Viking transportation to ship

Several of us have the 2-night pre-cruise stay in Budapest, which includes the transfers from the airport to hotel; then to the ship.

On the day that we board the ship, does Viking gather everyone's luggage at the hotel and take them to the ship? Or do we need to be with our luggage?

Since we have to probably check out of the hotel by 11am, we may want to make the most out of the day in town instead of going directly to the ship after checking out of the hotel.

Thanks.

Monica

You may put your bags out in the hall with the tags on, but I can't say for sure. Regardless, the ship docks right at the Chain Bridge. It's an easy walk from there to the castle, Fish Bastion, Parliament, etc.

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There will be a Viking "host" at the hotel. You should be able to let the host know that you would like to let your bags go to the ship while you go sightseeing and board later. However, you would be able to take advantage of a light lunch onboard, usually beginning at 11:30, and then go sightseeing.

Becki

Yes, Viking will take your luggage to the ship and deliver it to your stateroom. You can travel with the luggage to the ship whenever it goes or go about sightseeing and make your way to the ship at your convenience. It is very easy to get to the ship. There will be a light lunch served onboard and then go out and do more sightseeing.

We liked the HOHO bus. The companies sell tix that are good for 48 hours. We used that for transportation the 2nd day to get to areas we wanted to explore further. I think it included a river cruise also. Your cruise will start with an overview tour of Budapest. We already did that with the HOHO bus so just skipped it and did some further sightseeing.

this was our experience also

we were in the Hilton on the Buda side, next to Fisherman's Bastion. There was a Viking rep at a desk in the lobby all day. We were told what time to have our bags outside the door for them to pick up and what time to meet in the lobby for a ride.

We too had bought the hop on passes and spent the morning exploring then made our own way to the boat in the early afternoon and the bags were in our room when we got there.

(one hint if you use the hop on bus - there are several companies ..... they do not all go the same places ..... you may want to compare the routes b4 you buy) So far as skipping the "included" VIKING tour, it took us to some places the hop on didn't so IMO was worth it.