Viking river cruise amenities are designed to pamper passengers with the ultimate in creature comforts. Here are Backroad Planet’s Top 11 amenities!
We were guests of Viking Cruises, but the pleasure of shipboard amenities was all ours.
Table of Contents
- 1 Viking River Cruise Amenities
- 2 Red Carpet Treatment
- 3 Flowers and Fruit
- 4 Coffee and Cookie Station
- 5 Freyja® Bath & Body Products
- 6 Parties & Celebrations
- 7 Publications
- 8 Send-Offs and Welcomes
- 9 Lectures & Presentations
- 10 Unexpected Treats
- 11 Housekeeping
- 12 Ship Staff
- 13 Final Words
- 14 More Viking Content on Backroad Planet
- 15 We Would Love to Hear From You
- 16 Pin This Post!
Viking River Cruise Amenities
Photo Credit: Viking Cruises
By design Viking River Cruises pamper their passengers in every possible way. We should know! 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. From the moment we boarded our longship, the Viking Mimir, to the time we said our goodbyes, Viking Cruises never wavered in giving us the ultimate royal treatment. Although we could never enumerate the countless ways Viking provided us the finest in creature comforts, there are a few luxurious standouts we could not let go unmentioned.
Red Carpet Treatment
Our Amsterdam search for the docking location of the Viking Mimir was nothing less than a wild goose chase, but our release from the cab ride felt like a homecoming of prodigal sons. Viking literally and figuratively rolled out the red carpet for us. As we ambled up the gangplank, several staff members were waiting to welcome us with warm smiles and the announcement that dinner was being served. The hotel manger showed us to our veranda stateroom where we discovered yet another welcome.
Flowers and Fruit
They say . . . whoever “they” are . . . that it’s the little things that count. Viking must believe that adage because they major in minors so well. Upon arrival, our stateroom had been appointed with fresh flowers, fruit, sparkling wine, and a handwritten note of welcome from the hotel manager. For some reason we never got around to sampling the complimentary wine, probably because there were so many other beverage options, but the fruit was another story. Our stateroom steward left fresh fruit daily. The nectarines were tasty, but the green grapes were our favorites. Our flower arrangement lasted for the duration of the journey. Although the peonies faded, the delphiniums and Canterbury bells remained pristine until the end.
Coffee and Cookie Station
Without question, the onboard coffee and cookie station was a regular hangout of ours. A selection of fine teas and a variety of coffees were available 24 hours a day, . . . but alas the cookies were not. A selection of fine pastries appeared at the station during the morning hours, replaced with addictive cookies in the afternoon, but by the evening hours, when we really wanted a late-night snack, they were all put away. Because we could not live without those ambrosial oatmeal raisin and chocolate macadamia delicacies, it didn’t take us long to find a solution. 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. Remember that tip!
Freyja® Bath & Body Products
Viking stateroom baths are stocked with the fragrance of fresh. After showering and shampooing, often twice a day with Freyja® Collection products, I am a true fan. This line of toiletries exclusively offered on Viking Cruises is inspired by Freyja, “the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, divination and magic.” Although at home I am a devotee of Yardley Lavender, another unisex line, this custom fragrance is now running a close second.
Shhh . . . . don’t tell anyone I jumped ship with a set of shampoo, soap, and body wash!
Parties & Celebrations
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am most definitely NOT a party animal. Loud, obnoxious settings make me want to head for the hills. But Viking celebrations are not that way. On board our longship it seemed that every time we turned around there was another celebration in the making. We had an Explorer Society cocktail party, then a special Canada Day gathering, a 4th of July celebration, a Taste of Austria dinner (where the crew pulled out all the stops), and several other events. All of them were easygoing affairs, but also great fun!
Publications
Viking does a thorough job communicating with daily print publications including mini-newspapers available at breakfast, maps of local port cities at the front desk, assorted recipes and information sheets distributed at presentations, and my personal favorite the Viking Daily that always appeared in our stateroom while we were at dinner to help us plan for the following day. The front page of each Viking Daily features a detailed schedule of the next day’s activities, while the 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.
Send-Offs and Welcomes
Viking staff members were always at their posts as our tour groups left the ship each day. They distributed bottles of water to keep us hydrated during the record-breaking heatwave of the European summer and to send us off with enthusiastic wishes for the day. Even better, they were there to greet us when we returned with warm, moist towels and tasty tidbits such as Chef Axel’s handmade chocolate truffles.
Lectures & Presentations
Viking river cruises do not feature highly-energized stage productions typical of ocean cruise lines. They do, however, have lectures, presentations, demonstrations, and/or low-key floor shows daily. The comedic opera singers, glassmaking demonstration, and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal presentation were especially memorable. The ever-present cruise pianist provided relaxing background music, as well as accompaniment for singing and dancing in the evening. These laid-back entertaining and educational Viking river cruise amenities were much more to my liking than tiresome commercial glitz and glitter.
Unexpected Treats
Who doesn’t like the element of surprise? On board our Viking longship there were always treats appearing when we least expected them. Suddenly, waiters would appear with complimentary cocktails, savory morsels, shots of local spirits, hors d’oeuvres, or various other tastings. Sometimes these treats appeared in our stateroom in the form of chocolates or flowers. Just one more way Viking river cruise amenities made us feel special!
Housekeeping
I first discovered the ship housekeeping staff one morning when I awoke earlier than usual. I thought a special cleaning force had boarded the ship when we docked earlier. Not so! They had been there all along doing their sweeping and dusting and polishing and sanitizing while passengers slept until our ship sparkled like new.
Ship Staff
Although this list is not numbered in order of importance, in this case, I truly saved the best for last. The staff of the Viking Mimir were without question the best amenity on board. These talented professionals were responsible for making the magic happen for all of us, and they did.
Ship executives such as the hotel manger, maître d’, executive chef, and concierge were gregarious people with big personalities who filled the gathering spaces with their warmth. Without question, our program director Roos Wilmer was truly one of the most congenial, gifted leaders I have ever met.
But it did not stop there. Our stateroom steward Jonathan with his ever-cheerful smile and gentle spirit brightened the entire upper deck. I will never forget his greeting of, “Happy American Day!” on the morning of July 4. 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.
These lovely people from nations around the world wormed their way into our hearts in a way we will never forget. I never got a straight answer, but I am positive that Viking employees have to pass intense personality assessments before they are hired. Thanks Viking, for the human amenity that blessed our river cruise more than any of the many Viking river cruise amenities!
Final Words
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. We learned on our recent Grand European Tour that a Viking river cruise is everything you dream it will be and so much more. If you would like to 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!
More Viking Content on Backroad Planet
Learn more from our first-hand experiences sailing with Viking Expeditions, Rivers, and Oceans at the links below.
Viking Expeditions
- Explore the World with Viking Expeditions: An Insider’s Guide
- The Viking Great Lakes Explorer: An Expedition Travelogue
Viking Rivers
- 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips
- 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 Oceans
- 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
We Would Love to Hear From You
As always, Jerry and I love hearing from our readers. If you have embarked on a river cruise, what shipboard amenities did you enjoy? What services and conveniences do you think are essential to river cruise travel? We invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond!
Hi Howard: thanks for the advice on the river cruises. We are doing the Grand European Tour in 2 weeks. Previously we’ve done Viking ocean cruises. 5 star service. We can’t wait. I wish we could purchase Freya products from Viking. The Occitaine reader will be pleasantly surprised. I would never use another cruise line.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your observations. Have the best time on the Grand European and bon voyage!
Hi Howard! We are looking forward to our very first cruise – the Grand European Cruise- and your blog was very helpful. I appreciate the packing, photos, meals and everything else tips!
Let’s go!!
Hi, Laura! Thanks for stopping by, and glad to know you found the Viking amenities post helpful. I know you will love the Grand European experience. Safe travels and bon voyage!
Are wine and cocktails included in price?
Wine is complimentary for lunch and dinner, and also special occasions. Cocktails are not included with the fare, but the Silver Service beverage package is reasonable compared with other cruise lines.
We are considering a river cruise with our son, daughter in law and granddaughter who is middle school age. Do any of the accomodations allow for 3 persons in a room?
Hi Phyllis, and thanks for your question! I have not heard of three persons to a room. You would need to contact Viking directly for a response. In your case it may not matter because Viking is an adults-only cruise line.
Viking doesnt allow children.
My daughters and I are booked on the Tulips and Windmills cruise in April 2020. Do you have any recommendations for the shore excursions on this cruise? Is the cheese tour combined with the windmills good/awesome?
Hi Bonnie! I have not done the Tulips and Windmills cruise, so I cannot recommend excursions for the entire itinerary. I can, however, comment on the cheese and windmill tours because I have ported at Kinderdijk three times. If this is your first time, you definitely don’t want to miss touring the windmills at this UNESCO site. I also enjoyed the cheese tour very much. Loved the cows, loved the cheese-tasting, and loved the tour. But don’t forget that the return US customs and immigration questionnaire asks whether you have visited any farms. Enjoy your cruise, and bon voyage!
Do the bathrooms have rails on the walls and non-skid flooring?
Hi Jeff! I do not recall there being bathroom wall railing, but the floors were not slippery. If stability is an issue, perhaps an accessible stateroom would be a better choice.
Do Viking River boats have hot tubs?
No, Viking longships do not have hot tubs.
Hi, do the Viking river ships have launderettes? We are spending extra days on both the front and back end of the cruise.
No, Viking river ships do not have launderettes.
My wife and I will be taking our first Viking Danube Waltz cruise from Passau to Budapest in May for our 35th anniversary. 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. Regarding the included tours, I wonder how the tours are organized with all the members onboard and whether there is a limit on a number of members that we need to sign up as soon as we get onboard or right after the tour presentations. 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. Thank you for a well written river cruise post and we are impatiently awaiting for May 2019 to arrive.
Hi Albert, and thanks for your kind words. I am glad you found the photography tips helpful. You will have an opportunity to select your included and optional excursions several weeks prior to your trip on the My Viking Journey website. It is wise to choose your optional excursions early on because those tours sometimes sell out. You are guaranteed a spot on included tours, so no need to worry about missing out on those. You can modify your excursions once you are onboard, if needed. Hope this helps, and bon voyage!
Exactly CORRECT! Can’t say enough Wonderful Comments about VIKING River Cruise!!! And please don’t forget the Fabulous Staff in Woodland Hills, CA that assist you in planning and experienced suggestions for extra happenings and tours.
Great Great Time. Saving for another trip.
Agreed on all accounts, Debi!
We will be going on our first Viking River Cruise next July. Not only will we be doing the cruise, but another ten days in Europe before and after the cruise and so I will be traveling with a carry on only which means very casual clothing. I’m concerned about how ‘dressy’ these cruises are and whether I’ll be under dressed. Have any advice for me?
Hi Min! Viking river cruises are not “dressy,” so you do not need to worry about begin underdressed. 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. 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!
No flowers or fruit given to us on the cruise and Viking doesn’t use L’Occitane products anymore it’s now their own brand, Freyja.
Hi Susan! Flowers, fruit, and other treats are random perks and unique to each cruise. Just an example of Viking’s ongoing TLC. And yes, I am aware that Viking now features Freyja toiletries. Thanks for prompting me to do an update!
I suspect the flowers and fruit were given to you because you’ve got a blog and they wanted a positive review…
Perhaps.
Are hair dryers and irons available in our rooms? What voltage is used in our European river cruise?
Viking River ships are outfitted with both 110V and 220V outlets and also hair dryers. For safety, irons are not allowed in staterooms, but clothing can be sent out for pressing.
Hi Howard! My husband and I will be taking our first Viking Cruise in a week. We are so excited and can’t wait to experience all the great things we have heard and read about. We will be doing the Rhine River Cruise. Keeping our fingers crossed that it is as great as everyone says. Who knows . . . maybe I too will be one of the lucky ones who has flowers and fruit waiting for me when I arrive. See you soon! Sylvia
Hi Sylvia! So happy that you are about to embark on an unforgettable experience. In case you haven’t seen it already, be sure to read our Rhine Getaway Travelogue. I did this cruise in December, so it had the added bonus of Christmas Markets, but it is the same itinerary you will do, although perhaps in the opposite direction. Bon voyage, and keep us posted!
Some cruise lines provide robes and slippers for guests. Just wondering if Viking does this?
Hi Mary! Yes, indeed, Viking does provide guests robes and slippers.
You may need to ask a couple times, but they will show up and worth not having to pack them
As I recall—even though I don’t use them—robes and slippers have always been in my stateroom closet.
Are hairdryers furnished? If we bring curling irons do we need adapters?
Yes, hair dryers are furnished, and you do not need adapters for curling irons.
Hello Sylvia Wilkins…we have signed up for the same cruise, departing next July. So? Tell us all about it? Recommendations? Special tips? Things we haven’t thought of?
Thanks so much for the photos. I leave next Thursday for the Rhine River cruise with an elderly friend. Now we have a better idea what to expect – and it looks like our expectations will be exceeded!
Hi Sandy! It’s pretty safe to say your expectations will be exceeded because Viking always overdelivers. In case you didn’t see them already, be sure to check out our 24 Viking River Cruise Insider Tips and Viking Christmas River Cruises: A Rhine Getaway Travelogue for more information and tons of photos. Bon voyage!
Any special notes/reviews on or tips on the Heart of the Delta cruise?
Hi Ann! I have not yet done a Viking Mississippi cruise, so I have no special tips. All we have is an informative post about the ship and itineraries. Hope this helps a little!
Great information. We leave for our first VRC, the Grand European in April 23 with pre in Amsterdam and post to Prague. I hope we will book more!!
Thank you, Katherine! You will LOVE the Grand European! Please keep us posted and give a report when you return.
Greetings, love all topics about Viking River Cruises. I was wondering Howard if you or anyone has taken the Viking River Cruise Paris & the Heart of Normandy. It’s 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. Also, if you have taken this tour, what optional excursions would you recommend?
Hi Wanda! Glad you have enjoyed our Viking Cruises content. We have not taken the Viking Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruise, but it sounds like a perfect choice for a first cruise. Spending eight days slowly exploring France is a great way to become immersed in French history, culture, and scenic beauty. It will also be a great introduction to river cruising before you get hooked like us! We envy you, and please give us an update of your trip when you return.
My husband and I did Paris and the Heart of Normandy as our first Viking cruise in 2013. Since then, we have done 7 other Viking cruises and have 2 more booked for this year. Our October cruise is France’s Finest, which is a 2-part cruise, Paris and the Heart of Normandy being the first half. I suppose the fact that we are repeating our first cruise answers your question. We love all things Viking!
Wanda, this was our first Viking cruise and was so well done, we have done two other Viking river cruises. All were exceptional. You will enjoy Monet’s garden and the Normandy beaches.
We are planning the Grand European river cruise next June to celebrate our 60th anniversary, backed up with the iconic Western Mediterranean ocean cruise. Should we book our excursions (paid and offered) now?
Hi Norma Jean! Congratulations on your 60th anniversary. Sounds like you have planned a wonderful celebration with Viking cruises. I think it is always best to book your excursions as soon as possible. You should be able to do this on My Viking Journey, and you can always make changes later, even after you are already on board.
Thanks for the advice. We were wondering about changing, adding, or cancelling excursions. Your info is most helpful. Yes, we are excited about our trip and counting the days.
Hi there- this post is wonderful…thank you!! I will be taking my first Viking cruise in less than 2 weeks and have one very important question I am hoping you can answer. 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). Our question is about how close we will be to towns where we can sightsee on our own in the afternoon or evening. 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. You advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Sandy! I am so excited for you! We have cruised the Danube between Nuremburg and Budapest, and you will love it. I think your plan to spend the entire day exploring port cities is a great method. I cannot give you any definite information about how close your ship will be to port cities because they are always changing. Sometimes, as in Budapest, we were docked right below the Chain Bridge, making it super simple to walk right off the ship and into town. Other times you will be ported at a distance that will require taking a taxi or shared ride service back to ship. On some daily excursions, you will board the tour bus in one port and return to ship at another port. I suggest that you examine each of your daily options on My Viking Journey to make a plan for each day. If MVJ does not give you the information you need, give Viking a call and they will be able to give you port to city proximities to help you plan. Please keep us updated about your journey, and bon voyage!
Thank you so much! We will update you in our journey. We are traveling with friends and have decided to take the tours into town in the morning and, if the boat will be in port for the day, stay in town to sightsee following the tour and just take a taxi back to the ship.
We are taking our first Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel next spring. I have really enjoyed reading your insights and your answers to commentors’ remarks and questions. 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. I currently have a car lined up to rent at the Basel Airport, but have noticed that prices on the same vehicle are significantly lower at the train station in Basel. 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. Thanks.
Hi Pat! So glad you have found our Viking articles and comments of value. I am so happy that you will be doing the Rhine Getaway. You will love it! 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. I am truly envious of your road trip through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Please keep us posted about your travels, and let us know if you learn anything further about the car rental situation.
Howard, thanks for your reply. I have found that the car rental is about 20% less expensive at the train station than at the airport through Sixt. I will keep up with your blog and let you and your readers know how things went.
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. I have set up our rental car at the Basel Bad Train Station and am hoping that taxis are plentiful. Thanks.
Hi Pat! I am not familiar with taxis in Basel because I used Viking’s transfer service while there. I am sure they have taxis and probably Uber and/or Lyft, as well. Perhaps some of our readers can provide insight.
Hi Howard,
From a blogger on another site, I was given the information that the Viking onboard concierge will assist us with arranging a taxi and even provide us with a time to be ready to disembark.
Feel free to use this info to assist others that read your great comments section and might have the same questions.
Regards, Pat.
Thanks for sharing this, Pat. The Viking concierges are wonderful!
Is it best to book thru Viking or a travel agent? When do you feel is the best time to book? A year in advance or closer to date of cruise?
Viking is also a travel agency, and we have found great airfares booking directly. Booking in advance gives you more security with getting the cruise date and stateroom you want. However, if you are on the Viking mailing list you will get notifications of sales, 2-for-1 offers, and free air promotions at later dates.
One point though. 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. Other times they brush you off with “you have booked with a travel agent, he handles your enquiries.” This happened to me in Australia, when ringing Viking just to ask what drinks are covered by the Silver Spirits package. Our agent would have had to ring Viking to find out, so I thought I cut the red tape and ask directly; was unpleasantly brushed off by CARLOS.
Sorry to hear you had this experience, Magdalena. I think this type of response may be limited to one or two individuals and does not reflect Viking’s stellar public relations.
I am taking my first river cruise and it’s aboard one of Viking’s long ships. I am greatly looking forward to it and appreciate these 11 best amenities and the blog regarding 24 tips so much – they will both be very helpful to me. I have been on ocean cruises before but not river cruises and as a solo traveler I am hoping that people are friendly and willing to allow me to hang out with them.
Hi Sue! So glad our Viking posts have been helpful for you. 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. Some of the people I met on Viking cruises remain my friends to this day. I will be publishing my newest post about Viking Christmas Markets cruises shortly, and I mention joining other passengers on excursions. Have a wonderful time on your cruise, and keep us posted!
We are taking the Rhine Getaway Cruise next month (Jun 24) and I was wondering if there were any recommendations you had for cities along the route that perhaps weren’t official Viking tours, but spots you felt should not be missed during the free time!
Hi Colleen! We have cruised that basic route three or four times, but we have always either done the included or optional tours. We have also done a lot of city-walking during free times in the ports. My travel philosophy is, “We’re here now,” meaning to take advantage of every minute while at a destination. 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. Enjoy your Viking Rhine Getaway!
Thank You for all the great insights on traveling with Viking! My husband and I leave in August for the Viking Homeland River Cruise. We are first time travelers to Northern Europe. Any suggestions you might have regarding this trip would be appreciated. We are especially wondering about shore excursions choices you or fellow travelers may have enjoyed. We also are thinking about what to pack for this 15 day adventure ( Aug – September).
Thanks in Advance
Kim & David
Hi Kimberly! Glad you found our Viking river cruise articles to be of help. Actually, the Viking Homelands cruise is an ocean cruise, not a river cruise. In fact, I am envious because this cruise is at the top of my Viking wishlist. Unfortunately, because I have not yet embarked on this cruise, I cannot offer any excursion recommendations. I do know that you will be cruising on the Viking Sky, which is a sister ship to the Viking Star. That said, you may get some tips from our article 18 Reasons to Cruise the Mediterranean on the Viking Star. Hope this helps, and I know you will have a wonderful time! Please tell us all about your travels when you return!
Thank You!!
We’ve gone on two Viking River Cruises . . . the Danube and Paris to Prague and we loved them! We’re going on the Rhine Getaway this summer. Can you recommend optional excursions that are the best in your experience for this trip? Thanks!
Hi Vicki! I did the Rhine Getaway Christmas Markets cruise last December. For optional excursions, I did the cheese factory tour in Kinderdijk because I had been there twice before. I highly recommend the Top of Cologne tour, which may be my favorite Viking excursion ever. Exploring the Dom cathedral inside and outside at breathtaking heights just blew me away! You might want to sign up quickly because group sizes are limited. The Black Forest tour from Breisach, was a little commercial, but I loved hiking the trails and seeing the waterfall and historical buildings. There are trade-offs because you cannot do everything, but either way you will love it all!
Just discovered your website and wanted to thank you for the great information. We will be going on the Grand European in April 2018 so hope you don’t mind if I end up asking more questions before we go, but my main concern is no laundry onboard. Did you ship laundry out to be cleaned or brought enough clothes for the two weeks?
Thanks very much!
Hi Nancy! No worries with questions. That’s why we are here. 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. We did not send out laundry, although it was available. It was summer, so we took along mainly shorts and T-shirts. We did have a lot of laundry, however, when we got home.
I can’t believe I stumbled upon this blog. We are preparing for our first Viking cruise and this and another of your posts have been incredibly helpful!
Thanks so much, Nancy! Glad we could help.
So glad I found your site. We are approaching our Rhine Getaway in 40 days (May10th). We are first time cruisers and chose a river cruise because it tempted us more than one of those huge “floating cities”. We’ve heard a lot of fabulous reviews about the Viking experience and decided this to be our choice. Your information soothed some of our fears, since my husband has very high expectations. I’m not going to tell him of what you wrote, this way he can be pleasantly surprised. This trip is in celebration of our 45th anniversary and we hope it to be very memorable. I can’t wait for the fun to begin and have all the attention that is promised. I am now officially excited.
Hi Denise! Thanks for sharing about your upcoming Viking cruise. I know you will love it! I did the Rhine Getaway Christmas Markets last December, and it was incredible. Congratulations on your 45th anniversary, and please let us know how everything goes!
My mother and I are also going on the Rhine Getaway on May 10th as a mother-daughter trip after the passing of her mother (my grandmother). And I agree that this site was fantastic in helping us to prepare and alleviate any concerns! Thank you!
So sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing, Cabell. I hope your upcoming Viking journey will bring you and your mother peace and comfort after you loss. How cool is it that two cruisers traveling on the same dates connected on Backroad Planet! I hope you meet on board and share your adventures with us upon your return. Bon voyage!
I am very happy to find this website! It is very informative and well-written in a casual way. My husband and I are taking the Viking Lofn from Basel to Amsterdam with a pre-package in Lucerne and a post in Amsterdam this August. We are beyond excited as this is our first trip to Europe! We’ve been to great locations in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, but this is our first European adventure. Thank you for all the great tips and additional information. We love to be prepared ahead of time!
Thanks for your kind words, Lona! It means so much to know my tips have helped someone about to embark on a Viking European river cruise. Since I wrote this piece, I have also done the Viking Basel to Amsterdam Rhine Getaway. You will love it! The only difference between your trip and mine is that mine was a December Christmas Markets cruise. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask! Bon voyage!
We are also planning this exact trip in 2018! What did you think of the pre and post trip excursions? Trying to decide if we should do it on our own or stick with Viking! Lots of questions, but very excited to be a first time river cruiser!
Hello Howard, we are preparing for our first Viking Cruise-The Rhine Getaway from Basel to Amsterdam. We will be touring after in Northern Germany with another couple. My question relates to the dress requirements on board. Will my husband need a sport coat? Do people dress for dinner more formally than when touring? Packing for day and evening will mean a lot more luggage…dress shoes…ect. We don’t want to over do it either way. When the website says shirts with collars for men are they talking golf type or button downs? In the photos it looks as though most folks have on crew neck T’s…
Thanks!
Hi Anne! The Rhine Getaway was our first Viking cruise, although we never completed it because my retina detached and tore on the first day at Kinderdijk, and I had to be evacuated. But that’s another story! I have been on three Viking cruises since then. To answer your questions (and I am all about simplicity when packing): Viking is a luxury cruise line, but very casual. No, your husband does not need a sport coat. Some people dress better for dinner, others do not. I did take a few collared shirts, but I wore them tails out with shorts and nice sandal slides. Sometimes I wore crew neck T-shirts, too. Polo shirts are fine. You definitely need a good pair of walking shoes (sneakers) for excursions. But nice, comfortable slide sandals are perfect for on board. Hope this helps!
Thank you for recommending Viking River cruises when we met on Fathom, I’ve enjoyed reading your articles and can’t wait to try one!
Glad to help, Cathy! I know you will not be disappointed in Viking. They strive for excellence in every way!
Hi! Thanks for your articles on River Cruises! We are taking one in Nov/Dec timeframe for the Christmas Markets and your articles are helping me preparing for them. Will be jotting down all your tips from your other article! (^_^)
You will love the the Christmas Markets, Claudie, and of course you will love Viking River Cruises. So glad to help with the tips. You might want to try the print feature in the left toolbar so your hand does not get tired! 🙂
Very nice article, Howard! We are heading on the same Viking Cruise tomorrow, although we go from Budapest to Amsterdam. Thanks for the helpful hints (looking for those cookies!) and getting us even more excited about our trip!
Glad to help, Cheryl! We have a Viking “insider tips” post going live on Monday. Hope you have time in the middle of all your fun to check it out!
What an informative and delightful recap of your river cruise. Loved the pictures as well as the descriptions of daily life on the Viking vessel. I’m more eager now to plan a river cruise. Thanks!
Thanks Linda, for always being such a supportive reader and friend. Glad we could help. More Viking posts are in the works!
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. We took this cruise to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and Viking kindly allowed us to have a symbolic vow renewal onboard attended by two couples whom we met on the cruise and the simple ceremony was conducted by the Captain in the Wheelhouse along with a beautiful cake, flowers, champagne and photographs all at the expense of Viking. What a wonderful day we had and one we will remember for ever the photographs taken during the day we’re all played on the large television in the lounge and by the end of the cruise we felt like celebrities we have never experienced so much genuine care from staff as we did on this cruise and would highly recommend Viking to anyone considering a river cruise.
Thanks for sharing your lovely story, Pauline! Your account is clearly in line with the many ways I have observed Viking Cruises go overboard to accommodate their passengers’ every need.
Howard, thanks for your insights. Your trip sounds amazing! The Grand European Tour has been on our “bucket list” for years. It will finally happen in September. Your posting makes us even more excited for our trip.
Awesome, Joe! Let me assure you that it will be everything you have dreamed it will be and so much more. Thanks for stopping by Backroad Planet. Cheers!
Howard, I couldn’t agree more about the amenities and the out of this world, wonderful staff! Hey, I even fell in love with your cabin steward Jonathan…he was always smiling and cheerful and just a shining light every day! He was NOT even my cabin steward!!!
My favorite part of returning to the ship after daily activities was the literal helping hand of Attila, the hotel manager, assuring that we ladies were escorted safely back on board!!!!
I could go on and on and perhaps I will another day. Suffice it to say I am glad that Jerry enjoyed the cookies as evidenced by the picture…they were scrumptious!! I too am looking forward to another Viking cruise…the only questions are where…when?
So great getting to know you during our cruise, Rita, and I can tell you loved it as much as we did. I agree that Attila was a wonderful hotel manager who truly cared for all of his guests. Honestly, although it is not a river cruise, I think the Viking Homelands cruise is the one I want to do most of all. However, I would pretty much jump onboard any ship to anywhere at this point!
I took two Viking cruises, one tis may and one last may. it’s all true, they are wonderful. my only wish is that the tiny beds were at least the true twin size, not more narrow, hard to sleep. together, they equal a queen at best, certainly not a king size.
Thanks for sharing, Nora! 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. Perhaps the newer ships have larger beds? Thanks again!
You have just whet my appetite even more for one of these cruises. Definitely need to schedule one within the next year. Love your site!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Susan! Viking River Cruises are EVERYTHING you dream they will be and so much more. We just got home from ours, and we would love to go again!
Howard, always enjoy reading your writings bc you make your readers feel like we are on the journey right along with you. Glad your trip was such a wonderful memorable experience!
Thank you, Debbie! Glad you enjoyed the post. We are so grateful for our regular readers like you. You should start a blog about all your incredible travels. Hugs!