Is a Viking River Cruise Worth It? Real Traveler Review

River Cruising vs. Ocean Cruising

• 🚢 River cruises, like Viking, are long and skinny due to strict canal specifications, often with only inches of clearance in locks, making them more intimate than large ocean liners.
• 🤝 The smaller capacity (around 175 people) fosters opportunities to meet fellow travelers, often at intentionally sized tables of eight during meals.
• 🌍 Unlike many international ocean cruises, this Viking cruise was predominantly filled with North Americans, which was a surprise and a slight negative for the guests seeking more cultural diversity.
• 🧘‍♀️ River cruises, by nature, tend to be more sedate with fewer onboard entertainment options compared to ocean cruises, winding down by late evening.

Exploring the Rhône Valley: Ports of Call

• 🇫🇷 The journey traversed the Rhône Valley, starting in Avignon and ending in Lyon, with stops including Arles, Viviers, and a unique excursion into a wilderness area.
• 🏛️ Avignon features the historic Papal Palace and the iconic Pont d'Avignon, while Arles boasts a well-preserved Roman arena, similar to a coliseum.
• 🏘️ Viviers, a small town on a hill, offered a charming experience with a memorable tour guide who shared local history and WWII resistance stories.
• 🏞️ An excursion explored a remote, mountainous wilderness area west of the Rhône, accessible only by a tourist train, showcasing untouched nature.
• 🏙️ Lyon, the final destination, offered extensive exploration, including hidden passageways and historical insights into its role during WWII, with a surprising Alsatian and Swiss influence in its cuisine.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

• 🍽️ Viking offers free wine with meals and features regional dishes each night, enhancing the culinary experience.
• 👚 The dress code was more casual than expected, with elegant business attire not strictly enforced in dining rooms.
• 🧳 To maximize space in small cabins, guests used magnetic hooks on steel walls and ceilings to hang items, significantly increasing usable space.
• 🎁 A unique souvenir tradition involves collecting items, like keychains or Christmas ornaments, to hang on a tree, serving as a yearly reminder of travels.

Unexpected Challenges and Travel Tips

• 🏥 A medical emergency arose when Nathan's mother developed a severe lung infection in Lyon, requiring hospitalization and antibiotics.
• 💰 The cost for medical care, including the hospital visit and antibiotics, was surprisingly low ($200 total), especially without supplemental insurance.
• 🗣️ While French and Italian language skills were helpful for navigating conversations and local interactions, many tourist areas also accommodated English speakers.
• 🗺️ Viking's river cruise model involves deep familiarity with each port, allowing them to provide excellent local guides and assist with logistical needs, including medical emergencies.
• 💡 The guests emphasized the value of preparation over perfection when traveling, especially concerning potential medical issues abroad.