Top 10 Reasons to Cruise in Europe with Viking River Cruises
Viking Delling in Budapest, Hungary
Top 10 Reasons to Cruise in Europe with Viking River Cruises
By WAVEJourney
When Viking River Cruises launched their new style of river ships, the Viking Longships, in 2012, we knew we wanted to ply the rivers of Europe with them. So upon receipt of an invitation to be part of the second annual #VikingSocial Romantic Danube cruise in December 2014, we jumped all over it and changed travel plans so we could experience firsthand what a Viking river cruise is all about. We were thrilled to find that Viking has reinvented itself from their original model, and the river cruise experience on their new ship was one of the best we’ve encountered.
Discover WJs Top 10 Reasons to Take a European River Cruise with Viking – we cruised on the longship Viking Delling:
1. VIKING LONGSHIPS
Viking Delling in Melk, Austria
Sleek, modern, comfortable, understated, elegant, stylish, Scandinavian design… sum up the atmosphere on Viking Delling – a longship launched in 2014. Viking Longships carry a maximum of 190 passengers in 95 staterooms (choose between veranda, French balcony, picture window staterooms, or Explorer Suites), feature spacious public areas that are conducive to meeting other passengers or just watching the scenery as you sail by. The ship has three interior deck levels, and a sundeck on the roof (perfect for taking a stroll on the walking track, playing a game on the over-size chess set, or having a try at the putting green).
2. CREW
Captain Peter Toth and Program Director Henrieta Balisova
Along with the expert guidance of Captain Peter Toth, the hard-working crew on Viking Delling was incredibly attentive, professional and knowledgeable. They provided top-notch service with a friendly attitude, and no request was too much. The Program Director on our trip, Henrieta Balisova, was exceptional in every aspect; she kept our shore excursions and onboard activities/lectures running smoothly. We also found the Concierge, Michael, to be extremely helpful with checking-in for our departure flight and printing boarding passes, plus he would assist passengers and provide information for destinations along the cruise route.
3. TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Budapest City Tour with Viking River Cruises
The Viking Daily newsletter we received at turn-down listed the schedule for the next day’s activities, lectures, shore excursions, and meals. The majority of shore excursions on the Romantic Danube cruise itinerary were included in the cruise price, but a few optional excursions were also available (i.e. Vienna Mozart & Strauss Concert, Schönbrunn Palace). Bottled water was always being handed out as we left the ship for a shore excursion, and we were greeted upon return with a hot beverage. Local guides on shore excursions were easy to follow and hear with the use of the Quiet Vox listening system.
4. DINING AND BEVERAGES
Lunch is Served Aboard Viking Delling
Full breakfast (cook-to-order omelette station), lunch and dinner menus served regional specialties in the main dining room (open seating at one sitting with no table reservations). Lighter menu items were available in the Aquavit Terrace during meal times – including a Bar Menu (quesadilla, hamburger, club sandwich, etc.) at dinner. Included afternoon tea and late-night snacks also ensured we never went hungry. Beer, wine and soda are included with lunch and dinner, which for many passengers will be enough libations for the day. But for those that like additional beverages, bar prices were very reasonable (plus, the Silver Service beverage package offered tremendous value).
5. ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT
Viking Delling Gingerbread Demo
From cooking demonstrations (Gingerbread House making), to language lessons, location presentations, quizzes and history lectures by Program Director Henrieta, to music by ship musician Peter, to sing-a-longs with Hotel Manager Martijn, to dancing in the Lounge, to entertainment by a local Hungarian group… there was never a dull moment onboard Viking Delling.
6. CASUAL DRESS CODE
Casual Dress Code
Don’t worry about packing suits (even ties and jackets), tuxedos, cocktail dresses and ballgowns. Not only is river cruising much more relaxed than ocean cruising, but Viking’s dress code encourages passengers to dress casually and comfortably at all times. They don’t have formal nights, so it is completely up to you to decide if you want to dress somewhat more classy at dinner.
7. INFOTAINMENT/TV/WI-FI/QUIET VOX
Infotainment System
Internet (public computers) and Wi-Fi (accessed on your own device or laptop) is complimentary onboard Viking river ships. Although service is relatively quick, due to locks and location along the rivers it can be slow and cut out. Don’t try to upload large files and photos – you’ll just slow down the entire system and waste too much vacation time. The large flat-screen TV in staterooms is gorgeous, and one of the best we’ve experienced on a ship of any size. Lots of movies, documentaries, news channels (in English), and itinerary-specific programs were available on our stateroom TV. Every passenger has the use of a Quiet Vox listening device that is taken on shore excursions – this device makes it easy to hear the guide without the necessity of being within 3 feet of them.
8. COFFEE STATIONS
Coffee Station Treats
One of our favorite things on Viking Delling were the coffee stations (there are two of them near the lounge) with their push-button machines that instantly dispense a variety of hot drinks (cappuccino, latte, mocha, etc.). A large selection of quality tea bags were also available, and hot water was easily obtained from the coffee machine. Cookies and treats were available around the clock, with a new assortment placed out at least twice a day. Prefer a splash of hazelnut or vanilla syrup in your coffee? No problem. Monin syrups were on the counter for passengers to help themselves. Still and sparkling water were also available at the push of a button from a dispenser.
9. STATEROOM AMENITIES
Well-Appointed Bathroom on Viking Delling
Stateroom amenities are excellent and include:
- Safe – large enough to hold our 14″ laptop, passports, devices, tablets and other valuables
- Quality bathroom products by L’Occitane – bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, body gel, body lotion
- Shower cap and vanity kit
- Heated bathroom floor – warm tootsies while in the shower
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobes and slippers are available upon request
- European-style bed duvets
- Filtered water in a glass bottle is replenished in staterooms on a daily basis
- Large flat-screen Sony TV with English-language satellite programs
10. VALUE
Viking Delling Veranda Stateroom
What’s included in the price? Accommodations on a Viking Longship – a floating upscale modern hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea and water at all times. Coffee station with cookies. Transportation between destinations – via ship and motorcoach. Daily shore excursions with local guides. Onboard local entertainment, lectures and demonstrations. Top-notch service from a professional crew.
Our suggestion is to book a trip to sail the European rivers with Viking River Cruises. Not only are they the world’s largest river cruise line, but they offer a tremendous river cruise experience at excellent value.
Notes: WAVEJourney travelled from Nuremberg in Germany to Budapest in Hungary as media guests of Viking River Cruises from December 6 to 13, 2014. Read our full disclosure statement to see our review policy.
