Have you been on a river cruise? I’ve seen the commercials for Viking Cruises on TV where their motto is “explore the world in comfort.” I was looking for my next adventure, but didn’t want something too crowded. On large cruise ships, you can expect to be surrounded by thousands of people, but a Viking Longship accommodates fewer than 200.
The Grand European Tour by Viking Cruises
I visited the company’s website and requested more information. For several months, I explored different cruises in length, price, and destination, but couldn’t decide, until Viking had a sale. The Grand European Tour came with free airfare, covered four countries, and was the right length. In my review, I’ll explore where we went, what I ate, and the things I liked (and didn’t like), so you can determine if it’s worth spending your vacation dollars. Let’s get started!
Viking Cruises Grand European Tour Details
- Type: River cruise on a Viking Longship.
- Length: 15 days.
- Downpayment: $25 USD.
- All-inclusive: Yes.
- Location: Hungary, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands.
- Airfare: Can be included.
- Price Range: From $4,499 USD per person.
Why I Chose The Grand European Tour
The Grand European Tour checked off most of the boxes on my list. I wanted a smaller venue with all-inclusive amenities. I purchased airfare through Viking, and I was met at the airport and provided with transportation shuttles to my hotel and embarkation locations. The price was right, and one excursion is included free of charge at every port of call.
Viking Cruises Grand European Tour Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smaller crowds.
- Complimentary WiFi.
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.
- Optional excursions are available to explore the local cultural scene.
- Cabins are sleekly designed and come with a river view window, refrigerator, and bottled water.
- Friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous staff eager to help you make the most of your visit.
Cons:
- Limited port space sometimes meant docking alongside other ships, which restricted access for those with balcony rooms.
- No self-service laundry.
- No room service.
- Access to the top deck was limited for several days due to low bridges and frequent lock changes on the river.
- Not all decks have elevator access.
- Due to low Danube water levels, we had to change ships midway through the cruise.
How Large are the Cabins on a Viking River Cruise?
The cabins range in size from 135 sq. ft. for a French Balcony cabin, up to 445 sq. ft. for the Explorer Suite. For my trip, I selected the 150 sq. ft. Standard (E) cabin, which was perfect for my needs. The bed can be separated into two twin beds and features storage underneath for larger suitcases. My cabin also had a fridge, heated floors in the bathroom, and a small picture window to watch the world float by. The space was compact, but once I found a home for everything, it worked great.
How is the Food on a Viking River Cruise?
I can’t say enough good things about the food on my Viking River Cruise. For breakfast, a buffet featuring local pastries, fruits, and regional specialties was available. Additionally, a menu was offered for cooked-to-order dishes, and if you wanted to grab something and go, a continental breakfast was also available on the Aquavit Terrace.
Lunch and dinner feature a selection of options always available for those who don’t want to try the nightly specials. These dishes vary by location and are usually paired with a flavorful local wine. I didn’t try everything, and on days when I wanted something familiar, I had a cheeseburger for lunch and a ribeye for dinner.
Are There Hidden Costs on a Viking River Cruise?
Viking cruise pricing is pretty straightforward. They don’t try to sell you anything, and there are no casinos, and WiFi is free. You can pay gratuities before your trip, but if you receive exceptional service, you can always tip that person accordingly. I usually sat in the same area, and the staff quickly learned my name and what I liked to drink.
Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. But you can also pay by the drink for specialty cocktails or purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package for unlimited premium beverages.
What is the Dress Code on a Viking River Cruise?
The dress code is quite relaxed on a Viking River Cruise. During the Grand European Tour, we enjoyed several evenings, such as The Captain’s Welcome Dinner, when I wore slacks and a nice blouse. Men typically wore slacks and collared shirts, while some women opted for cocktail dresses, although this was not required. For breakfast and lunch, most guests chose comfortable attire, such as jeans and shorts, along with sturdy walking shoes or sneakers. My best advice is to find a comfortable pair of shoes and break them in before you leave for your trip.
Do I Pay Extra to Get Off the Ship?
Viking offers a complimentary excursion at every port of call. I was provided with a headset to use throughout my trip to hear the tour director during excursions. We were divided into groups of around 30 and typically explored the city center or nearby landmarks. If the day’s destination was too far to walk, then Viking provided motor coaches to get you closer to your location.
Viking also offers additional excursions for an extra cost. In Vienna, I paid to see a concert featuring classical music and dancers. While in Nuremberg, I bought an excursion to visit the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held after World War II. At most ports of call, there were at least three additional excursions available for purchase. Conversely, if you wanted to stay on the ship or explore on your own, you could do that as well.
Every evening, Viking would hand out an information sheet for the next day’s activities. It listed where we were going, what time excursions would leave, and included a small card with the ship’s location and docking number. Some days, the ship would continue down the river while we explored, and would pick us up at a different location.
Are There Extensions Available to Extend Your Cruise?
Flying internationally can leave you jet-lagged, so I wanted to know what extensions Viking offered. For an additional $699 USD per person, I purchased a two-night pre-cruise extension in Budapest. I stayed in a very nice hotel near the Castle District, which is close to several historic landmarks. The two extra days allowed me to acclimate to the new time change and meet a few of my fellow travelers before boarding the longship. I also purchased an extension for $799 per person to have two extra nights in Amsterdam at the end of the cruise. These extensions are entirely optional, but it was a great way to extend my journey at a reasonable price.
The Grand European Tour by Viking Cruises
In My Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for an alternative to crowded ships, but still want to travel on the water, a river cruise might be a great choice. I wanted to unpack once but still enjoy a different location every day. I also wanted great service and food without breaking the bank, and I also didn’t want to be charged every time I wanted something to eat or drink.
Viking’s Grand European Tour fulfilled all my needs and far exceeded my expectations. As with all travel experiences, things don’t always go according to plan, so flexibility is the key. Viking couldn’t do anything about the water levels on the Danube River, and transferring to another longship during the trip was all part of the fun. They made the whole process seamless.
In my expert opinion, the Grand European Tour is a dream trip worth taking. Try it! You’ll be glad you did.
