September 2016 we embarked on our first river trip. We chose Viking River Cruises and traveled from Amsterdam down the Rhine River to Basal Switzerland. It is hard to compare Viking River Cruises with other cruise lines, since this is the only river cruise we have taken, but we were very pleased. We met many wonderful people and they related their experiences on Viking compared to some of the other river cruise lines. For the most part, they all preferred Viking for one reason or the other. Some thought the food was better, some liked the friendliness of the crew, one group liked how accommodating Viking was to each individuals needs.
One recommendation I would make would be to purchase the drink package. We were advised to do this and we were very glad. This means you have unlimited access to the bar and higher end wines. If you are careful and watch the emails from Viking they offer free drink packages and free air for ships they are trying to fill. Once my husband retires I feel we will take advantage of theses offers. If you watch you can also get 2/1 deals.
Another recommendation is not to worry about a room with a balcony. There is such a wonderful top deck and places to sit out that we very seldom used our balcony. We were traveling with another couple and 4 of us did not fit on our balcony and although we were side by side there was a privacy wall separating the two balconies. A Juliet balcony would have been just fine.
Pick and choose your excursions carefully. There are many included excursions that are very informative and fun. Many of the ones you pay extra for last your whole day and you lose that chance to explore on your own.
Last but not least when traveling through the locks, which I loved doing, remember that if you are out on the deck you are going to get wet! when you see that wall of water coming get under cover!
Journal entry Sept. 131, 2016:
Charlie (our son-in-law) took John and I to Fredericksburg, VA to the train station. We rook Amtrak to Alexandria, VA and then the metro to Reagan National Airport. Ate lunch at Legal Seafood, through security and to the gate. Boarded our plane at 5:30 and arrived at JFK early. Went to find our gate and then went to the American Airlines Club where we relaxed, ate and had drinks. Down to gate around 9:00 PM. Boarding time in 56 minutes – However that was NOT to be. There was an issue with our plane. They are “working” on it. Time of departure kept getting moved back. Finally it was announced that they were taking the plane out of service and we had to change gates. They brought out sandwiches, drinks and chips for all. We are at the new gate-delayed again! More food and drinks are brought out. By now it is 3 AM. Finally, a new crew has arrived and we boarded the plane. We back out of the gate, but we have to return to the gate to pick up paper work that had been left, The paperwork was needed for some liquid the plane was carrying……….
The sliver lining to all of this was that John and I got upgraded to business class so we had beds to lay down and sleep, Bose headsets champagne, quiche for breakfast and fruit. (They also served dinner at 4:00 AM. but I chose to sleep through that. John had prawns.
More problems when we get to Heathrow with our connecting flight, but that is a story for another time.