charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

I’m currently on a Viking river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.

We started as a sold out cruise a couple months ago. A lot of people postponed to a later date. We set sail at at about 55% capacity.

Not exactly sure of numbers but started with about 119 passengers out of a possible 190 passengers.

We get tester for covid daily and have several passengers and 1 crew member tested positive. The passenger number is now 98.

My back is messed up so I am not very mobile but have gotten some descent photos.

None of the passengers who have tested positive have any symptoms but have had to leave the ship anyway.

Oh yes. I have severe back issues and can’t walk very much.

There is some beautiful scenery along the way.

We have met some wonderful people and are having a great time onboard.

All in all I don’t think I would recommend a Viking river cruise to anyone at this time.

Chuck

cdayton

We did that cruise about 10 years ago before they converted to the new “long boats.” We had a great time - no delays and guided tours were very well done. Sorry your trip has been disappointing due to the COVID protocols, not to mention the bad back.

Rolk Loc: South Central PA

Sorry your river cruise didn't live up to you expectations, but I must say, I absolutely loved the way Viking handled everything from our airline transfers, tours, food, beverages, Covid testing to our departure.

We did the "Romantic Danube" cruise from Regensburg to Budapest last year. We added two days upfront so we could tour Nuremberg, again, which Viking handled perfectly for us.

We, too, had to do daily PCR testing, but seriously, it wasn't a problem at all. Takes two seconds to spit into a provided glass tube, stick it in an envelope that already has your name one it and leave it on your dresser. How hard is that? There was one person that tested positive twice and he and his wife were put up BY VIKING in a motel until they tested negative and then returned them to their home. I can't think how Viking could have done more for them. After all, it certainly wasn't Viking's fault that someone contracted Covid while on a tour. They certainly didn't get it on ship.

We've done the "traditional" cruises through Norwegian Cruise lines, and honestly, Viking puts them to shame. Every, and I mean "every" member of the ship greeted us by name every time they saw us. There was not one request than didn't fulfill, even ordering "off menu."

We will be using Viking River Cruises again in the near future and strongly recommend them to everyone. They truly care about providing excellent service to all their clients. Again, I'm sorry you had less than a great experience which I'm sure your bad back made even worse, but again, for us, Viking nailed it.
Tim

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Sorry your cruise did not meet your expectations, but I am awaiting your photos.

I took a similar cruise (same itinerary) in 2010 with Avalon Waterways (now a part of Globus). I thoroughly enjoyed it and got some lovely pictures. If you're curious, you can see them here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/collections/72157624729863909/

HamB

We have done three river cruises (pre kung flu)with Viking and each was fabulous.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Nice series. Especially liked the night shots.

Woodworm65 Loc: Lombard, IL

I to took a Viking river cruise and everything was great but would not ever use Viking again due to the fact that they are the only cruise line that asks for most of the cruise money upfront while others take a modest deposit and require full payment 90 days before departing even my travel agent try’s not to suggest them if at all possible.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Last year, my two brothers and I along with wives booked a Rhine getaway with Viking. The trip is this September and is our 4th with Viking. While on the phone with the Viking agent, I asked why Viking insists on getting paid for the whole trip up front in lieu of money down, rest later. His reply, “because they (we) can….” half jokingly but true. That said, we still plan on using them in the future. They do a great job and do whatever is reasonable to make the trip worthwhile.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

There is mention here of Viking service. This can not be overstated, the service is phenomenal. If there is anything, ANYTHING, not to one's liking they should mention it to one of the staff. BOOM! Corrected! My wife chose the NY Strip one evening for dinner, and it was chewy. She was reluctant to complain. Heck with that, hey waiter! Almost instantly there was another steak, cooked the way she likes it, and not at all chewy. I didn't like my pillow and asked the maid if there was an alternative, sure was and it was better. I have more stories about the wonderful service but this is enough rambling.

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

Very sorry to hear of your problems on the cruise. We've never gone and I'm really anxious to try one. However I also have back issues which preclude me from doing a lot of walking. I would probably spend most of my time seated somewhere. Would you recommend the trip for someone like me ? Is there enough to see and do with very limited mobility?
Appreciate your input.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Just got off a cruise called "The Flower Power Cruise" which is a charter on the Celebrity Summit. We left out of Miami, and the travel was not pleasant due to the airlines bare bones approach. We had to take a covid test prior to leaving and then one in the hotel prior to boarding the ship. The ship was sold out and not one person got covid on the cruise! Amazing! On the other hand I did cancel a cruise I have been waiting to take for three years to the British Isles in July due to all the hoops you have to jump through to get on it. But now that the mask mandate is being taken off for air travel, it might be easier to undertake the flights. I cancelled because I am tired of jumping through hoops, getting tested, and waiting to hear that everyone is OK, and also hearing that positivity rates are climbing in England. I just did not want to put myself through that again! But I would recommend all the Star Vista themed cruises for fun!!

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charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Mr Spock. I have had back problems for many years. I have controlled with otc medication and about 8 years started injections in the back. I was supposed to get one the week before we left for our cruise. Didn’t happen. My back has been getting progressively worse as the trip goes on. I try to do an excursion and have to find a place to sit. I have missed 3 excursions because I couldn’t do them. Have a couple more to try and then Amsterdam for a few days. Hopefully I can get some site seeing in.

The boat is easy to get around on. Staff is very helpful. Love the service we are getting. Food is good.

We have met some great people onboard and have had a great time with them.

Covid is having its way with passengers and staff. We have lost at least 15% of passengers on an already under-booked ship. Less than 100 now.

Without the back issues. The cold I have come down with. And the constant threat of covid I believe it would have been worth it. But in my condition it is way to expensive without being able to take full advantage of everything.

Oh yes. The drink package is well worth it. Lol

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

I really appreciate your comments. My wife made the same comment regarding cost. Why spend all that money and not be able to take advantage of the full experience.
And yes, the liquor package is a definite "must have"! I have found single malt scotch to be one of the most effective OTC medications :-))
Enjoy!

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Lol. How right you are. But mine is wine.

andesbill

Thank you for this post. My wife and I are scheduled to go on a Tauck tour in June that includes a cruise down the Seine. Because of you, we are checking what we can expect if one (or both) of us test positive, or get sick. I don’t think that we get tested daily, but our agent is going to check on that for us as well.