Jen in NY Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 The answer is, most definitely, yes. Yes it is. I am a total travel newbie - I've always been afraid to fly and definitely afraid to travel abroad. My parents basically made these reservations for all of us (Yes, my parents just took all 5 of us to Europe for a week. I can't adequately express my gratitude in words.) and said, "You are going!" or else I never would have had the nerve. Well, we just got back from the Rhine River Getaway. Absolutely everything is taken care of. Each day there's an included excursion with a fantastic local guide. (That's the only part I would change... I wanted so much more time at each place!). There are lots of optional excursions that cost extra... but we were so busy we didn't feel like we needed to do any of them. We spent our extra time wandering around in the streets of whatever town we were in and it was wonderful! Every meal is included (with beer and wine if you are so inclined), and each one is more delicious than the last. It was all so beautiful - I don't know why I waited this long! The staff was absolutely committed to our happiness. They went way above and beyond and took care of my gluten and dairy free husband so well.... a special gourmet meal and dessert just for him every. single. time. It was way over the top luxurious. If you have any reservations about traveling abroad, this is an absolutely painless way to go. (Except for the pain in the wallet, of course.) But I am now ready to pack my backpack, buy a pair of walking sticks, and hit the trail. Any trail. As cheap and on the fly as possible. The travel bug is powerful - and I've been bitten! 32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Oooooooo! Jealous! I did wonder about those viking cruises. Where did I hear about them? I remember watching a video about them, but I can't remember why. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 I see their ads all the time before Masterpiece Theater and wondered if they were any good. Glad you had a wonderful time!! :) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 So happy for you and glad to hear your personal experience with that company! I see commercials and wondered. Sounds divine! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 I'm so glad to hear this! I have wondered about them before. My DH is not interested in European travel, but I have thought I may be able to convince him to do some of Europe by cruise. He can "flee" back to the ship if he feels too far from Americanism. ;) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Sounds fabulous. Glad to hear your parents pushed you out of your comfort zone & opened up a new world to you! Thanks for the rec on the river cruise. I thought they'd be great & it's nice to hear confirmation. Lovely photo! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyDoodle Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Aw man, I was hoping you would say it was awful! I have been DYING to do one of those for years! Now I'm definitely making dh promise to take me on one for our 25th anniversary!! Glad you had such a great time! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Masterpiece theater! That's where I saw the ad! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Wow, how wonderful! I am glad you all had a fantastic time! :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Michelle. Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Nice! I heard that they're going to start a cruise on the Mississippi pretty soon. It would be great to travel up or down the country that way. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted June 15, 2015 Author Share Posted June 15, 2015 Nice! I heard that they're going to start a cruise on the Mississippi pretty soon. It would be great to travel up or down the country that way. Yup. Starting in 2017. Seriously, if I were an american kid looking to fill a gap year, I might apply to work for them. They must have awesome employee training because to a person, every crew member was congenial, helpful, pleasant, funny, and just a joy to be around. They were from all over Europe and the Philippines. I have heard that they will only hire Americans to staff the Mississippi boats - maybe so travelers will have an 'American' experience? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Every now and again I request one of their brochures, it's my version of the old Sear's Christmas "Wish Book." One day I look forward to actually cruising with Viking, if the budget ever allows. So happy you enjoyed it and thanks for the first-hand report. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 My MIL just got back from one, too. She finds them a nice stress-free break from a very stressful life. I don't think I would take an ocean cruise, but the river cruise might tempt me at some point (especially if someone else was picking up the tab!). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Every now and again I request one of their brochures, it's my version of the old Sear's Christmas "Wish Book." One day I look forward to actually cruising with Viking, if the budget ever allows. So happy you enjoyed it and thanks for the first-hand report. Me too.. I have one that i flip through from time to time. But, the price is really high. I've never been interested in going on a cruise...but a Viking Cruise looks way better than those other ones. BTW, there are small cruise companies that go on NA river ways. I have a friend who did it somewhere in New England. I've thought I'd prefer that too. I'd rather do Europe on my own actually. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Jen, this traveling woman is so glad that you were encouraged and that you now have the travel bug. Good for you! I look forward to your next travel report. Jane 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Every now and again I request one of their brochures, it's my version of the old Sear's Christmas "Wish Book." One day I look forward to actually cruising with Viking, if the budget ever allows. So happy you enjoyed it and thanks for the first-hand report. I do this, too! I also get brochures from those bike or hike place-to-place in Europe or NZ/Aus outfits :D 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Me too.. I have one that i flip through from time to time. But, the price is really high. I've never been interested in going on a cruise...but a Viking Cruise looks way better than those other ones. BTW, there are small cruise companies that go on NA river ways. I have a friend who did it somewhere in New England. I've thought I'd prefer that too. I'd rather do Europe on my own actually. The Viking prices are really high. I have noticed, however, that they run buy-one-get-one free sales every so often---I think maybe when the itineraries are first announced. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted June 16, 2015 Author Share Posted June 16, 2015 The Viking prices are really high. I have noticed, however, that they run buy-one-get-one free sales every so often---I think maybe when the itineraries are first announced. I think my parents booked our trip with a 2 for 1 deal. Still not cheap, but better than full price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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