flowerbuyer

Where was this? How horrible! We had to swap ships in 2015, but were offered a day-long trip to Munich if we wanted, instead of staying in Passau, and we took it. But we just had to swap ships, weren't "grounded" for three days. And instead of sailing through the Wauchau Valley during the day, we had to do it at night, which was disappointing. 

I'm vary curious: what did the other cruise lines do when the river was impassable?

Has anyone taken the Viking excursion in Arles: Arles in the Footstep of Van Gogh, which includes a painting class? If so, what was your experience and was it worth it?

Thanks.

We've been on three Viking River cruises, and never noticed anyone wearing inappropriate language on tee shirts or  wearing Daisy Dukes. Although passengers didn't dress up like they used to do on Ocean cruises, most were nicely dressed, what I would call dressy casual: skirts or slacks, a collared shirt for men, and blouse and sweater for women.  Personally, I always try to dress to blend in with the natives, so to speak. I don't wear shorts in cities, or athletic shoes. I wear shoes that are comfortable for walking over cobblestones, but have some style to them. Mephisto, Dansk, Naot.

Viking does provide guidelines for what to wear.

I'm sailing on the Viking Delling from Avignon to Provence this coming September, so will be more aware of my fellow-cruisers on-board clothing choices.

On 7/26/2019 at 1:06 AM, djh1959 said:

We spent three nights in Avignon early last year and absolutely loved the town.  We weren't on a river cruise, just a normal European trip.

 

As Peregrina651 states, the Bridge is wonderful with some good views.  We did enjoy the Palace, but just did it on our own, not a tour.  Their is a wonderful food market, lots of churches and shops and just some nice wandering.

 

We did go to the Pont du Gard though and found it amazing.

I spent nearly two weeks in Avignon 3 years ago in October, and loved it. I also went to the Pont du Gard and found it to be very interesting. If you like chocolate, definitely visit Aline Gehant Chocolatier (15 Rue Des Trois Falcons).

We, my husband, two daughters, and I are taking the cruise from Avignon to Lyon this September. I chose to begin the cruise in Avignon because I spent 10 days in old Avignon three years ago, and during our free time I want to re-visit my favorite place for coffee and pastry, as well as do a little shopping. 

If I hadn’t been to Avignon, I would begin the cruise in Lyon, and extend my stay afterwards in Avignon, exploring more of the walled city and taking day trips to several of the towns in the Luberon and to Aix-en-Provence.

With the heatwave in France, I’m concerned about the water levels in mid-September.

The intimate ambiance board; the easy camaraderie fostered by the small number of passengers; the proximity to the town/city center on most itineraries.

 

The lack of children (IME); lack of nickel and diming; no tendering; no lines; no overcrowded buffets; no "liquor police" - if you want to pick up a special bottle of wine you are able to do so without being treated like a criminal.

 

No overpriced bottles of water; no "sales" in the lobby; no loud announcements; no constantly trying to sell you something; no cheesy entertainment; no overpriced drinks with forced service charges.

 

A staff who knows your name by the 2nd day and is warm and gracious and welcoming. In the case of AMA, the wonderful attention to detail from the high end and generous toiletries provided to the special touches throughout the cruise; free internet throughout the ship and computers in every room; cruise managers and staff who really make the trip special.

 

On the very rare occasion we would consider an ocean cruise, it is only on a smaller ship that has similar qualities to what we enjoy on the river. And that is a very small list, indeed.

Ditto. And a BIG plus for me is that, being prone to motion sickness, there is no seasickness. We will be embarking on our third Viking Cruise this Saturday, Sept. 5th, cruising the Danube from Nuremberg to Budapest. And hoping the water levels are okay. :)

I will take river cruising any day over Ocean Cruising. I just like the more laid-back style on board, and the ease of getting on and off the ships without having to "tender" in to a port. Plus, I don't get seasick (oh, that's a BIG plus for me).