Great European river cruise

Viking Hild Cruise Review to River Cruises - Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Viking Hild

11 Night Paris To The Swiss Alps (Paris To Zurich)

Sail date: May 11, 2024

Ship: Viking Hild

Cabin number: 120

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

This was our first European river cruise and while very different from Viking ocean cruises, we would do it again! Wonderful trip visiting 4 countries!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We added on 2 extra days in Paris and after our disembarkation and transfer to Zürich, added trip to Milan. Well organized trip throughout. Transfer from Paris to river boat with tours along the way

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Great breakfast buffet with cook to order and already prepared selections; Lunch and dinner had varied menus or standard items each day with wine, beer and soft drinks included. Only one dining room with open seating and accessory outdoor area. Menu the same in both.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Onboard activities were limited as this was a river cruise. Top deck was outdoors with sun cover and walking track. Evening music and group games in lounge. Daily included city tours and optional tours available. There was a library with books and games available.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Again, this was a river cruise so no stage shows. Live music in the lounge in the evening.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All staff on river boat were exceptional and very accommodating

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Beautiful river boat, very clean and well maintained

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Standard cabins on river boats are pretty small but extremely well organized. We had plenty of storage space so room was cluttered and sufficient electrical outlets. As we were really only in our room to sleep or get ready for the day, it was big enough.

Ship tip

A standard room on the lowest deck with a water level window vs a French or regular balcony works fine if you are used to interior rooms on cruise ships. Again, you are not in your room that much and when you are sailing, you want to be on the upper deck to see both sides of the river.

Ports of call

Trier, Germany

5 out of 5

Bernkastel, Germany

5 out of 5

Cochem, Germany

5 out of 5

Koblenz, Germany

5 out of 5
I went on optional tour to Eitz castle. It was very interesting and was in a picturesque valley.

Mainz, Germany

5 out of 5

Speyer, Germany

5 out of 5

Strasbourg, France

5 out of 5
I took the optional winery tour here in the Alsace. Excellent!

Basel, Switzerland

5 out of 5

End Of Vacation

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Excellent. We had a city tour in Basel before our motor coach transfer to Zürich. Took included boat tour on Lake Zürich and walking tour through old town. Very interesting! Received orientation to the area around our hotel and use of city tram. Able to take tram independently to see more of city. We added on post trip to Milan with stop in Lugano Switzerland. Motor coach between Zürich and Milan was very comfortable and only half full. Excellent guides throughout trip! Milan highlights were seeing The Last Supper painting and the Milan Cathedral (Duomo). Very walkable area. Excellent hotels in pre and post river cruise cities.
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