My First River Cruise | Paris and The Heart of Normandy FULL REVIEW

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  • Опубліковано 18 кві 2024
  • Full disclosure: I was part of a PR trip with Viking and that means they paid for my cruise and my roundtrip airfare to and from Paris. Having said that all opinions are my own and I had no limitations or mandatory posting requirement and received no monetary compensation for making this video.
    I recently went on a Viking River Cruise and in this video I'll be sharing what I loved, what I didn't love, and exactly WHO I think should go on a river cruise! Huge thanks to Viking for hosting me for this lovely 7 night Paris and the Heart of Normandy river cruise. I hope this video will help you decide if you should go on a river cruise and give you some tips and tricks to help you feel more prepared.
    To get all the details and book your own Viking River Cruise, head here: www.viking.com/
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 319

  • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
    @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +42

    Two things I forgot to mention: they give you 2 huge glass bottles of water in your room each day (and more on request) and there is also a mini fridge in the room. A couple of you asked in the comments so thought I'd pin that here!

    • @sherryblazek9605
      @sherryblazek9605 Місяць тому +8

      Yes! Viking thinks of everything. Can’t go wrong cruising with them. Jen, you should inquire about booking a cruise and inviting your subscribers. We would have a great time 🤗

  • @cherylmorrow7821
    @cherylmorrow7821 Місяць тому +26

    We took the Viking Grand European cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam and “magical” is the word I used as well. We booked our own “pre and post” stays for a few days in both Budapest and Amsterdam and highly recommend that. Arriving a day or two early at the departure location meant we didn’t have to worry about flight changes and had some time to get over jet lag. At the time, we were 60 yrs old. We met couples we are still friends with. Highly recommend a Viking cruise!

  • @rmathca
    @rmathca Місяць тому +11

    Regarding the off-hours food issue: You need to grab a few cookies and pastries when they are present and bring them back to your room. It works and is free! That's how we solved the problem.

  • @bobcochran2890
    @bobcochran2890 18 днів тому +4

    We’ve done numerous Viking river cruises…Bordeaux, Rhine, Rhône, Douro, Danube all the way to the Black Sea. First class, great service, comfortable accommodations, very good food.

  • @ke11ym0
    @ke11ym0 Місяць тому +14

    Avalon and tauck are the two river cruises I have done. Love love love river cruises. I’ve been ocean cruising my whole life but river cruises are just so special. We loved tauck so much we did a land tour with them to Hawaii and it was fabulous. I’m in my 30’s and the older age demographic didn’t bother me because I get along better with old people than my own age lol

    • @leilaniwilliams1474
      @leilaniwilliams1474 Місяць тому

      I'm glad you mentioned Tauck! I'm now looking at their Japan tour packages.

    • @sherriemoore6705
      @sherriemoore6705 Місяць тому +1

      Love Love Love Tauck Tours done their River cruises and land tours. Going again this summer

    • @Traveler-nu8xc
      @Traveler-nu8xc Місяць тому

      Tauck is awesome ! We love them but they are pricey.

    • @vmestates3266
      @vmestates3266 3 дні тому

      @@leilaniwilliams1474 As another commenter noted, Tauck is pricey, but it is first class all the way. They do an excellent job of curating a trip/tour.

  • @barbarakhan5275
    @barbarakhan5275 Місяць тому +23

    Totally spot on with your review. As a travel advisor who specializes in Europe, I think river cruising is a wonderful way to travel. I too feel it’s magical walking off the ship into town. So happy you were able to enjoy with your son.

  • @sarah.sarah.sarah.sarah.
    @sarah.sarah.sarah.sarah. Місяць тому +7

    dearest jen, i’ve been recently disappointed by the attitudes and behaviour of another travel creator i had previously enjoyed, so i cannot tell you how much it means to me to watch videos from someone with as much honesty and integrity as you. so happy you had such a wonderful time away with will xx

  • @jaimeflowersashley9380
    @jaimeflowersashley9380 Місяць тому +9

    Jen, I’m so delighted you were hosted! I know you will always tell the truth, hosted or not! What a great memory for you and your son!

  • @normapaschich6341
    @normapaschich6341 Місяць тому +9

    Please, please try AMAwaterways for your next cruise. Incredible service. Snacks several times a day in the lounge. 95% of excursions included. No need for beverage package. Amazing people. Will do our fifth cruise in May.

    • @pamelawooden6012
      @pamelawooden6012 Місяць тому

      We have booked 2 & 3 cruises for this year, Emerald & Avalon, but would love to try Amawaterways as well as Viking. Glad to hear a recommendation!

    • @vmestates3266
      @vmestates3266 3 дні тому

      @@pamelawooden6012 And try our favorite, Uniworld.

  • @BetsyDudash
    @BetsyDudash Місяць тому +5

    My husband has never been to Europe, while I lived in the Netherlands for 3 years 3 decades ago and traveled extensively. A river cruise sounds like a great choice for our first European vacation together in a couple of years. Thank you for this review!

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +2

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!

    • @spark_6710
      @spark_6710 Місяць тому +1

      I think that'll be a wonderful, memorable travel !! 👍👍😍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

  • @martyscheall9626
    @martyscheall9626 3 дні тому

    Having been on 2 Viking River cruises before (with a third one scheduled for July), I thought you did a good job at covering the bases. The fact that it only has one restaurant is no big deal for us as there are so many choices of food. The space also gives a very intimate experience making it easy to make new friends, if you’re feeling social. 😊. We are hoping to do this cruise next year!

  • @MsJackRyan
    @MsJackRyan 24 дні тому +1

    I have been in several Viking River cruises and absolutely loved every single one. They do service right. The excursions are well planned and the guides were all well-informed.

  • @frankdenison5819
    @frankdenison5819 Місяць тому +4

    We just finished a river cruise on the Danube. It was fantastic in every respect. I must say, that I was never hungry or looking for a snack like you mention. You have a full buffet breakfast, as much lunch as you want, and then finish with a 3 course evening meal. We took an apple and a banana from the breakfast buffet each morning, if we wanted a snack.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      Good for you Frank!

    • @spark_6710
      @spark_6710 Місяць тому +1

      Oh,yeah -! Danube !! Danube river or Rhine river are the ones I want to go on river cruises !!! I am so jealous if you ~!! Lol. 😍👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶⛴️💞

    • @frankdenison5819
      @frankdenison5819 Місяць тому +1

      @@spark_6710 the cruise was an absolute highlight of our holidays. Beg, borrow or steal, but do one.

    • @spark_6710
      @spark_6710 Місяць тому +1

      @frankdenison5819 😍😍👍👍I get excited by reading this !!Thank you so much for your reply !! 💜

  • @user-ie8ho8rd8d
    @user-ie8ho8rd8d 12 днів тому +1

    We’ve had great river cruise experiences with Amadeus/Lueftner too

  • @deannabosch1434
    @deannabosch1434 20 днів тому +1

    Love, love river cruising. Never getting on a big boat again. Thanks for the tips.

  • @apfelstrudel714
    @apfelstrudel714 27 днів тому +1

    I loved this Viking cruise! The only time there isn’t food laid out is between maybe 10pm and 6am, and even during those hours they would have brought to your cabin a snack if you had asked. I used to take a cookie or pastry from the snack area every evening right after dinner, and I was never hungry during the cruise!!

  • @Benandmycat
    @Benandmycat Місяць тому +2

    What a great way to explore France. Really appealing arriving at small villages and being able to take in the local life ! What a trip !

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      I found places I will DEFINITELY return to (like Rouen) that I had never even heard of! Amazing trip.

    • @Benandmycat
      @Benandmycat Місяць тому

      @@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge ❤️

  • @dndrusso
    @dndrusso Місяць тому

    Great review. Thanks for being so thorough. I’ve been on the fence but now I think we’ll plan a river cruise.

  • @sharonkeesler
    @sharonkeesler Місяць тому +3

    Hi Jen, We used Orlando Transportation by Mike for our last trip to Disney World. Everyone was amazing. We had Stella going and Justin coming back. So easy and comfortable. Thank you for mentioning them.

  • @christineanderson3745
    @christineanderson3745 Місяць тому

    What a great review! Thank you!

  • @rhillyermiles
    @rhillyermiles Місяць тому

    How lovely and blissful. Thank you for sharing.

  • @user-zx8ri1we7j
    @user-zx8ri1we7j Місяць тому +1

    My husband and I have been on two Viking River cruises and loved them. We most loved the Grand European, Amsterdam to Budapest with extra days in Prague. So wonderful. You’ll love it. Thank you for your video today. Saw the unpacked video and found it helpful. When we cruised from Switzerland to France we stayed in Paris for a week and took a shopping tour. So cool to see a different part of the city and the shopping was awesome.

  • @LexiAhr
    @LexiAhr Місяць тому

    Wow, sounds like a wonderful trip and something I would love. Thanks for the review!

  • @willapanzer4233
    @willapanzer4233 Місяць тому

    Thanks for this awesome review- we've been debating and I think you answered all our questions and more - time to start planning!

  • @terireid651
    @terireid651 27 днів тому +1

    We just finished our 12 th Viking cruise. Love everything about them. Going on the Egypt cruise in September. Glad you enjoyed it. God bless.

  • @robinwaibel6852
    @robinwaibel6852 Місяць тому

    So very excited for this video. My husband and I have been considering a river cruise for years. I appreciate all of your advice, observations, and input.

  • @nilsabarbera3649
    @nilsabarbera3649 Місяць тому

    Thank you so much for the helpful feedback on the river cruise, beautiful Jen! I've been contemplating on taking a river cruise and now I'm convinced to try a Viking one.😍

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      you won't regret it. This is my second experience with them and consistently good service and product!

  • @RUSSELLHAND-lg7mk
    @RUSSELLHAND-lg7mk Місяць тому

    Another great video. Thanks so much for your honest reviews done with tact and grace. So glad you got to spend time with your son. He's a lucky boy to have such an awesome Mom. Really enjoyed it. ❤

  • @marypruitt6312
    @marypruitt6312 Місяць тому

    Sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing your trip! I’m in for a river cruise!

  • @MumsieAR
    @MumsieAR Місяць тому

    Great review! Hubby and I are doing the Rhine Getaway in August and as a new traveler to Europe I can’t be more excited to see it from this type of accommodation. Loved that you enjoyed it so much and that you and your son got such a special vacation together. Kudos to Viking for hosting such an astute traveler like you. Love all your videos and I always look forward to watching them.

  • @pattorelli3451
    @pattorelli3451 Місяць тому

    I love river cruises and thought you did an excellent job describing your trip. Thanks as always!

  • @sarahphilbricksandhage1443
    @sarahphilbricksandhage1443 Місяць тому

    Great video. Thank you.

  • @adriennecruz4964
    @adriennecruz4964 Місяць тому

    Looks like so much fun

  • @junehamer5880
    @junehamer5880 Місяць тому +2

    Thank you for doing such an excellent job describing river cruising. We've done 14 and we want to point out that there are a number of river cruise lines. We especially like Avalon and Ama Waterways. Avalon has more excursion choices, many of which are geared to more active travelers. Ama Waterways is more luxurious. As you said, your true balcony stateroom was small but very nice. Again, be aware that the other almost 50% of staterooms are French Balcony which are much smaller. Happy cruising to everyone!

  • @Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl
    @Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl Місяць тому +1

    Yes, I have to go. 🙏for your answer!

  • @MrSheals2U
    @MrSheals2U Місяць тому

    Thank you for sharing your river cruise experience - we’ve been wanting to do one for years and it looked lovely! ❤

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      Lovely is the perfect word! So relaxing which I don’t think I’ve ever done on a European vacation before

  • @diannem2411
    @diannem2411 Місяць тому

    I was so interested in the Viking River cruises and this clog answered so many questions I had. It’s now on my bucket list! Great review.

  • @nancymitchell8976
    @nancymitchell8976 Місяць тому

    Jen,
    So glad you enjoyed your river cruise! Weve been on several and love them, as well as ocean cruising. Our favorite was Vietnam and Cambodia, a combo of land and river. What an experience!! The 14 day Grand from Budapest to Amsterdam was also fantastic!

  • @BethMusz
    @BethMusz Місяць тому +1

    Nice video! My husband and I are in our late 30s and have LOVED Viking. We've done 2 river cruises and are about to take our second ocean cruise with them; We've had nothing but wonderful experiences ❤️

  • @Travelswithmonique
    @Travelswithmonique Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for this wonderful review! I will be going on a Danube one next year and you actually answered a lot of the questions I had! Indeed it seems a lot more relaxed than ocean cruise!

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      Monique I honestly cannot express how chill it was. For me, trips to Europe have always meant STRESS (fun and culture but stress) and this completely eliminated all of that!

  • @jenniferb.5787
    @jenniferb.5787 27 днів тому

    Thank you so much for your insight! I'm going to share this with my significant other and I think this may be our next big trip!

  • @stephenschroeder6567
    @stephenschroeder6567 27 днів тому +2

    First time to your channel. I have never been on any type of cruise, but this video has me interested. I had a chuckle at the thought your cabin was small. If you had been in some of the dormitories and military ship accommodations that I have experienced, you would have thought your cabin as spacious. It is all relative, right? LOL
    I like your presentation and the balance of information. If I ever take one of these trips, it will be because of you and the effort you put into your communication. I wish you a long and happy life!

  • @amandab6490
    @amandab6490 Місяць тому +2

    What a lovely review! Your commentary made it seem even more magical! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience.

  • @denisefazio6708
    @denisefazio6708 Місяць тому +1

    This was so informative.

  • @cynthiagilbreth1352
    @cynthiagilbreth1352 4 дні тому

    We always go through a travel agent as I refuse to make connections in the US, especially on the way home; absolute nightmare. Viking doesn’t always have good flights, unless you leave from an airport on the Eastern Seaboard. I’m in Denver which makes flight connections a bit more complicated. We had one of the two suites in the aft, which was wonderful, and quite expensive. We did the Danube Waltz, from Passau, Germany to Budapest. Viking is really one of the best! Ocean cruise next, Athens to Rome, and I can’t wait.

  • @marvawiebe4364
    @marvawiebe4364 29 днів тому

    This was a very interesting review/vlog for me as I am considering a Viking river cruise in the near future. Thank you!

  • @lisasproul8027
    @lisasproul8027 Місяць тому

    It’s on my bucket list now!

  • @lisamonsma4423
    @lisamonsma4423 Місяць тому

    I am soooo glad that you loved it!

  • @ellencole9766
    @ellencole9766 Місяць тому +2

    Hi Jen!! I'm so happy you had a wonderful trip on Viking River Cruises! I was a travel agent for many years and every client I booked on a Viking River Cruise itinerary returned to report that it was "MAGICAL"! So it came as no surprise to me that you described it the exact same way. River cruising is definitely on my bucket list. I haven't yet tried one.

  • @rcusick973
    @rcusick973 26 днів тому

    Great video! We are booked on a Scenic river cruise from Amsterdam. You gave a lot of great info thank you

  • @beckymorton6655
    @beckymorton6655 Місяць тому +1

    So happy to see your review. We are going on a Viking river cruise for the first time next month in France. Really looking forward to it! Your input was so helpful. We definitely plan to spend time on our own exploring and just having lunch or dinner off the boat. We do not want to be booked with excursions all day. We will also have snacks handy in our cabin 😊

  • @katorade52
    @katorade52 Місяць тому +1

    we were in Paris at the same time! How fun! Thanks for documenting your trip. I've been hesitant to do a river cruise, but I'm thinking I might try one having watched this video.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      I think a perfect trip would be a few days in Paris and then board the cruise for a week of the more scenic side of things. It was so relaxing and lovely!

  • @kathybell3843
    @kathybell3843 Місяць тому +1

    I'm so glad you did this review! I was on the fence about these river cruises and am totally up for one now. We leave for Normandy, France this Sunday and are doing a tour of the region via bus/ walking.....I now am excited to taste the Calvados! Thanks for the great review of Viking River cruises.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      Just be careful - it's VERY strong and after a couple of sips I was feeling it! Have an amazing time!

    • @kathyscrapper
      @kathyscrapper Місяць тому

      You will love it, we just got back. Hope the weather holds up. Omaha Beach incredible.

  • @Ahhposition
    @Ahhposition Місяць тому

    We took this cruise in 2021 the first Welcome Back after COVID. First passengers on a new ship, the Forgyn. So nice to revisit this itinerary! Great review & lots of great information!

  • @kamillsap3155
    @kamillsap3155 Місяць тому

    Viking Rhine Getaway June 2024! Can’t wait! So glad you had this opportunity and thank you for your honest/candid review!

  • @majorhollingshead5906
    @majorhollingshead5906 Місяць тому

    Great video and review. ❤️😘

  • @Alicia_1970
    @Alicia_1970 25 днів тому

    That was a very helpful video. Glad you had a great time 😃

  • @tinplater
    @tinplater 25 днів тому

    We have done four Viking river cruises and never found ourselves hungry! Full breakfast, lunch, dinner every day, supplemented with chocolate cookies and wonderful mini croissants and pastries resulted in about a 5 lb weight increase each cruise!

  • @TraciCuthbertson
    @TraciCuthbertson Місяць тому

    Thank you for this informative and thoughtful review. A river cruise sounds like a great option for taking my father on his first trip to Europe.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      Traci YES there were a few older folks who were making their first big Europe trip and it was perfect - no worries about the language barrier or not being able to find food they liked or concern about transportation, etc., so great for them and great for their grown kids traveling with them. Fabulous choice in my opinion.

  • @mmrgratitudes
    @mmrgratitudes 25 днів тому

    Love love love Viking Cruise ❤ I have been on both the ocean and river cruises - and I love them both ❤

  • @Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl
    @Marie-FranceLemire-xr6vl Місяць тому

    Belli Jenn and thank you for the nice views of the Region. My ancestors on my father’s side of the family came from Rouen and I still have to visit! Been once in France 5 days.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      Marie you must go! I have to tell you, I liked it maybe better than Paris! So many smaller and amazing museums, great food, and the people were SO friendly and lovely!

  • @Springermom2
    @Springermom2 Місяць тому

    Thanks for this terrific review, Jen! My husband & I are traveling to Prague (pre-cruise), cruise through Germany then end in Paris next month. This will be our first Viking cruise so appreciate your timely review.
    ~Melissa

  • @Ashleew
    @Ashleew 19 днів тому

    A Viking river cruise is going to be my first trip when kiddos are in college! It looks so relaxing and perfect.

  • @susanritzenthaler4502
    @susanritzenthaler4502 Місяць тому

    LOVE LOVE LOVE!

  • @nataliyalalor4915
    @nataliyalalor4915 Місяць тому

    I’m so glad Viking hosted you! We have a Viking sea cruise booked for next year and I feel like it’s not a company that most people consider when thinking of booking a cruise in our age range (40s). I feel like they’re such a great company.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      They were wonderful to work with on the PR side, too. I knew I liked them when I sailed the first time and this confirmed it! Great company.

  • @pamelawooden6012
    @pamelawooden6012 Місяць тому

    I really enjoyed your video! We have cruised on Emerald Waterways and did their 15 day Grand Eurorpean cruise....Budapest to Amsterdam. We had normally just taken bus tours but river cruising has become my favorite way to see Europe. We have and will still do that mode of travel but we have two river cruises booked for this year. One with Emerald and one with Avalon. Maybe we will try Viking after that. Loved hearing of your trip. We will be doing the Avalon Paris to Normandy in early fall. We have already been to Normandy so we are opting to see Monet's home and VanGogh's last place of residency instead. I'm so happy that you are informing people about how relaxing this mode of travel is. I just love it! Thank you for sharing!

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      Honestly, I had no idea how relaxing it would be! All of my previous trips to Europe have been lovely but somewhat stressful and this just felt completely different. Loved it and hope to do it again in the not so distant future!Thanks for watching!

  • @shellychandler5583
    @shellychandler5583 Місяць тому

    We just made reservations to take this trip based on your two videos! Can’t wait!!

  • @user-wo5ph9yv6r
    @user-wo5ph9yv6r Місяць тому

    New to your vlog. Love it and your personality!
    Going on Viking Emlba Passau-Budapest with a pre cruise to Prague. My first river cruise, so I really loved your review. Also watched your "unpacking " video. You gave great tips and a few laughs too.
    Also subscribed.

  • @vickyb5935
    @vickyb5935 28 днів тому

    Hi from Switzerland! We have done 3 river cruises (we are in our mid 60s) with a swiss ship company: one from Porto, Spain on the Duoro river, one from Passau,Germany to Budapest on the Danube and a 4 day one for the Christmas markets on the Rhine. LOVE river cruising for all the reasons you gave. Cruising the Duoro is incredible with the scenery and we always spent 1/2 day cruising and 1/2 sightseeing. This trip included going through 10 or so locks, all during daylight, so that was a fun experience. The Danube also had locks but we passed in the night while sleeping. The rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and cork trees during sooo many days in Spain was magnificent!

  • @jbbb7418
    @jbbb7418 19 днів тому

    Looks amazing

  • @bobbyhammond601
    @bobbyhammond601 6 днів тому

    We took this same trip last September……agree completely with your comments!

  • @peggyrogers2562
    @peggyrogers2562 Місяць тому

    My friend and I took the Paris to Normandy trip in 2019 and it was wonderful. It was our first Viking cruise and we felt as you did it was magical!!!!! So much fun to see the places we saw. The food and service is first class. ❤

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      YES and I didn't even really get into the customer service but it was impeccable! Can't wait to sail with them again.

  • @kaiserinisla
    @kaiserinisla 9 днів тому

    Very interesting. Thank you for your honest assessment. This is really helpful information.

  • @jillyoung8323
    @jillyoung8323 26 днів тому

    This was great! You answered questions that I didn't even know I had! We are big cruisers and recently, while in Amsterdam, we walked by a river cruise ship. It caused both of us to think that maybe this would be in our near future! Thanks in advance!

  • @kathyazzarito5950
    @kathyazzarito5950 27 днів тому

    I love Viking! We went on this cruise the week of Thanksgiving last year and had a wonderful time. Our first cruise with Viking was the Romantic Danube in 2019. Beautiful cruise!

  • @doreenhayden-cote553
    @doreenhayden-cote553 Місяць тому +2

    Hello Jen! I am booked on a Viking River cruise to visit the Christmas markets this December. I will be traveling with my 22 year old son. I already told him he would most likely be the youngest person on board and he is fine with that. The Christmas markets are on our bucket list and I thought this would be the most hassle free way to visit numerous markets. We leave from Amsterdam and finish in Basel. We have been on many ocean cruises and this is our first river cruise. A few observations so far are that once you make your reservation with a mere $50.00, you only have 30 days to pay the full fare! Since the Christmas Market sailings book up very early, we had to pay the full fare over a year in advance! Also, since it is a one way trip it appears we will have to buy one way airfare tickets which are considerably more expensive. We are working on that and figure this once in a lifetime trip will be worth it. One last observation is that the cabin you had wasn't the smallest one! The cabins below you have a window that is at the water line. They refer to them as the Swan cabins as you see swans swim by your window! As a lover of balcony cabins, I opted for a balcony cabin, even though it will be winter. The "swan" cabins are so small that you cannot even fit a small chair in them, there is only a stool that tucks into the vanity. I really need a chair to sit on as I am not comfortable sitting on the bed to watch tv, read, etc. Just a few observations, I know we are going to have a FANTASTIC time. Thanks for the tip on snacks. We will be sure to pick some up in Amsterdam!

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +2

      I will tell you our cruise director, Mia, did an amazing job of making Will feel at home and he really did have a good time!

    • @tinas4946
      @tinas4946 Місяць тому

      We did the Christmas cruise and you don't have to worry about being hungry. You'll eat a lot at the Christmas markets if you want to. We would buy cookies to bring back and roast nuts, etc.. We had a balcony too and it was fun to step out and see the locks up close. If you are a foodie, bring a checked bag. We bought home a ton of liquor (apricot--- so good and they give samples out) and vinegars.

    • @derekandsamevans1912
      @derekandsamevans1912 Місяць тому

      Also, contact Viking regarding your air arrangements. Many trips have airfare included and are round trip flying into your starting city and returning from your final destination. Airport transfers are also included and arranged for you. I have done 2 Viking River cruises and a 3rd coming up June 1.

  • @coralgwyn-williams9933
    @coralgwyn-williams9933 17 днів тому

    I love Viking River cruises and can't wait to go on my next one! I have never felt so well cared for and the food was fabulous!

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  17 днів тому

      They really do an excellent job. This was my second time sailing with them (my other sailing was Viking Sea) and definitely won't be my last!

  • @Traveler-nu8xc
    @Traveler-nu8xc Місяць тому

    This was helpful bcs we currently use Tauck which we love but have wondered about Viking.

  • @lizolmstead2564
    @lizolmstead2564 Місяць тому

    Thank you so much for this video. We have our first river cruise booked on Ama Waterways next year and I can't wait. Your video has me even more excited. I appreciate the comparison to "regular" cruising as we have done many of those. I just loved the verandah and how close to the water line you are on these ships. Thank you. One other question for you...with all your travelling, how do you feel about wearing your wedding rings and nice jewelry? I keep reading articles about buying a cheap wedding set and leaving your good jewelry home. Curious about your thoughts on this subject.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      I have travelled all over the world and have always worn my rings. Sometimes if I'm on a busy train or an area that's a little sketchy I'll turn them around so only the gold part shows and not the diamonds but I always wear them.

  • @thelmagerdes3475
    @thelmagerdes3475 Місяць тому

    This was my very first cruise of three river cruises with Viking and my very favorite!

  • @heidii.4024
    @heidii.4024 Місяць тому

    My husband and I have been to 3 river cruises through Uniworld. All inclusive and service is impeccable. The laundry service is free if you’re a returning customer and you get other perks. We’re active so we are glad that there are many hiking and biking activities offered. Food choices are excellent, also.

  • @julieparker8176
    @julieparker8176 Місяць тому +1

    My husband and I have taken two luxury barge cruises in France on the C’est La Vie barge and loved them. Only 8 passengers and top quality everything! Privately owned and operated by a family who is on board to ensure everything is top notch.

  • @leighims
    @leighims 25 днів тому

    Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re considering a river cruise on the Seine.

  • @Barbara-pz8ky
    @Barbara-pz8ky Місяць тому

    Thank you for this excellent review Jen…great to see you enjoying quality time with your handsome boy…
    You have answered all of my questions! Oh except…what time of year do you recommend traveling on a river cruise? (I know yours was early spring)

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      This is such a great question. We were originally booked for the Christmas Markets cruise (which would have been amazing) BUT I don't like the cold. So I'm not sure that would be great for us? I think spring is great for crowds but can be a mixed bag weather wise (it was actually quite chilly) but I kind of enjoyed that? Paris always feels kind of magical to me in the spring. As this was my first one, I'm not entirely sure? That's not very helpful . . . thanks for your kind words!

  • @marisadawndesigns5458
    @marisadawndesigns5458 Місяць тому +1

    Jen, this looks fabulous! Now I have to put a river cruise on my list! Seems like it would be a good/safe way to travel as a single woman, too.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      I didn't mention that but I thought it many times, Marisa. TOTALLY great for a single traveller!

  • @tinas4946
    @tinas4946 Місяць тому +1

    Nice you got hosted for a cruise. We did Viking Christmas Market cruise and enjoyed it. Not sure if I'd do a Christmas cruise again but would do a river cruise. Most of our ports you either walked to the Christmas Market or shuttled in. We noticed almost immediately they put the younger people on the bus furthest way. I thought it was very thoughtful of them to think of that detail. So, the passengers with walkers, etc.. were on the very first shuttle off the ship. Luckily, we didn't have that food issue since we ate and ate at all the Christmas markets, but I can see how that would be different. We met some wonderful people on our cruise and we are friends with them on Facebook. Everyone was very nice. Your cruise looked very nice. Thanks for sharing.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому

      Oh wow, such a great point. For the Christmas Markets cruise additional snacks would NOT be necessary. I've never been but I've heard . . .LOL

  • @dawnturpin
    @dawnturpin Місяць тому

    So it gives you more of a real experience of the different areas as opposed to a tourist trap at port and I love that.

    • @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
      @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge  Місяць тому +1

      DAWN THIS EXACTLY. What I didn't love about my DCL mediterranean cruise is we were all (all 2800 of us) arriving at the same port at the same time. The much smaller ships (168 people small) means very little impact and you can just kind of hang out. I LOVED that.

  • @karenbergeron4734
    @karenbergeron4734 Місяць тому

    In 2021,we took our first river cruise with Viking. The trip from Budapest to Amsterdam was wonderful! We are interested in the cruise that you did.

  • @edwardfersch9661
    @edwardfersch9661 12 днів тому

    Excellent review.

  • @barbarasullivan6752
    @barbarasullivan6752 26 днів тому

    This was our first Viking cruise and I loved it and agree about the river cruising. I loved going to the farm and tasting the calvados. Le Peq is a nice docking location.

  • @sharibonn7876
    @sharibonn7876 Місяць тому

    We have river cruised the past few years in Europe. It truly is magical! It was so relaxed and planned out. That is how we like our tours. We are getting ready to do 2 big ship cruises this summer. There is so much more pre-planning that go into those cruises. I look forward to the end of the summer to decide what type of cruise I like better. But then again, they are 2 different species!😊

  • @MagSeven7
    @MagSeven7 11 днів тому

    Thanks so much for your review. We had a river cruise in the planning stages when COVID hit. We are now looking into going. We've heard mostly positive things about river cruising and I really feel I can trust your opinion. Since we're both in our 70's, this type of travel sometimes can be challenging but, we've wanted to do it for so long. Thanks again.

  • @kathryndelacote7374
    @kathryndelacote7374 18 годин тому

    Okay, great video! I so want to do this!

  • @suzyack
    @suzyack Місяць тому

    Great review and covers things others don’t consider. Having somewhere else to sit whilst another person gets ready is a great shout. The snack thing is also really useful to know. So many people, particularly my husband get peckish at night. More so in Europe I find so surprising no snacks on board

  • @cynthiam6038
    @cynthiam6038 Місяць тому

    Great review! I agree with everything you said. Recently took Viking 15-day Grand European cruise with extensions in Amsterdam and Prague and would highly recommend doing so to others. We also paid for several smaller excursions that were well worth the expense. Snack issue was identified early on in the cruise and rectified by shopping in the open air markets for wonderful fruit, bread and pastries. Such a treat! We have 15 Disney cruises under our belt but my husband and I have already booked a Viking Ocean cruise for 2025. Looking forward to the Viking ocean experience!

  • @saraspalding5572
    @saraspalding5572 Місяць тому

    I’m glad you had a great experience. We had a 2 week sailing booked and had to cancel due to a death. It was not a good experience with Viking for that so I’m not sure when/if I will try again.

  • @ilsehunt6798
    @ilsehunt6798 Місяць тому

    Great review Jenn! I’d buy snacks locally to be fair as I like trying local produce !

  • @sherryblazek9605
    @sherryblazek9605 Місяць тому

    River cruising is my favorite! I suffer from motion sickness so I avoid ocean cruising. Never been disappointed with my trips. I agree with you, get off the ship every day and enjoy the towns and the excursions.

  • @loripenney4925
    @loripenney4925 Місяць тому

    Thank you for this! If I had a bucket list, a Viking river cruise of the British Isles would be at the top!

  • @user-ep1nf4qj6m
    @user-ep1nf4qj6m Місяць тому

    Jen. Thank you for your review. My husband and i did the budapest cruise, loved it and immediately booked the normandy cruise.. however covid hit and we had to cancel twice. I have hesitated to bookagain, i am 77 and my husband is 81. Thankfully we are in both pretty healthy and with your great review have made me decide to book again and make this trip happen. I think it is really meant to be because this is the first time i have ever watched one your vlogs, thank you so much.
    Nk