Roz

@AV8rix, yes, several of us have run into this problem. The solution is to buy a new phone. Sorry....

I'm having the same mental debate as the OP. I turn 72 at the end of the year, and figure I better do this by the time I turn 75. After that, all bets are off. I sail solo, so cost is a huge factor.

I would choose the Amsterdam to Basel route, only because Amsterdam makes for a better pre-cruise stay than Frankfurt, IMO.

@JeffElizabeth, what is a "real" suite?

I pay my cruise line when asked, but they don't ask for payment 1-2 yrs. in advance. 😁 Most people go right to Viking and don't know other lines exist. Even if they do, they just assume everyone follows Viking's policies.

The pricing I get on a US website for the lowest level cabin is $2,260 per person, double occupancy, so $4,520 total. Does that make sense? I've never seen it broken down as "vacation" and "cabin", but I'm not familiar with foreign pricing structures.

Basically, Viking uses its customers as its bank. No need to borrow money when your customers will make interest free loans.

The number and length of coach tours depends on the river, the port stops, and the tours that are offered. I've taken European river cruises where many of the tours involved walking off the ship and right into town. I personally think that Viking's omnipresent TV ads give people a wrong idea of what's involved with river cruises.

Well stated, @gnome12.

Quite interesting that the Tollman family is selling its 100+ year old company. It will be interesting to see what changes Apollo makes.

I'm almost 72, and I assure you that people my age (Boomers) know how to search for information online.

@BermudaBound2014, ironically, exercise is of more benefit to oldsters than the young set.

I don't think the children's menu is available in the specialty dining venues.

You're American, correct? Why not try a line geared to English speakers?

@Lady Arwen, I know, very frustrating. The airlines act like they've never dealt with these situations before.