Viking River cruises

Thinking of another cruise and finding you’ve been there, done that? Of maybe you are looking for something unique, different but nice. I have the cruise for you, The Romantic Danube European river cruise 8 day tour with Viking River. The best way to explore and experience the heart of Europe is on its historic rivers.

This 8 day cruise tours the Danube from Budapest to Nuremberg. Ideally, you can add a 3 day stay in either Budapest or Prague. Most find that option attractive as just doing the 8 day visit is a short time in relation to the travel time with the air. It tends to really tire you out on both ends of your trip if you are going immediately from and to your flight.

Stops include Budapest, Vienna, Melk and Linz, Passau, Regensburg and Kelheim, through the locks of the Danube Canal, finishing in Nuremberg. Note that as with all cruises meals are included, this Viking River Cruise vacation includes shore excursions, 7 guided tours, entertainment and activities.

Important to note is that there are only 75 staterooms on average with a total guest capacity of 150. This means they sell out well ahead of time. Booking a year in advance is not uncommon and highly advised. You also will want to be sure you book the Deluxe class staterooms as they have hotel style beds versus the Standard staterooms which have a Pullman bed and a sofa be. The Deluxe also have full size picture windows that open.

The season for taking the Romantic Danube cruise runs from March through November. While the fall is much cooler, clients have told me that was the most beautiful time to go. They have all commonly mentioned the excellent service they received and that the required dress was casual. Other pluses for Viking are the wonderful guided tours and food prepared by chefs that create meals you will remember.

If you are looking for pricing, always talk directly with the Viking River directly as the website pricing will often be outdated. You can also secure decent discounts by booking for the 2009 season by December 2008 as well as early payment in full additional savings. Another popular promotion they will run on limited sailings is the 2 for 1. Those are always it and miss and are offered when they want to book up a good bit of the remaining cabins quickly.

The Romantic Danube is on my list of must do cruises.