Viking Embla Review

4.0 / 5.0
167 reviews

Down the Danube Bucharest

Review for Europe River Cruise on Viking Embla
User Avatar
marylandcrzer
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2013

The Embla is one of Vikings newest cruise ships, known as 'long boats' Our Embla cruise was from Budapest to Romania (billed as "Budapest to Bucharest", but not strictly speaking to Bucharest itself since it is inland). This portion of the Danube is less developed than its upper reaches and this cruise was leisurely, but not packed with memorable experiences. Rather, the pleasure was in getting to know other passengers, in becoming acquainted with the crew, and in spending time together, something our every day lives does not always permit.

Our precruise hotel was the Budapest Le Meridien. I've reviewed this hotel for Trip Advisor and will not go into detail here other than to note that it was excellent and was about four blocks from where the ship docked so we were able to walk to the ship (baggage was transferred by Viking). We arrived early because my partner had heard that a glass blowing class was being offered on board and she wanted to ensure a place for herself. There was no class (the crew explained that the glass blowing class was offered only on the longer cruises offered up river) so we had some lunch on the glassed in after deck and then walked around Budapest's pedestrian mall for a while. We boarded in the later afternoon and the ship departed around dark. We had a truly spectacular sail down the river through Budapest with the lights along the river providing a wonderful display (there is also a laser show from the roof of one of the buildings).

The Embla is a very well designed ship that offers efficient public spaces and cabins, although both are quite small. There was a total passenger group of less than 200 and one seating only for dinner. A buffet is offered on the after deck for lunch and dinner, but essentially the same food is provided at both locations. The Embla is a new ship and so everything is fresh and functions very well. Cabins are of a modern design, although at times the design is a little too cunning for its own good. It took a day or two, for example, to figure out how to use the shower without getting water all over the floor (the trick: close the doors after entering the shower and bring them together simultaneously to make a tight seal. The shower has two levers, one an off on with one below it to regulate heat. Set the heat dial to the preferred level and then just turn the water on after closing the doors).

Cabin Review

1 Helpful Vote
previous reviewnext review

Find a Viking Embla Cruise from $1,999

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.