Just back from 9/1 Romantic Danube on Viking Odin - FANTASTIC

[bunnyhouse]

Just got back yesterday from the 9/1/12 sailing on the Viking Odin, Romantic Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest. It was an absolutely fantastic vacation in every way. To provide some perspective, I am 48, my husband 54. We take 3-4 vacations a year and have done many Ocean Cruises (mainly on Princess) but this was our first river cruise.

Pre Cruise:
We booked our own air and transfers, so cannot comment on Viking. We flew into Prague and spent 3 days there prior. We stayed at the Hotel Paris and it was very nice. Took bus from Prague to Nuremberg. Booked bus ticket thru www.bahn.de, left from Prague Main Station and went straight to Nuremberg Train Station, $38 Euros for two. Then took a cab to the pier, about 10-15 minutes away, that was $15 Euros.

Check In and Stateroom:
We got to the ship about 4pm or so, check-in was very easy, about 5 min and right to our rooms. We were in a Veranda Stateroom B. The room was small, but functional. It had plenty of storage, lots of drawers and the closet was more than adequate. The bathroom was of course small, but again, very functional. The shower was very nice, nice hot water and good water pressure, there was a surprising amount of room in the shower, compared to those on Ocean cruise ships. The TV was very nice (my husband loved having ESPN). It was a very nice room, we were very pleased.

Food:
The food was delicious, there was always plenty! Soft drinks, wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner and there was always someone to refill your glass. I have dietary restrictions (no gluten) and they were very accommodating.

Nuremberg:
We had to take buses since the ship docks about 4 miles or so from town. The tour was very informative and the history there is just incredible. We did get out of the buses at several stops and walked a bit thru the town square. Our guide was very good and we really enjoyed the tour.

Regensburg:
Docked right in town. The town is very pretty and the church there is really incredible. Had plenty of time in the afternoon to walk around town on our own.

Passau:
Again, docked right in town. Tour guide very informative and again we enjoyed it. There was an organ concert in a cathedral, while not really my cup of tea, it was still very nice. Plenty of time to walk around town in the afternoon on our own

Melk
The Abbey is not to be missed! We docked on the other side of the river, so we had to take buses to the Abbey, but only a 10 minute ride or so. The views from the Abbey were just incredible. After the tour, we walked thru the small town back to our buses. It was a beautiful day!! We sailed around noon to Vienna. The views on the Sun deck from Melk to Vienna were just incredible.

Vienna
I did not attend the optional concert, so cannot comment on that. I did go on the optional tour to the Schonbrunn Palace and can recommend that. We were docked in town and again really enjoyed the morning tour.

Budapest
We docked about 8:30 am. The views from the Sun deck entering Budapest are just incredible. We docked just under the Chain Bridge, perfect location!

Disembarkation:
Just as easy. We took a cab to the Budapest airport (arranged by Viking) and that was about $30 Euros.

We had wonderful weather and we encountered no water level issues.
Again, we had just a fantastic vacation. I would highly recommend Viking! The staff went out of their way and everyone we encountered was very helpful, friendly and nice. I cannot say enough about the Viking staff.

[phoebecat]

Originally Posted by bunnyhouse

Just got back yesterday from the 9/1/12 sailing on the Viking Odin, Romantic Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest. It was an absolutely fantastic vacation in every way. To provide some perspective, I am 48, my husband 54. We take 3-4 vacations a year and have done many Ocean Cruises (mainly on Princess) but this was our first river cruise.

Pre Cruise:
We booked our own air and transfers, so cannot comment on Viking. We flew into Prague and spent 3 days there prior. We stayed at the Hotel Paris and it was very nice. Took bus from Prague to Nuremberg. Booked bus ticket thru www.bahn.de, left from Prague Main Station and went straight to Nuremberg Train Station, $38 Euros for two. Then took a cab to the pier, about 10-15 minutes away, that was $15 Euros.

Check In and Stateroom:
We got to the ship about 4pm or so, check-in was very easy, about 5 min and right to our rooms. We were in a Veranda Stateroom B. The room was small, but functional. It had plenty of storage, lots of drawers and the closet was more than adequate. The bathroom was of course small, but again, very functional. The shower was very nice, nice hot water and good water pressure, there was a surprising amount of room in the shower, compared to those on Ocean cruise ships. The TV was very nice (my husband loved having ESPN). It was a very nice room, we were very pleased.

Food:
The food was delicious, there was always plenty! Soft drinks, wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner and there was always someone to refill your glass. I have dietary restrictions (no gluten) and they were very accommodating.

Nuremberg:
We had to take buses since the ship docks about 4 miles or so from town. The tour was very informative and the history there is just incredible. We did get out of the buses at several stops and walked a bit thru the town square. Our guide was very good and we really enjoyed the tour.

Regensburg:
Docked right in town. The town is very pretty and the church there is really incredible. Had plenty of time in the afternoon to walk around town on our own.

Passau:
Again, docked right in town. Tour guide very informative and again we enjoyed it. There was an organ concert in a cathedral, while not really my cup of tea, it was still very nice. Plenty of time to walk around town in the afternoon on our own

Melk
The Abbey is not to be missed! We docked on the other side of the river, so we had to take buses to the Abbey, but only a 10 minute ride or so. The views from the Abbey were just incredible. After the tour, we walked thru the small town back to our buses. It was a beautiful day!! We sailed around noon to Vienna. The views on the Sun deck from Melk to Vienna were just incredible.

Vienna
I did not attend the optional concert, so cannot comment on that. I did go on the optional tour to the Schonbrunn Palace and can recommend that. We were docked in town and again really enjoyed the morning tour.

Budapest
We docked about 8:30 am. The views from the Sun deck entering Budapest are just incredible. We docked just under the Chain Bridge, perfect location!

Disembarkation:
Just as easy. We took a cab to the Budapest airport (arranged by Viking) and that was about $30 Euros.

We had wonderful weather and we encountered no water level issues.
Again, we had just a fantastic vacation. I would highly recommend Viking! The staff went out of their way and everyone we encountered was very helpful, friendly and nice. I cannot say enough about the Viking staff.

Thrilled to read this review. Dad and I did Rhine Discovery with Viking in July and loved it ... so much so we are booked to do this exact same trip with Viking next summer. Loved hearing about your experiences and what you enjoyed. Very much appreciated!

[we're sailing away....]

Thank you for the info ..

[buckeye82]

Thanks for the review! We will be on the Viking Njord in Dec. (Danube Waltz, Christmas Markets) and can't wait! We used Viking for our China trip last summer and thought they did a great job.

[flump12]

Great, helpful review. We have been considering a river cruise as an alternative to an ocean cruise. Your post may sealed the deal!

[cassie cruiser]

Thanks for the review! We are considering this cruise for Sept 2013. We loved our Paris - Normandy cruise last year on Viking.

[pflorio994]

Bunnyhouse,
Happy to see that you had a great time. I am booked on the exact cruise in November.

I would like to know what type of entertainment was on board at night. Took this cruise in 2009 and they were various entertainers brought on board beside the normal piano player.

[bunnyhouse]

Regarding the entertainment - it was mainly Otto, the musician for music/dancing. However in Budapest they had a Hungarian Evening Show by the Sound of Europe performers. I must say, I did not go to the lounge after dinner for the entertainment, but heard from others that it was quite good and lots of fun.

[5326jan]

Did you find the noise level in the dining room to be problematic?

Thanks for posting your review!

[Huffy2k]

Thanks for the review Bunny! My wife and I are in the same age group as you and your husband. Glad to hear your enthusiasm about your trip, we are taking Viking's Portraits of Southern France for our 25th Anniversary next March. Can't wait!

[bunnyhouse]

The dining room was noisy. However, I think we got used to it, by the end of the cruise, did not notice it as much.

This was our 25th anniversary cruise as well. I cannot stress how much we enjoyed the cruise. Would highly recommend.

[NJ Gal]

Originally Posted by bunnyhouse

Just got back yesterday from the 9/1/12 sailing on the Viking Odin, Romantic Danube, Nuremberg to Budapest. It was an absolutely fantastic vacation in every way. To provide some perspective, I am 48, my husband 54. We take 3-4 vacations a year and have done many Ocean Cruises (mainly on Princess) but this was our first river cruise.

Pre Cruise:
We booked our own air and transfers, so cannot comment on Viking. We flew into Prague and spent 3 days there prior. We stayed at the Hotel Paris and it was very nice. Took bus from Prague to Nuremberg. Booked bus ticket thru www.bahn.de, left from Prague Main Station and went straight to Nuremberg Train Station, $38 Euros for two. Then took a cab to the pier, about 10-15 minutes away, that was $15 Euros.

Check In and Stateroom:
We got to the ship about 4pm or so, check-in was very easy, about 5 min and right to our rooms. We were in a Veranda Stateroom B. The room was small, but functional. It had plenty of storage, lots of drawers and the closet was more than adequate. The bathroom was of course small, but again, very functional. The shower was very nice, nice hot water and good water pressure, there was a surprising amount of room in the shower, compared to those on Ocean cruise ships. The TV was very nice (my husband loved having ESPN). It was a very nice room, we were very pleased.

Food:
The food was delicious, there was always plenty! Soft drinks, wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner and there was always someone to refill your glass. I have dietary restrictions (no gluten) and they were very accommodating.

Nuremberg:
We had to take buses since the ship docks about 4 miles or so from town. The tour was very informative and the history there is just incredible. We did get out of the buses at several stops and walked a bit thru the town square. Our guide was very good and we really enjoyed the tour.

Regensburg:
Docked right in town. The town is very pretty and the church there is really incredible. Had plenty of time in the afternoon to walk around town on our own.

Passau:
Again, docked right in town. Tour guide very informative and again we enjoyed it. There was an organ concert in a cathedral, while not really my cup of tea, it was still very nice. Plenty of time to walk around town in the afternoon on our own

Melk
The Abbey is not to be missed! We docked on the other side of the river, so we had to take buses to the Abbey, but only a 10 minute ride or so. The views from the Abbey were just incredible. After the tour, we walked thru the small town back to our buses. It was a beautiful day!! We sailed around noon to Vienna. The views on the Sun deck from Melk to Vienna were just incredible.

Vienna
I did not attend the optional concert, so cannot comment on that. I did go on the optional tour to the Schonbrunn Palace and can recommend that. We were docked in town and again really enjoyed the morning tour.

Budapest
We docked about 8:30 am. The views from the Sun deck entering Budapest are just incredible. We docked just under the Chain Bridge, perfect location!

Disembarkation:
Just as easy. We took a cab to the Budapest airport (arranged by Viking) and that was about $30 Euros.

We had wonderful weather and we encountered no water level issues.
Again, we had just a fantastic vacation. I would highly recommend Viking! The staff went out of their way and everyone we encountered was very helpful, friendly and nice. I cannot say enough about the Viking staff.

We just got back from the Aug 26 Prestige 14 night Grand European Cruise & it was just fantastic. We are experienced ocean cruises, but this was our first river cruise in Europe. I cannot rave enough about this cruise and Viking. We were a group of 10 who always sat together for dinner. We did not find the dining room noisy....maybe because we were the first table inside the room not in the middle.
We did go to the optional concert in Vienna and just loved it. In Vienna, we also went on an excursion with the chef to a market. That was great.

[Viking Cruises]

Originally Posted by NJ Gal

We just got back from the Aug 26 Prestige 14 night Grand European Cruise & it was just fantastic. We are experienced ocean cruises, but this was our first river cruise in Europe. I cannot rave enough about this cruise and Viking. We were a group of 10 who always sat together for dinner. We did not find the dining room noisy....maybe because we were the first table inside the room not in the middle.
We did go to the optional concert in Vienna and just loved it. In Vienna, we also went on an excursion with the chef to a market. That was great.

Dear NJ Gal,

Welcome home from your cruise! It’s always a treat when first time river cruisers say they had a fantastic trip. We couldn’t be happier that you enjoyed your time with us!

Thank you, and your group, for choosing to sail with Viking River Cruises. We hope to have all of you onboard again soon!

Sincerely,
Viking River Cruises

[chocolatier]

We returned from a 15 day Grand European with Viking--Aug.12-26 on the Prestige. It was our first cruise ever, and we are so glad we chose a river cruise and we are absolutely glad we went with Viking. They totally outdid themselves in service to all of us on board. We did run into a problem with water levels and had to "bus it" for three days and stay in hotels for three nights. Viking went OUT OF THEIR WAY to make the change of travel venue THE BEST THAT WE COULD HAVE EVER HOPED FOR. They arranged our lodging and food for those days......and all the choices were FABULOUS. Everyone, including the captain and all staff worked tirelessly to give us the trip of a lifetime. Thank you Viking.

[dcruisers]

Originally Posted by NJ Gal

We just got back from the Aug 26 Prestige 14 night Grand European Cruise & it was just fantastic. We are experienced ocean cruises, but this was our first river cruise in Europe. I cannot rave enough about this cruise and Viking. We were a group of 10 who always sat together for dinner. We did not find the dining room noisy....maybe because we were the first table inside the room not in the middle.
We did go to the optional concert in Vienna and just loved it. In Vienna, we also went on an excursion with the chef to a market. That was great.

Are you the same NJ gal that was on the Celebrity Silhouette in Jan?? If so, I met you at the meet and greet! We are doing this same cruise next Sept with another couple and are so excited to be planning our very first River Cruise. Like you, we are experienced ocean cruisers..looking forward to our first river cruise!
So pleased to read that you had a great time on your very first river cruise!
Your enthusiastic comments have sparked my excitement even more!