipboard account. Many of the newer ships within the fleet also have USB sockets available ranging from 2-3 per cabin. Jeans are discouraged in the main dining room but if you want to eat and dress in jeans, you can get almost the same foods in the World Cafe, where there is no dress code. Started June 21, 2021, By The crew actually collapses the awnings, chairs, and tables and the ships bridge recedes into the ship all to reduce the ships height. Im hoping that other women will be wearing slacks with a nice blouse for our Viking Ocean cruise to the Caribbean. And our experience was that we were usually parked next to other Viking ships, so we walked through familiar spaces. Dress during the day is . The cost for the Viking Silver drinks package is $19.95 USD per night per guest. Please hare your opinion with me. 3 PM stateroom access. 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. I find the quart-size bags to be the most versatile. Booked an Amsterdam to Budapest trip in September 23.our first river cruise (for our 20th). Haha, I got a kick out of being tempted with just one little pastry! But having to pack additional converters or keeping your fingers crossed that . Im so glad you found the article helpful, Rich! Even with that information, as you mentioned,dockings could be delayed to traffic on the river or there could be delays going through locks. 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). Started August 27, 2021, By Its something to worry about losing, and fanciful costume jewelry is just as much fun! 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. You may have only 1 or 2 outlets. 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. 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. 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. Stairs connect all the decks plus theres an elevator to service the upper and middle decks. Everyone should read this as every question seems to be answered well and clearly! (For my husband and me, having the personal outdoor space was high on our list. If you have taken a Viking river cruise and want to share your experiences, please do so in the comment area below. There are times when river cruise ships have to have guests disembark a ship and then board a sister ship. If you are traveling on a Viking Longship, you will find both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in your stateroom. Any further suggestions about picking up the excursion cards each morning? The ultimate guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries - The Points Guy When we travel to Europe, we notify our carrier before departure. As the name implies, World Navigator is a ship well-equipped to sail from one end of the world to the other. Viking Octantis - Viking Cruises