Viking River: Post Cruise Amstedam

Looking at Basel to Amsterdam aboard Hiln Want to stay extra 2 days at the end at Okura Hotel. Price quote from Viking seems to be 'double' what one could do on their own. Anyone sign up for this or do on own???? Thanks!!!

Looking at Basel to Amsterdam aboard Hiln Want to stay extra 2 days at the end at Okura Hotel. Price quote from Viking seems to be 'double' what one could do on their own. Anyone sign up for this or do on own???? Thanks!!!

I suggest you head over to the river cruising forum and ask your questions: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=365&f=191

cruise hotel packages are rarely a good deal for the PAX

do your own hotel

Amsterdam is easy to do on your own! The city is extremely walkable, the museums are world class, and there is good food all over the place. Additionally, the teams are easy to figure out. It's one of my favorite cities to hang out and spend time in.

We did this as a pre-tour in August through Viking. It does include transfers to and from the airport, a good walking tour. Expensive, but we enjoyed it and met many others who would be on our cruise. Loved the location of the hotel, very close to the trams and subway. We bought the 48 hour pass. Be sure to get your Anne Frank museum tickets online in advance, if that interests you. 10 pm canal cruise was beautiful after an outside cafe dinner on the waterfront.

Looking at Basel to Amsterdam aboard Hiln Want to stay extra 2 days at the end at Okura Hotel. Price quote from Viking seems to be 'double' what one could do on their own. Anyone sign up for this or do on own???? Thanks!!!

That is the norm with both river cruises and ocean cruises. Pre or post hotel packages often will cost double what it would cost to do it on your own. And consider that in Amsterdam it is relatively inexpensive to grab a taxi from port to hotel. Yet, there are some cruisers who always feel more comfortable booking through the cruise line...even if it costs them hundreds or even thousands of dollars more! Go figure.

Regarding Amsterdam, there are many decent hotels as well as B&Bs in all price ranges. If you are going to book a hotel on your own do some research and choose which best fits your wants and budget. Do not feel constrained to use the same hotel that is used on the Viking packages.

Hank

I highly recommend visiting the Amsterdam forum on TA. There are a couple of regular posters who specialize in helping people get a good rate using blind bidding. You can also research 'things to do' there as well.

Good luck and happy planning!