We chose this cruise because of the ports to explore along the various rivers. Amsterdam, Cologne, Nuremberg, Vienna, and Budapest were historically appealing for my husband and I. The excursions were very informative and comprehensive. We enjoyed on board entertainment especially the German glass blower. The meals were delicious and reflected the lands we were touring. The option of changing tables at each seating allowed us to meet many new friends. Service was outstanding from the cabin attendants, and waiters, to the cruise director, Joey. Due to water levels being extremely low, we had to transfer from the Scadi to the Bragi to continue our cruise. It was inconvenient to repack, but the crew including the captain handled everything and streamlined the process. We cruised to Vienna, but could not go on to Budapest due to the low water levels. The crew once again stepped up and diffused the situation. We boarded luxury buses and were driven to Budapest where we were lodged at the Ritz. Read Less

We had always wanted to do a European Riverboat Cruise. It was everything we had hoped for and more. The dining and entertainment was excellent, the crew and the wait staff were extremely friendly, courteous and professional. There were get togethers with the tour director every night in the lounge, showing us videos of the different ports of call and what we could expect to see and the shore excursions were well organized and really gave you an insight into what life was like in the different countries that we visited. Before the cruise even started, the airlines lost both of our bags of luggage. We can't say enough about how helpful the crew was in trying to get our luggage back. They spent an enormous amount of time with us, compiling lists of what articles of clothing we thought had been lost, filling out forms to submit to the airlines and making countless calls to the airlines in an attempt to find our luggage. We had purchased two days of clothing in Amsterdam, assuming we would get our luggage back soon and the cruise ship washed, dried and ironed our laundry every day for free until we got our first bag of luggage back, which wasn't until one week into the cruise. Hats off to all of them, they were fantastic. Between the magnificent scenery, the excursions, the local cuisine and the onboard experience, it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations we've ever had. We're already booked on another Viking Cruise in October of 2020 and we can't wait. For us, Viking lived up to the expectations and we would highly recommend it. Read Less

We enjoyed every city that we visited on this cruise and learned so much from our tour guides. Because the river was low, we had to switch ships at the midpoint. Viking made the switch seem seamless. Because we were so busy every day and walked so much, you really were too tired for much entertainment at night. You don't do a river cruise for the entertainment. You do a river cruise for the convenience of not having to pack your suitcase every night and for the all inclusive nature of the trip. I wish Viking would make it truly all inclusive and include gratuities. The food was very good, but on a 2 week cruise, it gets repetitive towards the end. But really, nothing to complain about there. We all wished that they would offer featured local beers each day. We were in Germany! They did a better job separating out the people on walkers into a seperate group this time so they wouldn't slow down the other groups. Read Less

Of all the cruises that I have taken (Viking, Princess, Carnival, Holland America), this was by far my most favorite! The boat was beautiful with an open, airy feel to it. The Veranda Suite was elegantly furnished and equipped and was extremely comfortable with plenty of room for all of our stuff. Fresh flowers and towels daily. The dining choices were beautiful with great menu choices served by attentive and gracious staff. The lounge was very comfortable with a well stocked bar and amiable crew and delightful entertainment. The tours were wonderfully well organized, great fun and very educational and interesting. The local tour guides were very knowledgeable, informative, and entertaining. Most of all, our Tour Director, Chantal, was absolutely outstanding! She was informative, gracious, helpful, attentive to our individual needs, and approached even the most challenging challenges with a great sense of humor. Our experience was so wonderful we have booked 2 more cruises with Viking and look forward to more great times ahead. Read Less

Viking does everything they can to satisfy your every need! The cruise was amazing; the scenery beautiful; the food 5 star; and the crew outstanding! We loved every minute of our 15 day cruise! We will cruise with Viking again and again! Our stateroom was small, comfortable. Who needs a large room when you’re going to be out and about every day. The bed was very comfortable and had all the amenities. The ship is wall-to-wall windows so there’s no need for a brand or balcony in your state room. We spent most of our time on the sundeck enjoying the beautiful weather! We had all day to spend in various cities throughout hungry, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands; cruising mostly at night. We loved the Large cities like Budapest and Passau, but the quaint villages of Bamberg in Regensburg were just as entertaining and beautiful! It is hard to say what our favorite city was, there were just too many excellent stops along the Danube Reiner and Main! There are so many things I could recommend, but you must take the World War II tour when in Nuremberg! Read Less

We arrived independently in Budapest but found it quite simple to get connected with Viking and Bragi. After check-in at the hotel, our bags awaited us in our stateroom and the embarkation was flawless. Halfway through the cruise we had to change ships because of low water on the Danube, but even this glitch was handled with grace, good humor, and extreme efficiency. The ship's public spaces were exceptionally inviting. We ate 90% of our meals in the Aquavit Terrace so that we could enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, and the surrounding countryside. Breakfast was ample; the luncheon buffet was varied; and the choices at dinner were almost limitless. We had intended not to eat every single meal and certainly not to eat dessert twice a day--and yet we did! We highly recommend the Spirits Beverage Package--reasonable prices; good selections; and no worries about a high bar bill at the conclusion of the cruise. The entertainment was pleasant, and some of the activities planned by our Cruise Director, Chantal, were a delight. (And speaking of Chantal, she is a gem--Viking needs to clone her!). We appreciate that Viking fares include one excursion in each port. All were worthwhile, and the tour guides were exceptionally informed and engaging. The optional excursions we took (Salzburg, Nuremberg, and Modern Aristocracy) were well worth the additional expense. As enjoyable and informative as the excursions were, I think our two favorite days were the ones spent cruising on the Danube and the Rhein: castles and cathedrals; cathedrals and castles; and an everchanging landscape--talk about relaxing. Disembarcation in Amsterdam was flawless and I really appreciated the fact that we could stay on the ship until late morning. We are singing the praises of Viking to our friends and family...and have already booked our next cruise! Read Less

Since we were planning on this being our trip of a lifetime, we chose the best, Viking. Your reputation for excellence tipped the scale to you. We booked a year in advance taking out trip insurance to be safe. Well we almost needed it. My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. With 25 brain tumors during the year we weren't sure we could go. However, she was cleared to take the trip the week before we left. Neither of us had been on a trip like this before, and had no idea how it would go. We found out it was quite challenging due to her health and mobility. However, we persevered with the help and support of our wonderful crew, passengers and local europeans. It was wonderful!!!!! We were amazed by the entire itinerary. Wonderful sights and people. Our crew and guides were excellent. So well organized and able to react to every obstacle thrown at them. The most amazing thing was how the crew and corporate were able to complete our trip after the actual cruise had to end after 11 days. The freighter that ran aground in the middle of the Danube really could have been a compete trip killer. However, you managed to find busses, restaurants, hotels and a last night dinner cruise in Budapest. All first class hotels and restaurants. We are firmly convinced no other cruise line could have pulled that off!!! We cannot say enough about your cruise line and our crew in of the Bragi in particular. From the stewards, waiters, bar tenders, chef, cruise director and staff were just wonderful. If we could we would want the same crew again!!! We are not sure if her health will allow it, but we would definitely cruise with you again. We tell every one we know that if you want a first class trip Viking is the way to go. Well worth any difference in price over the others. Thanks again for our Trip of a Lifetime!!! Read Less

The cabins were very nice and comfortable. The food and dinning staff was very good. Having wine and beer with lunch and dinner was great. We enjoyed the different ports of call each day and the excursions. All of the excursions were conducted in English and very informative. In addition we signed up for additional excursions that were also very nice the transportation at each port was conducted with top notch transportation busses and we were very impressed we have been on several cruises on different cruise lines. The Viking river cruise boats were very nice and clean. We would definitely use Viking cruise line again. We met lots of people from all over and everyone was very nice. The entire crew were by far the nicest group of people and they made us feel very welcome and comfortable. We can’t think of anything that was a negative during the cruise. Read Less

After a fabulous river cruise last year with Viking, we had high hopes, especially the Danube and Vienna. Half-way into the cruise, after going through dozens of locks in Germany with the sundeck closed and boring shore excursions, we were told a barge had blocked the Danube just before Passau. We docked Next to a sheep pasture and lock Sun. to Wed. Several key excursions were cancelled. Other ships moved passengers around the blockage but not the Bragi. All the passengers had to leave the ship and bus to Budapest. The top deck & the lower deck passengers were separated, sticking 2/3s of us in an airport hotel far from Vienna. Two days there became 1/2. Meals were in bad restaurants. Worst, Vikings’ story about what happened was contradicted by what we saw when we got to Budapest. Somehow the Bragi found another load of passengers to bring to Budapest. Read Less

River cruising is a relaxing and interesting way to travel. There is much more focus on experiencing the local environment, culture and history than on Ocean Cruises. Viking did an excellent job of organizing tours, coordinating transport and and enabling us to get the most out of our brief visits to towns and cities along the Rhine and Danube. The staff was excellent, proficient and friendly. The Program Director "Joey" was excellent and made even the inconvenient times bearable. Due to an accident blocking traffic on the Danube we had to complete our cruise by bus, which is no ones idea of a great way to travel. However, Viking went a above and beyond to ensure we were taken care of and completed our journey. Joey and Sandra, Viking Staff, stayed with on the buses and in the hotels and did everything in their power to make sure we had an enjoyable experience. Their professionalism, friendliness and enthusiasm kept us all together and made up for the disruption and inconvenience. The food and accommodations aboard the Bragi were excellent. The ship was clean and all services were provided professionally. A word to those considering River Cruising. There is a limited number of things to keep you entertained aboard the boat. Much of the value of the trip is in the side trips and tours of the towns and cities. If you cannot comfortably walk for at least two hours, these side trips will not be practical. For much of the trip the upper deck of the boat is closed so that if you elect to stay on the boat you will be confined to your stateroom or the small public lounge on the ship. It is not always practical to take your own side trip as the boat often drops tours off and picks them up at a different docking place. To those who have committed to a River Cruise, please think seriously about the convenience of the local population and other passengers as you walk around in your large tour groups. Don't block traffic, don't block the entrance to businesses, be considerate of locals trying to get about their daily business. And be considerate of other passengers. Pushing to get first in line, asking long and irrelevant questions, monopolizing the guide's time and attention, asking for breaks because you're unable to keep up, all make the tour unpleasant for others. Read Less