Viking Magni Review

4.0 / 5.0
145 reviews

Great Expectations, Poor Results!

Review for Europe River Cruise on Viking Magni
User Avatar
missjones
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2014

We arrived at Budapest Airport at 10:30 PM after 11 hours on airplanes and found we had NO luggage? We were met after the luggage experience, requiring the filling out of paperwork for LOST Luggage, by a individual with a sign displaying "Viking in Red", with NO other identification? We were SO tired we didn't think to ask him for ID? Got in his van and spent a 20 minute riding to the SHIP in the RAIN! We boarded the Ship Magni at the Port of Budapest, but were supposed to be on the Viking Baldur, which we received notice 24 hours before we left home, it would not be available? So much for a smooth start! We were told by the check-in personnel at the ship, we were the LAST people to arrive on the ship! OK, the airfare was arranged by Viking?? The Viking Desk Clerk thought we were not going to show!

We were shown to our Stateroom and Crashed! The next morning I called the on- board "Hotel Manager" to inquire about our luggage? We were told that our Airline, Air France LOST the Luggage 90% of the time? If that was true, why would Viking continue to BOOK travelers on this carrier? We were into the 3rd day of the cruise, before our luggage was delivered at the Port at Vienna!! Finally, we had clothes and the other people on the ship could stop talking about the people wearing the same clothes for 3 days!! We were told we could go SHOPPING in ONE of the Ports to purchase clothes?? Really, and what about the tours and sites for 3 DAYS?

The ship was behind schedule for the first 4 days of the cruise. Stops at different locations (industrial ports) with bus trips to other locations to meet the ship? Every thing was blamed on WATER Level of the river? Well, with ALL their Long ships, was this their 1st experience with water levels? Again, distressing answers to Questions? We finally got back on schedule at Nurnberg! The personnel on the ship in the dining room, cabin, service desk, bar, and lounge were excellent! The stateroom, (Balcony) was very clean and the accommodations were good! The FOOD was substandard and the portions were SMALL. The advertising said, "Elegant and Food of the Area" , well we had mushroom soup 10 times, named differently each meal?? My wife was told there would be Lobster one evening and all she saw was "crayfish" in the soup on one occasion? The Chef was Indian, and raved about his menu selections at every afternoon briefing, conducted in the Lounge! We never saw any Indian Dishes, but why should we?? We were not on an Asian Cruise! If you have been on an Ocean Cruise, you will be appalled by this cuisine!! We believe that of the 14 dinners, only 3 were acceptable, not wonderful! The best meal of the day was Breakfast! No comment on Lunch, Sad!! The tours were very difficult for anyone with mobility problems and most were only exterior adventures, with questionable tour guides! These guides continually repeated information over and over again! Really, a third grade approach to adults!! We were offered a Musical Opera Concert on one evening and the location was an alternate site, because of remodeling of the Opera House and the chairs were so uncomfortable, that at the break, we moved to the rear of the room, so we could move around! My back was in such pain, I could not appreciate the event! We were Stuffed into an area for half the size of the attendees, on Strait BACK kitchen chairs!! A footnote to this (remodel comment) Most of the MAIN historic sites had (Scaffolding Erected) on Castles, and Churches at every stop!! Looks like they are spending the Tourist Dollars for the next round of visitors?? By the way, we have NO physical problems that effect our mobility!

Cabin Review

Very Clean and Comfortable

previous reviewnext review

Find a Viking Magni Cruise from $2,999

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.