What's a Viking Rhine Cruise really like? (4K video review)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 чер 2017
- Our review tells you what the Viking Rhine Getaway Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam is really like. With video and drone footage of the boat, the food and the excursions, you'll get the picture.
RELATED VIDEOS
**********
A review of the excursions on this cruise: • Excursions on the Viki...
#NOTSPONSORED
**********
I have not received compensation in exchange for posting this review.
If you would like to support me, members of this channel receive additional perks:
/ @maartenheilbron
Or support me directly via PayPal
www.paypal.me/maartech
While I do appreciate your support, no content will ever be behind a paywall.
AFFILIATE LINKS
**********
I will receive a small commission if you purchase.
Portions of this video were recorded with the:
DJI Mavic: bhpho.to/2rDhqsd
Olympus OM-D E-M1 mkII: bhpho.to/2shqzqL
Panasonic GH5: bhpho.to/2qjgF3p
Maartech’s video production essentials:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse...
www.amazon.com/shop/maartenhe...
LINKS
**********
Thanks to Lynne Harty and Ralph Grizzle (www.avidcruiser.com) who provided the footage of Ivan.
Ralph's review: www.rivercruiseadvisor.com/201...
Behind the scenes notes at maartech.com/rhinegetaway
More details on the cruise: goo.gl/gW3OSH
ABOUT ME
**********
I do read and respond to all comments, which are moderated. If you leave a relevant question or civil comment without links (which are filtered by youtube) it will be posted, I will reply.
Spend more time with me:
WEBSITE/BLOG: maartech.com
CONTACT: maartendotheilbronatgmaildotcom
DISCLOSURE
**********
Our trip was sponsored by Viking - we were part of a group of media creators and influencers invited by Viking. I have received no payment from Viking beyond this trip, We paid for our flights and many of the excursions. I have no affiliate relationship with Viking. They did not review this video's content before posting - more details: • Video
The cameras used were on loan from Olympus Canada, Panasonic Canada and B&H Photo. They were returned after the review.
I am not sponsored or compensated by any manufacturer, I have not accepted payment to review this or any product. Even if a product was provided at no cost to me, I don’t allow the provider to review the script or video prior to posting.
I am compensated by Google Adwords, who place videos before and after my videos. I receive a small commission from B&H and Amazon if you purchase using the affiliate links.
Please do not allow this to influence your purchase decision. Should you wish to support me, please use the links above.
I encourage you to visit and support your local photo/video retailer.
The cameras used were on loan from Olympus Canada, Panasonic Canada and B&H Photo. They were returned after the review. - Наука та технологія
Every single time I watch one of your traveling videos I start having all this emotions running through me: 50% Envy / 50% I wanna be there! Thanks for sharing.
That's me and every travel video ... within minutes I'm on Google Flights and Expedia exploring my options. Thanks for the kind words.
Oh ok.thisis my first time watching his video. I guess i'd better subscribe. 😁
great video, such wonderful reminder of our trip last October, which we went from Amsterdam to Basel. The extended stays in Amsterdam and Basel truly made this a trip never to be forgotten. We were also on the Hiln.
Thanks I appreciate the kind words - and I agree, the bookend cities deserved more time than we allowed.
Another great video, always so calm and soothing in your delivery unlike the many others that push the intensity levels, this video made me sit back and relax. I felt as if I was experiencing your trip as if I was actually there. It now makes me want to consider this as a future cruise option for my family. The 4k and drone footage was an impressive visual experience. Well done.
It was a pleasure to read your kind words, I truly respect your opinions. While it is worth your consideration, the experience isn't really designed for families with children.
Really enjoyed this outstanding video, complete with drone shots! I used alot of my Sony gear on our trips. We have done three Viking cruises with the Grand European Amsterdam to Budapest amazing. I was totally amazed by the quality of the staff on the three river trips we have done. The staff made the cruises much more than a floating hotel going from village to village.
Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear you had a similar experience. We have been thinking about a redo and going all the way to Budapest.
Love your thorough camera reviews and was so pleased to find this one about a Viking Cruise. A trusted source giving me the low down! Great job!
That’s very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
I took this tour from Amsterdam to Basal and it was wonderful. Our first trip was on the Danube from Nurnberg to Budapest. Both trips were first class. Viking made our trips memorable. While the walking tours are interesting and full of great facts, we tended to wander on our own and try to experience life like a local. This should be on everyone's bucket list!!
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your trip. We're taking our second Viking cruise this summer.
I was mesmerized with this review. I always wanted to do such a trip, now its a must do. Your presentation; images of the pastries, the canals, sights along the river, gave a sense of being there. This was stellar work. Should I say work, it looked like leisurely fun. Thanks MH.
Wow, I read your comments with great pleasure - thanks for your generous and kind words.
A story told like a poetry... Beautiful!
So kind of you to say - should I reveal that I was reading the very lyrical Edmund de Waal (Hare with Amber Eyes) on this trip? I found his use of language very inspiring.
Very nice review. Thank you. I love how you created a mood and a sense of the pace of the trip. Lovely.
Thank you - it was a pleasure to read your kind words.
My husband and I took this same cruise on this very same ship in August 2017. Ivan, the bartender took great care of us. Armin was WONDERFUL. The cruise was a week of pampering - wonderful food, FANTASTIC service and good memories!
I know, right? Thanks for adding your memories.
Love your drone footage! Spectacular!
Thanks for the kind words.
Maarten, We are planning one of these trips soon. Thanks so much for detailing your experience! We love to travel as well!
A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for taking the time to comment - enjoy your travels.
Great review, Maarten. Since I was on the same cruise, I can say it's a very accurate representation of the trip. I think this is a great resource for anyone thinking of taking a Viking river cruise. I can't wait for my next one.
Thanks for taking the time to comment - as an experienced cruiser and photographer I appreciate your opinion. And I'm with you - can't wait to do this again.
Thank you for uploading this video. I’ve always wanted to take one of Viking’s cruises. This was informative and less slick than the commercial.
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting. Those commercials are slick though, right?
We did Amsterdam to Basel last year and enjoyed it. I recognized all of the places you filmed, I even recognized the woman at the "cheese farm", where we sat in her living room and sampled cheese. A great trip all around, but my favorite was the city of Cologne.
So glad to hear you enjoyed your trip, thanks for taking the time to comment.
We’ve done that cruise! Viking is an awesome company and although we were in the less expensive rooms without a balcony our room was equally lovely and we did have a window. You don’t spend a lot of time in your room. Your video brought back lovely memories.
I completely agree - Viking is very customer-oriented with friendly staff. And although we had a balcony, we did spend much time on it - other than to do it for the novelty. Like you, we don't spend much time in the room. Thanks for the kind words.
My wife and I took the same ship, on the same journey in December 2015 for the Christmas markets. The Hlin went into dry dock after our cruise for a retrofit. It looks even better now. Great video..!
Thanks for the kind words, thanks for the news.
Loved your elegant commentary. Looking forward to our first Viking River cruise next month!
Thanks for the kind word words, I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience.
love your videos, love your life!😊 Thanks for sharing.
Excellent work, as always. Thank you.
Very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
I always enjoy your reviews on cameras and gear, but this was your best yet. I have seen commercials for this cruise, but you made it real, but yet so artistic.
Thank you so much for posting this review. I needed this bad. Now I want to take this cruise.
Thank you very much for your kind words - they are greatly appreciated.
not really sure where to start... as an enthusiastic photographer I love and appreciate the insightful reviews and videos you make, there's no UA-camr out there with the same fantastic style and detail. I truly enjoyed watching you with your loved one having a wonderful holiday, thanks so much for all of your work! beer in TO is on me!! all the best to you
That's very kind of you to say, thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Your offer is very generous, let me know when you're in Toronto, it's always a pleasure meeting my viewers.
I’m a subscriber for your photo reviews but this was the first video of yours i ever saw a few years ago. Today, i learned that my family and i will be taking the same cruise in July 2022.
I hope everything goes well. We had a great time.
You sold me, I want to go! Fantastic footage as always.
I appreciate the kind words, thanks!
LOVELY overview. I am convinced I want to go now!
Thanks for the kind words, I'm sure you'd enjoy it.
Another great video Maarten.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I appreciate the kind words.
What a wonderful description. It sounds like a trip worth doing
Thank you, we appreciate the kind words. It was worth doing and made us anticipate a future Viking cruise, which we've planned for this summer.
FANTASTIC! Thanks for such a professional presentation.
Kim and I appreciate your kind words, thanks for commenting.
Great video as always and thank you for being very detailed. The one outstanding feature of Viking cruises is that they 'don't want you on the boat, but out enjoying the town living'. An interesting apprehension I had with my first cruise on the Danube Waltz was being left behind if I dawdled too long on tours. Vienna is half way between Budapest to Passau on the 8 day cruise, and we were returning to Vienna for another week with friends. Only a 1 hour 40 minute train ride was needed from Passau to Vienna (which the concierge help arrange for us). Then I realized, if I missed returning to the boat on time, I could catch about a 20 minute train ride to the next port and most likely still catch dessert. All anxiety gave way to not rushing on the shore tours and totally enjoying the time-in-town as Viking wants us to. Viking and all the staff are always amazing.
Thanks for sharing your notes - that's a good point about making connections.
Your video was a pleasure to watch. I did recognize some some bits of the Rhine banks with it's vineyards and castles. I did not make the complete trip but a shorter one from Koblenz up river to Niederheimbach. It was great fun and I kept singing: 'Ooh, zo'n reisje langs de Rijn Rijn Rijn...' German television had some years ago this series about the river Rhine itself. From it's sources in Switzerland to the delta Holland is, and finally Rotterdam. It's interesting to realize what impact such a river has on the lives of the many people living nearby and/or depending on it. And-ehm... de nieuwe haring is er weer! Ze is vet en mollig, naar het schijnt, maar dat zeggen ze ieder jaar :-)
Thank you, a pleasure to read your kind words. This trip really is just a very quick taste on the many things the Rhine has to offer in every sense - every city has an interesting history, and we don't always realize that Germany isn't, and wasn't historically a single monolithic entity. Ik ben niet ieder jaar in Nederland, dus krijg niet vaak de kans om de niece haring te genieten.
A very high quality video. I am very keen to take a river cruise over the next few years so I appreciate the information.
It's always nice to hear from a viewer who appreciates our videos - thanks for commenting. We are looking forward to our next Viking cruise.
Yes wish we went Viking
Wow...I didn't know about this Cruise. I really like it ! --Thanks for sharing ! :)
Always my pleasure, thanks for your kind words.
great video and great narration. clean and bright and at a good pace
How kind, I appreciate your comments and your time for making them.
Very informative and beautifully filmed ⭐️
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
Great information we are looking at taking a cruise Of the Rhine and your video has given us some great insight and such beautiful scenery 😊
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. We loved our cruise, and recommend it without hesitation.
This is a very well done video. I like the slow pace. You seem to give a realistic review of the trip. I want to take my mom on a trip to Europe in a few years once I’m done with school. Considering this cruise now after watching your video. Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to comment with your kind words, appreciated.
Nicely done and informative. Even prior to getting a dslr, i watched your videos partly to get educated about the products but also to enjoy your no nonsense approach. One thing which is guaranteed: a Maarten Heilbron video is squared away from start to finish.
That's very kind of you to say, and a pleasure to read - thanks for commenting.
We did Amsterdam to Budapest on the Viking Lif 4 years ago. I loved it and at that time hoped to go again. We still may, God willing. It was unforgettable. Loved your post. Love the Viking experience as well.
Thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you enjoyed your trip.
Enjoyed this video very much! Thank you!
I'm so glad that you took the time to comment, thanks very much.
Well done, sir. Narration was exceptional.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting.
WE WERE HERE IN THIS past July.. Loved it
I know, a totally enjoyable trip.
I'm take this trip in November and I'm looking forward to it thanks for sharing
Always my pleasure - I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as we did.
Done this cruise twice. Excellent both times. Did the Danube last year and this year we are going on the Rhône. Viking are good quality and consistant
That's good to hear, thanks for taking the time to comment.
very cool! I love your videos!!
Thanks, always nice to read your kind words.
We are doing this very cruise the first week of May 2018. Thanks for some wonderful info.
I appreciate the kind words, thanks - and enjoy your trip.
Well done video and very informative. Others on UA-cam could take a lesson from you on how to create a concise, lovely, informative video. Thank-you.
I appreciate the kind words, so glad you like our work.
I know that this is few years old but I totally appreciate it. This is most likely going to be our first river cruise. This really sold me on it. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words, I hope that not much has changed in the interim.
Excellent video! Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words, thanks.
Great video! You have a unique style and I like that! Came here through Brandon van Son and will subscribe!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words - and say hi to Brendan for me, I hope to see him again soon.
Thanks for the memories. Hubby and I LOVED our Rhine getaway so much spring 2015, that we had to book another the next spring from Budapest to Nuremberg. We would have returned the past spring but our youngest was graduating high school and I felt it would be in poor taste to be out of the country. We have remedied the situation and are once again excitedly anticipating a Seine voyage from Paris to Normandy next year.
So glad to hear that you've been enjoying your Viking Cruises as much as we did. Can't wait to go back - although we're not yet sure which.
Maarten Heilbron ‘8
Amazing quality and great video, Sir! I love travelling as well, but can't seem to get great footage like this since I tend to get overwhelmed with the awesome views hahaha!
While I thank you for your kind words, I completely understand and sympathize - that happens to me too. I'm too busy enjoying to do my work.
Great video. Thank you
Thank you for your kind words, appreciated.
Loved the opening from your bed and your great verbiage . . . well done!
Thank you! Always nice to know that my approach is appreciated.
Thank you very good video. We’re going Amsterdam to Budapest next April
I appreciate your kind words, I'm sure it will be a great trip.
I went on a Viking cruise on the Rhine. First class all the way.
That was our experience also.
What a wonderful trip! I cycled some of that, from Strassburg to the Mosel.
We haven't cycled the Rhine - but did enjoy the Danube from Passau to Vienna. I'll put it on my "to-do" list.
Maarten, great work editing. Looking forward to our trip May 2019
Thanks for the kind words. I wish we were going with you.
We are from HB too and going May 15th (Amsterdam to Basel) Maybe we'll see you on-board.
Have a refreshing beverage on my behalf.
I have been watching your camera videos. We are doing the 15 Grand European Viking Cruise in June '25. We start in Budapest and end it Amsterdam. We added a 2 day extension in Amsterdam since we have never been and I know there is much to see. It's one of the reasons I am getting a camera. I feel my iPhone would not do the scenery justice. So it was funny that while look up Viking videos...I come across yours. :D
Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Just returned from this tour (I was on the viking Eir). In compiling my footage, I'm kicking myself for not brining my drone. I love your footage and your story. Great job capturing the moments. This was totally a memorable experience for me. Everything you described i would agree with. Especially the bit about the staff. They were amazing. The only additional advice would be to have a few clothes that are a size a bigger. I probably gained 20 extra pounds on this cruise and my clothes did not fit right :)
hehe, we made sure we did a lot of walking - the nice part about being downtown in most places
Driving through Germany (which could be done in a day...) is incredible. Soooo small, so beautiful! Afher travelling the world jobwise for 35 years I decided to stay home. We might not have the beaches of the Maladives, but 2(!) unique ocheans. Down south not the Himalaja, but the Alps.
Inbetween: breathtaking👏♥
My family is from the Netherlands, so I've driven through Germany in a day more than once. It's a scenic, interesting place. Now that we're retired we have more time to spend and explore some of the cute villages and historic cities.
I took that tour and it was fantastic. One piece of advice on river tours always get the down stream tour not up stream because going down river you have more time on shore . I made the mistake once . Viking is fantastic everything is first class and tour guides are very personal.
Good point, thanks for the tip.
Oh Larry!! What a wonderful tip indeed. I will surely consider this in 2023.
This my be a dumb question but How does one know which cruises go up river and which go down river?
@@karengaudet7006 Not a dumb question at all - as it's easy to have a preference for one or the other. As you select your cruise, you'll see a list of available departures from Basel and from Amsterdam.
Great advice…THANK YOU!
What a great holiday!!
It most certainly was - thanks!
Amazing video!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
Love it!
That's very kind of you, we certainly appreciate your kind words.
Thanks for the video
It was our pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
looks like fun. i've never thought about taking a cruise in Europe.
It's worth considering, and although a little pricey compared to a self-directed experience, a very simple and relaxing way to experience a lot in a short time.
Very enjoyable, Maarten! You really captured the possibilities available to the vacationer with today's camera equipment. If we took your video back in time, even 15 years ago and asked someone to estimate the cost of your mini-documentary I'm fairly certain "millions of dollars" would have been the estimate. In future videos, I'd love to see your thought process in how you pick what cameras you'll take for your day's adventure. Of course, if you're like the rest of us, even with the new firmware on the Sony A6300, the camera would probably over-heat and stop recording before any of us figure it out ;)
Okay, I just went and read the "behind the scenes" in your notes. You think of everything!
Thanks, your kind words are always appreciated. Hopefully all your questions are answered ...
I love how you are clear speaking. This was positive and helpful. My concern is my allergy to the sun, bouncing off the water, etc. Overcast days are great, but it still seems to find my skin. You mention the lounge area, but I couldn't quite see if one can sit and view the river from there/afar. On the big ships I stay inside our room where I can see out our balcony, but the sun is not bouncing off the water onto my skin. Sounds goofy, but it works well for me. Thank you for the upload.
Thanks for the kind words. I wish I had information to help you address your concerns, but I don't want to promise you something that doesn't meet your needs.
We took this cruise. Great time. Great staff. Totally satisfied.
Us too - a wonderful experience, from even before we stepped on the boat.
Wonderful Video.... Thank You
That's very kind, thanks, appreciated.
nice job man!
Always nice to be recognized, thank you very much.
My wife has been wanting to go on a Viking cruise for years. I've never been interested, until I watched this video (while watching some of your other gear reviews) and now I want to go.
Kim has actually been fairly opposed to the whole idea of cruising - now she thinks they're great. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Maarten Heilbron I've seen a lot of Sony reviews in your channel and noticed you didn't bring a Sony with you on this trip. Is there a reason why?
Martin, I just found and watched the "will it fit" video. That was helpful. I am interested in whether you think the Sonys would have been up for the task though. I have a ton of Canon gear for my 40D that I got literally the day of it's release (yeah, it's old). I'm looking to downsize and possibly jump [Canon] ship as well.
I just didn't have space or weight allowance - although the A6300 with the 10-60 would have been great to shoot in some of the smaller spaces.
Thank you for your kind words - yes, if I'd been able to take the A6300, particularly with the wide angle lens it would have been useful. Don't be too quick to jump - the 40D is still a great camera. I still have my 50D, which is just as useful and pleasing as when it was new. Again though, it didn't make it on this trip.
Excellent video. We went on the HLIN a couple of months after you did (Sept 2017) - and met with Armin, Ivan, Krysta, Allen, Alvin - and Captain Costa who drank with me as we went through one of the locks. I wish I had brought my drone and would appreciate if you could let me know if you had requested permits beforehand to fly the drone in Germany and France. I do know that the Netherlands are more forgiving vis-a-vis drones. All in all a fantastic video! awesome job! I wish you get to travel up river - for you'll have more time on the boat, but less time on the excursions.
Thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you had an enjoyable trip. I did check with the crew before flying, and did get permission. I (and another traveller) were not successful in flying while the boat was moving - that has some specific challenges. Regulations are continually changing in all jurisdictions - always best to check for updates using Google (or the DJI forums) before you go. Most are fairly lenient as long as you observe the basic common sense operational guidelines.
I took that cruise in late September 2017, enjoyed it very much. The cruise line focuses on the North American market and everyone spoke English. Food and service are great. My sister and I travel often, and she has taken other river cruise lines and she likes the Viking the most. They will cater to dietary issues and special requests if they know ahead of time. One think I would like different would be Black Forest excursion, we were on the bus longer than at the Forest site. Barely had time to take a short hike and then look at a small shop before time to go. The people on cruise are very friendly and usually upper middle class and educated and mostly 50 and up in age. There were no children, or teens on my ship. We had a bottom level room with small windows at water line but you are in room so little it did not matter to us. I believe our cost was in the $2200.00 range per person. We arrived in Basel a day early to sight see a little and then stayed in Amsterdam a few days after. I would definitely recommend and take another cruise with them.
Thanks for the detailed observations, which match our experience, including your note about the Black Forest.
Lovely video. I'm looking to work with viking river cruise. I've booked on to their jobs fair in Glasgow. Wish me luck. Your video helped.
Always nice to hear that my videos provide useful information. Thanks for taking the time. You might also enjoy: ua-cam.com/video/rawImuKCB5E/v-deo.html
Absolutely gorgeous video. With what camera did you record the video? I enjoyed the review. I doubt this sort of cruise is my cup of tea.
What a pleasure to read your kind words. I used the DJI Mavic for the drone shots, and the remainder were taken with the Panasonic GH5 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mkII. Honestly, we (Kim particularly) did not think it would be her cup of tea either, but is now ready to do it again.
Took this cruise in November 2018 during record Rhine low water levels. We had to transfer from the Kara to the Hlin at Heidelburg as neither could go any further. Viking made the transfer very smooth and it included our program director. Neither ship could navigate down the castled stretch of the Rhine so Viking arranged for a smaller party boat to take us. All this was at Viking's expense. We are already thinking of another Viking cruise.
Always good to hear about a company that does the right thing when adversity appears. Friends of ours were also the recipients of Viking's generosity after a cruise on the Elbe was cancelled this summer. They ended up with a much nicer trip on the Viking Sun. Thanks for commenting.
Wow, the ship is long. It reminds me of a train. A floating train,..lol. Beautiful scenery. I would love to take a river cruise one day.
It is long - making for a nice walking track on the top deck. You totally should.
I see the commercials for this river cruise line all the time. You did a nice job in your review. I was on the edge of doing this trip but it looks pretty sweat.
It did exceed our expectations. And thanks for the kind words, appreciated.
A useful clip as I am currently saving up to do Viking's "Great European Tour" (as I think they call it) which travels between Amsterdam and Budapest. I still have another £2k or so to save up but I am looking forward to the trip when I get to do it as it will take me to quite a few places I have never been to before.
Nice to read about your positive spirit of adventure.
@@MaartenHeilbron The motto of the old scholars association of my last school, where I finished in 2000, is "Live Adventurously". It is never too late to start. I did 3 exchanges to Cologne at school (1996, 1997 & 1998) so the prospect of returning there, if only for a day, is one I look forward to. Also I have a friend in the UK who comes from Budapest and he has often said to me that I *must* go there. My budget is about £5,500 for the trip, including spending money.
@@daveharries Sounds like you're all set. Have a kolsch for me!
Hi Maarten! Great video, very informative and professionally done...your usage of the drone really enhances the video! We're doing this same trip September of 2019....in fact, our travel agent recommended your suggestion of doing the 'downstream' version to save time...good hint! We are staying on our own for a few days in Amsterdam...any suggestions for a nice hotel in central Amsterdam that might meet the following criteria: Centrally located; near tram/train stop; complimentary breakfast; and under $200 US per night? Thanks! Jim Nims, Westborough, MA
Thanks for the kind words. I have family in Amsterdam, so don't usually stay at a hotel - expect possibly the night before a flight out, and then at whichever seems inexpensive close to Schiphol. I would use expedia or tripadvisor to select one or two candidates, but I usually book directly with the hotel. Although it requires more careful research, Airbnb may also be a good option. I wish you an enjoyable trip.
Ik weet niet of je Nederlands spreekt, maar wat een prachtige video!
Ik weet zeker dat ik nog steeds Nederlands spreek - en veel bedankt voor uw vriendelijke woorden.
Great job. What was your NLE on the Apple iMac there at the end? I use FCPro X but it didn't seem like you were.
I use FCP 10.3.4 - I don't think there was an update since I produced this video.
Thanks for sharing this very informative video. I notice you use a Mac computer but, might I ask, what video editing software you use? Thanks again!
UA-cam's new dashboard revealed that I'd never replied to your message - please accept my apologies. Hopefully the reply is still useful - I use Final Cut X, the latest version.
Your voice sounds very familiar, I think from a travel show on PBS. Anyways, good video.
Thanks for the kind words, I'll take that as a compliment - thanks very much!
This was great! You should do more like it.
I want that cake! But maatjes? Yuk! 😊
If I had the time and the budget I'd be back in Colmar tomorrow - not that we didn't have delish desserts and pastries everywhere we went - I'm very good at finding them.
I ended up eating a lot of things (including maatjes herring) that I enjoy on this trip - it's always odd to hear from other people who don't enjoy them.
It was called a gateaux St. Honoré, but this is not the usual presentation, it's usually a tower of cream puff balls.
Maarten ... wonderful video ! Can you please clarify on the purchase of the Silver Beverage Package ... is the cost PER PERSON ???
Thanks for your kind words. It is, in fact, per person. If you have more questions, call Viking. I found their phone support accessible, friendly and helpful.
We are taking our second cruise in November! We will repeat the same places we went to on our first and do different things we missed like biking the windmills!
I agree, it would be great to do the same trip again - there was lots to see and do, experiences we'd like to repeat and others we missed the first time.
We are doing half the same and half different.
@@Carolfoasia Makes sense, probably what we'd do too.
Make sure the river water depth forecasts are adequate for your vessel. The Rhine was too shallow in some locales in 2018 to support certain Luxury Cruise River Barges, so the passengers had to be bussed ahead, and transported further on a different vessel. Buy lotsa stuff. Tip generously.
Thanks for the heads up. Our friends had a trip on the Elbe (with Viking) cancelled last year, but Viking was very accommodating in helping them find an alternate. They ended up on a longer cruise at a lower price.
We did an Amsterdam-Budapest trip on Viking which we enjoyed a lot. The sights, tours, service and food were all first rate and our lower-level cabin was clean and comfortable. I'd agree with the video except I would add a few tips to add to your enjoyment: First, don't go in October, it's too cold and rainy to spend time on the top deck and the lounge can't accommodate everyone. Second, the lower cabin is fine except that you hear the sounds of water (sewage?) running through the pipes and worse, you can hear the sound of the ship scraping the bottom of the river in low water (frightening and noisy but harmless -- you get used to it and it didn't affect our sleep). Third, going through the locks is fun the first time, but there were something like 86 of them on our trip and it gets really old after a while; also the ship scrapes the sides of the locks and sounds awful (noisy but harmless). Fourth, the internet provided by the ship was useless; so slow and overused by everyone that I couldn't even get my e-mail. Get an international plan from your cell carrier and use that; you're always close to towns with cell service. These are nitpicks; we'd happily go again!
Interesting details, and thanks for the tips. I'm surprised by your comments about internet - ours was fine, I was able to upload a video post to youtube while on the boat. I certainly didn't have problems with email, or general browsing.
@@MaartenHeilbron You had a good internet experience and recently I have read similar good reports about internet on Viking ocean cruises, so I don't doubt you. Even though others also had internet issues on our river cruise, it's possible that it was just a problem unique to our ship. Also, our cruise was October 2015 and although that doesn't seem long ago, Viking may have found a way to improve internet service all around since then.
Our cruise was May 2017 - it could be that they'd addressed the issue.
Great review. I suggest Cruisers have a backup plan ready, in case the river cruise line cancels the cruise mid way, and puts everyone ashore, as occurred on my cruise. I didn't have a plan B. Big mistake!
Oh dear - tell me more - which cruise line, what happened? Did they just leave you in a city in the middle? I understand there can be conditions when the river isn't navigable, I understand they ferry you by bus to where it is ...
Oh no! That should never happen! What cruise line?
Hello my mom and I are going to Prague and pairs on my birthday I can't wait
Should be a great trip.
Recently returned from the Basel to Amsterdam run onboard the Viking Eir. Your video was spot on! We enjoyed the entire trip and the only time we spent in our cabin was to shower and sleep. Everything about the Viking Longships is outstanding. We had a wonderful crew that pampered us all to no end. We had intended to dine in the Aquavit Terrace if the main dining room menu didn't look good, never ate anywhere but the main dining room. The tours were superb in every aspect and we had plenty of time to wander around by ourselves and explore. One funny note, in Breisach someone thought we were Germans and tried asking us for directions(he was German), guess we fit in well. As far as age groups go, it was spread fairly even from 34 up to 88. And the older folks ran us younger ones into the ground a LOT, especially in the lounge after dinner. I recommend this trip to everyone and I point them to your reviews to help them out. Great job!
Sounds like a spectacular experience - thanks so much for taking the time to share your detailed notes.
Could you tell me when you took your cruise? We will be taking the reverse trip in April and I'm curious about the weather. Thanks!
We were there in early May. Bring rain gear and a warm jacket, Viking provides umbrellas.
Maarten, I'm planning to make the same trip, would I be able to use my drone as you did? I have the Mavic as well and want to bring it along but didn't know if I would be allowed to use mine as you seem to have the freedom to use yours.
Any thoughts?
I did ask the captain for permission. My advice is not to use the drone while the boat is moving. There are regulations in Germany (you may wish to Google search the rules so you know), but actually getting the permission that's required for some situations is very difficult. Best to avoid those - and to always be prepared to say "I'm sorry" and pack up when challenged. I did do a video about the Mavic while on the trip: ua-cam.com/video/igBOgcCH4hc/v-deo.html
Maarten Heilbron thank you for the feedback. I've been flying drones for a while and would like to bring it along on the trip. I also pick my spots and don't push the envelope, and would certainly not look to attract any unnecessary attention. As well I would not look to fly while the boat is moving or even from the boat.
I don't do any storytelling with the Drone video I gather, simply capture some Scenic views.
ua-cam.com/users/mattcernigliaro
Nice, thanks for the link. Love those aerial views. Sounds like you should be fine. Flying from the boat is fine - as long as it's not moving - and the captain was happy to accommodate me.
Maarten thank you so much for sharing your insights with me. By the way you've done a very nice job with all of your videos, kudos to you.
I'm also going to be spending a few days in Amsterdam at the end of the trip, do you know of any trouble I would have getting some drone shots there?
Thanks again for all your feedback - Matt
Thanks for the kind words. Amsterdam is crowded and busy - not sure you'll find many opportunities to fly there.
Can you recommend a hotel in Basel? We will be there for 3 nights after our cruise. July, so air con is essential.
We stayed at the Motel One, nice and central - but that was about 5 years ago. Not sure - there might be better choices now?
I wonder if you have assigned seating at dinner or if you can sit where and with whom you like?
No, you may sit where you like.
Martin Scorsasee goes on the viking :)
And my hairdresser wants to trim them!
I have often described you as the Rick Steve of camera reviews. Now you are just giving Rick Steve a run for his money.
Have you ever done a video on how you keep your camera sensors clean?
I appreciate the kind words, and will consider the suggestion.
Excellent video, but way too short. We wanted more.
Thanks. If you want more, best to book a cruise!