River Cruises - Europe Cruise Reviews

The 14-night Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland Viking River cruise was an absolute delight. From the attentive staff to the carefully curated itinerary, every moment was a joy. Exploring Lyon, Provence, and the Rhineland was a dream come true, with each destination offering its own unique charm. The ship itself was luxurious and comfortable, providing the perfect setting for unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships. Highly recommended for an unforgettable journey.

The excursions happened while the boat cruised. Very limited/no time to explore on your own. No communication to itinerary changes prior to cruise. Last lock closed due to maintenance; docked 2 days where Sabor met Duoro (nothing to do in town). Motocoach rides long. Could have offered more at the Coa Museum since there was time. Hotel selections could be improved. If you chose to eat a little later than when dining opened, food was not refreshed but leftovers especially at breakfast. Most excursions focused on Cathedrals and port. Really no focus on wine from the region.

I have been on many cruises; but this is the only one that did not offer Arabica coffee. Moreover, I felt personally insulted to pay $350 extra to get a wine list that featured only under $10/bottle wines--how stupid do they think their guests are?

We started this cruise with Viking's pre-extension in Brussels/Bruges and that was a phenomenal way to begin our trip. Had the best Director at the hotel, Eve, who made our stay the best it could be. From Brussels to the ship, we were well taken care of. Cruise was great, we were one of the few ships for Xmas cruising on the Rhine that managed to go from A to B without any delays, ship swaps or bussing to daily excursions. CREW WAS GREAT, from the captain on down to those we barely saw as they were doing their duties. Food was good, our favorite servers were great to see each day, and the overall mood of the passengers was upbeat and fun. Great visiting all the markets, although they do tend to kind of have a lot of the same to offer, but each had its own identity. Would do this cruise again.

Always wanted to take a river cruise, this one was perfect. Thank you Viking.

The servers and cleaners were excellent. The food was good enough. And the accommodations were attractive. Unfortunately, the cruise was ruined by our party catching Covid and an incidence of overt racism from a senior manager. Let's start with the Covid, as anyone who is elderly or vulnerable should think twice about this cruise. There were no masks available for those who were sick, and no tests available for those who thought they might have Covid. Rather, you were left to figure out how to get tested in a strange country on your own, with the predictable result that virtually no one who thought they had Covid was likely to get tested. Nor were there instructions for those who were sick concerning how they might reasonably avoid infecting others while meeting their own personal needs. Rather, everyone was left to fend for themselves as they isolated, with the predictable result that almost no one isolated, even though Covid was rampant enough on the ship that almost our whole party of nine got it. As for the incidence of racism, it came from the hotel manager, Daniel Dinu, with whom we were engaged in otherwise pleasant conversation. When my partner mentioned the country she was from, he went on to say that the people there are beautiful, as they don't even look like the racial group they all belong to. It was the equivalent of saying "Nigerians are beautiful, they don't even look black." But you can fill in the blank, whether black or Jewish, Pacific Islander or Chinese, everyone should know that you don't tell people that their racial group is unattractive. Nevertheless, we took it in stride, as it was wrapped in a compliment——that is until he started complaining about another racial group and wouldn't let up. As a person of Jewish descent traveling through Germany, it was just too much, again, whatever the racial group might be. But it was also a sign of ragingly incompetent management. What I want to know is how someone who has spent thirty years working on cruises all over the world as he told us could be so insensitive. Clearly, there was no effort on the part of the cruise line to educate even the most senior members of their staff about respect for racial minorities. But this was also just a matter of basic manners. Clearly, he was putting his racist politics above the comfort of the passengers he was supposed to be tending to. The fact that he was one of two senior most managers suggests the problem is systemic.

We enjoyed our first cruise and would do it again in a minute. The crew were very delightful, and we had no issues of any kind. If possible, give our best the staff and hope we see them again.

What started out as a wonderful trip turned out to be a terrible experience. Our journey started in Amsterdam on the Viking Bragi. Cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest via the Grand European tour celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary. The staff/crew on the Bragi were exceptional. Unfortunately about midway through the trip the river level got too low. As a result we were forced to leave the Bragi which involved taking a 3 hour bus ride to catch a different ship downstream. That’s when the trip ran off the rails. The ship they moved us to was the Skadi. Sadly the Skadi staff was no comparison to the crew on the Bragi. Sure our cabin steward and several of the waiters including members of the restaurant staff were nice an accommodating. However the Skadi hotel manager (Stoyan Yanchev) and bar manager (Alexander) were extremely rude, abrasive, and condescending. The bar manager aggressively screamed at my wife the first night which set the tone for the remainder of the trip. Never once did they hint or offer an apology. We later heard the bar manager had been drinking throughout the day which may have contributed to his behavior. Regardless that’s no excuse. I witnessed; • Alexander doing shots while working behind the bar and drinking with other cruise guests • Alexander closed the ship lounge before 11:00pm on multiple nights yet it was difficult to find staff members in the lounge throughout the day • Skadi bar staff poured house brand liquor and wine into our glass even though we purchased the silver spirits package and requested upgrades • Refused to leave the wine bottle on the table during dinner stating it was against Viking corporate policy even though staff on the Bragi had no problem doing so • After knowing people were missing from the boat, the ship Program Director left a deaf couple behind forcing them to find their own may back to the boat costing them $100 • On the last night of our trip in Budapest caught two Skadi crew members having sex on the top deck Other observations; • Skadi staff refused to open the sliding doors in the Aquavit Terrace in the afternoon or evening until given permission by the hotel manager • Floor in the Aquavit Terrace was filthy. Don’t believe it was swept or mopped a single time during our visit • Accidentally dropped a couple peanuts on the floor in the lounge. Five days later the peanuts were still on the floor in the same spot • Skadi staff knew there were people on our boat with Covid yet they allowed these individuals to remain on the ship and participate on tours without notifying other passengers Unbelievable would be an understatement. I’m sure our experience would have been quite different if not forced to transfer ships. However that’s no excuse for the behavior or lack of professionalism displayed by members of the Skadi staff. If you think Viking corporate cares or has any control over employees on the boat think again. I called Viking three times and have yet to receive a return call. Almost forgot to mention our parting gift; my wife and I both tested positive for Covid the day after leaving the Skadi Don’t just take my word for it. Of the reviews on Trustpilot 84% of those responding gave Viking a 2 star or below rating

Over all it was very good, We would do another cruise.

A) they are intentionally avoid emphasizing that: 1, Coke, juice, and sparkling water other than during lunch and diner are not free. 2, you pay gratuity in advance is 20 USD per day, if paid onboard be 20 Euro per day. You pay more. B) airport transfers are terrible Their only concern is the cost of bus, I stood and waited one hour for bus upon arrival and they took us from the ship to the airport 5 hours and 45 minutes prior to our flight departure. C) the agent onboard are not willing to assist, unenthusiastic and not considerate. 1, I asked agent Ms Eva about charges on cabin statement. She told me those charges are onboard the ship we were transferred from. she not able to see them She is not willing to call their other ship to find out 2, My departure flight was delayed 1.5 hours. I asked Ms Eva to put us on a later bus. She declined it due to no seat available. I asked her whether she can arrange a taxi instead. She said we must pay. she told me the flight delay is not her problem. that is cold and arrogant 3, while we walked to the bus, it was raining heavily, Ms Eva got herself a Viking umbrella and all of us got soaking wet. She can give us umbrellas and picked them up by the bus. She is not considerate D) Always a long wait for food, not enough staffs. Servers are less cordial than ocean cruise.

Last night on River Princess in Vienna. Had a very busy day seeing the Spanish riding school, the summer palace and a private concert at the abbey. Observed the captain helping and overseeing everything on the ship. Easy sailing, no banging while in locks on when docking. Cabin is well laid out with large wardrobes and suitcase storage under bed. Food was excellent with multiple choices of meat, fish and vegetarian. Excellent selection of wines, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. Many Port excursions were included and were fun. Uniworld supplied a brand new Mercedes coach bus with excellent driver. All service staff was eager to please/help guests. Great coffee machine outside exercise area. Did not try any spa service but purchased some cute German made bracelets from boutique . Will book Uniworld again!

Loved every minute of the trip. Beautiful country. I’m ready to go on another river cruise. It was fun.

Recently returned from a Viking Rhine trip on 10/14. The good: Rhine water levels were good, no issues. Service on the vessel was A+, excluding one attendant with “attitude” at the front desk. Entertainment was low key but acceptable. Viking succeeds in creating a laid back atmosphere. Viking is like a clock - they run on time. Cabin was nice and shower was exceptional. Most (not all) tours were informative, guides ranged from good to excellent. Tour buses were top shelf with experienced drivers. The not so good: All 6 in our group were disappointed with the food (not service but food) all week excluding breakfast. All felt the food offerings got “old” real fast. Food appeared to be prepared in advance and then reheated. Plenty of TV movies, tv and internet reception poor all week. Most concerning Viking, customs, and airline never asked to see our proof of vaccination. While Viking did a excellent job in keeping the boat itself clean and sanitized we had an issue on one of the bus tours. A unmasked woman sitting directly behind my wife was sweating & coughing non-stop. Not a occasional sneeze or cough, it was obvious this woman was ill. At the first stop multiple riders relocated to seats as far away from this individual as possible. Regrettably, Viking said/did noting. Viking claims they are not the Covid police and if we felt compromised we should have put on a mask. Absolutely ridiculous that Viking felt we should have masked but took action to pull this woman aside, require her to mask with a suggestion to see a physician. Again - we’re not talking about normal coughing and sneezing- this woman was visibly ill. Viking was willing to put 30 travelers at risk rather then ask a visibly ill woman to mask up. It’s Vikings boat, tour, bus but they say and do nothing. Of course 2 of 6 in our group contracted Covid. Viking had a obligation to do everything within their control to protect us as best possible. In this instance they didn’t even try. Not trying to trash Viking, just being truthful.

The Good: The ship is a marvel of excellence. It’s beautifully appointed with an air of luxury. When we were welcomed aboard, the comment most heard from my fellow passengers was, “I was blown away.” Many of the tour experiences when the ship docks were a real pleasure. They would have been difficult to find or afford without the guidance provided by Ama. Standouts for me were the bicycle ride through wine country and the tours to the truffle farm and the town of Beaujolais. The crew is well-trained, efficient, excellent at their jobs, engaging, hard-working, and a true pleasure to deal with. The entire operation is a model of efficiency. They deliver on their promise of seamless luxury, most especially by ensuring you won’t have to handle your luggage. From shore to ship and back to shore, you’ll find your bags waiting in your room. All of this is executed with military precision. If you love cruise ship luxury and experience, read no further. Ama is your place to be. More than half the passengers had been on an Ama cruise before. The Bad: All that military precision comes with a price. In order for your bags to get where they’re supposed to be before you get there, you’ll have to put up with a lot of “hurry up and wait.” A very military experience indeed. On Day 3, the transfer from Barcelona to Avignon by TGV required us to have our bags in the hallway by 6:45 a.m., which in turn required us to get out of bed at the time we would be going to bed if we were still in NY. Then, of course, Ama must keep you busy because the bags get to the next stop by truck, and you’re traveling by TGV. So, they set up a city tour in the morning (when I should be sleeping). These tours take you by bus through a city where a guide tells you what you just past on your right or left. Free time is limited because, well, there’s a train to catch. There is constant pressure to be where you have to be and be there on time. It’s understandable but not much fun. Hurry up and wait describes the entire experience. The tour starts at 9, be ready 10 minutes before, get your ticket, what color is it, follow the guide with the paddle of the same color, get on the bus, ride the bus for an hour, take a tour, you get 45 minutes of free time after the tour, but be on the bus at this location to keep us all on schedule. And so on. I go on vacation to relax. Nothing about this experience was relaxing. The food, in my opinion, was mediocre by European standards. Enjoying freshly prepared food at great restaurants is at the top of my list of reasons to vacation there. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. The Ugly: Worst of all, I never felt I was seeing Europe. Despite the pleasure of the tours I mentioned above, there were as many that were unenjoyable. Instead of spending time in Europe, experiencing their cuisine, their culture, and their people, we spent our time on buses, trains, and ships. Bottom line, going on an Ama cruise and thinking you’ve been to Europe is like going to Lion Country Safari and thinking you’ve been to Africa.

The river levels caused considerable replanning of the itinerary by Viking. I believe that they did the best they could given the circumstances. There was no additional compensation or ship credits or future cruise credits given because of the changes.

As you all know, we were so excited to take our first Viking River Cruise and travel thoroughout Europe from Basal to Amsterdam. Unfortunately, it was the trip from hell. On the second night of the cruise, My husband and I were taking a “selfie” with the Maître D’. As we were taking the pic, the Maître D’, inappropriately and painfully grabbed me twice (sexual assault). My husband and I tried to make a formal complaint to the Captain and the Hotel Manager, who blatantly did not care and refused to give us a formal complaint. Instead, basically gave us the attitude that I was lying and responded, “we will be monitoring you for the rest of the trip and we have the ability to cut you off at the bar”. They then asked, “if we wanted help getting off the boat, different arrangements would be made to get us home! The way they treated us while on that boat and the lack of empathy was disgusting! So Unbelievable! Well, Viking Cruises - I have proof. 🙏🏼 Thank the lord, during this “selfie pic” that we took, IS THE EVIDENCE. 🙏🏼 …. In the reflection of the boat’s glass you can clearly see exactly what happened. Thanks to Stock Legal Law Firm and an amazing team, THIS will be reconciled. I am pressing charges. We will make sure new laws/policies are put into place to Never allow this to happen to another human being. Just because we are on another country’s soil/ water does not give the right to assault. Also, The food is horrible! Raw bacon, same food and menu for lunch and dinner for the whole week. And you can ONLY eat from 7-9 am, noon to 1 pm, and 7-9 pm. There is no room service, salad/sandwich bar in between meals.We felt like we could never sleep in because we would then miss breakfast. And couldn’t eat until noon or 12:30 depending when we got back from the walking tour. We are so deeply disappointed in Viking River Cruises and would not recommend for anyone.save your money!

This was certainly the busiest cruise I have ever been on. They kept us moving with all kinds of tours and excursions. We had a wonderful time, and it was a great experience.

This was my first river cruise and I loved it. Would definitely do another cruise.

During the pandemic, travel is difficult, but Viking does the difficult task of making sure you have everything you need to make traveling possible. Our trip was amazing and we were able to visit at least a dozen Christmas Markets. Every excursion was better than the next, and the ship felt like home.

We loved sailing with Viking! I wish we had done so before so all our future cruises could be with them