Viking Vili Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I took a Grand European Cruise from Budapest t Amsterdam on Viking Vili longship in May 2016. I am a well seasoned traveler and covered much of the planet already both on land and on water, so I have something to compare it with including my previous cruise with Viking on Russian rivers. This was a terrific luxurious and enlightening experience, one of the best I have ever had. The comfort of the ship and the level of the service were superb. The staff was extremely friendly and efficient. Somehow, they have been able to remember the passengers' names and their preferences in food and other things. The concierge went out of his way to help with some personal issues not directly related to the cruise. The cook who prepared breakfast to order remembered your favorite choices.
The tour director and supporting stuff have developed a highly informative and entertaining program of on-board events. And, of course, the shore excursions in every port made the trip so interesting and memorable.
I was impressed when they broadcast/narrated the story of the land we were seeing while just cruising. We were on-board, but we were told a story of what we were seeing around!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Stateroom
The cabin was significantly better and bigger than on old Viking ships. The bed was very comfortable with plush mattress, excellent pillows, and luxury linens. Room service was excellent.
Port Reviews
Regensburg
It was a good walking tour. Since I grew up in the city full of grand palaces, I was not extremely impressed, but for someone with a different background it should have been more interesting.
Nuremberg
It is a plain city, not much to see there. The history of WWII, the War archive and the rally place all had depressing effect on me, perhaps, because of my intimate familiarity with the history of WWII. The contrast with a peaceful tranquil sun filled lake and white sails gently sliding on it -- all next to the building full of evidence of war crimes --was stark.
Wurzburg
The palace excursion and the gardens were very good. The narration explaining the frescoes was excellent.
Koblenz
Somehow, I missed the excursion and walked the town on my own. It is especially beautiful at night with all the lights reflecting in the river. When you walk alone, you can see regular, non-touristy life closer by. it makes for a more genuine experience.