First time on a Viking cruise ( not for want of trying. Several cruises cancelled because of Covid, the Ukraine war and supply chain problems) Viking rep met us at airport and we had transportation to wonderful hotel in castle district of Budapest …….we worked with a wonderful rep. by name of Vincent Bonette when I called and said our original booking agent only gave us buy one /get one free air and I found Viking was actually offering completely free air. With all work he did and the $ he saved me, I was able to get a xtra night in Budapest, a upgraded cabin onboard and 4 days post cruise in Nuremberg and Prague, bought the drink package and prepaid all ship tips, plus booked all kinds of extra tours at no additional cost!……..and, when I checked back later, I found that the original rep got the credit on the booking.

As far as our shipboard cabin, we asked on the first day for beds to be separated and by the time we got back after dinner, viola! They had been separated. Also I asked “Georg” , our cabin steward, for ice 2nd day of cruise and from then on we had fresh ice in our cabin every day. He was a very friendly & attentive cabin steward. In fact All crew members were very friendly. Unfortunately, on this trip, we sat at different tables when dining so never used a “favorite “ waiter. They were all fine. Toward the end of the cruise we discovered a young waiter we especially liked (can’t recall his name but found out he was dating the head housekeeper). Would recommend him.

The Danube was so low that Viking made arrangements to bus us upriver to meet the ship north of Budapest. So we got to see little more of the area (including old Roman fort that was the original site of Budapest). The free tours offered were outstanding if a little strenuous for us seniors. A lot of walking but, in some ports, Viking offered less walking and a more bus alternative. Unfortunately, due to low water, our cruise distance was cut short but, again, Viking came through by busing us to Regensburg and we got to see the beautiful Austrian and German countryside. Read more