Viking River Cruise Grand European Tour recommended Do's and Don'ts

[@DooWopKing2011]

I appreciate your straightforward information which I found most helpful!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Glad we could help! Happy travels!!

[@Jason-rp4jh]

I am so thankful I saw you guys video. My father and I are going to take the Amsterdam to Basil eight day riverboat cruise in October. My father is 87 years old and he’s not a good walker. It’s his bucket list tour. My mother passed away last year and she would be going on it with him so it’s myself and my father, thank you for this video so I can see what he has up against walking wise

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Jason, sorry to hear about your Mother and I glad you and your Father are completing a Bucket List item. We were in the same way when we went too. I hope you caught that there are many levels of excursions for mobility. Make sure you ask the Program Director about those. Do look at the Excursion video and see that Dr. Tom from Australia was in a wheel chair for most of the excursions. I wish you all the luck and know you are going to love your cruise!!! Cheers!!!!

[@MVBuckeye]

This was incredibly helpful. My wife and I are doing the same cruise next June. She has Parkinson's and had DBS surgery last April 28th. We have just started to look at the various excursions and trying to make an assessment as to what was doable, or not. Also, I was debating whether to get wheelchair assistance through the airports. We will be on a direct flight from Lax to Amsterdam, but Budapest to Munich to LAX returning home. Thanks so much!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Do not forget to contact the airline prior for a wheelchair from check in to the gate!!! We passed through TSA and passport checkpoints in a breeze! If your wife is mobile they do offer slower walking options for the excursions. I hope you have a wonderful time!

[@rmw641]

Thanks for the series. We leave for the Grand European in less than two weeks. Your insights have been very helpful for us. Again, thanks and enjoy your next journey wherever it my be.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

My pleasure!!! So glad we could help and we hope you have a wonderful time!!!!

[@Signs9]

I just found your channel. Thanks for the tips! I'm going with my brother in July and I expect it to be hot. We're taking an 8 day Danube River Viking cruise. It's going to be a milestone birthday (70!) for me so I have four months to get in better shape. I plan on doing a lot of walking before the trip. Thanks for mentioning your illness. My husband has a rare autoimmune illness where he can get around the house easily but would never be able to do any of the walking tours. He will be at home with our son. We've done extended family trips to Europe in the past but he can no longer walk any distance. It is a challenge. I'm going because want to be able to see more of Europe before I no longer can myself.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Diane, I hope your summer trip is wonderful! If you have not been during the summer, do know it will rain and be hot all together. Happy Travels!

[@Signs9]

Thanks I'm looking forward to it!@@1sttimetravelers493

[@elizabethaderhold9772]

Thank you so much for this video. My husband and I are taking this cruise in November to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We are so excited and your tips were awesome.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

We hope you have a wonderful time!! Congratulations and thank you for the kind words!!!

[@docsmctink]

Thx for your info and advice…first time viewer!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Welcome! We have a whole series on Viking River Cruising and I suggest that when you have time, look a few more over. Thanks for the comment and wish you all the best with your travels!

[@bentomama8966]

Thanks Steve & Lisa. We're booked on the Viking grand tour in August. Hugs from country Western🦘🐨🦜🐨🦘 Australia 🥰

[@tedg4171]

Any more trips and videos planned? You explain things very well and include a lot of details which is useful to people who might want to take a similar trip.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Yes, and I have been crazy busy with real life items. I have a few that need to be developed and published. Thank you for the kick in the b___!!! I needed it!!!

[@ElizabethBinns-n4y]

Thanks, I enjoyed watching this. Makes me laugh when you say a long trip is 10 hours to get to Europe. Try 24 hours travel from New Zealand where I Ilive. Worth it once you get there though!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Yes, we had several Australians on our cruise. I have to admit that we were glad we didn't have to take their trip! All the best!

[@jdonroberts]

Thank you for the information the two of you have provided. Our GET will be in reverse of the one you took and it will be in April of 24. Thanks again for taking the time to help. Very useful

[@araminta5356]

Thank you for this video. Lisa, you are so brave to go on this trip after major surgery. It sounds like you two had a wonderful adventure.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Araminta, thank you for the kind words for Lisa!!! We did have an incredible adventure! Cheers!

[@Rachelatday2dayjoys]

Love hearing about the do’s and don’t. In 2024, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. I’m planning 8 nights in Italy and then a river cruise, probably ama. 💗

[@Rachelatday2dayjoys]

Also, thinking March, have you went in March before?

[@1sttimetravelers493]

@@Rachelatday2dayjoys thank you for the kind words!!! No we only have gone on 1 Viking Cruise and it was during December. Hope you have a wonderful time!!!

[@gettingslim186]

Great advice!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

We are very happy you enjoyed it and we hope it helps in future travels!!!

[@gaylehopkins3486]

Hi Steve and Lisa: I watched your final video of dos and don'ts on the Grand European Tour. You both seem like lovely people and I admire Lisa for being courageous (spelling doesn't look right!) enough to go after your brain surgery. I am fairly healthy and I'm very hesitant about travelling outside the US. I love road trips here in the States, though! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I look forward to watching your other videos.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Thank you for the kind words! Hope you enjoy all of your travels!!!!

[@margyslater4985]

Oh, thank you. Such amazing information. We are going on the Viking River Cruise Grand European tour in 2024. When you refer to your Australian friends using an App to book excursions? Also, the two of you are absolutely lovely people, with such positive energy. Now going to watch all your videos.😍

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Here we go with the guides!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!! Also, thank you for all the kind words!!! Being retired teachers, we always want to help. www.getyourguide.com/en-au/?visitor-id=UOSSMW9L5CKZSIUOXLR8VH6AO698B3MO&locale_autoredirect_optout=true&selectedTab=0a050aa1-8582-1114-8185-8234a49c0003www.guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com www.viator.com/?m=63845&supag=147329545658&supsc=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supai=648794593346&supdv=m&supnt=g&suplp=9069126&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supap1=&supap2=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4On7mxwfD0Uv1hwn7F3gFPw&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNyAYePcXubjyw5AxDIXsXUENfA_Hw7ykOHuNKG10sAGgxK44XgCxlRoCKQQQAvD_BwE

[@franktozier3184]

My and wife and I thouroughly enjoyed our cruise on the Rhine in December. I agree with you that a pre-cruise is most beneficial. Big help with the jet lag. Definitely don"t over extend yourself with excursion.. The staff on the Kara were fantastic. We are looking at the possibilty of booking another cruise.

[@agmamamouse4763]

I have enjoyed your grand European river cruise videos. I'm going on this one with my 75 year old mother this October I am so excited. Your content has been so helpful. I hope we get to meet people like you two on our trip!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Thank you so much for the kind words and we are so happy we passed on some good information!! We wish you Happy Travels!

[@kathy9399]

I'm taking the same cruise in November, Budapest to Amsterdam, any advice/recommendations for pre and post cruise? My husband is worried about getting to the port for the cruise (Budapest) and getting to and from the airports if we don't book pre/post thru Viking. We booked a suite on the cruise, so I would love to save money and book our own stays in Amsterdam and Budapest. Loving your videos and the advice. Just subscribed, looking forward to future videos!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Thank you for your question Kathy!!! Ok, since you are planning your own pre or post extension, you LOOSE your transfer to/from the airport to/from the ship. You may see in one of our videos, we had to secure a taxi to the ship in Amsterdam. Most every taxi knows where the river cruise ships depart, so not really a problem. I would ask the Viking cruise company where they do depart from just to be sure. As for your own reservations, I am a Marriott person so when we landed in Amsterdam, I had already secured a stay at the Rennisance and it was walking distance from the train station which there were direct trains from the airport to Central Station. Since you are starting in Budapest and we did not have to secure a hotel there, I would look through search engines, for somewhere close to the river and walking distance to the heart of the city. Do know that the airport is a ways away from the city and you will need to check if your hotel has transportation or if you will need to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. You have a few months to research this. Most hotels will answer your emails too. So, I hope this helps and if you have any other questions do not hesitate. Do know that Viking does a nice job with all of their extensions as we did use them when we went from Budapest to our stay in Prague. Best of luck!!!

[@kathy9399]

@@1sttimetravelers493 thank you so much! I like to travel by the seat of my pants but my husband not so much. We've traveled to Italy, France and the United Kingdom but he still wants to know everything ahead of time, lol. We might do the pre with Viking in Budapest, so he's more at ease. I've been checking out Amsterdam and it looks like an easy city to get around. I appreciate your help.

[@elainemclean2957]

Hey guys! Thankyou for your great video, really enjoyed watching it. You're both lovely people whom I would love to meet on a cruise one day. Thankyou x

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Sounds like a plan! Glad you enjoyed our videos!!! Happy travels!!!

[@deo3367]

I am showing my parents this. My parents are leaving for something similar? I actually do not know, they never tell me details. 😂 but they will be gone for 21 days; pre and post river cruise once in a lifetime trip. I don’t think my father knows what he is getting into with the walking. This is so helpful.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

I sure hope our videos help your Parents!!! There is pretty much 15k to 20k steps required for each excursion!!!! Only more the reason so you can eat eat eat!!! I am glad we can help!!!

[@BeverlyJordanblog]

We all need that app your friends used. We have been on 2 previous cruises and Viking did a great job on excursions but would love to see other options. Thanks in advance

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Let me work on it this week!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Here we go with the guides!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!! www.getyourguide.com/en-au/?visitor-id=UOSSMW9L5CKZSIUOXLR8VH6AO698B3MO&locale_autoredirect_optout=true&selectedTab=0a050aa1-8582-1114-8185-8234a49c0003www.guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com www.viator.com/?m=63845&supag=147329545658&supsc=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supai=648794593346&supdv=m&supnt=g&suplp=9069126&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supap1=&supap2=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4On7mxwfD0Uv1hwn7F3gFPw&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNyAYePcXubjyw5AxDIXsXUENfA_Hw7ykOHuNKG10sAGgxK44XgCxlRoCKQQQAvD_BwE

[@shadowchaser59]

Thanks we’ve use these also

[@MissRubyRedsmoke]

Wow so interesting. I am doing this tour next year and I also have Parkinson’s. One of my concerns is the walking tours. Thank you.

[@splaske820]

Im on the viking website now undecided if i should click Book Now. Is it okay to travel alone ? Are people friendly? I'm 76, and healthy

[@1sttimetravelers493]

They will want you to pay for a 2nd person as they do not book single rooms. Each bed is priced and paid for even if you travel alone. The best thing to do is call Viking for help.

[@sherrylivingstonwhite1983]

Hey guys, I just found your videos! Im mending up after a surgery too! 5 days ago! Lisa you are my inspiration! We are doing the Rhine getaway in 3 weeks. Im worried that the walks will get me since surgery (Gall Bladder) So my question is about packing! Can you wear to dinner what you have worn out on the excursions? or do you need to change? Also did anyone wear nice jeans in the dining room? We did do the 2 day pre and 2 day post! Any extra advice would be appreciated. Thank you guys! I subscribed

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Sherry, I will answer this one for Lisa. Yes, there really in no set dress code for dining. Lisa always dresses to impress, yet, she knew if we had a big day of walking, that she had to have clothes that did not hinder her mobility. You can always change clothes before a meal, but, really there should not be any worry. If you have not watched the Do's and Don'ts video, watch that it will help to answer any questions. Happy traveling!!!!

[@RebelSol67]

Walking workouts is a very good recommendation. I'm heading out in August and know we are going to be walking in the heat so I've been walking outside every day over 12,000 steps in the Texas heat. :)

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Yes!!! Get those workouts in!!! It will most certainly be warm. Do know that there is a chance you may have to change ships due to river level too. Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

[@RebelSol67]

@@1sttimetravelers493 Always a chance. This will be my third but I'm going with Avalon, not Viking.

[@DianaNaylor-yv9hv]

Please what is the app for excursions found this very helpful as I have Post-polio and have challenges too.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Here we go with the guides!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!! www.getyourguide.com/en-au/?visitor-id=UOSSMW9L5CKZSIUOXLR8VH6AO698B3MO&locale_autoredirect_optout=true&selectedTab=0a050aa1-8582-1114-8185-8234a49c0003www.guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com www.viator.com/?m=63845&supag=147329545658&supsc=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supai=648794593346&supdv=m&supnt=g&suplp=9069126&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supap1=&supap2=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4On7mxwfD0Uv1hwn7F3gFPw&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNyAYePcXubjyw5AxDIXsXUENfA_Hw7ykOHuNKG10sAGgxK44XgCxlRoCKQQQAvD_BwE

[@danielledraper1107]

Thankyou so much for your honest and amusing review! We are planning the grand European 23 day tour in 2024 - can you share the app your fellow cruisers used? We are Australians and sincerely hope we meet some pleasant fellow cruisers such as yourselves😊

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Let we try to find it. Please give a little time on this as I am going to try and contact the couple we mentioned.

[@danielledraper1107]

@@1sttimetravelers493 many many thanks 🙏

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Danielle I got the info for you I just need to see how I can cut and paste the info to these comments. Please give me a couple of days as we are out of town.

[@danielledraper1107]

@@1sttimetravelers493 thanks so much

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Here we go with the guides!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!! www.getyourguide.com/en-au/?visitor-id=UOSSMW9L5CKZSIUOXLR8VH6AO698B3MO&locale_autoredirect_optout=true&selectedTab=0a050aa1-8582-1114-8185-8234a49c0003www.guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com www.viator.com/?m=63845&supag=147329545658&supsc=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supai=648794593346&supdv=m&supnt=g&suplp=9069126&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supap1=&supap2=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4On7mxwfD0Uv1hwn7F3gFPw&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNyAYePcXubjyw5AxDIXsXUENfA_Hw7ykOHuNKG10sAGgxK44XgCxlRoCKQQQAvD_BwE

[@KCtravel9]

What city was the baths in? Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Budapest! Just incredible!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

You can have a bath in ANY city. Why ask? LOL

[@CCB249]

Why didn't you go on the excursions that you paid for? Just wondering. We did our first Ocean Cruise with Viking in February-Australia and New Zealand. We loved it. We paid for lots of excursions and went on every single one that we could. Two were canceled because of a Typhoon, but Viking automatically reimbursed us for those before we left the ship.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Well, as we mentioned in the early editions of this series, we did get sick and had to miss one or two, then we just found that the Free excursion was better or served our needs better than the one we paid for. For example, in Nuremberg, we found that the paid for excursion did not go to the Christmas Market and that was a major reason for this entire trip. Thank you for your question and We Wish You Safe Travels!!!

[@lovinglife8097]

I have been looking to cruise with vikings in 2025 for our 20th wedding Anniversary. As you said its good to cruise in December Christmas time. What would you for destination? We live in Pennsylvania. I know it requires Air travel. Do they provide bus to take you to the ship? Please educate me here. It's going to be our first time. That's why I have to research very well before we book for 2025.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Thank you for the question! I want you to know that Viking does everything for you outside of getting you to your departure airport and getting you home from the arrival airport. We lost our airport to boat transfer due to the fact that we arranged our own pre-cruise extension. We had to arrange a taxi to the boat. If you schedule everything with Viking, you do not have to worry. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask! Our trip was for our 40th and it was lovely! I am not sure if you watched the other episodes in our series, that may help you. Happy Travels!!

[@sonyamonarrez7355]

Thank you so much for the information. Would you happen to have the name of the app your friends had for excursions? Thank you in advance.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

Here we go with the guides!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!!! www.getyourguide.com/en-au/?visitor-id=UOSSMW9L5CKZSIUOXLR8VH6AO698B3MO&locale_autoredirect_optout=true&selectedTab=0a050aa1-8582-1114-8185-8234a49c0003www.guruwalk.com www.guruwalk.com www.viator.com/?m=63845&supag=147329545658&supsc=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supai=648794593346&supdv=m&supnt=g&suplp=9069126&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039%3Akwd-336198949&supap1=&supap2=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd4On7mxwfD0Uv1hwn7F3gFPw&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_eiBhBGEiwA15gLNyAYePcXubjyw5AxDIXsXUENfA_Hw7ykOHuNKG10sAGgxK44XgCxlRoCKQQQAvD_BwE

[@edegidijuskas4030]

Tips are a norm, river cruise. It makes around 25 eur/ day, or 300 eur for couple, for 7 day cruise.

[@1sttimetravelers493]

@@edegidijuskas4030 thank you for the comment!