This article first appeared in the August edition of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
My love for river cruising was cemented after I set sail on the Rhine. Viking’s new 11-day Rhine & Main Explorer itinerary. The itinerary, the ship (Viking Skirnir), and the onboard experience were all reasons why I was so impressed with the trip.
The cruise between Basel and Nuremberg in Germany includes Breisach, Karlsruhe and Frankfurt as well as Bamberg, Marktheidenfeld, Marktheidenfeld, Marktheidenfeld, Bamberg and Marktheidenfeld, all located in Germany.
The rivers themselves provided breathtaking views of villages with half-timbered homes, castles, and terraced vines. My favorite activity was to relax on my large veranda and listen to the birdsong, while enjoying the ever-changing landscape.
Viking Longships
The 190-passenger Viking Longships sailing on European waterways are identical in terms of size, public areas, décor and accommodations. Longships that sail on the Douro River in Portugal and France are specially-built to carry 106 or 168 passengers, respectively.
The ships have a main open-seating restaurant, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. They also feature a bar, lounge, and Aquavit Terrace which serves a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner. There is also a small shop next to the reception, and an area with a putting course, walking track, and shaded seating areas.
Accommodations
Longships have 95 outside accommodation options, including 25 Standard Staterooms of 150 square feet each, 22 French Balcony Staterooms of 135 square foot each and 39 Veranda Staterooms of 205 square feet. There are also seven Veranda Suites at 275 square feet and two Explorer Suites at 445 square feet. All accommodations boast floor-toceiling windows – with the exception of Standard Staterooms, which are situated on the lower deck with fixed windows – queen-size beds that convert to twins, bathrooms with anti-fog mirrors, large televisions, telephones, safes, mini-refrigerators, and robes and slippers upon request.
Restaurants
Most of the tables in the main restaurant can seat six to ten guests. Menus on my sailing included dishes reflecting the destinations visited, with appetizers such as Schweizer wurstsalat (Swiss sausage salad) and marinated cucumbers with Emmental cheese, and main courses like krustenbraten – crispy roast pork served in a beer sauce with cabbage.
Guests can also choose from always-available options, including Caesar salads and Angus ribeyes (which I highly recommend).
The Aquavit Terrace is equipped with smaller dining tables for passengers who prefer a more intimate experience.
Guest Profile
On my sailing, there was a wide swath of clientele, from a retired psychiatrist and a pediatrician to a high school principal and an accountant – all of whom shared a love of travel and a curiosity about the world.
Excursions
Viking offers a complimentary shore excursion at each port. They also offer a variety of tours that can be purchased. One of my favorite excursions was a canal cruise in conjunction with a walking Tour of Strasbourg. Another tour I enjoyed focused on Nuremberg’s history. And a walk through Bamberg – one of the most charming towns I have ever been to. The four-hour Medieval Village of Colmar paid tour is also available from Strasbourg.
Superlative service
The ship’s friendly staff exceeded my expectations – from cabin stewards and bartenders to waitstaff. Everyone was very friendly, and they knew my name after the first day. As soon as I left my stateroom in the morning, the cabin steward promptly cleaned the room – and ditto in the evenings.
What’s included
The rates also include Wi-Fi and access to specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock. Silver Spirits is a beverage package that costs $27 per guest, per night.
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