Viking Alsvin Review
Viking Grand European tour; checked it off my bucket list.
Rating by category
Additional details
On the Grand European River Cruise from May to June 2015 on the Viking Alsvin. Arrived a day early in Amsterdam for more sightseeing and stayed one extra day in Budapest at the end of the cruise. We had a Water Level Cabin, starboard side, towards the front of the ship. Very quiet, no engine or other noise. USA 110-volt outlets available.
Can't say enough about the meal quality. Always tasty items to eat, portions not overly large, good choice of desserts. Breakfast was my favorite meal. Either an omelet made to order, eggs Benedict, or French Toast for my breakfast. Two areas to eat, main restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace at the front of the ship. Lighter meal selections at the terrace, full meals in the restaurant. You have the option of selecting from items for that day or items always available. All the free wine and beer you can drink at lunch or dinner only. Zhivko, from Bulgaria, was our favorite server. He worked the guests like a professional, small talk, humor, ensured your food was prepared right.
Room care was outstanding. Many times after we had finished breakfast, our room was already cleaned up, ready to go. Same at night when the beds were turned down. Laundry was picked up in the morning, back by lunch time. Folded and prepared like the items were brand new.
Cabin Review
Larger shower area than I expected. Liked the outside sliding bathroom door to save space. Storage space under the bed, large closet area, small refrigerator, 40" flat panel TV, security safe, small desk area with chair, telephone. Multiple room lighting arrangements possible. Room heating and cooling were adjustable. Water level window was adequate for us. No issues with ship or other noises other than when transiting the locks. We slept through most of them.
Port Reviews
Nuremberg
We took the optional WWII Courtroom 600 Tour. Tour covered the Documentation Center, Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg War Crimes trial took place. Our tour guide was exceptional, giving us the "Living History" feeling of that time. Explaining what went on at the Rally Grounds, how Hitler, a megalomaniac, took control of Germany through his power of persuasion. In the courtroom he was so good covering what happened, other tourists, not part of the group, were held spellbound, they could not leave. Of all the tours I took on this Viking Grand European trip, this was the best tour.