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Viking Sun better that we could imagine

25 of 25 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Baker, Norwich on 14th Dec 2011
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Viking Sun Sailed: December, 2011
Destination: River Rhine Age: 65+
Cabin: Outside
Rhine Cruise Amsterdam to Basel

All did not start well, three days before we were due to leave out TA informed us that due to exceptionally low water in the Rhine we would have to leave the boat for the last three day, travel by coach and stay in hotels.

We were offered onboard credits and 30% of our next cruise with them, or our money back. We decided to go anyway, what a good choice!!

We flew from Norwich airport to Amsterdam where we were met by one of the crew who put us in a taxi to the boat, which was very close to Amsterdam railway station. That night the crew were a little vague about what was going to happen towards the end of the cruise, they knew nothing about the onboard credit, or the free optional excursions some other customers had been offered.

The next evening was the captain’s welcome cocktail party, he confirmed that we would all receive the onboard credit and the free optional excursions. However, it got better, he had heard that it was raining further up the Rhine and confirmed that we would not have to leave the boat after all.

This would have been a great cruise without the extras, great food, great itinerary, excellent excursions with knowledgeable guides, a beautiful boat, attentive crew, and really nice fellow cruisers.

There were also some nice little touches, free wine with dinner, and bottled water in the cabins and when we went out on excursions. Tea and coffee available 24 hours a day. On one particularly cold day there was complimentary Gluhwein when we returned from the excursion

Most stops included a guided tour, which because of the time of year included at the very least one Christmas market.

I did not hear a single complaint from all the other guests I spoke to. We will definitely look to cruise with Viking again.
Quality of Food5
Buffet breakfasts with extensive choice of hot and cold foods. Restaurant or buffet lunch in main louge Excellent 5 courses evening meal with free wine.
Entertainment4
Limited but very good.
Shore Excursions5
All the inclusive excursions were excellent. Especially Cologne and Rüdesheim. Although the optional excursions were free the the after dinner Brauhause tour was not good value, 3 small gasses of beer for €29 was not good value.
Staff5
Unbelievably good Erika kept our cabin spotless, all the waiters and bar staff were excellent as were all the crew.
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Limited but very good
Cabins4
We had the cheapest but the only on on the middle deck, just next to reception. Comfortable beds adequate wardrobe space and a small shower, what we expected.
Overall Rating5
25 of 25 people found this review informative
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Comment by Scott, Surrey (27 Dec 11 00:03) about this REVIEW
Took same cruise (Amsterdam to Basel) on Helvetia early December 2011. Not informed ahead of time that the river levels were low. Had to leave boat at Koblenz and bused around for rest of trip. Missed some destinations. Viking offered no options ahead of time re a change of cruise or refund, gave $100 onboard shipboard credit and 30% off a future cruise. Travelled from west coast of Canada for what we considered an awful cruise from a company that gave no disclosure ahead of time about a situation they were aware of.
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