Viking Beyla Review

Pandemic Perfection

Review for Europe River Cruise on Viking Beyla
User Avatar
Ulysses4now
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment

Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2021
Cabin: Veranda Stateroom

This was our second Viking river cruise. Previously we've done all the big cruise liners, Carnaval (Alaska), royal Carib (med), Norwegian (Hawaii), Celebrity (Australia/New Zealand) and Princess (Panama Canal). After our first Viking river cruise, we decided we found our vacation home. The first one, the Danube, was so perfect, we had to go again. After our second, we already booked our third for 2022. Granted traveling during a pandemic is not for everyone, but Viking made it perfect. One of the best benefits was an entire passenger list of only 28 and 30 crew. Everyone got to know everyone. Secondly, they took medical safety very seriously. This was not just patronizing to give you the appearance of checking the boxes. Everything was sanitized, the entire staff was typically outgoing, personable, friendly and professional - but this time, concerned about your safety and went above and beyond. Every morning we were tested, a saliva sample, sealed and documented. I quizzed them on the lab and process and everyone (from the wait staff to the bartender) new the details. Each country had their own processes and Viking knew them all. Imagine going home after 8 wonderful restful days then having to worry about meeting the requirements to three different countries on the way home. Viking made the difficult process so simple. At the airport, a Viking employee took us to the counter of Swiss Air, made sure we had the right documents, helped fill out the vaccine papers, got our luggage tagged, got our tickets and got us relieved it was so smooth. I noticed other people, trying to navigate they system in on their own - very stressful. Besides the pandemic, and making us feel so valued as customers, it was the exemplary Viking experience again. Viking from landing to take off, from onboard to disembark , it is a flawless operation that makes you want to come back for more.

Cabin Review

Veranda Stateroom

Comfortable and inviting. Although, we only use it to sleep in (wink wink). There is plenty of room for two for moving about and packing away your things. Here is a tip: In the winter months, don't opt for the balcony. For the Danube and Elbe, most of the cruising is at night and its dark and cold. Unlike the big cruise liners, there is not a lot of open water voyage to sit out on the balcony and read a book. Any river cruising during the day, you go out on the upper deck or sit at the Aquavit lounge on the stern.

5 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Viking Beyla Cruise from $3,499

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.