A river cruise through Europe has been near the top of our wish list for many years ... and our 15 days on the Grand European Tour was everything we had hoped for. Our program director on Viking Ve, Marik, was brilliant - funny, knowledgeable, caring. His enthusiasm and engagement made the onboard experience special, and his one-man-show as Mozart was amazing. The ship's layout and appointments were excellent, and the staff was delightful. It was so nice to be greeted with a smile and a hello throughout the day and by every member of ship's company we encountered. The food was quite good, the bar well stocked. Shore excursions were informative, if occasionally too brief. The only challenges we encountered were created by Mother Nature: very hot weather, and low water between Nuremburg and the Danube. Viking had the perfect solution to the latter problem: we transferred to Viking Gefjon - a minor inconvenience, but far better than abandoning the cruise. We missed almost nothing, the ships are identical, and we got to meet and be pampered by a new cast (fortunately, our program director transferred to Gefjon with us). Overall, the Grand European Tour on Viking Ve was an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Just right! Plenty of storage space and countertop surface. The veranda was a big plus. The bathroom small but very modern and well equipped. Drinking water resupplied twice daily, and a refrigerator for personal items. Ice machine just down the corridor.
Residenz and Walking Tour were interesting - some of the Residenz saved by the Monuments Men of the recent movie.
Franconian Countryside Tour was the only excursion that was a disappointment.
Outstanding city tour by bus and on foot.
Beautiful city, amazing cathedral.
Cute little village below the Abbey.