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I’m planning on doing the Danube with Avalon eastbound from Vilshofen to Budapest and noticed that some of the boats (usually with the “II” after their name like Tranquility II) are smaller, 361ft instead of 443ft, like the Illumination and others without the “II”. Is the only difference the number of staterooms? Are the amenities and public areas comparable? Would one be considered more desirable for the Danube?

I just returned from my first river cruise on Viking (on the Rhône from Provence to Lyon). Wonderful experience. I can’t comment on the Normandy excursion specifically but wanted to mention that they offered a slow walkers group for the tours. And many people, even in the regular groups, used walking sticks. And I agree with pontac, exit and entry was never an issue.

I was just in cabin #111 on the Rhône. Occasionally heard noise when we were in a lock (we sailed through 13 of them) but nothing that would make me not sail in this class again. I had no problem sleeping. No constant noises or engine noises that I could identify as such.

Thank-you for taking the time to write this review. I leave in two weeks for my first river cruise, also Viking Avignon to Lyon, and seeing the daily newspaper really helps me understand it more. Cheers

I am sailing from Avignon to Lyon also so that is good information, I assumed the ship would be in Tournon until the steam train excursion returned at 12:30 so I’ll probably just do it as it is included anyway. I’ll just have to buy some Valrhona chocolate in a shop. I’m leaning toward doing the Les Baux and Carrieres de Lumieres optional excursion but maybe I’ll wait until onboard as I’ve heard about those winds. Thank-you

If you have done any of the following excursions can you tell me about them and if you felt they were worthwhile: 1) Tournon steam train (included excursion) I’m thinking of skipping it to visit the Valrhona chocolate factory instead? 2) Les Baux and Carrieres de Lumieres (optional excursion in Arles) 3) Timeless Town of Perouges (optional excursion in Lyon)

Thank-you for posting these pictures. I’m sailing on the Coral next May and this is the excursion I’m thinking of taking. I’ve been to Skagway before (have done the train and a helicopter landing on a glacier) and was looking for something different and I love the scenery in your pictures. I also use my iPhone SE, how did you take the pictures with the telescopic lens?

I probably should have mentioned that I am sailing eastbound from Vilshoven to Budapest. I may skip going into the Parliament (because it requires a timed entry ticket) and just do the included morning tour and then go to the baths. That way I could still do an evening river cruise since we are docked overnight. I disembark the next morning. A quick look at Budapest but that’s okay with me for now. Thanks.

I’m doing Avalon’s Danube Dreams cruise next September. Can anyone who has done this excursion describe it-basically what you saw, how long it lasted and about what time it got done. CLASSIC EXCURSION Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square. I’m starting to look at options for my free time in the afternoon, so far thinking of taking the 45-minute tour of the Parliament building (will need to book a specific time slot) and taking in the Szechenyi thermal baths. Also, I’m assuming an evening cruise on the Danube to see the lights wouldn’t be necessary since we’re docking overnight, right?

Thank-you so much for this wonderful review. I am doing this cruise in June on the Buri and really enjoyed seeing your pictures and reading your comments. My first time on Viking so seeing the menus was helpful to me. I will probably read this several more times before I leave. BTW, I signed up for the Pont du Gard and Lyon culinary optional tours. I will probably skip the Lyon winery tour as I’m not much of a drinker. I think I will visit the resistance museum that morning. Thank-you again!

notamermaid thank-you for your excellent information! I’ve never even seen the Danube so it’s nice to have your insights.

Good to know that it is easy to get into the city from the ship. I’ve ridden trams in other European cities and enjoy them. I’ve never been to Vienna so prefer to do the first Classic excursion listed to see the Opera House and St. Stephen’s etc. I also do want to do the optional to Schonbrunn in the afternoon so I think I’ll book the October departure that would put me in Vienna on a Thursday when the museum is open late in case I don’t get there during the day I can go on my own in the evening. I do know the room the painting is in. It’s the Vermeer, I’ve seen all of his paintings except three so hate to miss this one. I’m sure it would be included on the other Classic excursion but I didn’t want to spend the whole morning tour on the museum. So much to see…

Am considering an Avalon Danube river cruise for next Fall (Budapest to Vilshofen), can go September, October or November-would one of these months be preferable based on historic water levels?

Hello. I am thinking about booking Avalon’s Danube Dreams river cruise for next year. It spends one day in Vienna. I am interested in doing their included classic excursion (described below) which is in the morning and the optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace which is 3&1/2 hours, presumably in the afternoon. CLASSIC EXCURSION Explore the Habsburg empire with a morning Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—Winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may decide to take a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the former imperial summer home of the Habsburg monarchy. There is a painting in the Kunsthistorisches Museum I would really like to see. If I did both excursions, do you think I would have time to stop in the museum too, which is open until 6pm. I realize it is a hugh museum with a wonderful collection but I only have the one day in Vienna and am trying to prioritize what I want to see/do. I had thought to book in September but there are two departures that would put me in Vienna on a Thursday when the museum is open until 9pm (and offers a single supplement waiver). (They also offer an evening concert in Vienna so I’m assuming the ship will be in port late that day): October 10 which is westbound or November 3 which is eastbound How would either of these dates compare to sailing in September? (water level? weather? daylight?) Is westbound or eastbound preferable? I will be booking the lowest level on the ship.

I really enjoyed reading your review and seeing your beautiful pictures. I’m starting to think about visiting Australia and New Zealand and debating between a coach tour and cruise. I was afraid if I chose a cruise I wouldn’t see enough of the natural beauty of New Zealand but your pictures have convinced me otherwise.