Viking Skadi Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my first river cruise and my wife and I couldn't have picked a better introductory cruise. This was also my wife's first trip to Europe. The itinerary for the Danube Waltz trip contained the right amount of excursions to learn about the different countries and cultures, as well as, giving us time to stroll through the numerous Christmas Markets. The weather was also a big factor into the overall awesome experience.
The activities both onboard the Viking Skadi and on shore kept us busy every day. Our Program Director, Valentin Gheorghe, put together a great agenda for the guests. His attention to detail and willingness to talk to any guest with a problem or for local advice was truly commendable. His suggestion on where to get Hungarian goulash was first rate. Thank you again, Valentin.
The food onboard was outstanding. Executive Chef, Jan Blanar, and his crew created delicious courses for all meals. The Taste of Austria was over-the-top excellent. Maitre d', Daniel, was very professional and his staff did a fantastic job throughout the cruise. Being able to sample local cuisines (meals and wines) and having local entertainment come onboard was truly an amazing experience. Our housekeeping was also excellent.
Cabin Review
Veranda Superior
Our stateroom was very comfortable and nicely kept by the housekeeping staff. My wife and I never felt cramped or that we didn't have enough room for our belongings. We were very happy with the heated tiled floor in the bathroom. A nice touch, thank you.
Port Reviews
Budapest
For the allotted time, the tour was a great introduction to this fascinating city. Our tour guide and bus driver highlighted many points-of-interest and provided a pleasant ride around town. Future trips are being planned to see more of Budapest.
Budapest
We were guided through the streets while our tour guide provided historical accounts and facts. We were then allowed free time where we could wander around taking pictures of this beautiful city and shop in the local stores.
Bratislava
The castle provided great views, the Christmas Market was decorated was festive and strolling through the stalls was enjoyable.
Vienna
Our tour started with a bus ride from the dock into the city through the 1st and 2nd Districts to Museum of Natural History where our walking tour began. We walked through the Hofburg Palace into the pedestrian shopping section on our way to St. Stephen's Cathedral. We were given free time to walk around the Christmas Market by St. Stephen's and the nearby stores. A great tour...
Vienna
A great visit to the summer residence of the Royal Family. Seeing the various rooms and how each were decorated was excellent.
Melk
Walking through the Melk Abbey was an overload in sheer grandeur of gold, sculptures, cravings and frescos. Awe-inspiring to say the least...
Melk
Once we left Durnstein, the Viking Skadi cruised through the Wachau Valley. Along the way, our Program Director narrated the journey pointing out historical and nautical facts. A great way to learn about the area without having to leave the ship.
Linz (Salzburg)
We had been waiting for this excursion since we were on a Holiday cruise. The Christmas Market in Salzburg, to me, is one of the best. And we were not disappointed. The weather, cool temperatures and blue skies, provided a great backdrop of photos and allowed us to enjoy the sights and then roam freely through the many markets in the city. Salzburg is one of my favorite European cities.
Passau
The coldest day of our cruise, but this didn't take away from our port-of-call to Passau. The tour took us through the streets of the city and into St. Stephen's Cathedral. We were also given a gingerbread demonstration at Cafe Simon. A wonderful visit...