A bucklet list item completed. / Would recommend, but not re-book myself.

Viking Njord Cruise Review to Europe

kenthompson527

Contributor Level: Third Mate

111 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 183

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

7 Night Romantic Danube Eastbound (Nuremberg To Budapest)

Sail date: October 03, 2015

Ship: Viking Njord

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 333

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Service B+ / Accommodations B / Transparency C-

I often wondered why Viking advertises so much, I now believe it could have to do with what I'll call the 'Bucket List Effect'. Cruising the Danube was mostly at night so we really didn't see the vistas in the TV advertising. The ad is actually the Wachau Valley leg and we did see that, but due to low water levels, we were bussed to Melk and boarded a dining sightseeing boat for that part of the tour and we also had to transfer ships between Passau and Melk.

PLUSSES: Food was very good; staff on the Viking Njord, our second boat was exceptionally hospitable.

NEGATIVES: The program director was not open and upfront about when we would transfer ships and even if it would occur until the day before. The top deck of the ship was rarely open due to low bridges (even with low water) that made the crew clear the deck to clear the bridges. When in Budapest electrical failures aboard caused us to lose power 2x while docked and therefore we were unable to enjoy the night time tour of Buda & Pests beautiful illuminated castles & government buildings. Also was surprised that boats frequently dock "adjoining" one another which results in half the cabin verandahs having a view of only the cabin in the adjoined ship.

OVERALL: Thrilled to have visited beautiful cities including Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Vienna & Budapest. Disappointed that the experience was not quite what is advertised, but would recommend a river cruise with Viking or another line as a one time bucket list experience.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

No kids on board

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Viking Freyja - Outstanding ... Viking Njord just average.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Rooms are a bit too small. Pillows could be higher quality and perhaps two more per stateroom. Veranda was largely not used as we traveled largely in evening and when in port at least 1/2 of the dockings our veranda was blocked by the ship tied to us or we were tied to at the dock.