Viking Embla Review

4.0 / 5.0
167 reviews

A Perfect Cruise = The Perfect Vacation

Review for Europe River Cruise on Viking Embla
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Cruzer1001
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
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Sail Date: Apr 2015

I am amazed (or maybe not) by the people who complain about things over which the cruise line has little control. Water height, water depth, bridge clearance, weather and even peoples' inability or unwillingness to make new friends seem to be issues and Viking can do only so much.

We left cool and windy Amsterdam only to arrive in cold, windy and rainy Kinderdijk. That's it for the bad weather. If you visit a country known for centuries of windmills you should expect wind. From then on it just kept getting better and better until we finished up in gloriously sunny and warm Bucharest.

Dining was perfect, with tables seating anywhere from four and up. If you want a table for two get your own boat or dine upstairs in the Aquavit lounge. No assigned seating but you can meet new people every meal (or avoid people if you want). The serving staff were going 100 miles per hour but always had time for you. It was impressive how well they worked together and enjoyed working together. Nobody was slacking, that is for sure. We had our favourite servers and sat in their area whenever possible. We even got "special" menu items, exclusive to our table. If you want more of something just ask for it and it will happen.

Cabin Review

Cabin French Balcony

First, the ship was just about perfect. Plenty of space for two normal adults with space under the bed to stow three suitcases and four boxes (we had extra stuff) plus our PFDs (personal floatation devices). Great bathroom with top quality fittings, heated floor and an excellent shower. Lots of lighting and controls everywhere. Even 110 volt outlets for us New Worlders. Closets, drawers and even a safe. Hooks on the backs of doors and sliding doors which stay shut when closed. Lots of mirrors and a good sized TV. WiFi was weak in the rooms but I had no problems with our iPhones and iPad in the center of the ship (near the computers and library). The fridge in the room worked perfectly and kept everything cold.

Port Reviews

Amsterdam

We arrived four days early so we could spend some time in Amsterdam as well as make a quick trip to Brussels by high-speed train for a day. Just enjoyed walking around the city and exploring. Visited the "Pianola Museum" and had great food at Café De Klos (go early), Singel 404 (lunch) and De Bakkerswinkel (frequently). Our anniversary dinner was at Moeders and by all accounts was as traditionally Dutch as possible.

Cologne

A great walking city with a world famous cathedral. Being Easter shopping was pretty bleak (my Visa card says thank you) but I just wanted to roam around the buildings.

Bratislava

Great walk-around introduction to an easily overlooked place. A beautiful city with much to see and, in my opinion, the best hot chocolate on the planet! Go to Bon Bon (about 50' from the "Man at Work" sculpture). The hot chocolate (milk or dark) is like drinking a superb chocolate bar!

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